The Helper of Israel - Isaiah 41:1-10
"Be silent before me, you islands! Let the nations renew their strength! Let them come forward and speak; let us meet together at the place of judgment.
"Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service ? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
He pursues them and moves on unscathed, by a path his feet have not traveled before.
Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD--with the first of them and with the last--I am he."
The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward; each helps the other and says to his brother, "Be strong!"
The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer spurs on him who strikes the anvil. He says of the welding, "It is good." He nails down the idol so it will not topple.
"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Many schools and other ministries suffer from a "fear factor" syndrome. It looks like this.
- Our enrollment is shrinking; the income is going to dry up
- People will stop giving to the school in this economy
- Other sources of support could go away, too
- We could be forced by the government to hire people who don't share our values
God is not impressed or daunted by current situations; He has a much bigger picture in mind. He reminds His people Israel that they are the chosen; they are not rejected - they are upheld with God's righteous right hand - isn't that where Jesus reigns, too?
The opposite of fear is not blind or reckless courage; it is confidence in the Lord and the boldness to stay on the course He has laid out.
Here is an example: The fund raising dinner or event did not bring (at that moment) the desired goal. We could conclude that this type of event "does not work" and abandon the idea altogether. But, what if there were 10 new friends of the school that came to a new understanding of the education mission and are seeking to get involved? It seems that God was willing to spare Sodom for 10, wasn't He?
Don't fear. Easy to say - hard to do, especially when our measuring sticks are so tangible and near term.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Remember who you are; remember whose you are
2. Look for the "things" that the Lord cares about
3. Take the embers of excitement that the Spirit ignited and gently blow them into flames
Lastly, don't forget who gave you the breath to blow!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sowing and reaping - doing good
Galatians 6:7-10
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."
There are (at least) two frustrating dimensions in development:
1. Having so many rejections when you are in the middle of doing so much to raise funds - planting seeds.
2. Having those you report to get frustrated because the money is not coming fast enough - this is the "long germination" syndrome.
There is always a delay between sowing and reaping. Farmers and gardeners will experience a lot of anxiety, watching over the dormant seeds for weeks and weeks.
But, it always comes up. We will see the fruit and benefits "come up". Paul is reminding us not to lose heart - we are called to persevere even when the odds or conditions are stacked against us.
What is "doing good" sowing? In verse 10 we are told to "do good" to all people, but especially Christians. This phrase is very sweeping and comprehensive. It means that we are not confined to evangelism and discipling; loving is larger than that. It means seeing a need and meeting it, as it is in our power to do so. Alleviating pain and comforting are examples.
How does this help me in my development goals? Paul does not tell us; he leaves us to guess. Maybe we are to "discover" the benefits of such a lifestyle. In the short run, such a life entails a tremendous number of sacrifices. You bind your heart up emotionally to people who may have no intention or ability to respond in kind. You may miss other "more profitable" relationships where the giving ground is more fertile.
Here are some benefits. Lives are changed, and we may even be thanked. Second, we may have been used to be a soothing balm in a family. Third, we may see those who burdens we have carried become burden bearers.
If we do not only measure our sowing by outward success, we will find our own character changed deeply through ministry. Our consciences will be clear and hearts happy since we are less self-indulgent. We develop a less selfish and more faithful character which serves us well under pressure.
Even under the pressure of raising funds.
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."
There are (at least) two frustrating dimensions in development:
1. Having so many rejections when you are in the middle of doing so much to raise funds - planting seeds.
2. Having those you report to get frustrated because the money is not coming fast enough - this is the "long germination" syndrome.
There is always a delay between sowing and reaping. Farmers and gardeners will experience a lot of anxiety, watching over the dormant seeds for weeks and weeks.
But, it always comes up. We will see the fruit and benefits "come up". Paul is reminding us not to lose heart - we are called to persevere even when the odds or conditions are stacked against us.
What is "doing good" sowing? In verse 10 we are told to "do good" to all people, but especially Christians. This phrase is very sweeping and comprehensive. It means that we are not confined to evangelism and discipling; loving is larger than that. It means seeing a need and meeting it, as it is in our power to do so. Alleviating pain and comforting are examples.
