Category: Blessings

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You Don’t Have to Give It Back

Here we are just a few weeks after Christmas. If you’re like me you have probably made room in the cupboard, the closet or on the table top for the gifts you received at Christmas. Just yesterday I was out in the RV making room for the great camping items we received. Every gift was given with love and no one has called or come by to ask for their gift back. That would be so strange – a gift is an expression of love, it’s not something we take back.

Well God doesn’t take back His gifts either!

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29

I’ve read this verse and heard it taught on many times. In the context of the chapter, Paul is talking to Gentiles about how the Jews didn’t accept Jesus as their Messiah so that now the message is being preached to the Gentiles, us, who are non-Jews. God’s calling for salvation is available to everyone who will believe! That’s the calling of God.

However, yesterday I stopped and focused on the first few words. “For the gifts…are without repentance.” That’s when this verse took on a whole new light. The gifts – the gifts of God are without repentance, God doesn’t go back on his word. God doesn’t regret giving us something and then come take it back.

“God never changes his mind about the people he calls. He never decides to take back the blessings he has given them.” Romans 11:29 ERV

In early Bible history the Israelites or Jews were considered a blessed people and today they are still walking in that blessing. We, as believers, are also blessed of God.

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

When Jesus was teaching the Sermon on the Mount He compared God’s character with that of man. God’s love is unconditional, unearned, unchanging – man’s love can be tainted by circumstance. If earthly parents, with natural affection, know how to give good gifts to their children how much greater are the gifts that God gives to us.

“Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. 8 Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them. 9 “Do any of you have a son? If he asked for bread, would you give him a rock? 10 Or if he asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? Of course not! 11 You people are so bad, but you still know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-11

So when circumstances try to get you down, when people criticize and walk away, when it looks as if your world will shatter, remember God has spoken good into your life. If you’ve accepted His gift of salvation, you’re His child and He has many gifts and blessings lined up for you, He won’t go back on His word.

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A Full Heart

Yesterday was so nice. A day to be surrounded by family and those who weren’t here in person were in my heart and in phone conversations and text messages. Teaching the littlest grandchildren the reason we celebrate – it’s Jesus’ birthday!

My cup runneth over…God has been so good to me. He saw me for who I was and He loved me in spite of my shortcomings and my faults. He sees me now through His eyes of grace and His desire is for my good.

He has placed all I need before me and He has promised to go with me on this journey. He will provide – He won’t abandon me. His desire is for me to become all that He has designed me to be.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

That which runs over isn’t wasted because God isn’t wasteful. The overflow is for sharing with others. What do you have to give? Encouragement? Joy? Love? Forgiveness? Understanding? Peace?

“Jesus said: Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:37-38 CEV

If you wonder what packed down, shaken together and spilling over looks like I’d like to paint you a word picture. Yesterday our son-in-law was in charge of collecting the Christmas wrapping in a trash bag. At first, the pieces of paper were just tossed in, no problem. But as more gifts were unwrapped he started pushing the paper down to compress the contents of the bag. Finally, the bag was full and running over. No more room!

When we think we can’t contain anymore of God’s goodness, love and forgiveness, press it down and He will add more. He will add so much more that understanding, forgiveness and love will spill over into the lives of others.

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Hear The Bells

At Christmas time we hear a lot of bells; there are songs about sleigh bells, jingle bells, carol of the bells, church bells, silver bells…

I have an ornament on my tree that is a glass bell with a little angel as the clapper. Every time someone touches the tree the bell rings. George Bailey, from It’s a Wonderful Life, would say another angel got its wings.

But, why the bells?

I think it has to do with church history. Traditionally, it was a way of communication long ago. Town events would be marked by the sound of the bells. The bells would warn of danger, announce good news, call all the towns folk together to help with something urgent like a fire.

But, why the bells?

I went to the Bible. It’s a very good place to go for answers. I only found a few Scripture verses about bells and most of them are in the same book.

