Hi fellow readers!! I have made a decision to regularly blog on Mon., Wed, and Fri. until I can build up a list of followers or my stats go up. I am going to spend that extra time on my book.
When I see that my blog is being more read I will resume Mon. to Fri. so spread the word, become a follower, check my posts, and make some comments. I would LOVE to hear feedback from you the readers whom I have always said this was your blog. If I find also that this blog is also really changing lives, I will resume Mon.-Fri.
Feel free to email me at giftgiversboxshowschristslove@gmail.com
Many, many blessings!!
The gift giver
Monday, September 19, 2011
Thank you Jeus for showing us in your unique ways how you care for us through giving
I was feeling a heaviness about me. A certain tiredness or weariness from the week before. It had been so long since I had taken a full Saturday off. I had decided to take a home day off. I was going to read, including my bible, listen to inspirational shows on the internet and music, and look at other blogs.
Yet something nudged at me to take a shower and wash my hair in case a better offer came along. I put my pj's on expecting a day/night retreat.
It was then I remembered the hamburger I had left overnight defrosting in the fridge. I immediately reminded myself of the lasagna I was supposed to be pre-making today for my son's upcoming visit. I needed to go get some cottage cheese.
I proceeded to walk downtown when I noticed someone setting up for an event in the square near the courthouse. When I asked the lady what it was for she said it was for "customer appreciation day". I knew this meant I could go to the store I was buying my chicken in and return by 11:00 am for a free wrapped gift! I returned on time. It took me a while to pick from the bag selection and gift certificates.
What an absolute God thing I thought. That I had decided to leave my apartment, taken the route I had chosen, and seen the group in the early phases of set up to know what it was!!
To my sheer delight when I opened the gift it had two gifts. For me a luscious tropical budy scrub. My mother is a very difficult person to buy for as she is downsizing in her house, doesn't like scents and is difficult to find the correct size for.
But as I tore back the pink tissue paper, the white tissue paper, and finally the bubble wrap, I finally saw the perfect gift for my mother. It was an older style hand mirror. At the back of the mirror it said "A weekend in Paris". Paris was my mothers' favorite holiday that she ever took. My mother was immaculate about her hair and liked everything including the back to be in order. She had only relied on mirrors in cosmetics packs like eyeshadows.
Thank you Jesus that you are ever present. That you care and protect your people. Lord it never ceases to amaze me how you show us your love in such unique and personal ways that we can only say that was God.
Praises and glory to You Lord. Without You I am truly nothing!
Yet something nudged at me to take a shower and wash my hair in case a better offer came along. I put my pj's on expecting a day/night retreat.
It was then I remembered the hamburger I had left overnight defrosting in the fridge. I immediately reminded myself of the lasagna I was supposed to be pre-making today for my son's upcoming visit. I needed to go get some cottage cheese.
I proceeded to walk downtown when I noticed someone setting up for an event in the square near the courthouse. When I asked the lady what it was for she said it was for "customer appreciation day". I knew this meant I could go to the store I was buying my chicken in and return by 11:00 am for a free wrapped gift! I returned on time. It took me a while to pick from the bag selection and gift certificates.
What an absolute God thing I thought. That I had decided to leave my apartment, taken the route I had chosen, and seen the group in the early phases of set up to know what it was!!
To my sheer delight when I opened the gift it had two gifts. For me a luscious tropical budy scrub. My mother is a very difficult person to buy for as she is downsizing in her house, doesn't like scents and is difficult to find the correct size for.
But as I tore back the pink tissue paper, the white tissue paper, and finally the bubble wrap, I finally saw the perfect gift for my mother. It was an older style hand mirror. At the back of the mirror it said "A weekend in Paris". Paris was my mothers' favorite holiday that she ever took. My mother was immaculate about her hair and liked everything including the back to be in order. She had only relied on mirrors in cosmetics packs like eyeshadows.
Thank you Jesus that you are ever present. That you care and protect your people. Lord it never ceases to amaze me how you show us your love in such unique and personal ways that we can only say that was God.
Praises and glory to You Lord. Without You I am truly nothing!
