Friday, September 9, 2011
Christ will give you the strength you need.
Today as I sit at my keyboard as each key touches the pad and comes back to me, the thought come to m my mind. Do i have what it takes!
I am learning all the features of blogging and the technology that comes along with that. The instruction has been fun but often foreign to me. Looking at others and their sites they are graphically more appealing. I like my content and writing style though! This is still at the heart of a blog..
My blog centers around giving and I am hoping I will inspire others to give. It has a bit of a unique niche. It specifically describes how giving along with self care has helped my very serious struggles with depression. Though I never know it my depression will return,If it does I know I will see someone in worse circumstances than me. The seed to giving will be planted. I will have the chance to bring forth flowers in a person's life which will bloom in a different season.
My blog, though brings me to the main project in my life I am working on It is my book. . My book will be called "The Gift Givers Box". The box at the side of my blog "About Me" describes the book..It is a new and exciting process and I am having to narrow my niches to appeal to the right market place. When ever I am having a really bad day I remind myself of the bible verse : "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13 NKJV.
This verse helps me when the panic starts to head in. When self imposed deadlines are not met. When old pain resurfaces. May this be a verse you can really claim! God sees your pain and wants to help. Christ took all of your sins, past, present and future and paid the price. He was crucified and rose again! He will help bear your problems if you only open your heart and ask. God is a big God!! Just ask!!
Blessings, The gift giver
.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A heart filled gift can stitch two hearts together
Have you ever had a time of deep heart connection from the giver and recipient of a gift.
Some gifts are so unique, thoughtful, personal or timely that they touch the very core of our existance.
These pivital moments in giving and receiving can shape and change our lives forever.
Often someone who has developed this art of giving has had their own struggles and their heart has become fractured. Depression from deep hurts or losses have scarred their hearts.
Likewise for the recipient in pain. Often they are in a deeper stage of grief or pain.
The commonality is both parties need heart surgery.
The heart-filled gift brings these hearts together. God at that moment in time stitches their hearts and lives together.
The process of heart surgery has begun. The spiritual medicine for depression in part is giving. Receiving teaches this and can be a glimmer of hope in the deepest of storms.
Some gifts are so unique, thoughtful, personal or timely that they touch the very core of our existance.
These pivital moments in giving and receiving can shape and change our lives forever.
Often someone who has developed this art of giving has had their own struggles and their heart has become fractured. Depression from deep hurts or losses have scarred their hearts.
Likewise for the recipient in pain. Often they are in a deeper stage of grief or pain.
The commonality is both parties need heart surgery.
The heart-filled gift brings these hearts together. God at that moment in time stitches their hearts and lives together.
The process of heart surgery has begun. The spiritual medicine for depression in part is giving. Receiving teaches this and can be a glimmer of hope in the deepest of storms.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The first dance
Being the gift giver, I am constantly amazed at the way God blesses me for giving. He always provides for my needs and often more.
He has taught me not to expect a "reward" on earth, but to know my needs will be provided and sometimes more. Today that was an emotional need He was going to fulfill.
It was a very special celebration. It was my parent's forty-fifth wedding anniversary and they were taking us to an exclusive restaurant where I had many happy moments as a child. We had stayed in the hotel there growing up. The restaurant was magical to me. I wanted that for my son though he was sixteen.
All my sisters',their husbands' , and children were there. I was the only single one in the group having been through divorce. But today that didn't bother me! All I could think of was wanting Andrew to experience the same joy I had.
We all were full of laughter and the children were mesmerized! There was a 1950's band playing and a dance floor. They had a special dance floor for children so all the kids wildly proceeded to the floor to express their own creative dance styles. Mom ordered "Shirley Temples" for them.
That brought back an instant memory of how fancy the "Shirley Temples" had been as a child. I used to sip on it slowly so it would last the whole night. Everything seemed so much smaller now. It was like when you go visit your elementary school. It just seems so small.
Gradually they brought out the three course meal, with no rushing between the courses. They knew people planned to stay about three hours here. My favorite was the strawberry cheesecake decorated with a rich chocolate sauce. Mathew was quite impressed with the meal.
