This weekend had been having a particulary lonely one for me. My son was busy in his life, so he didn't return my phone calls or texts on his days off like he usually does. "Oh how I miss you," I thought. My heart was pained by our 8 month physical separation. It is difficult as a mom to let go!
My sister had an insane schedule of family commitments. She had time to text me twice in ten days and I had missed two of her messages. This lack of contact was so difficult as she was a teacher, going from having the summer off to back into the reality of her life. My heart was grieving.
But along came Sunday and a friend who so often offered me an after church invitation for lunch offered one!
I loved to go to her house for lunch as nothing needed to be perfect. She whized around the kitchen serving myself, another mother with her two kids, as well as her own smookie dogs! They were delicious!! We had little cupcakes she had got at Wallmart, and icecream from the other friend. Not a low calorie lunch but worth the fellowship and fun!
She then dyed her friend's hair and I gave her a scalp massage!
We watched a movie, which I fell asleep in the middle of!! But my friend had taken my lonely weekend and ended it up with such a "girlie" day! She is gifted in the gift of hospitality. I think this is a real love language and it ministers to peoples hearts and souls!
Thank you my friend for making my day! Sunday can be lonely after church if you live on your own!! It is the company that is the real gift!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Getting rid of "excess" one gift at a time
While it is another blog day today and I am sipping on my coffee trying to recall what God has shown me about giving this week. He has shown me two main things.
Firstly that there is joy in giving your excess away, whether that is money or belongings. Secondly, it can be difficult to give away "things", even if we haven't used them for a long time.
I have items in my apartment which I haven't used in years which will surely benefit someone else. I have loved seeing or hearing about the reactions of someone being given a random gift or blessing by me. Since this one year challenge of giving began for me (Sept. 8th) I am already feeling a release from "things". I am also having to be deliberate and think about my giving each day.Today I have a Joyce Myers book for a friend. Praise the Lord!!
I have also learned that giving up some items can be difficult. Suddenly re-looking at an item one has not even used can bring about this new "love" for the iteme. I'll see the item I have a double for, and I'll think "I'll need it one year." One year never comes and I am crowding up my cupboard space! The cookbook I hold onto for those few recipes stays on my book shelf.
Just last night I really saw this over a "homemade" loaf of bread. I had not given to anyone yet yesterday, as my friend did not accept my gift of clothing. She had given me two delicious loaves of bread with lentil soup. I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit to leave one of the homemade bread loaves in my lobbey.
I rationalized thinking that I could put 1 loaf of frozen store bought bread out instead. But when I really thought about it I really remembered how the fact that the bread was homemade was such a blessing to me. I was feeling blessed and fortunate to be able to leave that gift of bread out for somebody, knowing God was at work!
It has really taught me not to ignore the nudgings of the Holy Spirit, though sometimes I will have no other understanding other than it is part of God's plan. I know my own greed can get in the way. Mold my heart Lord! Mold me! Maybe God's plan, was to start molding me!
Firstly that there is joy in giving your excess away, whether that is money or belongings. Secondly, it can be difficult to give away "things", even if we haven't used them for a long time.
I have items in my apartment which I haven't used in years which will surely benefit someone else. I have loved seeing or hearing about the reactions of someone being given a random gift or blessing by me. Since this one year challenge of giving began for me (Sept. 8th) I am already feeling a release from "things". I am also having to be deliberate and think about my giving each day.Today I have a Joyce Myers book for a friend. Praise the Lord!!
I have also learned that giving up some items can be difficult. Suddenly re-looking at an item one has not even used can bring about this new "love" for the iteme. I'll see the item I have a double for, and I'll think "I'll need it one year." One year never comes and I am crowding up my cupboard space! The cookbook I hold onto for those few recipes stays on my book shelf.
Just last night I really saw this over a "homemade" loaf of bread. I had not given to anyone yet yesterday, as my friend did not accept my gift of clothing. She had given me two delicious loaves of bread with lentil soup. I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit to leave one of the homemade bread loaves in my lobbey.
I rationalized thinking that I could put 1 loaf of frozen store bought bread out instead. But when I really thought about it I really remembered how the fact that the bread was homemade was such a blessing to me. I was feeling blessed and fortunate to be able to leave that gift of bread out for somebody, knowing God was at work!
It has really taught me not to ignore the nudgings of the Holy Spirit, though sometimes I will have no other understanding other than it is part of God's plan. I know my own greed can get in the way. Mold my heart Lord! Mold me! Maybe God's plan, was to start molding me!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
"The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent from one another" Genesis 31:49
"The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent from one another."Genesis 31:49
Being a gift giver this scripture rings out from the mountaintops to me.
