Tag: Gift Ideas of the Month

Which Gifts Are on Your Table?

Jeannie Waters10 Comments on Which Gifts Are on Your Table?

 

This Gift of the Month idea is a little different. I hope you’ll enjoy unwrapping it.

Gift Selection

For our family birthdays, the coffee table is the focal point with its stack of festive gift-wrapped packages for whichever boy or girl we are celebrating. As per our tradition, when our son and daughter-in-law’s children celebrate birthdays, the four grandparents reimburse our children for the gifts they purchase on our behalf. Then we all enjoy watching the honored child open presents from the family. What a joyous time with hugs and expressions of gratitude!

Throughout the year, our daughter-in-law carefully notes admired toys and considers the children’s needs. This process ensures the gifts will be both delightful to the children and appropriate.

Our grandchildren’s mom spends more time with them than anyone else, and she knows their preferences, needs, and sizes. Therefore, the gifts, some needed and some desired, are well-chosen. Wished-for gifts that are unsafe or unwise never make it to the coffee table.

How does this gift-giving compare to God’s provision?

Our heavenly Father also provides gifts for His children.

Living under the stars in a pasture with sheep, David praised God as His Provider. If I’d been with David, I think I would have asked to live in a palace instead of on rocky hillsides with smelly sheep. In contrast, David, expressed gratitude for the table prepared before him. According to Phillip Keller in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23*, the table David referred to could have been high plateaus or mesas the shepherd prepared for their sheep before allowing them to graze there. What a fitting picture of Jesus, our Shepherd, preparing provisions for us each day.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

            –Psalm 23:5

God knows us better than anyone else and sees what delights us and what we need. As our good heavenly Father, He prepares His gifts wisely. Some of them may not be of our choosing, but we can trust Him as the Giver of good gifts. By the same token, some of the things we long for may be omitted because He knows the future and His sovereign plan.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

        –James 1:17

A Beneficial Morning Practice

I’ve started a new practice during my morning routine. I often draw a table at the top of my journal page and thank God for the provisions He’s placed on my “table.” Then I think about my needs for the day. (Of course, my heavenly Father is the only One who knows everything I’ll need.) I ask Him to provide and thank Him for His love.

Maybe I need a deeper understanding of a passage of Scripture or a more thankful heart. Perhaps He will gift me with an extra measure of peace for a brewing storm that is yet unseen to me. Will He provide comfort so that I can comfort someone else?

If we are Christ-followers, some of His gifts are ours to embrace at any time. When we yield to God, the fruit of the Spirit is ours to enjoy and share with those we meet.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

            –Galatians 5:22

Other needs may seem mundane in comparison and some may be temporary.  What about time to relax or skill to prepare an entrée? The gift of laughter is a welcomed relief in trying moments. Our heavenly Father may even provide safety in dangers we cannot foresee.

Do You Need These?

It’s interesting to ponder the needs we may encounter in one twenty-four-hour period. What about these?

  • an opportunity to minister to someone
  • mercy for someone who made a mistake
  • forgiveness for someone who has wronged us
  • ability to care for a child or senior adult
  • conviction of sin (Ouch!) Not pleasant, but necessary.

What About These?

  • a delicate flower or dramatic sunset to remind us of the Creator
  • relief from suffering or grace to endure it
  • contentment (Anybody?)
  • discernment in a difficult situation
  • guidance for a decision

A Friendly Challenge

As we consider the gifts God daily places on our “coffee table,” I have a challenge for you, dear reader friend.

On paper or on your computer, make two columns. In the left-hand column, list the needs you had today and those you can predict for tomorrow. Ask God to make you aware of how He met each one as they occurred. In the right-hand column, jot down the way He met the need. (Pardon the specific instructions; it’s the teacher in me.)

Then, answer these questions:

  1. Which gifts did you know you needed ahead of time? Which were surprises?
  1. Which needs still appear to be unmet? (Continue praying about those, realizing God may respond in a way that seems unlikely or unwelcome at first.)
  1. How were His provisions tailor-made for your situations?
  1. What made you rejoice today?

I plan to accept the challenge, too. When we review the final list, I believe praise and thanksgiving for the Gift Giver will pour from our hearts. I feel as excited as my grandchildren on their birthdays, eager to tear the ribbon from presents God selects for me! What about you?

Please share results from this challenge. Your input is valuable.

Whether your gifts seem small or large, sharing them allows you to encourage us. What has God placed on your gift table?

*Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1970.

Self-Care is Not Selfish, It’s a Gift

Jeannie Waters10 Comments on Self-Care is Not Selfish, It’s a Gift

Each month I write one post about meaningful gifts. For the January post, the recipient is YOU! After an intro and some questions, you’ll find five beautifully-wrapped “gifts” with your name attached. These gifts will enable you to care for yourself so that you can care for others as God designs.

