How to Say Thanks by Giving

"...because really, we have so much to be thankful for, and we can share." An impromptu speech ends our Sunday lunch.

Catalogs are picked up. Our children thumb through the pages while sucking on lollipops and chewing chocolates. They comment on cleaner water, nets, and sewing machines as the Drummer and I watch, wondering what they will offer another during this season of thanks and giving.

At six years of age, our youngest points out the emergency feeding. "That's a good one," he states matter-of-factly. He sits beside me, munching on a Kit Kat candy bar his older brother shared with him.

He turns a few more pages, carefully considering the pictures. "What's this?" he asks me, while chocolate aroma fills the air.

"A shelter and roof for those without one," I answer.

"Everybody should have that," he declares.

My eyes midst. I nod agreement.

Yes, everyone should.

~Dorie

 

And the crowds were questioning him, saying, "Then what shall we do?"

And he [John] would answer and say to them,

"The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none;

and he who has food is to do likewise."

Luke 3:10-11

Places to consider giving:
Compassion
World Vision
Samaritan's Purse

Other Ideas for Giving:
Donate outgrown coats to local winter coat drives
Give food to local food banks
Help stock shelves at local food banks
Share shoes (Shoes 2Share)
Work a day, or a few hours, at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter
Pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child
Donate blankets to a women and children's shelter

Using It All or Storing Some Until Later

It is true.  I admit it.  Over the course of three, maybe four, years, I have worn these shoes twice.  That is one time plus the second time I donned them last week.
1 + 1 = 2
Two times.
Brand new shoes.
Three, maybe four, years.
Twice worn.
Pathetic.
I know.

There are children without any shoes
walking dusty, dirty streets lined in sewage,
and I have not just a plethora of shoes to cover my feet,
but shoes I haven't even really worn!

Honestly, I forgot I had them. 
These ordinary sneakers were so neatly stuffed into our white cubbie hole shoe organizer, I kept overlooking them. They weren't bright green. They don't have a heel for fancy wearing. They aren't even sneakers for running.
No, they are really just plain.
Ordinary white shoes got overlooked
for three, maybe four, years. 

Which made me wonder...
What else have I been overlooking,
neatly storing away in lieu of using?

Are there materials, talents, and gifts for me to use
sitting and waiting for me to remember or notice?

Could it be there are some materials and talents which aren't being used?  Maybe they aren't the flashiest and are easily overlooked? Perhaps they don't show off as well as others' gifts, and hardly anyone would notice them being used?

What ordinary materials and talents have I keeping instead of using?

Immediately, I think of a few talents and interests I always say I want to find time for, but never do. Am I the man burying his treasure?  Not using all that I have been given?  Wasting my talents and interests? Or worse, am I the man building more barns to fill?

But I wonder...


Is this just a busy time in my life? Obviously, God wants me to use my time to be a good wife and mother to our children.  He has blessed me with a husband and children. 


Will God grant me time and resources to use those talents and interests after this busy season of life? Are they just on pause?  Perhaps it is just a bit of dust on the shelf, easily blown off, and ready to be useful when one season passes to another.


Or maybe, just maybe, He wants to lead me down the path to use those talents right now, in ways I never dreamed? Perhaps, I can use these talents now, if only I will take the time to listen and follow.
~ Dorie


---------------------
Have too many shoes?  Do you, like me, have a pair which you hardly wear? 
Perhaps a better place for your shoes can be found here: Shoes 2 Share

How Our Daughters Can Be Living a Life of Giving Now

To say life is busy is to notice the sky is blue.  Hardly anyone bats an eye at a full schedule.  It is expected.  Even children have busy schedules in today's society, but as parents, we make the time to teach them and pray for them.  We teach our children about God, how to live, and how to treat others.  Then, each and every day, we pray for them. 

As parents of both boys and girls, my husband and I are blessed to train our sons and daughters for their future roles.  The journey is not always easy, nor convenient, but the Lord is always faithfully directing our steps.

As we go about teaching and praying for our daughters to love their families, be keepers of their homes, and to properly care for themselves, let us not neglect the vital area of ministry. Everyone has someone they can serve outside of the home, even our daughters, and it can be very simple to incorporate serving others into her every day schedule. 

Today, I am sharing some simple ways our daughters can learn to serve others at Praying
Proverbs 31.

Praying by Name

{Perhaps, this post is a bit vague, but due to the nature of this topic and the specifics I thought it best to write it as such.  I hope you don't mind the lack of details.}

This past Sunday, our congregation was addressed with a specific request.  Someone in our church family has a loved one serving in the armed forces for a lengthy time in a dangerous area.  Our congregation was asked to 'adopt' or 'sponsor' this group of soldiers in prayer and encouragement.  Those who wanted to could sign up for an individual to pray for and encourage.  Others were asked to participate by praying for the entire group. 

While the request was still being made, I knew we would 'adopt' or 'sponsor' an individual.  With so many of our family members serving or have served in the military, how could we not?  So, we received an individual's name. 

Starting this past Sunday, we began praying for this person by name.  It made me think of how although we don't know much except a few more details than what I have shared here, we know a name.  It is a name we can lift up to the Lord who knows not just this individual's name, but every hair on their head and every situation they will face.

Although our feeble prayers won't cover every detail or situation, because we can't possibly know; our heart and intention is heard in the words we utter.  Through it all, we are confident the Lord, who knows all, hears every word, understands everything, and will answer our prayers.  We also rejoice that the Holy Spirit helps us in these times...

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought,

but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." 

Romans 8:26-27

So, each day we fold our hands, bow our heads, and continue, in faith, to pray by name.

~ Dorie

Linked to Word-Filled Wednesday at Internet Cafe Devotions.

Compassion on a Shoe String Budget

I don't have money to sponsor a child. 

Maybe you've said it. 
I know we have.

But, we really needed to say: How can we not?  We have so much, and these children so little.  Would it really be that difficult to find the money each month to sponsor a child?

And, so we did. 

We asked the hard questions, and swallowed harder at the answers. 

Truthfully, some months extra money is difficult to find on our ever changing shoe string budget. 

Yet, our hearts wanted to do this. 
How could we look into their eyes and so no? 
Our hearts broke.

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?  Little children, let us not love with word or talk, but in deed and in truth. I John 3:17-18

Was there a way?

Yes, 
there was, there is.

Rather than wait until the budget belt loosens enough to start supporting a child with a line in our budget every month, we made the commitment to help another. 

We have.  They need.
We give.  They receive.
We are all blessed.

Some months are easy.  The funds are readily available.  Other months are harder.  By doing without a want, funds  become available.  On the hardest of months, when we can't stretch the budget any further, we earn the money, usually by selling off unused household items.  The first month this happened, we sold some formal wear clothing, hardly used and no longer needed,
for $38. {The cost to sponsor a child.}

It is a way,
a way to help another.
~ Dorie


Can't make a monthly monetary commitment? 
There are many other ways to help children in need.
Some places to visit, for more information:
World Vision
Compassion

Encouragement in an Envelope

Before I got brave enough to frame some of my photographs for gifts, I used them to make homemade stationary and cards.  These I have given to close friends and family members. 

However, recently, I have been inspired to print a few pictures that I used with Scripture verses in past posts.  I printed them on card stock to use as cards. 

These cards are being sent to those individuals who shepherd and serve our family each and every week, people like our pastors.  It is my hope that they will be encouraged by this act of gratitude.

Though I know I could have easily given a store bought card, there is something about giving a gift from one's own hands, or in this case: camera, computer, and printer.
~ Dorie

Missed Opportunities

It was after dropping off our oldest that I decided to just drive that road anyway.  I knew it would be bad, but I drove it anyway.  It was the shortest route, and I wanted to get home.

