Cheerful Givers

"God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."  2 Corinthians 9:7

 Christmas 2007

I'm done with my shopping and wrapping.  YEAH!  Now I can sit back and enjoy the season.  (Except the packing and cleaning up before we go "over the river and through the woods" to Grammy and Papa's house.)

I find I put such pressure on myself at Christmas to buy or give just the right gift and by the time everything is wrapped I'm re-thinking my decisions.  Am I giving something that the recipient will love?  Will they know the thought behind the gift?  And then I fret, second-guess, and debate with myself.  I love to give, but I have to get over the worry part of it.

I pray that my kids love find joy in giving to others and not look at it as something that they "have" to do because its expected.  I also pray that they accept the gifts they receive with the heart they were given in.  Giving and receiving should both be a delight!

Lord, thank you for the gifts of this season and the joy it is to give to others.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to be cheerful and generous givers.  You love it when the giver delights in the giving to others.  I also pray that Alyssa and Kyle appreciate the generous and thoughtful gift of others, remembering that people give out of love for them.  Jesus, that you for the ultimate gift of your Son and the reason we celebrate at Christmas!

 

Helping Hearts

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  Hebrews 6:10

Alyssa and friends (2006)

Every year our kids have to do some community service to earn some "stamps for camp".  I think that it's usually the last requirement they fill, in order to earn their full scholarship to go to summer camp.  One year (pictured above), Alyssa and her friends made dog biscuits from scratch, and then took them to the area Humane Society, for the homeless dogs.  Very sweet idea, but oh what a lovely mess they made.

I'm praying that as Alyssa and Kyle get older they don't continue to need "incentives" in order to serve others in our community, whether it be in our church or otherwise. I want their hearts to be moved to help others when they sense a need, or give of their time because it's a passion, and be a blessing to the hungry, hurting, or hopeless.  

 

This past Saturday many from our church gathered to rake leaves for people who needed help (picture below).  What a joy it was to work side-by side with others to accomplish something helpful for someone else.  

 

 

I want Alyssa and Kyle to make a difference in the life of someone else because God has made a difference in theirs.

Lord, give our children a servant's heart.  Move them to help those who need a helping hand.  May their spirit be marked by compassion for the hurting and hungry world around them. Whatever they do for one of the least of these, they truly do for you (Matthew 25:40).  Give them your eyes, dear Jesus, that they may see the world as you do, and make their hearts tender like yours.  Serving others is serving you, and you will not forget the ways they show love to those around them (Hebrews 6:10). You will make Alyssa and Kyle's joy complete when they are like-minded, having the same love as you have, being one in spirit and purpose.  I pray that they do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than themselves. (Philippians 2:2-3)  May Alyssa and Kyle's lives be lived in honor of you, and may your glory be revealed in and through them.

 

Lend a Hand

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”  Romans 15:1-2 (The Message)

Lyssa & Friends (2006)

Let's pray some scripture:

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are strong and able in the faith and can step in and lend a hand to those who falter and not just do what is most convenient for themselves.  The strength you give Alyssa and Kyle is for service, not status.  May they always look after the good of the people around them and have hearts that are always asking "how can I help?"

 

A Richer Attitude

"Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others."  Philippians 2:4

Alyssa, Kyle, and cousin Daria (1999)

Sometimes it's hard to think of someone else's needs, wants and desires.  Even at 44 years of age unfortunately. 

Lyssa and Ken love "Finding Bigfoot" and I like the Hallmark channel.
Kyle and Ken love football, baseball, and every sport in between, but I can't say that I do.
My girl loves Qdoba's Mexican cuisine but Kyle would vote for the chinese flair of Panda Express.

Often, when the kids would have sleepovers when they were little, discussions could be heard of who wanted to do what, and who should get to pick.  Over and over again I had to have the conversation with my kids of letting our guests choose the activity of the moment, and as the host, we'd wait our turn to have a say.

Life is a lot like that sometimes.  Doing something for the benefit of someone else.  Sacrificing.  Giving.  Loving through the compromise of our own wants and desires.  Thinking of someone's need and doing what we can to help.  Our own life will be the richer for it.

