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I pretty much consider myself to have a black thumb. Charcoal, even. I like plants and genuinely try to keep them healthy and thriving, but fail at it a lot more than I succeed. So a few years ago when my BFF brought me a baby aloe plant, my heart was torn between girlfriend-gratitude and feelings of sorrow for the innocent little aloe.
A few weeks after she gave me the plant gift, my friend told me a story. She confessed that she struggles to share things and said that she had two aloe plants for a long time. One day she felt a heart-nudge to give one of them to me and she decided that she would give me the small aloe baby. (Bless her heart! She obviously knows nothing of said black thumb!)
For weeks she had meant to act on that heart-nudge and give me the aloe plant, but just never got around to it. She’d think about bringing me the aloe plant when she wasn’t home or remember late at night when it was too late to run it by my house. In the back of her mind she thought that one of her plants would surely have an aloe baby offspring … reasoning that she could just give me that one instead of one of her two plants.
Finally, she remembered.
She brought me the cute little healing plant and gave it to me with a smile. We threw down a happy plant-dance that morning as we shared both a cup of coffee and our hearts in friendship.
As we sat at my kitchen table again, coffee mugs in hands, she finished her story by excitedly saying, “The most amazing thing happened this week, Gwen! When I walked past the aloe plant that I’d kept for myself, I noticed that a baby aloe plant had sprung up in the pot! It was almost like a little present from God reminding me that I can’t out-give Him. That when I trust Him and obey His nudges, He blesses me right back.”
I nodded and smiled. That’s what is referred to a boomerang blessing. You intend to bless, and then one comes right back around to you.
In the Bible God calls us to be generous, and He promises to bless us when we are. God’s Word has a lot to say about the connection between generous giving and blessings.
“Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice” (Psalm 112:5).
“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9, NIV).
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
God calls His children to generous living, no matter what we have, who we are, or where we live.
Even the poorest among us are called to live generously. And let’s not confuse the matter: it’s not about our bank accounts – it’s about our hearts, our time, our talents, and our treasures. We are to be generous, willing to share, and rich in good deeds for the glory of God.
Here’s the promise: blessings follow generosity.
Of course, this will look different to each of us, but we are ALL called to give as we live. I was blessed when my friend gave me that baby aloe plant. She was blessed too. God made sure of it. He always does. We cannot out-give Him.
Dear Lord,
You are so generous. Thank You for the abundance of Your grace, mercy, love, and truth. Help me to live generously and to give open-handedly just as you do with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
For Your REFLECTION and RESPONSE: Where does this promise and prompting find you today? Have you been nudged lately to do something? Do you struggle to share things, both tangible and intangible? Maybe the thing you need to give is forgiveness to someone or to yourself – or encouragement – or kindness. Got a family member, neighbor, or friend in need? What will your response be?
I would love to hear about it. CLICK HERE to let me know that you “will give as you live,” or to share a boomerang blessing story.
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: Might I humbly ask you to join me in prayer for my daddy today? He was recently diagnosed with a pretty aggressive cancer and is having surgery TODAY – June 25th. They had expected it will take 13-16 hours a few days ago – but the Surgeon looked over his new MRI yesterday and said the cancer has progressed more than they had thought. So… it could be even longer. Dad is Jerry Eisaman. {Mom is MaryLou} I am grateful for your prayers and am confident that God has a plan in this no matter the outcome. It is well. {Here’s a picture of dad and me from back in 2013…}
Can’t wait to read your comments. Love doing life with you, friend. You are a blessing to me!!
Warmest Love in Christ,
Gwen
Comments 49
I am a person who worries a lot to the point of having to take medication. I suffer from GAD(Generalized Anxiety disorder). I ask your prayers please.