Firstly it describes my own brokeness from divorce. So clearly I remember the days when everything I knew fell apart. I went through the motions of life, surviving to get my parenting tasks for my five year old son done. He depended upon me and I wanted his life as normal as it could be. Tireless nights were with my pillow and rolls of toilet paper, wiping up the tears of my sorrows. I just felt so overwhelmed. Like no one knew what I was going through and I was the only one.
But the Lord knew of this whole situation and the circumstances of why we were absent from each other. We both have our own accounts to give before the Lord. Out of tragedy he bloomed this ministry!
In the people that the Lord has directed me to minister to, many have deep woundings. "When we are absent from one another" it screams out and echos with grief and loneliness. So many people around us are hurting and grieving if we take the time to notice and help.
I remember each person and their unique ways that reached out to me in my crisis time. That is pretty amazing. Sad that there was so few. But rich, for the depth of kindness shown at the exact time I needed it.
Some of you have started my give a gift every day for a year challenge. I challenge you to make something special for someone hurting this week. Even that person who irritates you as they seem stuck!! Pray first and see yourself as a bridge to help that person to Jesus. I encourage others who are not following the challenge to follow. Remember we can change lives with our prayers to Jesus and one gift, one day at a time! I wonder what Jesus' hands looked like in his lifetime?
Blessings
The gift giver!
Being a gift giver this scripture rings out from the mountaintops to me.
Firstly it describes my own brokeness from divorce. So clearly I remember the days when everything I knew fell apart. I went through the motions of life, surviving to get my parenting tasks for my five year old son done. He depended upon me and I wanted his life as normal as it could be. Tireless nights were with my pillow and rolls of toilet paper, wiping up the tears of my sorrows. I just felt so overwhelmed. Like no one knew what I was going through and I was the only one.
But the Lord knew of this whole situation and the circumstances of why we were absent from each other. We both have our own accounts to give before the Lord. Out of tragedy he bloomed this ministry!
In the people that the Lord has directed me to minister to, many have deep woundings. "When we are absent from one another" it screams out and echos with grief and loneliness. So many people around us are hurting and grieving if we take the time to notice and help.
I remember each person and their unique ways that reached out to me in my crisis time. That is pretty amazing. Sad that there was so few. But rich, for the depth of kindness shown at the exact time I needed it.
Some of you have started my give a gift every day for a year challenge. I challenge you to make something special for someone hurting this week. Even that person who irritates you as they seem stuck!! Pray first and see yourself as a bridge to help that person to Jesus. I encourage others who are not following the challenge to follow. Remember we can change lives with our prayers to Jesus and one gift, one day at a time! I wonder what Jesus' hands looked like in his lifetime?
Blessings
The gift giver!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Frequency of blog
Hi fellow readers!! I have made a decision to regularly blog on Mon., Wed, and Fri. until I can build up a list of followers or my stats go up. I am going to spend that extra time on my book.
When I see that my blog is being more read I will resume Mon. to Fri. so spread the word, become a follower, check my posts, and make some comments. I would LOVE to hear feedback from you the readers whom I have always said this was your blog. If I find also that this blog is also really changing lives, I will resume Mon.-Fri.
Feel free to email me at giftgiversboxshowschristslove@gmail.com
Many, many blessings!!
The gift giver
When I see that my blog is being more read I will resume Mon. to Fri. so spread the word, become a follower, check my posts, and make some comments. I would LOVE to hear feedback from you the readers whom I have always said this was your blog. If I find also that this blog is also really changing lives, I will resume Mon.-Fri.
Feel free to email me at giftgiversboxshowschristslove@gmail.com
Many, many blessings!!
The gift giver
Thank you Jeus for showing us in your unique ways how you care for us through giving
I was feeling a heaviness about me. A certain tiredness or weariness from the week before. It had been so long since I had taken a full Saturday off. I had decided to take a home day off. I was going to read, including my bible, listen to inspirational shows on the internet and music, and look at other blogs.
Yet something nudged at me to take a shower and wash my hair in case a better offer came along. I put my pj's on expecting a day/night retreat.
It was then I remembered the hamburger I had left overnight defrosting in the fridge. I immediately reminded myself of the lasagna I was supposed to be pre-making today for my son's upcoming visit. I needed to go get some cottage cheese.
I proceeded to walk downtown when I noticed someone setting up for an event in the square near the courthouse. When I asked the lady what it was for she said it was for "customer appreciation day". I knew this meant I could go to the store I was buying my chicken in and return by 11:00 am for a free wrapped gift! I returned on time. It took me a while to pick from the bag selection and gift certificates.
What an absolute God thing I thought. That I had decided to leave my apartment, taken the route I had chosen, and seen the group in the early phases of set up to know what it was!!
