Getting Plugged In and Connected

As I attended my various churches in my life, one thing I always emphasized to the leadership of the church was to please find a place for me within the church where I can utilize my gifts and be plugged in. One of my latest churches I attended even has a Connect Space, where church members network, mentor and serve. Having responsibility makes me accountable and keeps bringing me back with enthusiasm. I have a servant's heart -- actually to a fault, as I'm finding out with my latest Bible Study. I actually have been connected in many capacities of church serving even as a preteen and throughout my life and the many stages of living.

Community Service has also been a huge component of my life. I had a mentor who actually tuned me into community service when I was 30 and she got me involved with Soroptimist International on a local level. I was a member for years. I also served in the capacity of President for a couple years and other offices where my skills could be utilized. I loved it. My kids grew up knowing what community service was all about, because quite often they would join me in the events that we sponsored. I belonged to a Women's Chorus where we also served in community service activities. I was a school district United Way Coordinator for 14 plus years and in turn continued to serve United Way in different capacities outside of my employment. My purpose for serving in United Way was because it was my goal to touch the life of a little girl or boy who may have endured the same traumas as I did when I was a little girl.United Way had agencies that provided resources to such children. I also served as the President of PFLAG of a large city in Southwest Riverside for two years. I was able to utilized my empathetic heart and service to parents who were having a hard time finding out that their child was sexually alternative. I also wrote an article that was published by UC Riverside Gay Alliance about my Perfectly Gay Son and described what was my role as his parent. And yes, I attended Gay Pride Parades as a PFLAG Member and President. I volunteered in local government political campaigns and ballot measures. I was a volunteer and cofounder of a city Little League Baseball organization. I'm a generous donor to many organizations who have needed my financial support. I believe that a community that has paid for my salary and retirement pensions, should receive resources from me to assist in worthwhile causes. I have belonged to an Art Association and supported the arts. Most recently, I joined a Community Garden and assist with the maintenance of a garden plot that gives to a local pantry. I have an open hand for giving both of myself and resources needed -- even financially. So you can say I plug myself into my community. I share these roles I've served in, so you can see that there are many capacities and opportunities where you can give of yourself for the betterment of humanity.

I LOVE PEOPLE!! Thus my rewarding career as a Human Resources Manager for a school district. There is only one other connection above the connection of human interaction. But human connection is by far one of the most rewarding you could possibly experience. I've shared some of my previous interactions of people I have had many relationships with and who have mentored me over the years. But today, I have to share a very special connection that I have with my little sister. She is the reason why my blog today is about getting plugged in and connected. You will remember that she bought me a tear jar when I was experiencing great sadness in my personal life. It always seems that when one of us is going through something and we have the need for human interaction that we pick up the phone and call one another.  We also have sent each other surprises just to bring a smile for the day. We get that gut feeling that we need to connect. I had shared that I just started a new bible study. It's about control and letting go. Something near and dear to my heart. But there came that Holy Spirit voice in my head telling me my sister would benefit from this study as well. So before I called my sister, I ordered her the study materials and told her they were on the way. She got excited and said, we could do the study together. Of course, I agreed. Then in turn, she told me that she had also ordered me a book that she had just finished reading that she thought I would enjoy. The topics of both books are similar to one another and are about control and letting go. I told her, "You think God is telling us we have control issues and need to depend more on Him?" OBVIOUSLY!! Today she received my books and I received hers. Now that is no coincidence. She and I haven't always been connected on such a high level when we were younger. There is a 20 year age gap between us. She is the youngest. My parents viewed me as a bad influence on her, but sisterhood prevailed. But because of family situations which transpired almost five years ago, we have a very close and powerful connection to each other now.

So I mentioned above a connection that is the most important connection of all above human connection and I'm sure you know what I'm going to say. It is the connection and relationship I have with God through Jesus Christ as Holy Spirit guides my life. I know I would not have gotten to where I am now without Him by my side guiding each step. I wish I could say that I flawlessly have followed His direction, but that would be dishonest. I too have wanted to do things my way and have suffered disappointment for some of those choices. I wish I could say that I wasn't a backslider, but there have been periods of my life when I was. I actually was afraid that I was lukewarm and getting ready to be spit out. God has a plan for me and I recognize that. I continue to stay in the word and focus on my purpose with serving Him and sharing my testimony in the hope of bringing encouragement to others as His vessel and servant. 

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10, ESV

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV