I heard a quote once that said, "Times of stress or trouble reveal your true colors." The Bible speaks about this in Luke 6:44-45 [paraphrased] that says, "Every tree will be revealed by the quality of fruit that it produces. Figs or grapes are not picked off thorn trees. People are known this way (like trees). Every man produces good out of the goodness stored in them and if you have evil stored up in you - it will come out. For the overflow of what you store in your heart will be seen by the fruit you produce and it will be heard in your words. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" and then eventually it is seen in your actions. If you and I are trees growing to bear fruit - what are we feeding ourselves now? Kindness, generosity, selflessness, self control, etc. What you feed yourself will be the fruit you produce in every season. The following verses talk about how fools don't follow this practice and stumble. Ahhh, but you are no fool, my friend if you are listening to this podcast with Lily Rodriguez, owner of Lily Bakes. She shares with us her struggles during this pandemic, and how through a flour drought she gave anyways...to me and many others with her delicious cookies and cupcakes! In a crisis, she showed her true colors, the good fruit of her heart of generosity, and her faith in Jesus.
I was so moved by her generosity that I had to share her story with you! It was vital for me to have her on as proof that even in troubles when we have an inclination to hold on and store up for "our 4 and no more", thus, close minded to generosity - when you shift change to generosity God will open up the windows of Heaven for a blessing that you cannot contain (Malachi 3:10)! He's not into keeping a scoreboard or you scratch my back - I'll scratch your back system in His giving. Nope. He is gracious to give to us all the time, but when we give to others - He is extravagant to give back to us in response.
Sticky note quote: "You can never out give God."
S - Stand firm in God even in the tough times -> Don't be swayed to fall apart, play the victim, panic, or worry when things don't pan out. Remember God's promises and stand on them.
H - Hope for what you cannot see (faith) and put action to it -> Keep baking, keep producing, keep creating, keep working. God's got you!
I - Impact others by searching for that one person you can bless. -> Keep an eye and an ear out for that person you can bless and say, "I got you!"
F - Focus on the fruit and ask for the rest. -> Don't stop baking, producing, or creating because of a missing ingredient. Ask God for what you need. You have not because you ask not! Talk to Him and then reach out to your circle of trust.
T - Thank God for the blessings and repeat! -> When He exceeds your expectations, Thank Him for what He's provided and repeat the cycle! Be a blessing to others around you by your giving!
Connect with Lily on Instagram: @Lilybakes.tx and order your next delicious treat for your next occasion! You will not be disappointed!
Shift happens! Be the change and inspire others to be Shift Changers with you!
Contact me shiftchangerpodcast@gmail.com
Stay connected on Instagram @Revive.Her or visit our shop: www.shoppalomablanca.com
Have a story that inspired change by you or someone else? I would love to share it! Love the podcast? Be gangster and rate & review this podcast!