“Use blue, purple, and red yarn to make cloth pomegranates. Hang these pomegranates around the bottom edge of the robe, and hang gold bells between the pomegranates. 34 So around the bottom edge of the robe there should be bells and pomegranates. There should be a bell following each pomegranate. 35 Aaron will wear this robe when he serves as a priest. The bells will ring as Aaron goes into the Holy Place to stand before the Lord, and the bells will ring as he leaves the Holy Place. This way Aaron will not die.” Exodus 28:32-35 ERV

This is the instruction for the design of the robe the priest would wear in the Tabernacle. Bells were worn on the hem of the robe of the chief priest. He was the only one who was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. This is the place he met with God and the jingling bells were an audible sign that he was walking with God.

After Jesus came He made a way where we all can come boldly to God’s throne and find help when we need it. We have been given the right to walk with God, without fear, welcomed by our loving Father.

“With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

Let me encourage you to make some noise this Christmas season. Let the bells ring as you walk with your family and your neighbors. Let them hear the bells ringing the good news that Immanuel, God with us, is here!

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A Trip To Remember

A good portion of the country is having really bad weather – the snow, sub zero temperatures – yuk! I remember those days. A friend posted their first day of winter temperature, -40.

When we lived in Montana we always had to look at the weather report, consider any possible storms and plan accordingly. Most anywhere we went we would have three mountain passes to go over and winter travelling could be treacherous. Several times we had drives of the “white knuckle” variety. I have been so thankful for Dave’s excellent driving skills and the Lord’s hand of protection.

But what must the weather have been like travelling to Bethlehem all those years ago?

I know it wouldn’t have been sub zero but it can get cold in the desert regions. Was there rain? Ladies, imagine this, you’re nine months pregnant, riding a donkey, and sleeping under the stars. Regardless of the weather, it may have been perfect, that’s not the time you want to try out the new tent and sleeping bags you just got from BassPro, right?

What was Mary thinking, this was certainly a “memory maker”? Did the trip effect her disposition? What questions did this young woman have, afterall it was her first pregnancy? Was there an older, more experienced Mom travelling with them?

“So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18 Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:16-19 ERV

As a mother, I sit here this morning remembering different Christmas mornings with my children and grandchildren. I pray that the significance of that first Christmas morning stays as the focal point in their lives long after I am gone.

There aren’t enough words of gratitude to express my heart’s joy over the events of that first Christmas morning and how it changed my life.

Thank you Father for loving me enough to give me the gift of Your Son and a relationship of eternal life that first Christmas day.

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The Gift List

I’m sure most of us have a “gift list” for December. It has the names of those we hold dear and want to do a little something special for. The love of our life is probably at the top followed by family and friends; somewhere, a little ways down the list could be the names of the neighbors, the kids teacher, the mailman, the garage collectors, the white elephant gift for the office and the secret sister gift.

Now that we’re thinking about the “gift list” let’s redirect our focus just a bit.

In November, I asked you all to join me in making a daily gratitude list. Each day I wrote down at least three things in my journal that I was grateful for from the day before. Yesterday I took time for go back and read those pages. You know what? It made me smile and my day was just that much better.

Since today is December 1st I’m going to ask that you join me in making a new list, the gift list.

Every day we receive small gifts from family, co-workers, even strangers but many times they pass unnoticed. I’m going to make a conscious effort this month to list the gifts I receive.

Those gifts could include a plate of cookies, a cheery phone call, a lunch date or a helping hand, a kind word or a gentle smile. It may be hearing your favorite song on the radio or in a store – just the thing you need to brighten your day. If we look, we will find little gifts everywhere.

“Loving-favor has been given to each one of us. We can see how great it is by the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7 NLV

The most wonderful gift of all, of course, is God’s gift of His Son. Through the life and death of Jesus we have been given mercy, grace and love. Those should be the first gifts we recognize and put on our gift list.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

As we go through this month and make our gift list let me encourage you to share what you receive with others. If you receive an act of kindness, share kindness. If someone gives you the gift of patience then share that patience with others. If you receive a box of chocolates or a plate of cookies, share those too. (Said with a smile on my face.)

