ONE SIMPLE ACT: The Power of Generosity

The following devotions are notes and quotes from Debbie Macomber's book, ONE SIMPLE ACT: Discovering the Power of Generosity.    Simon and Schuster, 2009

MONDAY August 11

Chapter 1: FLEAS, FOOTSTEPS, CHECKOUT LANES -  The Springboard of Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18 VOICE

Give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.

Philippians 4:6 GNT
Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

BOOK NOTES - 
The antidote to anxiety is to pray WITH THANKSGIVING!

Discoveries:

•             The act of gratitude reminds us that God is worthy of our trust.
•             Practicing an attitude of gratitude spills over to acts of generosity.
•             Gratitude gives back.  When we practice gratitude, not only do we grow in our trust of God, but we benefit physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Stephen Post (Guideposts – 
The Power of Gratitude)

1.    Gratitude defends. (15 min of gratefulness builds antibodies)

2.    Gratitude sharpens. (Mentall focus, lessens depression)

3.    Gratitude calms. (Lower blood pressure and heart rate)

4.    Gratitude strengthens.

5.    Gratitude heals.

Gratitude is the basis for generosity!!
     
     I am going to take the next few weeks to post about the book I am currently reading by Debbie Macomber.  It is about generosity; generosity in all aspects of life - time, talents, resources, etc.  It is about generosity large and small.  This opening chapter reflects on where an attitude of generosity starts - with gratitude for all we have been given.  It is a good place to start, a good SPRINGBOARD! 
     
TUESDAY, August 12

CHAPTER 2:  LOAVES, FISHES, AND MIRACLE MATH – The Miracle of Sharing

Hebrews 13:16  GNT

Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

Matthew 14:13-21  (Story of the Loaves and Fishes)

BOOK NOTES -

Discoveries:

•  If we are willing to hold our resources with an open hand, there's no telling what God can do.
• The real miracle is the multiplication of limited resources.  It may not compute on your accountant's calculator, but it is a central element of God's economy.
• Here's where the real power of generosity comes in.  Often, the more we give, the more we receive. 
• God multiplies our giving. In His hands each act of generosity we offer him, no matter how small, becomes part of this miracle of multiplication. (p. 31-33)

I wrote a week ago about this chapter and the power of miracle math.  I love the image; I love power that comes from the ripple effect of love and generosity.  

WEDNESDAY, August 13

CHAPTER 3: KEYS, CANDY, ARMY MEN – 

The Act of Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11 MSG

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.

BOOK NOTES - 

Discoveries:

• Sometimes all it takes is one simple act of believing in someone to unlock his or her potential. 
• Praise and Encouragement are NOT the same thing.
• The act of encouragement begins in seeing people as God sees them, for all they can be, for who they are becoming, not for who they are at the moment.
• Encouragement changes the encourager. 

“Failures” who example the power of encouragement:

• Einstein was four years old before he could speak.
•  Isaac Newton did poorly in grade school and was considered ‘unpromising.’
• Thomas Edison was told her was too stupid by a teacher as a youngster and counseled to go into a field where his pleasing personality would be an asset.
• FW Woolworth wasn’t allowed to wait on customers early in his sales career because he didn’t have the sense to ‘close the sale’.
• Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.
• A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he lacked imagination and original ideas.
• Bath Ruth struck out 1330 times, a major league record. 

What if we had let the wrong encouragement affect these people?  What if someone hadn’t seen the potential within?

Ideas for Action:

1.     What is MY comfort zone for encouragement?  By what means do I want to deliver my message?  Phone calls?  Notes? 

2.    Set a goal.  A few a week?  Who?

Keep an encouragement journal, writing down who and ways you encouraged.  Keep a column for encouragement that comes to you.     

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

Chapter 4:  SPILLED LATTE, BACKPACKS, AND TOLLBOOTHS –

 The Habit of Good Deeds

Matthew 5:16 GNT

In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 VOICE

 I know there is nothing better for us than to be joyful and to do good throughout our lives.

