Jwaye Nwèl--Joyeux Noël--Merry Christmas

First of all, I apologize for the minimal posting…

Lately, I’ve been at a loss for words in which to write. This past November marked a year of living at GLA. I look back and can’t believe how fast it’s gone by. Learning to take each day as it comes and on some days each minute as it comes. We have sent so many children home in the last few months, which is an absolute answer to prayers and God deserves all the glory and praise for allowing these children to be placed with forever families. 

All the children and their stories affect me more than I could have ever imagined. The pain and suffering their eyes have seen and their little bodies have endured is incomprehensible unless you’ve been there yourself.  These stories I have a hard time sharing because they are not my own. We have many babies and children who come in for short-term assistance. Mostly premature and/or malnourished. The stories of these children forever ingrained into my memory. There are also those children who we haven’t been able to help, who were far beyond the care we could provide for them, some who have passed away too young. All playing like a movie though my head, what could have been done differently and that dreaded thought, if I was in the States I could have… but I am not, and we do the best we can with what we have available to us.

My joy though, is found in seeing God transform, heal, and love all of these children. I thank God for giving me the privilege and the strength to help care for the children that cross my path. Life here is not what most people would call “normal”. I feel as if I’m in a make-shift family, full of different backgrounds, personalities, strengths, and weaknesses but we all have one specific thing in common… God has given us a heart for Haiti and for caring for the children of Haiti. 

So, this Christmas I will miss my family in the States more than I ever thought I could… I never thought I’d be the absent aunt on the holidays. I’m here though and am so thankful for those I have here in Haiti and am excited to work with them to help make Christmas special for all the children at GLA. 

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. God has provided me with more than I could have ever thought possible. Jwaye Nwèl-~-Joyeux Noël-~-Merry Christmas

...to be continued...

-B

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  

 Luke 2:13-14 KJV

Check out from Surviving to Thriving

So lately I've been posting to GLA's blog site and have been lacking on posts here. I wanted to give you all a chance to head over to GLA's blog site and read a few of these amazing stories. As of right now there are three stories up. Surviving to Thriving is my theme for the next little while...

http://godslittlestangelsinhaiti.org/notesfromthenursery/

Thank you all for continued love and support! I will be posting a personal blog in the next week or so.

-Britany

Some new posts!

If you haven't already, you can check out some of my most recent blog posts on the GLA's page!

http://godslittlestangelsinhaiti.org/notesfromthenursery/

-"It's been a while"
-"From Surviving to Thriving- Story #1"

-B

Battles of the heart.

   Sometimes I look around me and am amazed that God chose me to live in such a beautiful country with beautiful people. Today was one of those days. I know that there have been moments in my 10 months here that I've taken for granted... Living day in and day out, trying to take each day, each surprise, each new child,  joy, life, death, illness, etc as it comes. During those times, sometimes missing or forgetting what brought me here in the first place. Yes, to do a job and to do it as well as I can but because God called me here. For some reason God chose me to here at God's Littlest Angels in Haiti.

   Satan is constantly attacking. Attacking our bodies and our thoughts. Why me? How did I get this chance? I'm sure there are others that could do better? Can I handle this? What if I fail? What if I disappoint? What if... Battles of the mind... Battles of self... Battles of the heart...

   God chose each of each us. We all have a purpose... Walls have been broken, wounds have been healed. I have changed so much since being here and I'm excited to see what else God has in store. 

   Anything can happen at any moment. I've been learning that more and more. It can be quite scary and unnerving... We live in a world of schedules and 5 year plans. How can we plan five years ahead when we don't even know what's going to happen in the next 5 minutes. God already knows what your 5 year plan entails... Now, to just trust Him and be proactive in your relationship with Him, knowing He's got it covered, He's your life and health insurance policy. God's not just in your 5 year plan but  He IS your life plan and your life planner. That's the challenge, right? Living each day, following His plan for your life and not your own. Trying not to question it?

