“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” — Maya Angelou
Offering I bring my weeds and wheat, my thorns and tares, every discordant, jarring part of me I share and deposit at your feet. I bring myself— a soul unravelled, not a neatly tied up package of a person brought fully under control, but an untidy messed-up self, with threadbare, ribbon-like spools. I bring my pain, my joys and sorrows, the tears I hide inside and those I can release and cry. I bring my masks and scars, my shadow side that’s in great need of holy redeeming light. I bring an open heart that’s still wary of opening up but wants more than anything to be able to love others better, and accept the love you freely give to me, the hope of seeing change, and the grace to live my life differently. © joylenton
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” — Kahlil Gibran
Poetry Joy 
Beautiful as always, dear Joy! Blessings and love to you! xo
Your kind encouragement is a blessing as always, dear Gayl! Love and hugs! xo ❤️
So very beautiful dear Joy!! 🥰 Oh how thankful I am for the multiplied mercy of my Saviour who receives every offering I place at His feet! Thank you for your sweet encouragement today my dear sister. Love and hugs and prayers for you! ❤️❤️❤️
How grateful we are, indeed, Bettie! Especially when we consider the paucity of our offerings, the hesitation to hand over our hearts, minds, and lives, compared with all God freely and willingly gives to us when we place our faith in Christ! I’m so pleased you were blessed and encouraged here, my dear sister and friend! Love, hugs and prayers for you, too! xo 🙏🏻❤️🕊
Dear Joy
Thank you so much for your beautiful Offerings prayer which I really needed to hear this morning as I have been struggling with painful osteoarthritis and other health issues.
I am taking our half hour midweek service this week and it will be lovely to use it in our time of worship. Our small group of elderly members have really appreciated your beautiful writing when I have used your wonderful poetry in the past.
Blessings and prayers
Carol
Dear Carol, I’m so sorry to hear how much you’re struggling with osteoarthritis and other health issues. My heart goes out to you. As you know, I can strongly relate. Feel free to email me with an update. Yes, please do use the Offerings poem/prayer for your midweek service. I’m humbly grateful for an opportunity to help bless others with the words God gives me. Thank you so much for the sweet encouragement you’ve shared. It means a lot, dear friend. Blessings, love and prayers for greater pain relief and improved health. x 💜🙏🏻
Just to let you know Joy that your beautiful poem was really appreciated by everyone – as was my service on the theme of Psalm 23.
Blessings
Carol
Thank you so much for letting me know, Carol. I’m glad your service went down well. Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved ones that people appreciate. I expect it lifts you, too, to minister to them. Thank you for your recent email. I hope to reply to it soon. Blessings and love. x ❤️🕊