God loves a cheerful giver

Wow, this morning brought me a moment that I just want to hold dear to my heart for a long time and I am glad I have the opportunity to blog about it. That way, I can reflect upon this day and how I felt.

Typically, mornings are crazy times for me. I get up now and go to the gym at 6:15 (I've lost 35 lbs here in the last two months!) I get home at 7:30 and jump in the shower. Get out of the shower and get the three kids ready for school. Jen's getting ready to work or has left already. It is normally crazy!

This morning was no different. After the kids were fed, I ran downstairs to iron my clothes for the day. While I was ironing my shirt, Alayna walked in and said, "Daddy, I have a quarter here and I am going to put it in my Minnie Mouse bank. I am saving my money to help you and mommy buy the new van." (We are in search of a new van.) My first thought was, "Alayna, you're so sweet. You don't have to do that." I gave her a kiss and said to her, "Alayna, you are so thoughtful." She just smiled and went upstairs and put the quarter in the bank. I got up stairs and she said, "Daddy I have 30 monies (30 cents) in the bank for you!" I could have cried tears of joy and gratitude. Here is our seven year old, striving to help us out the best way she knows how. I thought about how much this means to her; giving unselfishly to this "van fund." I was not going to accept it, but the more I am thinking about it, Alayna wants to give because she loves us. I am going to accept the "30 monies" she has collected and use it for the "van fund." I know Alayna loves to use quarters to buy cross necklaces out of the quarter machine at Giant Eagle. But this quarter is special. She is giving her gift in love. I need to accept this love offering. She gave it fully in love.

Pastor Allan and I have witnessed recently some in the church who desire to share their gifts with the church. When I say "gifts" here, I mean their talents and spiritual gifts. Some of these people have been told by others, "Oh, don't worry, I'll take care of it. You don't have to help now." This has turned away the "cheerful givers." Those who say this don't mean any thing wrong, they are so used to helping, that others are sometimes overlooked when it comes to service. Allan and I are trying to expand the number of the church's "cheerful givers" and include all of those who want to give in love. Just as I almost said to Alayna, "Don't worry Alayna, Daddy doesn't need your money," may we, as the church, be open to accepting the "cheerful giver" as they share their love of Jesus with us and the community of faith.

Thanks Alayna for teaching me a great lesson today. Yes, I will use the "30 monies" of yours with gladness and appreciation! Love, Daddy.

8th Avenue Ministries

I had the opportunity to go to Homestead yesterday afternoon with my family and members of Baldwin Community's Mission Team. We visited 8th Avenue Ministries, a new church start in the heart of Homestead. The new ministry is being led by Keith Kaufold. I told my children going into Homestead that this church is not like the church they are used to attending. I told them this would be like a coffeehouse, a gathering place to eat and talk to others. When my children walked in, they were pleasantly surprised to see spaghetti and meatballs and on top of that, chocolate chip cookies! During our dinner, I sat across a 5th grader who told me every detail about her life! It was great to listen to this girl's life and how she loves Jesus.

Following dinner, we set up the room into a worship center. It was an awesome opportunity to be fed physically and spiritually. The music was moving, the preaching touching and the fellowship of believers engaging. I left this worship filled with a sense of renewal and joy. I ask that you keep Keith and this new ministry on 8th Avenue in your daily prayers. I thank God for Keith and the vision God has laid upon his heart.