When we give freely, our gifts may have a life long impact.

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Apple of My Eye

When I was a little girl, I mean little, about three years old, our neighbor across the road coined a phrase when he greeted me. He would say, “You’re my apple pandowdy, you make my eyes light up”. He said that every time he saw me and then he would laugh and give me a hug.

Jay was such a sweet man. He and his wife had two boys who were my brother’s age and older. They never had a little girl and so I guess he adopted me. Even when I was married and had kids of my own, Jay would burst into his little greeting when he saw me. (For the record, apple pandowdy is a dessert like an apple cobbler.) It was Jay’s way of telling me I was loved.

Just like Jay always told me I was loved, I enjoy telling and showing people they are loved. God loves us all unconditionally. Believe it or not that irritates some people. They mistake my confidence in God’s love as arrogance.

Over the years I have been asked multiple times, “what makes you think that God would do anything for you, who do you think you are”. The answer comes in complete humility, “I’m the apple of God’s eye and He loves me unconditionally”.

As a child, if you would have asked me what made me think that Flo & Gene Vorland were going to provide for me, feed me, clothe me, take care of me when I was sick, give me a warm place to sleep, get me something special for my birthday or take me someplace fun, like fishing; I’d say I know they will – they’re my parents and they love me! End of conversation – you couldn’t convince me differently. Neither can I be convinced any differently when it comes to God – He’s my loving heavenly Father! I’m the apple of His eye and so are you. That’s why He sent His wonderful gift of Jesus.

“The Lord sent me to the nations that took away your wealth. He sent me to bring you honor. And this is what the LORD All-Powerful said: “If anyone even touches you, it is as if they did it to the apple of my eye.'” Zechariah 2:8 CEV

This Thanksgiving Day things may not be perfect in your life but there is one thing that is, God’s love. It’s perfect love!

“Show me the wonders of your great love,  you who save by your right hand  those who take refuge in you from their foes. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;  hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,  from my mortal enemies who surround me.” Psalm 17:7-9 NIV

Be thankful! I can hear God say “you’re my apple pandowdy, you make my eyes light up”.

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Maxamino’s Portion

Sometimes I am surprised at the things that come to mind and the lessons the Lord teaches me from those memories.

Years ago when Dave and I were farming alfalfa in central Arizona we had a man who worked for us. His name was Maxamino. He was such a great help. He was responsible for doing all the irrigating of the 900+ acres we farmed. He was a happy man, always a smile on his face, always willing to do what he was asked.

It was Thanksgiving and we were cutting hay. When alfalfa needs to be cut it doesn’t matter what day the calendar says it is. I had made the traditional Thanksgiving dinner and we ate after we swathed hay in the morning. I fixed a big platter of food for Max and Dave took it down to his house. He was overwhelmed by the amount of food that we took to him. He told us that this plate would have been enough for his whole family.

I realized how blessed we were and was grateful for how the Lord had provided for us. Since that Thanksgiving I have been reminded again and again how important it is that we share what the Lord gives us.

There will always be someone who has more than we do but there will also be those who have less. We have been commissioned to be a light in the world. The Lord wants to shine through us and one way He does that is through our giving.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 The Message

As I was reading this morning I came across these words:

“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly. 14 May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord  who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:13-15 NLT

Part of the blessing we receive from the Lord comes through giving. Look for someone to bless and let God’s light shine through you.

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In My Heart

With Thanksgiving only a few days away I’m sure some of you are like me and are beginning to plan the timing of the food preparation, everything needs to come out of the oven at the same time. As a child I had already checked the TV Guide to see what time the parades would start; I didn’t want to miss a single float, band or balloon. I never was into football but know some who are and they have been strategically planning to watch the games, oh the games.

