Gifts Found in October 2015 - Part 4

Part 4 will complete these posts of the "Gifts Found in October 2015".  Be sure to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3, as the journey continues...

October 22nd

A Gift Silent, Still, Strong

The Gift of a Surprise - When I opened my drawer at Our Craft Place, there was an envelope with my name onit...with a gift certificate for a local craft store.  A "silent" surprise...from my Elfster!

October 23rd

3 Gifts Begun

1.  The Gift of a New Day - As I wake to a new day, I know another 24 hours has begun; another opportunity to "start over" - perhaps to make a wrong...right!

Or, complete something not completed...or, do something not yet done.

A new day...to begin again!

2.  The Gift of Grey Hair - I've resisted for many years, not wanting to let my hair go completely grey!  It has begun to show again...and, I need to decide what to do!

I know it really doesn't matter - I'm 64 years old, and I'm getting old - older!  And, I shouldn't be so vain; yet, I'm just not ready to be all grey!

3.  The Gift of Completion - It will surely take my whole life; but I can be certain that...

Found on Pinterest

Shared by flickr.com

Of that...I am certain!  Thank you, God!

October 24th

3 Gifts Accomplished

1.  The Gift of Writing - Though it is only the 24th, I have a few posts scheduled and some drafted - though many are "ideas" forming in my brain...

Yet, I feel confident that I will accomplish - I will complete - the "write31days" challenge.  With God's help, I will persevere; and I will accomplish the task!

2.  The Gift of Crafts - The days I get the chance to work on my crafts are usually very productive; and I usually accomplish what I wanted to, most often a "project" for a swap!

Thank you, God, for friends, for sharing, for creativity...

3.  The Gift of Song - My favorite shows to watch on TV are the competitions...especially those showcasing accomplished - gifted, talented, skilled singers.  They share their voices with song, and compete to see who will be the winner.  They may all be accomplished singers, but there will only be one winner!

Thank you, God, for all the beautiful singers who entertain with their accomplished voices.

October 25th

3 Gifts Enjoying

1.  The Gift of Friends - I'm sure I've lifted up my friends - many times - as a "gift"...and that's because I love them and feel "comfortable" with them.  My main circle of friends are my "scrappy" ones; but there are others at church, from work (former co-workers) and on-line.

It was a blessing to end my Sunday enjoying my friends!

2.  The Gift of Family - Many of my Fun Times are spent enjoying my family; the more (family members) who are together in one place, the better!  From birthdays, no special days, holidays...

Just days enjoying my family are a great big blessing!

3.  The Gift of Alone-ness - As much as I enjoy my friends and family, I love being alone at times...

Enjoying the quiet, the "freedom" to do what I want to do, when I want to do it; or just do nothing!

October 26th

3 Gifts Extravagant

1.  The Gift of Enough - Perhaps I do have enough; perhaps I am extravagant...buying things when I already have things!

I know we/I can cut down what is spent on groceries...I vow to do that!

And, I know I can cut down on what I spend on crafts...I vow to use what I already have!

And, perhaps I need to cut down on the events...but, they are so much FUN; and I am often blessed with help from others (to be able to attend these events).

Lord, help me to plan better; to spend more wisely; to be satisfied with enough!  Thank you that we do have enough!

2.  The Gift of Plain - I'm not an extravagant dresser!  My clothes are not expensive; I don't spend tons of money on make-up and hair and nails and spa treatments!  I am just plain old me...

Thank you, God, for the "me" you have created!

3.  The Gift of Home - Our home - our apartment - is nothing extravagant...just a simple two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment.  Our furnishings are not extravagant...most are things bought second-hand, or even given to us.  It works for us; and we have what we need!

The most extravagant piece is the TV that was bought for us by my daughter and son-in-law when our old, ancient set went out!

Thank you, God, for our home and all the furnishings...new, old, second-hand, hand-made!

October 27th

A Gift Humbling, Honoring, Happy

The Gift of Encouragement - I write my blog because...well, I love to write!  I certainly don't consider myself a good writer...

Yet, I receive so many uplifting comments that encourage me to continue writing.

Today, actually the 28th since I am behind (and actually, writing this in my post on January 13th!!), I received this comment on the "write31days" challenge, written on the word "HOPE":

From my freind Helen at "Iwillbloom":

"Am so full of admiration that you've managed to write for so many days, so consistently and such high quality writing!!!"

