Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
However, the challenge was based on Genesis 12:2 where God told Abraham “I will bless you....and you will be a blessing. This was actually the first law of blessing.
So what did that mean? Well, the Lord showed me that His reason for blessing me simply meant for me to bless others. We're not to hold our blessings all to ourselves but to use our blessings to be a blessing.
I love how Rick Warren says it best. How do you bless others? By serving a need, whether it is physical, emotional, financial or practical.
That covers a lot of territory doesn't it? You know what I have come to know? The more I bless others the more I am truly blessed by our Lord. The more I give of myself sacrificially the more I receive from Christ. We cannot out give God! No matter what our giving may be.
Can I ask you a question today? You don't need to answer me back but be honest with yourself. What changes do you need to make in your life to be a blessing to someone else?
For some it can simply mean...getting off those purse strings. Or maybe you need to cut back on your personal agenda and make time for others. One might need to downsize their way of living in order to help another up-size their way of living. For some this may mean to be more of a lending hand instead of a receiving hand.
One thing I know for sure my friends...The Lord ALWAYS blesses me when I bless others for HIS KINGDOM. NOT for myself....but for HIM! Anything in my life that I have ever or will ever give up for the kingdom of God is already overflowing right now in Heaven and waiting on me! And I think the "kicker" here is simply...............WHAT WILL WE GIVE UP?
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Well, my friend, you've certainly been a HUGE blessing to me!!! Love you bunches!! HOPE you have an awesome day!
ReplyDeleteOh Cindy, if only we could fully grasp how abundantly God gives to us. Sometimes I think we tend to look at our paychecks and are tempted to claim what "we" did...without ever thinking of the fact that it is God who supplied us with that job and paycheck. But as you so beautifully pointed out, it is giving more than our money, although it could be money or the material things that God wants us to pass on to others. Sometimes just taking the time to sending an encouraging note to some one is the way we can bless others...or perhaps a smile. Thank you so much for this wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteGreat post today Cindy.
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
Thanks for another great message!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI love this lesson in blessings.
You certainly are a blessing to me with your posts and heartfelt giving of your knowledge.
I learned from my dear parents many years ago, that it was better to give then receive. I don't mean always money or material items, but rather the blessing of my time, helping hand, a call, a note, a homemade baked good and for me many times, something hand painted or sharing a how to do something. What a joy it is to know we might make someone's day like you always do with your special posts.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Be Blessed my friend.
Hugs for a great weekend.
XO
You always get us thinking....
ReplyDeleteIt's all about balance, and that is what I work on. I do make time for my friends and social outings as they keep my sanity.Your posts are so encouraging and thought provoking. Thank you.
ReplyDelete