Encouragement for Moms

These are some thoughts I shared with a friend who was struggling after her second child. I thought others might also find them encouraging.

#1 - PRAY
The number one thing I would remind a Christian parent is to pray for your children. My Mom told me once, "It is much easier to raise a child that has the Holy Spirit." If you have ever heard of the Christian comedian, Mark Lowry, he has a bit about his mother praying out loud when he started to misbehave (I think my Mom probably did that, too). One resource is "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie O'Martian.

"I Have a Mother Who Prays"

Some have had kings in their lineage, Some to whom honor was paid.
I don't have those as my ancestors, But I have a mother who prays.
I have a mother who prays for me and pleads with the Lord every day for me.
Oh what a difference it makes for me, I have a mother who prays.

My mother's prayers cannot save, Only mine can avail;
But Mother introduced me to someone, someone who never could fail.
Oh yes...I have a mother who prays for me, And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
O what a difference it makes for me, I have a mother who prays.

~Author Unknown
Taken from "Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids" by Sharon Jaynes, pg 108

#2 - DON'T GIVE UP
My aunt who worked as a speech therapist in the school system her whole career told me once that many people fail with discipline because they do not understand this simple concept, "It gets worse before it gets better." Consistency is important, and just because they do not appear to be responding does not mean it is not working.

"When a miner heads into the mine looking for gold, he has to move tons of dirt to get just a little gold. But he doesn't go in looking for dirt...he's looking for gold. Every child has little nuggets of gold inside just waiting to be discovered, but there may be lots of dirt that has to be moved. Just remember, the more gold you look for, the more you will find." Lysa Terkeurst, Proverbs 31 Ministry (Quote found in "Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids" by Sharon Jaynes)

#3 - ENCOURAGE
"Feed the meter" is a phrase used in "Happiest Toddler on the Block" by Dr Harvey Karp. Before you sit down with the baby, spend a few minutes with the older child. Then, let him know you love him and what is going to happen next..."Mommy likes playing with you. Now Mommy needs to take care of the baby. Would you like to play with your trains or play with your puzzles?" They love choices!

Before you sit down with the baby, give him clear expectations, "I need you to obey and be kind while I feed the baby. Jesus helps us to be kind. If you obey, you may have a treat after the baby is fed." Maybe even go ahead and let them choose a treat and have it waiting as a reminder. I often have my son repeat back to me what I have told him so I know he understood. It is important to remember to follow through, so they don't think it's a scam.

"I have yet to find the man -- however exalted his station -- who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism." Charles Schwab, Businessman (Quote found in "Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids" by Sharon Jaynes)

#4 - CORRECT
One form of this is "toddlerese." I learned about it from "Happiest Toddler on the Block" by Dr Harvey Karp. Basically when you need to handle misbehavior, you mimic their misbehavior in an effort to connect with them and show them you empathize. Then you explain why that is not okay, and tell them how they should behave instead. I used this a little, but also used other forms of correction such as time out, popping, etc. Honestly, it seems like the most effective methods are constantly changing as the child grows and changes. Something will work for a while, quit working, then work again later.

Here's one thing that seems not many people think of that was very effective with my toddler. If he was playing with a toy and started misbehaving, I put the toy in time out instead of the child. Somehow this communicated to him more clearly, and was not as big of a conflict. Put it on a shelf they cannot reach and set the timer on the microwave, make sure they understand what they did wrong. Then when it beeps, get it down and remind them why it was in time out and how they should behave correctly. Another method that has worked for me...when my son gets upset, I give him a hug and tell him it's okay to be upset, and I would like him to lay in his bed until he feels better. He will usually cooperate, because I am not trying to dominate his attitude or behavior, and I am affirming his feelings, but helping him understand there is an appropriate place to deal with those feelings and behaviors. After a few minutes he will come out cheerfully and tell me, "Mommy, I'm all better!"

#5 - GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
This can take two forms. First, don't be afraid to take opportunities to get away from your kids for short periods of time. This is advice a lot of moms give, but few actually do (so maybe you just keep a stash of chocolate to boost yourself occasionally!). Another meaning for this is to simply understand you will not be a perfect parent and you will not have perfect kids, but if you love them, discipline them and teach them to trust Jesus, everything will turn out fine, even though we make mistakes. And don't be afraid to apologize to your kids, or admit you made a mistake to them, it is a good example.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

