On this global day of gratitude I am reminded of all those who give and support ministries and missionaries around the world.  I am so grateful for the people in our life who support us!  Those who believe God lives and works.  They are people who support us financially.  They are people who support us with words of encouragement in a card, a text, phone call, and other means.  I am so grateful for those who cover us in prayer!  For those who send us things and give us gifts.  For all those who think about us.  

We are so blessed to have each one of you in our life!  Thank you! 

On this snowy day I am grateful for God’s provision.  For my daughters, for friends and family.  For being able to do Gods work here in snowy Minnesota! And for my girls to experience and enjoy winter in North America.

This simple idea of gratitude and generosity helps us all remember what this season is all about.  Its easy to get lost in shopping and getting a good deal. (I am Dutch after all – I’m all about getting my money’s worth and saving.)  We do so well at remembering on Thanksgiving what we are thankful for and what’s important, but we can easy forget in the following days.  I challenge you to remember what you’re thankful for.

God is always challenging me to be more generous.  I tend to give generously out of the excess.  Why is that?  Because it is easy – it doesn’t cause me to grow.  I am comfortable there.  Unfortunately, many times I forget that it is God’s money.  God is the one who will provide, who can multiply, who does miracles.  When I let go and allow God in and control over our finances.  It’s incredible!  

I am reminded of how God provided for the Isrealites in the desert.  God gave them exactly what they needed in that exact moment.  If they were greedy and gathered more-not believing that God would provide the next day.  It would go bad.  God will provide what you need today.  Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.  Just do what the Lord has called you to do today.  

The boy who gave his fish and bread.  He was so generous. He gave his whole meal.  God uses our generosity, our obedience and multiples it.  So many people were feed.  Imagine how many people’s eyes were opened and believed.

The widow who used the last bit of oil and flour to feed her guest.  She didn’t know where her next meal for her family would come from after that loaf.  God provided for her.  The oil and flour didn’t run out.

God challenges me to be generous at all times.  Not just when it’s easy but also when it’s tight.