It was a Friday.  Parked cars lined both sides of the road.   People walked alongside of the cars.  Traffic jammed the road.  State police cars and officers helped direct pedestrians and autos as the Islamic Society's religious meeting ended.

We moved through the congestion with surprising ease.  Arriving at the traffic light, I looked up the line of cars.  Many men walked to their parked cars and claimed the door handles with confidence.  A flick of the wrist and the door was flung open.  Over and over the men streamed out of the building, through the full parking lot, into the street to their parked cars.

Among all of this, stood one man very still holding a sign.  He wore beige.  A dingy jacket in beige to be exact.  That flimsy jacket and his full beard were the only things keeping the freezing air from his skin.  His head was bent into the wind.  He held his sign over his chest.  Was the cardboard also a wind breaker?

"Mommy, why is that one man standing there?" she asks.

Quietly, I choke a reply, "Can't you read the sign?"

"No, I can't see it."

I don't want to answer right away.  How do you best explain a sign that says 'Homeless, Please Help' when you don't do anything to help?  After all, didn't we just read that very morning the passage in Matthew 25 about giving to those who have nothing?  But right now, I have nothing to give.   

I rack my mind.  Could we give anything from the car?  A few CDs don't seem too beneficial.  What is left?  A manual, a ripped towel used for muddy slides, and a cooler bag.  Ugh.  Nothing.  How is this man going to survive the night?  Freezing temperatures and biting winds do more than sting the skin.

We drive on.  I stare at him as we pass.  He looks up at me, through me.  I think of the fish sign stuck on the back of the van and the words we read this morning.

“…for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give you drink?  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” ~ Jesus Matthew 25: 35-40

At home, the Drummer asks what's wrong.  I explain about the man, his sign, and not knowing what to do. 

We talk about how we never know what people do with the money.  I agree, but counter that I'm not responsible for their actions, only mine. 

I tell him how I want to help, give money, but don't want to put the children or myself in a dangerous situation.  Just how do you give a few bills safely through a car window?  He tells me to open it just a crack and feed out the money.  It's not the warm and cozy kind of giving I am use to, but it keeps us safe from those who aren't begging from a need, and those who use the opportunity to get close enough to harm another. 

I sigh.  I missed the opportunity to give to Jesus.

Hours later, the pot boils, vegetables steam, and dinner is started when they walk in the door.  The Drummer has returned from picking up our oldest.  "Hey honey, did that man have a tattered brown jacket?" He calls to me as he enters the kitchen.

"What man?" I turn to face him.

"The guy with the sign.  And did he have a bit of a limp?"

"Yeah he was wearing all beige.  I don't know about the limp, but something was wrong with his arm.  Why?  Did you give him some money?"  I ask, hoping.

"Yeah," he replies with a sheepish grin.

As I hug him tightly, I smile widely.  Thank you, Lord, for a man who gives to you.
~ Dorie

How to Help in Little Ways

Ladies, your kind comments and emails are completely right!  No matter how 'small' our act of service, the Lord looks at our hearts and motives.  Just because I may, at times, have limited vision, and feel like these 'small' helps are just a drop in the bucket, they really aren't.  To the people I help, these services do matter. 

Thank you for helping me to remember:
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17

For today, I have compiled a listing of some small acts of service, but I would greatly appreciate more ideas of ways to help others.  No idea is too small!  So, please feel free to add suggestions.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, Colossians 3:23



We can't all be directors, leaders, or the person in the spotlight, but we all have opportunities to serve, to help in small ways that really do make a difference.

A dozen of these ways include...

1. make a meal for another family - Double what you are making your own family.  Fit the meal into nice containers that don't need to be returned and place them into a large gift bag.

2.  run errands - Do the needed errand alongside of your own errands.  Return library books for another or pick up a gallon of milk at the grocery store.

