🎁 Living GENEROSITY: sharing God's love in every moment

your plan for GENEROSITY Feb 3-9

It’s not always easy to be generous. Too often, my instinct is to hold back—whether it’s my time, attention, or even a simple kind word. This is a scarcity complex. I tell myself I’m too busy, too tired, or don’t have enough to give. But God doesn’t work that way. When I step outside of myself and give freely, I experience something surprising: abundance and joy.

Generosity is about trusting that God will provide and allowing his love to flow through us to others. It touches both the giver and the receiver.

This week, we’ll be baking, praying, and learning as we explore how God calls us to live generously, not just with material things, but also with our hearts, energy, attention, and faith. Where is God inviting you to give more freely, and how can you take a step toward saying yes?

Want to grow in virtue and find more peace, balance, and joy in life?

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Here’s the content for today and a sneak preview of the coming week…

🍞 [MONDAY 02.03] Bread of Generosity

There's something deeply spiritual about baking bread. It reminds us of the simplicity and abundance of God’s provision, especially as we reflect on the miracle of the loaves and fishes. In that Gospel story, what began as a humble gift became an overflowing blessing in the hands of Jesus.

Let’s think about that as we bake bread today. I promise that you can do it! In the winter, I make this recipe about once a week—it’s delightfully simple and so good. Let your baking be a prayerful reminder that God can take even the smallest acts of generosity and use them in powerful, unexpected ways.

Easy Crusty French Bread

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar (use honey if you prefer)

• 1 ¼ cups warm water

• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups flour, plus extra for dusting

Instructions

MIX DOUGH & FIRST RISE:

1. Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large mixing bowl.

2. Let the yeast proof for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is foamy.

3. Add flour (start with 2 ½ cups and add as needed) and mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough starts to come together, then add salt and mix until all ingredients are incorporated. This is relatively wet dough.

4. Cover bowl with a clean towel and let rise on the counter for about 1 hour, until dough has doubled in size.

SHAPE DOUGH & FINAL RISE:

1. Lightly flour a large cutting board and tip the dough out of the bowl and onto the cutting board. Do not punch the dough down! If the dough is sticky, use wet hands to do. Gently shape the dough into a round loaf: Pull each corner toward the center and repeat until the dough feels tight.

2. Flour a proofing basket or a medium bowl and place your loaf into it seam-side down. Cover with a towel and let rise another 30 minutes while you place an empty dutch oven (with the lid on) in your oven and preheat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

BAKE:

1. Remove dutch oven and take off the lid. Lay a piece of parchment paper down on your counter or cutting board. Tip your bread dough gently out of the proofing basket or bowl onto the parchment paper. Use the sides of the parchment to lift the bread up and place it into the hot dutch oven.

2. With lid on, put dutch oven back into the hot oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid continue baking, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes more until the bread has deepened in color with a brown crust.

3. Remove from oven and lift the bread out and onto a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and be sure to SHARE!

Think About This:

The boy in the miracle of the loaves and fishes gave all he had—a few loaves and fish—and trusted Jesus to do the rest. What small “loaves” can you offer to God this week? Whether it’s your time, your talents, or your love, trust that God will multiply your offering to bless others in ways you might never see.

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👀 SNEAK PREVIEW:
Coming this week for Girlfriends in Grace subscribers:

👋 [WEDNESDAY 02.05] Embracing Surprise Generosity

Generosity doesn’t have to be grand—it’s the small, unexpected acts of kindness that often touch hearts the most.

This week’s reflection invites you to embrace the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, with thoughtful prompts, a Scripture verse to inspire you, and a heartfelt prayer to guide your journey.

👉 Subscribe now for the full content and let generosity become a joyful habit that transforms your life and blesses others! 💖

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😇 [FRIDAY 02.07] St. Josephine Bakhita: Generous Spirit Forged Through Suffering

St. Josephine Bakhita’s story is a powerful testament to the transforming grace of God. Her feast day on February 8th inspires us to reflect on her generosity—in the love, hope, and mercy she freely gave, even to those who hurt her.

We’ll be sharing a reflection on her life, journaling prompts to help you explore forgiveness, and a challenge to extend generosity of spirit in your own life. Plus, discover practical ways to honor St. Bakhita and support victims of modern-day slavery.

✔️ Subscribe now for the full story and be inspired to live a life of faith, forgiveness, and boundless generosity! 🎁