WOW!  I would never have defined my writing as "high quality"; so humbling!  Honoring me with such words of admiration and that my writing is "high quality"!  It certainly humbles me, honors me, and makes me happy!

October 28th

3 Gifts in Christ

1.  The Gift of Compassion - Jesus showed compassion...we should do as He did and show compassion to others.  Tonight, as we interviewed a candidate for an interim minister, I felt a bit of compassion - pity - for him as he struggled with answering our questions.

God, I thank you for this person, and others we will be contacting.  Be with our committee in this process of calling an interim minister, and subsequently a senior minister.

2.  The Gift of Acceptance - I find it quite easy to accept most people.  Jesus shows us His acceptance of people in many stories...such as meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.  He spoke with her, accepted her, even though she was a Samaritan, and a woman!

This is what He expects of us; and I thank God for accepting me!

3.  The Gift of Faith - I have faith in Christ; He walked this earth as a human, just as we do.  He ministered to others, and shared the love of God.  He died so that we could all have eternal life...and having faith in Christ doesn't mean I won't suffer:

October 29th

3 Gifts on Time

1.  The Gift of a Surprise Package - Today, I am thankful for a package of Goodies I received from bloggin' friend and "planner" Dawn, who blogs at http://enthusiasticallydawn.com/.

Actually, two of the items were books I won on a giveaway a few months ago; "Tuggie the Patriot Pup" and "Tuggie the Patriot Pup - The War of 1812".  I plan to check out their website livefreelovetuggie.com and see if there are other books; perhaps ask for a donation for Patriot Service Dogs...which is where these two books are going for the next Puppy Crop in April 2016!

Thank you, God, for surprise gifts - also included in my surprise package were a booklet of 25 devotions with a pen, and note sheets for each month!  And a sweet note from Dawn.

2.  The Gift of God's Master Plan - "For I know the plans I have for you..."

Yes, He does have our lives in His hands; and when we mess up, or choose a different road for our journey to take, He works that into His plans.

Thank you, God, for your loving care; and for planning my journey in life, even if I don't always listen or obey.

3.  The Gift of Rest - I think I've finally got it!!  To listen to the signs of my body that I am getting sick...and to rest!  I have been resting for three days now; and am feeling much better!  Richt "on time", I began resting, and it's working!

October 30th

3 Gifts Overjoyed

1.  The Gift of Fall - The weather is finally more Fall-ish than Summer-y; but still warm.  The trees are showing just a little bit of color, besides green.  I am overjoyed with the weather changing, except it also (always) brings on a cold or sinus infection...

But, I thank God for Fall!

2.  The Gift of Accomplishments - Coming to the end of October, I have successfully accomplished two challenges:

     1) The "write31days" challenge for the second year!  This year's topic was a bit more light-hearted, "31 Days of Free Writes", using the Five Minute Friday word prompts.  For a fun, silly post, read today's here.

     2)  I have (almost) completed another month of discovering God's amazing gifts.  November will be the 8th month; and I have listed a total (so far) of 554 gifts!   God is amazing!  His gifts are infinite!  I am overjoyed!

3.  The Gift of His Great Love - 

Found on Pinterest

Shared by etsy.com

So, I am overjoyed at all the great things He has done for me...for all the awesome gifts He continually gives...

Thank you, God, for all!!

October 31st

3 Gifts Hallowed

1.  The Gift of Our Conference Center - "We are standing on Holy Ground..."

That's what I think (sing!) whenever I step onto the grounds of the conference center - The Retreat at Silver Springs.  I feel at peace whenever I spend time there...

Thank you, God, for those people past and present who brought this beautiful place to be a part of our church!

2.  The Gift of Preaching - We have enjoyed the preaching of Pastor Larry, who has guest preached for times during our transition...

As we continue to search for an interim pastor, and ultimately a permanent senior minister, we are blessed to have many who will guest preach for us.

3.  The Gift of the Lord's Prayer - "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen."

Your name, Oh God, is Hallowed...Holy and Blessed!  Praise be your name on all the earth!

And, another month of Gifts has been completed!