To my sheer delight when I opened the gift it had two gifts. For me a luscious tropical budy scrub. My mother is a very difficult person to buy for as she is downsizing in her house, doesn't like scents and is difficult to find the correct size for.
But as I tore back the pink tissue paper, the white tissue paper, and finally the bubble wrap, I finally saw the perfect gift for my mother. It was an older style hand mirror. At the back of the mirror it said "A weekend in Paris". Paris was my mothers' favorite holiday that she ever took. My mother was immaculate about her hair and liked everything including the back to be in order. She had only relied on mirrors in cosmetics packs like eyeshadows.
Thank you Jesus that you are ever present. That you care and protect your people. Lord it never ceases to amaze me how you show us your love in such unique and personal ways that we can only say that was God.
Praises and glory to You Lord. Without You I am truly nothing!
Yet something nudged at me to take a shower and wash my hair in case a better offer came along. I put my pj's on expecting a day/night retreat.
It was then I remembered the hamburger I had left overnight defrosting in the fridge. I immediately reminded myself of the lasagna I was supposed to be pre-making today for my son's upcoming visit. I needed to go get some cottage cheese.
I proceeded to walk downtown when I noticed someone setting up for an event in the square near the courthouse. When I asked the lady what it was for she said it was for "customer appreciation day". I knew this meant I could go to the store I was buying my chicken in and return by 11:00 am for a free wrapped gift! I returned on time. It took me a while to pick from the bag selection and gift certificates.
What an absolute God thing I thought. That I had decided to leave my apartment, taken the route I had chosen, and seen the group in the early phases of set up to know what it was!!
To my sheer delight when I opened the gift it had two gifts. For me a luscious tropical budy scrub. My mother is a very difficult person to buy for as she is downsizing in her house, doesn't like scents and is difficult to find the correct size for.
But as I tore back the pink tissue paper, the white tissue paper, and finally the bubble wrap, I finally saw the perfect gift for my mother. It was an older style hand mirror. At the back of the mirror it said "A weekend in Paris". Paris was my mothers' favorite holiday that she ever took. My mother was immaculate about her hair and liked everything including the back to be in order. She had only relied on mirrors in cosmetics packs like eyeshadows.
Thank you Jesus that you are ever present. That you care and protect your people. Lord it never ceases to amaze me how you show us your love in such unique and personal ways that we can only say that was God.
Praises and glory to You Lord. Without You I am truly nothing!
Friday, September 16, 2011
My favorite gift as the gift giver
When I started my gift giving ministry I had a purpose of bringing back the ancient art of gift giving. Thinking of times in the past when folks did not have much money or distractions like television and all our technology, they had a deep understanding of gift giving. They gave of their time and created things!
We, in our jam packed schedules, have forgotten this art or let it become less valued in our society.
There still are a generation of largely woman who carry out the art of giving. These are the retired woman who once volunteered before in their busy schedules. Now that their responsibilies have lessened, they give much of their time to other causes. Many stay at home moms also give gifts that are handmade and service.
I know of such a woman in her early eighties. She is "slowing down" now, by cutting down in some of the volunteer committees she serves on. Notably she and a handful of ladies started a non-profit agency for mental health clients. Today besides the original ten bed apartment building they have eighteen "satellite" apartments that they manage.
She also continues to be involved with a MCC quilting club. The club makes thousands upon thousands of baby quilts each year to ship to countries in need like Russia.
Lillian came visiting me one day. She asked if I had a sewing machine and if I would like to have it! I was delighted and accepted it as my machine was broken. I then found a huge discount on a store of a quilting kit for a bed. Being a novice, little did I know how difficult the pattern I had chosen was. I asked for Lillian's help who accepted knowing what she was getting herself into.
For weeks I came to Lillian's house with my quilting supplies. We always went straight to work as we usually had an hour to an hour and a half to work. Being a former home-ec teacher Lillian was very precise. She showed me how to get my sewing lines straight, and my squares and triangles to be perfect. At the end of our session she would always give me "homework" to do.
I will never forget the finishing of my quilt for my queen size bed. Lillian had it "shown" at two of her committees. Lillian was truly a mentor in the spirit of giving.
For me, my favorite gift as a gift giver was a baby quilt that I sewed. My care box went to a single mom through the "crisis pregnancy center." I imagined the obstacles the mom had gone through with her pregnancy and had overcome. I gave many things to help with a new baby but the quilt was hand made. An expression of my heart through my hands. It also gave me fond memories of my teacher Lillian.
As a gift giver I enjoy giving the handmade gifts the most! This is something I plan to focus on more! My "brownies in a jar" are a close second.
Today I am making up some homemade squash soup from an incredible deal that I got. A non-profit agency has set up a food co-op for people on low income near my home. You can get many items at wholesale prices. I am buying three more butternut squashes there and some carrots. Then I am making up soups and will give a portion for my busy sister! A gift from my hands to her heart! The joy of giving!!
