What We Can't Take Back, Give to God

Forgiving Ourselves, the Elusive Element

I have been in thought lately because the leaves have changed. When the air gets cooler and the days get shorter, my mind often wanders back to my senior year of highschool. This was a time in my life when I was sustained by the Creator's Holy Spirit. It was also the time that I developed a grudge against myself that took years to heal. I am sharing about it now, for a young man that I know is in the dregs of life and needs to see what can happen if we don't forgive ourselves. The unforgiveness I had for myself, nearly cost me everything.

In order to help you understand my life as a teen I have to disclose the reality of my world back then. I was the second oldest child of four. My parents had divorced four years prior. My older sister had moved to Flint for work, and my dad worked about 70 hours a week. He was a full time bus driver and had to do alot of field trips and sports events to help us get by. Our home had been destroyed in the summer of 95 by a wind shear, two months before my senior year. Our belongings were soaked from the rain so the effects were much like that of a flood. While we were able to do some initial damage repair, the majority of the west half of the house was not insulated in full before winter. There was only 3/4 of the house covered with a roof, even though the walls were framed in. While my friends worried about prom, senior pictures and parties. I was worried about the kids at home with me, my dad who was working into a stupor on everything, and our house.

My senior year was not as bad as many years of school in some ways because I knew that I would soon be free of the many people who had made fun of me in years past. I had an easier work load because I had not taken as many credit hours.  There was drama and marching band to enjoy, even if being at home was hard, especially when the cold set in.

The first few weeks of school went well, I stayed with my friend Angie  and her family while my Dad worked to close in part of the house after work each day.  When I was able to come home, Dad gifted me with his old room that had not been damaged in the storm. He moved into a smaller room that was in the repaired part, not having carpet and painted walls didn't bother him. While it was nice to have a big room, I had noticed that I had a bit of pain in my foot between my toes moving my stuff in, and it got to be a bother fast. When I walked it pinched and caused pain to shoot all over my foot. My doctor found a place that had infection from a planters wort, and he opened it up that day to clean it up and relieve the pain. Before he finished he discovered two more spots on the bottom and treated those as well. The next week I had to get my wisdom teeth out, all four of them were still beneath the gum line. I had a lot of stitches and the whole process did not go well. Dad begged me to rest and stay in bed, but I only did for 3 days because I wanted to be in the homecoming parade one last time. That cost me more than I would have ever imagined.

I lost stitches too soon and caught dry socket. The infection that began in my face spread to all the places that had been healing from the week before. By the end of October, my face was swollen, I limped, and my house was getting very cold. I slept very little at night because of cold and pain. Even though Dad tried to insulate and close places up, he was working a huge load of hours. The living room of my house was laterally outside, with no roof over it. The furnace ran almost non stop, but it did little to really heat the house.


During this time in my life, I had a very close friendship with a classmate. We had become very close friends through a mutual friend, and we had decided to take French 3 together as a way to spend time hanging out. It was an independent study class and we were allowed to go to the library. The last day that I saw my friend alive, I had been back to school for the longest stretch that I had been since I had my teeth taken out.

 I was exhausted, and too embarrassed to admit that my life was really hard. Often when my friends had shared their troubles I took on the part of an empathetic mother. By this time in my life I never asked my dad much, because I already knew that doing something stupid could hurt the kids or I. doing anything that cost money meant not enough for food, so I never did alot of the teenage stuff kids do. I cared more about having food and staying warm. I cared about my friends the way an aunt would. I often gave adult like advice, much to the distress of my friends, because I often saw the value of their parents side in an argument. My friend stated many times that he was unhappy about life and that he wanted to die, his moods bounced because he abused antihistamines and he was often two every different people in a day. In this era you have to know that it was not uncommon for kids to say that everyday as a "cool statement" they wanted to die. Metalica and Mega Death had glamorized dying and the dark world as cool.  This last day though, I was sick, exhausted and I told my friend that I really didn't care what he did, I was not in the mood to hear it. (I was so sick I had not picked up on the statement he made that day as a dire warning, he said"I want to go home and hang myself") I had done all I could do just to stay awake at school. That evening during drama practice, a classmate named Jill came into the auditorium and gave us the awful news. My first instinct was to call my friend's mom, because two of her children would need her to drive them home. I hurried to go pick her up. I then went to another friends house, and sat with his aunt for a while after my friends had been settled. I cried then for an hour, and figured after that I needed to care for all of my friends from that moment on. The next few days I stayed with them in the library for grief counseling "to help the others". My Dad's sister helped me shop for a suit to wear and my friend Brain took me to the funeral as I was in no shape to drive even though I refused to cry. I also had endured the loss of two long time friends in the church that week, and the death of a local child. His death was caused by drunk driving by the same man who had raped me at 14. (another thing I had just tucked away) While I know the Holy Spirit had given me strength and care, I neglected to see that though all of this I was still a kid who needed care. Even though I had been helping my dad parent, I was not one. In my conquest to help everyone, I was neglecting myself in a serous way. I took in all the grief and suffering, I stuffed it away along with all I had endured, and I began to do silly little things to make it all stop hurting. Like drugs and alcohol. My friends that knew I wasn't a partier, (after all I lectured them about their parents being right) were confused. Why would I do that stuff? I then spent 3 years acting a bit crazy after graduation. I brawled with men to prove a point, I drank whiskey and chased it with beer, or even worse tequila. I went driving drunk, and even tried to teach my little sister how to drive a stick shift, while I was fully snockered.