Gifts Found in October 2015 - Part 3

I continue Part 3 of the "Gifts Found in October", be sure to read those found in the first and second weeks of the month in Part 1 and Part 2.  So the journey continues...

October 15th

3 Gifts Re-Read

1.  The Gift of Scripture - Many scriptures, especially those we consider "favorites" or more well-know, are read again and again...and re-read again and even again!

Each time we read them, the meaning may be different, depending on our situation, things we've learned, even things god is revealing to us.

So, I continue to read and re-read those favorites!

2.  The Gift of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading):  In the series we are doing at church, "A Prayer Series for Congretations Discovering Who God is Calling Them to Be" by J. Kristina Tenny-Brittain...

We used the practice of Lectio Divina as a tool for hearing God's voice.  The book says, "People have been practicing Lectio Divina since at least the sixth century AD.  In it's most basic form, it comprises four parts: reading, reflecting, responding, and resting.

Before beginning Lectio, we offer a short prayer to ask God to clear our minds and speak to us through the exercise.  Then we read or listen to a short passage of scriptures; first once and than a second and third time.

With each reading or hearing, we become conscious of a word or phrase that 'jumps out' at us; this leads us to the reflecting part.  In the responding part, we respond to the word or phrase in our mind with a prayer or praise or petition to God.

Finally, we rest, we sit quietly in God's presence with our thoughts, perhaps jotting down what we're going to do with them or because of them."

This is intentional reading of the scripture.  It is a gift that I want to try using more...so far, I'm not spending enough time really into the scriptures!

3.  The Gift of Fiction - I've read many books, different authors, and different styles.  Most of them I read all the way through 'til the end; some I give up on, but not very many.  And, there are a few books that I would go back to and re-read.

Thank you, God, for authors of fiction that capture our attention so much that we want to re-read them!

October 16th

3 Gifts Burning

1.  The Gift of Desire - Have you ever wanted - desired - something (or someone) so much that you felt your insides were on fire?  Me neither...

but, desire - yes, perhaps there have been times when something very important made my heart feel its' fire...its' burning desire!

Maybe for an important recognition; a job or project you wanted so badly, your insides were on fire with desire...

Found on Pinterest

Shared by twelveoeightblog.com

Yes, that kind of desire!

2.  The Gift of Scripture - From Psalm 37:4 - "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

So, whatever my heart desires?  He will give it to me - to us - as long as we "delight...in the Lord."

3.  The Gift of Love - Just this - a quote from Robert Frost...

Found on Pinterest

Shared by enjoy-loving-quotes.tumblr.com

So...Love - Desire - Love to be Desired - Desire to be Loved!

Dear God, may it be so!!

October 17th

3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful

1.  The Gift of Babies - America's Funniest Videos...the place to watch the funny, and the not-so-funny.  Tonight's series of "Baby Poop Faces" was so cute, funny, and such "ugly" yet "beautiful" baby's faces...as they are showing exactly what they're trying to do!

So precious!  Thank you, God, for precious little ones!

2.  The Gift of Fashion - Just looking at the designs made on Project Runway make me admire the designers.  Some are just plain "ugly" to me; yet are highly praised and loved...and "beautiful" in the eyes of the designers and the judges.  Not anything I'd ever wear!  I'll stick with my comfy jeans and shirts!  Guess I'm just not "fashionable"!

3.  The gift of Loss - How can loss be a gift?  An "ugly" thing, loss - when it's a child who has gone missing; when it's a child who has been abused...such an "ugly" thing.

And yet, what comes out of loss, and abuse - maybe not really "beautiful"; but, God uses our loss, our past "abuses"; and makes something good, something "beautiful" - like a special garden that has emerged from the place where abuse has been.

Thank you, God, for the beautiful life of a precious child, gone too soon.  And, to her family who has tried to bring love, hope, support - something beautiful from the horrid thing that happened to her.

October 18th

A Gift Shared, Saved, Surrendered

The Gift of Ministry - As we, at Riverside Ave. Christian Chruch, go through the process of searching for a minister, there have been many who have shared in worship by filling the pulpit, preaching the word.

So far, when the time allowed, we have heard from a couple of well-known female ministers and a couple of well-known male ministers (know to our congregation).

Will our future bring us a female minister?  Who knows...God alone has this person prepared...

