#4

"Watch out! Don't do you good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1

I always have struggled with really comprehending what this verse means, it seems so hypocritical. As a Christian, we are called to do good things.  As Christians, we are called to serve others, but we can't do them publicly??  I always thought that was a weird way to put it.  But, I think, I remember hearing about the Pharisees, and they were praying in public just to show off their faith, that is what God doesn't want us to do.  I think it is just another way God is calling us to be humble.

God wants us to do the right thing because it is the right thing, not because we are going to get something back in return.  I read a Rob Bell book a few years ago, or was it Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller... hmmm i don't remember right now. But, what I remember one of the things I took away from the book was to make sure we are NOT using love as currency.  I will do this for you because I love you, but I do expect you to do this back...someday... Well, that is just not how people work.  Some people are takers and some people are givers.  I know that when some people in my life ask me to help them in some way, I help them because its what I do.  I know that they are not the people that I will ask when I need help, why not you ask.... Well, because I have learned that they do not want to help.  Was this an easy pill for me to swallow?? NO!!!!  Does it still suck sometimes to be the one that is always giving and never receiving... YES!  But,  all Jesus has ever done for us is give and give and give, and all he wants back is for us to love him!!!!  So, this is one of my goals, to give and love and not expect anything in return.  Now please recognize that this is not something that is super easy for me....  I struggle with this all the time.  And, I do not just say YES to anyone who asks me to do something. I think boundaries are a good thing.  But, if I am able to help.  Yes, I will. So, I think this passage is saying do good things because it is the good thing to do, not because you are going to be praised or because its going to help you in to heaven.

Thankful/Blessing List
1. Mom- WOW
2. Hannah and Trey
3. Nate
4. Janna
5. Erin
6. Craig
7. Pinterest teaching ideas
8. Cold Water
9. Kleenex
10. Fans
11. Morgan
12. Long Talks
13. Good Advice

Lord, I just praise and thank you for today and everyday that we get to live in your great creation. Lord, I just pray thanksgiving over all the people and things on my blessings  list.  I pray for rest and healing with this cold. I pray that I am able to be a doer of good deeds humbly and they way you designed us to do it. I pray that I would have an honest and open heart about your plan for my life.  What Nate and I should be doing.  I pray that Nate would have confidence in his studying and the plan you have for him.  I pray that Dean and Sheri would have a blast in Colorado. I pray for healing in Sheri, Wanda, My mom and Willa. I pray that these friends and family would not suffer but you would heal and give the rest and comfort. Please be with G& G Erickson. Just be with me everyday, so that people will be able to see your light in me.
-MCWE

Because Pictures are fun. Here are some pictures of a few of the blessings in my life.