Friday, September 16, 2011
My favorite gift as the gift giver
When I started my gift giving ministry I had a purpose of bringing back the ancient art of gift giving. Thinking of times in the past when folks did not have much money or distractions like television and all our technology, they had a deep understanding of gift giving. They gave of their time and created things!
We, in our jam packed schedules, have forgotten this art or let it become less valued in our society.
There still are a generation of largely woman who carry out the art of giving. These are the retired woman who once volunteered before in their busy schedules. Now that their responsibilies have lessened, they give much of their time to other causes. Many stay at home moms also give gifts that are handmade and service.
I know of such a woman in her early eighties. She is "slowing down" now, by cutting down in some of the volunteer committees she serves on. Notably she and a handful of ladies started a non-profit agency for mental health clients. Today besides the original ten bed apartment building they have eighteen "satellite" apartments that they manage.
She also continues to be involved with a MCC quilting club. The club makes thousands upon thousands of baby quilts each year to ship to countries in need like Russia.
Lillian came visiting me one day. She asked if I had a sewing machine and if I would like to have it! I was delighted and accepted it as my machine was broken. I then found a huge discount on a store of a quilting kit for a bed. Being a novice, little did I know how difficult the pattern I had chosen was. I asked for Lillian's help who accepted knowing what she was getting herself into.
For weeks I came to Lillian's house with my quilting supplies. We always went straight to work as we usually had an hour to an hour and a half to work. Being a former home-ec teacher Lillian was very precise. She showed me how to get my sewing lines straight, and my squares and triangles to be perfect. At the end of our session she would always give me "homework" to do.
I will never forget the finishing of my quilt for my queen size bed. Lillian had it "shown" at two of her committees. Lillian was truly a mentor in the spirit of giving.
For me, my favorite gift as a gift giver was a baby quilt that I sewed. My care box went to a single mom through the "crisis pregnancy center." I imagined the obstacles the mom had gone through with her pregnancy and had overcome. I gave many things to help with a new baby but the quilt was hand made. An expression of my heart through my hands. It also gave me fond memories of my teacher Lillian.
As a gift giver I enjoy giving the handmade gifts the most! This is something I plan to focus on more! My "brownies in a jar" are a close second.
Today I am making up some homemade squash soup from an incredible deal that I got. A non-profit agency has set up a food co-op for people on low income near my home. You can get many items at wholesale prices. I am buying three more butternut squashes there and some carrots. Then I am making up soups and will give a portion for my busy sister! A gift from my hands to her heart! The joy of giving!!
We, in our jam packed schedules, have forgotten this art or let it become less valued in our society.
There still are a generation of largely woman who carry out the art of giving. These are the retired woman who once volunteered before in their busy schedules. Now that their responsibilies have lessened, they give much of their time to other causes. Many stay at home moms also give gifts that are handmade and service.
I know of such a woman in her early eighties. She is "slowing down" now, by cutting down in some of the volunteer committees she serves on. Notably she and a handful of ladies started a non-profit agency for mental health clients. Today besides the original ten bed apartment building they have eighteen "satellite" apartments that they manage.
She also continues to be involved with a MCC quilting club. The club makes thousands upon thousands of baby quilts each year to ship to countries in need like Russia.
Lillian came visiting me one day. She asked if I had a sewing machine and if I would like to have it! I was delighted and accepted it as my machine was broken. I then found a huge discount on a store of a quilting kit for a bed. Being a novice, little did I know how difficult the pattern I had chosen was. I asked for Lillian's help who accepted knowing what she was getting herself into.
For weeks I came to Lillian's house with my quilting supplies. We always went straight to work as we usually had an hour to an hour and a half to work. Being a former home-ec teacher Lillian was very precise. She showed me how to get my sewing lines straight, and my squares and triangles to be perfect. At the end of our session she would always give me "homework" to do.
I will never forget the finishing of my quilt for my queen size bed. Lillian had it "shown" at two of her committees. Lillian was truly a mentor in the spirit of giving.
For me, my favorite gift as a gift giver was a baby quilt that I sewed. My care box went to a single mom through the "crisis pregnancy center." I imagined the obstacles the mom had gone through with her pregnancy and had overcome. I gave many things to help with a new baby but the quilt was hand made. An expression of my heart through my hands. It also gave me fond memories of my teacher Lillian.
