I Like Giving by Brad Formsma

I Like Giving by Brad Formsma is a book that focuses simply on the joy of giving. There is a lot on financial giving, but also plenty of stories about other forms of giving as well. He admits that his family do have the financial resources available to meet the needs of others, and I love how they look for opportunities. His family does have rules on how much to give without having a family discussion. Generosity is wonderful, but boundaries do need to be set. The stories of financial giving in the book vary from one person giving, a few friends giving, on up to someone creating a Facebook Event to help a fellow student who was struggling. Sometimes the act of allowing others to be a part of the giving effort is its own act of giving.

The stories are not strictly about money, but suggest other ways to make a difference. Through a series of small anecdotes entitled "I Like.......", we learn of opportunities people shared of giving time, a smile, a second chance, etc. Some required more sacrifice than others, but all agreed that it was worth any sacrifice made to make a difference in the life of someone else.

One of the ones that made me smile, and enforced the idea of training our children in the way they should live involved potty training. Not only was this 3 year old little boy in the habit of wasting food, but he was also in no hurry to be potty trained. When his mom explained to him about other people going hungry due to lack of food, he asked how they could help. His mom got creative and resourceful by suggesting that the money they spent on Pull-Ups could be used to help people who are hungry. He went on to have the pride of knowing he was in "big boy underwear", but that he was also helping others. A very large lesson for a small boy, but one that needs to be learned early.

Some of the stories may seem redundant, but I can't name one I would omit. Not only is this a book that makes you feel good as you rejoice with both the recipient and with the giver, but it is one that make spark ideas on ways you can make a difference. A quote by Henry Nouwen on the 'I Like Giving' website is, "Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know I am moving from fear to love". I love the encouragement to give whatever it is you have to offer, and that this is not just about giving to the poor. People from all walks of life can use encouragement and your gift, no matter how great or small, can make a powerful impact on both the recipient's life and your own.

Thanks to Shelton Interactive for giving me the book at no cost for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review.

"Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know that I am moving from fear to love."  - See more at: http://ymjen.com/blog/posts/recent-reads-the-return-of-the-prodigal-son-by-henri-nouwen#sthash.3GdHo64C.dpuf

"Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know that I am moving from fear to love."  - See more at: http://ymjen.com/blog/posts/recent-reads-the-return-of-the-prodigal-son-by-henri-nouwen#sthash.3GdHo64C.dpuf

Watch the 'I Like Giving' Promo here.

I Like Giving on Facebook

'I Like Giving' website 

'Corners Of Your Field' Program

“When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop.  It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God." - Leviticus 19:9-10 

 It is time for the end of the year, cleaning out the closets routine. Out with the old and make room for the new!! Don't know what to do with the items that you no longer need? Here is a fantastic idea!! I just recently heard about this excellent program that is founded on Biblical principles of provision for the poor, but updated into a modern, practical approach for those of us who do not have fields. I am going to be personalizing it for my own area, but check to see if there is a program near you.
 

  

When you donate your gently used items to the local Mission Possible Bargain Center, tell them the name of your church, and the church then receives a credit that is given in the form of gifts cards. Reminder: Share this info with your pastor and request that your church signs up to be a part of this program. This is a win-win for everyone. When you give, you not only are helping some on a tighter budget buy needed items, but the money spent also goes to aid others through The Jimmie Hale Mission and Jessie's Place. Plus, part your donation is monetized into a gift card for your church to use for those in need in  your community!! 

Mission Possible Bargain Centers: Corners Of Your Field Program 
 You can drop off your items at the store or schedule a FREE donation pick-up 205-323-5878 or 1-855-693-4353

Jimmie Hale Mission 

 Mission Possible Bargain Center - Cullman County
306 Main Street SE
 Hanceville, AL 35077 -
Hwy. 31 near City Hall, one mile south of Wallace State
Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, please call 256-352-6068.

REMINDER; TELL YOUR PASTOR TO SIGN-UP FOR THIS PROGRAM BY CALLING MR. TERRY PRESTON AT 256-323-5878.

Halloween

Halloween can be a very controversial day and I am not going to dispute with anyone about whether it should be celebrated or shunned entirely. I dislike the frightening or evil side that some seem to enjoy, but I don't like that stuff the rest of the year either.

To me, it is the beginning of a season of Sharing and Caring. I have no problem with kids dressing up, getting treats, playing games, and just simply having fun. Giving out candy may not exactly be the same as "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded." (Matthew 10:42), but it does work on similar principles. Giving treats and joy to kids is one of the earliest examples of sharing and giving that kids can grasp. It is offered freely and without anything being required in return. Hmmm, that concept sounds familiar too!! "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8)

My very first Halloween was when I was only 3 months old, so I have no memory of it. But I have always treasured the story my mom told me about it. Oct 31st of that year she was a young mom, and probably exhausted from taking care of her first child (although I am sure I was a perfect child! LOL!). My dad was working 2nd shift so it was just the 2 of us when there was a knock on the door. When the costumed kids yelled out, "Trick or Treat!!," my mom realized she had forgotten all about Halloween. She apologized to the group of kids and explained that all she had to offer them was her baby's bottle. A couple of hours later, the same group of kids returned...bringing Mom a bag of candy from what they had received from neighbors! They wanted to share with someone who had none.

