Today’s update is a guest post from Jennifer of Saving and Giving.
My Giving Surprise
I was thrilled when I read that Alyssa was hosting The 30-Day Giving Challenge. In my opinion, there is no better time of year to become more intentional about giving. For a girl whose blog site is dedicated not only to saving money but also to being generous with what we have, this challenge was a perfect fit!
When I started the challenge, I assumed that I would be finding new and different ways to give financially. I also expected to do some giving in other, non-financial ways, but I was keeping my eyes open for money-related opportunities. God had something different in mind.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself so that you can see why these two weeks have been important to me, for they truly have been challenging. I’ve always found it easier to give money than to give of my time and effort. While we are not wealthy by this world’s standards, we are comfortable. Writing a check to a charity or buying some extra groceries for a neighbor wouldn’t exactly break the bank. It is a quick, easy way to give, it helps someone else, and it offers the warm fuzzies that usually accompany being generous.
I am a busy person…. too busy sometimes. I am a wife and mom, work part-time, blog, teach online, and have a stationery and invitation business I run from home. Did I mention that I’m busy? That’s why it is often easier for me to write a check than to give of my time.
God has used this challenge to stretch me and challenge me to give more of my time.
If you look through my 30-Day Giving Challenge journal, you will find many entries about how I was able to lend an ear to a co-worker, help a family member, or take the time to make something for someone. So far, other than tithing to our church, there are no financial entries in my journal!!
At first, I was disappointed to see this. However, as I reflected on why this was happening, I realized that God must want me to be more willing to give of my time and effort. That takes me being more intentional. It takes me looking around me to see the needs of others… not just physical needs, but also emotional and spiritual needs.
I am hopeful that I will also have some opportunities to give financially, but I am incredibly thankful for the giving lessons that I have learned so far. They have been priceless!
Jennifer is a wife and mom who blogs at Saving and Giving. Each week she hosts A Time to Give, a weekly feature where she encourages ways to give, ways to share, and ways to be generous. Jennifer knows how easy it is to get wrapped up in finding great deals, and she does not want to lose sight of one of the reasons her family chooses to live frugally… to be able to give more.
This is a great point and a good reminder. So often we don’t give our time and many times that is what is most needed. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I need to start another blog (aside from my Princess) about saving and organizing. But in the meanwhile, I really needed to share this. Please know I am pointing my finger UP as I share this. All the Glory to Him!
Since I was laid off almost 2 months ago, for the first time in a long time, I have had to watch every penny, literally. We have been comfortable for so long. But all the savings blogs have made saving and budgeting a lot more fun.
So, with the 30 day challenge, I jumped on board, to see how creative I could be in my giving, praying for guidance. I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer locally. During that I am meeting so many neat people, it is hard to consider it “giving”. I feel so blessed. I have always felt giving should be a “sacrafice”, but no, it is such a blessing. Well, today was the biggest blessing EVER! Just after doing a food run pick up for a food bank, my trainer and I were approached my a couple that seemed homeless. The man was asking where the woman could get some clothes, specifically underwear and socks. I was shocked. She did not have that “homeless” look, and seemed very gently and beautiful! My trainer directed them to a local Blessing Center about 6 blocks away, then we parted ways. Well, that woman stayed on my heart for the next hour as I did my shopping and errands. Finally, I swung by the blessing Center to see if she had gone there. They had not seen her. So I started driving the path, looking for them. I found them and they told me that it had been too far to go. So I offered to drive the lady to the center and promised to bring her back to the same location. She was thankful and shared about some of her mishaps leading to her situation. She was able to get 2 bags of clothes and a sleeping bag. When I took her back to her friend, she let me pray with her and I gave her my number to call me if she needed more help or a ride. After that, I went home and cried. My measly giving, seemed so small, but I didnt really know what else to do. However I know it was a blessing for her, and even more so for me. I am continuing to pray for God to lead me if there is more He wants me to do. I am sure I could find her again, as our town is small. Alyssa, thank you for the challenge, which opened my heart even more! God Bless- Mindy Lu
.-= Mindy Sames´s last blog ..MOMMY MONDAY =-.
Alyssa,
Thanks for this. As I have pursued the giving challenge I too have found that it is so much easier to find ways to give financially, especially at this time of year. There are food drives, coat drives and toy drives everywhere. I have enjoyed participating in those. But, now I am trying to focus on the people around me and I am finding new ways every day to touch their lives. I am asking God to help me slow down and pay attention to the world around me. Blessings to you, I’m going to check out your blog for the first time now 🙂
.-= Amy´s last blog .."Good For You" Southern Style Green Beans =-.
I printed out a coupon for $2 off Jello Mousse. I also had my son’s print one each. When it goes on sale I’ll buy 3 for the food bank.
Dropping off a Glade Sense and Spray to a minister friend of mine.
Thanks so much for doing this challenge! I have been slacking on posting weekly on my blog, but I did a reflection and update post yesterday. I encouraged people to continue giving, even through Christmas. I offered a huge list of ways people can give, some financially, other not.
My husband and I have decided to do a Christmas giving challenge, where for every person on our Christmas list we will give to somebody in need as well. =) I’m excited about it.
Mindy…what a beautiful story! =)
.-= Meagan´s last blog ..Freely Giving Friday: 30 Day Giving Challenge Update And Reflection… =-.