Small Acts of Kindness: Reflections of God’s Love

By Maria I. Morgan

It wasn’t what I wanted to hear. An unusual shape on an x-ray prompted me to head to my gynecologist. Sure enough, following an ultrasound, it was confirmed: I had two large fibroid tumors – one directly behind the other. Because of the size of the fibroids, laparoscopic surgery was out of the question. I was scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy.

The information from my doctor and every other article I read listed the recovery time as eight weeks. I was definitely not looking forward to so much down time. My surgery was scheduled for a Wednesday with an expected release date of Friday. Although my husband would be with me through the surgery and the weekend, he had an important conference he had to attend the following week. I wasn’t sure how I would manage to take care of our pets or myself so soon after major surgery.

Riley to the rescue. Although our daughter, Riley, and her husband live 4 hours away from us, as soon as she found out about the operation, she offered to come and help. Because she had limited time off, I knew it was a sacrifice for her. This was just the beginning of several small acts of kindness that were big reflections of God’s love.

Surgery went really well and I was taken to my room by mid-afternoon. That’s when the adorable bouquet arrived: Doggy Houser, M. D. – beautiful white carnations in the shape of a puppy complete with stethoscope and doctor’s bag. And the miniature floral version looked just like our grand-dog, Ollie.

Another act of kindness from our daughter and son-in-law.

Over the days and weeks that followed, the acts of kindness continued like ripples on water. One of our neighbors took care of our pets while I was in the hospital. My husband and daughter cleaned the house for me and ran to the grocery store countless times to make sure I had everything I needed. Some sweet friends from church made meals ensuring we wouldn’t go hungry. And one friend sent cards of encouragement every week – for eight weeks. Just to let me know she was thinking about and praying for me. Wow!

Such a great reminder of what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s fitting to echo the words of the apostle Paul, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Philippians 1:3, KJV)

Each act of kindness – such a beautiful reflection of God’s love.

Click to tweet: Acts of kindness after surgery. A beautiful reflection of God’s love. #smallactsofkindness #compassion

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Maria I. Morgan is an inspirational writer and speaker. She is the award-winning author of Louie’s BIG day! Regardless of the age of her audience, her goal is the same: to share God’s truths and make an eternal difference.

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*The 3rd book in the Louie the Lawnmower series, “Louie to the Rescue – The Big Dig,” will be releasing on Amazon soon!

Louie and the gang are fired up about the neighborhood yard competition. But when a sarcastic shovel arrives on the scene, hurtful words cause big problems. Will the newcomer succeed in intimidating Louie and his friends? Or will her plan backfire? Join Louie and the others and discover whose words win.

Enter to win: leave a comment below listing a character quality you’d like to see featured in a future Louie book, along with your email address, and you’ll be entered in a random drawing to receive a copy of “Louie to the Rescue – The Big Dig.” (Open to U.S. residents only. Contest will run through Monday, November 6th. Winner will be contacted via email.)

Other books in the Louie the Lawnmower series:

Louie’s BIG day!

Louie & the Leaf Pile

Outrageously Fruitful: A Free Online Bible Study

By Maria I. Morgan

Are you a project person? Projects can be intimidating; especially ones that take five years. If I had known at the onset of writing, Outrageously Fruitful, a fruit of the Spirit Bible study, it wouldn’t be complete for 1825 days, I highly doubt I would have begun.

I prefer the bite-size writing projects that can be turned around quickly – the 500 word articles, blog posts, and short children’s books.  That’s my comfort zone. But crafting entries for a 10-week Bible study drew me beyond what was comfortable to what was necessary. Isn’t that just like our God?

A fruitful life

The more time I spent reading God’s Word and studying each characteristic of this spiritual fruit, the more I realized I couldn’t produce it. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance – an impressive list. Qualities that can only be reflected in my life as I yield to the Heavenly Father’s will.

Each lesson was intensely personal as I realized my need for the Holy Spirit’s help to live a fruitful life. Living the Christian life requires complete dependence on God.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, put it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV).

The big picture

Solomon wrote about his need to consult God for direction in every situation. I need to take a lesson from Solomon. The life I’ve been given is about something far bigger than me – it’s about making much of Christ and pointing others to Him. In short, it’s all about Him, it’s not about me.

It was tough coming face to face with the pride in my life. I saw it in my desire for control. Even after completing the study, another scenario reminded me that the Christian life is a journey.

A misunderstanding

I had set my phone on silent. I missed my husband’s calls and the multiple texts he sent. As I cruised south on the highway I noticed a car that looked like ours parked on the side of the road. The longer I stared, the more familiar it looked. Yes, it was ours.

Slowing down, I put my blinker on and navigated to the shoulder. I pulled out my phone and noticed the missed messages. My husband’s car had run out of gas.

Maybe I’d misunderstood, but I thought he said he was going to fuel up before our lunch meeting. He wasn’t happy when I picked him up. He wondered why I hadn’t turned my phone on following the church service.

Harsh words

I got defensive and my words lashed out.

The ironic part? We were on our way to meet our pastor and his wife to discuss my book, Outrageously Fruitful –the fruit of the Spirit Bible study. Something I clearly wasn’t demonstrating.

A reminder

I can laugh at the scenario now, and it’s a fantastic reminder that I need to yield to God’s will instead of demanding my rights, in order to live a fruitful life – one that honors Him.

The apostle John put it perfectly: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5; KJV)

The Lord used a five-year project to help me remember an important truth; I need to stay connected to Christ, knowing His Spirit will produce a harvest of eternal fruit.