 I moved to the city and lived with my mom, and had completely ditched most of my high school friends, except Brian, who was more like family. He also had a habit of ignoring me when I acted stupid, so he was not hard to be around because he wasn't mad at me. His mom is like a mother to me. She and her husband Mike, often tried to reason with me that I had better chances of getting my life together because I knew a better way. I just kept ignoring them, because I did not want to admit I needed to change. It all finally came to a screeching halt when I had began to date my husband. I had a mysterious two week flu, that lasted nine months. It took God literally grabbing me by the face and saying "LOOK AT ME, FOR JUST A MOMENT, LOOK AT ME."I had to be clean and sober right then because I was going to be a mother. When I had to stop drinking, I had time to see God in something as I had time sober to look. I could see in a sober state that I was not to blame for all that I had been though. I should have asked others for help, and not taken on the responsibility of bearing everyone else's pain alone. Three years of my life were now spent, and I could not get anything from them at the time. What I got from them later was the knowledge that God had been present, but if I could have brought myself to deal with the fact that I needed to forgive myself for something that I had no control over, I would have been saved alot of grief. I should have cried and mourned for my friend along with the entire school. I couldn't do that then. Every year though, I go back to Riverside to see his head stone and pull weeds and keep things picked up (eyes full of tears). I see him every time I go to church at my congregation in Caro, I see his senior photo. One of his family members is still a part of a grief group that meets there. I have to confront my sadness for just a second, but I know now that the Holy Spirit is in constant care of us both. So my message for all today is that even if we cannot forgive our selves, we need to give our cares to God who can. By giving Him the situation, the load becomes bearable, and we are not forcing ourselves to carry something that is too heavy. When life happens, rather than try to internalize and be strong, be human and share. My prayers for you all this October season..Josie

Women's Roles in Boy Scouts

                                 Community of Caring                    

              Why Women need to volunteer in Boy Scouts

     This evening I sat in a court of honor, a celebration of accomplishment and sharing in boy scouts, amazed by the things that our scouts were doing and seeing. I was moved by the camaraderie of the men, and even the few moments of tears as we said good bye in silence, to Brian Bender, our former treasurer. B.B. as his friends called him, was an active scout leader for many years, and had lost his life after a brief struggle with illness. It was amazing to see how the kids were supportive of each other, and happy for each other's accomplishments. I know that for many people the image of scout leaders has been stereotyped into these ultra woodsy people who go out camping with just a piece of fishing line and a jack knife. Visions of bug eating and roasting chunks of meat over buffalo chips come to mind, as the kids go foraging for leaves to use as toilet paper on these trips. Many people also have an incorrect idea that scouts is a " boys and men only" association. As many of you who have been in scouts know, this is not what scouting is about. It is in fact about giving young men a chance to get a well rounded education in many facets of life. While survival is certainly important, scouts learn more than just how to camp. They learn about community and respect. Scouts learn about finishing what they start through earning merit badges, and skills that it takes to be successful parents and workers as adults.Venture crews for older teens are co-ed for boys and girls alike, that offer opportunity to be involved in activities like sailing, mountain climbing, and civil war studies.

