Give Generously

Did you know that when you give to others in need, the Bible says it’s like giving directly to God Himself? When you step out and bless other people, you are honoring and blessing the Lord. The scripture tells us to give our best, to give generously. In other words, stretch yourself. Go out of your way. It may be uncomfortable to walk over and pay for someone’s gas, but that’s being generous.

I encourage you today, look for ways to give generously and meet the needs of others. Remember, people have many different types of needs. There may be someone who needs some encouragement. Give generously when you give that encouragement. There may be someone in your life that just needs a friend; they need some quality time. Give generously of your time and pour into that person. As you give generously to others, God will multiply those seeds in your own life in return!

“...The righteous give generously”
(Psalm 37:21, NIV)

(Courtesy of:  http://joelosteen.com)

Life's Little Treasures

You know life is filled with "little treasures" that can make you smile.  Just the other day, I was sitting at my kitchen table just listening.  My two daughters were in one room, while my two little grand-daughters were sitting in another room on the opposite end of the house.  

My daughters were laughing and just enjoying being together and remembering old times.  And I could hear the grandbabies in the other room just laughing and playing.  I just sat there and listened. It was peaceful; it was rewarding.  To just stop for a minute and cherish their laughter, their lives. 

They are all so important to me, and I love them dearly.  But so many times, life gets too busy for us to just stop and "smell the roses".  In all my life, I think this was one of the nicest moments I've ever had - just listening to the four of them - and feeling true happiness and contentment. 

So I ask you to just take a little time each day to just stop and listen.  You might be surprised at what you hear.