Blessful Giving
Make good things happen to your friend or loved one by writing a message of blessing to accompany your gift. Write what good things you wish to happen to them. Don't be thrifty with words. Give them out in abundance.
Why? Read my story...
The wish
More than five years ago, during the 38th birthday of a lady friend who was actively searching for a husband, I gave her three little angel figurines as a gift. Then to accompany the gift, I added a small card with this note:
"I am giving you these angels wishing that you may soon find the man of your dreams and build your own happy family. May God bless you with a Happy Birthday today and many years to come."
This wish happened. That year, she met someone through the Internet. She is now happily married.
The prophetic message
In 2001, I wrote a note to accompany my birthday gift for my best friend. But instead of writing April 2 2001, I accidentally wrote April 2, 2002.
My friend noticed the mistake. "Does it mean I cannot give you a present on your birthday next year?", I joked about it. We guessed reasons like, she will be abroad or I will be the one to go abroad. Months passed and we forgot about the incident. Then during her birthday in 2002, it happened. I was not able to give her a gift because we were both in hospital - she delivered her fourth baby while my Mom was ill that time.
The life-giving bible quote
Months before the crisis my family went through in 2002, I received a Christmas card from a High School schoolmate. Honestly, I took his card for granted because we were not that close anyway. But during my moment of crisis, the Bible Quote he wrote at the bottom of the card kept coming back. It said:
"Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out."
During those times when I was hopeless, I remembered those words. Those words gave me strength. So from then on, I made it a habit to add a Bible Quote at the bottom of the cards I give to my friends.
So, in addition to your personal message, add a phrase or passage from the Bible. Put it between your personally composed message or at the bottom of the note. Choose the passage which you think best fits your friend's situation. You can go over the Bible at random or choose from the suggested Gift Quotes. Or better still, ask the help of the "Holy Spirit" in choosing the message. The Holy Spirit knows best what will be meaningful for your friend or loved one.
Happy gift giving! God bless...