        It occurred to me this evening as I sat and listened that many women probably don't know that they have a definite place in the boy scouts program. I started my journey a year ago with Vassar troop when I signed my son up for the program. The plan was supposed to be that my husband would accompany my son to meetings and I would be a distant figure, baking cookies and driving kids sometimes. That lasted about three seconds. My husbands job is jam packed with work in the fall and winter. When I went to James' first meeting I was informed that the troop needed a chaplain. This for me was an excellent opportunity to minister in my own hometown in a way that would impact young lives. I then began attending committee meetings with two other women and I began to see the impact of active women in boy scouts. Many of the women in our scout committee had been serving for years, and they are mothers of eagle scouts. They have organized popcorn sales and fundraiser meals, and while those seem to be mostly traditional women's roles, these ladies have also done scout camps, board of reviews, merit badge counseling and many, many activities to help the boys improve their life skills. I personally have been out with the boys pounding the pavement to distribute food collection bags for the "Scouting For Food" program. This is not something that I would consider a "gendered job". I have also helped the boys place and remove several hundred flags at our cemetery to honor veterans, again this is something so important, that everyone is qualified to do.

      One reason women are needed, is the opportunity it provides for adult male leaders to display their model of respect and caring to women in leadership. I know personally that the male leaders in our troop give the highest respect to Linda, our troop secretary, along with myself and all of the moms who put hours into these activities. In a world where many video games and television teach disrespect to women, scouts teaches respect to all people. When this kind of teaching opportunity is presented in real life models, the models become habits that will last a life time. On many occasions where I see scouts at school, I often get very polite "hello Mrs. Gow" as a  greeting from the troop boys.  I know that they are aware of my presence in their troop, even though I usually only address them during prayers. On the flip side, boys also need to know that women care about their scouting experience. They need to know that being a strong male leader involves having support from females in many facets of life. Caring communities are then developed when the adults who lead them have had well rounded life experiences as youth.

           I know I'll never go camping with them in the wild, as I have sleep apnea, and cannot endure the loss of my electric lungs. I know that I cannot go for many of the outings, because my schedule doesn't allow, however what I can do is be present whenever activities do come up that I can attend. I focus on sharing my best smile with each boy, and support the direct involvement staff in whatever endeavor they need. I can also search out women who love to be outdoors, and inside with these kids. These kids need your time and experience! For the curious it should be noted that many of merit badges are not just "traditional manly" skills like shooting and fishing, but also medicine, cooking, and basket weaving. Indian lore, science studies of many kids, and several citizenship badges are available.

      Ladies, if you have had thoughts about scouting, or are looking for a community activity, boy scouts has a place for you! I urge you to contact your local Scout Master and sign up today! Questions, checkout www.scouting.org for more info..

Words of Encouragement.. Finding Hope in Commuinty

Many of you have already read this on facebook, but it is something worth repeating for this blog..

My friends,
I have been reading lately some posts that have a lot of “feeling down” stuck or hopeless themes in them. I would like to offer these words of encouragement; it is a long read so bear with me. Humanity has been subject to all kinds of situations since we came to live in community together. We know that throughout history our power to help or to harm each other has been great. There is ...