But this morning I find myself in prayer for friends and family I won’t be seeing on Thanksgiving Day. Some of you have experienced real heart ache this past year- the loss of a loved one or the severing of relationships. Others have hearts full of joy; a new birth, a new home, a marriage, renewed health. The Lord has brought many of you to mind and I’ve been praying for you individually.

I can’t help but think of what the Apostle Paul said to all of us. He wanted us to recognize that we have an important part in this life. God has gifted each of us with a unique and personal role; it’s a calling that no one else can fill.

“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back, says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them, If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 812:8-21 NLT

These verses are God’s command to us. Even when we are treated badly we are not to retaliate; we are to be loving. This kind of loving attitude will cause the one who is hatedful to be ashamed of their actions. We will conquer evil by doing good.

Isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about – doing good. The Native Americans helped the Pilgrims through that first year and this was the festival of celebration. Look at your past – when did someone come along side of you and help you through a rough situation? Thank God for them and enjoy this wonderful time of reflection and gratitude!

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Loaded Up

Here we are just a few days before Thanksgiving and other than the grocery store commercials not a lot is being said about this day that was set aside for giving thanks. The focus is already on the Christmas shopping season and it has been for several weeks now.

It seems that less and less time is allotted for thankfulness. Our hearts should be overflowing with thankfulness. God has been gracious and kind. There may have been disappointments and even heart aches in the last year but God remains faithful and trustworthy.

He continues to bring blessings and benefits into our lives.

“Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. 18 It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. 19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; ” James 1:16-19 AMP

He is the giver of every good and perfect gift and He does not change. We need to listen more and murmur less. This will definitely bring us closer to thankful hearts.

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19 NKJV

Daily, He loads us up with benefits…Selah means stop and think.

Yesterday I stopped in at our local grocery store to pick up a few things that I wanted to have on hand for our Thanksgiving meal next week. I saw a number of people who had their shopping carts loaded to the top. It made of think of this verse. I consider a full shopping cart to be a benefit from the Lord. Loaded up. I remember the days when we had very little in our weekly grocery budget and so my cart was never loaded. A full shopping cart always makes me grateful; I’m thankful for the blessing of enough to eat.

“After you eat and are full, give praise to the Lord your God for the good land he gave you. 11 Make sure that you never forget the Lord or disobey his laws and teachings that I am giving you today. If you always obey them, 12 you will have plenty to eat, and you will build good houses to live in.” Deuteronomy 8:10-12 CEV

As you go about your day, Stop and Think about the ways the Lord has been good to you. I guarantee it will make you thankful!

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Be A Comfort

Yesterday morning I went to the hospital early to see Mom. She had a good night and was feeling much better than she had the day before. Shortly after I arrived she received her breakfast. She said it tasted good but not as good as the chocolate pudding she had the night before.

In just a little bit, a sweet nurse’s aide came in and asked if Mom would like to have a sponge bath. She thought that sounded nice. The aide was so sweet as she went about her task – warm water, wash cloths, a clean hospital gown and then she changed the sheets on the bed. Mom felt like a new woman! To top it off, she leaned over and gave Mom a big hug before she left.

Comfort!

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” II Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

Mom was dismissed from the hospital yesterday afternoon, my sister and brother-in-law are taking good care of Mom, we are so grateful for all they do!

The littlest kindnesses are sometimes the greatest sources of comfort. Where do you find comfort?

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. 19 And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

“When I am hurting, I find comfort in your promise that leads to life. 51 Conceited people sneer at me, but I obey your Law. 52 I find true comfort, Lord, because your laws have stood the test of time.” Psalm 119:50-52 CEV

Our true comfort doesn’t come from the external things in our lives but from the eternal – from God’s Word and His love.

“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.” Philippians 2:1 CEV

My prayer is that we will all be used of God to make others “Comfort-abled” today!

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