Pet of the week, Gracie

Gracie is the pet of the week.  
She is an adoptee from the Lexington Humane Society.
 Before finding

Gracie is beautiful. 

her current home, she had been adopted in two other homes. Gracie has now found her forever home.  

Cat (her owner) shares that Gracie is a bit needy and fearful. She loves to play with any toy … particularly the ones that squeak. Gracie always wants to be near her owners.

Thanks to Cat for sharing the picture and details about her sweet dog. How do I know Cat? Cat and I are members of a Mah Jongg group. 
BTW, Cat is short for Catherine. 

I wonder, is a Lexington Humane Society dog  in our future?

What motivates you?

I found it difficult to get going this morning. I was debating on whether to skip my water aerobics class.  With single digit temperatures, I wanted to stay in my warm bed. Instead, I chose to fight the temptation and go to class.

Getting dressed and driving to the Y was half the battle.  Once class was finished, I was glad I forced myself to go. Discipline is challenge for me.

This afternoon, I was communicating with friends about motivation and discipline. I think we all agreed, often the good feeling comes after we had accomplished the task.  It is the action of getting there that is often the most challenging.

John Henry Newman said this,  “Virtue is its own reward and brings with it the truest and highest pleasure; but if we cultivate it only for pleasure’s sake, we are selfish and not religious, and will never gain the pleasure, because we can never have the virtue. “

What motivates you? Does your motivation to exercise spring from a desire to look good?  Maybe the motivation is to regain your health. Or is your motivation to take care of your body and serve God with excellence? 

Where does the motivation to do good come from? As Christians what motivates us? What is the source of goodness? Simple … it is from God. God is good. That is part of the character of God. We serve a loving God. We want others to have a relationship with God. 

What about other motivations? One short passage from Genesis illustrates one group's motivation. 

Here is this passage:

“Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.” Genesis 11:4  ( New Living Translation)

The short passage  is one example of what motivated a group.  I also thought of Old Testament prophet Jeremiah.  In the midst of extreme difficulty and reproach, Jeremiah chose to obey God.  Interested in discovering more about Jeremiah, I suggest you look at a short portion of scripture found in Jeremiah 20: 8 – 9

Why am I thinking about motivation? My word for 2014 is FOCUS.  I am working to discern my motivation regarding some activities in my life.  I want my motivation to be God focused. 




I know I will have more private reflections about motivations.

Joy

On Sunday morning,  a sweet friend went to heaven.  We meet as the result of Bible Study Fellowship's year long study in the book of Isaiah.  During our study, I looked forward to our weekly  group discussion time.  I was always encouraged at the end of our time together.

She told me,  "Every day I look forward to spending time in God's word." She looked forward with anticipation to what God was going to say to her. She was a beautiful example of living a life free from fear. 

What a Godly model to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

''…though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

1 Peter 1:8

Her faith in Christ as Savior  was inspiring. She is now experiencing the fullness of joy in heaven.

Humility

Serving and teaching refugees is a daily exercise in humility. Each time I hear a refuge story  it

This bracelet was created by a student from the
Democratic Republic of Congo

touches my heart.  When I walk into the classroom, I cannot help but be humble.

Can you imagine living in a refugee camp for months, years and sometimes decades? In spite of each student’s past, they come to class with such positive attitudes. They come willing and prepared to learn.

Outside the English class, some students attend to the Common Thread group. When the group is in session a new skill is presented. After the presentation, students have a chance to practice the skills. Homework ... this bracelet is one homework project.