Because we didn't have groups this past week, Ashley and I decided that we were going to support the staff. We decided that we would take our time off to encourage the staff that was here. Each night, we got them a cheesy little gift, and a note with a Bible verse to encourage them.
I promise I'm not saying this to brag. I'm saying it to boast about Ashley. One night, we decided to buy candy for everyone. We then made cheesy puns out of the candy that could be connected to a Bible Verse. An example? We got a Hershey's Chocolate Bar for Brenda and encouraged her in 'setting the bar' for her group.
The picture on the left is a picture of the encouragement that Ashley surprised me with. It's a bag of Hershey's kisses. Here's the note that she attached to it:
"So, I promised you that I would find you a verse to go with the candy that you 'allowed' me to buy for you...
'Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. KISS the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.' Psalm 2:11-12
'Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace KISS each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps' Pslam 85:9-13.
'An honest answer is like a KISS on the lips' Proverbs 24:26
'Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies KISSES' Proverbs 27:6
'Greet one another with a holy KISS' 2 Corinthians 13:12
You should be very thankful that I skipped over Song of Songs :)
But really...this is the verse I was thinking of when I bought the kisses this evening...
'For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the meaure of all the fullness of God" Ephesians 3:14-19
I know that the verse doesn't actually use the word KISS but since a KISS is an expression of love and this passage is Paul's prayer for the Ephesians and it's all about God's incredible love for us, I figured it fits :)
Also, this is my reminder to you that not only does Jesus love you beyond your wildest imagination, but I love you too - although I will only give you candy kisses
Ashley"
The reason I shared this note is because it was such a blessing to me. Ashley took the time to write me an encouraging note to remind me that I am loved. And I appreciated it more than I can express. I am so thankful for her willingness to encourage me and help strengthen me in my faith. She allowed God to use her to remind me that I am loved by my God. My hope is that anyone else who can read what she shared with me, can also be reminded that they are loved :) I also couldn't help but brag about what a great friend I have found, who I am lucky enough to work with as well :)
