Proverbs 16:24  ” Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” I recently had lunch with a friend and before saying our Good-byes, my friend asked if she could pray for me.   She lifted my needs before the Lord.  She spoke words of affirmation over my life and told me the ways she saw God using me.  In that moment I was struck by the fact that I had been given a gift that money can not buy. Everyday we are given opportunities to speak kind words. Sometimes we are afforded moments to give what money can’t buy: a blessing of hope. Father,  thank you for the gift my friend gave me when she encouraged my overwhelmed heart.  Please help me be sensitive to the needs of those around me and be ready with ‘gracious words’. — Countdown to Christmas: In the coming days I will be sharing with you some of my favorite ornaments and why they remind me of gifts that money can’t buy.