December 23, 2012

Day 23: Dyanna Groves - Give...Your Best!

My name is Dyanna and just happen to be the fabulous Ryn's sister. I recently married the man of my dreams and love of my life and have become a mother of two wonderful young men.
I have a super job doing what I love by serving God and helping people through television.

At this time of year when gift-giving and fellowshipping with family and friends abounds, it is vital to remember to give your best. When I say that, I don't mean maxing out your credit card or draining your bank account just to be sure everyone on your list gets the most wonderful (and most expensive) gift on their list. I mean to give your heart.
Give your heart in listening. Give your thought in choosing. Give a sweet word when your crazy cousin makes you want to strangle them. Give love instead of mediocrity. Give strength when the world is yelling for you to be passive. Give beyond what makes you feel comfortable - even if that means saying "Merry Christmas" with a smile to a stranger you pass. Give your time to someone in need. Give a hug to someone who is hurting.
Our Creator has placed inside of each of us the ability to sense and feel and to meet the needs of others. All we have to do is listen within. It's easy to be caught up in busyness with shopping and decorating and partying and all the hustle and bustle, but really just listen and give. Listen when you have that thought to do or say something nice. Reach beyond the norm and just give love. After all, haven't you been given the greatest love ever?!
 
I recently read Jesse Duplantis' book entitled "Heaven: Close Encounters of the God Kind." Let me tell you, if you haven't read it, you should. And if you have, may I suggest that you read it again. In it he talks about the experiences he has had in life that were undeniably encounters with God, the most significant of which being his trip to Heaven. Although hearing the description of Heaven is awe inspiring, that was not the greatest part. The best thing you learn is the wonderful, overflowing, ever-giving heart of God, the greatest Father ever. His very essence is light and love. He longs to give you more than you can ever imagine and your every heart's desire. He describes the look in Jesus' eyes as "pools of love." And it is that love that caused Jesus to come and pay for your sin and mine to rescue us from eternal torment, both here and in Hell. It is that love that has been placed inside of you, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. A verse in the Bible, Romans 5:5 reads "And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (NLT)
You can find it: HERE
Now that says a lot! If God's love has been given to us, we can surely give it to others. So, let's do that! Let's give our best. Our best love, hug, time, listening ear, thoughts, prayers, kisses and smiles this year. And know that our best can be miraculous.
Merry Christmas! ~Dyanna

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