365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 42

I got this book for Christmas from my hubbie where you read the scripture and than write it out and on the other side of the page you write notes about the scriptures. It is a method of learning that has been used for ages but in our digital busy lives we don’t do much writing. The first book I am working in is James. He says in verse 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. A couple of days ago I was a mess, emotionally,thanks to raging hormones and physically because of my still healing shoulder and the hot office I was working in. I had no joy that day and I wanted to change that. I wrote about it on my blog and prayed and God led me to the scripture that says …for the joy of the Lord is your strength. God’s word inspired me to not only put it in writing up on my desk at work but to use my creative talents and truly make it look joyful. In seeking God for help, he gave it to me. My hormones shifted back to normal, my shoulder soreness has lessened and the heat issue in my office is getting worked out with open communication. God turned my whining and complaining back to joy. James was right in saying we should ask God for wisdom but we should be asking for everything we need, all those fruits the Spirit can give us and more. I was reminded about a time when I was a young teen and I raided my mom’s closet and took something to wear. When she found out she was mad but  not about me taking the clothes. She was upset because I didn’t come to her and ask. Like I did to my mom, are we hurting God’s feelings when we don’t seek and ask him? Thankfully, I know I am forgiven by God just like I knew my mom forgave me. I never took without asking her again because I wanted her to know that I do love her and I can show that love by seeking her and asking her. It is the same with God. This has really opened my heart to seeing how God truly wants for us to be in an open honest relationship with him as our Father, the authority over our lives. For as he tells Job in verses 38:8-13 who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed the limits for it and set its doors and bars in place. When I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’? Read chapters 38 and 39 of Job when you need to be reminded of who God is. He is our Loving Father, Holy King and Ruler and authority over us and will give generously if we ask.

Psalm 30:11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 231

For some of us, being giving and generous just comes natuarally. It is your gift but for others, like myself, it is something that I have to work at. The ladies at my work that I sit next to are very good examples of the kind of person who is just natuarally giving and generous. Judy always has a snack drawer filled and welcomes all to come and take whatever they want. The other Judy brought in the makings for a salad the other day for everyone for lunch. Yesterday, I ended up sharing my lunch with a young lady in my office. I had planned to eat the rest of it today but I really enjoyed offering to share with her. Turns out she has never tried avocado ever. Wow! That was cool to be able to give something that she had never tried. Because I am not giving and generous naturally I will have to be more intentional about it.  I am going to start with a list of ways I can give and be generous that I can refer to.  Help me out with my list!  1. Baking something and giving it to a neighbor. 2. Bring donuts or bagels into work, just because! 3.....?  Thank you Lord for the examples of giving you have placed around me that help me strive to be a better giver.

Acts 20:35
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”