Tag: gifts

Maybe… just Maybe

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

““Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.” Jeremiah 23:5 (NKJV)

Last evening our ladies in the church gathered for a Cookie and Conversation event. It was a relaxing time together and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.

I gave the devotion using the empty boxes that I wrap and put around our ‘fancy’ Christmas tree in the living room of our home. After the devotion a couple of women commented (not seriously), “I thought we were going to get presents.” We all laughed. I told them they were welcome to the empty boxes.

As I sat this morning thinking of last night it occurred to me that we all become children in this season to an extent. Yes, there is the stress and hassle of getting things done and accomplished, scratching things off a list, adding more things to the list, visiting people and so on and so forth.

But secretly, deep down, when we see a person we know holding a gift and walking towards us, don’t we get a certain twinge of excitement? Is it for me? I wonder what’s in there? Those thoughts before the dreaded thought of “oh no! I don’t have anything for them” appear.

This is a season of hope and excitement even if there is no tree, no gifts, no lights, no cookies. Residing deep within this season is a gift of hope and expectation. A season where we anticipate.

Personally, I think that gift of hope is a annual gift from our Lord. The year is ending, a new one approaching. This year, to be honest may have sucked. Big. Time. But there is hope. A new, fresh year is coming in a couple of weeks. Anticipation. Hope. Excitement.

A New Year with possibilities. Things may be different. Things may be the same, but, you have survived this year. “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—my Savior and 6 my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—” Psalm 42:5-6a (NLT)

Gifts

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” I Peter 4:10 (NLT)

There are several programs that have tests to find your strengths, your gifts, the way your personality is and how you act or react because of this. I find these tests fascinating and I have taken several of them, although I do not remember exact terms that were assigned to my personality.

The Bible also talks about gifts. Gifts from the Lord. They are perfect and we need to share these gifts with one another.

I have heard about gifts that are obvious to many, and although I can see why they are spoken to me, I don’t always see the gifts themselves.

“ For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” Romans 11:29 (NLT)

When I see this verse, I feel both comforted and challenged. Comforted because the Lord gave me a gift and it can never be taken away. Challenged because I question if I am truly using this gift and calling to serve others.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

All I can do is my best through prayer and service. I try to utilize what I feel is my gifting/calling and to give the glory to my God. He alone is who deserves all praise, all glory. It is for Him that I live.

Drawing a Blank

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

There are times when we draw a blank. There is nothing there. Nothing to speak of, nothing to give attention to.

As I started this, I thought I would just start to write and hopefully something encouraging or spiritual would flow into the words.

Instead, there is nothing. I am a person, I become tired and I draw blanks. This past week I have spent with my oldest daughter. It has been a delightful time together, we have had many adventures as she prepares her lake house for rental.

We have shopped, had lunch together and talked. We have binged some series she has wanted to watch together and we have laughed and cried through those. This afternoon she fixed me a marvelous lunch.

This week has been a work week and a refreshing week for me. No, nothing spiritual has come to mind today, but my heart is full and I am blessed. There is nothing better in life.

My mind may be blank, but I know that my devotion to my family is in place. My daughters and grandchildren are my heart. My husband is my gift. And although I am drawing a blank I know that in my spirit, soul, and heart resides the permanent love for my Lord. It is through Him that I have been so abundantly gifted with what I have mentioned above. Thank you Lord for this beautiful life You have given me.