Giving and receiving JOY!

Don't you find it frightening how selfish people can be? If I'm honest, I discover selfishness inside myself again and again. Maybe I'm super generous in one area, but I know there are also areas where more generosity is definitely possible!

How about you, friend? Where do you have a hard time being generous? Is it with your finances? Your time? Your love? For example, maybe you've had your love taken from you before, and it was never returned.

Though sometimes it may be difficult for us to hear, God lovingly challenges us in His Word, clearly saying, "...be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need." (Deuteronomy 15:8, NIV)  

friend, I think our fear in being generous is that we ourselves will come up short. But have you ever experienced that? If I'm honest with myself, I've always ended up getting back more than I give—and usually so unexpectedly that it turns into pure joy! Yes, whoever gives generously receives generously! (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-8) 

When my mother wasn't well, I was glad to give generously of my time to her. It was easy for me because I love my mother with all my heart! On one of those days when my bookkeeping was in desperate need of attention, I was there for her, and I overheard her say to someone, "Déborah does such valuable work…she's such an angel!"

I can't tell you how much those words touched me! It would've been a loss if I'd missed that precious moment!

friend, God wants to give generously to you as you give to others. You will never come up short! I'd like to encourage you…please don't miss the amazing moments God has given you to give! He will absolutely use them to bless both others AND you. :-)

This in mind, what could YOU do for someone else today? Perhaps drive your elderly neighbor to the grocery store? Help busy new parents with some housework? Invite your colleagues for lunch? Surprise those around you with your (divine!) generosity, and you'll open your heart wide to JOY!

Today will be a good day, friend!

You are a miracle!