do you ever have a song in your heart?

I do. Quite often, in fact. It varies from day to day, but it's amazing how something just comes over you and holds on for a while. Or rather, gives you something to hold onto. It's especially gratifying for me as a relatively new, "washed in the blood" Christian, since the songs in my heart are always praise and worship. I love it! It's uplifting and can quickly wipe out any negativity I may have been feeling.

This week has been a long one already. Monday was somewhat a catch-up day, Tuesday was spent out of the office making nicey-nice (which is tiresome if you're not usually a face-to-face customer service kind of person), and today was more of the nicey-nice. I'm tired. However, a refreshing wave of joy washed over me on my drive home and I was happy.

After a tense phone call later on, my joy was gone. The wind fell out of my sail and I bottomed out again. Thankfully, my God doesn't let me sit there long. A song filled my heart once more, and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phillippians 4:13)

"Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for you."
 Sanctuary by John W. Thompson and Randy Scruggs

have's and have not's

A friend told me today, "you and I are sympathetic to one another. We both have 'had' and now we have not." She misses being able to buy her favorite Lancome lipstick on a whim, which jogged my memory to the days when I bought Clinique everything. We were both raised in middle class homes by parents who didn't exactly have a lot to give, but were able to give more than some other families. At times we were spoiled, and as adults, we continued to spoil ourselves. That is, until the economy plummeted and the tasks, burdens, and responsibilities of life got in the way.

As I drove home tonight, I thought about our talk. The idea of "have" versus "have not" is relative and it's all in where your faith lies. No, I don't have the financial means to be as frivolous as I used to be, but I have what I need to get by. Sure, my co-workers see me in the same clothes all the time and my shoes are showing some wear, but my clothes aren't threadbare and my shoes don't have holes in them. Everything I need in my life has been provided. My faith in God and His promise to take care of me allows me to move from my dollar-doling yesterdays into satisfied tomorrows.

31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  - Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)

Whenever you're having "one of those days," consider the millions of people who would gladly take it in exchange for their incessant hunger and thirst, or the winter chill they can't escape. Remember that this, too, shall pass.

Be Blessed and Love One Another,
Casey

crisis care kits for haiti

Everyone is asking for your money to help in the Haiti relief efforts. If you're seeking a reliable source, check out the American Red Cross or your local church. My church, Southside Church of the Nazarene in Chesterfield, VA, is asking for Crisis Care Kits. You can find more information about how to pack these kits, what they include and drop off information from the church website. Please be careful before doling out your dollars.