Author Archives: Matthew, Karen, and God

Giving cheerfully

My family and I decided to open our home for Christmas. We invited people who didn’t have family around and who didn’t have a home. We ended up with 4 people total and it was wonderful. We made all the fixings for a traditional meal and started a nice fire. We had a great conversation that lasted about 4 hours. Everyone left with full bellies and the feeling of being loved. Afterwards we made 2 meals for people who couldn’t make it due to physical ailments and had prayer for them. The tears of appreciation tugged at heartstrings and made me feel the love of God flowing through us. Praise God for the gift of love giving us the opportunity to be cheerful givers. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 Remember this: whoever sows  sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:” They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever”.

Happy birthday!

My family and I opened our presents yesterday so we can keep our focus on what really matters this Christmas day. The birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ! Today we are having homeless friends and church members over to our home. We are going to give cheerfully and open hearted to anyone needing Christ and a meal. No one should be without Christ or family during the holidays, or ever for that matter. God bless everyone out there and have a wonderful Christmas. Please remember Jesus in your prayers today. Heavenly Father, thank you so much for all you have done for us. Giving us hope, courage, and filling out hearts with joy. Most of all, thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. Thank you for the blessing that you bestow on us each and every day. In Jesus precious name, AMEN!!!!

Preserve your temple

Pizza, hamburgers, and anything that fits in a tortilla is what I like to eat. Don’t get me wrong I love all veggies and fruits but I don’t tend to have those on hand when I’m out and about. The problem with that is I’m weighing in at 325 and it’s a bad influence on my wife and daughter. Today I woke up with the mind set to change the damage that has been done. The cool thing is that my daughter woke up with the same idea! We had celery with peanut butter and a smoothy made with spinach, apple, banana and milk. It’s easy to justify a quick easy meal but to what cost. Our bodies belong to God and is a vessel for the Holy Spirit. If we are cramming unhealthy things into the temple then it creates a mess and makes us feel physically terrible. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of life. Help us to make healthier decisions today to live a more productive life and to give your Holy Spirit a nice dwelling place. In Jesus precious name, Amen! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Holiday cheer!

As soon as Christmas is over I can’t wait for it to begin again. I love how people change during this time of year. Most people seem more upbeat and cheerful. Why is it that the joy for most only lasts through that season and not the whole year? Why can we not be giving and heartfelt everyday of the year? I challenge you to keep that momentum going for as long as you can, if you need help just hit your knees. God will direct you on how to open your heart further. Please leave a response to this letting us know what you came up with. That way you can encourage us to do more as well! Thank you and may you have a wonderful season with your friends and family.