~ "Giving the shirt off my back" - Literally. ~

~Taken with my Nikon Coolpix S1 Digital Camera~

Today I went to the local Henry's market. - Known for it's quality produce, natural health vitamins, remedies, and gourmet specialties, as well as an interesting blend of people.

I had gone in with a friend to browse the vitamins, and purchase a health-drink (grape-flavoured kombucha, to be specific) for myself. We walked around looking for something healthy and delicious to snack on, - our attempt to find an alternative to all the fast-food joints surrounding the market.

After surverying the deli, and admiring the gourmet salads and wraps on display, we decided to just purchase our items and go somewhere else for a bite to eat.

While taking out my debit card, and chatting with my friend, a lady excitedly approached me about my long gray duster I was wearing, saying she had been looking all over the place for something just like it, and wanted to know where I had gotten it.

Almost ambarrassed because we were in a market where more "well-to-do" people come to buy their groceries, I told her I had found it at the Salvation Army. - After only a couple minutes it was clear to me that I should offer her my sweater.

I became aware of the awesome opportunity to share God's love with someone! - To her amazement - as well as the by-standers and the employees checking us out at the registers, I insisted that she take it, and that it really didn't cost me much.

With some encouragement that I was serious from my friend, the lady accepted it, and offered to pay me - I only asked for $5 - and we both just sort of laughed and made the quick exchancge as we both were leaving the check-out lines, wishing a good weekend for one another.

As I unbuttoned my sweater, I even heard an elderly customer exclaim that I literally was giving her the shirt off my back - I thought that was such an awesome testimony!

Beaming with joy at what just happened, we walked to the car, and I realized she gave me $10! - I was amazed at how good God was! - I would have given it to her for free, yet I was blessed double the amount I asked for, simply for my willingness to give.

Just think, God knows exactly what we need, when we need it. In the book of Luke it says not to worry about what you will wear, or what you will eat, because God will take of all your basic needs as you are seeking Him.

I encourage you to read the following passage, in light of my experience today, and to take heart, that He finds great joy in providing for you!

Luke 12: 22- 32

Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing.. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you.These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.