What I Need



Chillie didn't know she needed a blanket for her nap. Some small person decided she would look better or maybe feel warmer with a snowflake towel. She really did not seem to mind the gesture...but that perky ear was a sure sign she was not unaware that someone had been messing with her.

The blanket on the head, however, was a little more difficult to take. It amused the daylights out of the small people. Chillie...not so much. A few months ago this dog would not have let this happen! Months of patiently loving, training, and disciplining our wild dog has paid off.  But she is a work in progress, just like me. She can't really see what she needs, and most of the time doesn't really want it when she gets it!

    I didn't really want to participate in another capital campaign at church. We have done this before...last time we were leaders who hosted small meetings in our home. Our pastor talked about the vision of the church to expand the kingdom of God by making more room for more people. God blessed it and the church grew. New families got to hear the good news that Jesus died for our sins , restoring our relationship with God, now and forever. We learned how obedience and faithful giving  could bring us into a deeper commitment to the body of Christ, His church.
     But I'm really tired this time around. And a little beat up. Not only was my enthusiasm lacking, I had some pretty strong views on building a big church. Didn't we all just read "Radical?" My faithful husband stepped in and swiftly corrected my attitude. He said that I needed to keep an open mind and see where God was leading. And yes, I could listen to Nehemiah once more...God's word never comes back void...even when slightly jaded church goers hear it!  So I prayed. And I went. And I listened. And I watched my faithful husband step out to give his whole heart to the LORD once again through giving. Habitually I remember what men in their weaknesses have done... instead of what God has done . Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. "Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, " and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it" Mal. 3:10 And no, I'm not preaching prosperity here...just saying He has proven Himself to me over and over again. So I guess I have to say I'm all in...because that's what I need.