Blessings!

Tithing is something that I firmly believe in. I found myself struggling with that when I was not working. I gave, but my heart was fearful to even do a tenth and I kept saying to myself that I don't want to be legalistic about it. Well then my first paycheck came I was like...here I am now able to tithe...then all of my fear kicked in about not working during the school break this month and all that. The parable of the widow kept coming to mind. She gave her tiny amount of money, which was all she had and how Jesus counted her as more faithful and giving more that the rich man who gave a large amount but it was out of his great wealth he gave. She gave everything. So with a right heart I cheerfully gave my tithe which was $50. For me that pays a bill but I know God loves when we surrender "our stuff" since it really is all His anyway.

So the next week a new believer had joined my home group and was asking about tithing and other things. I explained how in the past when I was faithful and not expecting anything back God has totally amazed me when He provides in ways I never would have guessed. It was so perfect.

Then I just went on my way until last night.

Some close friends had us over for dinner and blessed the kids with presents and my friend handed me a check and gave me a huge hug and when she came away she had tears in her eyes. So normally I don't look at $ when people give it to me. I feel rude. But by her reaction I asked if they wouldn't mind if I looked and they said go ahead with big smiles. I opened the check and it was for $500!!! The very amount that I had to tithe from! I could not believe it. I cried and was overcome by knowing that this family has been blessed but I know that it was still a great sacrifice. They said they know that they are doing God's work and I happily told them I am thankful that they are tools...tools of God! We all got a laugh out of that one! They had wanted to buy me the stacking washer and dryer that I have been searching for and they know they are super expensive so I have been scouring Craigslist. They were looking as well and priced them at stores and wanted to show up at my door with them but with the dimensions and not knowing the details they decided to give me the $ to get the one I needed!! I am so thankful and grateful for wonderful friends and forever family!!! They continue to be God's hands and feet!! I wanted to share my blessing with you and Praise the Lord for every blessing, big and small!!!


Daneva

The parable of the widow can be found here
Mark 12:41-44 (New International Version, ©2010)
The Widow’s Offering
 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”