Giving (in 2009)

We went to bag groceries at a local ministry just right before Christmas. Our boys were so excited (we were too). As we were getting ready, Ethan started asking what exactly we were going to go. He then asked "Are we going to get to eat breakfast before we leave?" since it was early in the morning. I assured him that we would. There were 2 things that struck me from this question:

• Our boys understand what it means to "sacrifice" and I love that! In his mind- if we were giving away to the poor that day, then it meant we were fasting in some capacity. This is something that we truly want our boys to understand. True sacrifice is when you give up something you love for someone else.
  

• There are kids out there that wake up and wonder every day..."are we getting to eat today?" "Do we get any kind of breakfast?". That truly saddens my heart. The homeless rate has grown so much over the past few years.There are so many hungry children and families out there!

Find a way you can "sacrifice" this year. Give up something you love, or think you need, for someone else. I know you will feel blessed for doing it and you will touch someone else's life! I am right there with you too. Our family wants to look at this new year and see how we can give more to others. Is there anything in 2009 that you feel "called" to do?? Please share! You might help someone else get an idea of how they can give to others in 2009.

~Christi~

Give to the least

Thanksgiving is such a good time to sit and think about what you are thankful for. We had our kids go through their list of things. We feel unbelievably blessed.

After we did that exercise, it brought a story to my mind. About 4 years ago, we lived in California and we were dirt poor. We had downsized quite a bit. It was a great way to live out some of the sacrifices we feel we have been called to make (and yet we are still so blessed!).

I took the boys to the park every Tuesday. Merrick had just turned 4 and Ethan was 1 1/2. I was alone in a new city and got a bit nervous each time I was out (for the fear of getting lost- not fear of people).

Well, one day we decided to try a new park. We pulled up and ended up being the only people there. It was right before lunch time. We got out of the car and headed straight for the swings.

Then, a homeless man came out of the bathroom. It looked like he had just cleaned himself up a bit. He went to the picnic table and sat down all alone. He rummaged through his bags (which I had failed to notice until now). He had a long scruffy beard. He had this expression though... one of resolve. He wasn't having a pity party. He wasn't begging. He was just one of those guys that seemed to be in a situation that he had never thought in his wildest dreams he would be in.

As we prepared to leave about an hour later, the man barely glanced up. Maybe he thought he would scare us or something. I had that nagging feeling like I should go talk to him. You know that nudging. I put the boys in the car and grabbed a water bottle and $10. I'm not usually the one who gives out cash to the homeless because too many times I feared it was spent on things not good. I'm telling you, I didn't see that in this guy.

I walked back over to him and accidentally startled him. I told him that I felt like I was supposed to give him the water and the money. He replied with " I wasn't asking for anything". I said "I know, but I want to do this". Then I walked off and yelled back "God bless you!". The man smiled. His tough exterior had weakened a bit.

I got in the car and Merrick asked "Why did you give that man that water bottle?". I told him what being homeless meant. He then asked " Was that Jesus, mommy?" (At that time they believed that everyone with a beard was Jesus). I started to answer no and then I instead said "yes". I explained how it was just like giving to Jesus.

He was so tickled that I had given water to Jesus! The reason I said yes was because of this verse: Matthew 25:40- “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

So, go GIVE to the least!! I'm going to take my own advice on that one too. What can you give this holiday season that will be a sacrifice for you? How can you give out of your need rather than your excess? That is the challenge!

~Christi~

Faithfulness

Today has been all about BILLS. You know, those things that come in the mail on a consistent basis and say "Pay me or else you will have to pay more"?

I've been a bit stressed. I called Brandon and vented and he lathered me with compliments (over the phone-not in the bath!) about how well I work our finances. We really do make a good team!

He said I do a great job once I see it all on paper, so, I wrote it ALL down. Extra Dr. expenses, dentist, vet,Car tag, school events, etc.

We have paid out $1200 extra in the last month. (which is shocking in itself. Can someone please get me a glass of water? Gulp.)

BUT the amazing thing is that once I figured out those expenses and what we also cut back on in the last month- we almost break even. What!?! How can that be? It can only be explained by the grace of God. I firmly believe that when we are faithful to Him, He is faithful to us. THANK YOU Lord for being our provider.

I have 3 more medical bills and some orthodontic work for Merrick and some dental work for me to look forward. Instead of worrying about what's to come-I'm going to bask in the victory of this month! I still cannot explain where that money came from ( and I guess I don't need to anyways).

THANK YOU!

Just opened my e-mail and found an Amazon certificate for $40 for our anniversary from "Me". So, I'm racking my brain trying to figure out who it's from, and humbled at the same time. THANK YOU so much to whomever blessed our family like that. We appreciate it so much! May God bless you as you have blessed us!

Your big give?

It seems to be more of a common thing to "give" these days. I know that Brandon and I have certain areas where we give our time and money to. There are shows about giving such as "The big give" and "Extreme Makeoever:Home edition".

Recently, I have been planning a fundraiser for our babysitter that is going to live in Mexico for a year as a missionary. We are passionate about it because 1) we love her and believe in her (she has been our sitter for 7 yrs!) 2) we have been to the place she is going and we have seen the need 3) we believe in the ministry she is working with. We were summer staff for 2 different summers and can't say enough positive things about their leadership and influence!

So, it got me thinking.......what areas do you give to? Do you give at all? What tugs those heart strings of yours? If you got a raise, would you give it away? Do you give sacrificially or out of excess?