How does this help me in my development goals? Paul does not tell us; he leaves us to guess. Maybe we are to "discover" the benefits of such a lifestyle. In the short run, such a life entails a tremendous number of sacrifices. You bind your heart up emotionally to people who may have no intention or ability to respond in kind. You may miss other "more profitable" relationships where the giving ground is more fertile.
Here are some benefits. Lives are changed, and we may even be thanked. Second, we may have been used to be a soothing balm in a family. Third, we may see those who burdens we have carried become burden bearers.
If we do not only measure our sowing by outward success, we will find our own character changed deeply through ministry. Our consciences will be clear and hearts happy since we are less self-indulgent. We develop a less selfish and more faithful character which serves us well under pressure.
Even under the pressure of raising funds.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
How do we measure development success?
The Greatest Commandment - Matthew 12:28-34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Spring is the time for fund-raising events. My school has its major event this week.
Even before the event transpires, there is peace and joy about the outcomes. Why?
All the "hard work" in developing the relationships has already occurred; the event is the "dessert" that punctuates the relationship with the school. Yes, we fret over the logistics and the presentations, but the fruit is the growing connection with the school as we share the story of our mission and let the Holy Spirit make the connections.
But, what about the money? Isn't this a fund-raiser? Oh, yes, and the Lord has already brought in $9,000 in corporate contributions more than the cost. So, any gifts received will be designated for scholarship for needy families.
A friend reminded me recently that real stewardship cannot happen without love. That love is expressed by the giver because he or she has experienced the truest love from the Father through the Son.
We measure development success by dollars raised or pledged and, sadly, stop there. What if we could see the hearts of the new friends that we made or the old friends who were so blessed through the event? How would these count toward "the goal"?
I'm not sure, either, but we cannot ignore these dividends in light of the commandment "to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When you think of your most significant relationships or interactions, what comes to mind? Hopefully, you are thinking of someone who came alongside and loved you and encouraged you in your walk with Christ. Did they spur you to see your life as a gift from God that is to be used for His glory? Did they encourage you to live victoriously and confidently?
Can the "wealth of friends" be a contribution to our schools? Yes, and giving will follow those passions that the Lord ignited.
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Spring is the time for fund-raising events. My school has its major event this week.
Even before the event transpires, there is peace and joy about the outcomes. Why?
All the "hard work" in developing the relationships has already occurred; the event is the "dessert" that punctuates the relationship with the school. Yes, we fret over the logistics and the presentations, but the fruit is the growing connection with the school as we share the story of our mission and let the Holy Spirit make the connections.
But, what about the money? Isn't this a fund-raiser? Oh, yes, and the Lord has already brought in $9,000 in corporate contributions more than the cost. So, any gifts received will be designated for scholarship for needy families.
A friend reminded me recently that real stewardship cannot happen without love. That love is expressed by the giver because he or she has experienced the truest love from the Father through the Son.
We measure development success by dollars raised or pledged and, sadly, stop there. What if we could see the hearts of the new friends that we made or the old friends who were so blessed through the event? How would these count toward "the goal"?
I'm not sure, either, but we cannot ignore these dividends in light of the commandment "to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When you think of your most significant relationships or interactions, what comes to mind? Hopefully, you are thinking of someone who came alongside and loved you and encouraged you in your walk with Christ. Did they spur you to see your life as a gift from God that is to be used for His glory? Did they encourage you to live victoriously and confidently?
Can the "wealth of friends" be a contribution to our schools? Yes, and giving will follow those passions that the Lord ignited.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Zacchaeus and financial commitment
Luke 19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
In the past I have challenged the development officer (or minister of stewardship) to seek the "bi-lateral" blessing in the asking for a gift. It is bi-lateral when the steward (donor) experiences blessing from God as they respond to His call on their lives and (temporary) possessions and the school who received the gift is blessed as well.
This is the transformational giving that begins the "whole life stewardship" that we will speak to in the future.
Until confronted with the truth about himself, Zacchaeus was self-sufficient and in total control of his money.
