Inspirations

Future generations will treasure the gifts we give them
Annettee Budzban

"Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." — Joel 1:3 (KJV)

 I was cleaning out the extra bedroom. It had become a storage closet. Boxes of all assorted shapes and sizes were stacked from floor to ceiling. It was time to sort through some of the clutter.
 Riffling through the rummage, I came across old photo’s of my three sons. Just then a thought crossed my mind: "It’s time to pass these along to Jim, Tim, and Adam. Why not make a box of memoirs for each of them. At the time I wasn’t sure if they’d enjoy the sentimental value of these photo’s and trinkets as much as I did, but I figured it was worth try.
 I bought three shoe box size plastic containers and lined them up as I went to work sorting through the items to include in each one. I came across trinkets and awards they had won over the years. Hand-knit sweaters of bunnies and bears, created from their great-grandma’s own hands brought tears to my eyes, as I folded each one of them and carefully placed them in the box of each owner. As I finished my task I sealed the plastic lids on tight. I placed a large sticker on each the front of each box with the name of that son and a note that said, "A blast from the past! When each gift was given I noticed a silence as the owners and their families sorted through each item with interest. We all laughed as Tim blurted out, " Hey, I was actually student of the month!"
 At that moment I sighed with relief realizing my efforts had been successful. Although the legacy of photo’s and memoirs was passed down with success, I prayed that as I passed down the legacy of my faith in Christ, through the generations, it too, would be met with the same enthusiasm and joy.
 Please join me in a prayer for the faith of our future generations: Faithful Father, thank you for the memoirs, and memories that can be passed down from generation to generation. May we also pass along the faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ— and let it be received by our loved ones with gladness.　

God shows us His kindness and blesses our lives
Annettee Budzban
　
 " The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious ( kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you..."—— Numbers 6:25 (AMP)

 Last Saturday my husband spent the day helping a friend of his move. He and a couple other men, spent a few hours emptying the two- car garage of its tools, packed all the paraphernalia in boxes, and loaded up the 20-foot truck. Then they drove 2 hours away so they could unload the multiple boxes, snow shovels, and rest of the tools. These men did this for free. They gladly spent their time and energy doing a favor for a friend.
 Have you ever needed a favor from a friend? Sometimes we just need someone to come along side of us and help us out. There’s nothing like someone just doing us a favor.
 A favor isn’t something we earn or deserve; it’s something someone does for us with no strings attached. One of the dictionary definitions of favor says: "To do a kindness for." Have you ever asked anyone to do a favor or kindness for you?
 God is in the business of showing us His kindness. Sometimes, I pray that God will give me favor when I need some help with something. I ask God to give me favor and send the help I need. Sometimes, when we need a new job, a raise, or a new friend, we can ask God to grant us favor. When we go on that interview that is so important, we can ask God for approval above the other applicants. It is God’s will to bless us. Now, I’m not saying this will always get us whatever we want. But when we need some extra help, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
 The Bible mentions several places that God will give us favor. When I was a young girl our pastor spoke the Scripture in Numbers 6:25 over the congregation each week before we left the church sanctuary. He wanted God’s blessing, and kindness to shine upon His congregation. Whatever your struggle, reach out to God and ask Him to show you some favor this upcoming week.

What gifts do you bring to Serve God?
 Annettee Budzban
" Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms." --- 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
 When I was a young girl  we had big Christmas celebrations. My mother would invite many family members and friends. Gifts were bought for all who would attend. Occasionally someone was unable to attend; their gift was left sitting unopened under our tree.
 I remember longing to see what is in those unexposed pacakges. I was almost tempted to take a peek myself. I thought the fun of gifts was to be able to see them unwrapped.
 Just as those gifts sat unopened under our tree, some people never bother to unwrap or use thoe gifts or talents. They just sit there---never possessed, used or enjoyed. We all need the enjoyment of seeing those gifts unwrapped, for ourselves , as well as others.
 The Lord blesses each of us with unique gifts and talenst that should be used for His honor. In Exodus35, God called the Israelites to come and use their gifts to help them build the temple. It says," Both men and women came, all who were willing-hearted."
  Recognizing our gifts helps us to use them properly. It may be your voice, your hands, your ability to listen. I know a woman who loves to bake. She uses her gift to give pies to newcomers at her church. My friend, Sue, knows she doesn't like to cook. So she stays away from volunteering to make a meal, but uses her talent of hospitality to open her home for a church meeting.
 Not only are our vocations in life gifts, but are positions are too. Our ability to be a good spouse, parent, or friend are all important gifts. The gift of leaderhsip helps us to lead our family, or moves us into a management position. Many people think going to work is just a routine, never realize that they are in essence using their gift.
 Our Christmas tree repersents Christ. We sit under His authority, just as those presents sat underneath our tree. We need to sit beneath Him and open our gifts.
 Take a look at your life, and examine what gifts you have left unopened.