"Once I became a dad of twins, I noticed that parents around me had a different take on the power of nurture," writes Bryan Caplan in the Wall Street Journal. "I saw them turning parenthood into a chore - shuttling their kids to activities even the kids didn't enjoy, forbidding television, desperately trying to make their babies eat another spoonful of vegetables. Parents' main rationale is that they're sacrificing now to turn their kids into healthy, smart, successful, well-adjusted adults. But according to decades of research, their rationale is wrong. Parents should lighten up. I call it 'serenity parenting.' Focus on enjoying the journey with your child instead of trying to control his destination. Accept that your child's future depends mostly on him. Realize that the point of discipline is to make your kids treat people around him decently - not to mold him into a better adult." (Bryan Caplan is the author of "Selfish Reason to Have More Kids," Copied from Readers Digest, August 2011)

#6 - REFRESH
I recently started attending a mom's Bible study group, and it has really helped me a lot! I call it my mommy staff meeting. Mom's are honestly professionals whose jobs required an insane amount of patience, knowledge and skill (seriously...we are people who create and develop other people!!). Having a place to vent, get ideas and motivation is a great way to keep yourself and your family healthy.

"In my attempts to promote the comfort of my family, the quiet of my spirit has been disturbed. But, with every temptation there is a way of escape; there is never any need to sin. Another thing I have suffered loss from, -- entering into the business of the day without seeking to have my spirit quieted and directed. So many things press upon me [that] this is sometimes neglected; shame to me that it should be so. This is of great importance, to watch carefully, not to over-fatigue myself, because then I cannot contribute to the pleasure of others. A [calm] face and a gentle tone will make my family more happy than anything else I can do for them. Our own will gets sadly into the performance of our duties sometimes." Elizabeth T. King, 1856

"What exactly is a mom's job description? She's a wife, mother, friend, housekeeper, interior decorator, laundress, gourmet chef, short-order cook, chauffeur, painter, wallpaper hanger, seamstress, nurse, guidance counselor, internal affairs CEO, financial planner, travel agent, administrative assistant, disciplinarian, preacher, teacher, tutor, spiritual adviser, dietician, lecturer, librarian, fashion coordinator, private investigator, cheerleader, manicurist, pedicurist, landscaper, hair stylist, psychologist, plumber, computer programmer, automobile maintenance expert, referee, and gift purchasing agent for both sides of the family. She might not receive a salary, but the fringe benefits are invaluable: hugs, kisses, and buckets of love. And, she hopes, one day her child will call her blessed." (Sharon Jaynes, "Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids", pg 19)

Sharing Christ at Christmas

During this season my heart has felt a great urgency to share the message of Christ with my children and others I care about, which includes you! Recently as I was browsing old notes in my journal I came across some words from a Bible study I did years ago that express the message clearly. I have included them below. My hope is that you may grow closer to Christ as you celebrate this season.

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These notes below are taken from a Bible study based on the sermon series "Go Fish" with Andy Stanley.

"Attending church will not make you a Christian any more than sleeping in a garage will make you a car.
- Not church
- Not prayer
- Not commitment
It's not about what we promise Him, but what He promised us.

All you need to know to become a Christian is this:
God loved you so much that God gave His only son. When we believe on the works of Jesus Christ, then we receive the gift of eternal life.
GOD LOVED, GOD GAVE, WE BELIEVE, WE RECEIVE.

Eternal life does not mean living forever. Everybody lives forever somewhere. Why do we wonder what happens when we die? We are buried...but our souls recognize there is more life after physical death.

The Bible can be complicated. Salvation is not complicated. People do not spend eternity separated from God because of sin, but because they reject His gift."

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Salvation that comes from trusting Christ -- which is the message we preach -- is already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, "The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who believes in him will not be disappointed. "
Romans 10:8-11
http://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/romans/passage.aspx?q=romans+10:8-11

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Anyone is welcome to visit our church on Christmas Eve!
Who: Kinetic Church
Where: Cox Mill High School, Concord, NC 28027
When: December 24, 2011 at 6:30pm
Why: Christmas!

Broken Soul

God accepts you as a broken soul, and He offers a gift of healing. He is waiting for you to accept yourself as a broken soul and simply receive His gift.

Day by day He desires to renew and deepen His relationship with you.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Romans 5:6

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes."
Jeremiah 29:11-14

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
1 Peter 5:6-7

Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD. Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
Psalm 119:1-2

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Psalm 23:1-3

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness.
John 12:46

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
Matthew 6:32-33

Salvation that comes from trusting Christ—which is the message we preach—is already within easy reach.
Romans 10:8

Eternity is Multiple Choice

I believe that we all have a very important spiritual choice before us. Your choice will mean that this Earth is either the closest to Heaven or the closest to Hell that you ever experience. While we live on this Earth we all experience a little bit of both Heaven and Hell throughout our lives. When our souls leave our bodies, our eternity is finalized. We will either be in Heaven forever in the presence of God, or in Hell forever separated from God.