Discoveries:

• Good deeds (Random Acts of Kindness or RAK) are different from service (long term)
• Good deeds are contagious!
• Cultivating the habit of good deeds will not only affect those around us, it will improve our own emotional and physical well being. 

Suggestions for where to start doing RAK:

1.     Do someone else’s job. 

2.     Be nice.  (It’s that simple???)  Demonstrate patience.  Smile.  Tiny acts add up!

3.     Appreciate people.  Let them know. 

4.     Make a difference.  Keep eyes open for opportunities.

5.     Ask the Lord to nudge you.  (Seek ‘divine appointments’)

What if I commit each day to actively seek the opportunity to RAK?  What kind of change will I see in my own life?  God can multiply my RAKs to empower many, but I have to start with one small act.  

Note: As you can see from the titles of each chapter, Macomber peppers her writing with personal anecdotes and true stories that illustrate her points.  It makes for fun, yet inspirational, reading! 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Ch 5: A MEMORY, A GUARD, AND AN OUTSTRETCHED HAND – The Impact of Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13 MSG

Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.

BOOK NOTES –

Discovery:

While it may not be a simple act, offering forgiveness not only has the power to heal relationships, it strengthens the well-being of those who give this life-changing gift.*

 Forgiveness is a Discipline – “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive.  He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.  There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us.  When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”  Martin Luther King

Forgiveness is an ACT, not an EMOTION.

“But forgiveness is not an emotion….Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” Corrie ten Boom in recounting the experience of willing herself to make the motion of forgiveness when her heart wasn’t in it and then finding a flood of love flow through her body toward the forgiven. 

Scientific research has shown that the ability to forgive lowers blood pressure and heart rate, lowers stress, reduces hostility, and lessens the symptoms of anxiety and depression.  That is some pretty potent medicine!! 

“When we confess our sins, God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever.  And even though I cannot find a Scripture for it, I believe God then places a sign out there that says, NO FISHING ALLOWED.” – Corrie ten Boom

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Ch 6: A COACH, A COUGH DROP, AND A LIGHT BULB –

The Power of Believing the Best

Philippians 4:8 GNT

Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.

BOOK NOTES –

Discoveries:

• ·       Believing the best of others strengthens them to live up to their best.
• ·       When we offer people the gift of believing the best of them, we light the pathway to their becoming the very best of who they are.

Actions that will help develop the HABIT of “Best-Believing”:

• ·       Keep or record in a journal.
• ·       Play the Pollyana ‘Glad Game’ – finding something good in EVERY situation.
• ·       Cover my intentions in prayer.  Acknowledge I can’t do this alone.
• ·       Collect Bible verses that will remind and support me.
• ·       Be accountable.  To myself, to a friend, to God.
• ·       Commit for a month.
• ·       Each time I fail, start over again. 

     This chapter spoke to me.  There is an individual in my life who I tend to think about in a negative way.  This will be my challenge.  Whether my heart-change will change the individual or not, I will leave in God hands (God-math!)  I CAN change my belief system!! 
     I found this quote about the butterfly - so true.  May we spend our lives seeking the butterflies hidden in each other!

SUNDAY, August 17

Ch 7: POINT HOPE, A PIANO RECITAL, AND A HOUSE YET TO COME – The Bounty of Open-Handed Giving

2 Corinthians 9:7 MSG

God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 MSG

Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.

BOOK NOTES –

“A pre-requisite to living abundantly is giving abundantly….two are woven together tightly.  If you don’t know how to give, you don’t know how to live.” (Elizabeth Peale Allen)

Four Rules to ‘Taking It With You’:

• ·       Seek God always.
• ·       Do good always.
• ·       Help others.
• ·       Give extravagantly.

Discoveries:

• ·       We never know how our acts of openhanded giving are going to be used and multiplied by God, but we can be certain that they will be….in God’s time.
• ·       Forget what the world says….you CAN take it with you.
• ·       Listen for God nudges and opportunities.
• ·       Give according to your own resources, not compared with others.  All you have to do is open your hands and ask God, “What can I do?”

