Monday again?
I can't believe how the days
turn into weeks,
and the weeks
turn into months!
Half of the year
almost gone!
We can make the time we have
more valuable
if we "ponder these things in our heart"
like Mary did. (Luke 2:19)
We should not let the things that happen to us
disappear like sand in to the crevices of time.
But we should see meaning,
and we should see growth
and we should see purpose.
Nothing that happens to us is an accident.
"Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back
on the one who wants to borrow."
(Matthew 5:42)
I have often pondered on this verse
and discussed it with my husband.
Here in the Philippines,
there are many beggars.
I find it difficult to give,
because it feels as if we are training
the young children to BE beggars,
if we give money to them when they beg.
So I usually buy food, or bring some
bread to give.
My husband insists that it is better to talk to them
and give them dignity as a person.
He knows many beggars,
sees them grow up,
and have children.
Yes, it is good to give more than money.
We can give time!
I love blog parties!
Won't you join us?
Blessings,
Patsy
Patsy, I am always amazed by your art and the rate in which you turn your pictures out! It's most definitely a great talent you have. I love your art. Particularly love the 2nd picture - it's amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this beautiful post with Scripture Sunday this week... your words are always from the heart. I feel privileged to have you sharing at ECTaS each week.
Have a lovely week.
You have such beautiful artwork and this message is good. I had the same feelings when I lived in Ecuador. There are beggars everywhere, even in North America. I feel there is a difference, however, in that those who beg here have more opportunity. It seems that many of the people in developing countries don't have as many choices. In Ecuador, I decided to help the children who begged by giving them food after they worked. For example, I would ask restaurant owners to let the children wash tables. Some of the children would walk away, but most of them were happy to earn their food. I also developed friendships with some of the children who worked by selling goods on the streets or on buses. I would buy their products and invite them to lunch. My son is named after one such child!
ReplyDeletePatsy, it is an interesting thought. Sometimes I give food, sometimes I give money, sometimes when I haven't anything on me, I don't give anything. It is very good of you and your husband to give as much as you do. I think the gift of time is a very valuable gift.
ReplyDeleteTereasa, it sounds like you did a lot for those children. I am so glad you did.
Amen, beautiful words shared here.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful artwork and your beautiful reflection!
ReplyDeleteI had been pondering all this, and it came to mind yesterday when a man with a sign asking for help approached my car. So I rolled down my window. I talked with him. I even remembered I had some snack foods stashed in my backseat I could share. And I heard God speaking to me so clearly in that moment, it felt like He was repaying me for the words I had lent that man.
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." -- Proverbs 19:17
Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork and your beautiful reflection!
ReplyDeleteI had been pondering all this, and it came to mind yesterday when a man with a sign asking for help approached my car. So I rolled down my window. I talked with him. I even remembered I had some snack foods stashed in my backseat I could share. And I heard God speaking to me so clearly in that moment, it felt like He was repaying me for the words I had lent that man.
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." -- Proverbs 19:17
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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