a community outreach of love

Yesterday I ended up at a function put on by the whole community of Chilliwack. This is my entries from my face book with names changed to protect identities. ENJOY!!

Joy: I am simply OVERWHELMED by the love shown Chilliwack from people, businesses, non-profit agencies, and churches for those on lower income. I went to Christian Assembly church for a few things only to have the choices of breakfast, lunch, clothing, shoes, child care, medical care, community resources, prize draws, and goody bags. Spread the word! It is on until 4:30 pm.
Gail: Is it a charity event. Sounds amazing!
Joy: This is the first time it has been done. It was the whole community of Chilliwack simply reaching out and blessing. Everyone was treated as a equal, Things and services that many could not afford or were difficult to afford were offered. The pampering was amazing. What struck me the most was a woman whom appeared to have had cancer therapy. Her hair was very thin. She had her make up done. I saw her later getting her picture done. Now doesn't that make you teary.
Lisa: "I always say the best people are often those who have had it the worst. They know where they can be, they are less judgmental and their true spirit shines through. Days like that are good for everyone because they spread goodness.
Joy: True. It certainly also was a day of spreading goodness. I remember at one point sitting in the gym having a coffee. I was looking at the joy in the volunteers, and how grateful the recipients were, including myself.I was fighting back tears thinking I was going to have a meltdown moment.
Gail: Well that's partly our age too (ha, ha). I seem to have a meltdown moment on a daily basis. But humor aside it is nice to know that people care and that there is human kindness that crosses over religion, heritage, and wealth.
Joy: What stood out to me was the spirit of giving . In so many ways. From the greeters at the doors to the ladies from a local spa.giving fantastic Mini pedicures with an incredible foot rub!!

So that is a summary of my day of God blessing me from head to toe. I could not help think though that Gail in her philosophy of life was missing something which I have experienced being on both sides of the fence. At one time I was like Gail giving from the goodness of my heart. Now that I am a Christian I thought of the richness of giving from a servant's heart for Jesus. I thought about the foot care station and Jesus washing the disciples feet. There were homeless people there who were probably in dire need of foot care. To wash the feet like Jesus would. To me that shows true love for fellow mankind!!

The gift of hospitality

One woman I know has touched my heart who demonstrates the gift of hospitality. Her house is not in immaculate condition as some of us try to be when we have guests. She is a very busy woman who is constantly doing the Lords work. A single mom who runs a daycare business and on her own. Except for a few volunteers, she does an after school Christian clubs program which she has done for ten years.
Her house has a steady flow of children whom come for her homemade cupcakes and her love. She has them read a bible verse which she has posted on the wall and then gives them the delicious chocolate cupcake. Her house is decorated all over with her hand written bible verses.
Teenagers also come when they have nothing else to do and she provides them suggestions or takes them to the park with her. She gives them Mr. noodles or baking as she is on a limited income and uses her finances wisely.
She hosts a weekly bible study in which woman read encouraging books and God's word. It is a time of fellowship and prayer. Often when the woman depart they are provided with a gift of produce or homemade baking.
She always has a warm smile and a motherly touch to those who enter her home. The joy of the Lord radiates from her doing these acts of service and is an inspiration to others.

New Year's giving resolution and past year reflection

Lord, you have blessed me abundantly throughout my life. This year has held a special blessing by learning the joy of giving. But I don't want to stop it here and merely write my book. I want you Lord to guide the process so I can help you bring others into your Kingdom and be a soothing balm to the pain and heartache that the broken are feeling. If it is your will, I would also like to acknowledge a variety of different kinds of ministries, to educate others of the need for support to these ministires. I know Lord that this can only be done through you.

Thank you Lord for molding this once broken clay pot. Thank you for being the Almighty physician and councelor. Lord, let me be the hands, feet, eyes, ears, and mouth you desire me to be. Bring those who are in need, to this site and the "grateful giver's" site also (see followers of site). Thank you for bringing her into my life and ministry. Help guide us to follow your leading of exactly how you desire this ministry to go. Lord, thank you for my own healing since you first gave me the seeds for this ministry and know finally I am able to see some of the fruit to others. Much earlier however, I started seeing changes to myself. Help me remain grounded in prayer and in your Word.
This is your ministry Lord. Guide it through your Holy Spirit as you see fit. May it become a contagious love revolution for the glory of your Kingdom!!!

Caring for the homeless

During these cold winter nights, where temperatures drop and winds create precarious conditions for the homeless, I am so grateful for my own bed and warm covers. I often wonder how these folks are doing and the stories of their lives. We hear about those who do not survive due to the elements. Shelters are overflowing and are often only for the night. Many of us have the attitude that "they got themselves into their own mess." So we ignore them and the problem. Most of these people have a mental illness or they come from horrific backgrounds.

So what can we do to help in little ways to support? I think it is wise to not give money as this often is used for drug or alcohol use. Having a little "care pack" in one's car with some wholesome food such as trail mix, scarfs, mittens, a small bible are great comforts to the homeless person. Buying some healthy groceries if you are near a store where you see a homeless person is another way. Taking them out for coffee and buying some food is a welcomed luxury which we just take for granted.

So write in any ways you have helped or seen others help the homeless. Lets give dignity to these suffering people.

Have my gifts touched you in any way

I am wanting to know if my gifts to you have touched you in any way. How have they affected you or changed you? I am looking for stories for my book.
God bless!!

How has someone touched you for Mother's Day

It is important to remember that giving can be expressed in so many ways other than money. Have you ever had someone hand pick flowers for you from God's garden. Has your child given you a priceless hand made Mother's day card that you will treasure always. Write the story of your most precious Mother's Day and how it made you feel. Make sure to title your story.
Send me your email contact information with the title of your story to my email giftgiversboxshowschristslove@gmail.com (to protect your privacy). Within a month I will pick two stories to give one of my" secret giving mission" assignments. It will involve choices so one can give within one's means and/or one's time. Otherwise, they can tell me how they are going to give. I will ask your permission to use the story for my book. I can keep your name anonymous.
So come on ladies and gentlemen. Let's get those tears rolling!

Try giving challenge for a year or more

If you can, try the "penny power" and "dimes for missions" challenge below for a year, otherwise try smaller increments. Set yourself a goal to develop this giving habit which can last a lifetime!