How Do We Truly Give?

You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

- Kahlil Gibran -

I had an uncle who has now passed on.  Growing up, I never really knew him.  I knew of him.  He was generous at Christmas time, sending gifts.   The were appreciated, I suppose.  I can’t remember what he looked like but I remember receiving a gift each year.  The gifts were always something . . . well, completely inappropriate for the child I was when I received them.  A dress that was too small, a toy that was years too young for me, a makeup kit that was years too old for me.  He passed away and all I ever knew of him was those gifts . . .

I had another uncle.  He has also passed on.  He lived far from us, but visited when he could.  We visited him as well.  He was kind and generous, and I remember he sent money to my parents so they could choose a gift for me at Christmas.  I hardly knew him though.  Years passed.  Eventually, as an adult, I got to spend time with him a bit more often.   I came to know him well and enjoyed our visits so much.   He was clever, and funny.  He always had a story to tell.  He loved nature, and loved a challenge.  He always asked me about my life and seemed always to be really interested.  I came to love him as one can only love someone who is really known personally.  Sadly he passed away not long after I truly got to know him, but he blessed my life.  When I think back I don’t think of the presents, but of his presence.  He became a part of me and he still is.  Somehow, I think Gibran knew this uncle. 

 

TOP 10 WAYS TO HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS!

It’s the first week of December and it already seems like there’s just no way to get everything done in time for December 25th, doesn’t it?  Well, we need to make a plan!  Here are some great tips you will want to use to make the holidays fun, festive, and less stressful.  Click the link.

Holiday Tips

Who Would Turn Down a Gift?

The word forgive means to grant pardon, to release from debt, to set free.  We are told that God forgives.   We are told this in the Bible so many times.  In this Advent season we celebrate the birth of Christ who came to earth in human form to save us, sinners, and to restore us and enable us to share in eternal life, yet do we truly understand how huge this is?

 I believe most of us have a problem forgiving ourselves.  Better stated, I believe we, or I anyway, find it difficult to fully accept His forgiveness.  If I’ve admitted my fault, been forgiven, yet still keep coming back to “why did I do . . . “  and “if only I’d never . . . ” and a whole sea of “enoughs” which we believe are our shortcomings, we have not taken hold of the gift of forgiveness He has handed to us. 

Through Christ, we are restored, reborn, forgiven, set free!  This is amazing! 

Psalm 81:6
He says, “I removed the burden from their shoulders

Psalm 118:5
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.

Psalm 119:32
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 146:7
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free,

Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint

 I was feeling weighted down.  So, I turned to the book of life . . .  the only book that truly breathes life into me . . . the Bible.  I am refreshed.  I am forgiven.  I am loved.  I am free!  I accept this gift!  The best gift of all!