I have just had such a hard time forgiving my mom and oldest sister, my mom does not love me or my little sister as a matter of fact she told me she hated me she wished she never had me and she wished she could build a wall around me so she would never have to look at me again, this has been a very big struggle for me, because I am dying and I just don’t understand a mother not loving her children, our in our case she loves the two oldest and our little brother but as far as my little sister and I, she hates us, w have no clue as to why, the only thing I can think of is when my dad was alive, he always told me what a good mother I was, he was always giving me and my youngest sister complements, and I was the only one that got the education so my children could have a better life, I don’t get how a mother can pick and chose what children she is going to love, but my mother has, I struggle so hard with forgiving her and not let it bother me, but it does, just to much, please help me do something to just let this go, so I can go home to our Lord whole. Thank you
Please have your dad go to the cancer research centers, they can do so much more for your dad then the Doctors in the hospital because they are a research center, they saved my dad when he was given 3 months, he had three primary cancers and the colon cancer spread all through his body, they treat not only the cancer, but diet and spirit healing too. my dad lived another 7 years until a nurse over dosed him and he died with in the month, so we really don’t know how long we would of had him with us, so please go there, Abba please guide your child to the right care, let them know when they need to send him on to wear they can do more for him, Abba we love you very much and we pray that you would take your healing arms and wrap them around your child and heal all that is wrong, Abba we ask that this be your will, and that you would keep him positive so he can face this straight on, for we know when we give up we are done, so please give him a fighting spirit now and hold this family together
, let them lean on each other and you Abba as they go into the battle mode they need to be in and let them all stay positive and strong for your child, in Jesus name. Amen
Sure keeping your dad in prayer,also prayer for your Mother and you.God is good always and in all things!
Hi Gwen,
I hope your dad is recovering well. I will pray for him and your family. I recently had a boomerang blessing and wanted to share. Last month in a small group I am part of one of the members shared a concern that she would not be able to get a treatment due to finances. I felt the Lord tell me to take care of it so after the meeting I approached her and told her I wanted to help her. Of course I was thinking 50-100$. She was overwhelmed and eluded to the fact that it was costly…so I said..500$ thinking this was a high estimate…and she said..600$. I gulped inside but assured her I could help. My flesh kicked in over the next couple days I was saying…ok Lord..really? I had the money set aside for a future payment but could replenish in time, and I had to trust Him. I really felt like He was telling me to trust…so I did…and wrote the check and gave it to her. Done. Not even a week later I got an unexpected bonus at work…almost 3 times the amount I gave. I was blown away but immediatley realized it was a blessing from my Father in Heaven. He is teaching me that if I am faithful with my giving He is even more faithful. Thanks for giving me a chance to share! Leslie Warnick
Gwen, I just wanted to encourage you about your dad. My mom had breast cancer and was told she had 3 months to live. Her first words were,” That’ s what man says not my God!” She lived 18 years and awoke each day thanking God for the gift of another day. It was another day to show the world his love and amazing grace. Her life during this time taught me so much about how God gives us everything we need if we will just allow him to do what he does best. God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. He will be right by your side during this time. Your dad is under his wings where he is safely sheltered. Stand still and trust in God’ s unseen hand. He is faithful. Your dad is in our thoughts and prayers. I pray blessings on your family.
Dear Gwen,
I ask our Father to put His healing Touch on your Father in His wonderful Recovery, and Also encourage and Bless Your Mother Marylou, and I thank you for your good work, I guess you Have Heard Of Dr. Charles F Stanley, from Atlanta, Wonderful man of God, I have been watching Him a long time now and have learnt so much, I like your ministry also, and encourage you to continue your good work, God Bless Your Family, in these anxious times. We have to keep positive, Amen.
keeping your dad and family in prayer.
Praying for your Dad and family. Thank for this devotional. Gods perfect timing once again. When I think give I always think something monetary or tangible. But sometimes God wants me to just be a sheep and give comfort, a listening ear, or even a hug.
God bless you Gwen.
Hi Gwen i enjoyed this devotion, my name is Cassandra and i have a sister who always gives to her women’s minstery, lately she has been financially struggling but even thou she does she still gives, recently she gave donations of food to an event in our church well the Lord bless her by another woman giving her a gift and bought her dinner for her kindness. It proves to show that when you give heartily the Lord can bless you without even knowing you we will receive in return. Thank you for your devotions me and my sister love to read them may continue to bless you
Prayers said for your dad, your mom and you. May God bless you all with strength and love.