But it was the socializing of my whole family that made the evening. I especially enjoyed seeing with my parents and seeing the love they shared. My dad was laughing and kept looking towards my mom when she was sitting away from him.
Mathew and I shared priceless conversation as he opened up to topics he never had before. Then I asked him the question I as his mother had wanted to ask him all night. He looked so dressed up in his suit and I did in my black skirt and black print top. "Will you have one dance with me son."
"Oh Mom, I don't know how. " he stated sheepishly. "It is easy and you will need it for the girls. But it would be so special if I had the first dance." I said. "Sure." he said to my surprise.
Together we bumped around touching toes and getting caught between the crowds, but I realized my boy was growing into a man!
"Oh Matthew ," I said, " you have no idea how special that was! You made my month!"
After that there wasn't dances shared between us. Three months later he went to his first youth group dance and danced with three girls. But deep in my heart I knew. I had the first dance.
If it is God's will for him to remarry and I am still alive, we will have another dance. But I have learned in life to enjoy the moment. You never know what will come around, but memories last a lifetime. That is why I treasure my first dance and Mathew may one day!
God only knows!
He has taught me not to expect a "reward" on earth, but to know my needs will be provided and sometimes more. Today that was an emotional need He was going to fulfill.
It was a very special celebration. It was my parent's forty-fifth wedding anniversary and they were taking us to an exclusive restaurant where I had many happy moments as a child. We had stayed in the hotel there growing up. The restaurant was magical to me. I wanted that for my son though he was sixteen.
All my sisters',their husbands' , and children were there. I was the only single one in the group having been through divorce. But today that didn't bother me! All I could think of was wanting Andrew to experience the same joy I had.
We all were full of laughter and the children were mesmerized! There was a 1950's band playing and a dance floor. They had a special dance floor for children so all the kids wildly proceeded to the floor to express their own creative dance styles. Mom ordered "Shirley Temples" for them.
That brought back an instant memory of how fancy the "Shirley Temples" had been as a child. I used to sip on it slowly so it would last the whole night. Everything seemed so much smaller now. It was like when you go visit your elementary school. It just seems so small.
Gradually they brought out the three course meal, with no rushing between the courses. They knew people planned to stay about three hours here. My favorite was the strawberry cheesecake decorated with a rich chocolate sauce. Mathew was quite impressed with the meal.
But it was the socializing of my whole family that made the evening. I especially enjoyed seeing with my parents and seeing the love they shared. My dad was laughing and kept looking towards my mom when she was sitting away from him.
Mathew and I shared priceless conversation as he opened up to topics he never had before. Then I asked him the question I as his mother had wanted to ask him all night. He looked so dressed up in his suit and I did in my black skirt and black print top. "Will you have one dance with me son."
"Oh Mom, I don't know how. " he stated sheepishly. "It is easy and you will need it for the girls. But it would be so special if I had the first dance." I said. "Sure." he said to my surprise.
Together we bumped around touching toes and getting caught between the crowds, but I realized my boy was growing into a man!
"Oh Matthew ," I said, " you have no idea how special that was! You made my month!"
After that there wasn't dances shared between us. Three months later he went to his first youth group dance and danced with three girls. But deep in my heart I knew. I had the first dance.
If it is God's will for him to remarry and I am still alive, we will have another dance. But I have learned in life to enjoy the moment. You never know what will come around, but memories last a lifetime. That is why I treasure my first dance and Mathew may one day!
God only knows!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
You are the only one who looks at me and doesn't turn away.
The aromatic smell of coffee wafted from the bathroom, which was the most dreaded room in my apartment. Looking today at my reflection I saw my sagging skin had come down near my elbows from my underarms. I slowly, painstakingly, lifted up my underarm to put on more deodorant. I slipped my sleeve down again. I clung to my walker and started the slow process of walking to my couch.
I had left the door open so Joy could come into my apartment without me having to get up again. I was so looking forward to seeing her for my birthday celebration. Being around three hundred and sixty pounds, I did not know how many more I would see.
My phone rang and my mind started to regret that I had not taken the time to shower and change. Joy was coming up now. Grease lined my short hairs which stood up unkempt at the back and sides especially. I smelled a musty odor coming from my jogging outfit and the stench of urine.
