This week I received an email and a check from one of our partners.  The note said, “This is for you Kim, for the 52 weeks that you have encouraged me this year.”  The check was for $52.

I must say, I was blessed.  Not only by the gift but the thought behind it…the fifty-two weeks of thankfulness coming from this person.  That day she watered my soul.

Proverbs 11:25-26 says, whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

The New Living says it like this; The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

I love this scripture and I have lived its truth.  I am sure many of you have as well.  My friend and partner refreshed me this week, and I am praying she will be refreshed as well.

I have pondered on her generous gift all week and then I came across some quotes I wanted to share with you.

“The greatest blessing the whole world is being a blessing.”  Jack Hyles

“When God blesses you financially, don’t raise your standard of living. Raise your standard of giving.” Mark Batterson

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”  Steve Maraboli

2 Corinthians 9:6 says, remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.

Some days it feels like we are living in an extremely self-centered world – then someone like this comes along and reminds us of the people surrounding us who want to do no more than be a blessing to someone.  Someone who thinks of others and the blessing they have been instead of only thinking of receiving a blessing from them.  It did my heart good.

This month, we have entered the season where we celebrate Jesus, His birth and all He gave to each of us and to the world. We are celebrating the wonderful gift He gave when He left His home and came to earth, not for Himself, but for us – to be a blessing to us.  Reflecting on that truth, may we too choose to be a blessing to those around us this month.

I especially love to bless someone who is not expecting anything at all.  Just the other day, Breanne and I had a dozen bundt cakes.  We drove around our county, looking for someone to bless with these delicious cakes.  Person after person was surprised with the blessing we brought their way – but I believe we were more refreshed.  It blessed me even more than it did them and I know Breanne felt the same way.

Today, I want you to consider blessing someone today – someone who is not expecting it.  Jesus loved so much He gave – may we have the same heart.  Instead of trying to figure out what we can gain each day, let’s see how much of a blessing we can be to others.

Acts 20:35 says, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Amplified Bible says it like this, “It is more blessed (makes one happier and more (to be envied) to give than to receive.

Make someone’s day today – be a blessing.  It doesn’t have to be anything big – just knowing you thought of them will be a blessing.  I was blessed beyond measure with the sincere monetary gift of thanks from my partner and it only made me want to be the same type of blessing to someone else.  May we be a church known by our generous spirit of giving and being a blessing.  And may God pour out His wonderful refreshment upon us as we choose to be a continual blessing to others.

 

 

 

Appoint My Days

My children will stay on the narrow path of righteousness and purity all the days of their lives. They will not stray to the left or right but will stay on God’s perfect path for their lives. They will always be leaders and role models of godliness and will keep themselves away from corrupting and contaminating influences. They will surround themselves with godly friends and mentors all the days of their lives. They will marry a godly spouse with a passion for the Lord. My children obey and honor their parents. They respect their teachers and all in authority.

Romans 13:1,2, Ephesians 6:1, 2