Suggestions for Open-Handed Giving

• ·       Give to your local church before expanding your universe of giving.
• ·       Individual nudges can be followed, but generally give to established organizations.
• ·       We are called to be wise as well as generous.  Do your research. 

     One of my great joys is the ability to budget for ‘extra giving’ – beyond the church pledge and our normal monthly commitments to Children, Inc., etc. --   Bonus giving to various charities.  I use Charity Navigator as one of my guides – only 3 or 4 star organizations where I know my money is actually helping someone, not paying an executive salary in 6 digits.  My challenge is to listen to the nudges from God….where else?  Who else?  How? 

MONDAY, August 18

Ch 8: STATIC, STORIES, AND CHOW-CHOW –

The Art of Listening

Matthew 11:15 MSG

“Are you listening to me? Really listening?  (Jesus says this over and over in Matthew!)

1 Kings 19:11-12 MSG

Then he was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.”

A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.

BOOK NOTES –

Generosity-in-listening is a true gift.  “God gave us two hears and one mouth so we could hear twice as much as we speak.” (Greek philosopher Epictetus)

Discoveries:

• ·       Poor listening is the key to poor communication.
• ·       Media distractions and modern technology provide mass amounts of background static.
• ·       Good listening requires time and effort.
• ·       Good listening requires focusing on the other person rather than on ourselves and our own thoughts and reactions.
• ·       The bottom line is – when we take the time to REALLY listen, others feel valued.
• ·       Becoming generous in our listening can transform relationships.
• ·       Listen carefully to the questions asked of you and ask them back…They are usually a good clue to what the other person wants to talk about!
• ·       Listen carefully to the questions of others….they betray considerable background messages!
• ·       Turn your listening to God and BE QUIET to hear God’s answers. It takes practice to hear God’s voice.  (See 1 Kings scripture)
• ·       When we are generous listeners, we will gain far more than we give. 

     Oh boy!  I don’t know where to start with this chapter. Guilty as charged?  This is an area where I am not generous, I am not always a good listener.  Yesterday I was working at a community event and the question phrase came to mind when one of the women, a casual acquaintance, asked me a question.  I answered briefly and then turned the question around and we ended up with a good five minute exchange.  It works!  And I was rewarded abundantly with information about a means of travel I had been curious about!  “When we are generous listeners, we will gain far more than we give.”  INDEED! 

    Now….to practice generous listening with God.  To shut up and listen so I can hear God’s gentle quiet whisper. 

TUESDAY, August 19 – STILL LISTENING!   

Macomber concludes this chapter with a summary of types of listeners and common mistakes listeners make.

Appreciative Listening: Nodding and smiling occasionally lets the speaker know you appreciate her words.

Engaged Listening: Leaning forward and making eye contact puts a more physical engagement with the speaker.  Also helps you hear better!

Intuitive Listening:  Hearing between the words.  Picking up inflections, non-verbal messages, unspoken words. 

Empathetic Listening:  Putting yourself in the speaker’s shoes, not to fix it or criticize, but to gain respectful understanding.

Common mistakes that limit our Listening Generosity:

·       Interrupting: Work hard to hear the complete thought.

·       Story Stealing:  Topping the story with one of your own…

·       Sentence Finishing: Be patient and let the speaker finish.

·       Breaking Eye Contact: A very quick way to disengage – it lets the speaker know you are bored and ready to move on. Disconnects the conversation.

·       Sidetracking: Too many questions or interjections can stop the speaker from finishing.

     Another Wow.  When she puts the list of common mistakes all in order it hurts to see how guilty I am of many.  

WEDNESDAY, August 20

Ch 9: JAMBALAYA, CUPCAKES, AND THE NORTH PLATTE CANTEEN – The Practice of Hospitality

Romans 12:13

Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. MSG

Share what you have with the saints, so they lack nothing; take every opportunity to open your life and home to others. VOICE

Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers. GNT

1 Peter 4:9

Show hospitality to each other without complaint. VOICE

Hebrews 13:2

Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!  MSG

BOOK NOTES –

• ·       “Think of Hospitality as an invitation to God to use me in the lives of others.”
• ·       Everyone has something to offer another in the way of hospitality.
• ·       Hospitality is about people, not surroundings. 
• ·       Whether we entertain friends or strangers, we’re told that the Lord is in our midst. What company to keep!

Suggestions for Hospitality Acts:

• Don’t stress about the house.  Go outside if necessary!
• Develop a few, tried and true, company menus.
• Develop a shopping list for the standard menus so you don’t forget something.
• Be creative about WHERE you entertain.
• Let guests help with food.  Potluck it!
• Mix it up, combining different groups of people.

            I included three different translations of the Romans passage on hospitality because each seemed to emphasize something different. The Message said to be ‘inventive’.  Wow!  There is so MUCH that can go into that simple word.  The VOICE says to open not just our home, but our lives to others as well.   And the Good News translation reminds us to share our belongings with those in need – another twist on hospitality.  But I think I appreciated Macomber’s reminder that hospitality is for people!  Hospitality is about relationships, not housekeeping abilities.  Heck, sometimes I invite people over because I need an excuse to FIND the dining room table!  But usually our house is just comfortably clean, never spic-n-span!  And I don’t worry about perfection in our surroundings.  

          Be generous in time and food.  Be generous in conversation and listening.  These are the important parts of hospitality.  

THURSDAY, August 21 – More on Hospitality!

     As I read over these lines on Wednesday morning, I was struck by the differences in the target of our hospitality.  The Romans passage says to extend our home and meals, and our belongings, to fellow Christians – in other words, take care of each other completely.  That extends to strangers within the Christian family because that’s what family SHOULD do!  

     But what about the hospitality to strangers who don’t think like us?  Hospitality to our opponents, those perhaps even somewhat hostile to our ideas and faith?  What about hospitality to someone who smells because they have been homeless on the streets?  Or someone tattooed and pierced completely  – someone so different they perhaps frightens us?  What about hospitality when we are too busy to entertain?  When we invite the same ‘comfortable’ friends without expanding to include others? What is our obligation then?

     1 Peter simply says, “Show hospitality without complaint.”  We do it anyway – in some form or another.  We do it with open hearts and no apologies.  In the end, we will be blessed beyond measure for the doors we open. 

FRIDAY, August 22

Ch 10: WAITING ROOMS, BLOSSOMS, AND LETTERS THAT LAST –  The Privilege of Inspiring Hope

2 Corinthians 1:4 VOICE

“[God] consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles.”

BOOK NOTES & QUOTES –

• ·       We don’t need to be theologically or professionally trained to offer hope and encouragement.  We just need to be present.
• ·       “Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, of sickness, of captivity, would, without this comfort, be insupportable.” (Samuel Johnson, 1750)
• ·       Hope-filled inspiration can be as simple as a postcard or as involved as a visit.
• ·       Nothing helps us offer the gift of hope more than understanding why there IS hope. 
• ·       Offer hope, not answers.
• ·       Shared stories build connections and build hope.
• ·       Be ready to address the real battle, to face eternity.
• ·       Hope is not a gift we have to manufacture ourselves.  It is a gift from God who delights in giving the best to his children. All we need to do to give this gift is invite others to join us in looking to the Giver.

“Where hope would otherwise become hopelessness, it becomes faith.”   (Robert Brault)

      We just need to be present.  Luke recently had lunch with two youth group members who had just lost their grandmother.  He said he really didn’t know what to say, so he let them talk.  Did he offer hope?  I think so.  He was present with them.  He was present in their loss and in their grief. 

   

SATURDAY, August 23 – More on HOPE

Acts 20:2 MSG

“He [Paul] gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.”

     Hope is such an elusive thing, yet so present if we look.  Present in us, present in our faith, present in God’s presence.  A word of such future and expectation, a word tossed around vicariously.  I ‘hope’ this and I ‘hope’ that.  Do we hope for others or do we hope they grasp the hope that is there?  I’m babblin’….perhaps because I don’t have a good grasp of this ethereal word. 

     How does HOPE fit in to the realm of generosity?  How can we SHARE hope?  How can we be generous in hope?  What small acts can I do to release hope?      Author Macomber emphasizes the hope we give comes from God and shares many scriptures of hope.  Unfortunately I didn’t find many of them particularly moving.  She also talked of a family who kept a Card Box on the table so when the family discussed someone struggling, they could immediately write a message of encouragement and hope.  Something like the Sharing cards at worship, no mere coincidence that I just wrote an article for the newsletter reminding people of their presence? 

      May we have high hopes, based on an incredible God.  High hopes smack of the generosity of encouragement and seeing the best in people.  Much of this all blends together in an attitude of generosity.  

MONDAY, August 25

Ch 11: GLUE, LEGENDS, AND A SLUMBER PARTY –

The Spirit of Christmas

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

BOOK NOTES-

• ·       Confession: We have nativity scenes in every room of our home.  I joke that you can’t even go to the bathroom in our house without baby Jesus watching your every move.”
• ·       The glue of God’s love holds us together in our brokenness.
• ·       Giving aligns us with the heart of God; no wonder people are more attuned to spiritual matters during Christmas.
• ·       You cannot address the power of generosity at Christmas without talking gifts. 
• ·       Of course, the greatest gift of all was given at Christmas: Jesus Christ.
• ·       The God of the Universe, infinite and uncontainable, allowed himself to be contained within a womb for 9 months as a gift to the world.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:

Memory-Making Gifts – A family slumber party to make gifts for others (friends, teachers, mailmen, etc.)  Everyone works together, all generations.

Gifts of Service or Time – Give your time or money to a cause in the name of another and explain WHY in a card or letter. 

Gifts That Open Possibilities – The necessary equipment to try a new endeavor or skill of interest.  A gift certificate for a class.

Gifts That Say You Were Listening – Did someone express a need or desire?  Fulfill it.

Gifts That Express a Promise – A long term gift that is added to or saved for a special day in the future.

Discoveries:

·       The perfect gift at Christmas has already been given – the Son of God.

·       The best act of generosity we can offer at Christmas is to celebrate this gift by spending time with family, friends, and the One Who was the greatest gift.

TUESDAY, August 26 – More on Christmas Giving

Scripture: Matthew 2:11 MSG

They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

            So….I have to admit that Macomber grabbed my attention when she starts out the chapter with her confession on nativities.  It has become an obsession for me, so probably that needs to be addressed at some point!  Am I just collecting, or am I celebrating the ‘reason for the season’??  But Macomber also relates that she subtlely shares this spiritual side of Christmas with others through her Christmas teas of invited groups outside her church realm.  There can be no doubt entering such a home as to the motivation behind a life of generosity. 

            The gift ideas are good: homemade, intentional, personal.   We have long ago spent most of our Christmas gift-giving in the charitable catalogs – a donation of music instruments to Jack, our music major foster son, a donation of writing supplies to Luke, our writer, etc.  Son Jed often writes a beautiful and tear-provoking card to me when he gives a give that will benefit a young mother or family.  We sometimes wrap up Dollar Tree tokens of the real gift so we have the joy of unwrapping!  Christmas has become a joyful time to share our blessings with others.  I work on some Christmas presents all year long.  It keeps the spirit alive!

    

WEDNESDAY, August 27 – God’s Loving Glue

            Before I move on to Macomber’s next chapter, I have to spend a moment reflecting on her first narrative story in the Christmas chapter.  One of her nativities, a prized one of huge proportions, had a broken Jesus.  It was at a time when Macomber’s life was filled with hurt and pain; SHE felt broken as well.  Her husband lovingly found a special glue to repair Jesus and somehow Macomber felt that healing as well.  She now loves to be reminded of God’s Loving Glue every time she sees the mended Jesus.  She doesn’t see an old and broken nativity, but healing in God. 

            I have a new nativity to put up for the first time this year.  It is a gift from my cousin and has been in the family for years.  It also is bigger than any of my others, so the cracks in the repaired Wisemen are obvious.  This is a good reminder now to me to focus on the healing in the nativity, the healing in our lives and world, the healing that comes through God’s Loving Glue. 

THURSDAY, August 28

Ch 12: BREAD CRUMBS, MINNOWS, and SUBMARINES –

The Gift of Caregiving

Matthew 25:35

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

BOOK NOTES –

·       “We hear many stories of selfless caregiving, but the truth is, it can be a scary, tough task. We know God calls us to care for others, but the reality is so….well, so daily!”

·       About Henri Nouwen, noted theologian: “Physical touch, affection, and the messiness of caring for an uncoordinated person did not come easily.  But he had learned to love Adam, to really LOVE him.  In the process he had learned what it must be like for God to love us – spiritually uncoordinated, retarded, and able to respond with what must seem to God to be inarticulate grunts and groans.”

·       Through caregiving, we can find the power of humility and the kind of silence that is filled with deeper things.

·       When we stretch ourselves to do the tough stuff, we grow in ways we’d never imagined.

·       Perhaps the most profound lesson to be learned in caregiving is patience.  Patience to repeat tasks, patience to listen to the same conversation over and over. 

FRIDAY, August 29 – More on Caregiving

1 Timothy 5:8 MSG
Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That’s worse than refusing to believe in the first place.

Tips on Caregiving (from the National Family Caregivers Association)

• ·       Caregiving is a JOB.  Reward yourself with respite breaks, often.
• ·       When others offer to help, ACCEPT.  Suggest specific ways they can help.
• ·       EDUCATE yourself about the condition and how to talk with doctors.
• ·       Be open to ways in which independence can be maintained.
• ·       TRUST your instincts and God.
• ·       Be kind to your back.
• ·       Grieve for the losses, and then dream new dreams.
• ·       Seek support from other caregivers.

SATURDAY, August 30 – More on Caregiving: Ships & Subs

Gone From My Sight – Henry van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore

A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze

And starts for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.

I stand and watch her until at length

She hangs like a speck of white cloud

Just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says,

“There, she is gone!”

“Gone where?”

Gone from my sight.  That is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar

As she was when she left my side

And she is just as able to bear

Her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone

At my side says, “There, she is gone!”

There are other eyes watching her coming,

And other voices ready to take up the glad shout:

“Here she comes!”

And that is dying.

And now to the submarine….and a story about dealing with pressure.

     There are two ways of dealing with pressure.  One is illustrated by a bathysphere, the miniature submarine used to explore the ocean in places so deep that the water pressure would crush a regular submarine like an aluminum can. Bathyspheres compensate with plate steel several inches thick, which keeps the water out, but also makes them heavy and hard to maneuver. 

     Inside they are not alone. When their lights are turned on and you look through the tiny, thick plate-glassed windows, what do you see?  Fish!!  These fish cope with extreme pressure in an entirely different way.  They don’t build thick skins; they remain supple and free.  They compensate for the outside pressure through equal and opposite pressure inside themselves.  Christians, likewise, don’t have to be hard and thick-skinned – as long as they appropriate God’s power within to equal the pressure without.  (Jay Kessler, president emeritus of Taylor University in Indiana)

SUNDAY, August 31

Ch 13: A KINGDOM, TEN DOLLARS, AND AFGHANS OF LOVE –

The Bounty of Time

Galatians 6:10 MSG

Every time we get the chance, let us do work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

BOOK NOTES:

• ·       “The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” (Norman Vincent Peale)
• ·       Nothing in our society is so desperately needed as time spent on other people.
• ·       How do we identify the ‘big things’ which need our time?  Seek first the Kingdom…(Matthew 6:32) Love the Lord your God,….Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)
• ·       Ask yourself….Am I so busy serving the church that I don’t have time to BE the church?
• ·       When making choices between two ‘good things’, ask which one really serves my neighbor?
• ·       Our most immediate neighbor is our family and our spouse.  Invest time there.
• ·       Nothing says “You matter to me” more than the act of investing time with the people we love.
• ·       “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent.  Be careful, lest you let other people spend it for you.” (Carl Sandburg)
• ·       God is the master of time.  When we seek His wisdom on where to invest our time we are certain to invest it well. 

