(This post was first shared as a podcast and can be heard here: These Three Things )

One of my favorite Christmas gifts in childhood created a bit of a problem between my mother and me. It was a craft kit for making two-dimensional plastic flowers and insects. But before I delve into that story from the early 70s, let’s talk about some wonderful gifts from God.

Today, I want to talk about one of the many gifts that are offered to everyone living on this beautiful globe. Not only is this spun by God planet more lovely than any ornaments dangling on our Christmas trees, but God’s gifts of faith, hope, and love are also more precious than the presents underneath our celebratory evergreens.

The first of these three things I want to mention is faith. What good is the hope and love of God to us if we don’t first believe in Him? When it comes to faith, we must not lose sight of the truth that it’s a gift given by God. We don’t and can’t earn salvation. Why we choose to believe is because we respond to His choosing of us. God woos us, saves us, and keeps us. We’re the bride of Christ that God has no intention of jilting. Nor does He have any intention of forcing people to be betrothed to Him.

God builds His kingdom through loving invitation—not battle cry conscription.

For this podcast, I chose a favorite Bible verse about faith, and you may be able to guess which one it is from what I’ve shared so far. No worry if you haven’t, because I will share it at the end.

If we were having coffee together, I would ask you what your favorite faith verses are. Feel free to let me know via whatever platform you’re reading or hearing this on.

Now, let’s get back to my childhood Christmas story, where a favorite gift I got from my parents caused a kerfuffle between my mother and me. The gadget they bought me made cute and colorful little flowers and insects that kids my age craved to collect. My entrepreneurial spirit kicked into high creative gear in grade four when I sold tons of my tiny creations to classmates. Although I had a strong business sense at an early age, I sometimes lacked common sense. My booming business was soon busted by my concerned mother. She wondered if it was legal for me to be raking in so many nickels and dimes from my schoolmates.

Craft supplies are still one of my favorite gifts to receive. And my love of selling handmade items has persisted over the years. I appreciate online selling platforms like Etsy that enable artisans to have a home-based business. My present passion is making one-of-a-kind journals from repurposed and vintage supplies. It’s not booming since each handmade book takes weeks to create. But at least I won’t get busted now that I know and follow clearly defined rules.

And the funny thing is, much of the craft materials I use came from my dear mom. She may not have encouraged the primary school sales of my creations, but she has blessed me with a steady supply of stuff and compliments regarding my artistry ever since. It’s possible she saved me from sticking to a craft form that wasn’t healthy for my lungs. Instead, I now use repurposed items rather than store-bought chemical ingredients. 

 

God’s rules for how to be saved are also clearly defined. Here’s the verse I mentioned as being my favorite one about faith:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8–9 NIV

 And now I’d like to close with a poem:

Faith is foundational

For a relationship with Christ

And by this faith we walk with Him

In all stages of life.

~ wlm

I’m nosy to know what your favorite faith verse is?

P.S. If you’re curious, here’s the link to my Etsy shop: WendyLMacCreations

Creative Blessings,

Wendy Mac