Have you ever completely given God all you have? Or are you like me, and only give him your leftovers?  So many times God blesses us and we return it with giving him what we don't want. (Old clothes, a ratty couch, or that really worn down pair of shoes.)  I'm not saying donating things is bad, all I'm saying is, why don't we give God our best?

   What about giving God other things? Like yourself? The Bible says we need to lay down ourselves.  We need to say " Here is my everything God, take it. It's not much, but it's all i have.  Here's my life, my heart and my soul.  Have it.  It's yours now. "  But that's so hard!  Personally I know I think I can handle it all!  (But I can't, don't let me fool you!)  It's a selfish thing we do really.
 
   Have you ever met someone who puts all of these self-sacrificing qualities into action?  Well I have. (Technically I haven't, but my family talks about her often.)

   My great grandma, or Ma Cooper as she was known, was a wonderful woman of God.  She was tough as nails, but sweet as sugar.  During the Depression people didn't have very much, few people even had a job.  But Great Grandpa Cooper did.  He had a job on the rail road, which meant that he had a steady, decent paying job.  Well my awesome Ma Cooper saw that her neighbors were struggling during this tough time and realized that they needed help.  She knew she was very blessed and it was the least she could do to help.  Every single night my Ma Cooper fed as many people as she could.  Sometimes all she had was beans and cornbread, but she knew that others needed it more than she did.  Basically, she showed in her actions, her love for and complete trust in God.  That taught my Papaw (aka my grandpa) that if you put God above all else, he will provide.  Papaw then taught my Dad, who is now teaching me this value system.

   When I'm gone I want to be known as the woman who would give the shirt off her back for anyone, even if that meant she didn't live the most comfortable life. (Once more, we'll see how that happens!!!...)