Well, folks, the new toy arrived today in the mail, safe and sound, and I am one thankful soul!
This is truly a minor miracle, because a) it was an eBay purchase, which can get dicey at times, and b) it was being shipped USPS, which is even dicier. No offense USPS folks, but my luck with your postal system has been less than stellar on occasion (What do you mean, you "don't know where my mail from the past week is"?).
But I digress.
So, when a package arrives on time -- even a smidge early in this case! -- and it's packaged exactly as promised, I just have to be grateful.
I'm so looking forward to burying myself in the mysteries of apertures, ISO settings, and shutter speeds. Cheers to new hobbies!
And cheers to Thursdays! What's giving you a thankful heart today? Go on, be grateful!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
aunt robyn's first gift for baby felton
Dear Baby Felton,
Well, baby preparations are in full swing!
After we came down off the euphoria of hearing the big news, Mom and Dad visited your soon-to-be-home in Ft. Lauderdale for a weekend visit. I heard the recap of overwhelming exploratory visits to Babies 'R Us and Target. It's a lot of information -- and stuff -- to process, I think.
Mom is kicking around "Kaki" for her grandmom name, although I can't officially declare it so quite yet. And the spelling is definitely uncertain at this point. So, stay tuned on that. We'll let you know.
Dad is preparing for an office move, and somewhere in his packing and purging process (he's not a great purger, FYI), he stumbled on some little UGA booties that he hand-delivered to your folks on their trip to Florida. Instilling in you a deep, deep Georgia Bulldog love can never start too soon!
He hasn't proposed any granddad names yet. I've warned him he really should be proactive about this, because I kinda don't think he'll like someone else deciding for him. He strongly prefers to take these matters into his own hands, so ... I'll keep working on that.
On my end, I'm getting technologically prepared for your arrival. My little netbook with the webcam has been fixed, and it's good to go, so we can Skype regularly. And, I'm looking forward to seeing your mom's pooch here pretty soon!
Today, I made a big purchase that I've been considering for a few months, and while I had almost justified it anyway, your upcoming arrival was exactly the reason I needed to take the plunge (coupled with Uncle Sam's tax refund ... no, no, not a real uncle ... the proverbial one).
So, it's not technically for you, but it's because of you ...
Here's to capturing lots of sweet memories, Lil Bit!
Well, baby preparations are in full swing!
After we came down off the euphoria of hearing the big news, Mom and Dad visited your soon-to-be-home in Ft. Lauderdale for a weekend visit. I heard the recap of overwhelming exploratory visits to Babies 'R Us and Target. It's a lot of information -- and stuff -- to process, I think.
Mom is kicking around "Kaki" for her grandmom name, although I can't officially declare it so quite yet. And the spelling is definitely uncertain at this point. So, stay tuned on that. We'll let you know.
Dad is preparing for an office move, and somewhere in his packing and purging process (he's not a great purger, FYI), he stumbled on some little UGA booties that he hand-delivered to your folks on their trip to Florida. Instilling in you a deep, deep Georgia Bulldog love can never start too soon!
He hasn't proposed any granddad names yet. I've warned him he really should be proactive about this, because I kinda don't think he'll like someone else deciding for him. He strongly prefers to take these matters into his own hands, so ... I'll keep working on that.
On my end, I'm getting technologically prepared for your arrival. My little netbook with the webcam has been fixed, and it's good to go, so we can Skype regularly. And, I'm looking forward to seeing your mom's pooch here pretty soon!
Today, I made a big purchase that I've been considering for a few months, and while I had almost justified it anyway, your upcoming arrival was exactly the reason I needed to take the plunge (coupled with Uncle Sam's tax refund ... no, no, not a real uncle ... the proverbial one).
So, it's not technically for you, but it's because of you ...
Here's to capturing lots of sweet memories, Lil Bit!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
thankful thursday #19
Happy Birthday to one of the best moms I know ... mine!
I'm so thankful today for her! There just aren't enough blog posts in the world to list all of my favorite things about Mom, but for today, I'm celebrating her smile and laughter!
We've had some ugly-girl laughs together, for sure, and I'm so glad that laughing with Mom happens more often than not. She's definitely the mood-setter (for good!) in our family, and I love her for it.