So, I think of Halloween as the first day of Sharing Season. During the coming weeks, people will be donating food, toys, etc. for others less fortunate for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, just think of this as your first opportunity to give to others---whether you think they are deserving or not. At the least, it is a great example to give to children about simple acts of giving and kindness. Life can be sweet and fun --- if you let it!!!

🎃HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!🎃

Tis The Season...

Hunting, Gathering, Preparing

Which season? Depends who you are talking to, I guess. Last weekend was the opening of Hunting Season here, but we are now readying ourselves for Holiday Shopping Season!! Just think about it: avid fans are preparing to hunt, gather, and provide for their loved ones. And, of course, bragging about who bagged the biggest. I just see it as another weekend hearing all about racks, bags, early morning hunts, bucks, and doe/dough. Whether you are hunting for deer, a bargain, a parking space...or a leftover piece of pecan or pumpkin pie, this weekend will seem like the beginning of a rushed season. More and more store ads are popping up about shopping; Some even plan on starting as early as 8pm on Thanksgiving! One of the things I am most thankful for is that I will not be among them!! Due to the traumatic experience when my cousin, Debbie, convinced me to go along with her to check out the early specials at Walmart nearly 30 years ago...my shopping ends before Thanksgiving and I avoid stores until several days into the New Year...unless it involves necessary food or cleaning supplies. Truthfully, I pretty much avoid shopping anytime of the year. So many of my relatives could spend hours just browsing that I sometimes would ask if I was adopted! Apparently it was merely that my brother got both of our shares of the "shopping gene".

Thanks to the internet, online shopping has created "Cyber Monday" to go along with "Black Friday" (by the way, does anyone know if Saturday and Sunday have special names?), and that is more my style...if I MUST shop!! There are 3 things I like to take into consideration:

1. Avoid Crowds! The internet may be busy too, but I can shop in an old pair of sweats ( or my sleepwear), and a pot of coffee nearby. Win/win!
2. Save Money! Sales and coupons are a great way to cut the cost of items, and especially if it is for something you planned to buy anyway. There are coupons available to download.
3.  Helping Others! This time of year, many in this country are preparing for a huge feast with family or friends, and we make it a point to remember our blessings. This often proves to be a time when charitable giving to others less fortunate rises tremendously. I feel that we are blessed so we can bless others.

Recently I was made aware of a group that combines all 3 of the above. Save1.com provides the opportunity to shop from home, save money, and help save lives!! Shoppers simply need to visit the Save1 website, type the name of any store in the search box, find the most relevant coupon or offer, and click "Use this Offer." Even if you love the thrill of the chase in stores, there are some things that are easier to track online!



Watch the video of Todd Smith of Save1.com explaining more about the company:

Family owned and operated, Save1 provides coupons and special offers from thousands of top online retailers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and throughout the year---enabling shoppers to feed a hungry child with every offer redeemed. Incorporating the Save Money, Save Lives principle, Save1 donates the cost of a meal to one of its nonprofit partner organizations every time a shopper uses a coupon or special offer from the site. For more information, please visit http://save1.com.

LIKE Save1.com on Facebook and you will see that they are serious!! Explore their page and I believe you will be impressed! So, by all means, count your blessings and enjoy your shopping. God blesses us and we should enjoy His provision. However,  to also be able to share our blessing with others is a gift above no other. So happy hunting/shopping...and enjoy this special season in your life!!

And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased ~ Hebrews 13:16

Hope For AIDS Orphans

 This is a week that has many activities and remembrances of The Sanctity Of Life. While more areas of concentration are centered on the appalling fact of abortion, I also want to speak on the subject of the rights of those children who have been left orphaned due to AIDS. Many of these orphans  live in areas that are considered Third World countries. Their lives are already filled with hunger: They hunger for food to fill their empty bellies, they hunger for the spiritual truth that there is a God who loves them, and they hunger for the touch of a parent who loves them. Hope For AIDS Orphans is an outreach of Cross International, a Christian relief and development charity based in Florida. This ministry provides food, shelter, education, and meets medical needs to some of the poorest in dozens of countries.

I know that it is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the needs in the world, especially when you are struggling with meeting those within your own family, but there are more ways than one to help. Please check out the Hope For Aids Orphans website to see the 3 ways listed  that people can help Express Care, Share Their Story, and Give Hope. 

 For the fatherless receives compassion in You. - Hosea 14:3 
We are here to do serve others as we would serve Him. Even if you cannot make the difference the the lives of many, perhaps you can make the difference in the life of one child.

"Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now." ~Saint Teresa of Avila

 

 

Click here for Cross International on Facebook.