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[ridgerunner]

This IS deep, but didn't really seem to fit in any of the categories.  Mods, if there's a better place please move it. 

I'm honestly not sure if I'm giving the right way, but I seem to be blessed each time I do.  Here's one of my stories. 

A few days ago, I found out that some elderly (Believing) family members were out of money and couldn't afford food or medication this month.  DH and I actually had just enough money to cover our bills, but I asked him about it and he said I could go ahead and give them enough to cover food and their medication and we'd put off paying something.  So I took out the cash and gave it to them.  A few days later, 3 times that amount "appeared" in an old forgotten account.

Most of my stories are similar to this.... except the one where we gave away a car... I'll share that another time.

Seems very insignificant compared with Beka and Gabe's sacrifices, but I'm learning.

[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

There isnt enough time to list all the blessings I have been recieving this year and previous years too but espeically this year.

I come from a large family and was raised poor. As an adult I have never been a person with much money but we got by. We did ok when I worked full time. Then we had kids and I became a stay at home mommy. Needless to say that is when one becomes finacially poor only getting by with 1 income and tons of medical needs. By then I was getting sicker and sicker until they found out I had diabetes and gall bladder issues.

We never had and still dont have the money to give away so we figured we could give of our time and things. When the kids grow out of their clothes we give them away or to those free clothing banks, the same goes with their toys and our all of our other stuff. Ppl have gotten after me saying I should sell the stuff in yard sales but that is a hassle and Id rather give it away in hopes that it might help someone in need. We have done  volunteer work and missions. Im not bragging in the least bit Im just explainging all that so yall can see how God works it out.

I never expected much really. Just lived and kept on keeping on. Never expected something in return. My husband had paid up the internet service months in advanced and thankfully he did cause we was able to still have it. He sees the importance of it for homeschooling and my herbal research.

My husband job had to change this year and his paychecks got much lower. Horribly low but he still works hard. But his paychecks were not enough. We hadnt had health insurance for 2 years and my diabetic supplies (insulins, strips, needles and more) were $100s every week. $240 on the average if I was conservitive and reused needles all the time.  Plus the cost of feeding the extra young  mouths we have in the summer.

And it was then while I am and still am in the down and out lowest of lows for my personal financial wallet that God provided threw other ppl.

Food came from several sources and still does sometimes, another diabetic gave me some needles, A Christian free health clinic helped me greatly, someone baught my insulin and test strips 1 time, someone gave me money, I got some homeschooling stuff from a local homeschooling group that had boxes of stuff out with a free sign on it, someone gave me some light work to do to earn money to buy my test strips,someone sent my kids clothing. The blessings go on and on.

Even tho I fretted over how we was to buy food and insulin we some how made it. God 1st and then my herbs/research/knowledge/personal experience got me by. I lacked important health care that I needed but I got by until I could get it. Now a big blessing has come to us. It may not be considered a blessing to some on this forum but it is for my hubby and I. We applied for me to get health care coverage of some kind back in Febuary from a group that helps the needy. Finally this month I got it and could see a doctor. The doctor is getting me fixed up  and getting me some prescriptions I have needed and the doc has gotten me  into an endocrinologist to get back on the insulin pump since mine broke and my body is rejecting the tubing anyways. I couldnt get into one without insurance and I need back on that pump ASAP. They cant get me into one until Feb 2010 but at least I am on my way to getting back on that pump.

I see my husbands relief knowing we are not having to pay $100s each week and wondering if we are about to lose our house, kids and lives. I see him able to take a much needed emotional breath, finally. And God isnt done yet. He keeps on keeping on. The blessings they keep coming. And even tho I mess up and really blow it sometimes He still keeps sending blessings my way.

I am so unworthy but He loves and blesses me anyways.

I fail so much but He still gets me by.

Than you God.

[joyofthelord]

Thank you so much for sharing BJ!

[ridgerunner]

I'm glad you're getting taken care of BJ!

[ridgerunner]

OK, when we gave away a car.  I was not on board with this idea and was resentful.  We had bought this car cheap and fixed it up to sell for a profit, and when we were ready to sell it, a need came up with another elderly family member for a car, but they couldn't pay for it.  My DH wanted to give it to them, but I was resentful and begrudging and felt like if they'd taken care of their affairs better they wouldn't have the need. 

I didn't stop him from doing it of course, but somehow, even though our income had just increased, we were plunged into financial hardship immediately.  I let that make me more resentful.  It took awhile (and reading some of Gabe's studies again) before it got through my thick head what was wrong, and I repented.  The hardship went away.  We weren't blessed with abundance the way we were when I joined my husband in giving willingly, but the hardship did go away and we were put into a place where we had 'just enough'.  That was a good lesson for me.  I'm pretty embarassed about it now, but thankful I've learned better and I try to make sure I don't forget. 