And, I'm thankful today, too, that my netbook is fixed, and ready to Skype, just in time to wish Mom a happy birthday face-to-face (sort of)!
What are you appreciating today? Your mom? My mom? Go on, be grateful!
I'm so thankful today for her! There just aren't enough blog posts in the world to list all of my favorite things about Mom, but for today, I'm celebrating her smile and laughter!
We've had some ugly-girl laughs together, for sure, and I'm so glad that laughing with Mom happens more often than not. She's definitely the mood-setter (for good!) in our family, and I love her for it.
And, I'm thankful today, too, that my netbook is fixed, and ready to Skype, just in time to wish Mom a happy birthday face-to-face (sort of)!
What are you appreciating today? Your mom? My mom? Go on, be grateful!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
letters
"Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
In our world of emailing, texting, tweeting, and blogging, an old-fashioned, hand-written note is a rarity, isn't it? I love to receive letters. Breaking the envelope's seal. Seeing penmanship. Feeling the paper. Knowing the familiar signature at the end.
If you're fortunate, you've had the chance to scan the words of generations past on faded, yellowed paper. You've wondered where your grandmother was when she read that note from her husband. You've tasted a little bit of a legacy.
During Paul's ministry, letters of recommendation were common among traveling preachers, as a means of authenticating their mission and credentials. In his Second Letter to the Corinthians, Paul unconventionally proclaimed that the church at Corinth was, instead, sufficient testimony of his divine mission:
"You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts" (3:3).
As a fan of letters, this was such a treasure to read this morning, and as a believer, it is a heap of responsibility!
Think about this with me. When we write letters to people, we do so because we value them, and we have something we want to communicate to them. Something we want to share.
While God primarily speaks to His children through the Word, He speaks to unbelievers through a beautiful love letter: His church. He has gone to great lengths so that His message will be proclaimed to all people, and it is written carefully, legibly, on hearts of flesh. Hearts, in fact, that are evidence of radical change.
He has authored the story, and He expects us to be a legible representation of that message to those who haven't yet heard it.
We are His letter.
And we have a legacy to advance!
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
In our world of emailing, texting, tweeting, and blogging, an old-fashioned, hand-written note is a rarity, isn't it? I love to receive letters. Breaking the envelope's seal. Seeing penmanship. Feeling the paper. Knowing the familiar signature at the end.
If you're fortunate, you've had the chance to scan the words of generations past on faded, yellowed paper. You've wondered where your grandmother was when she read that note from her husband. You've tasted a little bit of a legacy.
During Paul's ministry, letters of recommendation were common among traveling preachers, as a means of authenticating their mission and credentials. In his Second Letter to the Corinthians, Paul unconventionally proclaimed that the church at Corinth was, instead, sufficient testimony of his divine mission:
"You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts" (3:3).
As a fan of letters, this was such a treasure to read this morning, and as a believer, it is a heap of responsibility!
Think about this with me. When we write letters to people, we do so because we value them, and we have something we want to communicate to them. Something we want to share.
While God primarily speaks to His children through the Word, He speaks to unbelievers through a beautiful love letter: His church. He has gone to great lengths so that His message will be proclaimed to all people, and it is written carefully, legibly, on hearts of flesh. Hearts, in fact, that are evidence of radical change.
He has authored the story, and He expects us to be a legible representation of that message to those who haven't yet heard it.
We are His letter.
And we have a legacy to advance!
Friday, March 18, 2011
welcome, friday night (chicken salad)
Let me tell you about a most fantastic Friday night in my world.
After work today, I came home and slipped on my running shoes, went out into the 70-something degree sunshine, and jogged through some unfamiliar territory. I explored new neighborhoods, stumbled on a park, and listened to the gravel beneath my feet on a secret trail (well, it was secret from me, anyway). It was gorgeous.
It's been a little (lot) bit since I cooked, so I skipped over to my local Publix and picked up a few essentials for a new culinary experiment -- something light, appropriate for a post-run meal, and something quick, so I could be sure to see every last bit of my March Madness bracket crumble before my very eyes.
So, I milled around the kitchen and made this quick chicken salad:
Friday Night Chicken Salad
1/4 c. chopped scallions
1/4 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. plain yogurt
1 oven roasted rotisserie chicken
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
Mix together scallions, celery, and yogurt. Tear apart the chicken (it is not really graceful), remove the skin, and chop up the chicken. Add chicken to the yogurt mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the basil, and chill until you serve it up.
