It's been an interesting week in my little blogosphere and I thought I'd tell you about it.
1. It turns out that our 'inspiring individual' of March, Rob Hall, was a friend of a friend of another very dear friend of mine. Hadn't made the connection until it was made here, and knowing that God is working in that young man's life has encouraged me as I think about the sadness surrounding Rob's death.
2. I've missed church for the past few weeks and was very glad to get back to Grace on Sunday. Our pastor was finishing up a series on Giving. I had an opportunity to tell the congregation a bit about this blogging journey, but even more importantly I was privileged to hear others' 'defining moments' about giving in their own lives. Such amazing testimonies! I was reminded that giving is an absolute privilege, not least because it sensitizes us to needs. That has certainly been my experience since starting this blog -- I'm on the lookout for ways to bless people, and it's such fun! It's also a privilege because the reason God wants us to give is so that He can give us more and more. That too has been true in our lives, over and over again. Our pastor brought to us the image of a river to depict the Spirit of God -- encouraging us to have the courage to jump in and allow the river to wash us away. This giving journey has been an attempt at that for me, so his message was well timed. So too were the stories shared by others -- I am clearly not alone in this journey! I'm hoping to post a story that was read -- stay tuned for that.
3. JustGivingIt was mentioned in the April 2011 issue of Whole Living magazine, which is the publication that started this whole crazy idea for me. A warm welcome to any new readers who've found us as a result. Feel free to join in the conversation!
Talk to you all on Friday. It's international week and the start of our first five week month.
Hey Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome to see how God is using you in this amazing journey of faith and giving...enjoy your ride down the river!!
Hey Rebecca, Glad others are getting to hear about your adventure in this. Your ability to live your faith in a real and practical way inspired me way back when I was a Frosh and you and Tim were leading the QCF Frosh Week events ... we won't mention how long ago that is now =)... and you continue to inspire me now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi - I found your link in Whole Living and wrote down that I wanted to check out your blog, but could not remember what drew my attention to it. I have read most of it now and am impressed. I wish my husband & I were on the same page and were of "great faith". I am a newish Christian (how long will I be newish?) and although we like to be generous, our generosity does not go much beyond a little to our church and our family & friends.
ReplyDeleteI love your plan - good luck on your journey - I will have to add you to my favorites!
I'm still 'newish' too -- 30 years in! Thanks for your encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking that giving is a bit like evangelism -- all believers are called to it, but some are specifically gifted to do it as the cornerstone of their ministry while others are gifted in other ways. I am recognizing the fact that my husband and I have very compatible views about giving is one of the ways God has gifted us as a couple. And that when any of us lives according to how we're 'hard wired', what might look like a big deal to someone gifted differently feels easy for us. Be encouraged -- I'm sure He's equipped you and your husband in many exciting ways. And there are lots and lots of ways to be a generous person and to be blessed on that journey!