[Joyfulmomto9]

I know that I have learned to give by being given to.  And I have seen the same things happen in the lives of baby Christians- when they are given to that is when they learn to be givers. 

 

[GarlicMomma]

Thank you for this. It have had the same experience in my own life. Thank you for the gentle reminder.

OK, when we gave away a car.  I was not on board with this idea and was resentful.  We had bought this car cheap and fixed it up to sell for a profit, and when we were ready to sell it, a need came up with another elderly family member for a car, but they couldn't pay for it.  My DH wanted to give it to them, but I was resentful and begrudging and felt like if they'd taken care of their affairs better they wouldn't have the need. 

I didn't stop him from doing it of course, but somehow, even though our income had just increased, we were plunged into financial hardship immediately.  I let that make me more resentful.  It took awhile (and reading some of Gabe's studies again) before it got through my thick head what was wrong, and I repented.  The hardship went away.  We weren't blessed with abundance the way we were when I joined my husband in giving willingly, but the hardship did go away and we were put into a place where we had 'just enough'.  That was a good lesson for me.  I'm pretty embarassed about it now, but thankful I've learned better and I try to make sure I don't forget. 

[ridgerunner]

Thank you for this. It have had the same experience in my own life. Thank you for the gentle reminder.

Thanks for chiming in GarlicMomma, I'm glad it's not just me that went though this! 

I was hoping more people would jump in here with their stories, I need to learn more about this and I'm sure you all have experiences to share.  I don't mean for this thread to come across as self-aggrandisement, I hope it's not being taken that way.  I meant for it to be for learning and blessing.  I'm just learning to give after having spent so many years rejecting it due to feeling disgust for 'ministerial begging' from televangelists and the like.  I could really use some examples from you Godly women here!  (and men of course)   

[Laughter]

I was hoping more people would jump in here with their stories, I need to learn more about this and I'm sure you all have experiences to share.  I don't mean for this thread to come across as self-aggrandisement, I hope it's not being taken that way.  I meant for it to be for learning and blessing.  I'm just learning to give after having spent so many years rejecting it due to feeling disgust for 'ministerial begging' from televangelists and the like.  I could really use some examples from you Godly women here!  (and men of course)   

Had to look that one up     Didn't take it that way at all.  I've enjoyed reading what you and  and others have shared with us.

[Cherika Four Seasons]

I am ashamed to say that although God has blessed me a LOT, I don't think its ever been in direct response to me giving something. Since I've been old enough to really care, my family hasn't lacked for money and I feel like most of my giving has been, you know, tossing $50 at a charity now and then with no real personal sacrifice involved. like the rich people in the temple who Jesus said they weren't giving much at all even though the amounts were large, because it was just what they didn't need anyway. no wonder its so hard for rich people to get into heaven!  

that's why the best giving i've ever done has been giving up my time (or pride!)  to help out or spend time with lonely or disliked people. I also spent a few weeks in Zimbabwe a couple years ago. I worked my butt off every day and hardly had time for meals or to think of myself caus we were so busy working with squatters and at the orphanage.  And so many time we were forced to just rely on God for protection. And that was the blessing - His protection and friendship and love! I LONG for those times of giving and giving and giving all day long. scary, but wonderful.

So, I guess what I'm saying is -- everything has been backward for me. God has blessed MUCH and I have given LITTLE. But God is good and He is already starting to give me opportunitites to really give as I have started looking for them (finally!) ("finally" as in "finally i have started looking for them" not "finally He is starting to give me opportunities). Maybe ten years from now, if I'm still alive  , I'll have some decent stories to tell.  But ONLY because God's mercy and love endures forever.

[ridgerunner]

Had to look that one up     Didn't take it that way at all.  I've enjoyed reading what you and  and others have shared with us.

LOL, thanks Laughter! 

I totally know what you mean Cherika...

[GarlicMomma]

I had to look up the word too. And no, I don't think what you wrote was for your self-edification.  I was just thankful to read it and for the reminder.

[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

that's why the best giving i've ever done has been giving up my time (or pride!)  to help out or spend time with lonely or disliked people. I also spent a few weeks in Zimbabwe a couple years ago. I worked my butt off every day and hardly had time for meals or to think of myself caus we were so busy working with squatters and at the orphanage.  And so many time we were forced to just rely on God for protection. And that was the blessing - His protection and friendship and love! I LONG for those times of giving and giving and giving all day long. scary, but wonderful.

