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In this podcast Richelle Hecker and Pastor Doug Brauner are joined by Natalia Parker who shares her story of foster care and adoption. In the story of her family we see how God’s redemptive love isn’t finished with us yet.
Blog: Honk If You See a Big White Van
Links to volunteer organizations mentioned in the podcast:
Scripture: (Each verse is hyperlinked to Biblegateway.com)
The world focuses on accomplishments—status, wealth, security, happiness. But as Christians that is not what we are here for.
These flamingos are out of place. They are located by the side of the road near a gas station on a highway to Alamosa, CO. It’s not exactly their native habitat. They are out of place, just as we are when we try to live a Christian life in a secular world.
We will never be content striving for what the world pursues. It’s very difficult to always see and live our life the way Christ wants us to. We are pounded daily with the opposite message—to conform to the ways of this world. And with that struggle, our sense of purpose doesn’t last and discontentment creeps in. But be encouraged.
We have an identity and purpose in Him. We must not focus on the world’s pursuits, but on living lives that will lead others to become a flock of out of place flamingos living for Christ in this world.
Text and Picture Copyright Desiree Bustamante
Do you ever notice how a duck swims? They glide erratically over the water, never running into other ducks, looking down. I’ve always wondered if ducks notice their reflection in the water? It seems they are so focused on finding food that their reflection goes unnoticed. Their purpose is feeding themselves and perhaps a family. Maybe their duck companions use another duck’s reflection to identify them.
Whether or not ducks notice their reflection, humans are a species that spend some time looking at their reflections. We can identify ourselves pretty quickly in a mirror. We check ourselves out to see what our outside appearance is reflecting to others. Will others like what they see?
We also reflect what is living in our heart, soul and mind. Is the source of our reflection Christ, or a different mirror image? Are you aware of what you reflect from within? Have you ever been in conversation with someone you don’t know well and, in the midst of it, they ask if you are a Christian? You weren’t even talking about God, but somehow you reflected Him through your attitude, your spirit. And that’s our purpose—to be a reflection of Christ to those who are looking to see life more clearly. So whenever you see a duck’s reflection or look at your own, be mindful of Who you are reflecting to others.
Text and Picture Copyright Desiree Bustamante