In my travels, I get to meet the most awesome women! While speaking at Ada Bible Church in Ada, Michigan, I was introduced to Susie Finkbeiner and her amazing gift for storytelling. I read one of her novels, A Cup of Dust, and I was hooked. Since then, I have read every fiction book Susie has published! I’m so excited that she has a brand new release, A Song of Home. I’ve invited Susie to share her heart with us today. At the end of the post, you’ll be invited to leave a comment, which will make you eligible to win not one, not two, but all three novels in Susie’s Pearl series. Let’s welcome my friend, Susie!
My son is rock collector. He isn’t too picky. He’ll gather rocks of any size, any color, whatever he can find in the backyard. Collection in hand, he rinses them with the hose and brings them inside, excited about his newfound treasures.
Then he brings them to me.
“See?” he says, placing them in the palm of my hand. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Yes,” I answer.
“Can we put them in the hutch?”
Now, the hutch is in a corner of our living room. It’s where I display treasured items; my grandmother’s old tchotchkes, collectables, antique books.
And now various rocks my son finds in my backyard.
So I open the hutch and put the small stones along the edge of a shelf or between delicate tea cups.
Why am I allowing dull, half broken, plain-jane rocks in my collection of beautiful things? Because my son gave them to me.
He is a generous boy, one who likes giving gifts. But he’s also the kid who has very little money to spend on presents. Poor guy has at least seven years before he can legally get a job.
So, what does he have? Time and a backyard full of rocks.
Those little rocks he gathers for me have become precious collectables.
They make me think of the dull and half broken efforts that I give to God. I come with a handful of underdeveloped abilities, trying to serve Him as best I can.
He takes my small gifts, the only ones I have to give, and holds them in the palm of His hand. I ask him, timid and anxious, if He thinks they are beautiful. He tells me that He does. Closing His fingers over what I’ve offered, He takes them to the place where he keeps all the beautiful things brought by his many children who aim to glorify Him.
To my eye my gifts look dingy and small next to the martyr’s sacrifice or the lives devoted to serving the poor. They seem lackluster when put beside the beautiful gift of the missionary. Seeing what I’ve given compared to what others have brought makes me feel little.
But God stands back and looks at His collection, the presents from His dearly loved sons and daughters. I like to think He smiles and feels that warmth in His chest that parents are apt to feel — that glow of love for their kids.
And somehow, beyond reason, my small gifts become every bit as beautiful to Him as everything else in His collection.
Even the smallest of gifts shine with the reflection of His glory.
Our minds are wrapped up in gift-giving this Christmas season. Leave a comment and share one gift that you can give God today. I’ll randomly select one comment to win a FREE copy of Susie three-book series of novels…The Pearl Spence Novels.
Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She’s a wife, a mother, and a novelist learning to live the story God has given her. You can visit her at www.susiefinkbeiner.com
Congratulations to Priscilla, the winner of the FREE copy of Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas.
Comments 343
Event the tinies,t most ugly, worthless item can be so valuable to a person just as we sometimes feel worthless but to God we are so special.
Thank you for this Friday tidbit.Definitely gives me something to think on.
Ah, yes. To God we are precious and beautiful. So true!
Happiness is the gift I can give God today. Because that is the gift he has given me! 🙂
I love that, Kelli!
Yes, the joy of peace, the amazement of God giving just the right words.
Praise His Name!
Love it!! It’s from the heart and that is what we should all be doing! Giving and wanting to give is a precious gift for all . Seeing one give a gift is his glory!
I love that, Rebecca! Seeing others gives points us to God. So sweet.
Jesus is our only hope, we are so grateful ✝
So very true, Marlene!
My forever broken self.
Such a beautiful gift to give to the Lord, Sharon.
One of the most exciting joys to me is how God weaves lives together and allows us to see how others reflect qualities of God. It’s neat that you two connected!
Thank you, Jenny! I have had the honor of connecting with such amazing people. That, in itself, is a HUGE gift!
I absolutely LOVE how our Amazing, Awesome God takes what little we can offer Him with a sincere heart and turn it into blessings beyond measure. I just received a note of thanks from a young person who thanked me for offering the use of my soup mug! I was just being the me that God created me to be (I love to serve others) and it was the most precious thank you I’ve received in a long time – for a soup mug!!!!! Isn’t our God the Best at EVERYTHING???????????????????????
That’s so sweet, Beth. I love hearing about how young people show gratitude!
Hi that reminds of the day my Chris ( he was 14 ) came home with half withered flowers on Mom Day, he work in a yard to buy me those flowers! Of all the gifts he’s given me those flowers meant so much to me! I still cry . Why is it that the little things our children bring us mean so much to us… I realize like you that our Lord has that mushy smile when we bring our gifts to him.
Blessings,
Carmen
Oh, Carmen, you’ve got me a little teary-eyed! How sweet of him!
Today I can give God the trust that he will take my pain of my impending divorce from my spouse of 43 years and turn it into something beautiful that he can use to bring him glory.
Rhonda, I am so sorry for the pain you’re feeling. I just prayed that God would give you peace and comfort.
Love this!!! And very precious to keep those rocks because YOUR PRECIOUS SON GAVE THEM TO YOU WITH YOU, AS HIS MOMMA, IN MIND!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
He really is a sweet boy who is growing up far too fast. Sigh.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Gina!
One thing I can do for God….give a gift to a woman friend….who I KNOW will not be receiving many gifts
this Christmas.
That’s a lovely idea. Absolutely beautiful.
I want to give God a gift of humbleness. I want to humble myself before Him by acknowledging that I can do nothing without Him. As I have busied myself with shopping for Christmas presents, preparing food, attending parties, decorating, and trying to spread Christmas joy…I need to stop in my tracks, and kneel down before the One who loves me the most and just be in His presence. I am nothing without Him. I have nothing that He doesn’t provide. I can do nothing without His strength. He is my all and all, but I don’t tell him that enough. I’m changing that right this minute. I’m bowing my head as I finish this, and I’m going to tell him that I’m humbling myself before Him. He is my precious Father, and I love him so.
Yes, Michele. Mindfulness of why we celebrate is so important. Your comment reminds me of my need to show gratitude for all God has done for me.
The following quote really stuck with me… “Even the smallest of gifts shine with the reflection of His glory.” Sometimes my gifts do seem so small but they truly are a part of His collection that He delights in!
You are precious to Him, Marsha!
I want to give my whole heart to the Lord. I’ve hidden from him for so long and I don’t want to hide anymore. I want him in my life all the time.
Bless you for this, Nicole. I just prayed that God would give you the courage to come out of hiding and really embrace His love for you.
For a long time now I have been asking God to use me. Recently He has put me in a position that I never thought I would be able to do. But with His gift of wisdom and strength, I have been able to do far more than I ever expected. Thank you Lord for placing me here for such a time as this. I praise and adore You.
