THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

December 4, 2019

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

This past Sunday afternoon, Jon and I, as well as my sister, went to see the new Mr. Rogers movie. We all thought it was very inspirational. The main focus of the movie was how kind-hearted Mr. Rogers was, as well as his gentle spirit. It's not often that you see a movie nowadays where kindness is exalted and the focus of the storyline. There was no violence, sex scenes, or foul language; which is a rarity indeed. It was quite refreshing and made you leave wanting to be a better person.

In the late 60's, early 70's there was a hit song entitled, "Try a Little Kindness" (made popular by singer Glen Campbell). Some of the words of the chorus is: "You got to try a little kindness; yes, show a little kindness. Just shine your light for everyone to see....."

Kindness is not just a good idea, but it is a God idea.

Colossians 3:12 says, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

We are to be clothed in kindness. If we are always dressed in kindness, then it will show through in our words and how we treat others. We cannot be wearing kindness and be rude, hateful, unforgiving, or bitter towards others.

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

In Acts 9:36 it is speaking about a lady disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas). Scripture says that she was "abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did." She sewed clothing for widows and their children.

In another story found in Acts 27 and 28, Paul and a group of prisoners had become shipwrecked. Acts 28:2 says, "The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all."

A favorite story in the Bible is the one of David and Mephibosheth. David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" When Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet arrived at King David's palace, he was terrified, not knowing David's motives for asking him to come. David said, "Don't be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."

There are other stories in the Bible that speak of individuals showing kindness to others. These are just a few examples.

The truth is, each of us are commanded to be kind. That doesn't mean that we pick and choose those to whom we want to be kind to. "If they're nice to me, then I'll be nice to them!" Sometimes someone may be hurting, which causes them to lash out; but what they truly need is to be shown consideration and kindness.

The definition of kindness is: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

During these next few weeks leading up to Christmas, I encourage each of us to practice kindness. Sometimes it comes naturally, and sometimes it just doesn't. Put forth an extra effort to show kindness and do random acts of kindness to others. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to bring someone to mind to whom you can do something extra special for.

The year that my father-in-law passed away, the days leading up to Christmas my mother-in-law had a gift that would show up at her door each morning. It was pieces of a nativity set; and by the time Christmas arrived, she had the complete set. There was no name on the gifts each day, and she had no idea who was delivering them to her front door. It was a mystery trying to figure out who was delivering the gifts and getting them to her door without her knowing; and she had a lot of fun discovering each present every morning. She later found out that a young girl who was attending church with her at that time was the mysterious gift-giver. It was what she needed that first Christmas without her spouse. It was an act of kindness on the part of this young girl.

There are many things that we each can do to show kindness. Perhaps it is in a small gift, or it could be lending someone a listening ear when they are hurting and need a shoulder to cry on. It may be welcoming a new family to your neighborhood. Perhaps someone who has experienced the death of a loved one this past year; or someone who has gone through a divorce. There are so many different scenarios I could list, and may end up missing the one act of kindness that God directs you to do.

Let's be kind! Let's show kindness!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Kindness is one of those great things that can be given with no cost. And we never run out. In fact, the more we share, the more we seem to have.

I heard a song recently in which the singer asked God for more faith. But faith is like a muscle. We have to use it and exercise it to make it strong. That isn't always comfortable.

Love, kindness, compassion, and the like are also like a muscle. We get stronger at them by exercising them more.

And just like the exercising I need to do to help my back, I tend to neglect those exercises for too long.

ON THE MENEWE:

Muddy Buddy Candy

Combine peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute; stir. Add vanilla and stir again until well blended. Pour cereal in a large bowl. Pour chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the top and stir gently until cereal is coated. To coat with powdered sugar, pour the cereal mixture in a brown paper bag. Add the powdered sugar; fold down the top of the bag and shake to evenly coat. Store in a tightly covered canister or bowl.

**Note: For added flavor, you can chop up Andes mints, mix in mint M&M's or regular M&M's and gently stir into the muddy buddy mixture. It's really good this way!

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

I want to wish my husband a very happy birthday. Jon will be celebrating another year of life in a few days. I'm so thankful to God for bringing Jon into my life and for the life that we get to share together. We have truly been blessed and God has been incredibly good to us. So "Happy Birthday" sweetie! I pray God's blessings upon you and that we will be blessed with many more years of life together. I love you!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Confidence is not "They will like me."

Confidence is "I will be fine if they don't like me. - unknown

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org