hope though for us, the answer is not easy, but it is in many ways very simple. It is the implementation that is the tough part.
I want you to back with me in time to Egypt in the days of the Pharaohs and great pyramids. Many of you know that the Hebrews, God’s people, had been enslaved and were forced to be laborers for the Pharaoh of Moses’ day. They were treated like machines and beaten with whips like cattle if they failed to do the work they were assigned. The Hebrews suffered terribly in many ways. God had chosen Moses and His brother Aaron to lead the people together, so they could be free. Moses was not a gifted speaker, studies suggest that he stuttered. Aaron, his brother however was a great speaker, but had trouble leading, and maintaining his faith at times. Together they went to Pharaoh to convey God’s desire for the freedom of his people. Ten times, maybe more or less, depending on how the story was told over generations, Pharaoh told Moses the people could leave, and then changed His mind. Can you imagine how the Hebrews must have felt? The elation at the thought of being free from slavery, and yet the pure let down and anger for Pharaoh’s broken promise when they were hauled back? How many of them were beginning to disbelieve when they were whipped and beaten even harder and the work load increased as Pharaoh poured out his anger on the people. Many of us can. It is easy to fall into despair when life patterns seem to lead to desperate situations…. Our jobs situation in the USA is bad (not enough, or too many hours, little pay ect.), our elected officials have made life in the USA very hard for poor and middle class. People who were once self-sufficient are not making ends meet. Many rich people feel powerless, as they are slaves to maintaining a lifestyle and reputation. We often feel beat down, with no end in sight.
Can you imagine how the people must have formed groups to try to preserve themselves? We know about these. When the going gets tough, the tough form a plan to not get caught in the aftermath. For the slaves it would have been ways to befriend labor bosses and Pharaoh’s overseers. For us it is often making cut throat alliances that often fall through when companies downsize. As kids people do the same thing to one another at times… you know about this. Remember the time you took the fall for someone else getting jelly on the couch? Despite all of our human quirks and tendencies to hurt each other, God has remained faithful and watchful over his people.
Going back to Egypt again, we know that the people were freed in a miraculous crossing of the river Jordan after the tenth plague was issued to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The waters parted and Pharaoh’s army was destroyed when they sought to attack. God stayed with the Hebrew people in a powerful way for 40 years in the wilderness. He gave them food, and everything they needed to survive. God is still giving us what we need, but we cannot see it. Some of you may be asking why if God was so great and compassionate, why did the slaves spend 40 years in the dessert? The answer lays in learning.
The Hebrew people were programmed laborers who were used to taking orders. They had to spend that time in the wilderness to learn to be a community that could depend on one another, and on God. It was a time of learning that life must not be about self-preservation, but about the intricate life in community, with God at the front. They had to learn to trust that God would be there always, and how to treat each other in His midst. Moses struggled to teach the people that God was with them always. They would grow restless if not immediately gratified. (Sound familiar?) They complained about the food they were given, the provisions they had, and had forgotten they were free. Their freedom was the ultimate gift. How many of us have something we begged for, but no longer want it or care for it after we get it? Think about puppies and children, who really does the cleanup and housebreaking at week 2? Instant information and communication has made us forget that God doesn’t always instantly gratify, and that we need to consider the weight of what we are asking for.( Part of His mystery is that He often blesses us when we least expect it as well.) The people had to learn to give thanks, and be in conversation with Him in good times and bad to finally get to the promise land, and have it mean something.
So my dear friends if I can offer you anything, it is the hope that God has been with his people long before us. He is here now, and is to be after us. There is nothing that God cannot care for in your individual life, or your community, so long as you work together, and call on God often in all things. Remember that people in your community care for you as well as God, and they are ready to be a blessing to you, because God has blessed them. May your prayers be often, and your praises be the same….

The Cost of Apathy in Education

 

 

Why Not Caring Will Cost Us Everything

 

 

         Today I ventured back to the hallowed halls that were the place of my teens. As I looked back on the changes that were made, I see many changes to the building. Former locker spots are now large trophy cases. The cafeteria resembles a cafe. A large glass case houses a photo of special Vassar soldiers where the walls werre once bare. The face of one of my class mates looks back at me with pride through the glass case. I take a moment to thank him in my heart, and wish him well in heaven. While I reminisce about the dances I went to, parades I marched in, and times I waited in lunch lines for Vi's best homemade lunches, I also can tell by the atmosphere in the cafeteria, that only somethings are going well for the teachers being spoke to inside a meeting of sorts. A short applause has followed some one's closing remarks, but the chatter sounds afterwards is just not really what you would expect for a rally meeting to start a school year. It is too quiet, and very reserved. In a minute, I will know that those things I mentioned above that tug our hearts about school, may not be there for my children.

 

        As the teachers are dismissed, my children and I are stepping in to look at the lunch room set up. We bump into my son's 4th grade teacher. I can see he is in distress. I asked him if the meeting was a pep talk of sorts. He smiled, but told me it is just more bad news about the cuts and changes Vassar faces. He doesn't have to tell me how bad it is, I can see how upset and lost he is feeling. This year Vassar students are moving around because the funds and students are just not in the districts anymore. 6th grade is moving to the High school, and some T&N kids are moving over to Central. In a discussion with a teacher last year, I was told that the district numbers were down a total of over 800 students since I attended in the late eighties and mid nineties. While I understand that less students will mean less funding over all, when the funds are too little to even cover basic per student expenses we have to do something! This is not because of the school's poor management, the state is dropping funding everywhere. (Why thank you, Mr. Snyder). I know that my district has been cutting across the board to accommodate these cuts for along time. Teachers are making concessions and bus runs have been eliminated. Central has no PE teacher, regular Ed teachers take care of it, rather than have that time for planning. Is this what we want, stressed out run down teachers who feel hopeless?

