Not long ago, I won a pay-it-forward giveaway from my friend, http://thesecretlifeofanamericanwifeandmom.blogspot.com/ These are the goodies I received in the mail yesterday. I’ve never read Captivating but dearly love the work of John Eldredge, so I’m looking forward to diving into this “read” over spring break. In addition, I have a new travel mug for my morning brew and some Nips (another new for me) that, if I’m not careful, might cause me a trip to the dentist! Thank you, Christy, for your kindness. Your package arrived on a good day when I needed a friendly lift.
Now, as a winner of the giveaway, I’m to pick a few of my favorite things and pay-it-forward to one of you. Here is the book that will be included, Alicia Chole’s Anonymous: Jesus Hidden Years and Yours. You can read about it further by clicking here. Also, I will add in a few extras to sweeten the win.
If you’d like to participate in this contest, here are the pertinent details:
- Leave a comment to this post, letting me know you’d like to be included in the contest (I have some readers who might want to comment but don’t want to be included, so please make sure you let me know).
- If I draw out your name as the winner, be willing to write your own pay-it-forward post once receiving the package in the mail, posting a link back to peace for the journey.
- Create your own pay-it-forward package to bless one of your readers and be willing to mail it in a timely manner.
- Enjoy each page of Anonymous.
Make sense? I hope so. I’m not very good at this type of thing but feel so blessed to have won Christy’s giveaway. I’m all about paying-it-forward, friends, because the love of Christ compels me to do so.
Just this morning, I was reading in John 12:1-10 about Jesus’ anointing at Bethany. As a way of preparing my heart for this week-long pilgrimage to the cross, I’m re-reading The Final Week of Jesus by Max Lucado. It includes seven days worth of reading, all recaps of chapters from his book, And the Angels were Silent. Saturday’s readings focus on Simon the Leper’s dinner for Jesus, along with the lavish anointing of Jesus by Mary. Again, I am moved by Jesus’ response to the dinner guests who thought little of her extravagant worship…
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (John 12:7-8).
Extravagant love loves abundantly. I can’t help but recall a piece of godly wisdom I received from my mother several years ago regarding the wealth and worthiness of our words and actions toward others. It went something like this…
Elaine, we all do a really good job of sending people flowers once their dead. We send them to the funeral home and litter the graveside with blooms of extravagant remembrance. But rare are the people, Elaine, who send people flowers while they are still living. Be one of those people, daughter, send flowers now while you still have the recipients with you.
Mary gave a rich bouquet to Jesus that day. It came in the form of a costly anointing. She gave Christ her lavish worship because she understood, better than most, that his death was imminent. She didn’t concede her grief to an “after the fact” moment. She gave it to him while he was yet living, and it has been remembered to us these last 2000 years. It’s a story that teaches us about giving God our best now while today is yet today–about loving others as we love Christ, for what we’ve done in his name for others, we’ve done as unto him.
This week, I was given a bouquet by my friend, Christy. I’d like to do the same for you. In turn, I imagine that there is someone in your path today who needs the witness and kindness of heaven given to him/her via your heart and hands. Would you be willing to pass on God’s love to one of his created? It doesn’t have to cost you a year’s worth of wages, but it should cost you something… your time, your prayers, your deliberate attention, and yes, perhaps your wallet. We have been richly blessed by God with great abundance, so let’s get to the “flower shop” and start putting together a bouquet that will let your neighbors know that they matter to you and, therefore, matter to the kingdom.
Pay-it-forward, friends, and see if God is not faithful to plant a beautiful garden on your behalf and for his renown! As always…
peace for the journey,
PS: In your comments, please make sure you indicate whether or not you want to be included in the giveaway, which indicates your willingness to pay-it-forward. Winner will be drawn with my next post. Blessed Sabbath rest to you and yours this weekend. Shalom.
Sure, I'd like to be included in the giveaway! Thanks again for an uplifting post to give me a focus for the day.
Elaine, this has both challenged and convicted. Just yesterday I ordered flowers to be sent to a funeral…*ouch*. Made me wish I had sent them earlier. Praying they will still speak to the family of my love and care for them.
I also just finished writing two letters by hand…to two ladies…one my age…one an "ancient". Know neither well, but God has had them on my heart all week. I've been praying for them and this morning decided to go to the "flower shop" and pick out a bouquet of blessings to send.
Beautiful post Elaine. Here's the thing. Yes, I would be willing to "pay it forward", but as you know I already own and treasure the book. Anyway…include me in your drawing…and should you actually draw my name…draw another as well (for your giveway), but let me know and I'll still do a pay-it-forward post. You'll get two for the price of one! 🙂 Now, that's praying it forward!
Hugs,
Joy
I definitely would like to enter the giveaway! I have participated in paying it forward giveaways before…it's a wonderful opportunity to bless others. 🙂
Making my phone call this morning…
Elaine:
I'd love to be included in the drawing for the book and would participate as asked if a winner.
Thanks for paying it forward…
Your wrote:
"Mary gave a rich bouquet to Jesus that day. It came in the form of a costly anointing. She gave Christ her lavish worship because she understood, better than most, that his death was imminent. She didn’t concede her grief to an “after the fact” moment. She gave it to him while he was yet living, and it has been remembered to us these last 2000 years. It’s a story that teaches us about giving God our best now while today is yet today–about loving others as we love Christ, for what we’ve done in his name for others, we’ve done as unto him."