He obeyed Jesus and got of the tree, encountered Jesus as a guest in his house, and then responded mightily with his treasure.
Jesus clearly ties the Gospel transformation to Zachaeus' response, "Today salvation has come to this house,..."
This is a vivid example of how and why we fund-raisers must link the Gospel to giving. If we merely solicit a gift for the good of the school, we miss the spiritual dimension of giving. Giving is an act of worship and it reflects God's grip on our life.
We do not want to assuage someones guilt for having too much money, nor do we want to puff someone up who "graces us" with a large gift. The Kingdom must always be in view and the Lord cares deeply about our motivations for giving, not just the act.
If we can ask for gifts and help the donor see the Kingdom impact, we are becoming the ambassadors of Christ that He calls us to be.
Let's think about "linkages" the next time we seek funds.
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
In the past I have challenged the development officer (or minister of stewardship) to seek the "bi-lateral" blessing in the asking for a gift. It is bi-lateral when the steward (donor) experiences blessing from God as they respond to His call on their lives and (temporary) possessions and the school who received the gift is blessed as well.
This is the transformational giving that begins the "whole life stewardship" that we will speak to in the future.
Until confronted with the truth about himself, Zacchaeus was self-sufficient and in total control of his money.
He obeyed Jesus and got of the tree, encountered Jesus as a guest in his house, and then responded mightily with his treasure.
Jesus clearly ties the Gospel transformation to Zachaeus' response, "Today salvation has come to this house,..."
This is a vivid example of how and why we fund-raisers must link the Gospel to giving. If we merely solicit a gift for the good of the school, we miss the spiritual dimension of giving. Giving is an act of worship and it reflects God's grip on our life.
We do not want to assuage someones guilt for having too much money, nor do we want to puff someone up who "graces us" with a large gift. The Kingdom must always be in view and the Lord cares deeply about our motivations for giving, not just the act.
If we can ask for gifts and help the donor see the Kingdom impact, we are becoming the ambassadors of Christ that He calls us to be.
Let's think about "linkages" the next time we seek funds.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Ann - a blessing in disguise
Proverbs 3:28
Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you.
Luke 10:27
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
I wrote earlier about the "spiritual" experience of sitting through a timeshare sale presentation. If we had not gone through this we would have missed the ministry opportunity we had with the "front person" who scheduled the visit in the first place.
God works in wonderful and mysterious ways; sometimes I am too busy looking in the wrong place to see Him work.
Meet Ann, the "concierge" at the resort we visited in South Carolina.
She scheduled our timeshare sales presentation; that should have been our last interaction.
However, she invited us to come back and let her schedule and reserve the seats for the entertainment that we earned for sitting for 2 hours. She was so helpful that we asked for advice for places to dine; she gave us great seats at the show and great advice on dining, too.
Something else was calling us into a deeper relationship with Ann. While we talked with her more, we found out that she had 2 previous marriages and no husband now for a medically-distressed four-year-old daughter, who weighs only 14 pounds - I thought I had problems!
Ann works all day and stays up all night with her daughter who can't sleep except for short naps; this goes on for 4 days each week. I get tired just thinking about it.
With all of the kindness Ann showed us, my wife and I bought a little gift for her daughter and presented it to her the next day. You might have thought the gift was a new home by her reaction; she was crying tears of joy before she opened the stuffed animal and a Max Lucado book for children. She gave us an Easter card the next day; more tears and hugs - you get the picture.
If you have gone this far, you may ask, 'what has this got to with development?'
All of life, if seen through the Savior's eyes, is a spiritual experience. There is a life lesson in almost all we do, especially when we go "life on life".
Ann is another person created in God's image with purpose, capacity, passion and a legacy. If we can open the heart doors through acts of genuine Christian love, there are marvelous opportunities to minister Christ and usher folks into new and exciting places; places where they can impact lives for eternity.
Isn't that worth the time with a stranger?
Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you.
Luke 10:27
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
I wrote earlier about the "spiritual" experience of sitting through a timeshare sale presentation. If we had not gone through this we would have missed the ministry opportunity we had with the "front person" who scheduled the visit in the first place.