October 19th

3 Gifts Unexpected

1.  The Gift of Affection - No matter how hard I try, it just doesn't seem to be hard enough!  As tired as I was after a full day of shopping, it was still not appreciated...when asked a question while I was washing dishes, I kept washing and answered - probably too quietly - and thought he'd walked off with his answer...

Instead, he got in front of me waving his arms and shouted, "Hey!  I asked you a question!"  I re-answered and told him he didn't need to act that way and yell at me...

He took the trash out, and when he came back, he gave me a big hug, and apologized!!  He never apologizes to being the way he is to me...but, he did!  Definitely Unexpected!

Thank you, God!  I know he has it inside of him...somewhere!

2.  The Gift of Friendship - An unexpected call from a friend...already planning to meet for dinner - but needing a "favor" - and, of course I'll pick her up at work and take her to get her car!!  That's what friends are for!  Thank you, God, for my friend, Myra!

3.  The Gift of a Visit - It should not be unexpected...I should know - without a doubt! - that when I sit down at the computer, a certain cat will:

• jump up onto the back of my chair, causing it to jerk me backwards;
• jump from there onto the table where she proceeds to stand between the laptop and the larger monitor, eventually spreading out nearby to lie down;
• she is usually laying to the left of the laptop, with her head near my hand, making it difficult for me to type.

I guess I should not be surprised!  It is expected...

Oh, no...here she comes again!!

October 20th
3 Gifts Unconventional

"unconventional, adj. not usual" according to "Webster's Student Dictionary."

"conventional, adj. ordinary/usual."

1.  The Gift of Friendship - We may only see each other a few times a year, but when we get together after not seeing each other for weeks or months...we pick up where we left off, catching up on things, on life!

It is "not usual"; a bit unconventional?  We share each others' joys and concerns; and vow to not let the next time be so far off!

Thank you, God, for my friend!

2.  The Gift of Giving - Shopping is definitely a usual thing - quite ordinary...conventional.  But, shopping for others - not as in for birthday, Christmas, or other gifts - can be quite unusual...unconventional...

I met up with a friend from our Disciples' Women and went shopping for socks for men and women at a local vet center; and for women and children at the City Rescue Mission.  We spent just over $180 (of a $200 donation) and bought 193 pairs of socks!  I have not quite $20 to buy a few more...

I am excited for us to deliver these gifts!

3.  The Gift of Health - It's unusual - unconventional - that a toddler is not sick with some kind of cold or virus.  Most times when I babysit for the little ones (my grandkids), they have colds and runny noses.  When they play and cuddle, it is all a usual happening, even when they are sick.  What is unusual is when they cry more or just can't sleep; or if they do go to sleep, wake up crying.

This is what happened with my little two-year old cuddle-but: he just couldn't sleep for the stuffiness, and the fever incresed as the evening went on.

As I rocked him and cried out to God, he relaxed and went to sleep; but couldn't rest in my arms...when mommy and daddy came home, they were able to "take it from there" - giving him tylenol, and bathe him with a cool washcloth (he is too squirmy and fussy for me to try to bathe him!).

I thank God for His calming touch, and for hearing my cries.

October 21st

3 Gifts Under-Valued

1.  The Gift of Time - I value the time I have to spend with family and friends; but don't always realize the value of that time - correctly.  I choose - sometimes haphazardly - how the time spent will be...

But, I realize it is a gift, and am thankful for my time with my family and friends.

2.  The Gift of Prayer - Prayer is undervalued!  I don't "use" it as I should, when I should.  God wants to hear from us, often...even to be persistent with our requests.

I thank God for His listening to our prayers...the persistent ones, the regular ones, and the infrequent ones.  And, as we pray often, we become more and more able to hear His voice!!

3.  The Gift of Self - Focusing the majority of my time and attention on others, I tend to not place value on myself and taking care of me!  I do have times I spend with my family and friends, doing things I want to do...but still seem to "under-value" my worth, my time, my health...

Thank you, God, for me!  Help me to remember how important taking care of myself is for the sake of me as well as my family and friends.


So ends Part 3 of "Gifts Found in October 2015"; Part 4 coming soon {better late than never!}

Gifts Found in October 2015 - Part 2

As I continue Part 2 of the "Gifts Found in October", be sure to read those found in the first week of the month in Part 1.  So the journey continues...

October 8th

3 Gifts Prayed For

1.  The Gift of Worship - For years the women of the Florida Region of Disciples Women in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) prayed for a gathering of the women of the church - African-American, Hispanic, Haitian, and the Caucasians - all in one place!

Now, I have no intentions of being disrespectful here to any of these groups, as they each meet separately;  but, it was a long time goal - dream - for us to all gather together...

Read more about this on my Day 13 post for the "write31days" challenge here.

But, suffice it to say...our prayers were answered in the coming together of all of these groups for an amazing gathering called, simply, "The Women"...

though it was not simple!  It took a lot of planning, work, more dreaming, a lot more prayers; but, thank God for an amazing, uplifting speaker, inspired leaders, singers, and the over 300 who attended!

2.  The Gift of a Sister - I am the oldest of three; my brothers are two and four years younger.  Most of my childhood, I was OK not having a sister...

I had friends; I had best friends!  But it wasn't the same as a sister, a family member, another sibling!?

At one point, my parents fostered a little girl - my sister!  But, it didn't work out to adopt her.  There was talk of maybe adopting, but nothing came of that...

But, today, I realize my prayers were answered - I have many sisters ... friends, church family, online friends, fellow bloggers, women whom I share so much with!  And, I have two amazing sisters-in-law!

Thank you, God, for my sisters!

3.  The Gift of Patience - I pray often asking for patience...and when I do pray for it, I do receive patience - for awhile!

But, I think God wants me to lean on Him more; and ask over and over again, if necessary, for the things I need.

Thank you, God, for giving me patience when I need it!

October 9th

3 Gifts Praised For

1.  The Gift of Encouragement - When our children do something good, we give them praise, and encourage the continued good behavior.  Each time Blaise or Bash play well together, it's a good thing, and they are praised!

Bash and Blaise

(Mommy, Daddy and the Little Ones ahead)

Though they may be three years apart, these cousins get along most of the time!

2.  The Gift of Affirmation - A few "new" women attending the scrapbooking retreat were unsure of what to do; how the "games" worked...being an attendee at an event where they knew few people; they were uncertain.  I tried to be there affirming their work, their attendance, their becoming a part of the whole group.

Thank you, God, for new and old friends.

3.  The Gift of Friends - Looking back on an awesome weekend with friends...and catching up on the "gifts" God blesses us with every day...I thank God for a group of awesome women who are loving, caring, sharing...affirming!

October 10th

3 Hard Eucharisteo

1.  The Gift of Grace - "For it is by Grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

"Each time He said, My Grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9

2.  The Gift of Thanksgiving - God blesses us with so many blessings - gifts - even has more ready for our future!

Found on Pinterest

Share by thethingswesay.com

Thank you, God!

3.  The Gift of Joy - 

"I've got the...

Joy! Joy! Joy!

Down in my heart -

Where?

Down in my heart -

Where?

Down in my heart...

To stay!"

Found on Pinterest

October 11th

3 Gifts of Change

1.  The Gift of Organ Music - What a difference the touch on the keys of an organ make!  The pounding, loud sound, played by our temporary music director, does not make it very appealing - to me, at least - and so hard to sing along with...

vs.

...the light beautiful touch of our former organist who played for the memorial service Sunday (both heard on the same day!).

Oh, the changes that are so hard to make, or get used to!

2.  The Gift of Ministry - Our Minister has retired, to focus his ministry in other short-term interim positions.  Our Minister of Music has retired to enjoy retirement with her husband; and to enjoy her family.

These types of changes are not easy.  And, I pray God gives wisdom, guidance and understanding to the Search Committees for each of these positions.

3.  The Gift of Memory - Day to day, it seems as if I am on a roller coaster...some things "he" remembers easily from one day to the next.  Some things are not remembered from one minute to the next.

These changes in one so close; I am at a loss most days as to how to act/react!

Please continue to guide my steps; increase my understanding; help me to be patient and know what is right to say or do.

October 12th

A Gift Small, Smaller, Smallest

The Gift of Life - Five beautiful little puppies were born today; their mommy, Annie, was bred to give birth to "future service dogs".

What a gift - a blessing - to have them born on Columbus Day and the last day of our "Puppy Crop" - a real puppy crop!

