Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about generosity, and a fire has been lit in me. I’m pretty convinced at this point that when you start thinking/reading about generosity, it is almost impossible to not get excited! Just try it! … Continue reading
One day last week, I picked my son up from school and started asking him about his day. He told me a few things about his day (Despite all the years of trying to train him to tell me everything, … Continue reading
A friend recently told me about a funeral she had just been to for her mom’s best friend. This lady had been in her 80s and had been sick for years causing her to not really go out or see people. But her funeral was packed! My friend talked to a man who was openly weeping at the funeral. She asked him where he knew this lady from, and he said he was a waiter in a restaurant that the friend ate at year’s ago. Though many years had gone by since he had seen her, he still loved her and the way she had made him feel…loved, encouraged, cared for and seen.
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A friend has recently noticed when I’ve been busy and has jumped in to help numerous times. It made me feel seen. It’s been big!
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A church leader pointed something out to me a few weeks ago that goes right along with how God has recently been nudging my heart. This conversation made me feel seen by both the leader and by God.
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Have you ever felt invisible? I have.
Most of the time, we go through life at break-neck speeds. We rush through and don’t stop to really notice things…or people.
So it’s big when someone notices.
People are dying to be noticed. To feel like they matter.
I want to be someone who notices. Who encourages. Cares for people. Loves them deeply. Makes them feel seen.
I have a long way to go on this. But the more I receive this gift from others, the more I want to give it in return.
The gift of being seen is a treasure.
When has someone made you feel seen?
Sleeping late Breakfast: Bacon, eggs and cinnamon rolls Putting up all laundry in the house Nap time Making a recipe for dinner that I’ve been needing/wanting to make Staying in pj’s all day Hearing the kids laugh their heads off … Continue reading
I decided this morning that I wanted to go to an Ash Wednesday service. I’ve never done this before. Shoot! I’m a Baptist girl turned Church of Christ girl, so I’ve never done anything Lent-related before But more and more, … Continue reading
The picture above is of the shelf in my office of the books that I want to read about work-related things ASAP! The shelf is always full! And the list of books that I want to read for fun is … Continue reading
We still have a good while left in Winter. But if you’re like my house, it’s Frozen all year long! My second round of hats are on sale! I have 23 Elsa hats and 17 Anna hats available. They are … Continue reading
I have lived in bondage. Shackled by the chains hoisted upon me…
by myself.
Smart. Successful. Funny. Interesting. Put together. Organized. Well liked. The best.
These were just some of the labels I had attached to the chains.
I couldn’t keep up.
I was drowning.
I grew up thinking I had to be the one to help others. I couldn’t be the one to ask for help myself.
I finally realized I needed help. It was time to swallow my pride. I prayed about it, and God sent me a few women to talk to. To join me on this journey. To share my heart with. To help guide me.
I’m learning so much, and I am so thankful for my new friends!
With each conversation, the chains are beginning to fall. One by one.
My eyes are being opened.
I’ve realized I can’t do everything on my own anymore…but it’s still hard. I’ve got a long way to go.
I’m slowly learning to lean into community. To not coop things up inside all the time. To allow myself to be vulnerable.
There is so much strength in vulnerability.
Do you feel like you need someone to talk to? I encourage you to take the plunge. Pray about it and see where God leads you.
“Maybe we need to think wildly different. Maybe we need to go in our communities and serve them. Give them things they do need. Maybe they’d consider going to a meeting and engaging with a group of kind people who have loved on them for a while. Maybe we need to fix our communications so that they’ll know.” – Mark MacDonald
“So I want you to consider making your life one long gift to others. And why not? All you have is on loan, anyway. All that lasts is what you pass on… So I ask you to begin giving, and to continue as you began. I think you’ll find in the end that you got far more than you ever had, and did more good than you ever dreamed.” – Stephen King
“When we explore options for increasing what the master has entrusted to us, we will reap the reward and be found faithful.” – Nelson Searcy
I HATE the school parking lot in the mornings. If we don’t get there early, the parking lot is nuts and no one will let you out! Nothing makes me more mad than sitting there blocked in my parking spot! I’m serious! I have no patience for this! But this morning, after sitting there forever, the lady next to me backed out and then waved to me to back out too. I don’t know who this lady is, but she is my new best friend! And new friend, I saw Jesus in you today!
Earlier this week, a friend I haven’t talked to in awhile called me up. We had a good talk and then that afternoon on the way home from work, I ran into her at the store. I looked up and there she was! It was such a nice surprise. We hugged and talked for a second and then went our separate ways. I love how God was in that day!
Our church staff prays for a different family in our church everyday. We contact the family to let them know that we’re praying, and I love writing those emails every morning! I get to reflect on how I see God in others and pour out some blessing and encouragement on them by letting them know I see those things in them. It’s a blessing in my life and helps me appreciate others and notice more how others live out their faith.
God is everywhere and in everything! We just have to stop and slow down enough to see Him!
Stephanie Carroll 