by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Growing up, my dad often helped others anonymously, especially elderly people living nearby. My favorite excursion involved waking up at the break of dawn and dropping off an anonymous gift (fruit, firewood, or another need) on a porch step before the recipient awakened.
Let’s take that basic idea and kick it up one glorious notch. A few ideas to get the creative juices flowing:
- Cookies, banana bread, healthy treats, fruit, etc. If time is limited, pick up something. After all, our focus is not on what we give, but rather, Who. Simply attach a note to the gift bag: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
- Muffins or a loaf of bread. Or maybe a mini-loaf with canister of tea? A possible tag option: I am the Bread of life. Your strength. John 6:35
- A beautiful candle for those who are hurting this year. Consider going with a mild scent, such as vanilla, for those with allergies. Attach a card: John 1:5 – I’m the Light in your darkness.
Other ideas: Top 25 Food Gifts
One more! Today is National Poinsettia Day. No doubt one of these would certainly brighten anyone’s back porch. 🙂
Do you have a favorite anonymous gift-giving idea? I’d love to hear it!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
v. craved, crav·ing, craves:
1. To have an intense desire for.
2. To need urgently; require.
3. McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Frappe
I don’t know about your dictionary, but mine highlights the third definition in perky bright yellow and I have the hips to prove it, unfortunately.
During July and August my desire for these 18 Points Plus desserts skyrocketed to a full-blown craving, slurping down several per week. (My entire daily allowance is 29 points.)
I realized at the end of August, on the way home from a Weight Watchers meeting, that I had spoken about the frappe with such exuberance that someone overhearing my conversation may have mistaken my topic for Jesus. My heart sank as I felt helpless to do anything about this new-found craving.
In that moment, the Lord reminded me of the study I was preparing to teach. The subject? John 15, the Vine and the Branches: Abiding. Remaining. Depending. None of which I was doing when it came to caring for my body.
It was time for a “Come to Jesus” meeting. I began by asking for forgiveness in neglecting the body He had given me and ended with a simple, yet life-altering question: Would You take this craving away?
I knew I didn’t have the power to resist the gravitating pull of the frozen concoction. Past
attempts to override the frappe rocket had crashed and burned,
scattering debris of discouragement and failure in my mind and spirit.
But this time was different—because that’s what abiding in Christ does—it changes everything. For the first time, I asked Him for help in this particular area of my life. Finally, I leaned into the powerful connection He provides — receiving it — and resting in His ability to say no to the craving.
And that’s exactly what He has done. Since the end of August I’ve had one frappe (this week). I enjoyed it. But as B.B. King would say: The thrill is gone. And most importantly, the craving has been taken away and replaced with an eagerness to fuel my body with healthier foods.
All of Him, none of me. Oh, the power of abiding.
Thank You, Jesus.
