Giving is the secret of Abundance

What is “The Abundant Life?”  Some may mistakenly believe that it is about wealth or prosperity.  Others may believe it involves health and well being.  However, the abundant life is not about money, health, or success.  It is not about bliss or freedom from suffering.  Nor can we measure it by the quality, quantity of riches, things, material goods we own, or length of a life.  The abundant life is not about what we have, but about our giving from the heart.

I’m serious!   The abundant life is about Loving others, and our giving of self, or what we have.  It involves trust, courage, and sacrifice.  It shows in our willingness to give of ourselves freely, and fully to others without expectations of getting back.  The abundant life reflects God’s gifts of love and life, as they become fully present in our own life.

Anytime you and I are able to reach out and give to another, we are giving of our own abundance.  We must allow our hearts to love one another, and recognize the needs of others and see how we can be a help meet those needs.

I have a picture hanging up-stairs in one of the boy’s room that depicts two boys out in the snow.  The bigger brother is carrying his younger brother on his back…and its obvious that at this point, he is feeling the weight of his brother.  The message at the bottom says, “He ain’t heavy father, he’s my brother.”   Recently I was talking with someone who was doing something selflessly for his brother and I made the comment…You are truly a blessing, and his quick reply was, “Ah, He’s my brother.”  Sounded very much like the quote below the photo to me.  That’s abundant giving. 

In the Bible there are some verses about the abundant life.  Let’s take a moment and look at a verse that just might make 2014 even more abundant if we will take it seriously and make an effort to do as it says.

LUKE 6:38

^38 bGive, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your ^cbosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

What a way to start the New Year out right.  As God has blessed and is blessing you, won’t you have a generous heart.  Look at the verse…First promise…give and it shall be given unto you…how much?  Good measure (has the idea of plenty…not stingy) pressed down and shaken together (I have bought a basket of green beans to can…I would fill it to the top…and then shake it…it settles down and I am able to put more in the basket…that’s the idea here. And that last part…running over…I have had the farmer pile the bean on top…til it’s running over!  Now I love that!  Oh yearh!   That is what God says … you be generous with your giving and that’s how it will be done to you.

I’m keeping this short and to the point this week ladies, and don’t bother trusting what I say…Trust God,  First of all, be sure to give your tithe…that is already God’s…but afterward, give!  You wives out there….check with hubby, and then with his okay…give.  God promises to bless your abundant giving.   I have taken Him at his WORD…he will bless you….as you are a blessing to others.  Next week…A new year, another chance.  Happy New Year!  I remember a family member telling me that they were so deep in debt and couldn’t see anyway they could tithe, but they knew they were stealing from God...so decided to give their 10% first and trust God.  Before they put the tithe in the church offering, they said they “knew” it was impossible now to pay their bills, but the next day, when they went to pay the bills, there was enough and a little more.  They put the “little more” in the offering on Wednesday night, and the next day got a refund (over-payment). She said, Luke 6:38 is absolutely true.  

“Love wasn’t put in your heart to stay.

Love isn’t Love, until you give it away.”

HappyNew Year!

Merry Christmas 2014

Matthew 1:23-25

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us.  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as he angel of the Lord had  bidden him, and took unto him his wife; And knew her not till she had brought forth he firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

Here it is, Christmas 2013.  I remember back around 1986 and hearing a Sci-Fi  show throwing out dates in the future, like 2014 or 2025…and it seemed like crazy talk, I just couldn’t imagine it.  I felt that those dates were something in a fiction book.  But girls here we are! it’s almost 2014.  You young girls can’t understand what I’m talking about can you?  (smile)  I was born in 1945, 68 years ago.  Yeah, I am an antique just like the teacups in my cupboard.  I often pull them out and look at them.  A couple of them are cracked and chipped…my teapot, the handle broke off and glued back on.  No longer really usuable, just filling a spot on the shelf.  I’m finding that I’m becoming more and more like that teapot.  But, I remember well when the teapot was serviceable.  I used it often, and it has provided many a cup of tea for my guest.  Recently I was re-arranging my old tea set and as I held the once lovely teapot, I thought as I set it down, your on the shelf just like this cracked, old teapot.  Not so useable any more.  Then I remember that I might not be the same as I was in my younger years, but I can still be used.  This past week I went to the doctor’s 4 out of 5 days.  Pretty yucky huh?  I found out that this week - Christmas week I will have to have some test, and then on Thursday, I’ll go into the hospital. I’m bummed to say the least, but it’s God’s plan for me.  What I am trying to say is I am still useable if I want to be.  This week I was able to talk to both my doctors about the Lord.  One doctor is a Muslim, and the other one I’m not sure about….but neither are saved.  Neither one of them know why Jesus came that first Christmas.  I have had the opportunity to talk about Jesus to one of them freely.  Praise God.  And a in a smaller way to the other one.  I was ask a few questions about why I am a Baptist…and what an opportunity that gave me.  So, there are times when God opens doors for me to exalt Him and that is what I desire more then anything.