October 13th

3 Gifts Read

1.  The Gift of Choice - From Anne Voskamp, always having the right words at the right time!

"Hey Soul?   So here's the thing; you get multiple choice today:

Busy is a choice.

Stress is a choice.

*Joy is a choice.*

You get to choose.  Choose well.  Deciding first thing: 'My choice is You, God, first and only.' (Psalm 16:5 Msg)

Choosing joy!"

2.  The Gift of Blessings -  Each day, my bloggin' friend Helen shares a Morning Blessing, and an Evening Blessing by Susie Larson.  Many of them hit me just where I need them!

Thank you, God, for words to be read just when I need them!

3.  The Gift of His Word - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:2-3 NRSV).

The meditation for this passage (in the Upper Room daily devotion for October 13, 2015) brings out the word at the very beginning of these verses:

"When you pass through the waters..."; not if!  It goes on to say - "We can trust in God because God is faithful.  When we realize what God has done for us, we don't need to be afraid of whatever disasters happen in the world."

And, I added to the verses first few words to make it a bit more personal:

"When Barbara passes through the waters..."

Thank you, God!

October 14th

3 Gifts Said

1.  The Gift of Encouragement - In another day - the 15th - we will be halfway through the "write31days" challenge.  Thankfully, I wrote and scheduled posts through today, and will do the Five Minute Friday post that night...

So many have offered encouragement as we continue to write towards our goal - to write for 31 days - for the month of October!

Thank you, God, for all those encouragers, and what they've said as encouragement!

2.  The Gift of Blessings - {I know I used this yesterday...but, well, Susie Larson's blessings are just so "spot on"!)

Here is an Evening Blessing...read, said, whatever!  It works!

"May you choose to be grateful when you'd rather be grumpy.  May you choose to rejoice in God's goodness when you're tempted to rehearse man's badness.  May you sing into your empty well trusting that god will soon fill it.  And may you live with the expectancy that any day nowm, the Lord will bring the break-through.  Rest tonight in the knowledge that more rests on God's shoulders than yours.  He's got you.  Good night."

Amen!  And, thank you, God!

3.  The Gift of Love - My daughters are so sweet; so understanding, supportive, patient, encouraging...they know how things can get for me at times, and they always say things that lift my spirits!

I am so thankful for these two beautiful women!

And, so ends Part 2 of "Gifts Found in October 2015!

Gifts Found in October 2015 - Part 1

Although I continued to write out the "Gifts Found..." in my journal, I didn't share them on my blog!

So, now that a new year has come, I will be updating my blog to include "Gifts Found..." in October, November and December 2015, as well as adding January 2016.

October 1st

3 Gifts Orange

1.  The Gift of Bright - Shine bright!  Carried over from September 30th...

Fount on Pinterest

Shared by etsy.com

May your light shine bright!

2.  The Gift of Fall - The colors of fall - reds, yellows, oranges!  Beautifully bright.  The days with their breezes and the hope for cooler weather!

Not only the trees show their beautiful, bright colors, but the fall flowers; pumpkins - Orange! - and other fall promises...

Thank you, God, for all of these and more!

3.  The Gift of Youth - A beautiful young artist - a 15-year old autistic teen, shares her art with us - and I love the bright, colorful pieces she shares, expressing herself in the best way she can - through her art!

This bright orange painting, with touches of red, green and yello9w, makes me smile; makes me happy!

Found on Facebook Page

Candy Waters

Check out "Candy Waters Autism Artist" on Facebook...

October 2nd

3 Gifts Falling

1.  The Gift of Rest - I get so tired from not sleeping well at night, that I can't sit down during the day without falling asleep.

I thank God for rest - and if it comes from an afternoon nap, then I guess a nap it will be!

2.  The Gift of Love - I wonder why it is said that we are "falling in love"...does one slip and find love?  Do we sink to the bottom to find love?  Why do we "fall in love"?  Why not "rise to find" our loved one?  Stand tall as we seek and find?

Well, I'm not sure where this came from...but I thank God for the love I have: the love of a husband; parents who raised me in a Christian home; my children and their children - my grandchildren; grandparents; cousins, aunts and uncles; friends in many areas of my life!

Thank you, God, for all of them!  And, thank you for all you have done for me especially; but for all humanity!