I want my kids to be the kind of people who love others fully by putting the interest of someone else ahead of their own.

Lord, teach me.  And, Lord, teach our children to be interested in the lives of others.  Give them hearts of compassion, mercy, and sacrifice to the needs, wants and desires of others.  May they have hearts that reflect you, and the attitudes that you desire them to have.  Givers.  Lovers.  Others-focused.  With you, at the helm of their heart, they will be a reflection of you to those around them.

 

GIving Hearts

"Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!"  Proverbs 21:26 (NLT)

Cousins at Christmas (2006)

Christmas is 18 days away and Kyle decided yesterday that it was time to begin his shopping.  For the first time, he walked out the door and drove himself to the store to buy gifts.  Two hours later he walked through the door, rushing to his bedroom, with an arm load of packages and a big grin on his face.

Kyle has always loved to give.  One of the most memorable gifts, when he was little, was for a dog named Grizzly that lived next door to his Grammy and Papa, an 8 hour drive away.  Roaming the Dollar Store, Kyle was sure Grizzly needed a new dog bone.  The small gift brought big smiles for sure!  It was just the beginning of moments that gave me glimpses into a heart that loves to give to others.

My prayer is that the propensity to give grows bigger and bigger in both Alyssa and Kyle's hearts!

Tis the season to give as generously as the Lord has given to us!

Oh how I love this season of giving and celebration. Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son to this world, and giving us the gift of hope, love, and forgiveness. Like Mary, may we take time to ponder all these things in our hearts. Help Alyssa and Kyle really grasp the true meaning of this season, and take hold of your precious gift, and live their lives centered on you. Out of your abiding presence in their hearts, I pray that they find great joy in giving generously to others. May Alyssa and Kyle's hearts prod them to give to those that are in need, and to those they appreciate and love. May their focus this year, not be on what they may get from others, but what they can be giving. Lord, you are the ultimate gift giver and we delight in all that you give us!

 

Big Givers

"Be generous to the poor—you'll never go hungry;
   shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses."  

--Proverbs 28:27 (The Message)

"When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. 

Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. 

That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, 

working behind the scenes, helps you out."

 --Matthew 6:3-4 (The Message)

"God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."

--2 Corinthians 9:7 (The Message)

                           

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be cheerful givers.  May their hearts respond with a big "yes" when they see others who are in need.  Teach them to be especially generous to the poor and needy.  Help them to be wise in their spending and saving, so that they can have the freedom to be generous whenever they are aware of a need.  As they find wonderful opportunities to be a blessing to others, keep their pride in check and keep their mouths from boasting about their giving.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they will always give out of a heart of love and generosity, and not out of guilt, pride, or because of someone else's expectation besides your own.  May generosity always mark Alyssa and Kyle's lives.
 

Better to Give

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you..."  1 Chronicles 29:14

 Lyssa & Grammy...Mother's Day, 2010

Some days I see signs that our children are generous givers.  Other days not so much.  My favorite moments are when I see them bless one another with their generosity.  Don't you know it's easier to "sacrifice" for friends!

We're always told that "it's better to give than to receive".  There's just something fun about watching the face of the receiver, or seeing the benefits of your gift at work in someone's life. 

Better yet, giving really blesses two parties.  That's a pretty good return on your investment.

Oh how I long to see Alyssa and Kyle become happy givers, bighearted encouragers, and charitable servants of Jesus Christ!  

Lord, everything we have is yours, and you yourself are a generous giver with your children.  Help us become more like you.  Your Word says that a generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to give generously to others and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this you will bless them in all their work and in everything they put their hand to. (Deuteronomy 15:10)  Generosity allows others to come face to face with you.  Oh, how we may reflect your sweet spirit!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Giving Pleasure

"You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"  Acts 20:35 (The Message)

 Cousins (2007)

I only have 2 more presents to wrap and then I'm done, done, done!!!!  It's amazing how much energy it takes to wrap those gifts.  Every year I regret waiting to start my wrapping until after I have purchased the very last gift. Someone remind me next year to DO A LITTLE AT A TIME!

Or I'll follow Kyle's game plan and use gift bags!  He's not so impressed with wrapping.