“I will give as I live”
Well my names is Debra and i have had a nutch on my heart for my birthmother well we didn’t have a real good relationship at first and it was mainly because she was disturbed by not hearing me verbally speak that I Forgave Her well i did forgive about two years ago in my spirit when i went and prayed to God about my bound up feelings and spoke forgive like you have been forgotten so i did.well recently decided to come and try the relationship again with my mom and she finally expressed the what was bothering her with me because she needed to hear i forgave her so i finally forgave her were it was expressed verbally to her. Now she is a little bit more open with me so i see openness a bless.
Sister in Christ
Debra Merritt
May the Lord our father watch over your dad. May he guide the surgeon and give him strength and stamina. May He also give you and your family His peace.
I sorry to hear about this ..But I will keep praying for you and your Dad in whatever God out coming will maybe .. We know that God is working everything out for your good , We know God our father has a plan ..Amen You be encourage today .. May the Lord send peace and strength though his spirit upon your Family in the Time of Healing He will see your family though amen Thanks Gwen for the Girlfriend in God devotional every morning it really encourage me so much it keep hope in my heart ..Please keep us posted 😉
Thank you for your post, last night at our family group, the message was about truth and grace. I know that I can hold onto things, tangible and in my heart. I want to give, but I often hold back. As strange as it sounds, I sometimes
view it as a weakness. Thank you, I know God is speaking to me every morning through you and your lessons. Your father is in my prayers today..
Praying even now on the West Coast this morning for your dad and family. May God be glorified in and through all, and uphold you all with His mighty strong hands with His bands of angel armies surrounding you.
Praying for your Dad, Gwen and that the Lord gives the doctors immeasurable wisdom as they perform the surgery and that angels surround not only them but your entire family.
Thank you for the your story, I can relate. My coworker has given me a plant to challenge myself and try to care for a plan without killing it. I have been asking the Lord to help me remember to water the plant and when am touching it hoping the plant will not dry. So far it’s still green and beautiful. Prayed for your daddy today. This comes to mind right now, my mom has been struggling with past mental/emotional abuse inflicted by my dad (passed away 9/2013). Every word that comes out of my mom’s mouth is so negative that at times I just don’t want to hear her talk. So the Lord tells me to share small positive talk even if she interrupts with a negative remark. It’s been tough and frustrating but God is greater and praying that one day my mom will accept God’s true love and heal her broken and contrite heart.
Praying wholeheartedly for your dad surgery. God already has his healing worked out. God is working through the surgeons hands and all his assistants. God is a healer. Prayers for comfort for you and your family. You really bless me. Be blessed
Gwen, I am praying for your father, the doctors, nurses, your mom & all your family. I pray God is guiding the surgeon’s hands. I pray for God will to be done. Amen
I will keep you & your family in my prayers.
I thank God for your messages, they are such a help to me.
I don’t have a lot of money but I do try to give of myself wherever I am needed.
Praying for your dad surgery and you and your family… God holding him in his hands.
Keeping your Dad in my prayers today and your family, too, to stay strong for him and each other.
One question, though, is that little aloe plant still ok? Inquiring minds want to know! 😉
Praying for your dad!!! Praying also for you, your momma and family ❤️
Your message is timely, my sister was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but she must take insulin to bring her numbers down so I’m here to help her, my prayer is for her strength and energy to come strong and as well praying for you and your family
Such a timely message for me today, God sure knows when our hearts need a refresher,,,,,, I have been driving 2 hours to do childcare for my new granddaughter for 3 months now, this will continue for another 3 months. This pace has become grueling at times but, I have always felt this is what the lord would have me to do. I am giving my time, which is needed the most right now. Feeling so blessed to be healthy enough to do this.
Enjoyed your plant story. I find giving rather it be money, time or just a smile and a kind word to a troubled soul is such a blessing to my heart. Praying for your Dad and family.
