Showing the Face of Christ

I read an article in the Free Lance Star today that was pretty interesting to me. Apparently, there was quite an event at a local church last Sunday that made the news. I already had heard of this through a friend who was there that day and had called to tell me about it. The whole thing seemed like what I call showing the face of Christ. I try every day to do that. Every day I fail, but every day I try again. I attempt to make choices that are Christ-like, what He would do, how He would treat someone. That's what this article made me think of.

Lifepoint Church meets at Chancellor High School. They have had a series of messages over four weeks pertaining to finances and how the Bible addresses money. They take in an offering of around $12,000 a week so last week they did something very different. In reading their website, I understand that they have spoken on saving in your budget a bit of a "cushion" if you will, to minister or pay it forward. After passing the plate, they passed the plates again and gave specific directions on what to do. 1. Take an envelope from the plate. 2. You may not give it back to Lifepoint Church. 3. Pray about who God would have you bless with this money. 4. Give it to whomever you feel led.

They passed out $12,000 that morning in envelopes in increments from $10-$1000. I read many comments today on their website on how people used the money to bless others. It's amazing how finding a simple ten dollar bill with strings attached could prompt so many to bless the lives of others. Most wrote that they matched the donation so that they could give an individual more. Just being directed to do it in a structured but not structured way gave so many people the push to care for others. The profound statement made by so many was that they felt so blessed to be involved. I read about it at http://www.lifepointgivesback.org/

This has me thinking of our teaching and rearing of our little ones. We're becoming regulars at SECA (Spotsy Emergency Concerns Assoc). We donate our things there that the children have outgrown so that others in the community can benefit. The children know it well and are very active in making the pile "for SECA". This is just a little part of giving back but we use it as a teaching opportunity each time we can.

The photos I enclosed today are of four individuals who are very instrumental in our raising of the children. They are their godparents. Renee, M&M's godmother, is in the photo with all three. Today is her 40th birthday. Happy Birthday! We love you girl! David, my cousin, is the twins' godfather. BTW, he has a really cool website called http://www.truemanhood.com/ Check him out. The Father broke the mold when he made him. Lastly, John and Stacey are Emma Grace's godparents. They are like a second mom and dad to our kids. I love you guys. Thank you all for all you do for the children and for us. You are blessings to us.