In lieu of me writing a blog yesterday, my man was sweet to post some of his thoughts.  It was a sweet gift as I was dragging my feet after a long day.  But because I was absent I failed to be able to share what I was thankful for (besides my hubby)!   So here is a quick list...

• Lyssa received her first college acceptance from her top choice of schools (our alma mater)!  Way to go, girl!
• We've been blessed abundantly by so many in our church family this Christmas.
• Christmas break arrived...I think we were all more than ready!
• Lyssa has been working hard getting her internship hours in (50/120).

But beyond that, I was truly grateful for the joy I found in giving a few extra gifts this week.  I'm not able to give Christmas presents to all who are important me, but sometimes God places a few "extras" on my heart. I was just reminded how true God's Word is when it says "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)  

And I'm starting to see my kids "get the drift" too.  It's been fun watching them delight in giving this year.  Sure, they are excited about what they might get this Christmas, but I pray that they find some out-of-this-world responses to the thoughtful gifts they have put together, and in giving find the true delight of the season.


Lord, thank you for the true joy that comes over us when we give out of our hearts and it is received with great delight and joy.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle get an extra special dose of the lesson that they will be far happier giving than getting.  May this season be the foundation of experiencing the joy of thinking about others.  May you shine in Alyssa and Kyle through the gifts that they give to others and may the receivers sense their love, joy and thoughtfulness.  Thank you, Lord, for continually growing up our kids into maturity.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Give and Give and Give

 

"Give away your life; 

you'll find life given back, 

but not merely given back—

given back with bonus 

and blessing. 

Giving, not getting, 

is the way. 

Generosity begets generosity." 

--Luke 6:38

  




Jesus, you loved the unlovely, you fed the hungry, and you gave to the undeserving.  And each day you continue to do so. You are a loving, compassionate and giving God.  I pray, dear Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle become imitators of you.  May they take the opportunities in front of them to feed those who are without, lend a helping hand to those in need, give abundantly out of their resources big or small, and through their actions show your love to others.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's eyes are opened to see people as you see them, and their hearts burn within them to go above and beyond to be a blessing.  Please mark their lives with giving and generosity.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to give away their lives.

Grow In Generosity

"Be generous to the poor—you'll never go hungry;
   shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses."  

--Proverbs 28:27 (The Message)

"When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. 

Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. 

That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, 

working behind the scenes, helps you out."

 --Matthew 6:3-4 (The Message)

"God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."

--2 Corinthians 9:7 (The Message)

                           

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be cheerful givers.  May their hearts respond with a big "yes" when they see others who are in need.  Teach them to be especially generous to the poor and needy.  Help them to be wise in their spending and saving, so that they can have the freedom to be generous whenever they are aware of a need.  As they find wonderful opportunities to be a blessing to others, keep their pride in check and keep their mouths from boasting about their giving.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they will always give out of a heart of love and generosity, and not out of guilt, pride, or because of someone else's expectation besides your own.  May generosity always mark Alyssa and Kyle's lives.

Growing Up

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”  Luke 6:38 (ESV)

Lyss helping build a desk...2009

There are days where I just pray that we've taught pur kids well enough.  I mean, before we know it, they will be leaving home and won't have their parents to remind them of what they should be doing..  It kind of reminds me of the following poem...

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten  

by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Those are some simple yet profoud lessons.  Have we taught Alyssa and Kyle well enough to lend a helping hand, to give abundantly, or look on other people with compassion and empathy?  Will they ever learn to "clean up their own mess", send a thank-note without being reminded, or do something that is someone else's job?

I know that as they grow up, and as they sink themselves into being followers of Christ, they'll learn those lessons all on their own.  I can trust God's work in their lives, and know without a shadow of a doubt, that some of this growth will come with age.  Yahoo.

Lord, thank you for being continually at work in our children's lives.  You have important lessons for them to learn, and you are continually guiding them into greater understanding, deeper maturity, and a pleasing reflection of you.  Make Alyssa and Kyle people who give to others out of the abundant love in their heart, use their hands to bless those in need, and remember to think of others above themselves.  Grow them up, Father, to be adults who reflect you in all that they say and do.  You are living and active in them, and I give you all the thanks and praise.