Gwen, so many of your comments strike me today. First, your dad….couldn’t help the tears coming so quickly as I read your prayer request. Dad’s are so special & even though I lost my dad 14 years ago, the tears come when others speak about their dad. Our Lord is definitely with your family today and pray for a great outcome. Second, I, too, have a black thumb. This is especially disheartening being the daughter of a farmer! The farmer makes things grow and I just didn’t inherit that gift. Do hope your plant is surviving & bringing you joy each day. Lastly, love the term boomerang blessings! Have definitely been the recipient of this recently & will continue to share with others. One situation did come to mind that I want to rectify & will take care of immediately. One thing that has helped me in this Iphone age is this…..if there is something I need to part with but have an emotional tie to, I take a picture of it with my phone & then whenever I need to look at it, I can. May sound a bit strange but it works! Will be looking for an update on your dad. 🙂
Great devotion today!! Praying for your dad and entire family!
Hi Gwen,
I’ve never commented on anyone’s blog before but I had to thank you for today’s. You’re friends confess about sharing things struck me and I realized I struggle with giving of my time, interesting I just realized that I see that a lot here in CA. Everyone caught up in their own ‘thing’ that they don’t make time for what matters most…building relationships that glorify the Lord. I’m praying the Lord changes that part of my heart.
I’ll be praying for your daddy today…and your family. God bless you all.
Lisa Brubaker
Hello Sweet Sister,
I am praying for your Daddy. My husband just had cancer surgery and is doing much better. My boomerang blessing…..I have been wanting a new table and chairs. Ours is fine but I wanted a different style. I have donated alot of my little girls clothes other items to our local Boys and Girls Club and given to others who are in need. My Aunt had a beautiful antique maple table and chairs that she asked me if I wanted. I really thought I was dreaming! She got another set, antique, and wanted me to have the maple set. What a blessing!! God is faithful! God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Carol
sending prayers for your Dad & Mom and you and the rest of your family. may God bless all of you in this time and hopefully all will be good news.
Gwen, I was encouraged by your charcoal thumb, as my mom was excellent in the garden, flowers, everything green, and she had them all over the house when I was growing up. I have to pray over every green plant I receive, so I just do artificial. LoL. Be encouraged today, as your dad has surgery. Father, keep Jerry Eisaman as he has surgery. Encamp your angels around him, be his rear guard, put your angels around the physcians, doctors, everyone that is helping in his surgery/recovery process. Send the Word, and heal Jerry, in Jesus Name! Comfort Gwen, and her mom in this process. Be the lifter of their heads today, in Jesus Name! Give this family, Your Peace that surpasses all understanding, and give them the victory! Be Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Tskinsinue!
You appear to have left one important question unanswered. Did the plant live, despite your black thumb?? 🙂
As an only child it is hard for me to share as well, but as a Christian woman, I love to bless others. I pledge to listen to that still small voice so I can do more as God directs me. I’m in prayer for your father. I pray for God to guide the hands of the surgeon & for God’s perfect will to be done in the life of your father. Lord, give Jerry his heart’s desire & have your way in his life this day.
I have taken up watercolor painting. This summer some of my Bible Study group come to paint, talk and have lunch. We miss seeing and hearing about all their Stuff. It’s a blessing for me and they love their end products of art. God is in everything we do! He is the greatest!! Wished I could send a picture of group but don’t know how! Praying for your Father on earth!!! Your Father in Heaven has got you covered, Sista in Christ!!!
Hi, just wanted to thank you for the devotional today. I really neede to hear an uplifting one, as I’m struggling right now after a move, and miss my friends.
It’s important to not loose sight of God’s abundant blessings each day, even when we’re in a difficult season. My life is a reflection of how I choose to believe WHO God is!
I will turn 50 this summer, and due to a job loss my family( all 5 of us) are living with my parents! My husband was forced terminated from our pastorate in Oct ’14 & relocated 1,500 miles to be near family. I suffer with a chronic illness, Many circumstances have been difficult and his new job pays 1/3 of our budget. Our house on the east coast has not sold, so we’re still living out of suitcases, after selling 1/2 of our stuff, it remains in a storage POD.
We’re homeschooling my 3 children, and are trying to teach them Christian values! Pain is a part of life…what we do with it is important! Pain can teach us empathy and generosity if we daily fill our hearts with God’s word each day! We can become “bitter or better!” These devotional a have been a source of comfort and renews my hope!!!
