Good Gifts

Every year, my dear Grandmother gets everyone a gift certificate from Barnes and Noble. We all went out the day after Christmas and I browsed for quite some time until I found the perfect selections. I had two books in my hand as I walked towards the registers. In one hand, I held “Eat, Pray, Love” and in the other, “Three Cups of Tea”. For some unknown reason, I felt like I should put “Three Cups of Tea” back and just get the one book…which is very unlike me! I usually use up my gift cards in one trip

Fast forward to that evening…I am squatting in front of the book section at the Goodwill, looking through all of the castaways. Most are from the 1970s…parenting books, cookbooks, novels. And then I see a very familiar cover…one that I had in my hand earlier that day! There is was…”Three Cups of Tea”! It was marked a whopping 59 cents. I caught my breath as I pulled it off of the shelf and quickly tucked it under my arm. I simply could not believe that it was the very book I had almost purchased at full retail price earlier that day.

Fast forward to the next day. I had been telling Rebecca about “Eat, Pray, Love” and that it would be the perfect book for her to read on their airplane ride to Brazil. I had prayed earlier about just giving her my new book, but I quickly (and selfishly) brushed that idea aside. I told God that if I was supposed to give it to her, then He better make it obvious. As we were sitting at the cafe drinking our coffee, Rebecca says, “could I just borrow that book from you for now”? And of course I said “NO! You can just have it!” I knew that God had spoken clearly and I heard Him.

The best part about all of this…was that because I didn’t buy “Three Cups of Tea” at Barnes, I still had enough money to go back and buy another copy of “Eat, Pray, Love” for myself. God prepared the way in advance for me to bless Rebecca that day over coffee.

I don’t believe in coincidence. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in a sovereign God that weaves together every strand…every circumstance in our life…for good. Sometimes it may not feel “good” at the time, but when we look back years later or even at the end of our life, we can see that it was all working towards a purpose.

When I am abiding in Christ (spending time reading the Bible every day and regular time in prayer), I am so much more able to hear His gentle voice. My eyes are open and eagerly awaiting the amazing things that God has planned for my day.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him” Matthew 7:11

My mind always comes back to this verse when God does something that delights and surprises me. My earthly father loves to go out for coffee…and he blesses his kids by taking them with and buying them coffee too. It’s a sweet time a fellowship together and we love doing it. I’m always especially blessed because a Grande Soy Caramel Macchiato doesn’t usually fit into a tight traveling budget! A few days ago, I was out running errands and I really wanted to stop and get a “fancy coffee”, but I didn’t want to spend the money on it. A few stops later, I was at the Co-op getting some groceries, and they were offering hot cups of fair trade, organic coffee for FREE! I was giddy with joy…and my mind went immediately to Christ, who I KNOW had a hand in that. Coffee with your Father is a good thing

Don’t get me wrong…I don’t believe that our prayers should be “you give me this, and I’ll give you that” kind of prayers. I just know that when you walk with Him in a constant intimate relationship, He WILL bless you. He loves to bless you. And because you are in that close relationship, you will immediately recognize his touch.

Thank you God for good gifts!

32 Responses to “Good Gifts”

1. Jan
   5
   2008
   At 8:23 pm kristin says:

   thank you for that, sarah… what very cool ‘God moments.’ during the adoption, i’ve tried very hard to hold to the belief that God is working everything out for my good… it’s been trying at times to say the least. sometimes when the “hard stuff” or the going-without lasts so long, it can be easy to forget the behind the scenes stuff… i can’t wait for God to reveal all the wonderful things He’s been preparing for our little family. thank you for the encouragement!
2. Jan
   5
   2008
   At 8:29 pm shelley says:

   i am glad you got three cups of tea too!!! i was sad when you put it back and so glad when it was found! what a great story, i have followed your blog, but never commented. you have encouraged me more then you know and i have been very challenged by you! thank you!
3. Jan
   5
   2008
   At 8:36 pm Sarah says:

   Oh, what a wonderful reminder of God’s constant presence in our lives when we are persistently seeking him! Thank you so much for the inspiration!
4. Jan
   5
   2008
   At 8:41 pm Michelle says:

   We ALSO went to B & N the day after Christmas with gift cards in hand!! I read the Eat Pray Love earlier this year and it is A Great Read! You will surely find something in it for yourself. Enjoy. BTW: I LOVE when I find too-awesome books at GW or other thrift stores!
   So true also when you receive blessings just when you ‘need’. I feel as if I receive them just when my faith is the most shaky and I need a bit of pick me up…
5. Jan
   5
   2008
   At 8:41 pm Liz Marthaler says:

   Thank you God for Sara and her sharing of your word !!!
6. Jan
   5
   2008

   At 8:58 pm Sara says:

   Kristin: I have been thinking of you so much lately…waiting patiently for news of a BABY Just know that we are praying for you!

