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| The Gifts We Give |
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There are times when someone we love, or know is hurting. Perhaps there has been a death in the family, divorce or separation, job loss... there are so many things that can cause pain.
In some cases, people will ask for prayer. Other simply stay silent, trying to deal with grief on their own. Hopefully, these people will have friends and family who will nurture them, and help them through the process of healing.
But what about the silent ones? The ones we've heard about, yet they have kept their distance. Saying a prayer for that person just doesn't seem to be enough, yet it is the best gift we can give that person. Still... we long to do more, but the question is what?
One woman I know writes notes of love and compassion. She seems to know just to say and I would call her and encourager. She prays for each person as well.
Another woman creates baskets for people who've lost loved ones. Each basket contains a Teddy Bear, Journal and Pen. She writes the first entry in the Journal, to make it easier for next entry. For a Journal can be a step towards healing. The Teddy Bear is a symbol of her love. She also prays for each person.
An elderly man bakes loaves of bread. He calls them loaves of love. He wraps the bread in colored saran wrap, and then tucks it into a napkin in small basket. He usually attaches a note inviting the recipient for a cup of coffee. I asked him why he does this, and he said, "When I lost my job, a man in my church did this for me because he knew how hard it is." He prays for these wounded men.
And then there are the people who give the gift of their time and love. They visit the home-bound, and those who need a listening ear. These people spend time each week listening because they are concerned, and they care. They pray too.
Every day is an opportunity to help someone in need. Follow your heart, and you will find a friend.
God bless you this day,
Joey |
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| To add a comment to "The Gifts We Give" |
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| February 13, 2008 |
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| These are special people, Joey. We know all some of those special few. Most of us are so busy. We pray on the run. We may call or send a card, and say the right words "Let me know if I can do anything," but we are are so busy we hope the answer is no, and it usually is. Not because they have no need we can fill, but because they know we are only being polite. Those special ones who go the extra mile, who take the time to pray fervently for the person and then listen for God's answer, can anticipate the needs without being told. For example, if I really want to help my sick friend who is at home alone, rather than ask if there's anything I can do (although that's OK in addition), I could call and tell her "I'm heading out to the grocery store. What can I pick up for you?" She will know this is real and probably be overjoyed to give me her list. Of if I have a friend who is struggling with 24/7 mothering of young children, rather than ask if there's anything i can do, I might call her and say "Which night this week, Thursday or Friday, would you prefer I take the kids for the evening? You and Bob can relax at home or go out somewhere." That will get a grateful response. Great blog, Joey! |
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| February 13, 2008 |
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There's good, practical advice and encouragement here on how to express God's love in a sad situation. And I love this line, which reminds me of you: "Follow your heart, and you find a friend." |
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| February 13, 2008 |
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| Great post it spoke to me! |
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| February 13, 2008 |
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The Holy Spirit spoke softly, but clearly. Greg's Aunt passed away and the funeral was today. It was a very sad, but at the same time... she is not hurting anymore. She's gone home. Please pray for Greg and his family as they mourn her loss. This is the second loss this year.
Janell, thank you my friend. Your comments are dear to me.
Doyle, you sweetie, thank you for being my friend!
Lara, you're right. It is gift for some people; to reach out naturally - to find some way to reach the person who is hurting.
Sondra, you're right. Grief of any kind is real. It's like being caught in a whirlwind that keeps tossing and turning and spinning out of control... finally calming, then starting again. No one should go it alone. You can tell.. I've been there. God prevails!
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| February 14, 2008 |
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May the Holy Spirit's comfort surround Greg and his family in their loss. May His tenderness override all else. |
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| February 14, 2008 |
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God bless you for all that you are to us. You just gave me a precious gift. |
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| February 14, 2008 |
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| These are all wonderful ideas Joey, and some I have done too. I myself am a quiet person, and I usually don't reach out to others, so I guess when people don't reach out, I sense their pain, and try to do something that might make a difference. |
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| February 14, 2008 |
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| God Bless you, Joey! |
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| February 14, 2008 |
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| I tend to be a quiet person, as far as asking for help. However, I try to be a listener to others, especially if I know they need to vent their frustrations--as we all do at times--and an encourager--if I can. The ideas, to reach out to others, in your blog are excellent! |
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| February 14, 2008 |
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| Thank you so much; I can tell by your comments and profile that you would a great person to talk to. |
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| February 15, 2008 |
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| Hey Joey that was a wonderful post, I feel so inadequate being disabled and not able to offer physical support that is often needed in conjunction with prayer. I long to get out and do!!!!! alas my disability limits me to prayer alone. What I would give for my legs back goes without saying but the Lord can use my weaknesses in His strength. love Stu |
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| February 15, 2008 |
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| God Bless and praying for all. |
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| February 15, 2008 |
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Gene: I do adore you!
Jairah20: When we care, reach out, love, listen.... we are indeed glorifying our God!
Stu: Your writing is a gift that give to everyone. Never, ever feel inadequate! Also, remember that prayer is the GREATEST give that you can give to a person. God uses you every single day!
Cheryl: It goes with saying, that you are a blessing to all and an encouraging woman. |
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| February 15, 2008 |
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This is simply lovely. I'm glad I found you as a friend today! How many ideas to show love, give love, to care, to listen, to comfort! I'm going to re-read this! |
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| February 17, 2008 |
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| Joey...wow, I don't know what to say. That means the world to me...thankyou! |
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| February 17, 2008 |
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| Cheryl, I mean it. I really do. |
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| February 24, 2008 |
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Great post sis... love is indeed expressed in practical ways...
May we all be motivated by Your love... and give what we can freely Lord. May we be reminded while loving another.. through loving them we are loving You... and are being empowered by Your love as You love them through us. Thank You for the gift and expression of Love.... |
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| March 26, 2008 |
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| You have all reached out to me... you have filled a void in my life. You just don't realize it. |
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| November 08, 2008 |
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One year, when I was working at an optical place I met a little lady.
She was older and had no family left. Never had kids.
She had such a sadness in her eyes that it broke my heart!
I started sending her notes in the mail from God
Like one would say "God here, I was smiling down on you the other day and wanted to tell you that I love you"
stuff like that. I did it for years.
I will ask our Father about her when I get there. |
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| November 09, 2008 |
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That is such a beautiful thing that you did. The more I learn you, Bubs... the more I want to know.
God has really blessed me your friendship. I love you. |
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