Choose Giving

Prayer – Lord, it was written by Paul…“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35 NLT. You, Lord, were the highest example of giving. You gave more than flowers or food—You gave hope, dreams, and life to us all. Show me the gift that I can use to show love to others for You. Honoring You and them.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:6-10 NLT

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Cut some lilacs!
They smell wonderful.
Share them with your neighbors!

Tomorrow is May Day. It is mainly a European holiday commemorating the beginning of summer though it is actually about half-way between the Spring equinox and the Summer solstice. It was a time to gather wildflowers and use them in garlands. But please don't cut wildflowers now. Let them grace our native environment.

Another fun custom is setting up a May Pole which people dance around and wrap with colorful ribbons. When we saw that May Pole dance reenacted in Leavenworth, Washington, my mother-in-law recalled fond childhood memories of that custom being repeated in the Czech community in Nebraska where she grew up. Obviously, May Day has become an American custom as well.

My daughter has used May Day for spreading joy in her neighborhood for many years. When she was about six years old she began by secretly leaving flowers on neighbors’ doorsteps early in the morning on May 1^st. It was so much fun for her and her friends that she carried on the tradition and still does it with her children in their community. Let the fun begin! Share the love and leave some flowers or blossoms from your trees on your friends or neighbors’ steps. You may find that this gift of kindness that God has given you honors Him and others.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9 NLT

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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