Jennifer Slattery's devotional post for the "Beauty for the Broken" tour

When our daughter was young, I was a “Mommy-and-Me-Jamboree” addict. I cherished every moment–every giggle, every story-time, every craft activity. And I loved to turn everything into a party. Why craft alone when I could invite the mom’s club to join us? Why play tea without making it a tea party? (That was the cutest event ever!) Birthday parties? Planned, themed, decorated to the hilt and packed with games. All to see my daughter’s face light up and her eyes squinch up behind a cheeky smile–priceless.

Then one day it hit me. What if I started throwing parties for God? Meaning, what if I found a way to do what I loved, organizing fun and creative events, to reach others and build up the body of Christ? A short time later, I launched a “Family Ministry.”

Our first event was a skating party. Next, a scavenger hunt at a local trail, followed a month later by a pizza pool party. Yep, it was a blast!

I believe this is what it means to do everything for the glory of God. Often we think serving is something we have to do, and we don’t really think in terms of those things we love to do. But I believe God is glorified when we’re on fire, not burned out. When we’re doing what we love, no one has to nudge or guilt us into doing it. The act of service bubbles out of who we are.

Let me give an example. In March, a handful of women and I got together for a make-up party. It was a blast, but it wasn’t just the fabulous lipgloss shades that triggered my excitement. Thanks to an invitation by Mary Kay consultant Sharyline Cochran (http://www.marykay.com/sharilyne/default.aspx), we were invited to participate in a charity contest that could potentially provide $5,500 total for two phenomenal orphan ministries, GoThreads ((http://gothreads.org/) and The Raining Season (http://www.therainingseason.org/). As an added incentive, Sharyline (http://www.marykay.com/sharilyne/default.aspx) is giving away $10 gift certificates and a free make-over (in person or via Skype) to EVERYONE who votes for my not-so-lovely mug shot then comes back her to tell us about it in the comments. What a fun way to help some kiddos in need!

This is where you can go to vote. :)

https://www.mkmakeovercontest.com/gallery.jsp?id=163379

And remember, it really isn’t about what you do, but about using what you do–whatever you do–to bring glory to God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NIV)

Jennifer Slattery lives in the Midwest with her husband and daughter. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the ACFW Journal, Internet Café Devotions, and Jewels of Encouragement. You can connect with her online at her devotional blog at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/ or via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte