It is more blessed to give......

Why is it so easy to forget that we are always blessed when we bless others? I'm so incredibly blessed by God to have so much more than I need...

I had to mail an overnight package today, and happened to have a $50 bill burning a hole in my wallet. I felt God urging me to give something today; I made myself (and God) a promise that after I mailed the letter, I'd give the remainder to the first needy person I saw. 

I have to admit, I did have a bit of a mental struggle.  'God, this package is only going to cost about $15 to mail; you really want me to give $35 to a complete stranger?'  But the feeling that I should do so was strong and compelling, and I made up my mind that I would follow God's cue, regardless.

When I came out of the post office, standing on the sidewalk outside the door was a young Indian man with his small son (maybe 4 years old), homeless and looking for help. Were they there when I went in?  I don't know.... I was so wrapped up in the Christmas rush, maybe I didn't see them -- or maybe them being there right then, at that moment in time when I left the post office, was MY small Christmas miracle.  I stopped and spoke with them, told the man of my promise, gave him the money, and also put all the loose coins in my wallet in the little boy's pocket. I got huge hugs and excited thank you's, and I walked across the parking lot trying not to cry. 

 My wallet is now empty, but my heart is full and overflowing. God, help me remember to always be grateful for all my blessings .....

Luke 6:38 -- Truly, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

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Mixed messages

As I sat at the ATM last evening, I had the opportunity to read the signs posted on either side of the screen. To the left of the ATM's screen was a large green sign that entitled "Safety Information". One of the safety tips (in case you can't read the fuzzy print on my photo): "Prepare your deposit envelope and deposit slip before arriving at the ATM."

The blue sign on the right of the screen?? It said: "For your convenience, ATM Deposit Envelope will be dispensed during transaction"!!!! (Sorry, I can't get this picture to post in the right direction!)

So, M&T Bank, what do you REALLY want me to do in order to be safe???


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