So, I guess what I'm saying is -- everything has been backward for me. God has blessed MUCH and I have given LITTLE. But God is good and He is already starting to give me opportunitites to really give as I have started looking for them (finally!) ("finally" as in "finally i have started looking for them" not "finally He is starting to give me opportunities). Maybe ten years from now, if I'm still alive  , I'll have some decent stories to tell.  But ONLY because God's mercy and love endures forever.

I love it!

It is also my "thing" to befriend the underdogs, the ones others cast aside. And dont be shamed instead be thankful for all the many many many blessings. I too feel as if I give so little but get so much. I feel as if I should do more but a thought came to my mind which is " you cant work your way into God's heart or His good graces so chill out." Meaning I shouldnt give just to get back or to  be considred a good girl, nor should I make giving a legalistic thing. Give out of love not out of an attitude of "I gotta do it or else"

[Titus2woman]

Just as Joyfulmomto9 said, sadly we never even THOUGHT to give until we were on the receiving end ourselves.  My darling had fallen off of a ladder and broken his leg in two places years ago (complying with the city again~LOL!), and WOW the outpourring from our church was AMAZING!  Someone brought over  a twin bed and bedding for him for downstairs, people brought meals, people even shoved money anonymously under our door!  and one family who had walked this out themselves gave us another large sum of money a few months out, as they knew that people in that position are still in need but not remembered anymore.  OH!  One online family even took up a collection among their children for us, and one son gave all he had!  OH the tears....

That is just ONE story of how we have been blessed~there are SOOO MANY!  When my darling had a better job we used to give a lot~groceries and meeting other such needs often~especially during a family's hardship.  Then he went to that $7.50 hourly pay (which is better now), and our giving changed to making meals for others and cleaning toilets and doing other such chores for the sick.  As our family has grown, sadly we are probably not giving as much now as we did.  I feel responsible, as I'm not the most organized person and wonder if we could do more if I had my ducks in a row...  I know that helping can be a gift, but honestly I don't feel as useful as when we can meet needs with financial resources for some reason.  (((((HUGS)))))  sandi

[mxmom]

I, too, am not sure if this fits.....but I just have to tell! 

I have recently went to dh to ask about my desire to give more.  He is not a believer, we don't attend church, and so really only give what we no longer want/need.  Well, he gave me a bigger amount than I had hoped for. aaah my man. 
 
Well, today my boss, who is a really good friend of his, asked if we could help her daughter move out of her apartment. This girl is a single mom of a 4 yo and twin babies and my boss is a widow.  Now, normally dh isn't real fond of these types of requests.....but this time, he quickly said, "Yes, tell T (our son) to round up a couple of his friends.  We'll help her move and then I'll take the boys for pizza.  After all, she is a widow."  If you only knew how different this response was from him......God is just sooooo good.   

[Deb]

we aren't currently in a church, but visit different ones with friends sometimes. My husband's take on on giving is "give till it hurts". That means if we can't feel it in our wallet, it wasn't enough. So, I'm thinking that is along what Gabe means by the first and the fat. Any way, we were BROKE one Sunday recently and were visiting a friend's church. We had 2 dollars to our name---truly2 dollars. My husband felt to give it and as we left, he was shaking hands with a gentleman we had never met, and he placed a folded up 20.00 bill into my husband's hand and whispered "God told me to give you this". WOW!!! I still get goosebumps! PTL for all His goodness, His mercy and His lovingkindness to us.

[Laughter]

we aren't currently in a church, but visit different ones with friends sometimes. My husband's take on on giving is "give till it hurts". That means if we can't feel it in our wallet, it wasn't enough. So, I'm thinking that is along what Gabe means by the first and the fat. Any way, we were BROKE one Sunday recently and were visiting a friend's church. We had 2 dollars to our name---truly2 dollars. My husband felt to give it and as we left, he was shaking hands with a gentleman we had never met, and he placed a folded up 20.00 bill into my husband's hand and whispered "God told me to give you this". WOW!!! I still get goosebumps! PTL for all His goodness, His mercy and His lovingkindness to us.

Felt (the/your ) goosebumps when I read that    Thanks for sharing that, Deb!

[Sweet E]

I wish I had my own story to tell, but I stumbled across a great example from the past. It fits the premise of giving the "first and fat" so well, I have to share...

It's from A Retrospect, the autobiography of J. Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China during the 1900's. (Which, by the way, you can download for free here: http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/26744)

Anyway, Hudson was studying medicine in London before heading to China. He spent Sundays ministering in the lowest part of the city. One night as he was heading home a poor man rushed up and begged him to come pray for his wife, who was dying. As Hudson followed the man, and heard his desperate story, he began to wish he had money to give him. As it was, all the resources Hudson possessed at the time was a "half crown." And although he had food for dinner and breakfast the next day, he had nothing to eat beyond that.

