It Does A Heart Good

"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."  ~ John Holmes

I caught a glimpse of a face, a scene that stirred my heart and captured my attention, in one swift click I was there.  Reading of dear ones reaching out to other dear ones in love and faith.

I became lost in their stories and encouraged in their goodness!  How right it is to use your gifts to help others. It lifts my heart and spirit and encourages me to try harder to live with meaningful purpose.

So if you wish to do some good for your heart today ~ I wholeheartedly suggest you click on the links below to read about the servant leadership found in their words.

I met my dear friend Sally at Hebrews coffee to catch up and share.  While I was basking in the sun on our Florida trip, Sally was basking in sun of smiles of hope from the people she served during a recent mission trip!  She and her husband Tom serve an agency called Project Hope.  The photos that I have scattered around this post is from their very good work with the warm souls of Nicaragua.

If you would like more information on Project Hope, just click on the name and it will take you to their facebook page!

Then there is KC Willis, artist, servant, Hope Maker.

This time last year, I was taking her collage on canvas art class in Colorado.  I remember our talks during and after class about ministry and faith.  She was so inspiring to me in so many ways.  Now her life focus is on reaching out to and offering love and hope to Native Americans living on impoverished reservations.  How inspiring is KC's voice as she writes about the people she has grown to love.  You may find her Trinity and Trailer Park blog here.  Her stories will delight and uplift you! If you click on the blog's name or the word here above, it will take you to one of my most favorite posts written by KC.

The final joy and hope bringers I would like to bring to your attention is a group who is bringing a safe night shelter to homeless women in Springfield.  Last evening I was allowed to sit in the presence of those who give up a good night's rest to host a shelter in partner churches for women to have a safe place to sleep.

Their stories of the women's gratitude and restoration reinforced my heart and soul with hopefulness of how God redeems our time spent doing His work here on earth.

I find that whenever I lose faith in things getting better in my situations, I find healing in the stories of others.

It is my sincere wish that these offerings will not only do your heart good, but will also lift you up and give you joy!

Next time I write, I will give you an update on what has been happening with Ragamuffin Gal, and be sure to check out my studio blog to discover my latest art adventures.

Until my next writing, I leave you with this thought.

"The purpose of life is not to be happy.  It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

How it makes me happy to find my home among all of you!
Love and Blessings
 ~ Katie

Oh, I wanted to share about a new church start ~ The Foundry UMC ! It is a new church starting in SW Springfield.  Mark and I attended the first service last Saturday and will return to worship there again and again! Click the name link above to find out more and come join us at the next Worship Service!