Something I’ve been learning since my return to the U.S         .
 
I’ve been watching Isaac a lot, my nephew, and since I love him dearly I don’t mind.  One day while watching him I said, “Isaac, give me the brush or I’ll have to take it away from you.”  I recognized that voice.  And you think.  Who?  Your mother?  No. 
 
Actually, those same words were being spoken to me from our Father in Heaven.  I heard His voice through the identical verbal words that came from my mouth to Isaac.  He wants to give lavishly in ways that surpass expectations but we hold onto things that may be good, but can die in our hands.  When we give whatever it may be to Him, the source of life, they grow into what they should and were intended to be in our lives.  Blessings instead of curses. 
 
He said, “Extend your hands to me.  Choose to give me the things I’ve entrusted to you for a time so that I can give back 10-fold and more fully to you.  So that I don’t have to take them away from you.  Don’t allow those gifts to decompose in your hands, because just like seeds I will plant another in that leftover ‘soil’ (in your life) and ask the same as I’m asking now.  I desire good things for you.  Trust in me. ”

Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3

 
“God gives where He finds empty hands.” St. Augustine