We, in our jam packed schedules, have forgotten this art or let it become less valued in our society.
There still are a generation of largely woman who carry out the art of giving. These are the retired woman who once volunteered before in their busy schedules. Now that their responsibilies have lessened, they give much of their time to other causes. Many stay at home moms also give gifts that are handmade and service.
I know of such a woman in her early eighties. She is "slowing down" now, by cutting down in some of the volunteer committees she serves on. Notably she and a handful of ladies started a non-profit agency for mental health clients. Today besides the original ten bed apartment building they have eighteen "satellite" apartments that they manage.
She also continues to be involved with a MCC quilting club. The club makes thousands upon thousands of baby quilts each year to ship to countries in need like Russia.
Lillian came visiting me one day. She asked if I had a sewing machine and if I would like to have it! I was delighted and accepted it as my machine was broken. I then found a huge discount on a store of a quilting kit for a bed. Being a novice, little did I know how difficult the pattern I had chosen was. I asked for Lillian's help who accepted knowing what she was getting herself into.
For weeks I came to Lillian's house with my quilting supplies. We always went straight to work as we usually had an hour to an hour and a half to work. Being a former home-ec teacher Lillian was very precise. She showed me how to get my sewing lines straight, and my squares and triangles to be perfect. At the end of our session she would always give me "homework" to do.
I will never forget the finishing of my quilt for my queen size bed. Lillian had it "shown" at two of her committees. Lillian was truly a mentor in the spirit of giving.
For me, my favorite gift as a gift giver was a baby quilt that I sewed. My care box went to a single mom through the "crisis pregnancy center." I imagined the obstacles the mom had gone through with her pregnancy and had overcome. I gave many things to help with a new baby but the quilt was hand made. An expression of my heart through my hands. It also gave me fond memories of my teacher Lillian.
As a gift giver I enjoy giving the handmade gifts the most! This is something I plan to focus on more! My "brownies in a jar" are a close second.
Today I am making up some homemade squash soup from an incredible deal that I got. A non-profit agency has set up a food co-op for people on low income near my home. You can get many items at wholesale prices. I am buying three more butternut squashes there and some carrots. Then I am making up soups and will give a portion for my busy sister! A gift from my hands to her heart! The joy of giving!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The power of prayer as you give on gift gat a time.
If in your life or as a ministry, you need to know that you will have spiritual opposition. These distractions are: pulling from your marriage, your children, and division among our churches in the world.
For me, that often came through my son. I would be working on a bunch of gift baskets and have them ready for delivery. Like clock work, Mathew would begin to act out add a lot of pain to my family. At other time he became sick. One time he had tenderness and pain in his liver. The doctor did not know the cause depite numerous tests.
It was during this time that I made a concentrated effort to pray for my son. I prayed that his heaiing would happen and it did. Before the doctors had come up with a diagnosis healing had occured. Mathew's healing had been a miracle to all of us us!!
Divisions in my family seemed so me much less, and the internal battle in my mind settled.
Prayer also seemed to be guiding force who I gave my gift packages to. My "secret santas" delivery persons, often found who they delivered to those who were in worse condition than they thought. Circumstances had worsened. God knew these situations and was reaching out through me to other people.
Prayer became the foundation of the ministry, which I needed to give my gift baskets, boxes, and other gifts. It was also needed to give gifts to people once a day for a year. These were just to randomly bless recipients!
So I never forget the power of prayer as you bulld your own gift giving practice. We often forget the power of prayer in the heavenlies. Today I will pray for you!!
God bless,
The gift giver!
For me, that often came through my son. I would be working on a bunch of gift baskets and have them ready for delivery. Like clock work, Mathew would begin to act out add a lot of pain to my family. At other time he became sick. One time he had tenderness and pain in his liver. The doctor did not know the cause depite numerous tests.
It was during this time that I made a concentrated effort to pray for my son. I prayed that his heaiing would happen and it did. Before the doctors had come up with a diagnosis healing had occured. Mathew's healing had been a miracle to all of us us!!
Divisions in my family seemed so me much less, and the internal battle in my mind settled.
Prayer also seemed to be guiding force who I gave my gift packages to. My "secret santas" delivery persons, often found who they delivered to those who were in worse condition than they thought. Circumstances had worsened. God knew these situations and was reaching out through me to other people.
Prayer became the foundation of the ministry, which I needed to give my gift baskets, boxes, and other gifts. It was also needed to give gifts to people once a day for a year. These were just to randomly bless recipients!
So I never forget the power of prayer as you bulld your own gift giving practice. We often forget the power of prayer in the heavenlies. Today I will pray for you!!
God bless,
The gift giver!
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