Friday, January 19, 2007

It's all about "Measure!"


Sometimes, words don't come to my mind.

Well, they come, but just not in a comprehensive way.

And other times, my mind is flooded with questions, doubt, and, well ... you know ... stuff.

So, when I see something like THIS, I need to slow down and analyze it. Carefully. And I did just that, and here's what I came up with:

A. Look at the source -- I trust the source -- It's BooMama. Yeah, she's cool. After all, she's toured my home. Twice.

B. Investigate -- I saw the different bloggers who were supporting this campaign, and I trust them too.

C. Read about it -- I was touched by Kelly's story. The first part. The second part. The melt down. The back to reality part. The thank you. All of it.

D. Analyze your feelings about it -- I found myself in tears as I clicked from one link to another reading her blog. Yeah ... maybe it's all the hormones I'm injecting... WHAT OF IT?!? 'Cause maybe ... just maybe ... it's true sympathy and a desire to help ... not the hormones, people... 'kay? So just back off. Ehem. Sorry about that.

E. What are your values? Well, in this instance, I happen to live by "Measure" and this falls nicely under that.

Measure?

Yes. Measure. As in... "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." Luke 6:38

Measure.

Get it?

Now, I can certainly turn that around. Yes, quite easily, in fact ... you see ... God has already given me a good measure ... pressed down ... shaken together ... and running all over the place, while climbing up on tables, couches, into cabinets and on top of counter tops.

Are you confused? Well, God granted me a miracle by giving me my son. He's precious. He's loving. He's adorable, beautiful, yadi-yadi-yadi. But he is a GOOD MEASURE of what God has done for me, and how can I POSSIBLY not give to someone who is actively trusting God for a miracle in their life?

You see -- God WILL give back. Sometimes, it's materially. Sometimes, it's spiritually. Sometimes it's emotionally (back on THAT subject again?). Regardless of how he chooses to give back to us, we know one thing... HE WILL -- after all -- every good and perfect gift comes from above ... from God.

And, indeed ... I am pitiful when it comes to giving. I can't help myself! I absolutely LOVE to give. I will always be a child at heart in that aspect, because I really enjoy seeing the JOY that comes across someone's face that is receiving a gift from me.

But I don't give with the expectation of receiving something in return. And, I don't just give to be giving. It's important that I be a blessing in someone's life ... in any way ... whether it be financially, physically, spiritually, or emotionally. I wanna be a blessing, because one of these days, honey ... I'm gonna need that blessing back!

So, I looked at BooMama's motive. It was pure, and in line with God. I investigated (and I DO use that word loosely, because I haven't googled her ... yet) Kelly's posts and blog. I was touched deeply by her writings and personal letter to God. My heart goes out to her, a fellow mom, who has two children and a husband that need her to stick around for a really long time. I prayed about it, and since the start of this campaign, I have felt a prick to give.

So I did.

And I encourage you to do the same... small or large. It doesn't matter. Just remember -- read, investigate, pray, give.

Thanks!

8 comments:

Donnetta said...

It truly was something to be a part of that! I am reminded of this verse: Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

He indeed is the great gift giver, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over! I'm just not sure we recognize His gifts sometimes!

Anonymous said...

It was amazing how God moved through willing hearts in that. Did you read on her sight where she actually had a couple offers of donors through that campaign. Miraculous, I say. Praise God!

boomama said...

You know, I am still completely taken aback by the whole thing. I thought we might raise $300. But it has only been after the fact that I've been blown away by the trust people put in Kelli and in me. I mean, really. In this day and time? Unbelievable. It just never occurred to me beforehand that people might raise an eyebrow at my request...I think that if it had, I would have never done it. So praise the Lord that He allowed me to blissfully ignorant and a little naive on that end of things until after the fact. :-)

And yes ma'am - it really is all about measure. And I hope He continues to pour out His measure on Kelli and her family.

Anonymous said...

This is beautifully written. And I love how it is about "measure"....It was amazing to see HIM work.

Anonymous said...

You're right, you should always make sure it's what God has for you and then jump right in!!

Anonymous said...

God blesses giving when we just do what He says. Sometimes it surpasses comprehension...bypasses all mental functions. But when it is God, then it is in His hands.

Anonymous said...

I met Kelli months ago when I first started my blog so I knew she was reaching the point of hopelessness. The thing that moves me more than all the obvious things about this effort on her behalf is that she has hope again.

What a blessing that God moved Boo Mama to do this. I'm still in total awe of what we can accomplish to help a friend when we join together.

Anonymous said...

I cant wait to spend time reading your old posts. Michael and I are believers and we are working on adopting from China. This blog is a real encouagement and you have a great way with words