   Shelley: I was excited to say the least. Greg Mortenson is from Bozeman, and it was heavily promoted while we were living there. I’m about 1/4 of the way through it and it’s great!
7. Jan
   5
   2008
   At 9:05 pm Aimee says:

   Have fun enjoying coffee and a fresh new book…ahhhhhh!!!!!!
8. Jan
   5
   2008
   At 9:38 pm kesa says:

   isn’t it great how God provides for us even in “small” things, totally He knows what we don’t. Thus if God is faithful in small things, He will definitely be faithful in the large things, which gives me hope and assurance.
9. Jan
   5
   2008

   At 10:19 pm Sara says:

   Kesa: I know…I love that we worship a God of DETAILS. He knows and cares about all of the “little things” in our lives. Not one hair falls from our heads that He doesn’t know about. Amazing!
10. Jan
    5
    2008
    At 11:18 pm Terri says:

    I love this story. How neatly God worked things out for you to get the both books you wanted but also for you to be able to be a blessing to your friend. I find it so encouraging to hear about incidents like this.
11. Jan
    5
    2008
    At 11:26 pm Laurel Sauls says:

    Sara-
    I so enjoyed this post. It is wonderful that you were listening to for opportunities to bless others…how sweet it is when we have the clarity to see God’s hand in even the smallest details of our lives!
    I would love to hear your thoughts on Eat, Pray, Love. I saw the author on Oprah a couple of times, and have wondered if the book was good, or just really over-hyped. Please share you thoughts, when you get the chance. I have quite a large stack of books that I am wanting to read…but I am always open to adding another one!
12. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 12:21 am Wendy says:

    Thanks for this, Sara. I love when I see you in my bloglines because you are always such an encouragement to me. I completely agree w/what you said about blessings and not believing in luck. A similar thing happened to me yesterday. I have been wanting a headboard for my son’s bed, but could not find anything I could afford. Yesterday at a thrift store I found a perfect one to paint and it was only $10. It was definitely a blessing and not a coincidence.

    How awesome that you were able to bless your friend in that way.
13. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 2:19 am Dawn says:

    This was such an encouraging post. God really is a great God. That must be an excellent book if he worked in such a way to bless both you and your friend.
14. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 10:52 am Rachel H says:

    Amen amen amen. I love how He works ALL things out; and I hate it when I realize I’m scheming again, trying to work things out for Him. Why is it easy for me to trust him with the big things that I *obviously* can’t handle, but think I can take care of the little things, like cups of coffee or special books?
15. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 5:12 pm Chris says:

    God is so awesome! I love it when He works in the everyday ordinary things of our life and shows His awesome love through so many little things.
16. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 6:13 pm meredith says:

    God works everything out for the good of those that love Him. I loved the part about abiding…so true in this crazy world. when we stop, breathe and focus on God, we are better able to hear His voice.

    what an amazing testiment to the greatness of our loving Daddy!
17. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 6:39 pm Anna says:

    Thanks for sharing, Sara! I’d love to hear how the Eat, Pray, Love book is.
18. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 8:15 pm Monica says:

    Oh, this warms my heart! Jesus, books, coffee, Daddies, friends, giving,PROVISION….smiles from ear to ear! Our God is Sooooooooooo good!
19. Jan
    6
    2008
    At 10:13 pm Maria Burke says:

    I just want to let you know that your posts are so inspiring to me - your obediance to the Lord is very inspiring and hearing about how He’s working in and through you is just plain exciting to me! Your blog always puts a smile on my face!
20. Jan
    7
    2008
    At 12:22 am Kristin says:

    Thanks for sharing friend…you’ve been a sweet reminder of God sightings lately. Love you!
21. Jan
    7
    2008
    At 10:28 am Lindsay says:

    Truly God is good…That is so weird I just finished Eat, Pray, Love, after seeing it on Oprah. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call it my new bible, like the women on Oprah, it was an alright read.
22. Jan
    7
    2008
    At 12:35 pm Megan says:

    Loved the post Now tell me about that book. I’ve seen a lot of press for it. Just wondering what it was actually about. Thanks!!
23. Jan
    7
    2008
    At 4:42 pm Andrea says:

    I love when I find a book at thrift, and it’s one I’ve been wanting. In your case, instantly!
    Amazing how *we* notice His details when we are *in tune*. Thanks for sharing.
24. Jan
    7
    2008
    At 7:47 pm shawn says:

    Wow! Such an awesome story and reminder! Thanks for sharing it.
25. Jan
    7
    2008
    At 9:11 pm Laura Reaux says:

    Such a great reminder of how God really feels about us. Great post! I have been waiting to let myself buy “Eat. Pray. Love.” until after I finish the book I’m currently reading, “Me to We.” I may have to add “Three Cups of Tea” to my book list, also.
26. Jan
    7
    2008

    At 9:12 pm Sara says:

    Regarding “Eat, Pray, Love”…I read 1/2 of it last year when it first came out (and I somehow snagged it from the library). Later, when I went back to finish it, I was “in line” at the library for 6 months, and by the time they emailed me that it was my turn to read it, we were already in Maine I really LOVE travel writing, so that was an instant attraction for me. I am enthralled by other cultures and how we, as Americans, interact within them.

