Mrs. Lisa Arnold is a busy wife and mom of four children, ages 8 to 15. She home-schools her children, is an active member of Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC, and works part time as an RN. She is a native of Ohio and graduate of Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.

It is not required for an individual or family to experience a life changing event in order to know God cares about and understands every circumstance a person may face in life. Scripture reminds us in Luke 12:6-7 "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

As you read the following Peace Be Still article written by Lisa Arnold let your situation be turned over to Jesus and remember with God, "Little Things Matter."

LITTLE THINGS MATTER

by

Lisa Arnold

The purpose of my message here is to honor God. God, in His perfect love, uses trials in our lives to draw us to Him, to help us know His thoughts, and to cause us to become more dependent upon Him.

I was saved at the age of 11. I realized then that if I died I would deserve to go to hell. I realized I was born a sinner, just as everyone else is, and trusted Christ to pay the price for my sins with His perfect life asking His forgiveness. Since then, God has brought me along steadily and patiently.

I suppose if I could help someone else, it would be by acknowledging that many (including myself) consider themselves "ordinary Christians." I can't say that I have had an overwhelming tragedy in my life to draw me closer to Christ. I can't think of one terribly significant that has happened in my life since my salvation; only a series of seemingly small events. I have four healthy kids, a good marriage, and a fulfilling life as wife, mother and home-school mom. Although sometimes my life seems a little too full, I can tell you that through my "normal" life, I have suffered frustration, disappointment and loneliness. I can attest that "God is more than enough." Through financial troubles, surgeries, children's illnesses, and misunderstandings, God is more than enough.

When we suffer these troubles, we just need to turn them over to Christ. He will show us in His way, through principles in His Word, how to respond to these day to day struggles. Especially during time when I can't control circumstances, when things seem to be controlling me, prayer is very comforting. When I forget to pray, a special sermon or Scripture comes to me that will help me turn back to Him. Now I am not perfect. I am ordinary, remember? I fail often. I get frustrated, too, especially when God doesn't seem to be working things out the way that I think they would be best worked out! Letting go of control, giving my problems to God, and being thankful for the wonderful things God has given me are ways He is teaching me. He is always patient and loving. God can use us "ordinary people." As I write this, I am recovering from gall bladder surgery. I have been completely humbled by the way that others have responded to my needs. I have been reminded that someone simply saying, "I am praying for you" is a tremendous blessing. Some have made meals. Some have offered help with the kids, the laundry, the house. Others just called to make sure I was OK. All these things have helped strengthen my faith in God and His people. I know that from now on, I will be more faithful to call, to drop a note, to offer food, fellowship, and child care. These are things we "ordinary " folks can do to be a blessing to others. We don't have to be the Pastor's wife or a famous Bible teacher to do these things. We don't even have to have plenty of time on our hands. Small things sometimes are very significant!

Perhaps God put you in an obscure place where you aren't noticed by others. I would rather be the old back hall light than the glittery chandelier. God can use someone who is willing to serve. I want God to use me where I am. How about you?

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