   I know that is a battle of my heart. My life is not my own and I need to remember that God's plan for my life is way better than my own plan. I'm so thankful to being surrounded by a great support system both here in Haiti and in the States. I have been humbled by the love and support I have been surrounded by, especially in the last few weeks. Learning to let people in, let them help you, let them care for you... Now, those are some humbling lessons.

...to be continued...

-B

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. 

Ephesians 1:11-13 MSG

My God is Stronger.

Apologies for the lack in posting, a few days after returning from the states my computer decided to have some major malfunctions... So here I am writing on my new computer.

So, the States... Definitely a great time, got to see most of my family and friends. I have to say being in the States was crazy challenging for me though, I wrote about some of my concerns in my previous post and I know that they were valid. I truly have changed since moving to Haiti last November; in more ways than I even know. God continues to work in me, in my relationships with others, my listening skills, my patience... especially my patience, for myself and for others. I found myself lacking patience in a place where everything is at my fingertips. I think I was more frustrated with myself and the events occurring around me to even know what to do. Day after day, I felt as if bad luck was following me. I know though it's just Satan, trying to whittle his way into my life, in every way he could think possible. I continually had to tell Satan to get out of my life. When dealing with spiritual warfare, that's the one thing I know to do best, tell Satan to get out and let him know he has no place in my life! He fights and fights, knowing exactly how to push my buttons and how to try to break me, even back here at GLA, he continues to battle against me and my relationship with the Lord. Just need to continually remind myself that my God is stronger and mightier than any attack Satan tries against me.

So yeah, for now, that's my thoughts and feelings. A quick blurb of the latest thoughts. More like vague rambling than thoughts, I suppose.

...to be continued...

-B

Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

-Isaiah 33:2

Time: Changed from the inside out.

What do you do with your time? What a loaded question. Honestly, I really don't know how to answer it. I could go into the events of my day. Take children's temperatures, give medications, assess, document.... so on and so forth. Lately, God has been convicting me on what I do with my time. I have been at GLA in Haiti for just about eight months and I'm just about to make my first visit to the States. Where has the time gone? What have I done with my time so far here at GLA? I'd like to say all of my "free" time was spent pursuing God, but that would be a lie. Yes, I used some of it to pursue God and have definitely deepened my relationship with the Lord over the past eight months, but there was also a lot of wasted time that was not used wisely.

I am slowly learning how to and trying to see Jesus in people. Although people will always fail you, each of us is trying hard to live each day to the best of our abilities; some struggling more than others. My hope is that the people who are seeing me are also seeing Jesus living through me. I want my spend my time and my energy making sure that people can see Jesus through the way I act, live, and speak. If that's the case, my time has not been wasted.Whether you live in the States or overseas; whatever occupation you have; God can use you to show Himself and His promises. Although, I've always been told God can use me, at times I don't believe it. Me? Really? What do I have to add to the story of Jesus? What cards do I bring to the table?


I have to be honest, I'm a bit nervous to visit "home". My life and my heart have changed so much over the past eight months. I've been changing from the "inside out". A dear friend of mine here told me that the longer you are here in Haiti, the less in common you have with those at home, and I'm already finding that to be true. God uses everyone differently, and for me, in this season of my life; God is using me here in Haiti. So for those I will see so very soon. I look forward to our visit and I hope that I can somehow describe and show you all the ways Jesus is working in my heart and through me here in Haiti. My prayer is that I can show Jesus to those whose paths cross mine in my travels. Maybe in a short conversation or just a smile. Attempting to soften my heart to those around me and use my time wisely.

You'll be changed from the inside out... God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. 

~Romans 12:2, MSG

...to be continued...

-B

Romans 12 ^{1-2 msg} So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

A Note from the Nursery

Hi all!

  Just wanted to redirect you to GLA's blog tonight, Notes from the Nursery. Please add these two beautiful children to your prayers tonight!

