november is one of my favorite months, and not just because of all the baking and gathering, but also because nic and i got married this month seven years ago. i love that our wedding anniversary is linked to thanksgiving - a time of reflecting on thankfulness and giving. such vital aspects of marriage... but sometimes i focus more on the thankfulness part and not as much on the giving part...
it's easy to give out of our abundance, but to give out of our lack - when we feel like we don't have anything to offer or we don't have anymore time to spare - is something that has a far greater impact.
give until it hurts. how often does that characterize my life and my heart, my relationships? do i give only when it's convenient? or only when i have a full bank account? or only when i have time? do i give without thinking about what i can get out of it? and even if i do give sacrificially, when it hurts, do i complain about it? convicting stuff...
challenging stuff... good stuff... eternal stuff.
when we were in our most shameful, sinful moments, God loved us and GAVE His only Son, Jesus, to buy us out of darkness, to bring us into eternal light. as much as the world and all its media tries to convince me otherwise, it's not about me. it's about Him, who is so characterized by giving - giving to the point of death. giving until it hurt... and then some. He is an endless, unconditional giver!!
i'm totally having a little rally over here by myself... ha!
in my marriage, in my friendships, in my encounters with strangers, i am so challenged and inspired by this month's desktop to do just that - give till it hurts, without complaining, with joy.
i love collaborating on these desktops with kelli trontel, and i know i speak for both of us when i say that it's an honor to give these to you every month, for inspiration and for encouragement... it's amazing to hear how these are blessing and challenging you... thank you for sharing in this journey with us!!
oh! i almost forgot to mention that this lovely pie you see on the desktop was made by jessy of arrowleaf baking co.... and they're available for purchase via red caboose! can't wait to get mine....
xo!
ashley :)
I LOVE this post - not only because of the gorgeous pie that speaks to my baker soul, but because this was something I really needed to hear. It was super convicting in the best way possible… thank you for sharing this post Ash! It was majorly needed :D
ReplyDeleteoh i'm so glad kylie!! thank YOU for sharing... it blesses and encourages me. :) xo!!
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