Coffee Talk

by | Aug 31, 2023 | second try

SECOND TRY  (Day 5 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

After a bit of practice and some thought, how are you doing with serving?

Let’s give some extra thought to our marriages today.

What does your spouse need from you? What makes them feel a little spoiled? 🙂

couple talking over coffee

If you’re not sure, invite your sweetie out for coffee and talk to them about what they want and need.

How best can I help you?
What’s bothering you the most? Can I help with that?
How can I pray for you?

Don’t agree to anything you know you can’t do, but give your spouse a place to talk and brainstorm practical ways to help. Sometimes just being a sounding board can be a lovely gift.

 

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What’s Stopping You?

by | Aug 30, 2023 | road blocks

ROAD BLOCKS  (Day 4 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Habit – About a year ago I had surgery, and I wasn’t supposed to do much for a number of weeks. Bless Paul, he took care of me, but when it was time to start moving again, I was out of practice. I was in the habit of being served. I think that might also be an issue for those who have a position where they oversee others’ work. The habit would be to let others do the serving. You would have to think and choose to be of service to others.

Too Busy – If your work load is too heavy, it’s hard to have the time and energy to serve others. “Sorry, can’t stop now to help, I’m off to finish whatever.”

busy woman

Judgement – I’m not saying we shouldn’t be discerning, but sometimes we can get caught up in whether people deserve our help or not. Honestly, folks do make bad choices from time to time (haven’t we all) and wind up needing help. Can we offer a bit of grace and give them a hand?

Selfishness – I totally get this. Why spend our time and energy on others? (Hmmm. There is that Jesus thing.)

It Makes You Feel Small or Less Important – Serving others does put you in a place of “less than” in our world. It may change how others see you or treat you. It is counter-cultural, but it is foundational in our Kingdom culture. Honestly, I get a kick out of seeing God work through our service. It’s startling to others and tends to make them curious.

Don’t Know Needs – I think it’s always wisdom to ask a question or two. Learn what is really needed and if you have the skills to meet the need.

Self Doubt – Some folks doubt they can be of real help. Most needs can be met by anyone with hands, a mouth, and a few working brain cells. If you’re really not sure about your ability, can you ask someone to teach you how or invite a friend to serve with you?

What’s keeping you from serving others?

 

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Serve With Heart

by | Aug 29, 2023 | first try

FIRST TRY  (Day 3 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Let’s look at our day through the lens of being a servant.

Think practical and ask questions if you don’t know what folks need.

My sweetie and I have been talking about projects we want to get done before snow. He asked me, “Is there anything you need from me?” It was a perfect question because there are a couple of things that I want to do that require a bit of male strength to get done.

heavy gardening chores

Some of what people might want from you is less tangible, like they might need you to listen to them while they wrestle through a tough choice, or they might just need for you to come with them when they face something difficult. They might need a hug or some quiet space for an hour (not doing something can be serving as well).

Take the day and look for opportunities to serve your spouse and others. Also keep an eye on your heart. How does serving others impact you?

 

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Your Serve

by | Aug 28, 2023 | self-examination

SELF-EXAMINATION  (Day 2 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Looking over your lifetime, where have you served others?

Now, I’m not talking about tucking your head and doing as you’re told. I’m talking about loving on folks by doing good for them.

glass of water

It can be as simple as getting someone a glass of water (Mark 9:41) or more difficult service like helping the homeless.

How do you feel about the concept of service to others? Is there joy in the giving or some trepidation?

 

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Be a Servant

by | Aug 27, 2023 | concept

CONCEPT  (Day 1 of 7)

We’ve been given this amazing freedom in Christ, but freedom to do what?

For you were called to freedom, brothers, Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  Ephesians 5:13  ESV

Let’s spend the day taking with God about servanthood. He was like the best servant ever, and He should know (Mark 10:45).  🙂

Jesus washing feet of a man in jeans

What does being a servant look like? What heart attitudes are needed to be a good servant? Have you known people who, by nature, are gracious servants? 

 

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Applying It Everywhere

by | Aug 26, 2023 | conclusions

CONCLUSIONS  (Day 7 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Interesting week for me.

I didn’t realize there were so many areas where I didn’t have the steward mentality.

I have focused on being a steward in marriage for so long, I was feeling all steward-y. Come to find out, I hadn’t worked that attitude into other areas as well as I thought I had.

surprised wife

So I’ll be puttering around with this one for a while yet. I’m trying to get into the habit of talking to God about everything first and reminding myself that I am responsible to Him for all I do.

 

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