As a gift giver I enjoy giving the handmade gifts the most! This is something I plan to focus on more! My "brownies in a jar" are a close second.
Today I am making up some homemade squash soup from an incredible deal that I got. A non-profit agency has set up a food co-op for people on low income near my home. You can get many items at wholesale prices. I am buying three more butternut squashes there and some carrots. Then I am making up soups and will give a portion for my busy sister! A gift from my hands to her heart! The joy of giving!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The power of prayer as you give on gift gat a time.
If in your life or as a ministry, you need to know that you will have spiritual opposition. These distractions are: pulling from your marriage, your children, and division among our churches in the world.
For me, that often came through my son. I would be working on a bunch of gift baskets and have them ready for delivery. Like clock work, Mathew would begin to act out add a lot of pain to my family. At other time he became sick. One time he had tenderness and pain in his liver. The doctor did not know the cause depite numerous tests.
It was during this time that I made a concentrated effort to pray for my son. I prayed that his heaiing would happen and it did. Before the doctors had come up with a diagnosis healing had occured. Mathew's healing had been a miracle to all of us us!!
Divisions in my family seemed so me much less, and the internal battle in my mind settled.
Prayer also seemed to be guiding force who I gave my gift packages to. My "secret santas" delivery persons, often found who they delivered to those who were in worse condition than they thought. Circumstances had worsened. God knew these situations and was reaching out through me to other people.
Prayer became the foundation of the ministry, which I needed to give my gift baskets, boxes, and other gifts. It was also needed to give gifts to people once a day for a year. These were just to randomly bless recipients!
So I never forget the power of prayer as you bulld your own gift giving practice. We often forget the power of prayer in the heavenlies. Today I will pray for you!!
God bless,
The gift giver!
For me, that often came through my son. I would be working on a bunch of gift baskets and have them ready for delivery. Like clock work, Mathew would begin to act out add a lot of pain to my family. At other time he became sick. One time he had tenderness and pain in his liver. The doctor did not know the cause depite numerous tests.
It was during this time that I made a concentrated effort to pray for my son. I prayed that his heaiing would happen and it did. Before the doctors had come up with a diagnosis healing had occured. Mathew's healing had been a miracle to all of us us!!
Divisions in my family seemed so me much less, and the internal battle in my mind settled.
Prayer also seemed to be guiding force who I gave my gift packages to. My "secret santas" delivery persons, often found who they delivered to those who were in worse condition than they thought. Circumstances had worsened. God knew these situations and was reaching out through me to other people.
Prayer became the foundation of the ministry, which I needed to give my gift baskets, boxes, and other gifts. It was also needed to give gifts to people once a day for a year. These were just to randomly bless recipients!
So I never forget the power of prayer as you bulld your own gift giving practice. We often forget the power of prayer in the heavenlies. Today I will pray for you!!
God bless,
The gift giver!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Chicken from the Lord, my gift for giving!
Today I stood in a long line at customer service of a grocery store. A friend was going to buy me some gift certificates for a past favor I had done for her. She had to rush off to the bathroom and asked if I could save a spot for her. I watched and moved forward with the crawling line-up, wondering if my friend would get back on time.
My friend was not back when I hit the top of the line. I ended up letting 3 more people in. I wasn't paying attention until I heard of an incredible deal by listening in to the person behind me explaining the great deal over her phone. This was for Canada, so I am not sure what it would be like in other countries. It was basically half price! For 4 kg. frozen, boneless, skinless, chicken breasts you could get a package for $17.57. There was a limit of two boxes. My friend returned and she bought me enough to buy 2 boxes by giving me $40 in gift certificates.
Now that may not seem very newsworthy, but I believe it was God's perfect timing and provision. If my friend hadn't left for the washroom and returned exactly when she did I would not have known about that sale. Also that my friend gave me $40 the exact amount I needed for two boxes was not just by chance. There was just under $4 to provide a tithe with or I might give chicken!
God had seen my need and my giving ministry. He does care about the intimate, details of my life. PTL!!