Scene One

First, imagine yourself on a 747. The flight attendant advises passengers to secure their own oxygen mask before assisting others should a need arise. Why? Because if you’re struggling to breathe, you might not be competent to help fellow passengers.

Scene Two

While we’re “in the air,” think about the pilot. In addition to extensive training, we hope he’s had adequate sleep and has a clear mind so that he can focus on safe travel.

Scene Three

Medical professionals, cashiers, pastors, hairdressers, electricians all prepare before attempting to perform a service. And we hope they’re all well-rested when we see them, right?

Now . . . A Look in the Mirror

Do we prepare for service in God’s kingdom by taking care of ourselves and by preparing in other ways? In our attempts to serve others, we can over-extend ourselves, become ineffective, and even fail to meet our own family’s needs. Has anyone been there besides me?

Do we honor God when we serve like this? Is He calling us to run ourselves so ragged that we ignore primary responsibilities? Are we hearing His call to serve or merely doing what we think is best? (I’m asking myself these questions as I type.)

Can we agree that caring for ourselves helps prepare us to effectively care for others as God leads? (Of course, emergency needs arise, but being as prepared as possible helps in those situations, too.)  As Christians, when we care for ourselves and seek God, we can offer service that pleases Him.

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

                                                                                             –1 Peter 4:10

Self-Care Gifts

The gifts below will help all of us. Go ahead, cut the ribbons, remove the wrappings, and accept them.

  1. Time with God

Without daily Bible study and prayer, we cannot wisely choose priorities and hear God’s voice about ministering to other people. God promises to direct our paths, but we must listen. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

  1. Physical Rest

When rest is lacking, I can become cranky and my mind gets as fuzzy as a Georgia peach. Anybody else? Here’s a quote from a non-famous person—me!

“The value of rest is terribly underrated.” –Jeannie Waters

Unless you have a cape with a huge “S” on the front, you need adequate sleep. After years of sliding by on 5, 6, or 7 hours, I realized that I need 7 ½ or 8 hours to avoid frequent illness and to hit on all cylinders when my furry slippers hit the floor.

  1. Healthy Food Choices

We all know the following formula:

Adding fruits, vegetables, and nuts; subtracting fats and sugars; and drinking eight glasses of water per day = improved health.

I know my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and I have the example of Daniel who asked permission to reject the king’s rich foods and wine while eating a healthy diet. (Daniel 1:12)

But sometimes for us, it’s difficult to avoid iced cinnamon rolls and oatmeal cookies. Wait, come back here! Do not head for the pantry!  I’m sorry, but that was not a food commercial.

A helpful tip for this difficult issue is to think of food choices as gifts to yourself that will enable you to be God’s best. Choose to gift yourself with lean meats, plenty of produce, whole grains, and nuts. In this way, we honor God with our physical bodies.

  1. Exercise

I know, I know—you were hoping I wouldn’t mention that one. Hey, many of you are probably exercising regularly, right? We’re still in January–New Year’s resolutions you know! (See January 11 post.)

Seriously, exercise is a gift we give ourselves and our loved ones because it improves our health and well-being. Set appointments with yourself to head to the gym or take a walk. Find a buddy to hold you accountable. You know you’ll feel better afterwards.

  1. Fun!

Did you sneak around and open this gift first? I don’t blame you. Fun is, well . . . fun! And relaxing and therapeutic.

A cheerful heart is good medicine.

                                                                                       –Proverbs 17:22a

Family activities, walking nature trails, and visiting with friends are some of my favorite activities. I also love to write and to get lost in a good book. (Hint: At the bottom of the post, I’m sharing a book I’ve finished and two I am devouring now that you might enjoy.)

Consider the five packages above as gifts God provides that you can open and enjoy. Let’s not leave His gifts unopened. Let’s take care of ourselves and serve others.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

                                                                                   –James 1:17

Please share your thoughts on self-care and leave a tip for preparing to serve God.

Scripture verses are NIV.

Book Suggestions for Enjoyable Relaxation

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to purchase a book via my link, I’ll receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) which will assist with blog costs. Clicking on the link will simply take you to Amazon so that you can read about the book.

Doing Busy Better

Readers who want to live according to God’s will but find themselves too busy,  will take a deep breath as they read this book.

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption

This true story about a young American woman who left her family and country to serve God by loving children in Uganda is truly amazing.

Dead Sea Rising

Jerry Jenkins, co-author of the Left Behind series, wrote this riveting novel. Two intriguing stories are told in alternating chapters.

What Does God Want This Christmas?

Jeannie Waters7 Comments on What Does God Want This Christmas?

The brown paper sack of cornmeal was the most unusual Christmas present I’d ever received. Terry, a shy first grader, placed the unwrapped gift on my desk. I knew that his grandparents sold homemade cornmeal for a limited income, and I suspected giving a bag away was a sacrifice.