God works in wonderful and mysterious ways; sometimes I am too busy looking in the wrong place to see Him work.
Meet Ann, the "concierge" at the resort we visited in South Carolina.
She scheduled our timeshare sales presentation; that should have been our last interaction.
However, she invited us to come back and let her schedule and reserve the seats for the entertainment that we earned for sitting for 2 hours. She was so helpful that we asked for advice for places to dine; she gave us great seats at the show and great advice on dining, too.
Something else was calling us into a deeper relationship with Ann. While we talked with her more, we found out that she had 2 previous marriages and no husband now for a medically-distressed four-year-old daughter, who weighs only 14 pounds - I thought I had problems!
Ann works all day and stays up all night with her daughter who can't sleep except for short naps; this goes on for 4 days each week. I get tired just thinking about it.
With all of the kindness Ann showed us, my wife and I bought a little gift for her daughter and presented it to her the next day. You might have thought the gift was a new home by her reaction; she was crying tears of joy before she opened the stuffed animal and a Max Lucado book for children. She gave us an Easter card the next day; more tears and hugs - you get the picture.
If you have gone this far, you may ask, 'what has this got to with development?'
All of life, if seen through the Savior's eyes, is a spiritual experience. There is a life lesson in almost all we do, especially when we go "life on life".
Ann is another person created in God's image with purpose, capacity, passion and a legacy. If we can open the heart doors through acts of genuine Christian love, there are marvelous opportunities to minister Christ and usher folks into new and exciting places; places where they can impact lives for eternity.
Isn't that worth the time with a stranger?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Lessons from a timeshare
In order for someone to "buy" our school to the point where they will contribute several key hurdles must be crossed. Before we look at those, let me share an interesting sales experience I had recently; going through a timeshare sales presentation.
There are things we can learn from the secular world; after all truth is truth whether people credit the truth Giver or not.
Before you roll your eyes, consider this fact: three of ten presentations result in a sale. Yes, from a "dead stop" to writing a check takes less than 2 hours. A sale of something a person did not know they needed from a total stranger to a new mortgage in 120 minutes.
I am asking, "Wait! We're selling something with lasting and eternal significance and it takes us (sometimes) years to see people make their first contribution. What gives?"
Here is the anatomy of our experience:
1. Getting us to sit down and declare our (vacation) priorities - our values
2. Letting us dream about what we could do (vacation-wise) without regard for price - our passions
3. Showing us the impact and flexibility of our purchase (fixed price, weeks anywhere, easy upgrade and deluxe accommodations)- our plans
4. Showing us the full price - and us saying "no way could we do that" - our resources
5. Giving us a sense of urgency - "this deal will not be here tomorrow" - our timing
6. Finally, presenting us with a workable plan that met our budget (we didn't buy, but it was enticing)- our legacy
How about the Christian school, or any ministry for that matter?
I contend that what we experienced in this sales experience is a marvelous example of how we can meet our donors where they are and usher them (as the Holy Spirit leads the process) to invest in a better investment, the lives of future generations.
There are many differences between selling a timeshare and the "selling" of Christian education, but there are key similarities:
1. Values - what do they believe about children and their education?
2. Passions - what is the dream that is only limited by current resources?
3. Plans - What is their timing and situation in terms of Kingdom investments (it may not be education, which is OK)
4. Resources - what is available for investment? income, assets, time, talents, connections?
5. Timing - Is this the time that the Lord is leading to make an investment?
6. Legacy - What will be the lasting impact? Reflect back on the values and passions
I do not advocate trying to go from stranger to supporter in 2 hours, but I would not preclude it either.
What we can learn is that donors' hearts and heads (just like ours) must be connected before decisive action can be taken.
By the way, every seller of the timeshares was first a committed and an enthusiastic owner.
There are things we can learn from the secular world; after all truth is truth whether people credit the truth Giver or not.
Before you roll your eyes, consider this fact: three of ten presentations result in a sale. Yes, from a "dead stop" to writing a check takes less than 2 hours. A sale of something a person did not know they needed from a total stranger to a new mortgage in 120 minutes.