3.  shovel or clear your neighbors' sidewalks and driveways

4.  rake your neighbors' front yard (bonus: your children's leaf pile gets larger!)

5.  mow - One year, our neighbor's lawn mower broke down.  They were unable to mow for weeks as they tried to repair it.  We took to mowing their yard for them for those few weeks.

6.  care for pets - neighbors often go on day trips or weekends away and their furry friends need care

7.  lend tools, sports equipment, movies, books, or whatever you have to lend

8.  give gently used clothing or baby equipment to others

9.  send thank you notes to pastors, worship team members, special guests, greeters, teachers, etc - Too many people, pick one person or job a month and send out thank you notes to those individuals.  I've found simple sentiments of gratitude and encouragement are most appreciated.

10.  give flowers or vegetables from your garden - When in season, cut a bouquet from your own yard, tie a simple ribbon around the stems, or fix a basket of veggies to share.

11.  keep small Bibles in your purse or near the front door to give when the opportunity arises

12.  for a family grieving, deliver a 'beverage bag' - (this is my mom's idea)  Fill a brown paper bag with juices, soda, tea or hot chocolate packets, ground coffee, and disposable cups.  Families can serve guests who visit before or after the funeral services more easily.

Probably the easiest, but most often overlooked 'little' way to help
may indeed be the greatest way to help.
Simply put: PRAY.

~ Dorie

When the World Gets Smaller

The world is shrinking.
When I was a child, an eight hour car ride
was to a far away place.
People who lived out of state were
a novelty akin to foreign travelers.
I thought traveling over seas was
only for soldiers at war
or very special occasions.
Now, we regularly travel eight hours
to visit family.
Travel across state and country borders
is common place.

The world is getting smaller.

And yet, as the world shrinks, I find the differences enlarge.
My father always told us children, "People are people no matter where you go and who you meet!"
He said that long before a talking elephant uttered, "A person is a person no matter how small."
We all have the same needs for love, shelter, and food, but we don't all have the same resources.
And we each have different giftings and callings.

This summer, I was blessed to visit with a missionary who was on furlough from Hungary, listen to another couple share about their work in Czech Republic, and help children in Zambia receive shoes.
In less than two months, God brought Hungary, Czech Republic, and Zambia to my doorstep.

The word is getting smaller.

I have been given so much...a heritage of faith, material blessings, and much wealth when compared with the world at large.  The differences feel too great.  I want to share.  Feel the same way?  Want to help?

A few places to possibly check out...
World Vision
Samaritan's Purse
Pioneers
Village of Hope
Compassion

or perhaps shop here and help make a difference...
Ten Thousand Villages

~ Dorie

How to Help Educate Children Worldwide

Tomorrow, the calendar turns to August,

and thoughts slowly gravitate toward the beginning of school.

For most of us, another year of learning, understanding, and creating will emerge

as the lazy days of summer wane. 



However, for some impoverished communities worldwide 

the hope of a school year may not yet be realized. 

Or perhaps, an underprivileged student will attend your local school

without their own backpack filled with pencils and notebooks,
because they cannot afford their own supplies. 

Or perhaps a family who homeschools will not be able
to home educate this year due to hard times. 



a maple tree budding in early spring

Would you like to help?

Over the years that we have educated our children, my husband and I have helped other children get a better education in different ways.  Today, I have compiled a short list of web sites that offer opportunities to help educate children.  Each one of these charitable organizations has a unique way to help.

World Wide and Closer to Home:
Samaritan's Purse 2011 Gift Catalog (gifts #5 and #9 are educational specific)
World Vision - SchoolTools
Sunday Breakfast Missions - Back to School Rally

Homeschool Specific:
The Home School Foundation

Perhaps one of these will be a way for you to help another child, family, or community, as your family gets ready for the start of school this month.
 

the same red maple tree in mid-summer 

Of course, there are more organizations that help.  If anyone would like to add another, please do so in the comment section so we may all benefit from the information or link.
~ Dorie