This blog post was inspired by the new book by Karen Ehman titled, Listen, Love, Repeat which releases on November 15, 2016 you can purchase a copy at http://listenloverepeatbook.com.

For several years now I’ve had a new crockpot on my list of things to update in my home.  I’ve done my research and there are so many new features to choose from.  The oval version will give me so many more options for roasting meats and making creative breads.  Then there’s the one where I can lock the lid for all of those covered dishes I want to bring with me to different functions.  Of course the stainless steel look would be so much more acceptable than this retro brown and peach edition.  So why then, does this vintage piece remain in my kitchen? Because it has an attitude – a charitable, self-less attitude that is. This little gem has just celebrated 33 years in our home and she’s still going strong.  It’s probably one of the only bridal shower items I still have kicking around (at least in the small appliance department).

While reading Karen’s book this week, she asks “Who owns your stuff?”.  I meditated on the scripture verses she pointed out, starting with 1 Chron 29:12-14.

“Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all.  In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make great and to give strengthen to all.  And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name.  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this free will offering?  For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”

In short, wealth and honor come from God.  Do you believe all you have comes from God?  Everything –  your gifts, your wealth, your possessions, your family?  What a shift in our attitude when our perspective changes.  When our attitude changes so does our approach.

Next we read, Acts 4:32 which says,

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.”

When you look at these two scriptures together, it’s clear – it’s all in our perspective and I believe that is the shift God wants us to recognize here. Who own’s your stuff? This concept is nothing more than other-centered living.  The very act of putting your needs aside for the good of others takes away the natural response of selfishness; holding on to those possessions for only ourselves.  It reminded me of the saying “Use the good China; life is short.”  Well, I’m not sure that this swanky crockpot would count as my “good  china”, but as it sat on the counter I thought about all the meals that were prepared for those God placed in my path. It’s made soup for those who were ill, stew for new parents, chili for my son’s football games, applesauce after a day of picking with my family – the list goes on and on. Though old and cracked and yes, very outdated in appearance – its ability to get the job done was nothing more than a decision to turn it on and let it do its thing.  Isn’t that really all God asks us to do?  He gives us the gifts and means to share His love and all we need to do is say “yes” and follow His lead.

“Living a life of welcome – opening both your heart and your home – means your stuff gets used.”  ~Karen Ehman