We find out what we really believe about God’s love when we’re pressed!
This is when it matters most! Our families are watching how we respond to adversity. I’m not perfect!! I sometimes get impatient with God’s timing! But trusting His heart for me even when it doesn’t make sense is a choice!!
I will leave a legacy to my children one day…so with God’s grace I hope to give generously out of brokenness to others as the Lord so provides!
*my youngest son has Aspergers Syndrome, he typically collects things, typical trait of AS. Our youth pastor is expecting their 2nd baby, so I asked him if we could give a Praise Baby DVD to her to help with her 15mo old boy. He surprised me when he gave 2!! Then surprised me again when he exclaimed, “God loves a cheerful giver!” Out of the mouth of babes!! Thanks for listening… Say a prayer for us if you feel led. Blessings!!!
I’m praying that you’ll look back on this awkward time living with your family as a gift from God that you were all together for this season. It is a gift. I stressed over things like this only to have my elderly parents gone without warning so now I can see the hand of God in the times we had together. Many more blessings ahead for your family and in time God will bring you those friends, too. (been there, done that, too!)
Thank you for your prayers & kind words. 😉
Thank you for the reminder that you dont have to have alot to give alot to someone else!
I will be praying for you dad, Jerry, and you and your mom, MaryLou.
Praying for you and your family Gwen.
Five years ago my sister moved to Texas and joined a Prayer Quilt Ministry at her church. Being a quilter I was so envious. I told her several times, “I wish we had a Prayer Quilt Ministry at my church, but I don’t want to be in charge”!! I kept the thought tucked in the back of my heart and continued on with my own quilting. One day I was looking at a magazine and it just fell open to an article about Downy (like the fabric softener) Quilts for Kids. I saw the simple patterns and thought “Wow, these would make great prayer quilts”. I thought, “OK, God I hear you” and with the help of some supportive friends I started the ministry at my church. That was 19 months ago. Just this week we gave out our 200th quilt. I can’t tell you what a blessing this has been not only to me but the other ladies that participate.
Heavenly Father I lift Jerry up to you this morning keep him in the palm of your hand as he goes into surgery. I pray for Your guidance, strength, wisdom, compassion and peace to fill Jerry, Marylou, Gwen and the medical staff today and the coming days. I pray that Your peace and spirit fills this family through this journey. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray amen
Thank you Gwen for reminding me how important it is to listen to God’s “nudging” when He is calling us to be generous or to share. Please know I am going to stop and pay for your dad right now and the surgeons. I am also praying for you, your mom and the entire family.
most certainly lifting you and yours in prayer this morning and all day. Thank you for being a blessing to all of us. May we be a blessing to you ~
Most definitely praying for your sweet earthly father!!!!
What perfect timing our Lord has! I am sitting at a mission camp in Shelby, North Carolina, getting ready to head out for the day to do missions! It has been hot (Over 100 every day) so woke feeling drained even after a good night’s sleep, and have now been filled to overflowing and looking forward to today. Thank you.
Love this devotional! And I can so relate! A couple of days ago I was standing in line at Publix, the man in front of me was unable to pay for his groceries (his card kept being declined). He did not speak English and another woman was explaining to him that the card wasn’t working. I felt this nudge and heard this small voice say “pay for it.” Now it wasn’t a lot ($13) but I heard a ton of reasons sound off in my head (“you are a teacher, it’s summer, you are on a tight budget…”). Again, the small voice “it’s ok… pay for it.” And I did. To everyone’s shock (mine included I must say) I simply swiped my card and smiled at the man. He took my hand and smiled at me. The cashier said, “That’s the nicest thing I’ve ever seen anyone do.” I am thankful God used me to show this group of people from various ethnic groups that we are all here to love, give, and respect one another. Thirteen dollars went a long way that day… and I am so thankful I listened to the small voice and shared what He has given me!
I am going to start a bible study next month over your book Broken into Beautiful. God has so richly blessed us in many ways. The biggest blessing is our youngest. He has been so disrespectful, until here recently. He has been basically what has been told and doing things without being told. I know tests God working in his life and softening his heart.