In his own words (emphasis added):

"'Ah," thought I, "if only I had two shillings and a sixpence instead of this half-crown, how gladly would I give these poor people one shilling of it!" But to part with the half-crown was far from my thoughts. I little dreamed that the real truth of the matter simply was that I could trust in GOD plus one-and-sixpence, but was not yet prepared to trust Him only, without any money at all in my pocket.

...Up a miserable flight of stairs, into a wretched room, he led me; and oh what a sight there presented itself to our eyes! Four or five poor children stood about, their sunken cheeks and temples all telling unmistakably the story of slow starvation; and lying on a wretched pallet was a poor exhausted mother, with a tiny infant thirty-six hours old, moaning rather than crying at her side, for it too seemed spent and failing. "Ah!" thought I, "if I had two shillings and a sixpence instead of half-a-crown, how gladly should they have one-and-sixpence of it!" But still a wretched unbelief prevented me from obeying the impulse to relieve their distress at the cost of all I possessed.

It will scarcely seem strange that I was unable to say much to comfort these poor people. I needed comfort myself. I began to tell them, however, that they must not be cast down, that though their circumstances were very distressing, there was a kind and loving FATHER in heaven; but something within me said, "You hypocrite! telling these unconverted people about a kind and loving FATHER in heaven, and not prepared yourself to trust Him without half-a-crown!" I was nearly choked. How gladly would I have compromised with conscience if I had had a florin and a sixpence! I would have given the florin thankfully and kept the rest; but I was not yet prepared to trust in GOD alone, without the sixpence.

To talk was impossible under these circumstances; yet, strange to say, I thought I should have no difficulty in praying. [...] "You asked me to come and pray with your wife," I said to the man, "let us pray." And I knelt down. But scarcely had I opened my lips with "Our FATHER who art in heaven" than conscience said within, "Dare you mock GOD? Dare you kneel down and call Him FATHER with that half-crown in your pocket?" Such a time of conflict came upon me then as I have never experienced before or since. How I got through that form of prayer I know not, and whether the words uttered were connected or disconnected I cannot tell; but I arose from my knees in great distress of mind.

The poor father turned to me and said, "You see what a terrible state we are in, sir; if you can help us, for GOD'S sake do!" Just then the word flashed into my mind, "Give to him that asketh of thee," and in the word of a KING there is power. I put my hand into my pocket, and slowly drawing forth the half-crown, gave it to the man, telling him that it might seem a small matter for me to relieve them, seeing that I was comparatively well off, but that in parting with that coin I was giving him my all; what I had been trying to tell him was indeed true--GOD really was a FATHER, and might be trusted. The joy all came back in full flood-tide to my heart; I could say anything and feel it then, and the hindrance to blessing was gone--gone, I trust, for ever.

Not only was the poor woman's life saved, but I realised that my life was saved too! [...] I well remember how that night, as I went home to my lodgings, my heart was as light as my pocket. The lonely, deserted streets resounded with a hymn of praise which I could not restrain. When I took my basin of gruel before retiring, I would not have exchanged it for a prince's feast. I reminded the LORD as I knelt at my bedside of His own Word, that he who giveth to the poor lendeth to the LORD: I asked Him not to let my loan be a long one, or I should have no dinner next day; and with peace within and peace without, I spent a happy, restful night.

Next morning for breakfast my plate of porridge remained, and before it was consumed the postman's knock was heard at the door. [...]I looked at the letter, but could not make out the handwriting. It was either a strange hand or a feigned one, and the postmark was blurred. Where it came from I could not tell. On opening the envelope I found nothing written within; but inside a sheet of blank paper was folded a pair of kid gloves, from which, as I opened them in astonishment, half-a-sovereign fell to the ground. "Praise the LORD!" I exclaimed; "400 per cent for twelve hours investment; that is good interest. How glad the merchants of Hull would be if they could lend their money at such a rate!" I then and there determined that a bank which could not break should have my savings or earnings as the case might be--a determination I have not yet learned to regret."

[FarmWife]

I've read that before Sweet E.  Thanks for the reminder!!

[HappyWifey]

A couple of months ago our church had a "auction" (nothing was sold, people would just bid on how much they would give) for a orphanage in Malawi that had gone into debt trying to keep the children healthy. My DH and I had very little at that time, as there had been no jobs for him for a while, and we were trying to make the last little bit we had stretch as far as it could. DH put in $50, which was a paltry sum compared to what most were giving. (this was right before dividend time, so everyone had at least $1,000 extra coming soon, we just moved back so we didn't get it this year) The very next morning we received our first and only call from a handy man ad my DH had placed and after that, the jobs just poured in, up until just a week or so ago, my DH was so busy he hardly had time to rest!

BTW the church raised $180,000 for the orphanage, and it only runs about 500 on a high attendance day! 

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