Thank you Jesus for the chicken. I am truly grateful and I gleefully obtained my rain-check! I then emailed local friends to tell them of this bargain!!
I invite some of you to come along me in the:"Change your world giving challenge, one gift at a time." You give one gift a day(or more) for one full year. See the write up in the previous day entry (Sept.23, 2011). Please join my site and if you are starting this and comment on it. For you a starting point may be for one week, not one year! Comment about any fears etc. that you may be going through!!
This time on earth is but a moment, our real reward lies in eternity. Be anonymous when you can!
God bless,
The gift giver
like
My friend was not back when I hit the top of the line. I ended up letting 3 more people in. I wasn't paying attention until I heard of an incredible deal by listening in to the person behind me explaining the great deal over her phone. This was for Canada, so I am not sure what it would be like in other countries. It was basically half price! For 4 kg. frozen, boneless, skinless, chicken breasts you could get a package for $17.57. There was a limit of two boxes. My friend returned and she bought me enough to buy 2 boxes by giving me $40 in gift certificates.
Now that may not seem very newsworthy, but I believe it was God's perfect timing and provision. If my friend hadn't left for the washroom and returned exactly when she did I would not have known about that sale. Also that my friend gave me $40 the exact amount I needed for two boxes was not just by chance. There was just under $4 to provide a tithe with or I might give chicken!
God had seen my need and my giving ministry. He does care about the intimate, details of my life. PTL!!
Thank you Jesus for the chicken. I am truly grateful and I gleefully obtained my rain-check! I then emailed local friends to tell them of this bargain!!
I invite some of you to come along me in the:"Change your world giving challenge, one gift at a time." You give one gift a day(or more) for one full year. See the write up in the previous day entry (Sept.23, 2011). Please join my site and if you are starting this and comment on it. For you a starting point may be for one week, not one year! Comment about any fears etc. that you may be going through!!
This time on earth is but a moment, our real reward lies in eternity. Be anonymous when you can!
God bless,
The gift giver
like
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Change your world, one gift at a time.
Everyone has a unique purpose in life which God has given to you. Besides mothering, God has been leading me on this journey of giving. Being the gift giver has changed my life as I have come out of suicidal thoughts to joy from giving gifts to others.
Sunday I visited a friend's church. The theme of the service was "Change your world." I realize each of us have unique ways in which we can change our world around us. God has us where we are for a reason.
It was then that I thought of a giving challenge. I already had been giving gift baskets, boxes and other gifts to people for over two years. But I asked God how I could really change the world around me.
The I looked at the "stuff" around me in my apartment. One gift at a time, I thought. What would my world look like if I gave something everyday for a year. I don't have a lot of money, but the gifts didn't have to be lavish.
I remembered when I was having a stressful day this year and a woman came up to me. She had a small bunch of daffodils. "Blessings," she said and she walked away even before I could look at her. That gesture made my day.
On Sunday I left some new nailpolish and lipgloss in my apartment building.
Yesterday I mailed my father's birthday gift. Today I am going to give a scented candle to someone in starbucks. The candle is in a tin. The top of the lid has Psalm 118.4 on it. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I have written this blog address out on the gift bag tag.
So Lord, may these gifts touch others and may you guide me to the ones whom need it the most. Thank you Lord for the heart surgery you will continue to do on me as I take this giving to a deeper level.
May I impact the world around me, one gift at a time, each day for a year. I wonder if this will continue to be my ministry.
For others who feel lead to give more please leave your comments and unique stories in the "comment" section. May you be truly blessed. I hope to change the world by bringing back the love of giving back again in our rushed society, one gift at a time!
Sunday I visited a friend's church. The theme of the service was "Change your world." I realize each of us have unique ways in which we can change our world around us. God has us where we are for a reason.
It was then that I thought of a giving challenge. I already had been giving gift baskets, boxes and other gifts to people for over two years. But I asked God how I could really change the world around me.
The I looked at the "stuff" around me in my apartment. One gift at a time, I thought. What would my world look like if I gave something everyday for a year. I don't have a lot of money, but the gifts didn't have to be lavish.