I love this, Linda! Thank you for sharing!
Kindness. I strive every day to share kindness with those I come in contact with. Strangers on the street or in the stores, the harried store clerk who looks weary and probably wishes she was off her feet, or the mom with a screaming toddler in tow just trying to get her grocery shopping done. I would love to give money to every charity that sends their appeals in the mail daily, but I’m retired and on a small fixed income. But I can share kindness and a helping hand when needed and pray for God to bring relief to those who are hurting. The good Lord knows kindness and compassion are in short supply in our world. A smile and friendly greeting can go a long way to ease someone’s tough day.
What a gift you give all the people in your life, Barbara. Thank you for being an inspiration to me today.
One gift I can give to God today is time spent in prayer.
Ah. Yes. What a fantastic gift that is.
What gift can I give to God? Following thru on the new mission He has give me. And somehow, in return, I know it will wind up being a blessing, a gift, in my own life. It’s rather amazing how He always allows our gifts to Him to wind up blessing us!
How exciting, Lori!
Thank you so much. This was exactly what I needed to hear and brought me to tears. I am so thankful that all out gifts, no matter how small, are beautiful in His eyes and that we are enough. May you continue to be blessed and a blessing to others.
Not only are our gifts beautiful to Him, we are too. Bless you, Cynthia.
I remember those days when my boys were little and would bring me things they found. Today they are both grown men with lives of their own. Very little time for their Mom, but that is ok, I have learn to deal with it. But even after saying that, they still know I am here for them and call me when they need me.
Motherhood is like that, isn’t it, Darlene. But what a gift you give them, being a place to be safe and loved.
I want to give God the gift of patience with my family as we move into a smaller home only four days before Christmas, along with gratitude for a home, joy to spread, peace in my heart and unconditional love for everyone, especially my Lord and Savior. Blessings of Joy, Hope, Peace and Love to all of you this Christmas!
Oh my, Agnes! That’s a big deal. I know that God will honor your prayers for patience through His Spirit.
I agree that my gifts are small … but the gift I can give today is a smile and patience toward others in the shopping mall or in busy traffic. So many are troubled with a lack of money, lack of time and lack of patience duting this hectic holiday season. A little kindness toward others is the gift that I plan to share today as I go about my holiday shopping.
Kindness is a gift that costs so little or us to give, yet can be so valuable to those who receive it. Bless you for being so mindful of others, Linda!
What good news
He accepts us and our gifts just the way we are
May I give him my all
Thanks and glory to Jesus for that!
I would love to win these books!
Oh how I love a great storyteller. I would love to have these books and then share them with my sisters and nieces. If not, I will sure to buy them at the store. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
What a touching story and what a powerful reminder that we are His children and beautiful in His sight. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I have learned so much from my kids. I am so thankful that God chose me to be their mama.
Your story is reassuring. The older I get , it seems the smaller gift I can give to god. However, i’s nice to know that even my little gifts of He appreciates. Thanks for giving me another way to look at things!
Pat, you are precious and dearly loved by our Father. No doubt about it!
That is beautiful!
I can offer my attention & thanks for God Glimpses I recognize in my day, big & small.
I love this, Linda!
Today, I can give God the gift of a joyful wife and mother. I can avoid letting the stress of life make me grumpy and resentful.
It can be a struggle, can’t it? But I believe without a shadow of a doubt that you can give that gift, Kristina. You are so loved by God.
My current gift to God is relying on him to hear my prayers. I have 2 teenagers and this past year has been a struggle for them. Raising teenagers is hard and I feel like I’ve really been over asking the Lord for help. I want instant results but remind myself things happen in due time.
Lisa, I just prayed that you would know how God values your prayers for your kids. He asks us to rely upon Him, to cast our cares His way because He cares about us.
I love when my Granddaughter gives me little stones to display! Today I am giving my family the gift of fresh hot brownies.
That sounds like the BEST kind of tasty treat. I might just have to make a batch for my family, too!
Love this! And I would LOVE TO GET THESE BOOKS!
This Christmas I’m giving Jesus my need for ‘perfection’ —the trees, how the gifts are wrapped, hoe my house looks, how my kids behave— and am asking Him to replace it with His perfect PEACE!
Oh, Sherry, I hear you! Perfection nags at me, too. Just knowing that you are giving that over to Jesus tells me so much about your willingness to rely on Him!
The only gift I seem to have is compassion for the hurting. My 94 year old dad so lonely from losing my mom & a fairly new Christian disabled friend mostly housebound. I visit & give all I can to give them hope & Gods love. Would love these books to share with my friend.
Maureen, I cannot tell you how valuable compassion is. In the times when I’ve received it, it has changed everything for me. God’s glory shines when we show compassion. I just prayed for your dad to have comfort and for you to feel the love of God as you spill compassion onto others.
I have a gift I can give everyday. It is the gift of love… it is my prayer that everyone in my life encounters the love of Jesus Christ through me.
Blessings in Christ
Denise ❤️
Denise, this is such a sweet gift. Please keep it up!
I can give God the gift of my time, perhaps better spent helping those in need, whether by helping them with a task or chore, or by just being there and listening to them when they need a sounding board.
Oh, what a gift to be heard! You are such a lovely person for being a listening ear, Sharon!
I have seen the same thing with the collection of Christmas gifts my children made me over the years. This year is my first empty nest year (sigh). It is different and sometimes hard. But in my quiet time now I am able to reflect on the gift I have given to the Lord as well and I have also wondered if her treasures them the same as I do mine. Thank you for this sweet reminder of just how big our fathers love is for us. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Handmade gifts are a treasure aren’t they, Jenni? I just prayed that in this first empty nest year that you would be overwhelmingly full of God’s love for you. Merry Christmas to you.
Investing encouraging words into my sweet grandchildren. Telling my 2 year old Nevaeh she is beautiful. I stop applying my make-up so I can dab a little face powder on her face, I also dab a light eye shadow on her eye lids, then I hand her a mirror as I tell her she is beautiful. Her face lights up as I allow her presence to stop my actions from doing what I’m doing to make her a part of what I’m doing to get ready. When I do this, I’m showing love. Love is the action God that blesses God. This action also gets passed down to my family.
Everyday when I’m at my vanity combing my hair, or applying make-up, she knows she may use my special combs in the drawers as I’m at the vanity table. They are special because they are used at my vanity table by all the grandchildren. When they are done, they know they get to always place them back in the dwawer until the next time we have our special time. I love that my grandkids are learning even though the stuff inside the vanity is mine, they are learning that I too share my things just like they share their toys with me.
Such a sweet picture. Thank you for sharing it with us, Debbie!
I give Him my heart.
Beautiful, Maxine!
I LOVE THE STORY, THANKS FOR SHARING.