 

         Where the cuts are really beginning to hurt, are in the class room. Some teachers have a student load of nearly 35 students in some grades. While this may not seem like a large number, I know first hand from leading church school  that a class of 25 can be overwhelming when some people need one on one time to be a sucessful learner. I also want to mention the many state mandates and tests that bench mark student performances such as NWEA, Dibbles and STAR all have differnt critera that have to be met. Vassar teachers take these tests seriously, and are worried about teaching all they can, without simply "cramming information" to make bench marks. I have listened to many teachers try to explain that they want things to be memorable, and not just remembered. I can't imagine being able to teach like that ,with so many "elephants in the room".  Those elephants are, people, cuts, and money. Apathetic people lead that herd, apathy from people that expect teachers to perform, but refuse to give them to tools to teach. Money is a highly necessary tool. The amazing thing is that teachers pay for their masters degrees, and get told they have nickles and dimes to prep future generations for their diploma.

 

 

           Let me ask a question, if we want our kids to have a good education, why are we not in support of our teachers who are flat out hurting? I spoke to a building Principal last year at the end of the school year, and asked how many parents are attending meetings regarding district changes, he said. "Not many, sometimes almost none." Instantly I felt terrible that my kid's teachers and staff that are on the battlefield alone. I am a parent who is a child of a life long school employee. I know that these people get involved with our kids, and impact them directly. Some students will change them forever, some of those teachers will change a student forever.  I also know that in my own busy life, I am making mistakes by not going to the meetings that the school board has, as well as public planning meetings. It is time to begin making plans to make time for our teachers, and educational partners. Even if I can't physically be present at a meeting, I need to meet with other like minded parents who are willing to go and be present.

 

            The teachers at Vassar need my help, and yours. Not standing with them is costing them all of the things that we cherished as students. All over the USA, band, art, choir, gym, home ec and enrichment programs are disappearing. Learning programs are not far behind. Vassar's story is not unique! I implore you to call our Vulcan Staff (or your home school), thank them for what they do, then ask them, "What can I do for you?.

 

                                               Yours in Community, Josie, Vassar Parent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Words of Community

We
Offer
Real
Deep
Sharing!

Our
Friends,

Can
Open
Minds &
Make
Understanding
New
Intellect
That's
YOU!

_______________________________________________________________________________

The important part is that you believe it! Offer what you have, even if it seems little. Go deeper if you can. This means you care enough to ask how someone is, make a real memory with them. Introduce your friends to one another, if you are the common thread, there is already a "link" to friendship for them.  Educate those who are willing to learn, so that we may ease fears and sterotyping.. These are my words of community...

The Lost Art of Patriotism

Why We Need to Consider What We are Not Teaching..

Last Sunday, I stood with Linda a scout grandma, and BSA 201 troop secretary as we watched our troop place 300 flags at the cemetery. We were both in awe as the boys, most 11 and 12 place them at graves of soldiers. These boys were reverent, and trying hard to be like the "big boys" in the troop. I suddenly realised that I had never really spoken to my own son about flag care, and the way Americans value Old Glory.. I knew this when I saw my son set his flags aside to place one in a marker that was a bit off center. He was trying to set it straight and needed both hands. While I am a believer in being a world wide citizen, I also believe in being respectful of soldiers that give their lives for freedom in the USA. I have my freedom because of them, the gift they have given me has enabled me to establish an education, and a home. I know that patriotism is a double edged sword. If it is used to oppress people, or harm the rights we so firmly believe in, then I won't support it. Adolph Hitler used that kind of "Blind Patriotism" to nearly extinguish a nation of innocent people. Patriotism that welcomes home soldiers who fight for others safety, independence and freedom, I welcome..... Patriotism that asks us to believe in the "American Dream".. having choices in education, home ownership, and capitalism, freedom of religion (not just Christianity).. that I believe in... I realize that many of our kids have NO IDEA what this means... or why it even matters...

When I was young, it seemed that an American solider was given much more respect. People would shake hands with them, give a seat up, or smile with gratitude. Parades had a slew of soldiers from many eras. Flags flew at almost every business. Now it is viewed as fanatical to have too many stars and stripes  decorations. Sharing  too much about the war is a hush-hush thing for the men and women who come home. Many soldiers are treated as second class citizens after they come home (see my PT SD blog from April, and soldier testimonies there in).The care that our military receives after war is often poor, unregulated and many soldiers have a hard time getting jobs. Giving honor to our military should not take death, or a disfiguring wound (mental or physical) for them to have the honor they deserve. The service they give should be recognized, simply because they have done for us by serving.  When the chips are all laid out we all talk about this kind of stuff, but no one really does anything about it. I personally have no massive solution, but I am putting this out there to try to invoke attention to some one who might be able to fix this. For my own family I am trying to at least let my kids know why soldiers are important, and what it means to be an American, and a citizen in the world. I have friends in many nations who crave the freedom we have here.  I can't mail gifts to friends in some nations becasue thier mail gets opened, and they get taxed to receive it. Others I cannot visit because being a woman puts me in immediate danger. I have the right to dress and speak as I please. I can be openly critical of the the goverment if they anger me. I can elect officials if I so choose. This is not so for many of my counter parts in the world wide community....

