GIVING & RECEIVING THIS THANKSGIVING
by: Esther

Is it better to give or to receive?

I asked this question a few years back on one of our blogs. Responses were varied but all with the same conclusion: "It all depends."

Last weekend, I shared & gave away my last lemon and avocado fruits. The following day, to my great surprise, the mailman delivered a package from California with 30 lemons and 7 avocado fruits. First thing that came to my mind, "How did my friend know I needed lemons and avocados?"

God provides and on time!

A few years back, a friend from Michigan shared two bitter melon starter plants grown indoors early spring ... but both withered, I brought the plants outdoors too early. Shared this sad story to my friend from California, who a few weeks later shipped a package of different variety of bitter melon seeds.

From these seeds ... the plants gave out bounties of fruits and enabled me to share this year (19 families in different States) far and near. Was so happy to express my joy and happiness with my friend who once was able to taste the fruit when she came for a visit in Ohio.

As summer turned to autumn, I suddenly realize I did not share the fruits to my friend. With care, harvested the last and few special ones and sent her right away.

Yes, many times, we share to others and without realizing that we often neglect or forget to thank first the source of blessings. My friend never asked nor complained. The same thing with the Lord, so many times we also forget to thank Him First for all the blessings we receive from Him each day.

Bitter Seeds & Sweet Faith
by: Debbie Anderson (A special friend so trusted and does her work well behind the scenes. She is with the well known Heritage Singers USA and one of the original singers). Below is a beautiful message she wrote recently:

Since sending bitter melon seeds to my dear friend Esther a couple years ago, I have realized that it is a lot like sharing Jesus with others. First you give some seeds to a friend who grow the fruit and shares the fruit and seeds with other friends. Then those friends share with their friends and so on.

Es has shared the fruit and seeds with so many people all across the country, including me, who have been so happy to receive this special gift. The melon mixed with other goodies from the garden make a delicious and healthy meal just like mixing Jesus into our daily lives makes our lives much more delectable.

I am so thankful for God's love and for His gift of Salvation. I am also thankful for the love of my dear and generous friend who lovingly shares the fruit of the Spirit with so many.

Today, reminds me of my Dad years back gathering his family together for morning worships and singing this song:

"Thank you Lord for saving my soul; Thank you Lord for making me whole; Thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free."

From our family to yours, HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!