Here are some one-liners I read recently that just made me smile.

• For people who like peace and quiet: a phoneless cord.
• Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
• If I want your opinion, I'll ask you to fill out the necessary forms.
• Look out for #1. Don't step in #2 either.
• A conclusion is simply the place where you got tired of thinking.
• I used up all my sick days, so I'm calling in dead.
• Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie!'... till you can find a
  rock.
  
• Shin: A device for finding furniture in the dark.

My favorite:

• If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished!

Giving

Lately I've been thinking a lot about giving. Not just giving things that I probably won't miss, but the kind of giving that leaves a dent. Let me explain.

I've always loved giving to others, especially those in need. But lately, through a series of events and life lessons, God has been dealing with Hetee and I to give it all up. Everything. The last drop. Our All. Oh, I had my excuses all lined up in a row - I already gave God my all when I decided to be in ministry! and We already give so much! and, my all-time favorite, We have kids now. We have to be responsible givers!

Then last Wednesday I read about the Macedonian church in 2 Corinthians. About how they gave their all to God and to others despite affliction, suffering, and poverty. They gave freely and beyond their means. AND GOD BESTOWED HIS GRACE ON THEM.

God's grace! I don't know about you but I can use some more of that in my life. My husband and I have decided to take God at His word. We're giving Him our all once again. He's God; He could just take it but He's being polite and asking for it. So we're giving it. I've heard said numerous times that it's not the amount given that matters, but what counts is what's on the inside. And that's true to an extent (2 Cor. 9:7). But at the risk of sounding ungrateful, I'm going to agree with Paul when he basically said (8:8) that giving is a test of our love. Love leads to generosity and I gotta tell ya, it takes a whole lot more love to give $1,000.00 than ten bucks.

If we love God we will give to His Kingdom. It's that simple. Let us be generous when we give! God didn't hold back for a rainy day when He lavished His love on us. Think about it, by our standards, He would have been considered an irresponsible and foolishly bad parent when He gave His only Son to die for us. The gesture was out of this world so shouldn't we answer that sentiment with no less than offering Him all that we have and all that we are?

Warning: Offering yourself to God can result in loss of home, job or car and, in severe cases, life. God has been known to take these offers seriously.