Our family is still on the mend.
The youngest two pixies continue to battle this stubborn flu. It’s been wearying, these past two months. Between Thanksgiving Covid and Christmas flu I am tired. And yet I have witnessed a beauty that can only be observed within the body of Christ.
Our brothers and sisters were so incredibly brilliant through this all, stepping up to meet our needs. Our CC community, neighbors, and even friends from afar sent meals, brought essential oils, and used their gifts in countless ways to minister to us.
Side note: Never, I repeat, never down oregano, clove, thyme, peppermint, and lemon oil without water. I mistakenly thought my friend told me to swallow it raw. My mouth and throat have never burned so bad in my life!
The point of all this is that at a time when our bodies were weak and spirits low, they brought life and healing to us. When we most needed it, they showed up.
This time in isolation has convinced me that now, more than ever, we need the body of Christ. We were not meant to make it on our own. God designed the body to be together. I lament the joy this fracture must bring the enemy.
We need the church. We need each other. The world needs you now more than ever.
Today is the perfect time, at the beginning of a new year, to think about ways you can use the gifts he has given you to further his kingdom.
Please, don’t waste your gifts.The world needs YOU.
So take a few minutes today and ponder how you can use the talents he has given you to encourage others and strengthen the unity of his bride. How can you foster togetherness? What can you do today to edify your brothers and sisters?
I’m modeling my own reflection of what God would have me do off of Paul’s testimony in Acts 22:14. When Paul converted to Christianity, he initially lost his sight. But when he regained his sight, he went to a man of good reputation, Ananias. Ananias spoke these words of truth over Paul:
“The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of His voice.”
Know. See. Hear.
If you want to know how to use the gifts he has given you, these three actions can bring clarity.
Know His Will.
How do we discover God’s will for our lives? We must spend time in his Word, meditating on it’s truth. I’m learning that I can’t afford to neglect this discipline in my life.
Romans 12:2 implores us to “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We transform our minds by transfixing them on his word. The illumination of Scripture illuminates our path. We look into the mirror of truth, and find direction for our lives.
See the Righteous One.
The eye of our mind can see the beauty of the Holy One, witness the truth that he is God. We need to spend time gazing upon his beauty. Meditating on what is true, lovely, noble.
Paul, as we so often do, lived life blinded to the truth of who God was. But once Paul saw the Righteous One, his entire life bore witness to the truth. The gifts he has given you are your gift back to him. They are a witness that he is the one others are searching for.
Hear His Voice.
During this sickness, I have found myself with unexpected time on my hands to just be still. My nature feels the pressure of not accomplishing my to-do list, yet my body cries out for me to slow down.
We have time each day to be still and listen. When we hear his voice, he displays the good he has planned for us. We can reflect on the gifts he has given us, and listen to ways he might want us to use them. Rest brings renewal. We find purpose in the stillness.
We need each other now more than ever. You need me. I need you. Don’t waste your gifts. Let’s not waste this time. Dietrich Bonhoeffer beautifully reminded,
“I need the Christ that is in you, and you need the Christ that is in me.”
No matter where you are today, remember the body of Christ is always meant to be together, and it needs you.
If you enjoy this newsletter, I send a more frequent and private email several times a week to paid subscribers at the link below. Tomorrow, another email releases continuing our study of Mending our Habits in the new year. There is a New Year Special which expires Sunday. This private space feels like the next best thing to gathering with you on the front porch. Would love to have you join us.
Girl!!! 😂😂I’m reading this now…
My essential oil card is officially revoked… from now on only onguard losenges and capsules that are ready made!!!!