Are you yielded to the Lord so the Holy Spirit can produce His fruit in your life? What step will you take today to stay connected to Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are. Life is about You. Help me yield to You so Your Spirit can produce the right fruit in my life. Let it draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You’re invited

If you’re like me, you want your life to count. Are you ready to take an honest look at your current behavior and re-focus on the Lord, so you can be outrageously fruitful for Him?

If your answer to the question above was ‘Yes!’, I’d love for you to join me each week as I teach through my Bible study, Outrageously Fruitful, on Facebook Live beginning Wednesday, September 7th at 12:00 noon (EST).

For all the details and to register click here!

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Maria I. Morgan is an inspirational writer and speaker. She is the award-winning author of Louie’s BIG day! Regardless of the age of her audience, her goal is the same: to share God’s truth and make an eternal difference. Join her every week to navigate life’s journey together. http://www.mariaimorgan.com

 

“Fruitful” Acts of Kindness

By Maria I. Morgan One day – a 24-hour period of time. We’re all given the same number of minutes each day. For the most part, we determine how to use them. It’s been said that we make time for what’s important to us. So what’s important to you?

As you think back over the past week, how did you spend your time? Is there time you wished you had used differently?

Sometimes I’m selfish . . .

I’m a writer which means I spend a lot of time at home in front of my computer. If I’m not careful, I can get so absorbed in my writing projects that I avoid phone calls and don’t schedule time with friends. I get selfish with my time.

Over a year ago the Lord challenged me to step out of my comfortable writer’s zone and develop meaningful relationships with others:

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10

Being intentional

While I know God created me to live in relationship with others, I have to be intentional with my time to do just that. And boy has God blessed. As an older woman, I’ve had the opportunity to pour into the lives of younger ladies – to see them grow in their faith and walk with them through life’s ups and downs. The Lord has also developed friendships with other women who have been able to challenge and encourage me.

The battle between living for self and living selflessly is very real. If I’m not careful, I can be so focused on my agenda that I miss God’s still, small voice. The good news? When I submit to God and seek His will, He makes my path clear. He wants me to live a life that showcases Him. The Bible puts it this way:

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

A fruitful life

If you’re anything like me, you want to live a life that’s fruitful. A life that shares the gospel of Jesus Christ.  A life that is rich in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Do you recognize these characteristics? They are the fruit of the Spirit.

The key to producing “much fruit” is abiding in Christ. He wants us to be fruitful.

Your turn

Are you living for self or living a selfless life? What step will you take today to live selflessly?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me of the importance of living a selfless life. Forgive me for my selfishness. Help me submit to Your will and to walk in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Make my life fruitful for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

*I’ve written a book, Outrageously Fruitful, that addresses this very issue. It’s a 10-week Bible study made up of a series of brief daily lessons that encourage you to take an honest look at your current behavior. It’s my desire that the Lord will use this study as a tool to reignite your faith and put it into action.

 

Would you like to win a copy of Maria’s book? Just leave a comment to be entered to win. 🙂

 

 

Maria I. Morgan is an inspirational writer and speaker. She is the award-winning author
of Louie’s BIG day! Regardless of the age of her audience, her goal is the same: to share God’s truth and make an eternal difference. She lives in the muggy South with her husband, two retrievers, and two Maine coon kitties ~ the perfect mix to fuel her creativity for years to come!

Louie & the Leaf Pile by Maria I. Morgan

Louie the Lawnmower and his friends are back! Louie wants to be a hero and comes up with a plan to tackle a mountain of autumn leaves. Will he succeed or will he forget an important component? Join Louie and the gang in their all-new adventure: Louie & the Leaf Pile.

Please welcome the author of the Louie the Lawnmower books, Maria I. Morgan.

Hi, Maria! Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I guess you could say I grew up with a love for reading. My Mom read all kinds of books to my brother and me when we were young. Some of our all-time favorites were by Dr. Seuss – Green Eggs & Ham, and Sneetches on Beaches.

Although my formal education is in corporate wellness and nutrition, my real love is writing. Whether devotional material or children’s books, my hope is to share God’s truths and make an eternal difference.

A fun fact about me: even though my background is in nutrition, I have the world’s biggest sweet tooth!

You began as an inspirational writer for adults, how did you transition into writing for children?

It was really a God-thing. I had submitted a manuscript for a Bible study to a publisher. While I was waiting to hear from them, I went back through some pieces I had written previously and came across Louie’s BIG day!

And that was the beginning of the Louie the Lawnmower series.

Give us a brief overview of Louie & the Leaf Pile:

Louie the Lawnmower and his friends are back! Leaves are beginning to fall and Louie wants to be a hero. He comes up with a plan to tackle a mountain of autumn leaves. Will he succeed or will he forget a very important component? Join Louie and the gang in their all-new adventure!

 What do you hope your readers glean from Louie & the Leaf Pile?

It’s so important to teach godly truths to our children. The Bible puts it this way:

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6:7

I wrote Louie & the Leaf Pile to help parents/grandparents convey these concepts through a fun storyline. The book concludes with questions to stimulate conversation and help them re-emphasize biblical truths.

Where can we get a copy of your book?

Louie & the Leaf Pile is available in both print and Kindle versions. You can pick up a copy from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Louie-Leaf-Pile-Maria-Morgan/dp/1515349942/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442270413&sr=8-1&keywords=louie+%26+the+leaf+pile

And don’t forget that Louie has a website where you can sign up for a FREE audio book (Louie’s BIG day!):  www.mariaimorgan.wix.com/louie-the-lawnmower

Maria I. Morgan is an inspirational writer and speaker. She is the award-winning author of Louie’s BIG day! Regardless of the age of her audience, her goal is the same: to share God’s truth and make an eternal difference. She lives in the muggy South with her husband, two retrievers, and two Maine coon kitties ~ the perfect mix to fuel her creativity for years to come!