Connect: Woman Blessing

Beware:  I'm deep, so just kind of roll with it. . . .  Last Sunday, Tami, a woman blessing, posted to RUBY, Thoughts from Tami, about her experience being at church, specifically the 9:00 service which I attend.  I couldn't keep the smile off of my face as I read her post because it brought such wonderful memories to my own mind.  Having been AWOL from church for the last month due to an incredibly persistent bug wreaking havoc on my family's digestive system, I was overjoyed to relive the 9:00 service through Tami's writing.  So, here is where I dive deep . . .
This morning, a new bug has now decided to take shelter in my daughters' respiratory systems.  The humanity!  Yet, I really yearned to be in worship today, but didn't want to risk spreading the illness love with other kiddos.  The hub without hesitation said, "Go!  We'll be fine," so I went, and I am so thankful I did.
Searching for a spot to sit as I entered the Family Life Center, I could see the back of a woman's head with a few empty seats between her and a man.  Score!  A potential spot had been located.  When I approached the woman to ask if she was saving seats and might I sit next to her, I saw the woman in question was none other than the woman blessing who had inspired me to attend service despite my ailing family members.  Kismet, Baby!  I was thrilled to sit next her, squeeze on her, and let her know how much her blog post had effected me.

"Cheek to cheek" we sat and prayed and stood and sang.  The joy emanating from her being was contagious, and I think I allowed the volume of my off-key voice to increase (apologies to the woman blessing and man seated next to me).  A prayer of thanksgiving for not only this woman blessing connection, but for all women blessing connections.

Courtney Winkler

Thoughts from Tami

I actually was able to attend the 9:00 service today. I was so excited. I have missed it so much. I have been teaching the 2s and 3s Sunday school class at 9:00, so I have not been able to attend that service. I love that service! With all the new journey groups starting at 10:30, I am now teaching at 10:30. Even though it saddens me because I will miss those kids, I am looking forward to attending the 9:00 service every week. Plus, I get to meet some new kids.

Today's bible verse was Matthew 6:25-34

So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food or clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.

And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about those things? 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.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

This passage was so perfect for me today. I have been worrying a lot lately. Even though I love this passage and I know how true it is, the human part of me still allows me to worry. I worry about finances, my kids, my health, my business, my families health, our country...I could go on and on. In fact, if you would like me to worry about something for you, just let me know, and I will :)

God is so awesome! He has always taken care of my needs, and He always will. So why do I worry? I do know that I worry much more when I drift away from Him and I am not making "The Kingdom of God" my primary purpose. When I do make it my purpose, everything else has a way of falling into place. There are still struggles and always will be struggles. It is how we handle those struggles and worries that make all the difference in our lives.

Thank you Lord for once again reminding me that you are in control and that you will take care of all our needs. I love you!

 Tami Roderick