Me, Me, Me

It's selfish and stupid

   to think only of yourself

   and to sneer at people

   who have sense. 

Fools have no desire to learn;

   they would much rather

   give their own opinion.

Wrongdoing leads to shame

   and disgrace. 

--Proverbs 18:1-3

Lyss...I love her smile!...2006

Lord, if Alyssa and Kyle have gotten anything at all out of following you, if your love has made any difference in their life, if being in a community of your Spirit means anything to them, if they have a heart, or if they care— then I pray that they do this: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. I pray that they not be tempted to push their way to the front; and not sweet-talk their way to the top. May Alyssa and Kyle always put their self aside, and help others get ahead. Some days it will take intention and choice, but I pray that they not be obsessed with getting their own advantage. I pray that they forget themselves long enough to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle always have the same attitude of Christ Jesus who gave up his life for others. (Philippians 2:1-5)

Cheeseburger Soup

"I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich"  2 Corinthians 8:8-9

As a mom, I am often trying to find ways to show my kids that I love them.  However, sometimes what I think shows love really isn't the "ticket" in my kids mind.  So, a couple of nights ago I made a special (and new) soup for dinner.  It was a new recipe, but I thought with a name like "Cheeseburger Soup" how could my daughter not feel loved?   She LOVES cheeseburgers.

So, I browned, chopped, sliced, diced, and grated my way into this gift of love.

Through this I am reminded to pray that my children learn to show love to others too. I want them to find joy in going to the effort and work of finding ways to show love to the people in their lives.  In turn, those individuals, whether it be their sibling, spouse, parent or friend, will feel utterly blessed and give God thanks for such joy those acts or words of love bring.

Showing love, shows God, to those in our lives.

Well, in case you wanted to know, the soup just went over so-so.  My family all said I could make it again, but it wasn't their favorite.  I pray they still know how much I love them.

Lord, you call your children to love one another.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle love one others, just as you love them.  You are love, and we can love others because you live in us.  Urge my children to love others deeply, in turn be your hands, arms and feet.  Remind them to love others better than they love themselves.  May they not hold on to their love and act stingy in how they give it to the people you place in their lives.  If a lack of trust, or an abundance of fear keeps them from healthy, loving relationships, intervene on their behalf, and show them how to live like you want them to live.  May love mark their words, their actions, their relationships, and their life in you, dear Jesus!

Mom's "Wise" Moment

"Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things."  James 3:16 (CEV)

Today I said something real wise and mature. 

"Why is it always about you?  Today I want it to be about me."

One for the books wouldn't you say?

So, what did I really teach my child with that statement?  That we can all have days to be the selfish ones?  That there are some days when we don't have to think about another person's feelings?  It IS all about ME.

We all have a tendency to be self-centered, selfish in our opinions, and thoughtless towards others.  It's a constant effort to "deny ourselves" and put someone else first.  

I'll be the first one to admit, I'm still learning...OBVIOUSLY!

Lord, you ask us to put aside our selfish ambition and vain conceit, and consider others above ourselves.  I pray, Lord, for this kind of humility and kindness in Alyssa and Kyle's life (and mine too obviously).  It's so easy to think of our rights, or desires, and our hopes and dreams at the expense of others, but you ask us to set aside those things and think of others first.  Please, Lord, change our hearts.  Remove the me, me, me attitude and fill us with compassion and love.  Clean out the jealousy, envy, selfishness, and thoughtlessness that often resides in us.  Mold us and make us to be more like you  Today, may we put others first.

The Thirsty

"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."  Mark 9:41

Yesterday was a very long day.  In fact, long doesn't even begin to describe it.  It was the second to last day of early voting, and that is where I've been working for the last three weeks.  1,200 + people came through the doors.  My job has been to greet those people, ask their name and address, and confirm that they are registered to vote.  If they aren't then I help them get registered.

I'll tell you what, talking to that many people is crazy exhausting.  And it doesn't help when you forget your handy dandy water bottle.  Ugh!  Parched is a good way to describe how I felt for a couple of hours.  I just kept longing for a break so I could run to the nearest drinking fountain.

