At the beginning of the year I thought about what I wanted my 2013 goals to be. One of them was to be more intentional in blessing others. In fact, on my little green index card I simply wrote ‘intentional blessings’. I also wanted to listen more to God. I so struggle with knowing if it’s Him half the time or even just obedience in general. When He put something on my heart I wanted to follow through…especially when it came to something He was spurring my heart to do for someone else.
This hangs above Harper’s bed.
We say this to them all the time. These two things are the important ones. The ones when everything else fades away these will be the everlasting ones. We can talk to them about it all day long, but if they don’t see us doing it…us acting it out…us really loving Jesus and others…then I feel like our words are lost.
This year I have tried to do my best to follow through. When Jesus says…’send a gift card’…’write a note’…’encourage that person’…’bake cookies or gooey butter cake or cupcakes’…and yes, I’m pretty sure Jesus loves gooey butter cake…when He puts even a twinge feeling in my heart that I am suppose to act, I’ve tried to do so. I’ve lacked…I haven’t always been obedient…I haven’t always obeyed with a cheerful or pure heart…but I’ve tried…I am trying…and Jesus has showed me grace. I know I’m in major need of His grace and forgiveness. Every.Single.Day.
When Monday rolled around and school started memories came flooding back to the time when I was a kindergarten teacher. I remember the stress, the overwhelmingness, the desire to be my absolute best for those kids, the figuring out of the kids…and parents. I remember how crazy the first week was. And I felt God nudge my heart to encourage and love on our staff with baked goods. You may laugh…and that’s cool…it makes me laugh too, but I’ve been working on acting when Jesus says ‘act’. So I got my bake on in order to encourage our teachers and staff because they so deserve some encouragement on their first week back. Baked goods can change the world.
This morning I dropped off iced sugar cookies (cookie recipe and Royal Icing sort of recipe), Nutter Butter Balls, Gooey Butter Cake and chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. A) I love having an empty refrigerator and B) It was crazy nice to see lots of smiles as Harper and I wagged in all those baked goods. My kids watched and helped me bake this week. They asked where these things were going. They taste tested and approved. And we were given the chance to talk and show them a way to love and bless others.
It wasn’t expensive or extravagant or hard and that’s one of the most beautiful things about blessing and loving others. It doesn’t have to be big or grand…it can be so simple and small. So today I want to encourage you to bless someone. Maybe you’re good at writing cards or you could babysit a single mom’s kids or a couple who needs dinner together or maybe you can bake with the best of them and you know someone who could use a cookie. Maybe you could just shoot someone an email or text and remind them of how precious and valued they are. The list could go on and on.
I bet God has just the right person in mind and you could be used by Him to make a difference in their day.
1 John 4:11-12 (The Message)
“My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!”
Happy Friday.
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One million Amens!!!
I CANNOT get over those amazing apple cookies. I know everyone has different gifts and you probably think this is “no big deal” – but I think they’re amazing and I love that you take time to do this sort of thing. So very cool how God uses our talents. Those are some lucky teachers! 🙂
You are crazy talented in the decorating baked good area:)
Your cookies are works of art – how could anyone bear to eat one?? I’m waaaay older than you – but you are my role model and my hero!!
So “sweet” that you share your talent & love for baking by blessing others and setting an example for your kiddos! And may I just say that I hear a little voice saying…. “Dori would love a cookie!”? Oh wait, it’s just me! 😀
Luckiest teachers ever! Sweetest Momma ever! You’re so great and I learn so much from reading your blog everyday. You, Laura, are a blessing! Thank you for everything you do for others and for sharing that with us so we can be inspired and encouraged to bless others as well!
Okay, I have to agree that your cookies look absolutely amazing! I have no idea how you do that but they are just beautiful. What a great way to bless others!
Oh how I want to make cookies like you! Ü I try so hard to be a blessing to others and to just DO.
One year my “word for the year” was “blessing” and I wanted to be a blessing to others. This song (The Blessing by John Waller) was the theme for me that year. I have learned when I focus on what I can do for others, it makes the difficult times I go thru so much easier.
You so need to open a bakery. Seriously. Mail orders. Do you have cookie-making minions in the basement?
I love when you post about your baking! 🙂 You are so talented in you cookie decorating. If you ever make your way to Michigan, let me know. I want you to teach me your baking and decorating skills!
I love your heart and love those cookies! Beautiful!
I love everything about this… baked good can change the world and a servant’s heart like you have is a blessing! I’m so impressed and challenged by this… showing, not just talking, about loving others the way Jesus loves us! I know those teachers were overjoyed! Amazing! And you are super talented with a cookie! 🙂
Those cookies are amazing!
you have INSANE cookie decorating skills! I have decorating envy… mine come out looking like my 4 year old did them–:)
Although they were very beautiful, I had absolutely no problem eating them 🙂 They were indeed quite delicious!
Laura, you are such an inspiration! I am always inspired by the things you do for others! Thank you for sharing with us all!
LOVE!!!! You are amazing!! My friend Kirsten encouraged me to follow your blog a few months ago and i feel so encouraged every time i read it!! I have a 3rd grader at MCE! I am the hospitality chair person and would love to enlist your help with our our next teacher event! You are way talented girl!!!! (And we had the same amazing kindergarten teacher…she totally rocks!) Hope to meet you soon!!
Without a doubt, you are the most inspiring blogger/person I know. Okay, that I feel like I know! I so look forward to spending Eternity in Heaven with you, Laura. Thank You, for sharing the Love of Jesus through this blog and through those “oh so lovely” cookies! Love, Jo