3.  The Gift of Autumn - This time of year, as we leave the summer heat and move into a cooler, "re"fresher time of year, I thank God for Autumn - also known as Fall.

So, if we are coming into the season called "Fall", does that mean we are "Fall" - ing?

Whatever that may mean...the days are getting shorter; the weather cooler...and it's a beautiful time God has blessed us with.

October 3rd

A Gift Caught, Let-Go, Mid-Way

The Gift of Unity - Today, I attended an amazing event for the Region of Florida Disciples Women!  In a church, with over 300 women, I - we all - caught the Spirit that was present as we sang, worshipped, praised, listened...dwelled in the Spirit of God.

We were challenged to let-go of the burdens that hold us back from being the woman God wants us to be.  At times, I feel I have released those burdens; yet they are still burdening me...they are released only mid-way, still holding them back.

God, please help me to release the burdens I keep holding on to.  Help me to release them to you...for you alone can take them away!

October 4th

3 Gifts Reaped

1.  The Gift of Sowing Seeds - We plant seeds...and eventually they bloom.  They are ready for us to "reap" what we have sowed.

Our lives are that way, too; our witness to others.  We plant the "seed" of God's Word, our life witness, our faith...

We may never see those seeds again; we may never "reap that which we have sowed"; that is God's part in the task...

We plan the seeds, and He wors on the growing of those seeds in the life of another.

2.  The Gift of Love - If we do not sow the seeds, how will we reap that which the seeds become?

And...

Found on Pinterest

Lord, I look around and see HATE!  I listen to the news and hear HARE!  Are we no longer sowing love?  I pray for your love and peace among us all.

3.  The Gift of an Echo - What you sow...that is what you will reap.  Life is an Echo...

Found on Pinterest

So, make sure what is seen in you is what you want others (and God) to see!

P.S. From "A Daily Journey Through Psalms for Women", Day 281:

"Sow an act, and you reap a habit.

Sow a habit and you reap a character.

Sow a character and you reap a destiny."

(author unknown)

October 5th

3 Gifts Returned

1.  The Gift of Giggles - It isn't that I have to babysit my grandchildren; it is that I get to be with them!  And in return, I get / receive their kisses, and their smiles; their giggles, and just being with them!

Thank you, God, for my precious grandchildren - though 2 of them are teenagers rather than children!

2.  The Gift of a Smile - Have you heard the statement, "If you see somebody without a smile, give them one of yours"?

Remember yesterday's "gifts reaped"?  Well, if you give someone a smile, you will surely get one in return!  A gift sown, reaped, returned!

3.  The Gift of a Journey - We are on a journey - a life's journey.  Once we begin the journey, we will continue walking, yet never alone.  For God travels with us on our life's journey...

And when our life's journey has ended, we will be returned to our Heavenly Home, where we will be with our Heavenly Father forever.

October 6th

3 Gifts Redeemed

1.  The Gift of Writing - By sharing our life's journey with others - the good and the bad - we open our lives to others, hoping the words we share will somehow help them in their life's journey.  I pray my words reflect those that honor God; and may help even one person.

God gave the life of His Own Precious Son...to Redeem (or "pay off") my sins.  He uses my story and your story, and everybody's story, to help others...

Found on Pinterest

Shared by celebritiesquote.blogspot.com

And, perhaps it's your story that I need to hear!

2.  The Gift of God's Love - "Fear not, for I have Redeemed you; I have called you by name: You are Mine...You are Precious and Honored in my sight...because I LOVE YOU." (Isaiah 43:1b, 4)

3.  The Gift of Music - 

"I am redeemed.

You set me free;

So I'll shake off these heavy chains,

And wipe away every stain,

Now I'm not who I used to be.

I am redeemed.
I am redeemed."

Listen as Big Daddy Weave sings "Redeemed"

"I am redeemed!  Thank God, redeemed!"

October 7th

A Gift Baked, Stirred, Eaten

The Gift of Taste - Just smelling something cooking/baking in the oven starts my tastebuds to be prepared to tast something Yummy!

What sense does this make?  Smelling prepares for tasting...and, I am ready to eat it!

Thank you, God, for all things Yummy!

And so ends Part 1 of "Gifts Found in October 2015".  Be sure to check out the rest of the gifts in Parts 2, 3 and 4...