Our concept of "blessing" is so limited by our human understanding.  Paul's 
"thorn in the flesh", whatever it was, tormented him, but it was a blessing 
too because it helped him learn that God's grace was sufficient for him.  So 
I suppose a blessing is anything, good or bad, in which we encounter God and 
are drawn closer to Him, which could be --- well --- anything.  But I know 
what you mean about talking as though God were a genie or a vending machine, 
where we just put in the coin and press the button and out comes what we 
want;  and if it doesn't come out, then it's obviously your fault for not 
putting in the right coin or pressing the right button.  Now you've got ME 
waxing philosophical!  <grin>

Peggy
http://kernsac.livejournal.com/
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rhonda Partain" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2006 1:16 PM
Subject: what do you think the word "blessing" means?


>A friend and I recently applied for a habitat house, it is a program where
> houses are built for low income families who could not otherwise afford to
> get a home.  They consider where you live, if you live in subsandard
> housing, your family size, and income.  Anyway  they chose my friend who 
> has
> three children to get a house.
> She sent out this email  saying how she had prayed that God would  bless
> her, her family, her finances, and so on, and then..she got this house.
> I was at first a bit mad at the email, it sounded  as though God were a
> magic  genny we need only tell our wishes to.
> It also seeed that if  others would do the same they too could be 
> "blesssed"
> But what actually is a "blessing" an underserved favor, an unexpected 
> gift
> that could not be earned!
> I realize that I was a bit jealous, Ben and I don't live in a "substandard
> house" but our rent is a good chunk of our income.we don't have small
> children.  I was just sort of  angry because I know that this husband does
> not manage his money well,  they have other problems as well, but perhaps
> God eant it as a fresh start,  once one gets behind in bills whether it 
> from
> not paying them and doing stupid tings, or from not having the money to 
> pay
> them, it is so hard to catch up!
> Sio.I was thinking what does it mean when we say "blessing" or I am 
> blessed"
> I realize that some of the confusion I  have is because of things I have
> heard,  you know if God did it for one, He can do it for another, but we I
> can't see the big picture, and if given the choice to be where my friend 
> is
> and where I am, I'd choose where I am.
> Blessings aren't always things you can see,  well, just was thinking..and
> thought I'd write it all down.
>
> Rhonda
>