Fruit of Spirit:Kindness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

-Galatians 5:22

Meet my friends: Cassidy, London, and Finn. These 3 have brought so much joy into my life over the past 5+ months. In the recent months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Cassidy and her precious children better. As I was sitting today and spending time with Jesus, I started to overflow with thankfulness at their kindness. They each have openly welcomed me into their lives and their hearts. They have shared their home and place of refuge. In essence, they have displayed kindness. Jesus speaks so profoundly through each of them and his amazing Spirit is evident in their lives.

Cassidy, as a single mother, amazes me. Her heart is for her children. Her heart is to see them rise up into worshipers and lovers of Jesus. She prays over them and displays the mother heart of Jesus as never before! My hat goes off to her and I applaud her for partnering with Jesus in her ministry as a mom. Last night, she blessed me immensely. She handed me a gift certificate to get a free massage! I was floored because little did she know--I was just talking to my mom about how I was going to have to decide between getting my hair done or getting a massage for my birthday gift. So, to say that this gift was a display of the Father's love is an understatement! Not only did he give me my hair appointment, but he blessed me with a "double portion"--a massage as well. Cassidy once again displayed the love of Jesus.

So--I cheer her on today. Not because of the blessings poured on my life, but how she pours out her love to Jesus. It is displayed through the love for her children and those around her. If you know a single parent, display kindness. Be a suppor to them and their children. Love as Jesus loves. The paradox is that you will find yourself doubly blessed! 

All for Jesus--the kindest person I've ever met!

A person and a place of Rest.

All the stages of my life were spread out before you. The days of my life were all prepared before I’d even lived one day.  -Psalm 139:14b

This week, in honor of Mother's Day, I'm going to introduce you to one of my most favorite people in the world: my mother. I'm also going to introduce you to my favorite place in the world: Woodfork--a cabin in the Georgia mountains that I've been visiting since I was a child. This quaint and overwhelmingly simple and "hidden" house in the mountains, has been in my family for over 3 generations. It's a place where thousands of memories have been made. Both my mother and this precious cabin have something very important in common: They both bring peace and safety to all who encounter them. There is an immediate awareness of the Holy Spirit.

Now, I believe that there are many children who love their mothers and are abundantly blessed, but I truly believe that I have one of the most amazing treasures in my mother. From the beginning, she revealed to me the love of Jesus in a practical and tangible way. She taught me about the power of prayer through her daily example--even before I was born. So, today and this week, I give you Marian Foster--a woman in love with Jesus Christ who is actively pouring out love wherever she goes. She is a woman of faith--believing in the things of God and those that are unseen to man, but seen to God. She is one of my heros of the faith and I honor her.

It only seems right that I also share with you my favorite place: Woodfork. For you see, it is also one of my mother's favorite places as well. Though small and humble in structure, it is a house built on love. Upon arriving to this place tucked in the fork of the woods of northern Georgia, my heart is immediately at peace. I have had many prayer retreats and respites at this place that's very dear to my heart.

So, my hats go off to these 2: Mama and Woodfork. Go and encourage those people who are a blessing to you. It will mean more to them than you know--promise!