Category: blessings

Do you have the gift of “seeing?” Seeing is not the same as sight, which allows us to witness God’s beauty around us. Seeing enables us to embrace the life God has given us; to “see” others in need, to “see” our blessings, even when life brings us trials and difficulties. Seeing allows us to “see” others not for the career position they hold, nor where they live nor the car they drive, but for the person God created them to be. Seeing allows us to love the mate and children He gave us; not in how we desire for them to be, but for the person God created. Seeing gives us a broadened horizon for our eyes to behold. Seeing allows us to forgive when others have hurt us. Seeing opens our eyes to all God has for us. NIV Psa. 119:18 “open my eyes that I may see wonderful things…”

It’s a boy! Yes, 45 years ago today, I heard those words from my physician. It was pre-ultra sound, pre-“gender reveal” party, for we wouldn’t know the gender until our precious gifts arrived into this world. Life sometimes takes us on paths we never desired nor anticipated. Isn’t it wonderful that with all the twists and turns, we have some things which remain absolute? Our mates may leave us and our children may become angry with us, but they will always be our children; our flesh and the gifts which God bestowed upon us to rear in His ways. Then with the blessings of children are the gifts of additional “sons, daughters” and grandchildren. NKJV Psa. 127:3-5 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord…Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them…”

“We’re going through a phase, but it’s lasting a life time”. I had to chuckle when I heard that today because do you ever hear people say “oh you are just like when you were a kid?” We all trust we can mature as we age, but that isn’t always the case. Some people remain static in their attitude and personality for their entire life.

Wouldn’t it be magnificent if as we matured in both age and knowledge, we could all adopt the QSS theory; quick to “hear” (not just listen), slow to speak and slow to anger. What a wonderful world it would be for not only those immediately around us, but those who come into our sphere on a daily basis.

A gift we all have from God is a quote which I scripted from bible study today,” your relationship with God is not based on how hard you hold onto Him, but His strong grip on you.” Isn’t it wonderful that even when we loosen our grip or let go and give up, God is still holding us in His might? Psa 46:1” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Have you casually met a neighbor, colleague, fellow church member, etc. and considered inviting them for coffee or lunch to become better acquainted? You were busy and time slipped away. The gift of “reaching out” to others is a two-fold gift. You may never realize how greatly you blessed the person to whom you extended the kindness. However, they may in turn touch your heart as you get to know them. Far too often in life we see a person from the exterior only and never know the “true person” God created them to be. NIV Matt.7:12 “so in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” Do you desire to be known only by your exterior?

The holidays are over; the gifts opened, decorations packed away and the parties now memories. What about the gift you received which was not anticipated? You gave nothing in return, but they gave from their heart, thinking of you when doing so. Whether it was homemade or purchased, the gift wasn’t required. Did you thank them? The gift of being a gracious and appreciative receiver is as much a gift as receiving. Acts 20:35 NIV”…it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Is it also just as much a blessing to appreciate the gift received?

Do you have those times of trial when you are so diligently “hanging on” knowing that God loves you and His plans are the very best for you, but you feel as though the situation is looking dim? Many of you know the backstory of my life over these past 6 years and you also know that since April 2018, things have become even more challenging. Yet daily I cling to Jer. 29:11. God brings me the “gift” of others to remind me that God is with me. Then here comes ole Satan, trying to defeat my faith and strength in the Lord. How grateful I am for God’s gift to me in Deut. 31:8, “ He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed”

As we have God’s word with His promises for each of us, isn’t it a blessing to also have the gift of insight from authors, Christian speakers, evangelists and teachers? Sometimes their words put a new perspective on the bible. I’m grateful for the gift of the written and spoken word from others. I’m sure all of you reading this are frequently petitioned to read a particular book or listen to a specific radio program. I’m always gratified to have another perception of His word to us, even when I’ve read the same book, chapter or verse dozens of times. I Thess. 5:18 “in everything give thanks…”

You may be frenzied completing the remaining list of “to do’s before the family and friends arrive tonight or tomorrow. Perhaps no one is coming, but you will be “going”. There are also those of you whom have no one coming and nowhere to go. Having been alone for the past 6 years, I’m grateful this year I do have family to celebrate with, but I also know that “Only God” allows us to have friends and family in our lives. As I begin each day with my pastor, Chuck Swindoll’s devotion, his words today, reminded me of what I need to focus on daily, not merely at Christmas. I’ve never been one to desire to impress anyone, for as I shared with my children from the time they were very young and even now when they are middle-aged adults with children of their own, “if not for God” we would be nothing. As Chuck noted today, “Forget about trying to impress others by what you buy. Spend more time imparting what you already possess. Psa 9:1 “ I will give thanks to you Lord with all my heart.”

Are you still frantically running around to complete your Christmas shopping? Did you leave someone off the list and you’re fretting over what to purchase them? Are you giving gifts from necessity or obligation or just because you want to give from your heart? Why do you feel it must be tangible? Over the years, I’ve given countless gifts which had no expiration date, no design or décor, no flavor or fragrance. They wouldn’t be the incorrect color or size. My gift was an offering of a service; a night of babysitting, a meal when they were ill, a cake or dessert for a special event, keeping their pet while they were away, etc. Unfortunately, few have accepted my gift, but I made up little cards with the service listed, wrapped them in a lovely package and presented them with my utmost sincerity. Isn’t it wonderful that as celebration of our Lord’s birth is rapidly approaching, that many of us have not refused His gift to us? Acts 20:35…”it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

At times there is no greater gift than knowing someone is thinking of and praying for you when you are dealing with a difficult situation. It may be something relatively minor or perhaps a challenge which is greater such as health, finances, family, marriage or career. The following was sent today via an e-mail letting me know someone cared about me. During this busy holiday season why not give the gift of empathy? Gal. 6:2, “bear one another’s burdens…”