I AM RAISING MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND SHE IS NOW 5. SHE HAS A BIG GIVING HEART AND ALSO CHOOSES ROCKS OF ALL SORT OF SHPES AND SIZES FROM THE TINIEST TO BIGGEST IN THE YARD OR DRIVEWAY AND SHE TAKES HER MARKERS AND HIGHLIGHTERS AND COLORS EACH ONE DIFFERENTLY AND VERY RAINBOW IN COLOR, DOES AN EXELLENT JOB. SHE LOVES GIVING THEM TO ME AND OTHERS AS ART GIFTS. VERY SPECIAL LITTLE GIRL GIVING HER HEARTS DESIRE AND HARD WORK TO OTHERS AND MOSTLY TO THOSE SHE DOESN’T EVEN KNOW. SHE COMES TO WORK WITH ME AND THAT IS HER GIFT TO THOSE WHO COME BY, EVEN THE UPS DRIVER.
What a creative little girl! Bless you for helping her serve others with the talents God has given her.
Today I can give God full praise for simply just being his child. Oh I thank you for all the little blessings I have on a daily basis Dear Lord and for your sacrifice that I might be saved.
What a gift we give our Father when we come to Him with grateful hearts. Thank you for this, Deloris.
Thank you for this beautiful message from Susie. I take care of my son who suffered a brain injury in a car accident 9 years ago. Sometimes, no, a lot of the times, it is just plain hard, and he is unable to speak to tell me what it means to him. But I know it is a gift I give to God. Taking care of my son and loving him is the gift of service I give to God. He tells us when you took care of the least of these you took care of Him.
Thank you for sharing.
Magda
Magda, what a beautiful way you serve your son and God. I cannot imagine how emotionally and physically draining it can be for you. I just prayed that you would have renewed strength and that you would be encouraged that you are living the life of love in such a God honoring way.
Great reminder that no gift is too small in the hands of a mighty God!!! One gift I have to give him this Christmas is my past hurts. I need to turn those over to Him so that He can make the broken into beautiful!!
He wants us to cast all of those hurts and worries and fears on Him. He cares for us and is faithful. I just prayed for you to have the courage to release those past hurts to Him, Karen.
Wow, what a beautiful image of the Father and His children!! I LOVE this! Thank you for touching my heart!
Your encouragement is a gift to me, Jessi! Thank you for reading!
Thanks for the devotion – I can give Him His joy back. In other words, I will choose to be joyful every day. Also I can give Him my gratitude everyday. “Each day is a gift from the Lord.” Merry Christmas!!”
So beautiful, Elsie!
I believe he wants our faith regardless of what we can’t see because He know what is best for our life. We also need to be faithful regardless of what we feel
And it can be so hard, can’t it, Marcy? But it’s so nice to know that He gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit to guide us in those days when we’re just not feeling it!
Such a beautiful post today! A wonderful reminder to give what we DO have and let God grow and develop it. After all, He gave it to us first. My gift to God today is to remember this message and not let myself hear the lie “it’s not enough” while working on the projects He’s lined up for me today. Thank you!
Self doubt can hold us back, right, Pam? I’m so glad that you’re allowing yourself to be reminded that our gifts are enough because of how good our Father is!
The gift that I am working on daily and especially at Christmas time is to try to guide my 7 year son to be a faith filled and God loving young man. It is very difficult when you have so many outside influences to keep myself and my family centered on God. My husband and my two older stepdaughters do not go to church with my son and I so I am the only one to guide him. I pray daily to help us focus on him and his will.
You are doing such a wonderful thing, Aimee. I can tell that you’re a really great mom.
What an awesome, encouraging read today. Thank you for reminding me that no gift is ever too small to give God. HE just wants to know we will give a portion of the abundance back that HE has given to us. So today I will give the gift of love and service to someone I do not know. Those are gifts that keep on giving! Happy Holidays!
What a blessing!
The one gift I can give today – Love everyone. This has been a struggle for me – but I am working on it! I do the same thing with all the gifts my children give me – they go in the bookcase of my treasured antique secretary. Great reminder of how He sees our gifts, even the tiny ones! Thank you for the great article.
Oh, it can be a struggle! I think it’s wonderful that you’re working on it, Elaine!
I would God my life. Cause he give up his son so we can live.
I love this, Grace!
We have one great grandchild(age 4), that swoops in for a hug and then flies right back out. We have another great grandchild (age 2), that loves to hug. She comes in for a hug and parks herself. The family’s comment started by my daughter is, ” I will not be the first to let go.” I have often wondered if Father God feels the same way about my hugs.
Oh, Jean. Isn’t that a lovely thought. Thank you for sharing that beautiful picture with us.
Thank you for sharing your srory. That really give something to think about.
Have a blessed day.
You too, Grace!
My gift for Jesus this year is my devotion
What a wonderful thing to give Him, Sandy.
I want to give him my children and grandchildren…and trust Him to keep them.
This is so hard to do, Melody. But what a gift to offer our loving Father.
I am not a fiction reader, but it is on my bucket list this next year to read a fiction book. I’ve only read two other fiction books in my adult life a number of years ago, both by novelist Francine Rivers, and loved them. I loved how it stimulated my brain to think, envision and imagine. Ready for another fiction book adventure!
Karla, you’d be glad to hear that Francine Rivers is one of the most kind and humble people around. I’m glad you enjoy her books.
I absolutely love the way you treasure those simple little gifts of rocks your son gives you, by putting them in your special hutch!
A lot of Mom’s would say. no way can they go with my special heirloom items and there in would break their little boy’s heart.
I just love, love, love the way you treasure your little boy’s heart. I wish I would have had a Mom like you growing up!!
I hope and pray God does treasure my very simple little offerings.
Also, I am an avid Christian fiction reader and would absolutely adore your new books!!
Patrice, thank you for the encouragement. I doubt my parenting a whole lot (as most moms do). You just gave me such a gift.
My granddaughter collects rock in our backyard! Thank you for sharing.
I love that, Judy!
These books sound great!
Thank you, Courtney!
Such a precious analogy. The other piece I love about this is that your son is not afraid to entrust his precious treasures to you because he knows you value him. He knows you love him. As a result, he can trust that you will treat his treasured rocks with tender care. So like our relationship with our heavenly Father. When we are confident in His love for us, that He has our best interest at heart, then we can take every piece of our hearts, every inkling of a gift He has bestowed on us, and turn it safely back into His hands. When doubt creeps in, however, When we do not trust that He is who He says He is, we tend to try to keep those rocks safely in our pocket— afraid to share them with those around us.
A poignant reminder to always remember that He loves each of His children greatly!
Oh, Kathy. Thank you for sharing these poignant thoughts. So very true!