 In coming to care about life, we need to look at the way we value freedom. We also need to think about what we are teaching our kids about respect and value for American soldiers, and America. It is easy to preach our beliefs about freedom, but we also have to teach our kids about the cost of how we obtained it. They need to know that the respect we give to others who serve us should be shown with gratitude, and reverence. Patriotism should never be blind or without meaning, it should be given out of knowledge of what someone has done for us. It should not be reserved for a particular branch of the armed forces. I know people from all faiths, races, and branches, that serve America in uniform. They have all sacrificed equally. With equal regard we should give them our thanks..







Phillip's Wisdom, Why You are Making a Diffrence

"The Office of Angel"

Today in a country funeral home, I heard a declaration that astounded me. My friend Phillip, who was delivering a message of strength, at his mother's funeral, spoke of her calling to the office of angel. While he was speaking in celestial terms, I realised that there was tremendous earthly power of the statement he made.

We live in a world that tends to be centered on comparisons. Neighbor Joe has a bigger truck, I have a bigger fence. Neighbor Jill bakes cookies for the bake sale, I'll bake a 3 tiered chocolate dream cake complete with mousse and chocolate shavings. I have to, so my cake will make more money. More is important! Right? Actually our comparisons tear away at our generoisty. It reminds us of what we want to do, rather than what we can do.

My best friend and I today were discussing Angelic generosity, after Phillip's message. The power to give when there is need as response to God's love that we were given first. All too often we obsess about how much to give. rather than use the idea that giving with gladness is what matters. I suddenly realised that we are all called to the office of Angel. The office of caring for one another though money, time and talent. The office of Angel gives time that is not restrained, fills needs that are life giving, and that builds the kingdom.

In this sense of giving money I am trying to convey, is not in tithing of percentages. I am not talking about faith promises or duties we do.While those things are essential, I am talking about those moments where there is a need and we fill it.  In my own life I have been one to put in a lot of time working for the Lord. Money has been scarce, often. People have given me and my family blessings beyond words. I have often clung to the hem of Jesus' robe to feed my family, pay my bills, and keep a home. God has given all of that plus more... someone has paid my way to travel for the church, attend camps, buy food. The list is very long.. It should be known that someone who gives $5.00 out of love, has shared equally, as someone who writes a check for $1,000,000.00. The numbers do not make something more or less Angelic, but rather the heart of the one who gives..

 The time and the money parts have equal value. My church has helped my family put in a roof, and cover serious emergencies. As time has gone by, we have been able to somewhat stabilize and give regularly, but also give spontaneously back to others along with regular giving. It is a wonderful feeling, but I still depend on the generosity of others for much.. It is an "ebb and flow"...

For the sense of  time, I speak about time that is freely given. This time doesn't always mean we are working on something significant, or even physically moving. It is time often spent listening. I have a friend Sandy, that calls me from my congregation. She calls and goes over carefully what things I share with her as concerns. She also asks about our joys. She genuinely cares. I admit I and very selfish with my time at times. I have to get things done, and I have not learned to give an "intentional listening ear" at times as I am fairly bursting with energy. But then again, it can be time spent being a doer. It can be time spent cooking, cleaning, an aiding those in need. It is a different thing for each who desires to offer what they can.. My friend I spoke of earlier, and his wife have been Angelic ministers many times over. It gives them joy to help as often as they can. They also roll up thier sleeves and get busy when the need is present. These blessings are equal in worth.

Everyone has the power to serve in Angelic ministry. It is the power that we are granted as servants, because we believe in Jesus Christ. It is the power of the Holy Spirit our Comforter that guides us in this giving. That power though, doesn't know selfish comparisons. I doesn't know giving out of guilt or self gain. That power only knows blessing. So as we come to care about our giving. As we come to care about our time, I pray that you answer the call to the office of Angel..  that you might discover the power of blessings gladly shared.