By the way, before we get into the thot for this week, please when you think of me, pray.  I will be going into the hospital the day after Christmas for some surgery.

We see in the last part of verse 25…”And he (Joseph) called his name JESUS.”  This means Joshua in the Hebrew…meaning Salvation…Savior or Deliverer.  His name is special.  One of my doctors first name is Emmanuel.  I told him that I like his name…God with us.  He smiled and nodded. 

Won’t you talk about Him?  When buying Christmas cards…if you buy Christmas cards, try and pick out one that points to Jesus, or His birth.  Or find one that is a beautiful scenery, and write in a Bible verse.  Let’s exalt Him this year.

When friends come by, have Scripture all around your house.  Recently Doug’s friend was here and she saw “Charity” and a Bible verse framed on our wall.  She noticed it and read the entire verse and turned smiling and said, there’s my name.   I walked over to her and put my arm around her and said, “yes, your name means Love and I think your mom and dad chose a perfect name to describe you.”  She turned and hugged me.

This year, whether you are staying home and having guest or going to be with family this year…won’t you exalt Him in what ever you do.  Before opening gifts mention that the first gift ever given was given to all of us.  John 3:16.  I like to write John 3:16 on my gift tags.  Even to our saved Children…we need to keep on witnessing, keep on keeping Christ in the center of Christmas, in the center of our family.   Have a candle or something more fancy…a candlelabra…and a framed (make it on the computer) the Light of the World is JESUS.  Be creative, but a constant testimony.  Lift JESUS up this Cristmas.  One time I found a clear hard plastic box…put a piece from our navity in it, wrapped a bow around it and placed it with the wrapped gifts…it had a tag…saying “To Everyone”  from: GOD (John 3:16.   I got many comments and compliments.  I wanted the comments, not the compliments…I wanted to Keep Christ in Christmas.

Eacj morning before my feet hit the floor, I say to the Lord, use me today.  Let me recognize the windows of opportunity you being my way.  JESUS, sweetest name I know.  Won’t you join me in keeping this all about God’s gift to us…and not the gifts we hope to find under the tree.  Moms, show your children that giving is always more fun then getting. 

I love you all.  Merry Christmas!

This is a great recipe if you are having over-nite guest...what a wonderful way to greet your guest in the morning...along with a great cup of coffee...these are sure to be a memory-maker.

Overnight Caramel Apple Rolls

Looking for classic sweet bread using Gold Medal® flour? Then check out these caramelized apple rolls - perfect for any occasion.

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• Prep Time 35 min
 
• Total Time 10 hr 30 min
• Servings 12

Ingredients

Filling

1/3

cup granulated sugar

1

tsp ground cinnamon

1

medium cooking apple, peeled and chopped (1 1/2 cups)

Rolls

3

to 3 1/2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour or Better for Bread™ bread flour

1/4

cup granulated sugar

1

tsp salt

1

pkg regular or quick active dry yeast

1/2

cup applesauce

1/4

cup butter or margarine

1/2

cup milk

1

egg

1/2

cup packed brown sugar

1/2

cup applesauce

3

Tbsp butter or margarine, melted

1/2

cup chopped walnuts

2

Tbsp butter or margarine, softened

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Directions

• 1In medium bowl, mix filling ingredients. Set aside. In large bowl, mix 1 cup of the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, the salt and yeast.
• 2In 2-qt saucepan, cook 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/4 cup butter and the milk over medium heat, stirring constantly, until very warm (120-130°F). Add warm mixture and egg to flour mixture; beat with electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 min. Stir in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.
• 3Place dough on lightly floured surface; gently roll in flour to coat. Knead about 5 min or until smooth and springy. Place in large greased bowl, turning dough to grease all sides. Cover and let rise in warm place 45-60 min or until double. (Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.)
• 4Grease bottom and sides of 13x9" pan with shortening. Mix brown sugar, 1/2 cup applesauce, 3 Tbsp melted butter and the walnuts in pan; spread evenly.
• 5Gently push fist into dough to deflate. Roll dough into 15x12" rectangle. Spread 2 Tbsp softened butter over dough; sprinkle with filling. Tightly roll up rectangle, beginning at 15" side; pinch edge of dough into roll to seal. Stretch and shape until even. Cut roll into twelve 1" slices. Place slightly apart in pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hr but no longer than 48 hr.
• 6Before baking, let rolls stand at room temperature 30 min (rolls will not rise during this time). Heat oven to 400ºF. Bake 20-25 min or until golden brown. Cool in pan 1 min. Place heatproof serving platter or tray upside down onto pan; turn platter and pan over. Let stand about 1 min so caramel can drizzle over rolls; remove pan. Serve warm.