I remembered when I was having a stressful day this year and a woman came up to me. She had a small bunch of daffodils. "Blessings," she said and she walked away even before I could look at her. That gesture made my day.
On Sunday I left some new nailpolish and lipgloss in my apartment building.
Yesterday I mailed my father's birthday gift. Today I am going to give a scented candle to someone in starbucks. The candle is in a tin. The top of the lid has Psalm 118.4 on it. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I have written this blog address out on the gift bag tag.
So Lord, may these gifts touch others and may you guide me to the ones whom need it the most. Thank you Lord for the heart surgery you will continue to do on me as I take this giving to a deeper level.
May I impact the world around me, one gift at a time, each day for a year. I wonder if this will continue to be my ministry.
For others who feel lead to give more please leave your comments and unique stories in the "comment" section. May you be truly blessed. I hope to change the world by bringing back the love of giving back again in our rushed society, one gift at a time!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Change your world, one gift at a time.
Everyone has a unique purpose in life which God has given to you. Besides mothering, God has been leading me on this journey of giving. Being the gift giver has changed my life as I have come out of suicidal thoughts to joy from giving gifts to others.
Sunday I visited a church service of a friend. The theme of the service was "Change your world." I realize each of us have unique ways in which we can change our world around us. God has us where we are for a reason.
It was then that I thought of a giving challenge. I already have been giving for over two years baskets, boxes and other gifts to people. But I asked God how could I really change the world around me.
Then I looked at the "stuff" around me in my apartment. One gift at a time, I thought. What would my world look like if I gave something every day for a year. I don't have a lot of money, but the gifts don't have to be lavish. I remembered when I was having a stressful day this year and a woman came up to me. She had a small bunch of daffodils. "Blessings." she said and she walked away even before I could have a good look at her. That gesture made my day.
On Sunday I left some nailpolish and lipgloss that I had not been using in my apartment building. It was gone one hour later. Yesterday I mailed off my dad's birthday present. Today I am going to give a scented candle to someone in starbucks. The candle is in a tin. The top of the lid has Psalm 118.4 on it. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I have written this blog address out on the gift bag tag.
So Lord, may these gifts touch others and may you guide me to the ones whom need it the most. Thank you Lord for the heart surgery you will continue to do on me as I take giving to a deeper level.
May I impact the world around me, one gift at a time, each day for a year. I wonder if this will continue to be my ministry!! For others who feel lead to give more please leave your comments and unique stories in the "comment" section or email me for my book (giftgiversboxshowschristslove@gmail.com). May you be truly blessed!!
I hope to change the world by bringing the love of giving back again in our rushed society, one gift at a time!
Sunday I visited a church service of a friend. The theme of the service was "Change your world." I realize each of us have unique ways in which we can change our world around us. God has us where we are for a reason.
It was then that I thought of a giving challenge. I already have been giving for over two years baskets, boxes and other gifts to people. But I asked God how could I really change the world around me.
Then I looked at the "stuff" around me in my apartment. One gift at a time, I thought. What would my world look like if I gave something every day for a year. I don't have a lot of money, but the gifts don't have to be lavish. I remembered when I was having a stressful day this year and a woman came up to me. She had a small bunch of daffodils. "Blessings." she said and she walked away even before I could have a good look at her. That gesture made my day.
On Sunday I left some nailpolish and lipgloss that I had not been using in my apartment building. It was gone one hour later. Yesterday I mailed off my dad's birthday present. Today I am going to give a scented candle to someone in starbucks. The candle is in a tin. The top of the lid has Psalm 118.4 on it. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I have written this blog address out on the gift bag tag.
So Lord, may these gifts touch others and may you guide me to the ones whom need it the most. Thank you Lord for the heart surgery you will continue to do on me as I take giving to a deeper level.
May I impact the world around me, one gift at a time, each day for a year. I wonder if this will continue to be my ministry!! For others who feel lead to give more please leave your comments and unique stories in the "comment" section or email me for my book (giftgiversboxshowschristslove@gmail.com). May you be truly blessed!!
I hope to change the world by bringing the love of giving back again in our rushed society, one gift at a time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)