Such a beautiful story! We are all broken compared to God’s sacrifice. Thankfully God molds and shapes us into who He desires us to be. As a mother, I can relate to all the rocks and bugs and pictures that children bring as gifts. They become special just because they are given to us by our precious children. A mother’s love is undeniable as is our Father’s love.
Yes! To be molded by the One who made us with such intention and love. Such a gift. Thank you for sharing that, Anita!
I can give God the first of my day and busy schedule instead of what’s left at the end of the day
Such a great gift to offer, Penny!
Knowing that I want to give God the best gifts that I have, I sometimes feel so very inadequate. However, I daily give Him my time to use for Him in all that I do and say. I try to stay so focused on how to please Him above all others and above all things wanting to serve Him by serving others. Thank you for sharing this devotional.
I hear you about the feelings of inadequacy. But God isn’t done with us, right? He’s faithful to keep working on us until the day of our Lord Jesus. What a promise!
I think a gift I can give is sharing Jesus birth story with my grandkids who have heard the story but don’t necessarily understand it’s more than just a story, Jesus is Gods amazing gift to us!
And the more you share it, the more it will be engraved on their hearts. What a wonderful grandma you must be, Pat!
I love it because we all have something that’s makes our Father loves us even when we have small things to give even when others don’t see He’s see.Thank you. Jean.
You are so precious to Him, Jean!
My one gift for today is patience. Not to worry and fret just to pause and worship and be thankful for all the blessings.
I love the idea of pausing to worship and be thankful. How that act can help us refocus our day!
Outstanding post. Our children are God’s treasure and their little gifts to us remind us of God’s treasure, Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Carmen. And what a great way to see our kids.
Totally awesome true . What I can share is my coloring pages to friends & others who i don’t know to see a smile on there face that yu care about them. & make their day special.
I love it when people use their creativity to bless others. Keep it up, Rhonda!
I can give God my time- I don’t spend enough time with Him and I know that he cherishes that
Yes, I believe He loves spending time with you, Kristi. You are dearly loved by Him!
I am giving cookies to my neighbors today. I can give a smile when I get gifts for others at the store.
You sound like an amazing neighbor, Brenda!
smile
Thank you for this beautiful story. Your words brought tears to my eyes. I feel the same, that what I bring to God is not good enough. But I am working to believe that He does value my gifts. I bring to Him my humility and hope in Him and His ability to do a good work, even in me. Merry Christmas!
Julie, I have no doubt that God loves you so deeply and that He’s thrilled with the gifts you bring Him. Merry Christmas to you!
I plan to give To God the gift of me stopping to dwell on my past sinful life. This is keeping me from growing closer to God. Like in Hebrews 5:13-14. You will not grow on milk, you need meat to mature. (That is paraphrased of course.) But by me dwelling on my past sins and asking for forgiveness I am like an infant only on milk. I need to move on from my past, know I am forgiven, and move closer to God. So I am giving God my new self by letting go of the past since God has already let my past go, and becoming more mature and growing in my faith and knowledge of God. I am giving God the gift of Growth.
Oh, Rhonda, how well I know what you’re talking about. He has given you new life, my friend. He’s rescued from that former life and raised you up as His dearly loved daughter.
So touching, a parents love.How blessed we are to have a loving Father!
We truly are loved, aren’t we, Cindy?
What a beautiful way to show your son how much you treasure the gift he had. May we all remember to show the gift of kindess with each gracious celebration along the way! Nice reminder!! Thank you.
I love that you used the word celebration. We can celebrate because of God’s love for us!
Would love to win these books. I love to read.Thank you.
Thank you for the reminder to stop comparing my offerings to God to those of others. Only He is qualified to judge our offerings, and only He can take the smallest, plainest offerings, and/or the largest, grandest offerings, and detect the true intentions of our hearts.
What a relief that He’s the only one who can judge our gifts. Thank you for that reminder, Candye!
I love the story of the rocks. My son was a rock collector when he was young. He loved sharing his treasures with others and many in our family proudly displayed them in their homes. God knows our heart that is behind those gifts we bring Him. I believe that’s why our “ordinary rocks” are precious in His eyes.
So true, Linda! How deeply loved we all are!
The Smallest Gifts Grow Big with God really hit home with me. I never saw it broken down so simply but so accurately. I sometimes feel unworthy because I am not out there sacrificing my life or working in the wilds or dangerous places for God. I am a simple Wife, Mom and Grandmother trying to help people with the simple gifts I have. I sometimes wonder if God will find my simple thing worthy but this was just perfect. He loves me and my gifts. He treasures them like he treasures me. I feel so loved after reading this. I don’t know why but it had such an impact on me. God Loves Me and my Simple Gifts!!! Thank you so much.
I think it was Mother Teresa who said (and I paraphrase) that we can’t all do big things. But we can all do small things with great love. That’s precisely what you’re doing, Rebecca!
What can I give? My heart, my trust, my faith, my love, my obedience, my trials at trying to be what HE wants me to be.
And all of these are acceptable to Him, Zabby! He loves you so much!
This is such a timely message. I have been going through my life with a fine tooth comb and trying to listen to the Spirit to guide me into the best way to praise and serve Him. He has shown me the simple things like a beautiful layer of unexpected snow in the deep south that stops all normal activity. I feel it was His way and reminding me to Be still and know! He is so gentle and fierce, detailed and grand, loving and mine…as I am His.
He is my protector and loving daddy!
I love that you’re so aware of His gifts, Christy! Even snow! This Michigan girl is impressed. 🙂
Children grown now, I still have some of those rocks sprinkled around my home 🙂
Oh, I hope to keep these little stones for years. 🙂
I want to see others as Jesus does and values them as He does. So my gift to my loving Father God is the desire for a heart like His. I collect rocks, too, and am more picky at the age of 61. 😀 Thank you for sharing this.
What a valuable gift, loving people the way Jesus does. You’re a blessing, Cindy!
I so enjoyed reading this excerpt of The Smallest Gifts Grow Big With God. We all too often feel as though that which we offer isn’t good enough and compare ourselves with others and their gift. We forget that God doesn’t show favoritism; He loves us and accepts our gifts as we give Him back that which He has given us.
I praise God for Susan and lovingly accepting her son’s rocks as something beautiful. What a lesson for us all as parents.
Thank you so much, Donna!
I so enjoyed reading this excerpt of The Smallest Gifts Grow Big With God. We all too often feel as though that which we offer isn’t good enough and compare ourselves with others and their gift. We forget that God doesn’t show favoritism; He loves us and accepts our gifts as we give Him back that which He has given us.
Today and everyday, I can give God my stillness – time to let go of today’s worries, the business of work and family, and the pressing items on my to-do list. I can be still and focus on Him and allow Him to speak His truths into my soul.
I know He loves that gift, Julie. It’s so hard to be still. I’m glad you’re doing so with intentionality.
