SunMar22008
Good morning everyone,
Earlier this week I was honored to be asked to be a part of the Youth Sunday service, it was “no problem”......or so I thought! Writing a testimonial around Mark’s theme suddenly made me worry. My mum reminded me that everyone here is family, supportive, loving, giving, family, I was to ‘let go’ and ‘let God’ ........one of her favorite sayings.
So I let go.....I relaxed and let the lyrics of the Tree63 song wash over me. I love music so it wasn’t difficult, they are a great South African band.
Look what You've done for me
Your blood has set me free
Jesus my Lord look what You've done for me
I haven't been the same
Ever since that day I called Your name
Yahweh
Yahweh Look What You've done for me
What can I do for You my Lord?
I want You to know my heart is Yours
It's not a question of what You can do for me
But what can I do for You my Lord?
Up to Your cross I crawled
Now I am standing teen feet tall
Jesus my saviour look what You've done for me
Free at last I'm free
I owe You my life completely
Yahweh
Yahweh look what You've done for me
(South African Band, named after the many trees in the bible and psalm 63)
For me the song reminds me of times past where I have had the opportunity through Federated to GIVE, countless fun hours with IHN families during their stay with us at the Family Life Center and afterwards helping them move into their own homes. Delivering Christmas to them. Helping others through the Soup Kitchen at St. Paul’s. Raising awareness by taking part in the Suicide Prevention Walk. Colorado Car Washes and Soup Suppers. Birthday donations to Habitat for Humanity, Rescue Village, Heifer.
Of course, Luke 6:38 tells us ‘Give and you shall receive’ (and St. Francis ‘For it is in giving that we receive’ ). Jesus said give first and then you shall receive. It’s true. Not only do you receive the satisfaction of giving, of yourself and your time, you receive smiles and hugs, giving feels good, it’s fun to do and I always end up with a ‘happy heart’.....another of my mum’s sayings.
I have only just begun to give, I haven’t given much but I aim to live a life thinking of others and being thankful. One of the things I am thankful for is that other people are such good GIVERS and that my family and I have been on the receiving end of that giving. Some of you know that my dad is fighting the fight of his life. But we do not feel alone. We are on the receiving end of your endless prayers, thoughts and kindness, even meals, we take strength and courage and hope from them all. They make such a difference.
So, from my very small giving I received a whole lot, a lot more than I gave. You might say we received a miracle, that the prayer energy given by so many in our direction is the reason why my dad is here today, and he is, sat up in the balcony. So thanks Mark, thanks Federated, and thank you God, for the opportunity to give, as the song says ‘Look what you’ve done for me.......what can I do for you my Lord?’