“Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3 (NIV)

One by one, each woman walked to the front of the small room, turned to face our little group of beginning speakers.  She straightened her notes, took a deep breath and proceeded to give a brief, but moving testimony of how God saved her from a life of misery.  Tears flowed in the room, as each listener empathized with the sadness of a broken life without God.

As my turn neared, my heart pounded.  Combined with the nervousness over public speaking, was insecurity about my own testimony.  No dramatic conversion was in my background, no painful loss, no rejection of God.  My story – compared to theirs – seemed tame.  In fact, at that moment, I was embarrassed over the ordinary-ness of my life.

After that training exercise, instead of feeling better equipped to speak, I was convinced I’d heard God’s instructions incorrectly.  Maybe I wasn’t supposed to tell others about what God had done in my life.  After all, it didn’t seem like much compared to everyone else.  What can a woman who became a Christian at an early age testify about?  That wrong line of thought affected me for years. 

God did open doors for me to speak and teach women, but instead of talking about what He had done in my life, I focused on the stories of others.  I taught from Scripture and books, but kept distant from my own life experience.  In some way I felt disqualified to share my stories.  They just didn’t seem dramatic enough, and that’s what I thought people wanted to hear.

The more I compared my own life experiences to others, the more I dismissed God’s work in my life.  Then one day, God gently challenged me to take my focus off of what He’d done in the lives of others and be amazed at what He had done in mine!  He showed me that it wasn’t ever about me and “my” story, it always was and always will be “His” story – and there was nothing ordinary or boring about that! 

I began to see things with new eyes.  What I’d written off as “normal,” became miraculous.  As I focused on how, over the years, God answered my prayers, took away my fears, taught me things, comforted me in sadness, brought me friends, and healed my emotions and body, my testimony grew.  Now, instead of glossing over the everyday experiences, I dissect them looking for God’s fingerprints – and find them everywhere. And, as I’ve been more faithful to tell about God’s work in my life, He has touched the lives of others.

I’ve learned there’s no “one-size-fits-all” testimony – but there’s always a story to tell.  I just had to take the focus off me and put it on God.  Then I can join the psalmist and “declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all people.”

In His Love,

Glynnis Whitwer

When my sister Paula lived out of state, I loved to stay at her home.  Not only was it great to be with family, but Paula’s home invited me to rest and her thoughtful touches showed her love for me.   I was always blessed by staying at her home.

As the summer travel season approaches, we have the opportunity to bless our overnight guests with small gestures that show we care. 

In II Kings, chapter four, we read about a woman in the town of Shunem who went out of her way to create a welcoming guest room for Elisha, a prophet of God.  She made up a space on her roof (I’m guessing it was flat) and put a bed, table, chair and lamp for Elisha to use whenever he traveled to Shunem.  The Shunemite woman’s hospitality meant so much to Elisha that he asked God to give her a child, and God fulfilled that request.

We may not all have the luxury of a private room for our guests, but we can see to their comfort and offer some pampering as well.   I know from the experience of being a guest, how hospitality can convey God’s love in a personal way.

When preparing a place for your guests, try and anticipate their needs.  Some guest room niceties include an alarm clock, a lamp, a Bible, a devotion book, light reading materials like magazines, extra blankets or pillows, a fan, room to hang clothes with hangers, and a place to set a suitcase.

When I have guests I like to prepare a basket of lotions, hair products and other toiletry items.  I place this in the bathroom with a note inviting my guests to please use the items.

Another idea is to place pre-packaged snacks and candies in a basket, and put the basket in the guest area.  Often travelers might like a snack late at night, but don’t want to ask the hosts.

In your kitchen you might consider creating a drink center on a pretty tray.  Include mugs, spoons, instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cream and sugar.  Place the tray near a microwave or the stove.  Stock your fridge with cold drinks and invite your guests to help themselves.  I love it when someone remembers I like Diet Coke!

Our homes can become a ministry tool as we take the time to plan for the comfort of our guests.  As they experience our love for them, let it be our prayer that they are drawn to the Creator of Love – God. 

As you prepare for this summer season, begin to pray for the guests who will visit your home.  Pray that their hearts will be open to receive all that God has for them.

In His Love,

Glynnis

Have you ever been touched by a random act of kindness?  I have, in a most particular way.

Yesterday my husband, my son and I went to the movies.  As we settled ourselves down and began to munch on our popcorn two young moms walked in with their children.  The theater had quickly filled up and they were obviously going to have a hard time sitting together.

I noticed that the three seats to our right and the three in front of us were still empty, so I asked these ladies if they wanted us to move so that they could seat together.  They thanked us profusely as we moved down one row.

We settled ourselves down once again, and once again we resumed munching on our popcorn.

As the lights dimmed down and the previews began, I was surprised by a tap on my shoulder.  It was one of the two young moms.  She handed me a bag of M&Ms and said, “This is for you.  I want you to know you made my day.”

I was so overwhelmed, I could barely focus on the screen.  I mean, I hadn’t done anything great or heroic.  Yet I had managed – in total random – to make this lady’s day!

I might have made her day, but the kindness she showed in return meant more to me than she’ll ever know.

As I enjoyed the movie and my M&Ms, I thought about a testimony I had heard earlier that day, during church service.  Ten years ago Alicia Manes, a young woman at our church, and the small group she lead began serving single women by putting together a “spa day”.  What began as a small act of kindness has evolved into a full-fledged yearly event.

I was touched by Alicia’s testimony, but what I especially appreciated was hearing that she and her group had made all kinds of mistakes along the way, had little resources, had felt overwhelmed,  yet they kept on going, showing kindness to single moms and being obedient – a word Alicia repeated over and over again as she spoke that morning.

Obedience…  Saying “yes” to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to display His love, His ways, and His kindness.  The Apostle Paul said it so well, “God’s kindness leads [us] to repentance.”  (Romans 2:4)  Alicia and her group had lead hundreds to experience the changing power of God’s love.

Thinking back on yesterday’s pleasant experience at the movies, I can surely say that a little bit of sweet kindness sure goes a long way.  How has kindness touched you?

I’m eager to hear,

Ana