In the midst of my struggle a lady came in to drop off her absentee ballot, and seemed very compassionate by how busy it seemed to be in the room.  She said to me, "I bet you could really use a drink of water!"  To which I replied, "Oh, how did you know?  A drink of water would be my saving grace at this moment!"  And she walked out the door.

Part of me wondered if the lady would come back with a nice cold bottle of water.  I even imagined what I would tell her, and what a BLESSING from God she would have been to me.  That would be a God-sighting if I ever saw it!

I think sometimes in life we come across a lot of people who are desperately thirsty and hungry for the Lord.  They even say things that let us know of their longing and need, yet often in our busyness or fear we simply gloss by what they have said with their words or actions.  How their life would be different if we could offer them the one "thing" that would fill their need.   Because you know what?!?!  We KNOW and have the "One and Only" that would truly satisfy.  Oh how our hearts need to be willing to step out in courage and faith and share the truth about the true Living Water!

This sweet lady never came back with that bottle of water.  Which honestly wasn't a surprise.  I was just a some stranger in her day.  It just gave me pause to think, and pray, that our kids (and even myself) will recognize the needs of those around them, physical or spiritual, and be willing to step out of their comfort zones and be bold in Jesus name!

There are so many who are thirsty!

Lord, open my eyes, and Alyssa and Kyle's eyes, to the hungry and thirsty people who live in our midst.  Even to those we barely pass by, strangers in our busyness, may we recognize their cry for something that we have the power to lead them to.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to be bold in sharing about you, dear Jesus, and helping others know you in an intimate and personal way.  Open their eyes, and prod their hearts, to recognize those around them that need a helping hand in finding you. Lord, fill them with your compassion and love for the lost and hurting of this world.  You are the true Living Water and Bread of Life!  For this we truly love you!

It's Better to Give

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you..."  1 Chronicles 29:14

 Lyssa & Grammy...Mother's Day, 2010

Some days I see signs that our children are generous givers.  Other days not so much.  My favorite moments are when I see them bless one another with their generosity.  Because you know it's easier to "sacrifice" for friends.

We always hear that "it's better to give than to receive."  But don't you think it's true?  Watching the face of the receiver can be so priceless.

However, giving really blesses two parties.  That's a pretty good return on your investment.

Oh how I long to see Alyssa and Kyle become happy givers, bighearted encouragers, and charitable servants of Jesus Christ!  

Ready.
Set.
Go!

Lord, everything we have is yours, and you yourself are a generous giver with your children.  Help us become more like you.  Your Word says that a generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to give generously to others and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this you will bless them in all their work and in everything they put their hand to. (Deuteronomy 15:10)  Generosity allows others to come face to face with you.  Oh, how we may reflect your sweet spirit!

Giving their Time and Talents

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."  1 Peter 4:10

Find Alyssa & Kyle...Our first VBS...1997

We are 6 days away from our church's Vacation Bible School.  VBS is one of our highlights each year, and our church does it up big.  In the final days before the big event, there are many things that need to be done, and many hours spent at the church.  The last two weeks, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my daughter use her gifts and lend her hand to help.

 By Alyssa giving of her time, and using her gifts, she is a small part of changing children's lives at Vacation Bible School.  She is also a part of making the load lighter for others.  By her giving of her time and talents, she is blessing many other people's lives.

I pray that will always be true of her life.

Thank you, Alyssa, for all your hard work!  What a blessing you've been to so many!

Oh Lord, you have gifted our children in so many ways, and you have specific purposes for their lives using those gifts.  Thank you for being their Master designer, and making them in such wonderful ways!  They are your children for sure!  I pray, dear Jesus, that they always choose to use their time and talent to serve you, help others, and show the world how to find you.  I pray that compassion fills their spirit, and flows out in their words and actions towards others.  I pray that they hold loosely to their own expectations, needs, and desires, and give freely of their time and talents to make a difference in other people's lives.  You can use their gifts in so many ways, if their hearts, minds, and bodies are willing.  In doing so they will be faithfully administering your grace in its various forms to others. Lord, thank you that you use us to show your love to others. Amen!