Joy came in brimming with a smile as she looked at me and she exclaimed, "Happy birthday Judy! Here is your coffee!" She handed me a cup of coffee prepared exactly how I liked it and she sat down. She talked about loving things that were going on in her life. My thoughts raced to wishing I had made similar choices in my life.
"Judy, today my gifts to you are going to give us a great time together! We are going out to lunch. You can use your wheelchair." she explained.
"First you are going to shower."she said. She pulled out a dress with burgondy roses on it and fresh smelling. Joy had always shopped at thrift stores so she could give more. There was some rose smelling body wash and rosemary herbal shampoo.
Every ounce of my being wanted to say no, but Joy had prepared so much. I went and got some fresh underwear and an incontinent pad. Slowly I undressed in the bathroom and showered. I was thankful to God that I could still do this independently with the help of the aids that the occupational therapist had recommended.
When I was finished with my shower and changing, Joy brought my wheelchair. "Wonderful."she stated. She had brought a blow dryer and began to style my hair. The slow stroking of the brush on my scalp made me feel like I was in a health spa.
"Now," she said, "we are going to do make-up." It had been over ten years since I had last worn makeup. She put the foundation on my cheeks, nose, and chin. Starting with the nose she started blending it in with her pad. The pad felt so gentle as it rubbed against my skin.
Next she put on the blush applying it in a similaar way to the foundation except using a make-up brush and different areas. The powder came next as she applied it lightly over my face sweeping the make-up brush. It had been so long since I had been touched in this way.
"Now for the eyes!" Joy exclaimed. She gve me different directions as she painted them with various colors and mascara.
Lovingly she bent down to my level in my chair. She put her hand on my shoulder. It felt so warm and calming. "Oh my! You look absolutely gorgeous!" she exclaimed. Her eyes were staring deep into mine. It was at that moment I realized what I loved most about Joy with me being so overweight.
"You are the only one who looks at me and doesn't turn away." I said as tears ran down my cheeks most likely smudging my mascara. My heart was filled with such a deep wounding remembering how many times people looked at me then quickly turned away.
Joy explained, "That is because you have such gorgeous eyes and your eyes are the windows of your soul!"
I have never forgot that day or my friend Joy. Each day, no matter how I am feeling, after I wake up I have a shower.
I had left the door open so Joy could come into my apartment without me having to get up again. I was so looking forward to seeing her for my birthday celebration. Being around three hundred and sixty pounds, I did not know how many more I would see.
My phone rang and my mind started to regret that I had not taken the time to shower and change. Joy was coming up now. Grease lined my short hairs which stood up unkempt at the back and sides especially. I smelled a musty odor coming from my jogging outfit and the stench of urine.
Joy came in brimming with a smile as she looked at me and she exclaimed, "Happy birthday Judy! Here is your coffee!" She handed me a cup of coffee prepared exactly how I liked it and she sat down. She talked about loving things that were going on in her life. My thoughts raced to wishing I had made similar choices in my life.
"Judy, today my gifts to you are going to give us a great time together! We are going out to lunch. You can use your wheelchair." she explained.
"First you are going to shower."she said. She pulled out a dress with burgondy roses on it and fresh smelling. Joy had always shopped at thrift stores so she could give more. There was some rose smelling body wash and rosemary herbal shampoo.
Every ounce of my being wanted to say no, but Joy had prepared so much. I went and got some fresh underwear and an incontinent pad. Slowly I undressed in the bathroom and showered. I was thankful to God that I could still do this independently with the help of the aids that the occupational therapist had recommended.
When I was finished with my shower and changing, Joy brought my wheelchair. "Wonderful."she stated. She had brought a blow dryer and began to style my hair. The slow stroking of the brush on my scalp made me feel like I was in a health spa.
"Now," she said, "we are going to do make-up." It had been over ten years since I had last worn makeup. She put the foundation on my cheeks, nose, and chin. Starting with the nose she started blending it in with her pad. The pad felt so gentle as it rubbed against my skin.
