Matthew 7:11
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
Before I have composed devotional comparing two identical verses (Proverbs 6:10-11 and Proverbs 24:33-34). (Not posted on WP)
Tonight we are not going to focus on that; although we do again see that the Lord has made a point of saying something more than once, which we know, not being a word-waster, He clearly has something to teach us by repetition!
Last year, the kids and I had a rather large party for J’s 50th birthday. Our kids came in from across the country and one was home in transition to a new journey.
Between the kids, family and friends, there were well over 30 people at the house to surprise him. All went over very well and I could have never pulled it all off without everyone’s sneaky help and support! What phenomenal guests and wonderful event it turned out to be!
This year we decided to go much lower key. This weekend he mentioned going to Cracker Barrel or to Logan’s to try their 2 for $15 meal deal his birthday supper. Sunday afternoon I thought of something though, what if I made him dinner instead as a homemade “gift”. I offered to prepare chicken and dumplings instead, just like Mom taught me! J jumped on that and decided that was indeed what he wanted.
Today I was talking to a friend and then to my cousin, both of which I told a story about the first time I attempted to make the dumplings. I had watched my mom cook many times, apparently not from start to finish! Her dumplings were TREMENDOUS, so I thought I would make those for company up in Charlotte one night when they came over for dinner.
The chicken was boiling just as they walked in, so in went the flour, dumped straight into the pot! No rolling out the dumplings, just a pot of chicken, now suffocating in a pile of gooey flour! Something was WRONG! YOU THINK! I called Mom, panicked while our hungry guest awaited supper in the other room. What did I do wrong? Her amused suggestion was that I go BUY dinner and she would teach me later for the next time! The barbeque from a local restaurant wasn’t too bad, certainly better than chicken mush!
Well, years have passed and I have learned the “trick” from my sweet, sweet momma! I roll out the dough THINLY: and then before I put it in the pot, I thin it out even more! Boy, doing things right makes a world of difference!
About 2 pm today I got up and started cooking. By 3:30, J called from work and I was able to tell him that he had dinner and spice cake waiting on him. Thankfully he seemed to really enjoy his birthday meal.
Now, if I, can go from a gushy, icky disaster to a requested dish, suitable for a birthday celebration, what more wonderful gifts does our Father in Heaven give to us as His children? Our blessings from Him are endless! Not convinced? Make a list!
PRAYER
O Mighty King
Father
Lord
Thank You for the many blessings You have given us
Every blessing we have trickles down
From the smallest particles
Through our Savior
Into life everlasting
Father, we enjoy giving what we can to our children
Our loved ones and friends
And take enjoyment seeing them happy
What You give, Abba, Father
Brings JOY
Your presents to us do not
Expire
Vanish with a fad
Wilt as flowers
Deflate like balloons
Spoil
Your presents come in the form of
Children
Ability to care for our parents
A home
Talents, skills and abilities
Opportunity to testify to Your greatness and mercy
Through personal experience
A clear and sound mind
In a Child wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger
A Son on a cross, bearing the weight of the world’s sins
An EMPTY GRAVE
Your gifts are eternal
Although “thanks” seems so insufficient
That is all we know to say
Lord, please motivate our hearts to get up
Put our faces to the ground
And praise You
Let us also show appreciation in obedience, Father
Please let our love for You be evidenced in our words and actions
In the Name of Jesus
Amen
Songs:
“Count Your Blessings
“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wODZDmBimiM
“10,000 Reasons”
“Doxology”