Now, I am personally a mayo-lover, so I replaced a couple of tablespoons of the healthy yogurt with unhealthy mayo. It was tasty, but if you are anti-mayo, I think enough salt and pepper will make the blah yogurt just as delish.
I enjoyed mine with a slice of crusty bread (fresh-baked at Publix, yum!), and some grapes and blueberries. I feel summer coming on!
And now, if Georgia can somehow manage their first-round win at the Big Dance, that would really make my night!
Hope y'all have had a happy Friday, too, doing the things you love best!
After work today, I came home and slipped on my running shoes, went out into the 70-something degree sunshine, and jogged through some unfamiliar territory. I explored new neighborhoods, stumbled on a park, and listened to the gravel beneath my feet on a secret trail (well, it was secret from me, anyway). It was gorgeous.
It's been a little (lot) bit since I cooked, so I skipped over to my local Publix and picked up a few essentials for a new culinary experiment -- something light, appropriate for a post-run meal, and something quick, so I could be sure to see every last bit of my March Madness bracket crumble before my very eyes.
So, I milled around the kitchen and made this quick chicken salad:
Friday Night Chicken Salad
1/4 c. chopped scallions
1/4 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. plain yogurt
1 oven roasted rotisserie chicken
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
Mix together scallions, celery, and yogurt. Tear apart the chicken (it is not really graceful), remove the skin, and chop up the chicken. Add chicken to the yogurt mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the basil, and chill until you serve it up.
Now, I am personally a mayo-lover, so I replaced a couple of tablespoons of the healthy yogurt with unhealthy mayo. It was tasty, but if you are anti-mayo, I think enough salt and pepper will make the blah yogurt just as delish.
I enjoyed mine with a slice of crusty bread (fresh-baked at Publix, yum!), and some grapes and blueberries. I feel summer coming on!
And now, if Georgia can somehow manage their first-round win at the Big Dance, that would really make my night!
Hope y'all have had a happy Friday, too, doing the things you love best!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
thankful thursday #18
Do y'all have a place where you keep important documents?
You may be surprised to know this, but I don't. I have a couple of spots things like that might be, but I really need to get on the ball and organize the "important documents" in my life. (All three of them.)
I'm taking a trip this summer (I'll blog about that later), and it's going to require one of these ...
... and while I have one, and it's current, I wasn't entirely sure in which "important document" location it might be found. And it wasn't in the first two places I looked.
I wasn't overly panicked, but I sure did let out a big sigh of relief last night at midnight when I found it! It made me thankful, because goodness knows having to deal with the federal government on a misplaced passport seems like a complete disaster.
Happy Thursday, folks! What are you thankful for today? Go on, be grateful!
You may be surprised to know this, but I don't. I have a couple of spots things like that might be, but I really need to get on the ball and organize the "important documents" in my life. (All three of them.)
I'm taking a trip this summer (I'll blog about that later), and it's going to require one of these ...
... and while I have one, and it's current, I wasn't entirely sure in which "important document" location it might be found. And it wasn't in the first two places I looked.
I wasn't overly panicked, but I sure did let out a big sigh of relief last night at midnight when I found it! It made me thankful, because goodness knows having to deal with the federal government on a misplaced passport seems like a complete disaster.
Happy Thursday, folks! What are you thankful for today? Go on, be grateful!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
one half
Four months ago, I was ready to run again after a minor (read: major) hiatus.
One month ago, I ran in the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh. Although I'd been running casually, signing up for that 4-mile race was a little kick in the pants to motivate myself to keep going. It was a good motivator. A necessary commitment.
Today, I got a much more severe kick in the pants -- and made a big ol' commitment -- when I registered for this:
Eek!
I'm excited and nervous and anxious all together, just the way I felt two years ago when Nikol and I signed up for the same race in Chicago. It's the oh-my-gosh-I'm-really-going-to-do-this and no-turning-back-now mentality.
I'm telling myself that this will be a good race, because
In the meantime, have any of you been to Providence? If we have one day of free time, how shall we spend it (other than resting our legs and carb-loading)?
