Gift From God!!

GIFT FROM GOD!!!

Gifts!!  We all love getting and giving them.  I know that I love to give gifts, and receiving one every now and then is fun!!  How do you feel about gifts?  Are you one that loves to get them, or find more pleasure in giving? 

Gifts can come in many different forms.  We can receive material gifts during our birthdays and Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate.  Do you have a favorite gift that you have received from a family member or friend?  I think my favorite gift that I have ever received is a diamond cross necklace that Kirk bought me for Christmas several years ago.  I wear it every day and it not only reminds me of his love for me, but also the love my Savior showered over me on that cross.  Did your husband buy you something that you treasure?

Another gift is the love from my family, and my love for my family.  Unconditional love is a true gift from God.  Knowing that whatever happens between me and my family, they will always love and support me in whatever choices I make.  Having that love and support from them gives me courage to test new areas of my life.  No matter how long it has been since we have seen each other, or how far apart our lives takes us, I always know that they will be there no matter what. And I feel that way about each and every one of them. I love each and every one of you beyond words.

The friendships that have blessed me beyond measure are true gifts from God.  I can tell you that I could have not gotten through these last five years without their love and support.  I have so many friends that I have had for years, and I have made so many new friends on this journey.  I have had the honor of meeting and communicating with so many new widow sisters.  You all have truly blessed me and have given me encouragement to keep moving forward.  I have also made new friends that have lifted me up with words, actions, and prayers.  I just want all of you to know that you have blessed me more than I could ever bless you!!

But the best gift of all is the fulfillment of God's promise to us through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Through Jesus, we have the gift of eternal life.  Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Chris Jesus our Lord."  Through Jesus, His death on the cross gave us the gift of salvation and grace.  He showed us how much He loves us by pouring out His sacred blood.  His blood washes away our sins, all we have to do is confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts. In Romans 10:9 NIV it states, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."  The greatest gift of all is the gift of Jesus Christ.  This gift is free to each and every one of us.  Jesus paid our sin debt, Jesus paid it all.  The greatest gift of all is the love Jesus has for all of us!!

A song I love to sing is called "Jesus Paid it All" written by Elvina Hall.  Here are some of the lyrics.

Jesus paid it all 
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

He did wash our sins white as snow.  Will you accept His free Gift?  I can tell you that without His love and gifts, I could not be on the right path of my widowhood journey.  He keeps me moving forward, He keeps my eyes fixed on eternity.  He loves me in my muck and nasty mess called my life.  He loves me when I cry and call out to Him.  He loves me with I laugh and enjoy life with my family and friends.  He blesses me in every moment and every situation.  He even blesses me so I can have special memories and moments that my heart needs.  Will you allow yourself to enjoy all the gifts God gives you?  Cherish the gifts from your family and friends and treat yourself to material gifts every once in awhile too.  We all deserve to be spoiled every now and again.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gift of eternal life.  Thank you for shedding Your blood for our salvation and showing us grace when we do not deserve it.  I pray that whomever has not accepted Your free gift of salvation will do so before it's too late.  Lord I pray for those of us that have accepted you, but may have strayed off of Your path.  Thank you Lord for all of the gifts you shower on us every single day, minute, and second.  Without You, I am nothing.  With You, I am loved and forgiven.  In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen!!