What Are You Bringing to the Table?

Thanksgiving is upon us. I can't tell you how much I love this holiday. Why? Mainly because it's a chance for me to get to see extended family, but I'd be lying if I didn't say THE FOOD! My family isn't shy about bringing the food to the table. In fact, each year there are certain items I look forward to - for example, my Aunt Virginia's taco salad. Now you might think a taco salad doesn't belong on a Thanksgiving table, but her's most definitely does! Sadly, she won't be able to make our Thanksgiving gathering this year, so no taco salad for me. Thanksgiving just won't be the same for me.

I often use Thanksgiving as an example for small group ministries. You see, we all, like my Aunt Virginia, have something special to "bring to the table" for our small group. That something special is your spiritual gift. Maybe it's mercy or wisdom or prophecy or even hospitality. The point is, it can't benefit the group if it's not brought "to the table." Can you imagine Thanksgiving without the turkey? Or your Aunt So-and-so's pecan pie? Your group feels the same when you aren't there.

So, the take home point here is this: you have something everybody wants to enjoy, so be consistent in attending your group, whether it's a Sunday School class or home-based small group. You have something special to give, so bring it!

Thoughts?

It's not everyday you get to meet an angel...

Michele and I count ourselves doubly blessed to know this young lady. She is the birthmother of Kari Lynne Marie. Her name is Angela Marie, and it's no coincidence that the word "angel" is in her name. Because that' exactly what she is to us...an angel. She is strong. She is brave. She is kind. She is intelligent. She is beautiful. She is unselfish. And above all, she is very, very loving. We felt it was only right that Kari Lynne shared part of her name with the person who gave her to us.

Angela, we praise God for you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you!

What God Doesn't Know....

Have you ever received a gift from someone that completely blew you away because it was so generous? I remember recieving a pretty large check from a distant relative when I graduated from high school. I was it total shock! I'd never received that large a sum of money from anyone ever! This leads me to my next point....

God doesn't know.............................................. ..how to stop giving lavishly to His children.

Here's a few examples from Scripture (you are clicking on these links aren't you?)...

• ...every spiritual blessing He could think of.
• ... grace by His infinite wisdom.
• ...the right to be called His children.
• ...the promise of more than we could ever store up.
• ...to the brim and beyond!

God can't stop giving! He's like an excited dad shopping in a toy store at Christmas for his kids. I'm not talking about merely monetary or material blessings, but everlasting spiritual blessings too.

What has He given you lately?