Monday reading

[Beth Rankin]

Mon, 28 January
Jesus said: Give, and it will be given to you. A full measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
Lk 6:27-38

 

I really like this reading and I do so believe this one.  How many times have we said "what goes around, comes around"? 

 

One of my sisters has gotten very involved in New Age stuff, and while some of it is uncomfortable for me, some of it resonates.  She was full of advice while I was going through the difficult times with Sam's dad's illness, like to put out a lot of positive energy and soon I would be surrounded with more and more positive things.  At the time it was hard to see, but looking back, it shows clearly. 

 

I remember my other sister staying with me during the first 2 weeks of his illness, taking me to dinner and I just couldn't eat.  We had the food wrapped up and as we walked back to the hospital, we passed the parking lot attendant, sitting in her booth, eating potato chips.  I asked her if she had had her dinner and when she said no, I handed her the food I carried.  Within a couple months, the financial stress of the situation was weighing pretty heavy on us and I was very concerned how I was going to feed everyone.  Sam was a baby and I had not been working, so there was no income coming in.  I got a phone call from some people Dave had worked with, asking me to meet them at my car after their work day.  That day, and weekly for months afterwards, they transfered boxes of food to me.  It was the poorest I had ever been, and I also became the richest.

 

 

---

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Barbara]

I've not had the challenge/opportunity of testing the financial
aspects of this verse, as Beth has, but I find it is really true in
emotional areas. When I need "support," I find the best way to get is
to offer it to others. Not only do I find kindness coming my way, but
it also gets me a little out of my own distress and reminds me that my
"basket" isn't empty, after all--kind of like the loaves and fishes
miracle.

> ---------------------------------

[Cyndi Spencer]

I find that I always seem to have what I need not necessarily what I want,  my needs are always met.  I enjoy having a giving heart.  I enjoy being positive.  I enjoy having a smile for a friend or someone I do not know.   Some days I may not feel like being Miss Sunshine but if I try to give a little care and concern to another human being and not feel sorry for myself I will see the gifts God has given me.  Sometimes when I am really feeling sorry for myself I will say...... why me?  I am a good person.etc...... Only to realize sometimes bad things happen to good people and sometimes good, intelligent people make poor choices.  When I look back at my life I can honestly say I have tried to treat people the way I would like to be treated.   The reality of life is we have no idea when we may reap what we have sown...........   Could be today or 20 years from now.  And I personally would rather plant more smiles than frowns.......... God Bless!