“…And let us consider who we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:23-25

              This is a scripture we are all probably familiar with.  But in the busyness of life, sometimes encouragement is something we just don’t have time for. 

A few Sundays back, I was supposed to work in the toddler nursery, so I wore my church t-shirt.  After church, I went to the grocery store...I won’t say I was over the top friendly and polite, and maybe I was the way I always act in the store, but I know the thought of representing Jesus was on my radar. Later that afternoon, the convicting thought came.  Did I really need to be wearing a church t-shirt to be so aware of representing Jesus? 

By Cindy Allen

I have a confession to make…I LOVE TO READ…Recently, I reread The Calling of Emily Evans by Oke.  It is about a young girl living in the early 1900s in Canada who feels called to do mission work.  She is sent to a small community to plant a church.  Needless to say, some of the people are not welcoming of her religious ideas…I got to thinking after reading the book about the subtle ways she influenced these people’s lives…She didn’t do anything that we cannot do.  She loved people. 

As I think about the theme of Go and Tell, it kind of makes my chest get tight.  I am more of a “Come, and I Will Tell You” girl. Come to Sunday School, I teach that.  Come to Ladies Bible Study, I can lead a session.  Come to Kids Bible Club, I will be there too.  But Go and Tell…does that really mean me? 

As I have read the other blogs, I sense that this phrase strikes a chord with others too.  But yes, it is for all of us.  As Jackie pointed out, the great commission isn’t just for the pastor, or deacons, or missionaries.  It is for the Christians, and guess what?  I am one of them.

Our youngest son is getting married…in 11 days. He is 27 years old and he has known since the 4th date this was the girl for him. They have gone to marriage counseling. She was raised in church by great parents. On paper, they should have the perfect foundation. But this morning, during my quiet time, momma panic set in.