    While the author and I don’t always agree philosophically, I was still able to glean wisdom and joy from her life experience. I think as a woman, I found it exhilarating that she was traveling alone and I loved hearing how she handled herself in each predicament.

    For those of you who haven’t read it or read ABOUT it yet, here is the Publisher’s Synopsis:

    A celebrated writer’s irresistible, candid, and eloquent account of her pursuit of worldly pleasure, spiritual devotion, and what she really wanted out of life.

    Around the time Elizabeth Gilbert turned thirty, she went through an early-onslaught midlife crisis. She had everything an educated, ambitious American woman was supposed to want — a husband, a house, a successful career. But instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she was consumed with panic, grief, and confusion. She went through a divorce, a crushing depression, another failed love, and the eradication of everything she ever thought she was supposed to be.

    To recover from all this, Gilbert took a radical step. In order to give herself the time and space to find out who she really was and what she really wanted, she got rid of her belongings, quit her job, and undertook a yearlong journey around the world — all alone. Eat, Pray, Love is the absorbing chronicle of that year. Her aim was to visit three places where she could examine one aspect of her own nature set against the backdrop of a culture that has traditionally done that one thing very well. In Rome, she studied the art of pleasure, learning to speak Italian and gaining the twenty-three happiest pounds of her life. India was for the art of devotion, and with the help of a native guru and a surprisingly wise cowboy from Texas, she embarked on four uninterrupted months of spiritual exploration. In Bali, she studied the art of balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. She became the pupil of an elderly medicine man and also fell in love the best way — unexpectedly.

    An intensely articulate and moving memoir of self-discovery, Eat, Pray, Love is about what can happen when you claim responsibility for your own contentment and stop trying to live in imitation of society’s ideals. It is certain to touch anyone who has ever woken up to the unrelenting need for change.

    I think that last part is why I loved the book so far: “what can happen when you claim responsibility for your own contentment and stop trying to live in imitation of society’s ideals”.

    I’m not one for “imitating society’s ideals”…and I love any story, from any person, with any philosophical/spiritual background…detailing their path. Happy Reading Everyone!
27. Jan
    8
    2008
    At 12:02 pm Stephanie says:

    Wow,I was at the bookstore looking for a Christmas gift for a friend of mine and I saw “Eat, Pray, Love.” I have not read it( for it is on my list), but I felt so strongly that God was telling me that my friend needed to read this book. I didn’t even look at any other books. When I gave it too her she was so excited, she almost bought it the other day. God works in amazing ways! I love it! Smiles:)
28. Jan
    8
    2008
    At 12:22 pm Dianne says:

    Thank you for loving Jesus online. It is so refreshing.
29. Jan
    8
    2008
    At 1:12 pm Debbie says:

    I enjoyed your post. We are a family of 4 in a 1390 sq ft home. To some that’s big to some small. I at times want to go bigger but realize it comes with many prices. I so want to just rent it out and go on a RV year long trip with the kids.
    Also, I read the Eat, Pray, and Love book and found so many people against it (believers) and even though I don’t agree with her on many levels I learned so much and grew from it. I questioned some of my own thinking and grew. I could hardly put the book down. I am not sure it’s good for every believer but it was great for me.
    Blessings,
    Debbie aka The Real World Martha(S)
30. Jan
    8
    2008
    At 3:22 pm Andrea says:

    I think you will really enjoy EPL when you get a chance to read it - and also her earlier writing, “the last american man” - parts of it really remind me of your lifestyle, although the main character, Eustace Conway would benefit from having a tender heart like yours.
31. Jan
    9
    2008
    At 11:02 pm Cheryl Ann says:

    Hi, I don’t even remember how I even got to this page or why that I am even on the computer accept I was paying a bill and Jesus led me to this site. Oh, yeah I think I was off track..and thought of something like what every person needs when they go camping and forgets.. anyway I found you and this page and God spoke to me about the Goodwill and He will provide for me if we are camping and I forget something he is still watching over me. (Why I thought he didn’t go camping when he invented the garden of Eden go figure.) huh. thanks.
32. Jan
    15
    2008
    At 9:36 pm Donetta says:

    You are beautiful. I so understand your heart. I have to tell you your a fresh breath.

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