Thank you!
-B

Patient Endurance.

      Wow. Where has time gone. I must say the month of May and beginning of June seems to be a blur. The hours turned into days, days into weeks, and weeks into over a month! I have definitely had my ups and downs this past month. We have had family members of our staff pass away and we had one of our children go to be with Jesus this past week. We've said many goodbye's whether to a variety of different people; whether it be a "see you later" or  a goodbye forever. They all seem to affect me. There has been many positive goodbye's though! We have had many many children go home with their forever families this past month and more continue to go home as I write this. What a beautiful event to see these children go home and be a part of their adopted family. God matches these children and families so well. Although, I know I will miss these children, whether they have left to go to their forever families or to their forever home to be with Jesus; I know they are in a better place and I place my trust God's perfect will for theirs and my life. Some of these lives seem to have been cut short but I know they are with Jesus and there is no better place than with Him.

     This past weekend I also had the opportunity to go to the beach with the GLA staff. What a wonderful weekend full of laughter and relaxation. A much needed mini-vacation. It really helped me especially after such a busy month. I came back refreshed and ready for the week ahead. I am so thankful for such a great weekend and thankful to be here at GLA with such a great group of people. 

     I know I don't have too much to say for this catch-up blog but I do want to share a song that has been such an encouragement and prayer in my life this past month or so. I was introduced to it by my friends here at GLA. It is called You alone by Seth Condrey. It has reminded me that although life can become overwheming, Jesus will always be enough. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It pretty much plays on repeat.

 

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

~ Hebrews 10:36, NLT

...to be continued...

-B

Notes from the Nursery

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to let you all know that along with this blog; I will be posting to GLA's blog-Notes from the Nursery. Love Serve Inspire will still be up and running with more personal stories and experiences.By clicking the Notes from the Nursery tab above or by going to http://www.godslittlestangelsinhaiti.org/notesfromthenursery you can find out more in depth stories of what is happening at GLA and with the children! Thank you so much for continuing to follow this blog and my hope is that you also follow GLA's story through their blogs and website as well!

...to be continued...

-B

Encouraging words go a long way. Thank you.

There once was a time I would get an idea, subject, song, and/or  a person that I wished to write about… There used to be a day where my mind thought in potential blog posts. Though, now I feel as if there is so much to say, yet so little words to describe what is going on.  The past few weeks have just flown by.  It has been a month of constant growing and changing, not only in the children but in me as well. I’m learning that each moment of change, conflict, sadness, grief, etc. is a moment for growth. Whether I like it or not, whether it is awkward, uncomfortable, sad, or just plain undescribable; God is moulding me and changing me each and every day.  Hopefully, to look more like Him and less like me.  

Each day I am amazed by each of these children I spend time with daily, how much more they are able to do and accomplish. For the children at the main house, I am especially surprised at how much they are able to say!! Maybe because I didn’t necessarily know what the children were saying six months ago, I didn’t think they were talking much. But now I feel as if the children are just growing and blossoming. Recently we had a team here who helped evaluate some of the children. It was encouraging to see how well our children were doing and also to see for those who have delays or disabilities what they can do along with us to help the children develop and grow at a proper level.  It’s amazing how much some proper nutrition, love, and hard work can change a child. Not to mention seeing God alive and well within the hearts of these children and those who love them and pray for them! 

On a side note: I cannot express how nice it is to hear/read encouraging words from those who visit  GLA and those who follow our story; whether it is an adoptive parent, volunteer, team, a visitor, staff member, family, friend, or someone who just happened to find this blog. Those words of encouragement mean more than you could ever imagine.  

Tonight my words are few but please know that I'm am forever grateful for your continual support and encouragement. 

…to be continued…

-B

Take heart. The Lord has overcome.

Kids, Creole, & Colossians.