There isn't anything I can think of that says this better. Mary TRUSTED Jesus' forgiveness of ALL her past – and He raised her from those ashes to new life. Her heart outpoured with gratitude — and this is what each of OUR lives should look like too!
Beautiful post!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
JESUS ONLY in 2010
I would love to be included in this giveaway and have the opportunity to Pay it Forward.
Blessings,
Amy
I would love to be included and pay it forward 🙂 You will enjoy Captivating. I attended a Captivating retreat last August and it was awesome. Stasi Eldregde and their whole Ransomed Heart ministry teams led the retreat.
I always enjoy reading your posts–always something timely and motivating. I had heard about "sending flowers" while alive also, and have tried to do that on several occassions. Fun little gifts are also encouraging and special. I would love to participate in your pay-it-forward give away. Donna
Those Nips must be a "midwest" thing…I get them also from my mom in Chicago (along with cookie scoops…woohoo). I totally agree with the extravagant love concept here. Let's love like that, where it costs something.
Please do not include me in the giveaway. I have the book (and don't care for Nips.) Hope you're smiling.
I would love to be included in the giveaway! This is such a fun idea! I have the perfect idea for a "pay it forward" that I can send someone!
You have blessed me just by writing this post and allowing me to read it!
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
Elaine, I would love to be included in this giveaway. It sounds like the book will be a wonderful read, and I would love to take part in paying forward. Haven't ever done one of those before, haven't done a give away either, and would love to! 🙂
Thank you for this opportunity!
Love to you, and praying for you!
Heather
what a lovely idea, but please leave
me out of the giveaway.
one of my favorite people in the
bible is the woman with the alabaster
jar.
happy palm sunday,
lea
Surprises are such great joy! How fun to be the recipient; and to survey your treasures as if an early Christmas.
I've got the book "Anonymous", and can tell your visitors it's well worth the read. I'll sit out this give-away, but I may just do one of my own in the weeks to come.
Blessings, friend; and a hug to boot!
Kathleen
Elaine,
I love reading your blog and feel we have many things in common. My blog is called, The Brady's Blog…Not Home Yet. If we are in Christ, Jesus no matter what each day brings we must remember that we are still not home yet! Include me in the pay-it-forward giveaway! I would love it!
Blessings,
Teresa
P.S. Put those Nips in the microwave for a few seconds, or tuck them in the pocket of your jeans for awhile to soften them a little…makes them easier the teeth! 😉
Would love to be included, Elaine. Looks like you were abundantly blessed by Christy.
On the flower note….I stopped sending flowers years ago to funerals. They just die and have no lasting value. Instead I send Gideon Bibles in memory of the deceased. That's a gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks for a beautiful post.
Leah
Love those coffee nips! :o)
What a fun surprise to your day!
Count me in like "Joyful"…I already have the book so if you draw my name let me know and I will "pay if forward" but draw another name to send the gift …again a "two-fer"
:o)
Shalom,
Denise
Special "bouquets" in the mail are the best! Count me in if I'm not already too late!
Love a good book.
Happy Sunday!
Um…I believe I was sent that wonderful book by an amazing bloggie friend who shall remain nameless (You!)! It is a great read. No need to enter me since I still have my copy! I think you'll enjoy captivating. I struggled through it a bit, due to my relationship with my mom, but it really struck home on many levels.
Happy Palm Sunday, Faith Elaine. Blessed Holy Week to you.
I would love to be included. What a great idea Elaine! I am heading down tonight to spend the night with my childhood best friend who needs some 'flowers"!
Hugs-
Jennifer
Hi Elaine,
I love this one line in particular…yes, we need and ought to love people today…while it is yet today. The greatest tragedies at funerals is not even the sadness of loss…but rather sadness of lost opportunities. Often, we regret at having not done the good we intended then, but now have to live with the reality that its already too late.
I love the story of Mary's anointing of Jesus for his funeral. Lord, give me today an opportunity to do good.
Great post. You are a blessing to many. Keep well in Him.
Gladwell
Oh this post is timely. Thank you for making my heart take leaps. I would like to be in the contest. I have been wanting to read that book. I am so enjoying her devotion book Intimate Conversations. I will do it pay it forward if chosen. Most of all, thanks for sharing such beautiful words.
I'm in! Paying it forward is what I do for a living!
You know I love this book! Life changing! I'll join Joy, too… the 2 for 1!
I love this! Please include me in your drawing! Sending friends and loved ones a "rich bouquet" is a beautiful gift to enjoy while they're here. Daddy received beautiful flowers and plants after he passed away….but he never was able to enjoy them. We are, but not him. Thank you!
Love you!
Susan
Like mother like daughter with the wise words…and caring heart…
Elaine, this is the BEST Pay it Forward post I have ever read!!! I am so glad that you felt the love behind the gift. I pray that the one who won your giveaway knows how blessed they are to receive a sweet gift from your heart too. 🙂
Wonderful gifts. This is a great idea! B