The Perfect Giver

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 (NIV)

     As children, we had great anticipation of a birthday where we would receive a long-awaited gift! The days leading up to that special event seemed extremely long, and we felt we needed to remind the giver often of our desires. Our fixation on the expected gift that day perhaps caused us to overlook other wonderful gifts intended for us. We quickly tore into packages and tossed them aside without paying close attention to their contents. Why? Because our eyes were fixed on that gift that we wanted so much!

     Unfortunately, this behavior doesn't necessarily change as we grow older. If we think about our prayer lives and our petitions to God, we may recognize some of the same attitudes. We can be most thankful that we are able to share the desires of our hearts with a perfect and Holy God! That alone is a most precious gift! However, do we ever get so focused on a certain response from the Father that we miss many opportunities along the way? His word tells us that every good and perfect gift is from God. Every opportunity to serve Him, every good and bad circumstance, every encounter, every blessing...they all come from God for a very specific purpose.

     Each day is a beautiful package from God filled with exactly what we need! May we not toss today's good and perfect gift aside and miss some of God's richest blessings! He is the perfect giver!

Father, we thank you for the most precious gift of all-----Jesus Christ. Because of Him, we are able to share our deepest thoughts and desires with You.  May we be reminded that You are an all-knowing and omnipotent God. You alone know exactly what we need each moment. Help us, Father, to anticipate each day with joy and understand that You are the perfect giver and Your timing is perfect! Amen

Kelly Baucom, Guest Blogger

Friday Friends - Lynn Blackburn

Lynn Blackburn

Although Lynn and I have not had the chance to meet face-to-face, a connection was formed from the first time we read one another's blog. Lynn has a way of writing all her own. She pulls you in with her anecdotes and transparency. Funny and poignant, Lynn will inspire you to move to the next level with your heavenly Father.


Welcome, Lynn!


(1) Tell us a little about your family and growing up years.


I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and upstate of South Carolina.I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home and I’m still very close to myparents and sister. She just moved five minutes away and I’m loving havingher nearby!


(2) When did you know God was calling you to write?


I only started writing a few years ago, but I felt sure of my calling atthe Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2010.


(3) Who is a person that is making and has made a strong impact on your life, and why?
I’ve been blessed with many wonderful role models. Right now, my children are making the biggest impact on me. They keep me on my toes—and on my knees.


(4) What is your life verse?


I don’t have just one. But related to my writing, I love Psalm 138:8 ~ TheLord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, enduresforever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.


(5) Other than Jesus, what Bible hero would you like to talk to?


Peter! Big mouth, big mistakes, big impact for the Kingdom :-)!


(6) What in depth Bible study would you recommend to my readers?


I love Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer, and just recently discovered Kelly Minter. All of them have wonderful Bible studies that are perfect for women of all ages.


(7) Tell us of how you came to a saving relationship with Christ?


I can’t ever remember not knowing about God, but I do remember the night Iaccepted the sacrifice Jesus made for me. I was four. I remember the conviction I felt and that I refused to go to sleep until I had asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. And I remember the peace that flooded through me when I knew He had.


(8) Please give a word of encouragement and hope to my readers who may be struggling today.


When I’m down, it’s the Psalms I turn to. Right now, it’s Psalm 119:132that I’m dwelling on. Turn to me and be gracious to me as is your way withthose who love your name. I love this - and maybe some of you need thisreminder today - that God’s usual way of dealing with us is to be graciousand merciful.


Lynn lives in upstate SC and blogs at lynnhugginsblackburn.blogspot.com

Peace in the Midst of Fear

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:7, NKJV)

Boom!

That's what I heard as I was sitting on the couch preparing to have lunch. "Grandma, Grandma!"

No Answer.

Once she finally recovered, she stood up. Boom! She's out again, and once again no answer when calling her name. It turns out that due to what we think is dehydration due to the flu, she fainted 3 times. Once I was able to calm down, while sitting at the hospital I had a tremendous peace. I knew that no matter what happened from here on out, it was going to be ok. Ladies, do you have a situation today that you need God's peace? Are you fearful? We were. Our family was fearful of the outcome. I want to take you to a God who will supply you with peace. He doesn't force His peace on you, He offers it for the taking. Will you reach out and take it today?

Dear Lord, thank You for your peace. Thank You Lord that even in the midst of fear, you bring Your sweet peace and assurance. I ask that for each reader, bring them peace like they've never known before. In Jesus Name, Amen.

What a Friend!

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, New King James Version)

Walking into the house on that October afternoon, I had no idea what to expect. I was walking into a place of unknown territory. I was nervous and afraid all at the same time. Those feelings fled however when one lady that I didn't know walked up to me and wrapped her arms around me. That lady was Edie Melson. She hugged me and told me how glad they were to have me as part of the group. The next thing she said really broke the ice. She told me that she was reminded by a dear friend to be sure she took really good care of me while there. Since that first encounter, Edie and I have become extremely close. While the 2 of us are really good friends, there's an even greater friend that we have in common. His name is Jesus. If not for Him our friendship would be nothing.He reminds us in this verse that He sticks closer than a brother. While I know Edie would do anything she could for me, I also know that her friendship can't bring eternal peace. It can't bring me salvation. Only one person can bring that peace that we have for all of eternity. Once again ladies, that's Jesus. While you may have close friends here on Earth, do you have a relationship with the closest friend you'll ever have? Once you have that relationship, your earthly friendship will be all the more sweeter. I can promise you that!

Dear Lord, thank You for the friends you've so blessed us with. But thank You most of all for the friendship we share with You. We know that no matter how close wemay be to one another, You want us closest to You. Lord draw us all closer to our dearest friend-You. Lord we love You and we praise You. Amen.