I cringed when a saucy little girl in the class wrinkled her nose, pointed to the cornmeal, and asked, “What is THAT? That’s not a Christmas present!”

Noticing Terry’s downcast eyes and slumped shoulders, I cradled the sack in my hands and responded, “It’s cornmeal that Terry’s grandpa made. Now my family can have the best cornbread in town! Thank you, Terry.” The boy’s clear blue eyes peered up at me, and a slight smile brightened his face.

That sack of cornmeal was a sacrifice, the best a family had to offer.

Terry’s package reminded me of a gift Jesus commended.

This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.

                                                                                                    –Mark 12:43-44 NKJV*

The widow’s sacrifice, although of little monetary significance, was valuable to Jesus. Thinking about her offering  led me to consider gifts I could give that would be valuable to Him.

 After praying, “Lord, what gift do You want from me?”, I found my answer in Matthew 22:37-39.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

That’s what He wants—our love poured out to Him and to those He loves. Perhaps something on the lists below will give you an idea for intentionally expressing love to God and sharing His love with others during the Christmas season.

Ways to express love to God

  • During this busy season, designate a daily time to praise God, read Scripture, and seek His wisdom.
  • In a journal, list the daily gifts God provides such as mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, then practice extending them to others.
  • Light Advent wreath candles and read from a devotional.
  • Sing carols as worship to Immanuel.
  • Ask Him each day during Advent how you can extend love.

Christmas acts of kindness I’ve observed

  • A family of four spent every Christmas Eve singing carols with residents of personal care homes.
  • Working holiday hours for employees with out-of-state family, a senior newspaper editor gave up part of his vacation.
  • Families opened their homes to international college students who couldn’t travel to their native countries during Christmas break, while others provided food for guests in the Ronald McDonald House.
  • In a military community, groups offered fellowship for the families of deployed soldiers.
  • A family purchased gifts for a prisoner’s family.

Additional ways to share God’s love with others

  • Schedule lunch or a Christmas event with a friend who has no family close by.
  • Select an appropriate devotional for a teen.
  • Invite neighbors for coffee and distribute Christmas cards with Bible verses.
  • Give a donation to a Christ-centered ministry in honor of a friend.
  • Invite co-workers to church services and programs.
  • Give candy canes and cards to sanitation workers and the mail carrier.
  • Pray for each recipient as you wrap gifts.
  • Take an Amaryllis bulb in a ceramic container to a shut-in.

I am praying that each reader’s Christmas is filled with the joy of loving God and sharing His love with others.

Please add your ideas in the comment section below.

“Advent is focus on faith that God comes

among us bearing gifts through us.”

-Sarah Hornsby

*Scripture verses are NKJV.

Holiday Prep: Take a Break First!

Jeannie Waters19 Comments on Holiday Prep: Take a Break First!

At the beginning of each month, I post ideas for meaningful gifts to help us share joy and encouragement with other people. Guess what.

This month, the gift idea is for

Please nestle into a comfy chair and accept this package, beautifully wrapped and bearing a tag with your name on it. Take a deep breath first and lay aside your to-do list for a few minutes. Yes, this present is for you. Ready?

Now pull off the ribbon. Lift the lid and move the tissue paper aside. Is that not the most beautiful gift you’ve seen in ages? What? You don’t see it? The box looks empty?

That’s the beauty of it, my friend. The box is empty by design. When I explain, you’ll love your one-size-fits-all, yet personally-designed, very-much-needed present.

It’s the gift of margins! Yes, margins. My introduction to the word came from my first-grade teacher who taught me to leave nice clean margins on my paper. They create a neat appearance and make the writing more attractive and easier to read. What about margins in our daily calendars?

Margins are bits of unfilled time—with nothing scheduled—for resting, creating, or otherwise enjoying the day. Lately, I’ve read several books, articles, and blog posts about this topic. Maybe the idea of intentionally setting margins is popular because of the fast-paced lives we tend to lead.

It’s tempting to fill the days with countless chores and opportunities and then become frustrated when tasks are left undone or when there’s no time for relaxation.

I’ll confess. I’m a calendar crammer. Even when weeks are full, I slip extra events and chores into tiny pockets of time erroneously thinking I’ll get to all of it. That practice creates stress and frustration I don’t need.

Here’s a better way.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

                                                                                                              –Colossians 3:15 ESV

As followers of Christ, our lives should be overflowing with peace and gratitude, but it’s difficult to appropriate the peace of Jesus when we’re in a frenzy from a jam-packed agenda. In addition to prayer and Bible study, we need times of rest and relaxation.

Two recent conversations led me to rethink the way I plan my time and reminded me of the need for margins as a busy time of year approaches.

