Blessed by my kiddos

I heard a quote by Cotton Mather last night (Doug Wilson quotes him while debating Hitchens in the movie Collision)...he said "Faithfulness begat prosperity, and the daughter devoured the mother."  It made me pause and ask: "Am I using the prosperity with which I've been blessed to devour or display faith???"

Pastor Tuuri, one of the pastors at our church, taught in a recent sermon about how godly feasting includes remembering those who are less fortunate.  Not just thinking about them, but remembering in a way that alleviates their need.  Yes, enjoy the good gifts God has given, AND share those good gifts with others.  As you have freely received, freely give. 

There are all kinds of opportunities to share and give.  We're bombarded regularly.  Here is my question...how do we respond when asked?  Do we see each asking as a bother or an opportunity?  Do we stop and consider if we're in a position to help?

I was so blessed this morning by my own kids.  We were sitting around the breakfast table and we were talking about the Facebook-athon going on TODAY for our friends (the Shubins and Walsers) to raise funds for a mission trip to Ethiopia.  These are folks who love Jesus and want to share Him with people in Ethiopia, giving tangible help and sharing Christ with those He brings them into contact with while there.  I had already sent some funds, but my kids wanted to know if they could pool their money and send more.  Of course!

So off they went to gather their change and when they came back it added up to a little over $8.  These are kiddos who do not get an allowance...this is a chunk of change they wanted to cheerfully give.  Talk about bless my soul!  We talked about how often times we cannot give a lot, but the question is whether or not we're willing to give what we can, trusting God to add it all up as His body works together to make the whole. What a blessing it is to see God at work in their hearts!  What an encouragement to me as a parent to see them bearing this kind of fruit in their lives...as God prospers us, may we use that prosperity to display our faith in Him.

Enjoy His good gifts, and share them with those in need.  If you can help, even just a little, please join the efforts going on today at Reckless Abandon . Thanks.