Lovely reminder of the precious small gifts God leaves us. Reminding me, When my children make me something less then perfect, just smiling and saying thank you is not enough. I must remember to use or war the item as well:). I can give God my time and reliance.
It gives them such joy to see us value what they’ve given us. So sweet. Thank you for that reminder, Lilly.
Every morning I give the LORD the gift of my brokenness, my heart, my desire to bless HIS socks off today!
I love this so much, Sherry!
What a perfect lesson to learn from a child. Thank you for sharing and blessing me today, and this Christmas.
I learn so much from these kids God has given me. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Joanna!
I give Christ my whole self and as I wrap gifts today I pray for each receiver that they give God their all and that God will bless each one!!
What a great idea! I need to wrap gifts tonight. I think I’ll pray for my people, too! Thanks, Tanya!
Thank you for supporting good faith-based fiction. It has its own special place in ministry, and is often belittled or ignored. I’m looking forward to becoming acquainted with a new author! Any other recommendations?
Hi, Marsha! Thank you for cheering on Christian fiction writers! I think you’d love the work of Jocelyn Green, Rachel McMillan, Joanna Politano, and Kelli Stuart.
I will give God my whole heart everyday of my life!
I love this, Diana!
I am giving God the gift of reflecting His glory through the unexpected deaths of my parents. I want people to know my good, good Father despite the sorrow of such great loss.
Oh, Amy. I am so sorry. I just prayed that God would fill you to overflowing with comfort, so much that you can’t help but let it spill over onto those around you. And I pray that the people in your life will bless you overwhelmingly.
What an awesome story. It reminds me of my children and grandchildren as they bring me dandelions and other “flowers” for my table. the gift of a child is rewarding. My gift for God today is a loving heart for my granddaughter and her two girls, 3 and 1, who I am blessed to have living with me. To show my granddaughter the patience and love of God that I have.
I can personally affirm the importance of loving grandmas on the spiritual development of a child. Keep loving those sweet girls. It matters so much, Barbara!
Thank you for once again, causing me to stop my work and remember the love of my Heavenly Father. Susie, your writing drew me in. Oh, how often I’ve felt that my gifts aren’t honed enough to share, aren’t as good as they used to be because I am older, or just plain aren’t used often enough. It’s good to be reminded that all we give to the Lord is welcomed by Him.
Sue, I know that you have a whole lot to offer God and that He values you beyond measure. You are so dearly and deeply loved.
I will give God my whole heart !
I love that, Diana!
Please also add “Thank you!” to above comment.
Can’t wait to read this!! I *loved* the first two!!!! Thanks for the chance to win.
Oh! Thank you so much, Tammy! What a gift your encouragement is to me.
God has given me the gift of writing. Maybe if I write a poem for him today he will be pleased and will like it
I have no doubt that He’ll cherish it, Ali!
Thank you for reminding me what is important in life. It’s the small stuff. I also have a son who loves to collect rocks and I need to remind myself to look through his young eyes and not to get caught up in my to do list. My gift to God today is to take time to listen to Him and those He brings into my life today and to set aside my agenda and allow Him to use me as He wants to today. Thank you again.
I love this, Rocio. Sometimes it is such a struggle to slow down and be mindful. But what a gift to God and others when we do.
Thank you for sharing this today. I have a daughter who is a rock and shell collector, and you have given me a new appreciation for the many “gifts” I have received through the years. I believe that I will try to find a way to better display them so that not only will I see them more often, but that they will also remind me of the gifts that I need to bring to the Lord.
Two-fold usefulness for the rock collection! I love it, Linda!
This Monday past was the funeral off my loving Mom and things were a little harder because I was sick during her 2 weeks in palliative care and funeral preparations etc…
Right now, I’m just home from the hospital after an overnight stay in emergency and a series of tests.. the result is a deteriorating tube from my kidney to my bladder… the cause has yet to be determined…
My gift to GOD in the midst of this situation is thanksgiving, praise and trust… thanksgiving for the hope Jesus gives of eternal life which my mom possessed. Praise that Emmanuel, God with us is ever present with me when there is not much more I can give him in my present situation (bedridden) and trust for whatever my future holds knowing He holds me up and holds my hand .. thank you for your encouraging post today 💜🙏
Oh, Marion! I’m so sorry for all of these things. But I’m so blessed and humbled by your desire to offer thanksgiving and praise through it all. Your testimony has been a gift to me today.
I can give myself to the Lord, with all my faults and insecurities. He can do what He wants with me. I am a vessel to be used by Him.
I love this, Nancy!
We have a great grandchild (age 2), that loves to hug. She comes in for a hug and parks herself. The family’s comment started by my daughter is, ” I will not be the first to let go.” I have often wondered if Father God feels the same way about my hugs.
So sweet, Jean. I love picturing God that way.
My gift to God is giving up of myself and be more like Him. Focus more on what He wants from me. Being aware of His presence. He has given me the greatest gift that my gift to Him is my heart…
What dedication and love for Him, Sharon. Thank you for sharing this.
Every day I am learning more and more that God loves me as I am for who I am. My greatest gift to Him, or to others, is to reflect the love of Jesus every day. Susie, thanks for sharing your heart and making the commitment to write and to finish the race and publish the book. You are a blessing.
You are so dearly loved, Barbara! Thank you for the encouragement. It means so much to me today!
My praise
I love that, Lisa!
I give the gift of a listening ear and a caring heart for my colleagues at work. I am so blessed to work with a group of strong prayer-warrior women. We all have a special gift that we bring to the group. I am the more quiet one, however, I believe God uses my quietness to balance out the group. I have a heart of empathy and I am so very, very blessed and grateful for the love my Savior has for me.
It is such a great thing, being heard. I know you are a blessing to the people in your life!
Kindness is gift to others and God gives. We honor him by loving others.
So true, Gina!
The gift that I can give God is my devotion and love. He has showered me with so many blessings lately and it has left me praising Him continuously. I am prone to bouts of praying and crying because of my love and joy. I live by faith alone and so when the blessings flow, so do the tears. God is good all of the time!!
This gives me so much joy for you, Stephanie!
Show his love to retail workers this busy time of year
As someone who has worked retail in the past I say a big old YES to this, Mary!
Oh Susie how precious is a childs heart and their desire to give whatever they have or find. My precious 6 year old Grandson is the same way and my heart just swells with love when he wants to give me or someone else his prized possessions 😄
I will offer up my praises and my heart to God today ❤️
I can tell that you are a sweet and loving grandma, Cheryl!
My gift to God is is a full and grateful heart. A heart He created, a heart he treasures and a heart He has healed. A heart that has been given so much more than I could ever have imagined or hope for. A heart that longs to hear His soft whisper …
What beautiful words, Laurie. Thank you for sharing them.
My gift to God is my love for Him. Love that He saw me fit to be saved from the pit of hell. Love that He provides for me and my family. Love for His Word.