~Kids~

                Honestly, sometimes I feel as if my day is just filled with Kids & Creole. Here at GLA we have roughly 150 children. Some are here for just assistance, some who have been abandoned and/or orphaned, and some given up for adoption due to circumstances beyond their family’s control. Whatever the reason, God has placed each one of these children here at GLA and I am honored to be able to be a part of their lives. I am thankful to be a part of this transition time between either becoming healthy and returning to their biological family or before they are adopted and placed with their forever family.

                There are a lot of things I didn’t and still don’t know about the whole adoption process. Before moving to Haiti, adoption was a definite possibility for my future, whether single or married.  As I see the process and amount of work that is put into just one single adoption I’ve realized that adoption is a hard and grueling but amazing and rewarding process.  Over the past five months of being here at GLA, I have had the opportunity of seeing about 8 children go home with their forever families and have seen many parents meet their proposed children for the first time. It has been such an honor to see this process happen. I can’t even imagine how it is for those who have been at GLA with these children from the beginning. What an incredible sight and story to see unfolding! Lord willing, I hope to have an adoption story of my own and be that parent meeting their child for the first time and then taking them to their forever home with me (and maybe a husband).  

***If you want to learn more about the adoption process and the state of adoptions in Haiti you can go to Dixie's Blog and read her most recent post ***

~Creole~

                I really never thought I had the capacity to learn a second language… but lately I think I may. The more I learn in Creole class and the more I am immersed in the language the more I am starting to speak and understand! I am in no way fluent and/or even that great but each new word I learn or person I understand, I have my own little internal celebration. At times I can’t even believe that I am speaking and/or understanding and yet slowly but surely it is happening. I am so thankful for the patience of the Haitian staff and our Creole teacher.  Day by day, little by little…

~Colossians~

                Sometimes (a lot of times) I lose sight of what is God is doing around me and if my actions are pleasing to the Lord. I am not always thankful for the life God has given me. Whether I gripe about a past, present or even future situations, my eyes are on what is seen and not what is unseen (2 Corinthians 3:18).  Why I worry about these things is beyond me, but I still do. I’m a thinker and a planner. I feel as if I need to know what is next and what the future holds, but I know I can’t. Here in Haiti, the staff at GLA lives in pretty close proximity. We work, socialize and live together 24/7. Coming from living alone for a long time, this is/was a big adjustment for me. I was recently reading Colossians and chapter 3 verses 12-17 stood out me. It is directly related to me and the life I lead here at GLA. Although not always the easiest, God has placed me here for a reason and I know I need to keep these verses in my heart.

Colossians 3:12-17

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members on one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

               So yes, just three word sum up the past few months… Kids, Creole & Colossians. The devotions I have been doing end in a prayer that the author has written and I’ve decided to mimic it. 

~My prayer for tonight~

               Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to grow during my time here. May I please you with my thoughts, words & actions. Bless these children around me and those I have yet to meet. Bless those I work alongside here at GLA. Please give us all the strength to continue to do your work here in Haiti. As the adoption process continues to change here in Haiti, place your hand upon it and let your will be done with the future of adoptions in Haiti. Help me to stay focused on your glory and not my own. Rule in my heart. Amen.

…to be continued…

-B

God's personal playlist.

Do you ever think God puts a special song or songs on your playlist that you just need to listen to? I definitely do. It has been quite apparent here in Haiti. I feel like God chooses the perfect songs for a playlist. Just what I needed to hear. I know it depends on what I have in my iTunes library or what radio station I am streaming; He never fails to deliver. Although I am not musically inclined in any way, shape or form. I thank God for Music and those who are/were so musically inclined to write beautiful songs both in the Bible and those composed more recently. I would have to say my biggest outlet here in Haiti is music... I've always listened to a lot of music but my love for it has increased so drastically being here. iTunes has been a gift in disguise. I go to bed listening to music and wake up listening to music. Tonight a special song played and I continue to play it on repeat. "Sovereign" by Chris Tomlin. This shall be my prayer and my praise tonight. Thought I would share.

