Shovels vs. Snuggies

Say you were going through a hard time, and your friend decided they were going to do something for you. Would you rather them say "I've been offering up the 2 hours a day I spend poop scooping," or "I've been offering up the 2 hours a day I spend wrapped in a blanket watching movies?"

I would go with the first option. Not as pleasant, not as easy, and not a very common offering. But that's exactly why I would want someone to offer it up for me. Now, in reality, nobody will spend 2 hours a day poop-scooping- that's what I've been doing and will continue to do for the next month (thank you Cowley County 4H!),so it was on my mind. But really.....would you rather know that someone is sitting and being lazy for you as an "offering," or offering up their blood, sweat, and tears doing something that they really don't consider to be very pleasant? Hmm....

God picks the same answer you just did. He doesn't care that we aren't perfect-He cares that we care. And an offering of sweat and hardship will mean more to Him than an offering of coasting. Because in hard times, we learn what we're made of. And if we can give glory to God through those little hardships of life (like scooping poop), just imagine the marvelous things He can do with our offerings of deeper troubles-relationships, jobs, school, etc.

So next time you feel like a poop-scooper, just remember that your shovel and seat make a much better offering to Our Lord than snuggies and a bowl of popcorn ever could ;)

"Friends"

I've been on this kick lately-like, my brain just won't shut off....ever. Not that this is an unusual occurance, but my brain usually doesn't focus on just one thing at a time :D So here is the topic of interest of late: Friends

I'm at kind of a weird place right now when it comes to the people in my life. I have those "friends" that I've had since early middle school, or maybe even elementary school, and I have those that I've met within the last 3 years of high school. And then.....I have my real friends. Now I don't mean this to sound hurtful in any way, shape, or form. But that's honestly how I feel. Don't get me wrong-those friends I have in my own town are amazing people. They are those who make my everyday life the way it is, and who have helped shape me into the person I am today. So why do I feel like I'm hiding part of myself every time I get around them? I mean, of course we have fun! We bowl, watch movies, go to the major Ark City attractions of Walmart and Sonic, and hang out everywhere in between! But to me, there's still something missing. I know that if I ever have trouble with homework, need a stress-relief sonic run, or even lose a loved one, that they would be there for me in a heartbeat. But when it comes to me having trouble with my faith-whether that be faith in God, faith in myself, or faith in others-they just won't understand. I'm continually finding out that those I call my real friends are those who draw me to things greater than myself. They challenge me in my faith. We may not see each other daily, weekly, or even for months at a time, but I know that if I ever need ANYTHING-from frozen yogurt to fighting spiritual warfare-they will be standing right behind me. And for that, I am thankful every single day. So I challenge you to identify some real friends in your life-ones those you have talked to today or years ago today-and tell them thank you. Because trust me, those who draw you towards something greater are rare. And if you have even a single person who is willing to help you fight those battles within yourself, well, you're luckier than most. Take this blessing, and make use of it. Thank those in your life who are there for you, and try your hardest to be there for those in your own.