I am asking, "Wait! We're selling something with lasting and eternal significance and it takes us (sometimes) years to see people make their first contribution. What gives?"
Here is the anatomy of our experience:
1. Getting us to sit down and declare our (vacation) priorities - our values
2. Letting us dream about what we could do (vacation-wise) without regard for price - our passions
3. Showing us the impact and flexibility of our purchase (fixed price, weeks anywhere, easy upgrade and deluxe accommodations)- our plans
4. Showing us the full price - and us saying "no way could we do that" - our resources
5. Giving us a sense of urgency - "this deal will not be here tomorrow" - our timing
6. Finally, presenting us with a workable plan that met our budget (we didn't buy, but it was enticing)- our legacy
How about the Christian school, or any ministry for that matter?
I contend that what we experienced in this sales experience is a marvelous example of how we can meet our donors where they are and usher them (as the Holy Spirit leads the process) to invest in a better investment, the lives of future generations.
There are many differences between selling a timeshare and the "selling" of Christian education, but there are key similarities:
1. Values - what do they believe about children and their education?
2. Passions - what is the dream that is only limited by current resources?
3. Plans - What is their timing and situation in terms of Kingdom investments (it may not be education, which is OK)
4. Resources - what is available for investment? income, assets, time, talents, connections?
5. Timing - Is this the time that the Lord is leading to make an investment?
6. Legacy - What will be the lasting impact? Reflect back on the values and passions
I do not advocate trying to go from stranger to supporter in 2 hours, but I would not preclude it either.
What we can learn is that donors' hearts and heads (just like ours) must be connected before decisive action can be taken.
By the way, every seller of the timeshares was first a committed and an enthusiastic owner.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
God's plans and our plans
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This week something sad or disappointing (in our eyes) happened and this week something wonderful (in our eyes) happened as well.
How do we know what is truly good or bad? Do we even need to know? If we knew such things, what would we do with such knowledge?
In God's economy there is no wasted or lost effort. Because we serve at His pleasure, it is His perspective that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. Nothing that happens is lost or is unuseful in the hands of the Designer and Sustainer of the universe.
All of it comes (as I said in a previous post) from the hand of a loving God who has marvelous plans for us. And, yes, plans to prosper us even when we cannot see how at the time. That is why we walk by faith and not by the very limited sight of our eyes and finite understanding.
Think about one wonderful school interaction; maybe you were blessed to receive a large gift from a donor. This was from the Lord and you were blessed to be the "catcher" of this material blessing for the school. I had that joy this week.
Think about a "sub-optimal" occurrence. Someone doesn't call back or a gift doesn't come through. Think on this and ponder what the Father is calling us to do, praise Him at all times and in all circumstances.
By the way, I was told this week that my position at the school has been eliminated and I am now out of a job. I am sad and puzzled, yet expectant about what our Lord is up to.
I worked for King last week; I will work for the King next week, too.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This week something sad or disappointing (in our eyes) happened and this week something wonderful (in our eyes) happened as well.
How do we know what is truly good or bad? Do we even need to know? If we knew such things, what would we do with such knowledge?
In God's economy there is no wasted or lost effort. Because we serve at His pleasure, it is His perspective that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. Nothing that happens is lost or is unuseful in the hands of the Designer and Sustainer of the universe.
All of it comes (as I said in a previous post) from the hand of a loving God who has marvelous plans for us. And, yes, plans to prosper us even when we cannot see how at the time. That is why we walk by faith and not by the very limited sight of our eyes and finite understanding.
Think about one wonderful school interaction; maybe you were blessed to receive a large gift from a donor. This was from the Lord and you were blessed to be the "catcher" of this material blessing for the school. I had that joy this week.
Think about a "sub-optimal" occurrence. Someone doesn't call back or a gift doesn't come through. Think on this and ponder what the Father is calling us to do, praise Him at all times and in all circumstances.
By the way, I was told this week that my position at the school has been eliminated and I am now out of a job. I am sad and puzzled, yet expectant about what our Lord is up to.
I worked for King last week; I will work for the King next week, too.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
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