Love for the Holy Spirit.
Love for ALLLLLL of Him!!
Pure love, the best way I can.
I love all of this gratitude you’re expressing here, Emeldah! It’s absolutely lovely!
What a Beautiful reminder for us all. It doesn’t matter how small we think out gifts for God are, He sees what is inside our Hearts. That is the most precious Gift of All! Thank You God for Loving me.
Isn’t it amazing that God sees into our heart and loves us dearly? Thank you for sharing this, Vanessa.
I want to give Him my love.
What an amazing gift to give Him, Denise.
There IS joy in the darkness. He’s called Jesus.
YES! The light of the world! I’m so grateful for Him!
Thank you for blessing me as I go through the struggles and pain of being a single mom and divorce.
Theresa, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m from a single parent household and I know the struggles. I just prayed that God would relieve your stress and give you comfort that is beyond any earthly power. You are dearly loved.
Your post captured the essence of “gift giving” no matter what the gift of who it is from. It is the heart behind the gift that matters. If the heart is good, then the gift is precious and something to be treasured.
The heart is the very most important part, you’re so right, Clare!
I can love and serve others with joy to bring honor and glory to God.
And I know that you will be such a blessing as you serve and share your joy, Eileen!
Your post captured the essence of “gift giving” no matter what the gift, or who it is from. It is the heart behind the gift that matters. If the heart is good, then the gift is precious and something to be treasured.
Merry Christmas –
These words are a bit difficult to share – how do I describe the tears I shed reading this post.
Here is why – my amazing in-laws are rock collectors. Over the over 55 yrs they have been married they have travelled to many places to find a certain gem or stone to add to their collection. They are amazing stewards of natural resources and live way out in the country – it is so peaceful & beautiful. Their son, my amazing husband has the same heart for preserving untouched beauty.
We have been married for just two years – he was widowed – myself a divorcee.
His 1st wife of 28 yrs is in heaven – my amazing hubby fell in love with me and has touched my heart beyond what any words can tell.
Now, I face the same diagnosis his first wife passed from – breast cancer.
We are leaning into all of the promises God gives us – We lean into His grace, comfort and promises.
I guess this post meant a lot because of my diagnosis we will not be travelling to see his parents until treatments are done – I will miss the beauty and wonder of their home. I pray for full recovery so I can grow very old with this amazing man of God.
Sharon,
I read your blog many times throughout the week –
Thank you for answering God call for you life
I am so encouraged.
With much love and gratitude
Kathren K
Oh, Kathren, I am so sorry to read of your diagnosis. I just prayed for you, that you and your loving husband would feel the comfort of God to overflowing. That you would see His healing power and that you would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He loves you deeply.
This brings up sweet memories..my son also brought rocks and gave them freely…. always reminded me of The Littlest Angel Story😍Now he is a big burley Police Officer with a sweet giving spirit…😍
Oh, I love that, Linda. Thank you for sharing it. I know that my little guy is going to be bigger than me before I know it. It’s nice to hear that he may still have such a sweet and giving heart.
I collect rocks too, heart shaped ones. My Mother passed away about six years ago. I was devastated from things that transpired in the last months of her life. I pray and cried to God in my pain and sorrow at how her life ended. Not proud for asking God for a sign, I ask for a sign of His love. In those six years, I have found between 50-60 heart shaped rocks. It amazes me each time I find one. They almost jump out at me.
What a beautiful relationship you have with God! Thank you for sharing this, Janet. I absolutely love it.
I love today’s blog! I have a son who collects all kinds of stuff. I am thankful he loves to bring me his treasures. He has had a rough couple years since his dad left but he embraces God and God has protected us. He sees true beauty isn’t on the outside but what is in the heart.
I’m so sorry that he’s having a rough time, Tiffani. I struggled after my dad left too. I can say that it gets better. God has an amazing way of healing hearts. I just prayed that your son would feel the overwhelming love of his Heavenly Father and that you would feel the peace of knowing that God is faithful and trustworthy.
My gift will be to have a good attitude even though I am tired and will be seeing my nurse practitioner today about an ear infection.
Oh, yowch! It is so hard to have a good attitude when we’re in pain, isn’t it? I just prayed that you would feel better soon.
My time….
Such a valuable gift, Robin!
I had a son that was a rock collector. And now I have a grandson that collects rocks. I love the excitement in their eyes when they find a most beautiful rock. Loved this comparison to the Lord and us.
It’s fun to watch kids discover the world God made for us! Thank you for reading this post, Jamie!
My gift to God is being a better friend to God, as in any friendship, I am going to strive to be a better listener. So I can always say “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
Oh, Avis! What a convicting comment for me to read. Thank you. I know that God is honored by this gift you offer Him.
The best gift I have to give is my “control” thT I know I really don’t have.
It is so hard to give up the reins, isn’t it? But absolutely worth it!
Patience to wait on His plan for my future
Oh, Daisy. I have been there. Actually, I’m there so often! But I think it’s amazing that you’re willing to offer Him your patience. What a gift that I know will honor Him.
I can give him my problems and know that I no longer have to worry about them because He has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
I love that you lean on the promises in Scripture! He is faithful and has never broken a single promise. Thank you for this reminder, Sharon!
I loved Susie’s blog for I have also received my share of beautiful treasure rocks from grandchildren or other precious ones. One is even on my hearth as we speak and has been there for several years. But what I must mention concerning a gift to give to the Lord happened this morning unexpected. We went to breakfast at a small cafe close to our church and met a dear friend. He and his daughter were having breakfast together and in deep conversation. We greeted and left them alone. Soon they shared with us what was troubling them. His wife who is around 75 is in the hospital with a now defined terminal illness. She only has a few days. They are the ones who invited us to the church we attend and have done so to many others. As he shared with us, the gift we gave to the Lord and to our friend was friendship and love. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas as the world sees it, life still goes on and so does death. We hugged and they left and we were left to put life in God’s perspective for you see his daughter lost her husband the first of the year and she can understand the path her dad is walking. Hope you and your family have a wonderful blessed joyous Christmas. The New Year will be amazing because OUR GOD has a plan!!
Karen, sometimes hugs are the very best thing we can give to people in such grief. I just prayed that God would continue to use you to minister to this family with hugs and prayers and kind words. I think of the words of Paul when he said that we comfort others because of the ways God has comforted us.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I too do not have much in way of a gift for my Lord. I have been giving him my time in volunteering for a non-profit organization here where I live. I wish that I could do more, but physical limitations don’t allow me the pleasure. So I will continue to do volunteer for this organization that sends out missionaries and holds christian camps and teaches young minds about how to live for God at their Bible Institutes. It is a wonderful way to give back to God and I receive such joy from it. This Christmas I hope to impart the true meaning of the season to my children and temporarily set aside the things of this world and concentrate on what Jesus has done for us.
