Wednesday, November 23, 2011

It's Raining Blessings


Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.  ~W. T. Purkiser
 
Blessings -- they rain down from the heavens -- the drops silently soaking me.  Other times they come fast and furious like a deluge -- drenching me with the puddles my feet kick through.

Spring rain brings flowers, summer rain keeps the grass green, fall rain sends the last few leaves to the ground.  In winter the rain freezes and softly drifts to the ground in diverse snowflakes.  But blessings?  They shower daily throughout all the seasons of life.

Throughout the spring of my life my blessings included Christian parents who lived what they believed, a Bible-believing church, a private Christian school with sacrificial teachers and so many others who impacted my life. Then, in a grand fanalee, the love of my life -- my RB.  (My personal flood of blessing!)

The summer of my life brought our dear church family in Bedford, my babies, and the beginning of my writing career.  Even in the loss of Sarah, blessings of love showered on us from our church family and friends refreshed our parched spirits.

Now in the fall, quiet rains brought yet another church family my way -- loving shelter, friends from around the world, and benefits from diligent writing pursuits.  I've even splashed in big puddles of a son-in-law and four beautiful grandbabies.

I [may not] have entered my winter years, but I am confident that the God who promised, "I'll send down plenty of rain in season—showers of blessing" (Ezekiel 34:26) will continue to saturate me as I continue the journey.



The Message translates 2 Corinthians 9:8 in this way:

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

I've been asking God to help splash some of my blessings on others.  What about you?  Ready for some puddle splashing? 

25 comments:

Jane said...

You've been doing some puddle splashing my way, Pamela! Your blog is so inspiring. Thank you!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Love your pictures - the blues mixed in are so beautiful!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Lovely post, Pamela! Cool photos and encouraging words!

Sharon said...

Oh yes!! Ready for some puddle splashing, some singing in the rain, some showers of blessings. And, like every good gift from the Lord, I'm passing them on to others!!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving Day!

GOD BLESS!

Anonymous said...

Wishing all of you a blessed Thanksgiving.

Saleslady371 said...

It is such a great time of year to thank our wonderful Lord for all those precious blessings He gives and I loved reading this! May you and yours enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Joan Hall said...

Lovely post, Pamela. Yes, I am ready for puddles and showers and rain! I am also entering the autumn of my life - each season is special because of the One who gives every good and perfect gift.

Many blessings and Happy Thanksgiving to you are your family.

Laura said...

So much love to you, Pamela! You are a blessing to me :).

Karen said...

My little granddaughter spied a big puddle this past week and jumped right in (in her new shoes) squealing with laughter. It's instinct, isn't it?! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Anonymous said...

Your post fills my heart with the promise of God's work always being tendered to even when we may feel dark & alone. Beautiful post on this day. Happy and blessed thanksgiving to you & yours. Hugs. Tammy

Relyn Lawson said...

The meal has been eaten.
The kitchen is clean.
The leftovers are stashed.
The walk has been taken.
Everyone is happy and fed and blessed.
Now I have the time to stop by.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to tell you that I am thankful for you; for this blog; for inspiration. Sending you much love, Relyn

A multi-dimensional life said...

Yes! What a beautiful post! God's blessings never run out!!!

You have more than splashed blessings, Pamela! You have poured buckets of love and blessings on me! Your encouraging words always lift me up and I am so grateful that God has brought you into my life!

May He continue to pour blessings upon you! Happy Thanksgiving!

Renee said...

I love that line from II Cor. the way it reads in the Message: "He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon." Reading and hearing others praise always primes the pump and reminds me what I have to be thankful for. Lovely post!

Amy said...

I've started a blessing collage. I taped a piece of big paper to the wall. When I feel grumpy or stressed I write a blessing down. It's a great way for me to remember all those abundant blessings. God is so good. We are so lucky to be His <3

Anonymous said...

Love this post, and your photos are so sweet!

Lisa notes... said...

I'm ready to splash some blessings too. I love the Purkiser quote; I've never heard it. But I've tweeted it just now. I'm using the blessing I received from stopping by your blog. :-) Thanks.

Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for Grandparents and Caregivers said...

Amen and AMEN! Thanks for the lovely post and the encouraging Bible verses. Have a blessed week. :)

Just Be Real said...

Thank you for sharing in photos and words. Blessings to you Pam.

LeAnn said...

This is a lovely post! I felt so inspired by your thoughts today. The pictures and words were sweet.
Blessings to you for a heartfelt post today.

Kathleen said...

The Lord does indeed rain down his blessings... This was very encouraging.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of blessings, this post was certainly a blessing to read! :)

It reminds me that there are blessings in my life that I have taken for granted. It's so easy to do when we are given SO much! Thank you for this beautiful reminder to be thankful in every season of life! :)

Kandi said...

Pamela,

You write so beautifully, How can we not praise Jesus when we think of all His blessings in our lives.

Lovely Pamela.

Blessings

Charlotte said...

He truly is a most generous God. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. Many times I've felt like I've been in a downpour. Other times it's more like showers, but I can never thank Him enough for every blessing I've received.
Charlotte

Brandee Shafer said...

So far, I've really loved growing...and, yes, even aging. The years bring me closer to Him. I'm blessed to have visited you, today.

derry said...

Very entertaining subject, I will bookmark your website to check out if you publish more in the future. Thanks!