Congrats to the winners of Untangling Christmas:

Emily B (comment 10/10 at 11:39 am)

Julie T ( 10/10 12:40 pm)

Nanette ( 10/10 5:03 pm)

Laura (10/10 5:53 pm)

Janet (10/11 6:31 pm)

And the winner of a copy, along with a Panera card is Mary Blair.

Mary–please send your home address to kim@proverbs31.org along with what it is you won. The rest of you send Kim an email with the email account you’d like the download sent to. Enjoy and be organized!

Do you ever argue with God, especially when he nudges you to do something you don’t want to do?

Last weekend when I was speaking here and here, I met a woman at my book table. She had just moved to Colorado from my home state of Michigan.

As we chatted I discovered that both this mom and her husband were newly enrolled in Bible college and, with no jobs for either of them, attempting to live off of savings for as long as they could.

I made a mental note of her name (from her name tag) and determined to pray for this sweet Jesus-lovin’ family.

Later, I drew names for three free books. Her name was drawn. I called her cell phone and left a message for her to swing by and pick it up.

As I hung up the phone, I sensed God tapping on my heart saying, “Give her the rest of your travel money.” Now, I always take along some cash for food and a cup of coffee or tea during my airport layovers. And I usually take way too much, just to be safe and in case I get stranded somewhere.

This trip I’d been rather frugal and had a good amount left. Money, I reasoned, I could use when I got home for some subs or pizza for the family for three or four days as I’d be tired from my trip and busy with the launch of our new e-book. And, there would still be some to spare.

“Just give it to her.  Cheerfully please.” (God is a little bossy sometimes)

So I did.

I discretely tucked it in her hand and told her to treat her family to a night of something yummy or fun. She was touched and gave the right response when someone is trying to bless you. She smiled, a little choked up, and then sincerely declared, “I will take it so you can feel the joy of giving.”

Joy.

Not regret.

Please, do not think I am tooting my own horn here. I am not saying I did this without hesitation ’cause I am oh-so-spiritual and all Mother Teresa like.

I am letting you peek into my oft-times argumentative heart. I really wanted to keep back at least some of that money for myself. After all, it would be to feed my family!

Okay, and there was this one purse in the airport I really wanted.

But I have learned from 30 years of walking with Jesus that when He prompts you to do something, you’d better do it.

I so wish I were like my husband who has the spiritual gift of giving. Why, he has given away items and cash amounts that make my financial security freak-o-meter go haywire.

When I returned home, I busied myself unpacking and diving back into my blessed ordinary life. Todd had been with all the kids whitewater rafting in West Virginia while I was gone. He called to say they were going to be home in an hour around suppertime.

I plopped in my chair and decided to read the day’s mail that had come before attempting to whip up something for them to eat.

In it, was a card from a dear friend. She said she knew I would be having a busy week and wished we lived near each other so she could run me over a hot casserole. Instead, she had another idea.

When I opened the card, out plummeted…. the EXACT amount of money I had given away three days earlier.

Only God.

This morning, I wrote this to my Good Morning Girls cyber accountability group about what I’d read:

In broad measure.

How might our lives be different if we all practiced giving “in broad measure”?

Will you try it today?

Let us know how it goes. And remember, the result isn’t always tangible. Sometimes it is just the hidden blessing of God softening your heart, making it even more eager to give again the next time He gets all bossy.

And speaking of giving, come back tomorrow for a weekend giveaway. See you then!

Broad-measured Blessings,