So now comes the challenge of what to sign up to accomplish in the new year. More of this, less of that, fewer burgers, more broccoli, etc. Then February rolls around and good intentions fall by the wayside because they aren’t a way of life. Inspired today by a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” THERE’s a big picture view, and one that I am going to sign up for. It’s a big goal, but I think it’s more important than trying to lose five pounds; after all, Jesus instructed us to make it our way of life. You up for that challenge? (If you’re already there, please share how you do it!) Happy New Year!

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What are you committing to do better, more, etc in 2011?  For me, it is serving others with my family and sharing the Word with my family more often.  I don’t know why but I tend to get so focused on others (through church, through serving, through work, etc) that I don’t put as much effort into the first ministry God has called me to with my own family (as a wife and mother).  My efforts will be more focused on what we can do and share together to live out our family purpose statement of

Praise God, Serve Others, Love All!

• Each day I will share the Word God has revealed to me with my boys and husband
• Each week we will share what we have done to put our faith in action at work, school, sports, in the community, in our family, etc. 
• Each month we will find a place to serve together or to give items to those in need as a family

Nothing here is new, just a refocus for us.  It is through God’s word that I am reminded that “children are a heritage from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3) and I need to build a heritage that will last for eternity. 

What is God leading you to do better, more, etc in 2011?  We would love to hear from you!

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Christianity is unique among the religions of the world.  Only Christians believe in the need for a Savior.  That concept, very simply, defines who we are and what we believe.  Personally, it is the reason why I am absolutely certain that my faith is not in vain…because I know that I’m a sinner in dire need of a Savior! 

Christianity forces us to admit that we cannot earn our salvation because we are not worthy of God…no matter how many good works we do, no matter how kind and considerate we are.  Only those humble enough to recognize their frailties as humans can accept that they need the sacrifice Jesus made for us to bridge the enormous gap between our sinful nature and the holiness of almighty God!

It follows that humility is probably the single most important trait of any Christian.  Conversely, arrogance is the trait that does more to separate people from God than any other.

My wife recently pointed me to an article in a fitness magazine about a famous model who wrote a book about yoga.   A few quotes from the article caught my eye:

•  “I truly believe that we have the answers within us, but it takes incredible discipline and hard work to find them.”
• “Yoga has taught me that health and well-being are where true beauty lies.”
• “Being receptive to different views and perspectives allows for unlimited horizons of spiritual potential.”
• “Align yourself with the universe, becoming conscious of your inner self as well as everything around you.”

Eastern religions put forth some very attractive notions.  That we are in control, that we don’t need God or a Savior, that have no accountability except to ourselves, and that we possess limitless “spiritual” powers, which we can uncover if we look deep enough inside ourselves.  All other religions I’ve studied have a similar undertone…a message that says “YOU can control your eternal destiny by living a certain way or doing certain things”.  It certainly is an enticing message, one that people want to believe because it elevates humans, focuses on controllable actions, and removes faith from the equation.

Relatively speaking, Christianity is an “unattractive” religion to most people.  Who wants to hear that they are a sinner who has no say in their salvation except to accept the gift of Christ’s sacrifice for us?  The answer…only a humble person!

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I went to serve families in need on Christmas Day with my family through Metropolitan Ministries and Bay Life Church . I entered in conversation with a man named, let’s say Bill.  He was newer to the area, no family in town, not connected to a church, and had a heart to serve during the holidays. 

I asked Bill how he found out about the event and serving.  He said he searched the internet and there were only a few needs for Christmas Day, so he signed up and came out.  I asked him where he lived to help him connect to a church.  Long story short, I was able to point Bill in the right direction to find a church near him and he is going to visit soon. 

Meet The Need is not only about making connections to needs in the community, but also to those who may be un-churched to find a “home” to grow in Christ.

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Hard to always know how to help, but sometimes the answer is easy. Expectant mother lost on Kennedy after a fight, with nowhere to turn. A few dollars helped, but what REALLY made a difference to her was 1-877-800-PRAY, MTN’s 24/7 prayer line. They gave her help AND hope; remember the number 800-877-PRAY and give someone else (or yourself) help and hope. Nice to know we can all do something!

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I love the parable of The Wise and Foolish Builders in Luke 6:46-49.  It is about laying the foundation of your house on a rock so it will withstand the floods and not be shaken.  What a beautiful picture it is to put our faith into action by helping a family build a foundation (build a house).  To build a relationship with them so they may know The Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ (build a safe haven).  To lead them into a growing relationship with Him to so they will not be shaken in times of trouble and their children and children’s children will know Him (build a heritage).   

Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County (www.habitathillsborough.com) is one of the newer members of Meet The Need.  Habitat Hillsborough connects with local churches and the community to fulfill their primary focus of “showing the love of God to families in Hillsborough County by giving them a hand up, not a hand out”.  They do this by building affordable housing for deserving families with the help of the community.

Visit www.habitathillsborough.com to see how you, your family, your small group, your church, your co-workers, etc. can put your faith into action as described in the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.  Take it beyond just building a home to building hope with a family and generations to come.  

Meet The Need (www.meettheneed.org) is thrilled to have Habitat Hillsborough a part of the family and from the comments below, so are they!

“Meet the Need is such a great organization! Since we partnered with them in November 2010 we have noticed an increase in the number of volunteer opportunities being filled.  MTN is also helping us reach out to area churches in order to build the strong relationships that are vital to the success of our mission.  Because MTN’s focus is on Christ and serving Him through serving others, our experiences with them have been nothing but positive.  The Meet the Need team is extremely customer-oriented and is quick to respond with needed solutions when we experience challenges.  Their technology team is amazing and has made the volunteer recruitment process much easier.  It is a blessing to work with them!”  – Community Relations Director of Habitat Hillsborough

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God infused all of us with a need and desire to serve, and nowhere is it more evident than at Shiloh Restoration Tabernacle Church. A brand new Meet the Need member, Shiloh’s motto is “Empowering People – Restoring Lives.” And it’s much more than a motto; Shiloh is a community leader when it comes to service, whether in large, very creative outreach events (like the one they recently completed in Valrico) or one-to-one connections. Shiloh is already great, Meet the Need will help them do even more; welcome to the Meet the Need family, Pastors O’Neil & Georgia, and Octoryia!

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In our house we have two boys (3 and 6 years old).  We constantly are saying”we are sharers” in efforts to bring peace between the two about a toy, a movie, a coloring book, a blanket, etc.  Today was a lesson not about sharing with our family, but being generous with those we don’t know. 

When I picked up the boys from school we went to their room and picked out stuffed animals we could give away to Lighthouse Ministries (www.lighthousemin.org ) for their Winter Wonderland.  I explained there are children who don’t have as much as they do and we have been blessed with abundance.  Therefore, we are to be “rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share” as commanded in God’s Word (1Timothy 6:18). 

My 3 year old didn’t embrace the giving, but my 6 year old really got it!  He gave away one of his favorite stuffed animals and we prayed over it that a little boy just like himself would have many good dreams and many happy hugs and smiles because of it.  I told him that this is best Birthday present we could give to Jesus this season . . . giving His love away.   We also prayed for Lighthouse Ministries and thanked God for the work they do all year round to provide for those less fortunate and bring the gospel of Christ to those who may have never known it.

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Over the last couple of months, I have spoken to people more and more about how they can “serve” their community and share God’s love through that service. I have heard several people say that they weren’t sure what they could do or wonder if they have anything to offer. I love to give the good news that God has equipped everyone to make a difference! He has already given us everything we need to serve AND be a God-Bringer in the process. The testimony below about volunteering with Joining Hands Community Mission says quite a bit about who can serve.

“I am a third year AmeriCorps VISTA – Volunteer in Service to America, so you could say I volunteer for a living, and this was the best volunteer experience I have ever had. There were so many people there to help and answer questions. The woman who helped me register when I first walked in was so knowledgeable and professional that I thought she was a long-time volunteer. I asked her when she started volunteering with Joining Hands and she told me since 8 a.m. this morning. It was her first day! I had such a wonderful time. The people were friendly, and the red aprons made sure I always had something to do. I also really enjoyed seeing even the children doing significant jobs like personal shopping. The fact that they were able to take on that task, is testament to how organized the process is.” – Nicole, Tarpon Springs

All you need to do is partner with a ministry whose mission speaks to your heart. Then see what you can do to serve and be a God-Bringer!

For more information on Joining Hands Community Mission go to their website at www.joininghandsmission.org .

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As technology shrinks the world, it’s easy for us to conduct business, connect with friends & discover new places nationally and internationally.  But technology can help us find things that we drive by every day, unaware of their existence.  Hope Children’s Home is such a place: ten minutes from where I live, but I never knew it was there.  And they have done AMAZING work with almost 5000 “discarded, abused, unwanted, or orphaned children,” giving them shelter, food, education, and hope.  I found them through Meet the Need, and now my family and I can help Hope Children’s Home in a variety of ways as they post needs.  What can YOU discover in YOUR neighborhood?

HINT:  Meet the Need will make it easy!

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