Please do not procrastinate on this choice. The sooner you reconcile yourself with God the sooner He can begin healing your soul and provide for you in ways you never could imagine! He daily seeks to grow in intimacy with you, all you need to do is respond.

The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:9

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
John 3:16-17

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 5:8

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

Are you in Egypt?

The historical account of Moses leading the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt is widely familiar (known as the Exodus). If this is not familiar to you, or you want to refresh on the details, please read the Book of Exodus.

The short version is that once upon a time a man named Joseph, who was an Israelite, became very powerful in Egypt because of his good reputation with the Pharaoh at that time. Eventually other Israelites came to live in Egypt. After all of those people died, the new Pharaoh became afraid that the Israelites would overthrow him, so he made them all slaves. Moses was born to an Israelite woman, but was raised by Pharaoh's daughter. Later he facilitated the negotiations with Pharaoh to free the Israelites.

When the Israelites left slavery in Egypt they faced new challenges in their freedom. They often become ungrateful for their freedom and complained that they wished they were back in slavery in Egypt instead. God was using these challenges to teach them to trust in Him alone, He was very disappointed that the people thought the Pharaoh could take better care of them.

I read this passage today in my Bible and thought it might be a great metaphor sometimes in our lives. What is your "Egypt?" Where do you go when you need help? Does that help seem to be fruitless, counter productive or even dangerous? There is a living God - all knowing, all powerful and ever present - who desires to be your Savior and Provider, if you will turn to Him and ask.

Excerpts from Isaiah 30 (vs 1-2, 15, 18-19) and Isaiah 31 (vs 1 & 3)

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
and rely on horses,
and trust in chariots because they are many,
and in horsemen because they are very strong,
but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!

Now the Egyptians are men, and not God,
and their horses are flesh and not spirit;

"Woe to the rebellious children," declares the Lord,
"Who execute a plan, but not Mine,
and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit,
in order to add sin to sin;
who proceed down to Egypt,
without consulting Me,
to take refuge in the safety of Pharaoh,
and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!"

"In repentance and rest you shall be saved,
in quietness and trust is your strength."

Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you,
and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.

He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry;
when He hears it, He will answer you.

Katie Sees Your Crack

Below is an article titled "I See Your Crack" written by my friend Katie. If you want to read more of her writing, click here. In this article she addresses modesty. Modesty is an issue that I think a lot of women are afraid to bring up, for one of two reasons. These women are either 1) afraid of making their friends mad, or 2) guilty as all get out of dressing immodestly and therefore, avoid the subject like the plague. It's something that I'm passionate about, and think Katie addresses it really well in this article. Read what Katie has to say, and let me know what you think. love, Jenn.

"I See Your Crack"

by Katie Baker

"Despite the frost on my tulips this morning, summer is quickly approaching, and with it, especially here in NC, comes some really hot and humid days. We’re talking 98 degrees and sweaty–so hot that the pavement burns your feet and moving to Canada seems like the best idea anyone has ever had, eh?

With the ever increasing temperatures also come summer fashion. Break out your shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, dresses, and flip flops, chacos, keens, rainbows, tevas–whatever foot fashion your feet fancy. And I’ll be the first to admit that I love summer clothes. The flowing dresses, capri pants, tanks, flops, bare feet, the whole nine yards. While summer isn’t my favorite time of year (I’m all about moving to Canada, seriously), I definitely dress the part, mostly to simply survive the walk from my car to the grocery store without dying of heat stroke.

There is something about summer fashion, however, that is difficult. Its really hard to dress the part and not show all of my parts, right? Seriously, in some clothing choices, I bend over to pick of my child and anyone standing in front of me sees down my shirt while anyone standing behind gets the true meaning of “low rise”. Not cool, people. No one needs to be seeing that, not on my or anyone else.

And this is especially true for women who follow Jesus. Unfortunately, church has become another event where the line between appropriate and inappropriate has been blurred.

Is this really a problem in church, you may ask? It is. Let me recount to you a story, one I wish I could forget. I was visiting the Summit church’s Brier Creek campus last summer. I’d just had a baby and wasn’t feeling all that cute in any clothing choice, but I had my sweet Emmeline and didn’t care as long as we both managed to stay dry the whole morning. I was leaving the service, smiling and saying hello to those gals I don’t see very often, when something caught my eye and I nearly dropped my child. No kidding. There is front of me was a very pretty girl, with long blond hair, blue eyes, and an even tan that went all the way up to her butt. How do I know that her tan went that high? Well, I could see that it did. Her dress was so short that I caught a glimpse of some cheek. No joke, cheek in church. Now I will say, cheek in church is definitely not appropriate, but is it really necessary anywhere else either?