One month ago, I ran in the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh. Although I'd been running casually, signing up for that 4-mile race was a little kick in the pants to motivate myself to keep going. It was a good motivator. A necessary commitment.
Today, I got a much more severe kick in the pants -- and made a big ol' commitment -- when I registered for this:
Eek!
I'm excited and nervous and anxious all together, just the way I felt two years ago when Nikol and I signed up for the same race in Chicago. It's the oh-my-gosh-I'm-really-going-to-do-this and no-turning-back-now mentality.
I'm telling myself that this will be a good race, because
- I've got plenty of time to train (let's hope),
- It's in a place I've never been to, so I'll be excited to travel there, and
- I'm running it with a fun buddy. (I'm ignoring the fact that she's not local and won't be able to train with me.)
In the meantime, have any of you been to Providence? If we have one day of free time, how shall we spend it (other than resting our legs and carb-loading)?
Monday, March 14, 2011
disappointment
This past week was hard work in a lot of ways.
The hard work I'm talking about isn't really hard, when I think about my doctor friend who counsels the families of dying patients. I mean, really. Hard work is relative.
And, our hard work isn't entirely unexpected, because in the world of events, you're guaranteed to battle bad weather, cover for unreliable people, and knock out some manual labor you don't really want to do, but have to. It's just the way it is.
I wrestled with some disappointment, too, on a lot of levels. I get disappointed when details aren't addressed properly. When people let me down, or don't cooperate. When we're not as efficient a team as we should be. When someone makes an uneducated criticism that isn't fair.
I was disappointed in myself at times, even. And that one really hurts.
When we were younger (if I had to guess, probably in middle school when girls are generally just mean to each other), my cousin Emily and I were talking about some friend who'd dropped the ball. I remember so clearly her telling me, "Mom told me that people will always disappoint you, but the only one who won't is God."
What wisdom to share with children, and what truth to cling to during times of disappointment! I'm thankful to have been given that little nugget, so long ago, by family.
If you're feeling a tinge of disappointment -- in people, in circumstances, in yourself, even -- I hope you'll reach out to the One who won't let you down. Ever!
The hard work I'm talking about isn't really hard, when I think about my doctor friend who counsels the families of dying patients. I mean, really. Hard work is relative.
And, our hard work isn't entirely unexpected, because in the world of events, you're guaranteed to battle bad weather, cover for unreliable people, and knock out some manual labor you don't really want to do, but have to. It's just the way it is.
I wrestled with some disappointment, too, on a lot of levels. I get disappointed when details aren't addressed properly. When people let me down, or don't cooperate. When we're not as efficient a team as we should be. When someone makes an uneducated criticism that isn't fair.
I was disappointed in myself at times, even. And that one really hurts.
When we were younger (if I had to guess, probably in middle school when girls are generally just mean to each other), my cousin Emily and I were talking about some friend who'd dropped the ball. I remember so clearly her telling me, "Mom told me that people will always disappoint you, but the only one who won't is God."
What wisdom to share with children, and what truth to cling to during times of disappointment! I'm thankful to have been given that little nugget, so long ago, by family.
If you're feeling a tinge of disappointment -- in people, in circumstances, in yourself, even -- I hope you'll reach out to the One who won't let you down. Ever!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
thankful thursday #17, the sunday edition
Ninety minutes ago, I landed at the Birmingham airport, exactly one week from when I flew out. It's been a long week -- hence the late Thankful Thursday post -- and I'm so thankful to be home!
Kansas City. Have y'all ever been? I was out there for work, and while I'm feeling called to turn in early tonight (and every other night for the next week), I did manage a little mental game of Hi-Low, a.k.a., my highlights and lowlights from the week:
highlight: Landing early back at home today!
lowlight: Beginning our trip with a three-hour delay in the Birmingham airport. That is not the place to be delayed.
highlight: Cosentino's Market every single morning for breakfast. Love that place, and I'm starting to lobby for one in Birmingham. Had the most lovely conversation with the manager there this morning, just telling him how great they are. It feels good to share some positive feedback with management.
lowlight: Not getting to eat there for probably another year. Boo.
highlight: Fogo de Chau for dinner on Thursday. (If I hadn't been in a food-induced coma, maybe I'd have had the energy to blog that I was thankful for that meal on Thursday.)
lowlight: Working outdoors in the 30-degree weather and rain. So not fun.
highlight: Rain boots. Such the lifesavers!
lowlight: Hearing complaints from volunteers. (Really, Mr. Volunteer? Your thank-you gift isn't nice enough?)
highlight: The volunteers that were especially fantastic, including the ROTC from KU. Best sports ever.
lowlight: Filling in and rebounding balls for the thirteen-some-odd volunteers who said they were coming and didn't.
highlight: Presenting our Special Olympians with their post-game gift bags!
lowlight: The labor crew we hired for breakdown. Not fully sober, and requiring a smoke break? A little much.
highlight: Coming home to daylight savings! So excited to see that sunshine still peeking out after work this week!
So, even though it's not Thursday, what's got you thankful today? Go on, be grateful!
Kansas City. Have y'all ever been? I was out there for work, and while I'm feeling called to turn in early tonight (and every other night for the next week), I did manage a little mental game of Hi-Low, a.k.a., my highlights and lowlights from the week:
highlight: Landing early back at home today!
lowlight: Beginning our trip with a three-hour delay in the Birmingham airport. That is not the place to be delayed.
highlight: Cosentino's Market every single morning for breakfast. Love that place, and I'm starting to lobby for one in Birmingham. Had the most lovely conversation with the manager there this morning, just telling him how great they are. It feels good to share some positive feedback with management.
lowlight: Not getting to eat there for probably another year. Boo.
highlight: Fogo de Chau for dinner on Thursday. (If I hadn't been in a food-induced coma, maybe I'd have had the energy to blog that I was thankful for that meal on Thursday.)
lowlight: Working outdoors in the 30-degree weather and rain. So not fun.
highlight: Rain boots. Such the lifesavers!
lowlight: Hearing complaints from volunteers. (Really, Mr. Volunteer? Your thank-you gift isn't nice enough?)
highlight: The volunteers that were especially fantastic, including the ROTC from KU. Best sports ever.
lowlight: Filling in and rebounding balls for the thirteen-some-odd volunteers who said they were coming and didn't.
highlight: Presenting our Special Olympians with their post-game gift bags!
lowlight: The labor crew we hired for breakdown. Not fully sober, and requiring a smoke break? A little much.
highlight: Coming home to daylight savings! So excited to see that sunshine still peeking out after work this week!
So, even though it's not Thursday, what's got you thankful today? Go on, be grateful!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
world reach
Today concluded World Reach week at my church. Our annual missions emphasis week is an exciting time in the life of our congregation, as we acknowledge the responsibility we have as believers to share the hope of glory to those people in the world who don't have access to it otherwise.
We celebrate our brothers and sisters who have surrendered their lives to full-time, cross-cultural service.
We commit ourselves to praying, giving, and going.
During our worship service this morning, a second grader shared that one week ago, she was drawing. (As in, coloring. Like second graders do.) She asked her mom how she could help with the mission of World Reach, and she decided to sell her drawings to raise money for missions.
In one week she raised $300. ("Not more, and not less," she clarified -- how cute is that?!)
Talk about convicting! A seven-year old little girl? Raising $300 in one week?
And not just raising money, mind you, but giving it all away for the cause of Christ.
God, give me a heart to participate; to spend time and money generously on the Great Commission; and to break for the people who don't have the opportunity to hear about you.
Confession: That was my prayer after the "I'm a loser" reaction to the second grader's testimony!
Have a great week, y'all!
We celebrate our brothers and sisters who have surrendered their lives to full-time, cross-cultural service.
We commit ourselves to praying, giving, and going.
During our worship service this morning, a second grader shared that one week ago, she was drawing. (As in, coloring. Like second graders do.) She asked her mom how she could help with the mission of World Reach, and she decided to sell her drawings to raise money for missions.
In one week she raised $300. ("Not more, and not less," she clarified -- how cute is that?!)
Talk about convicting! A seven-year old little girl? Raising $300 in one week?
And not just raising money, mind you, but giving it all away for the cause of Christ.
God, give me a heart to participate; to spend time and money generously on the Great Commission; and to break for the people who don't have the opportunity to hear about you.
Confession: That was my prayer after the "I'm a loser" reaction to the second grader's testimony!
