Give, It Releases Stress - Growing Through God's Word
It’s been a month since I posted last. I have continued to write a few poems about my cancer journey. Most of my time, other than appointments, has been spent on learning more about book publishing and marketing. But this is the month to think to GIVE.
Jesus came to give His life for us. We are called to think of how to give our lives for God. What does He expect of us? Micah 6:8 always reminds me that God wants me to: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Mercy, to me, is thinking of others
About ten years ago, our family decided that instead of giving each other gifts, we would use that money to bless others. Each year we tell how we have used that money for charity. This year we started a little ” secret gift exchange” and added two grandkids over 15. We will each give a “charitable gift” to the person we have drawn and explain why.
Have we missed “getting” things? No. I think the stress is less not having to think of what to get for someone else. It is much easier to give to those who really need something. PS – We give to the littles.
Food banks
To me, Food Banks have been on the top of my list. We have noticed an increase in people using the food bank.
Here is an article about the number of people accessing food banks in 2020 in my province of Ontario.
Nearly 600,000 people made more than 3.6 million visits to food banks in Ontario between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021″
What do you notice where you live? Is there is a significant need for food?
How can kids learn to give? I would suggest the jars method. Label three jars – Saving, Giving, Spending. When your child receives money, have them divide between the three jars. Saving is usually from something big. For Giving, parents can help when the child decides where to give. And Spending can be for those little things a child wants. This method works for all incomes.
In conclusion, the Three Jars practice teaches children how to allocate money to savings, spending, and to giving at an early age.
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May I pray for you and me?
Heavenly Father, we know that You are a God is giving. You gave us Your Son, the perfect gift, to renew our relationship with You. Help us to open our hearts to others and give as You would have us give. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