Karen, I am willing to bet that your efforts at the non-profit blesses more people than you could ever imagine. And I am absolutely certain that God is honored by your efforts. I just prayed that you would somehow know the impact you are having and how your work is bringing glory to God!
I give him a my cares & concerns and lean not on my,own understanding as He has said!
And I know He will be faithful to take care of you, Murrell!
Not only does giving even the tiniest gift help others feel good, it causes me to feel amazing!
So true, Bekah! It’s amazing how a small act of kindness can change our whole outlook!
Today I will give God the gift of patience. I have been home bound with advanced cancer and on oxygen 24 hours a day. I find myself not responding nicely to those that are just trying to help me. It is not fair to them and I really don’t mean it but in gifting Him I hope He will grant me the patience I need for others.
Valerie, I’m sorry that you have to deal with illness and being on oxygen. I just prayed that God would give you an extra dose of patience and that you would feel love from the people who are there to help you.
I can give the gift of sharing God’s love on Facebook. I don’t get out much because we only have one car but when I do I try to treat everyone the way God would want me to, with His love. I pray that when people see me they see Him and His love.
With as icky as social media can get these days, sharing God’s love is so needed! I think it’s great that you feel called to do that, Elise!
I just love thinking of how God uses what we give Him. The trick, I think, is to give it into His loving hands.
Exactly, Debbie! It’s amazing to see how He uses what we offer to point to His kingdom!
The gift I could give to God today would be to build up, not condemn, the precious creation He made that is me.
Oh, Lisa! I needed to read this today. So powerful.
As i sit here feeling sorry for myself, because the one year anniversary of my son, and only child, passed away two days before Christmas 2016, I read this and it makes me realize I should thanking God for keeping my son safe in heaven. I guess I gave God the biggest present I could have ever given him, my son Chris.
Maggie, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling right now. I just prayed that God would blanket you with His comfort and love and that He would give you the peace that passes all understanding.
My gift I will give today is time writing out Christmas cards to aend to familyand friends. I have always had good intentions, but never took the time.
Teresa, I’m in the same boat as you. But when I think about how nice it is to receive Christmas cards it motivates me. I hope you have fun writing them to your family and loved ones!
This reminded my of a dear book from childhood: “The Littlest Angel” by Charles Tazewell. What is precious to us is precious to Him, and the humblest gifts are the most meaningful. Merry Christmas!
I guess I need to find a copy of that book! Merry Christmas to you, Lisa!
Exactly what I needed to hear today. One gift I try to bring to God every day is a hopeful heart no matter what I’m facing. There have been many days that hopeful heart wasn’t worth much but I know He can repair and make new all things.
I love this, Johnna! There are times in life when the only way we survive is on the hope of Christ.
Thank you so much for this fresh perspective on those “small” gifts. I love your analogy to the precious gifts given to us by our children and what we offer to God. May His blessings be with you and your family this Christmas
Thank you so much, Cathy! I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year!
Hi! I’m Debi. God I know you know who I am for sure. I’m a persistent prayer. I write cards to the elderly and sick for my church sometimes up to 40 some cards a month. I use scripture and devotions I’ve read and mix them with my own thoughts and prayers. Today God I’m offering a card. I’ve been told they make tears come to the eyes. I offer my body for You to use and work through to theses people who need to be uplifted. I put my heart and soul into them and this one especially for You, Jesus!!!! I love you and bless You. Hoping you’ll do the same. In His Grace Debi
I love this, Debi. Even more, I know it honored and glorified God. You are deeply loved.
These books sound intriguing. Thanks so much for giving us a chance to win a copy.
Beautiful thoughts, thank you. That God would take what we have to offer and treasure them, however small or insignificant.
Thank you, Zanyta!
I love to read and would be excited to win free books.
Reminds me of a beautiful poem:
WHAT CAN I GIVE HIM?
by Christina Rossetti
“What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart.”
I can give God my ever grateful heart and the sweet gift of gratitude.
What a beautiful story! This child of yours with his rocks will grow up to be a giver of love and affection.
I think it is great that you display his rocks with your other treasures. That sends a great message of love!
I serve at church Wednesday nights.
What a wonderful perception of our efforts to God. Thank God Jesus is our rock.
What a wonderful perception of our efforts to God. Thank God Jesus is our rock.
Author
Hi Becky! You are the winner of the 3 book series! Susie’s son picked a number and you’re it!
Congratulations. Please email you full name and address to sharon@sharonjaynes.com. You have 1 week to claim your prize.
What a wonderful reminder to not only treasure the heartfelt gifts from others regardless of size but to understand how much our loving Father treasurers our gifts and offerings that come from our hearts. Thank you for the chance to win the books.
Lately, I’ve felt the gentle nudging of God. Pushing toward the passions He has placed in my heart. The ones He purposed for my time on Earth. And amid the gentle nudging, I’ve been pushing back with my flimsy excuses to not move forward where He has told me to. This year, I can give Him my surrender, my obedience. Thank you for the opportunity.
Wow, the story of your son and the rocks reminds me of my youngest, Caleb. He too collects rocks and has presented me over the years. After many years and a pile, one Christmas he decided to make me a box with his dad. He worked on it and wrapped it for me. It was a box for all the rocks. So, my box sits in my bedroom where I can see it each morning knowing that my son has given me much love through the rocks that are now in the box.
As for a gift for God, I think I would give him my time. For years growing up, then marrying, having a family I focused just so much on my own tasks at hand and not really focusing on how God influenced me each day, took care of me and my needs. I never really gave him the time that he deserves. As the years have passed, I try every day to thank God for each gift, and give him my attention to let him know I appreciate all that he has done and is doing.
What a beautiful analogy, thank you for sharing!
This was convicting. I always accept my daughters’ tiny gifts butnever thought to display them. That would give them so much joy.
What a great analogy about our gifts/abilities/talents.
Giving to Him all personal problems, and verbally abusive people for He knows all and helps all. I really would love to read these books. Thank you so very, very, much for giving us a chance to win a copy of the books. Merry Christmas and God Bless everyone.
I really enjoyed reading the little bit you shared and I love to read so these books sound wonderful!
Thanks for sharing!
The most precious items I own are precious because of who gave them to me. A bracelet made of milk bottle caps made by my then preschool age daughter, crayon drawings from grandkids, and family items with many memories attached. The gift that I can give to God today is to share what I have with others in order to draw them into a relationship with Him.
The gift I can give God today is a thankful and grateful heart for all the splendid gifts he has given me.
I can work diligently to not complain or compare His gifts and blessings for me to what I might perceive someone else has been blessed with.
What a beautiful take on the small, tokens we offer such an awesome God. Thank you for sharing, it helps me remember the gifts and treasures my daughters gave me as small children, my most valuable belongings that make me smile when I see them and think of when they have them to me. I do hope God smile and feels the happy feeling about me that I feel about my daughters.