"Sovereign"

Sovereign in the mountain air

Sovereign on the ocean floor

With me in the calm

With me in the storm

Sovereign in my greatest joy

Sovereign in my deepest cry

With me in the dark

With me at the dawn

In your everlasting arms

All the pieces of my life

From beginning to the end

I can trust you

In your never failing love

You work everything for good

God whatever comes my way

I will trust you

Sovereign in the mountain air

Sovereign on the ocean floor

With me in the calm

With me in the storm

Sovereign in my greatest joy

Sovereign in my deepest cry

With me in the dark

With me at the dawn

In your everlasting arms

All the pieces of my life

From beginning to the end

I can trust you

In your never failing love

You work everything for good

God whatever comes my way

I will trust you

God whatever comes my way

I will trust you

All my hopes

All I need

Held in your hands

All my life

All of me

Held in your hands

All my fears

All my dreams

Held in your hands

All my hopes

All I need

Held in your hands

All my life

All of me

Held in your hands

All my fears

All my dreams

Held in your hands

In your everlasting arms

All the pieces of my life

From beginning to the end

I can trust you

In your never failing love

You work everything for good

God whatever comes my way

I will trust you

God whatever comes my way

I will trust you

God whatever comes my way

I will trust you

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -Zephaniah 3:17

...to be continued...

-B

Progress--From survive to thrive.

     Recently Dixie wrote a post 7 new babies admitted in the last 24 hours (Please read that first)… And I can’t help but share the progress on two of the seven. These two little boys have captured my heart. One hurt by pure neglect and one hurt by a lack of education but both loved by the nannies, nurses, volunteers and staff here at GLA. Both boys names start with J so I'll refer to them as J1 & J2.

     J1 is a 7 month old baby boy who first came to us in early January. All of the GLA staff worked together to get him to a healthy weight of 8lbs 5.5oz. Five days after he left, he came back to us, referred to us by Samaritans Purse again because he had diarrhea and vomiting while he was back with his mama. Mama fed him one meal of boiled plantains that he vomited and then she had not fed him again. On arrival January 30^th, his weight had dropped to 7lb 3.5oz (Yes, more than a pound in 5 days). Now, February 16^th he is gradually gaining weight and is at 8lb 4oz. Thankfully, he is becoming the happy baby we had seen glimpses of before. 

     J was also referred to us by Samaritan’s Purse. Mom says he’s one, but as you can see he is a big boy… Length wise! Mother has breast fed him his entire life. However long that is, we still do not know. J is such a sweet boy and his smile has captured my heart. We have been practicing standing and trying to gain muscle strength in his arms, legs and back. When he came to us he couldn’t bear weight at all; I know it doesn’t seem long but he is able to stand for 15 seconds while holding on to the edge of the crib… He just needs help to stand himself up! Joseph was 17lb 4 oz on arrival January 30^th and he is now up to 18 pounds thanks to Medical Mamba (Protein enriched peanut butter), love from his nannies, nurses, volunteers and staff here at GLA and God.

 

     These few pictures give just a glimpse into the boys progress from January 30th to now. J1 and J2 are two very special little boys. They continue to need a lot of extra attention, love, support and physical therapy. Both of them are currently at GLA for assistance and will eventually return to their families. Please pray for them as they continue to grow and learn how to thrive not just survive.


Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." -Mark 10:27

…to be continued…

-B

Twenty-Five.

Really? When did it become February?! The time continues to fly by as I approach three months here in Haiti at God’s Littlest Angels. So, what have I learned so far? Here are 25 random things that I’ve become more aware of, have learned or am learning, embraced, accepted, etc.

