For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2: 10 NIV

When I was a child, my sisters and I could never understand why our mother requested handmade gifts for her birthday. Every year we would shop for presents and proudly wait for her to be surprised. She appreciated each and every one, but what she loved the most were hand written cards with the expressions of our love.

Our mother taught us about gifts of the heart; thoughtful gestures of kindness that are meant to be shared. God wants us to learn how to embrace the gifts of HIS love and use them to glorify Him. He nurtures a passion of purpose for what He provides. He wants us to share gifts of His love with those who will value their worth.

God provides opportunities for us to be blessed, when we have been readied to GIVE. But first we must first learn how to RECEIVE. God will open our hearts to welcome the gifts of His greatness; when we have been filled with the “presents” of His love.

I recently looked through family photographs and treasured keepsakes. Old tattered cards were found. One had a message that spoke to my soul.… “Mom, I wish I could give you something more than a card, but here is my love for you.” What a gift to discover, as I reflected on the gifts of her unconditional love.

LOVE can’t be bought or tied with a bow. It doesn’t have to be purchased new. Love is the heart of the GIVER who has RECEIVED what is needed to welcome abundant JOY.

We must welcome the love of Jesus and embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God will fill us with joy, peace, hope and fulfillment. He has a plan for our days. He will help us focus on what is good and fill us with a passion only HE can provide. We must humble our hearts for His and be ready to RECEIVE he reward for our faithfulness.

God is near. He is HERE! There will never be a day without the presence of His amazing love. "We must seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. "Matthew 6:33

Dear God, thank you for opening our hearts and blessing us with the gifts of Your greatness. We will love You with all of our hearts and glorify YOU with the gifts of Your greatness. Help us find passion and purpose for our days. Keep our hearts humbled to know how to GIVE and help us learn how to gratefully RECEIVE the "presents" of Your strength. Thank you, Lord, for the precious gift of Jesus and the abundance of Your everlasting love. Amen