Giving

One person gives freely, yet gains more;

another withholds what is right, only to become poor.

Proverbs 11:24

Do we really believe that? If so, why not practice it more? 

This is the challenge given to my small group this past Wednesday: Give something freely this week with no resentment. When your friend compliments your jacket- hand it over. If your co-worker comments she wished she had ordered that coffee drink when the run was made- pass it on! There are so many ways to give, but how often do we do it?

As I started thinking about this, I realized that it is just easier for some than others. Some wonderful people are just naturally gifted at "gifting". However, we are all called to grow in this area as Christians, so I pondered how we can all be challenged. I found there are three different areas we can give in: 

Financial (Physical Gifts), 

Love (Compassion/ Acceptance/ A Listening Ear), and

Time. 

We all have one of these areas that we are good at giving in and one that we struggle with. 

Take some time today to ask the Lord to make it very evident as to which one you need the most practice in. Then go and give in that way! Make the decision to do so at least once this week, and you'll be amazed at how much you gain.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Guess what today is?

This blog, Everyday With God, is one year old today!

I can't believe what I have learned and the ride God and I have been through this year...

First is His strength. You all have no idea how many times I sat down late at night and thought, "I have nothing to say. What in the world am I going to write about?" Then an hour or so later, I read over what has poured out and am blown away and humbled at the way God has worked through me. I look back and have proof of His love poured out on us to accomplish works for His glory.

Second is that when I rely on my own strength, crickets tend to chirp. It's so funny to me that the blogs I am sure will get comments and am most proud of (yes, that should have been a hint...) get no response what so ever. On the other hand, the ones with which I am brutally honest with myself and hope everyone decides to skip reading that day are the exact ones God uses to touch you all with. "Yes, Lord. Your ways are not my ways, and my thoughts are nothing like Yours. Thank you!" (Isaiah 55:8)

Most vivid to me though, is how He sustains. I was hoping to make around three months of regular posting and perhaps get a hundred or so posts in a year. My Master, however, drove His slave to write three-hundred and three! Not only did He exceed my expectations there, but our family has been blessed beyond measure this year. We attribute it to finally following His will with this blog. It truly is a family calling since my husband has supported me in numerous ways and my children have had to accommodate as well. The most difficult of circumstances - even those that come every year at certain times - were eased beyond measure, and we can't really explain how. He has just provided. I like to say He sold quite a few of those cattle on the hills. (Psalm 50:10) Good thing He can create an unlimited number!

So, if you will bless me, which postings have stood out most to you? There are several that have particular significance to me, and I'd like to know which one have for you.

God bless you all, and we'll discuss another year of blessing next April 22nd!

Your sister and servant in Christ Jesus-
Tiffany

Catching Up

Don't you love catching up with friends? It's so nice to see what they have been up to lately and tell them about your life. That fellowship is so sweet.

Yesterday, I did some catching up. Yes, I did meet some friends at Panera, but that is not what I'm referring to. I had the chance to catch up with God. With all the studying and other prep work I do, I had fallen behind on my daily reading of the Scripture, so He called me to some personal time with Him since I seemed to be too busy. I happened to bring my Bible to do a little reading if I had a few minutes and ended up sitting there for four hours with an IV in my arm: He had a captive audience.

I love that He cares enough to do that.

Do you need to have some catching up time with your Father, Brother, and favorite Counselor today? They are eagerly waiting, so go spend some time catching up with them before they have to make the time for you!

Forget MY Word. Go To THE Word.

Today I am just a little too foggy headed to put much into words. This allergy season is killing me!

As I spent time reading God's Word though yesterday, He was showing me so much. Have you ever been so saturated with Him that your leaky vessel can't quite contain it? That is me. All I can say is the the book of James and 1 John have been sweeping me off my feet and planting me firmly before my Lord. What a blessing to know that even when I don't feel I can stand, that He has me firmly in His hand. I can trust Him in all things and should be more vigilant in doing so every day.

Here is one passage I remind myself of often, which I read once again today. I pray it speaks to you as much as it has to me. Since I can't seem to find the words, let's just go straight to THE Word!

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit." You don't even know what tomorrow will bring - what your life will be! For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.


Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So for the person who knows to do good and doesn't do it, it is a sin.
James 4:13-17

Take Five

Take a few minutes to think about how God is working in your life right now.

How has He blessed you?
Corrected you?
Encouraged you?
Challenged you?
Blown your mind?

We have an active, living God, yet so often don't live as though we really think of Him that way. If you have forgotten, take the time to remember. If it is fresh on your mind, share it! This is a large part of your witness.

No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are int he house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:15-16