Have a great week, y'all!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
thankful thursday #16
Y'all, I never want to be one of those people who is wishing her life away.
But can I just say, I'm so thankful to wake up to March 4th tomorrow!
Today ended my string of year-end meetings, and while they are productive, necessary, and a chance to visit some of my favorite people in person, I've been so excited to have them under our belts. And I've been excited for our staff, too, because well, they're tedious, and anxiety-inviting, and no one really loves preparing them.
But, mine are officially over. I'm just darn thankful about that! And that's all I have to say.
What's got you feeling appreciative today? Go on, be grateful!
But can I just say, I'm so thankful to wake up to March 4th tomorrow!
Today ended my string of year-end meetings, and while they are productive, necessary, and a chance to visit some of my favorite people in person, I've been so excited to have them under our belts. And I've been excited for our staff, too, because well, they're tedious, and anxiety-inviting, and no one really loves preparing them.
But, mine are officially over. I'm just darn thankful about that! And that's all I have to say.
What's got you feeling appreciative today? Go on, be grateful!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
reach out and touch someone
The Five Love Languages is a favorite book of mine; I read it years ago, and it changed the way I see people, and the way I relate to them.
For the record, my love language is not physical touch. It's not that I don't love a good bear hug, or a reassuring pat, but generally speaking, my primary language isn't that.
The Bible has interesting things to say about touch, though. Twice today, I was given a story from the gospel of Mark -- two different ones -- that spoke to me deeply about the power of touch.
In Mark 5, we learn about a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She'd spent everything she had in her pursuit of healing, but instead, she'd only grown worse. Can you imagine her despair?
As Jesus is en route to perform an unrelated healing, this woman watches him walking by and thinks to herself, "If I can just touch his garments, I will be made well" (v. 28). So she does. And immediately, she is "freed from her suffering" (v. 29). Not only is she healed, but Jesus feels power unleashed from him upon her touch (v. 30)!
Back in the first chapter of Mark is the beautiful story about a leper -- a social outcast, for all intents and purposes -- begging Jesus to make him clean. The Bible says that Jesus was filled with compassion, touched the man, and immediately the man was cured (v. 40-42).
Following this particular miracle, despite Jesus's instructions to not tell anyone, this man could not contain himself! Instead, he talked openly, freely, "spreading the news" (v. 45). In fact, so many people were tipped off about the great news of Jesus, He couldn't even enter a town openly!
Obviously both of these stories speak to the healing power of Jesus' touch. Nothing not to like about that!
But let this be a lesson for us! When we are touched by Christ, we want to share it. And when we touch people in the name of Christ -- when we serve them -- barriers are broken, and the world takes notice.
Bottom line?
Reach out and touch someone. If we don't, His fame might be at stake!
For the record, my love language is not physical touch. It's not that I don't love a good bear hug, or a reassuring pat, but generally speaking, my primary language isn't that.
The Bible has interesting things to say about touch, though. Twice today, I was given a story from the gospel of Mark -- two different ones -- that spoke to me deeply about the power of touch.
In Mark 5, we learn about a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She'd spent everything she had in her pursuit of healing, but instead, she'd only grown worse. Can you imagine her despair?
As Jesus is en route to perform an unrelated healing, this woman watches him walking by and thinks to herself, "If I can just touch his garments, I will be made well" (v. 28). So she does. And immediately, she is "freed from her suffering" (v. 29). Not only is she healed, but Jesus feels power unleashed from him upon her touch (v. 30)!
Back in the first chapter of Mark is the beautiful story about a leper -- a social outcast, for all intents and purposes -- begging Jesus to make him clean. The Bible says that Jesus was filled with compassion, touched the man, and immediately the man was cured (v. 40-42).
Following this particular miracle, despite Jesus's instructions to not tell anyone, this man could not contain himself! Instead, he talked openly, freely, "spreading the news" (v. 45). In fact, so many people were tipped off about the great news of Jesus, He couldn't even enter a town openly!
Obviously both of these stories speak to the healing power of Jesus' touch. Nothing not to like about that!
But let this be a lesson for us! When we are touched by Christ, we want to share it. And when we touch people in the name of Christ -- when we serve them -- barriers are broken, and the world takes notice.
Bottom line?
Reach out and touch someone. If we don't, His fame might be at stake!
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