Next she put on the blush applying it in a similaar way to the foundation except using a make-up brush and different areas. The powder came next as she applied it lightly over my face sweeping the make-up brush. It had been so long since I had been touched in this way.
"Now for the eyes!" Joy exclaimed. She gve me different directions as she painted them with various colors and mascara.
Lovingly she bent down to my level in my chair. She put her hand on my shoulder. It felt so warm and calming. "Oh my! You look absolutely gorgeous!" she exclaimed. Her eyes were staring deep into mine. It was at that moment I realized what I loved most about Joy with me being so overweight.
"You are the only one who looks at me and doesn't turn away." I said as tears ran down my cheeks most likely smudging my mascara. My heart was filled with such a deep wounding remembering how many times people looked at me then quickly turned away.
Joy explained, "That is because you have such gorgeous eyes and your eyes are the windows of your soul!"
I have never forgot that day or my friend Joy. Each day, no matter how I am feeling, after I wake up I have a shower.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Labour Day Weekend and the cost of back to school
With labour day approaching here in Canada (and? in the States) it often is a time of preparation. The children are returning to school and all that goes with that. It often is a stressful time of expenses for those parents on low income. Even doing their clothing shopping at thrift stores and many being grateful to God for His provision, school supplies seem to be getting more costly each year. My challenge to you this labor day is if you know such a family to give them an anonymous gift. Either slip under their door or mail a grocery gift card or cash. Pick out a beautiful card (many of which you can get at the dollar stores) and write the word "Blessings" on it!! This will make their day or perhaps years as they remember what came in the mail when they needed it most. God in my past has given me similiar cards and being a single parent it made such a large impression. It also met some pressing needs. Someone was listening to the nudging of the Holy Spirit!!
God bless,
The gift giver
God bless,
The gift giver
Thursday, September 1, 2011
No expectations
I think when we give we need to examine our hearts and our motives. Do we think God is a bank account and He will return financially more than we have given. It is true that He will always provide. Also that we reap what we sow: "Do no be deceived. God can not be mocked . A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction. Whoever sows to please from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
To me (and I am not a bible scholar) I see many meanings from the scripture. If you do not sow anything into your garden you will not have produce or "fruit." God looks at your heart motive with your sowing (how man used to make money and eat). If it was for all the "flesh" ways of this world you will reap destruction. But if you are sowing to please God guided by His Spirit leading us to give, we will reap eternal rewards.
This specific scripture does not promise a reward on earth. I have heard this to be true with missionaries who give so much of their potential finances in life and always struggle financially. Yet God always provides for them and even at times blesses them unexpectedly.
My own experience has been that God has blessed me more than I have blessed and sometimes before or after a blessing. I admit I have struggled with an unpure heart motive but it only made me miserable. It was like trying to wrestle with God. Releasing things to God makes life so much easier!!
Blessings
The gift giver
To me (and I am not a bible scholar) I see many meanings from the scripture. If you do not sow anything into your garden you will not have produce or "fruit." God looks at your heart motive with your sowing (how man used to make money and eat). If it was for all the "flesh" ways of this world you will reap destruction. But if you are sowing to please God guided by His Spirit leading us to give, we will reap eternal rewards.
This specific scripture does not promise a reward on earth. I have heard this to be true with missionaries who give so much of their potential finances in life and always struggle financially. Yet God always provides for them and even at times blesses them unexpectedly.
My own experience has been that God has blessed me more than I have blessed and sometimes before or after a blessing. I admit I have struggled with an unpure heart motive but it only made me miserable. It was like trying to wrestle with God. Releasing things to God makes life so much easier!!
Blessings
The gift giver
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The element of surprise
Being a gift giver, one of the things I love most is the element of surprise. If I give anonymously my secret "santas" often report the reaction of the recipients of my gifts. Most are completely shocked for this gift from the heavens. For those who are also struggling financially, it shows how God loves them and will meet their needs. I love to pamper those who financially struggling, as well as give practical gifts. I know this is something they rarely do for themselves. Try to think of the last time you blessed someone in this way. Did you not receive a blessing yourself!
Blessings
The gift giver
Blessings
The gift giver
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