A small gift that I can give to God to to spend time with an unbeliever and share His good news with them planting a seed in them and praying it to maturity.
Oh my! This devotion hit me squarely in my timid heart. I try desperately to bring God something that I think is worthy daily, but the truth is that He cherishes everything that I bring. He cherishes my gifts because all that I have to offer Him are gifts that He has given me to use for His glory. Thank you Abba for loving me!
We can always give God’s love
My heartfelt appreciation that I have been given a life to serve the Litd while serving other people.
Thank you for your insightful thoughts. We collect rocks too. From every country we’ve been in. Once when in South Africa we found a rock with black markings on it. Upon closer look it actually was in the shape of Africa. It was a keeper for sure. Your books look very intriguing. Would love a set. God bless your work Susie.
“Even the smallest of gifts shine with the reflection of His glory.” I needed that today as so often I feel as though what I do is of little significance.
Lovely
Thank you Susie and Sharon!! I often struggle with this thought…that my ways aren’t good enough for God compared to others…. That I don’t commit myself the way I should! But your words touched my heart and I’m going to try to hang on to my meager ways being enough for now. Many thanks for sharing from a fellow Michigander! I was going to attend the Ada, Michigan conference last winter but was unable to….very sad. How can I get news of the events in the future??
Really enjoying our Christmas Advent season 2017…by packing & now tracking our Samaritans Purse shoebox gift for a child in Africa- hanging socks, hats & mittens on a tree at church that will go to children at a local school – cooking & serving at our church on Fridays when we open & welcome our homeless neighbors in out of the cold for a few hours – and currently sitting in line waiting our turn to pick up toys to deliver to families on behalf of Santa Claus Girls…all in hope that the gift of our time will demonstrate to the receivers that our love of Christ is His love for them.
Beautiful! It helps give perspective.
I love this post, and these books look amazing! I can see I have found some new books to add to my must read list! The greatest gift I have found that I can give to God is listening, time and obedience. I’m a work in progress, but I’m learning to take the time to listen for that still small voice, and take the time to be obedient, no matter what! And if that means stepping out of my comfort zone, then that’s what I’ve been doing!
I’m going to give God all my worries and I have a lot of them. I just pray that by doing this I can have some peace of mind. I love him and I know he loves me!! Thank you for giving me second chances!
WOW Susie
Reminded me to cherish every gift given!
GOD gives us Christmas every day of the year and what do I do
with it? Have to be more intentional.
Thank you for your beautiful gift Susie; bless your heart.
Blessings
Cathy
Thank you for this giveaway! This coming year, starting today, I want to give Jesus my focus and attention, to really listen to Him. I don’t have to do all the talking!
My gift to God today is backing my husband’s decision to stay with his dad as his dad recovers from a fall that broke 6 of his ribs. I am keeping them in prayer & will miss him until he returns home.
Giving God my focused attention is one of the best things to give him. This world is full of so many distractions and I find myself getting off track so easily – too many shiny things! But really listening to him, with my eyes on no one and nothing else but him is the best way to stay close and truly abide in Jesus.
This season I can give God the gift of less of me and more of him.
Loved this post! It really spoke to my heart. I have struggled with feeling that in this season of my life what I have to give to God is insignificant. One gift I’m giving Him is the ability to be available to others when I am needed. Thanks for introducing us to an author that is new to me.
Giving God my thankfulness for all the blessings He has given me, for His never ending-love and forgiveness.
The gift of 15 minutes of quiet time with my mind cleared and my full attention focused on God and his goodness
Thanks Sharon for introducing us to Susie Finkbeiner. I love the idea that it is the Father’s love that makes our gift giving special and we were asked to bring a card for a present to Jesus for our local fellowship. Wonderful idea.
Karen
Susie is so right! So often I feel like that little kid that is drawing a picture for Daddy but every time He asks me I say, “It’s not done yet,” and I miss his quiet voice smiling and saying, “oh, but, yes dear one it is.” Thank you for reminding me that God doesn’t care what our gifts to Him look like because we are all precious in His eyes.
what a beautiful analogy of using our gifts, as small as they may be, for God to be glorified.
I want to give Jesus my whole heart!
How beautiful…. I still have rocks my Son (now 25) and my Goddaughter/Niece (now 21) gave me when they were little <3
Thank you
When my son was small he would pick these little wild flowers for me and his face would fill with joy. As he grew he would draw me a picture and I would hang it up. Those beautiful memories of his childhood are with me as he has grown and formed his own family. I cherish every moment of his childhood. Remembering. how he looked with wonder to see my reaction. Childhood passes to quickly and our children and grandchildren grow up to find their way in life.We see them once in a while but not as often as we wish. Mom’s enjoy every minute of your childrens life for time passes quickly.
Thank you for your blogs they help us see how blessed we are as woman. mother’s and how rich our lives are with him. Every day is a blessing.
The Lord has many blessings he gives us each day, pause and look.
The sacrifice of my time- time to serve His children, time to read His instructions (His Word), time to sit in Sabbath Rest and listen to my Savior and best friend.
No gift is fit for my KING, but I can give the most valuable and precious things/people in my life and time is up there on my list.
TODAY I GIVE TO HIM MY WEARY AND GRIEVING HEART AS I MISS MY SISTER WHO PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY .BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR HER I HAVE HOPE TO SEE HER AND MY FAITH IN HIM SOMEDAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN.
It is good to know that God (my father) holds me as precious in his sight. His unconditional love and undying acceptance of me has been the very life line to sustain and keep me. I have had some very trying moments in my life that if it were not for God I would have succumb to the circumstances and situations that were meant to destroy me. However, I am more than a conqueror. I believe what the word says. Thank you Father, my God, my source and my strength.
What a treasured reminder that whatever we give to God is beautiful even if we think it is not. Thank you! You are a blessing to myself and others!
Today I give him my love because of him I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This year has started with a bang my son was arrested and let go but they took his truck said it was no good and he’s not getting it back. He has issues not this is a worry. But I’m trusting in god for the answer to all of these problems. I’m in the palm of his hand he has my name written there. Amen
“I come with a handful of underdeveloped abilities, trying to serve Him as best I can.” That is what Susie said and it hits home to me except I come trying to get to know Him as best I can so I can say I’m serving Him. My desire is to learn of Him and be equipped to serve Him in the abilities he has blessed me with.
I’m saying Yes to God!!!!
Thank you for your encouraging words you see I was recently asked to do something at my local church and well I do not feel worthy or good enough to do, but if God touched his great mighty woman of His to ask me to do it, Then I’m going to say yes! Because, I have been feeling the little tugging of God to do it! Reading your devotion just confirmed it. It all starts with the little things first….
Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
Life sometimes isn’t easy but, God is there to help us during those difficult times.