I would venture to say that most gals would agree that wearing a dress short enough to answer several burning questions about what one’s underwear choice might be a bad idea. But what about cleavage, or “shadow cleavage” as my sweet husband likes to call the result of a too low top on a girl who hasn’t rammed her tatas together but still lets you know they are there. Trust me ladies, we know they are there. And then there is what Chris calls “pseudo-cleavage”, which is when girls wear things cut so low you can see where their cleavage should be, but they don’t have any, so even those girls who don’t think their tatas can draw attention because they don’t have any are wrong. They do!

And the skin tight stuff that leaves very little to the imagination. Often, from the stage at West Club where I’ve stood many Sunday mornings and watched pretty girls walk down the aisle of church like its a runway wearing the latest in summer fashion, looking totally trampy and vampy, and I feel so sad. I feel sad for them because they have no idea that I’m thinking they look they are trying to bring sexy back to church. I feel sad for the guys around them trying to honestly focus on and worship God while trying to not stare at those short shorts or low tops. Its so hard for them to spend time with God when they are thinking about boobs. Being married has taught me many things, and this is one of them. GUYS GET DISTRACTED. Married, single, young, or old, they like to look at women, and they especially notice women who dress like they want to be noticed.

Ladies, spare our men in your clothing choices. Help them to love and worship God by NOT being a distraction, and if you do distract them, may it be because of your gentle spirit or passionate worship, not your long legs or substantial cleavage.

Summer fashion, especially, requires women who follow Jesus to make some decisions. I’m not saying don’t look cute or fashionable or pretty. What I am saying is think about what you are wearing and how it might affect those around you, especially men. Guard the hearts and minds of your brothers in Christ by choosing an awesome t-shirt over a totally hot halter top that makes your B cup look like a C. Go for the capris instead of the booty hugging denim “panties”.

Followers of Christ are supposed to be different. I’m not saying go out an purchase a burka or mumu and head covering. I am saying to THINK about what your clothing choices say about you and how they might affect other people, and not just for church on Sunday morning, but anytime and anywhere. Let people see your personality in your clothes. Let them see your joy and love. Let them see your heart, not your crack."

Holy Trinity

I have heard that the shamrock was a metaphor St Patrick used to help people understand the idea of the Holy Trinity.

We will probably never fully understand the concept of the Holy Trinity until we are face to face with God. I think it is more important that we understand the relationship of the Holy Trinity in our own lives. This is the simple explanation I use to teach my son:

God the Father created us and watches over us. God the Son came to show us how to live and forgive us of our sins, and when we accept him as Lord, God the Spirit comes to live inside us to comfort and to guide us.

Regardless of your theological understanding, I hope you will seek daily a closer relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit.

Your Message to the World

What do your choices say about where you place your trust in life? Those choices are your message to the world around you. Be sure you know what you believe, and be sure your choices reflect that belief.

If you believe it does not matter whether there is a God to provide for you and discipline you, then your choices should reflect that. A life of carelessness.

If you believe there is no God to provide for you and discipline you, then your choices should reflect that. A life of self sustaining efforts.

If you believe there is a God to provide for you and discipline you, then your choices should reflect that. A life of submission and risk.

Regardless of your belief, be bold so that those around you can say with confidence where you put your trust. Let your actions speak for you. If you take a look at your life and notice there is something out of sync between your actions and your beliefs, examine them both. You might find yourself changing your actions, or you might just find yourself changing what you believe.

God says...
"I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6
"If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me." Jeremiah 29:13
"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed." Isaiah 49:23

for the first time...God's Word Brought to the Kimyal People

The Kimyal People Receive the New Testament from UFM Worldwide on Vimeo.

Oh that our hearts would relish God's Word in such a way!

Everyone Poops

Yesterday a new metaphor occurred to me about how to explain spiritual salvation in Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit reveals these things to us in order that we might share them with others. After all, "[t]he Lord isn't really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent." 2 Peter 3:9

The idea of pooping is pretty universal and well understood. Stuff goes in, stuff comes out. Though I am not knowledgeable about every culture in the world, I think it is safe to presume that we all have our own systems to dispose of poop. It is unpleasant, but it just keeps coming. You could compare poop to sin. Sin in its simplest terms is when we turn from God. It can take many, many forms and we all do it. "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard." Romans 3:23

Here in America we flush our poop down the toilet. We usually do not have to think about it again, though there are those rare occasions when the toilet stops up and we have to get our hands dirty. We treat sin in much the same manner. We do the deed and mentally dispose of it thinking we will not have to deal with it again. Sometimes we do have to face consequences for our actions, but not always.

