My eyes travel from table to table, where spring flowers emit a sweet aroma. How is it that I have just been ushered to the head table? How is it that I am the featured speaker at a Christian Woman’s Club luncheon?

Note to Readers: This content can be used in two ways. First, as a small group activity – Marked “Group.” With the text in italics.

However, it can also be read as an individual encouragement. Just skip the italicized “Group” sections.

May it bless you either way, and Happy New Year!

According to his owner, Beacon appears to have a sixth sense and will gravitate to the grieving. He has been trained to sit with widows, small children, or anyone in need of some extra comfort during funeral services. Jamin also takes him on visits to nursing homes, hospitals, and the Ronald McDonald House throughout the Yakima Valley in Washington.

In honor of His birth, please consider the reason for the season. Sharing Christ’s love might be as simple as connecting with someone in need of Hope in your neighborhood.

Thinking of traveling with a friend or family member? Think it through. How to avoid travel nighmares!

Feeling the sting of rejection? Hold on to hope.

Where can we channel our love after loss?

God’s Sense of Humor

Often, after I have read a particular section of scripture, I find a real-life example that solidifies His truth. Last night was a case in point.

I have a wonderful next-door neighbor. We are sisters in Christ, and we look out for each other.

She loves dogs. Her little Jazzy is a hurricane Katrina rescue. He is her joy.

She also dog-sits for people, often in their homes, taking her own fur baby along.

She had just returned from a job in time to have a minor surgical procedure, and I had been texting her to make sure she was doing okay.

Late last night, I heard Jazzy barking. She had undoubtedly let him out to do his business, and he wanted inside out of the cold.

Cheryl was once again home, and the thought was comforting. I had missed her.

I began a text telling her so, but then I realized her little pet had been yapping for quite some time.

Was something wrong?

I raced out my back door and opened the gate into her yard. Jazzy wagged his tail excitedly but kept barking.

“Come on, Jazz,” I said as I petted him on the head, “let’s check on your mom.”

Peering in the window, Cheryl was sitting in her recliner. She was snuggled up in a blanket and had on her headphones, watching television.

You see, Cheryl has a profound hearing loss. She uses special headphones to hear her tv, so she doesn’t have to blast the sound to disturb me. We live in a tri-plex and have an adjoining wall.

Relieved she appeared okay, I began knocking, then beating on the glass.

She was oblivious.

I danced around in front of the sliding glass door, but the porch light wasn’t on, and her eyes remained fixed on whatever show she was watching.

Jazzy was not happy.

I came home and tried to phone her, but my iPhone is not displaying her number, and I don’t know it by heart.

I sigh. My phone has been having issues. I will need to call Apple support in the morning.

Meanwhile, I know my friend has a special doorbell that she installed to be able to hear when someone is at the door.

I ring the bell repeatedly, then take my hand and shake the huge metal windchimes that hang in her walkway.

Nothing. The headphones are probably muffling the sound.

After uttering a silent prayer, I know what to do next. I get my giant flashlight and return to her patio door. I shine it on her and wave it all over the room. Now, I have her attention.

She shook her head as her eyes widened in disbelief. She is still a bit groggy but makes her way to open the sliding glass door.

“What are you doing?” she asked, then added, “Did I leave Jazzy outside?”

She scoops up her pup, who immediately snuggles into her chest.

We catch up on a week’s worth of news while Jazzy occasionally comes over to me for a pat on the head. I am sure he is thanking me for his rescue from the cold.

So, what does this have to do with God’s word?

In 1 Corinthians 12. the Bible talks about Christians having many gifts, but all being part of the same Spirit. The gifts he gives us are for the common good of the body of believers.

These include healing, prophecy, and wisdom.

The point is made even more apparent by comparing these abilities to parts of a physical body.

1 Corinthians 12:17-20 (ERV) says, “If the whole body were an eye, it would not be able to hear. If the whole body were an ear, it would not be able to smell anything. If each part of the body were the same part, there would be no body. But as it is, God put the parts in the body as he wanted them. He made a place for each one. So, there are many parts, but only one body.

My dear neighbor may have problems hearing, but I can be her ears.

Each part of the body serves a purpose for God. None is more important than another. We are to work together for His common good.

Thank you, God, for my ears. I can use them for Your perfect purpose.

Must we really go through “fires in life God?

I’m not so sure about this…

I disagree!

Sometimes we need to look back to move forward

Who said you weren’t worthy?

Backwoods Barb has been there.

Join me on a journey to find your true identity.

Might trees have life lessons for us as well?