1. Haiti is absolutely beautiful.

2. I don’t miss television but I do miss my dog.

3. I can buy just about anything at the stores in town that I would want in the states… just at a cost.

4. Three adults, two babies, an oxygen tank, and an ambu can all fit into the front seat of a truck (The Transport).

5. Sometimes you have to look past the dirt/litter/fog to see beauty.

6. Altitude makes a difference

7. Children are hurt intentionally and unintentionally.

8. Many things are beyond my control.

9. I like riding in UTV’s/back of a truck better than inside a car/truck.

10. Prayer is the most valuable tool/medicine/weapon.

11. It is hard not to bring work home with you when your home is your work.

12. Adoption is a beautiful thing.

13. I have a great support system.

14. I love the children I care for more than words can describe (7 babies in 24hrs).

15. Each smile, embrace, miracle reminds me why I moved here.

16. I miss my family/friends tremendously… but February does contain the most family birthday’s so it stings a little more this month.

17. Medical supplies get used until they don’t work anymore.

18. I work with some pretty great people (Haitian, American, Canadian & Australian).

19. The Creole/Kréyol language is a part of everyday conversation.

20. I despise student loans.

21. The Haitian staff is very patient with me as I learn/ try to speak Creole.

22. I need to take more pictures.

23. iTunes is amazing/ I listen to a lot of music.

24. Although I listen to a lot of music, I don’t like being in charge of picking the music in the car.

25. God’s plans for me are bigger than my own.

So, there you have it… maybe not the blog post you were expecting, but a blog post none the less.

…to be continued…

-B

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago". Ephesians 2:1

Work hard, pray harder.

"Work hard, pray harder, and if you have any worries, take them to God--and leave them there." -Growing in Grace

First of all, wow! I can not believe I've been living in Haiti for over two months now! Routines are forming, I'm starting to retain Creole, and finally starting to be healthy! It's really hard to go through all of the happenings lately. Just this week, we were able to send twins home to there mama & papa after receiving assistance at GLA... Dixie just posted a blog about their story here Twins go home. I can not even describe the pure love and joy on that mama's face when she saw her two boys! Some other new things as of recently... Rebecca and I have started spending more time during the week at the toddler house, creole lessons have begun, and I was able to drive for the first time in two months (just up and down from the toddler house)!!! All very exciting things!

Some of the routines forming are "outside" of work too... Back in the states I never had a daily "routine". Working night shift, my world was kind of backwards. Never knowing when to be awake, sleep, eat, etc. But literally for the first time in years, I eat a "normal" breakfast, lunch, & dinner,  I go to bed at night and wake up in the morning... Rebecca, Susie & I start the morning with devotions, and then I am able to end the night with devotions. Seriously, I know/knew how important it is to spend time in the Word, but I didn't realize how much it can change your perspective on the  day. I've been a Christian for as long as I can remember, but the act of "pursuing God" has been kind of in the background of my mind. I've spent so much time worrying about school, family, finances, health. To be honest, for a while, sleep was more important to me than time with God. Just as relationships with people have peaks and valleys, so does a relationship with Jesus Christ. I just feel like I have been stuck in a valley of no quality time with God very long time. Recently in my devotions from the book "Growing in Grace" (a gift from Rebecca), a quote stood out to me. 

"God asks that we worship Him with our concentrated minds as well as with our wills and emotions. A divided ans scattered mind is not effective." -Catherine Marshall

For a long time, I've had a divided and scattered mind. Life is busy, people are mean, prayers go unanswered, bills pile up... There are so many ways the devil uses to get your mind off of God and focus on things of this world. I have been studying Romans and tonight Romans 12:21 said it best "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Worry takes time from God, as each day progresses whether you live in the states, Haiti, Europe, or wherever in the world live, your worries up to God and leave them there. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayers and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

I know this is a lot of verses/quotes tonight... but they've been so crucial lately in my daily walk with God and in trusting God's will and plan for my life, I can't change the past but I can change my attitude, perspective, and life by trying to continually work on a deeper relationship with Christ. Again, peaks and valleys will always occur as in any relationship, but I pray the peaks outweigh the valleys. 

...to be continued...

-B

Romans 12 (NIV)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.