The scary part is that is not the end of the story. Imagine that at the end of your life you come face to face with an enormous pile of poop (aka sin). You realize that this is all the poop you have ever created from the day you were born. The gatekeeper of Paradise firmly tells you that if you want to enter you must first EAT ALL YOUR POOP. Not a pretty picture, and not anything any of us would be willing or able to do (bet you can't even keep down one bite). Suddenly someone taps you on the shoulder. He says, "I would have been glad to eat your poop for you, so you could go into Paradise. I tried to let you know in so many ways, but you never took me seriously. Now you will spend eternity in a futile attempt to eat your poop and you will never enter Paradise."

THIS IS WHAT CHRIST DOES FOR US. He looks at all the sin (aka poop) in our lives and says, "If you will let me, I will be glad to take care of that for you."

"For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, 'Anyone who believes in him will not be disappointed.'" Romans 10:9-11

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Christ makes the offer and we have the choice to accept or decline (beware, there is no option for maybe, ignoring is declining!). Eternal death is spent in torture forever separated from God. Eternal life is spent in Paradise forever in the presence of God. Next time you hit the toilet, consider taking a bite and decide whether or not you need Christ.

"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." Ephesians 3:20

Taking care of your sin is only the beginning of what Christ wants to do for you! Just say "YES!"

Hillsong Live - You Hold Me Now

This is the song I referred to in my previous post.

Postcards from Heaven

My Mom "left for Heaven" a little over a year ago. I miss her all the time, though most of the time it does not make me too emotional - my faith, the faith she introduced to me, has been a strong foundation during this journey. Lately it seems I have been much more emotional about missing her.

Sunday mornings at our church many of the songs we sing attempt to describe Heaven. I am sure it is actually too marvelous for words, but when I sing of Heaven I always think of Mom and picture her in that place. Last week as I sang those words it felt like such a clear message from above, like a postcard describing a picture of Paradise. I can almost imagine getting that postcard in the mail with a short message..."Can't wait for you to join us! Love, Jesus."

adoption 2

I just finished reading "Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches." Russell Moore, the author, does a beautiful job of explaining how adopting children into your family is a precious picture of our adoption into the family of God, through Jesus Christ. I want to encourage every family, who places their hope in Jesus Christ, to read this, even if you think that adoption is not in your future. While there are countless points that Moore makes, that I would like to discuss, I will simply relay to you a sweet morsel from this book, in hopes that it would soften your heart to consider adoption for your family, and to consider supporting other families who have made the decision to adopt.

"I pray that you will grow in wonder that you were a cosmic orphan, and now you're the beloved son of the Father, an heir of everything you can see and of things so glorious they'd burn your corneas to powder if you looked at them now. I pray also that you will picture that gospel and that you'll join in this mission of representing Christ to the fatherless among us. Maybe there are abandoned children languishing right now in cribs somewhere who will be blowing out birthday candles with their new families this time next year because of your witness, your money, or your encouragement. Maybe they'll be yours. I don't know. Like I say, I don't know you. But maybe your waiting for the sound of footsteps too."

Adopted for Life p. 217

adoption

I'm going to post about this when I'm finished reading it. But for now, I wanted to share it with you so that you can start thinking about reading it :)

The gift of marriage

Today was a beautiful day! God has turned mourning into rejoicing and made two families into one! What really moved me as I witnessed my Dad and Lisa give their vows is that I know they both really understand what it means to commit "for better or worse, in sickness and in health...." My prayer is that as our family grows God will continue to mold us into His image and use our lives for His glory!

Undeserving

Recently I had the opportunity to share some food with someone sitting on the side of the road. I pulled up to a stop light where they were sitting and had a decision to make. I did not notice any sign asking for work, money or food, and they did not even fit the stereotypical appearance of a person in need. But I had a fresh orange sitting in the car next to me and decided it might brighten their day. Doing good for others is not about how much you have to give or even whether they deserve it, but it's about how willing you are to give up what you have. I am always the most grateful when I receive kindness that I know I do not deserve, and the smallest gifts can often have the most meaning, especially when you know they are given sacrificially. The next time you get the opportunity, may you give joyfully - it can change the world.