I was in the car handing money to my children to give for a Church offering when my daughter objected, “Mommy, that’s MY money! I don’t want to give that to anyone!” I gently asked her, “Who owns everything?” She responded, “God, but that’s mine and I don’t want to share it! I love my money.”
I could feel my pride as a Mother and tension rise up within me. I had to remember, this is not about me. I humbled myself and God brought to my remembrance His Word:
“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”2 Timothy 2:24-26
I said a prayer and asked for God’s wisdom and grace for this moment and to help me not to be quarrelsome with her but to correct her with gentleness. He reminded me how difficult it is for me to let go of things I call ‘mine.’ Empowered by His Holy Spirit I was able to speak to her with compassion:
Praying I can wait on God to prepare her heart for His glory
“Baby girl, it’s not always easy for Mommy to give away things she wants to keep but we can pray and ask God for His help and He will help us. You said correctly ‘everything IS God’s’ and God gave you that money through Grandma and you can do what you want with it and I am not going to force you to do something you don’t want to do. However, I am going to pray for you, that God will soften your heart and give you the grace to give cheerfully.”
She just held onto the money tighter. That was the end of the conversation.
Five minutes later she bounced up to me and with a huge smile and whispered, “Guess what Mommy? I want to give my money to the orphans.” My soul sings out: To God be the glory!
Oh one more thing…immediately after my prayer for her heart was answered we walked into the sanctuary and the message was: “When you need help, God is with you” and the key verse:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
How kind of God to allow my daughter and I to walk out that truth together…
Altar of Heaven 
June 5th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
She already knew that some one else need it more. And she give it with all heart and smile. So proud of you mijas. Love this it was talking to me.
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June 11th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
🙂 I love you Mommy–to God be the glory, so thankful for Him, for His love, and for yours…
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June 5th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
I LOVE reading how the Lord teaches you through your children. Thank you for listening to His small,quiet voice and sharing with us. It encourages me to know better how to handle my children when I am placed in those situations. Love you friend!!
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June 11th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
I love you too!! Being a momma is not easy for me but I’m learning the beauty of waiting on the One Who knows the hearts of all…waiting is hard for me.
Thank you for reading, and for encouraging me in His Word–I’m thankful to have such Biblical God ordained friendship with you. God is teaching me so much through you..may we continue to seek His Kingdom and Righteousness always.
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June 10th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
How wise you were not to force her to give but to let the gift come from her heart. So beautiful that you asked God’s guidance before reacting and God was glorified by you and your little girl.
Blessings.
Joy
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June 11th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Your name fits you!
I’m learning wisdom comes from above and I must humble myself to receive His grace and wisdom…learning. I have scars and bumps from mistakes but praise our God for He is good! Praying He is always glorified in the life He entrusted me. Thank you sweet Joy!
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June 11th, 2012 at 11:56 pm
What a sweet teachable moment!
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June 12th, 2012 at 9:16 pm
🙂 Trying to be present to capture all of them…teachable moment for me too–the joy of being a mommy!
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June 22nd, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Teaching is the essence of parenting, great story, teachable moments, v.ccol.
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June 24th, 2012 at 11:12 pm
What a great reminder of the One who really owns everything and graciously gives it to us for our use and for us to bless others. I have to be reminded of this quite often— and when I see others giving, I am convicted and humbled. This was a timely post for me–I’m going through boxes of things I moved from our other house and getting rid of SO MUCH… sometimes I feel that tug of selfishness, but gosh, if I can just loosen that grasp—wow–freedom!! Now, I’m excited to give even more!
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June 26th, 2012 at 2:23 am
I understand too–that’s why i have to pray and ask God to help me to be a cheerful giver too. My hands clench then loosen, then clench…but when I pray He always answers me and helps me. Thank you for stopping by Joy!
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September 18th, 2012 at 2:37 am
God bless you dear sister! I love your website!
May the Holy Spirit continue to lead and guide you as you continually walk in His light. May His anointing always envelope you and breathe on you by day, and by night! For He is Adonai, and there is none like Him! And we are His children, born into sin.
Yet He saved us, and redeemed us from death! Through Jesus Christ, who suffered for our sake, when He exhaled His last breath! But it didn’t stop there…
Three days later, the earth trembled with force, and Jesus emerged as the stone rolled away ; the people were speechless as they stood still, without a single word to say.
He held out His hands, revealing the scars, as they fell to their knees. “Yes it is I; my love goes further and deeper than than all of the seas.”
And sister..though I have made part of this up here in this poem…it is true. He had each one of us in mind as He personally gave up His life for me and for you!
Go forth boldly in Christ, and never fear…just look into your heart..the Holy Spirit is right there!
God bless you! Sorry, this little poem just came to me for you! This happens sometimes to me! LOL!
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September 18th, 2012 at 2:46 am
What an exaltation of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has gifted you with exhortation edifying the Church and I have been again blessed! Thank you for sharing this with me, I shall treasure this prayer because He is exalted!! Thank you, Thank you! To God be the glory!
1 Corinthians 14:1-5 🙂
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September 18th, 2012 at 2:56 am
To God be the glory..Amen! He is coming so soon…our freedom from the bondage of this world will come soon! No more sorrow, no more pain, no more suffering…no more! Soon we shall be with our beloved Lord, praising Him and loving Him, for He loved us first! Amen!
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October 10th, 2012 at 2:39 am
[…] I am letting go of ‘striving’ to be a perfect parent and resting in His grace which is sufficient in all things, even a fit at the beach. To God be the glory…again, His giving, His glory! […]
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