“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.”  ― William Arthur Ward

I have been asked many times why I invest a great deal and time into things I do at church. The answer is simple. I do it to glorify God and not for my own personal or financial  gain.

In the next couple weeks on December 5th I will be hosting the Ladies FOCUS Meeting at my church. When I do these types of things, I enjoy what I am doing. It does take a lot out of me, and I’m OK with that. It’s only once a year and for the most part the planning and gathering of items and plans are done way in advance. I actually started working out the details of this years FOCUS last December. God never fails to provide me with the physical strength, financial means and helpers.

One of the ladies at my church was telling me that it has to cost me a lot of money and a lot of time to do what I do. I can tell you this, that when I do something I do it right, I don’t cut corners. It isn’t about the money, it’s about seeing the smiles and joy on the faces of those who attend. I don’t add up the amount of money I spend since that isn’t important to me.

Not so long ago, an older lady at my church was telling me how much she looks forward to the gatherings I do at church. She then went on to tell me how she gets very few visitors and on most days she doesn’t see anyone unless it is her dogs. The smile and tears on her face is enough for me. There are others like her that may spend all of their days alone. If I can offer them just a moment of joy and happiness it is worth every penny and minute spent.

There was another person some time ago that professes to be a Christian. She and I were talking last year about how much she dislikes doing for others. She will do for others, but out of duty. She doesn’t enjoy giving to others since she feels it isn’t worth her time. I don’t get that mentality. Even Jesus is more blessed to give than to receive. We are instructed to feed the hungry and reach out to those who are in need. When we give for the right reason and the gifts are given with the proper attitude, we also benefit by having a healthier and happier life overall.

• Acts 20:35, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

About 10 years ago, Chuck and I would put on a yearly Christmas party. For about 4 months I would put together the menus, decorations that would fit whatever theme and reserve a place big enough to host the party. I don’t know how I got it all pulled together since about 120 people showed up. My husband and I didn’t always know who many of the people were that showed up. As they entered the room that was filled with music, gifts and food, smiles came across their faces. For many this was the only true taste of Christmas and a hot meal they may have gotten. I was amazed at how many helpers came out to decorate and donate their time. For me, it was awesome.

Since my health has been far from good, I had to stop doing large gatherings like that. I guess I was more bummed about not having the ability to give to others than I was about my own health and limitations. But, God provided opportunities for me to still make a difference in other peoples lives. God has blessed me with the gift to do things for others and make a difference by putting things on my heart such as building our churches website, weekly power-points and luncheons like the FOCUS. Only because of God, can I do what needs to be done.  There is no way according to my Dr’s that I should still be here, yet alone do what I do. When the Dr’s ask me how I can do things, I just say, “It’s a God Thing.”

Since last Christmas I have been stocking up for December 5th. I have been working here and there on centerpieces and special decorations. For this Ladies FOCUS, the theme is “Windows to the Past.” I’m hoping and praying for a good turn out. I have been working hard at getting the word out.

I would like to thank my sister Joyce for helping me do a great deal of the work. I also would like to thank those who are stinging popcorn and donating time and energy to helping me get things set up. I couldn’t do it myself. God has blessed me with some pretty awesome people. My sister Joyce has a hard time seeing what it is that I am envisioning, but she is willing to help anyhow. I like to have it the way it is in my mind and that can be hard on those who help since I get picky. So, thanks to all.