My dear friend shared her holiday plan with me. “I’m going to make and freeze a pound cake ahead of time, bake fruitcake cookies, and make nut cookies before family arrives. That’s all I’m going to bake this year. Then, I’ll buy some chocolate goodies and cheese straws. I want to enjoy calm, joyful time with my family instead of being exhausted when they get here. I’m thinking ahead about when to decorate, where everyone will sleep, and which meals I can prepare and freeze the week before.” Wise lady.

Another friend confessed, “I’m dreading the holidays already! Everyone comes to my house and it’s just so much work. I want my family to come, and I’m happy to prepare for them, but I end up exhausted and grouchy.”

Sound familiar? It’s a blessing to serve our family and friends, but it’s also hard work. Thanksgiving opens the door to the Christmas season and the rush is on before we know it. Food, gifts, programs, cards, dinners, company…and the beat goes on.

What can we do to prepare for a joyous, peaceful holiday season? Look into your box again. Pull out those margins and put them into your calendar. It’s refreshing to have time to take a walk, to doodle or thumb through a magazine, to listen to music, to sketch a picture, to read. We need margins in our days, especially prior to the holiday rush. Take one more deep breath. (Surely, we have time for at least two a day, right?)

Like the margins on my first-grade papers, unscheduled time makes our lives neater and more appealing as the joy and peace of Christ fill our hearts and overflow to others. Time with Him is paramount, but adding some margins will help us smile more.

PLEASE leave a comment to help all of us.

Share the way you create margins on your schedule or how you keep Thanksgiving and Christmas full of joy and peace.

The Pink Hat—Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2018

Jeannie Waters3 Comments on The Pink Hat—Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2018

I saw the pink hat with the breast cancer symbol first. A young woman and her husband sat on the hotel patio where I sought a quiet place to read. After saying hello, I sat in an unoccupied section and opened my book.

An older lady soon joined us and selected a chair. She asked the younger woman, “Are you a survivor? I noticed your cap.”

“No, but my grandmother died of breast cancer and I wear this cap to honor her,” the younger woman answered.

The newcomer said, “My mom died of breast cancer and I’m a two-time survivor myself. That’s why I like your hat.”

The chatter continued . . . so much for a quiet reading spot. I really didn’t mind though. As the conversation turned to gold (or should I say pink?), I smiled at the camaraderie the two strangers instantly shared. Common ground. Understanding. Sorrow. Victory.

I thought about how we relate to other people. The pink hat with a looped ribbon design was the first connection. There was also the look on their faces—one of acceptance, openness, and an approachable countenance.

I had nodded and said a quick hello before opening my book, but didn’t start a conversation. (My family will tell you I normally meet strangers and learn their life history, but this time, I wanted quiet, which was okay.)

However, I wondered if I was as approachable as these two ladies. Sometimes I’m too busy with my own agenda and desires, but I want to be available to listen when someone needs to talk. I smiled at my book—not seeing the words—as I listened to two women share their experiences.

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them . . .
                                                                 –Matthew 7:12 NKJV

My reflections about breast cancer

  • One of the first family funerals I attended was for a cousin who lost the battle to breast cancer.
  • My friend Cathy has been clear now for several years and approaches life with gusto and a winning smile. Our entire staff grieved over her diagnosis and celebrated the “all clear.” She recently told me she enjoyed the old-fashioned paper chain we placed in a break room to count down her days of radiation.
  • I’m praying for a friend’s daughter and Anne Graham Lotz who are currently enduring treatment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

My daughter, a mammographer, called this designation to my attention by posting a reminder for women to take precautions. I’m so proud of her dedication and compassion. She works with an excellent team which is committed to educate and care for women.

What about those of us who haven’t heard the breath-stopping words, “You have breast cancer?” What can we do for those who suffer with it now?

I’m dedicating my October Gifts of the Month post for this cause.

Here are suggestions for being a blessing to ladies who have breast cancer or for anyone who has an extended illness or disease.

Gifts

  • soft pajamas or comfy shirts
  • new robe and slippers for hospital stays
  • a new tote bag for appointment days
  • a devotional book and cheery bookmark
  • a new pillow or throw blanket
  • favorite foods that require little prep
  • an entertaining book she’d enjoy
  • a gift certificate for a manicure
  • flowers or a bulb in a ceramic pot

Acts of Kindness

  • Plan a home movie night with popcorn.
  • Offer to do household chores.
  • Run errands and buy groceries.
  • Take care of her children or visit her aging relatives.
  • Make protein smoothies and stock the fridge.
  • Send funny cards and encouraging texts and emails.
  • Prepare a stack of cards with encouraging Bible verses.
  • Just listen when she needs to talk.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

                                                            -Ephesians 5:32 NKJV

 

Would you share this post with friends?

And please add your thoughts or experiences below.

By the way, do you need to schedule an appointment?

 

For more ideas, see a former post about a friend who encouraged her sister through a tough time.

https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/caring-for-cancer-patients-a-sisters-touch/