“Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.” Psalm 31:21a (NLT)

At this time of year, I find myself much more reflective and contemplative than I normally am. Wanting my life to make a difference and hoping I’ve done a few things well in the year that has just vanished. But more than that, I find myself this year with a longing deep in my soul to bring to light all the ways that God has met me. His provision. His Love.

His kisses from heaven. Heaven’s grace: the simple gifts God uses to whisper to us, “You are loved, you are special. You are Mine!” These blessings often cloak themselves in the simple, the mundane but they are love gifts just the same. We see them in a spectacular sunset, the warm touch of a friend, a loved one’s whisper, “God put you on my mind and I prayed for you today.” Sometimes these kisses come in disguise.

I readily admit that some of the “kisses” I’ve experienced this year, haven’t always seemed like His whispers of love in my life; when my beloved son seemingly derailed his life with one poor decision, when a close friend had serious medical issues, when my precious sister was broken and hurting and I couldn’t be there to comfort her. But I have seen God bring beauty from the ashes in ways I never dreamed possible and blessing upon blessing. I have been overwhelmed by His love as I pause to look back.

Lord, I want to live with a heart of thanksgiving. I want to have eyes wide open to glimpse the kisses you send my way and to live in the light of your love all through this year and in the years to come. Amen.

Thought: Take some time today to reflect on how you have been “kissed” this past year by God.

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

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“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’” Luke  17:17- 18

“Gratitude recognizes that a gift has been given, a favor has been done by someone. There is a gift and a giver. But there is more. Gratitude also calls for a response to that gift. We thank the giver with an expression of appreciation — a handshake, a hug, a note. A gesture of gratitude completes the exchange, closes the circle, lets the love flow back to the giver.” — Don Postema, Space for God.

I needed to read that quote. It was an “ah-ha” moment for me — it made so much sense. Many gifts I have given in the past have left me with a sense of emptiness because I never heard back if the gift was appreciated or not.  The circle was not closed — I didn’t feel love flow back from the recipient of my gift.

But there have also been so many times when I have not taken the time to thank the giver of a gift for me. Those who gave me a gift would have likewise felt empty because I didn’t take the time to let them know the gift was appreciated.

How often do we take all the blessings and gifts from the Lord for granted — we almost feel entitled to them. Far too many times.

You may relate to this thought. I encourage you to say this prayer with me.

Lord, thank You, for You are the giver of so many beautiful gifts. I thank You for them all.  Enable me to remember to thank You and thank others when they give a gift of kindness. Cause me to express my gratitude. Let the circle of love close — let love flow back to the giver. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   Thanksgiving for What God Has Done

•   The Generosity Habit

•  Salvation Explained

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“For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”  Matthew 25.19

Recently I met an Olympic medalist. He was excited and motivated about the Olympic competition. I was surprised to learn that combining the summer and winter Olympics that there are more than 400 Olympic events each requiring a different set of skills. His comment was there is something for everyone.

The heights of Olympic athletes ranges from 4 feet to 7 feet, each size adaptable to their respective sport. The man I met received a bronze medal in the ice-skating competition. He was thrilled even be on the Olympic team, much less to be a medalist.

He grew up with a background most unlikely to ever be Olympics skater. But he had a dream and his message was simply that everyone should live their dreams and use their God-given gifts to the fullest extent possible.

God has given each of us a multitude of gifts with a simple message of use them or lose them. God has given each of us all the gifts we need to carry out the mission that he uniquely created us to do here on earth.

A large part of our life is discovering the gifts that God has given us, and then using them to the utmost of our ability. If our eyes and our minds are not open discovering those gifts, which sometimes are right under our nose, we will pass them by and never be able to live our dreams and the dreams God has created us to enjoy and experience as we life.

Take time today to seek God’s presence and asked him what gifts he has given you and how He wants you to use them for his glory. Live life to the fullest. Use your gifts. Get ready for God to give you more than you could ever imagine. Live your dreams and get ready for new and more joyful ride through the journey of life.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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