             We are back to the loaves and fishes here!  If the boy and his family had sat down to eat alone, sharing with none, they would have had just two fish and 5 loaves of bread.  But they shared.  Our time is the same way.  When we share our efforts beyond ourselves, we are energized.  Our time is multiplied. 

            The quote on church service hit home.  Am I too busy ‘serving’ the church to ‘be’ the church.  Activities should NEVER take precedence over PEOPLE.  Wise words to remember. 

MONDAY, September 1 – MORE ON TIME

Matthew 6:31 MSG

What I am trying to do here is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.

Simple Ways to Discover More Hours in Your Day

Eliminate Time Wasters: Television, Computer, Internet, Chores

            If internet is taking up more time than family, reconsider.  Cut out the 2.5 hours of TV the annual adult American watches, and you’ll gain 10% more time in the day. Rethink the really necessary chores.  MUST the house be vaccumed every day?  (OK…I admit, this one has never been a problem for me!  ANYTHING is more important than housework!)

Multitask Whenever Possible

            Can you work on a project while watching TV?  At a meeting? Combine friend time with something on The List?

Reclaim Lost Snipets of Time

            Read a book while in a waiting room, do exercises at a stoplight, write a note while the water boils. 

Put First Things First: Remember what is important. 

“The modern world has far too little understanding of the art of keeping young. Its notion of progress has been to pile one thing on top of another, without caring if each thing was crushed in turn.  People forgot that the human soul can enjoy a thing most when there is time to think about it and to be thankful for it.  And by crowding things together they lost the sense of surprise; and surprise is the secret of joy.”
(GK Chesterman)

      The other book I brought along with me this trip to ponder is one called SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE by Elaine St. James.  It is filled with doable suggestions for freeing up time for what matters; saving money to increase our giving power, etc.  Should partner with ONE SMALL ACT very well! 

TUESDAY, September 2

Ch 14: RED STARS, RESEARCH, AND A ROLLEX –

The Offering of Prayer

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

BOOK NOTES:

• Whole libraries have been written on prayer, so Macomber has just two points: God will work generosity in our lives and we will be more generous with our prayers for others.
• Pray for our character to be changed, not our circumstances.  Pray for a generous heart.  God LOVES to answer this kind of prayer!
• The act of prayer aligns us with the very heart of God.  The simple truth is that it is God who is generous to us in hearing our every prayer. 

      As we enter into another CAV build, I took the time on Sunday to create a new prayer drawing.  Each part is filled with various prayers:  the head of the hammer is family, the shaft, church family and extended friends.  The grip of the saw is covered with world events, the saw blade holds the names of all the CAVs we have met and worked with along the way.  The nail that holds it all together?  The men in my life: Rick, Jed, and Luke!!  Anyone who looks closely, please forgive me if I left a name off!  AMEN.  

Wednesday, September 3 – MORE ON PRAYER

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ERV

Never stop praying.

Macomber’s suggestions for prayer life:

• ·       Regular place.
• ·       Regular time.
• ·       Combine with Bible reading.
• ·       Keep a prayer journal.  Note answered prayer.
• ·       Prayer partner.

     I have a quote that I keep sticky-note posted on my laptop screen.  It reads, “The power of prayer is in the One who hears, not the one who utters.”  Also on sticky notes are my list of daily prayer needs: people, places, events, etc.  These are my reminders that I just need to be constantly in prayer – the length, the quality of my prayer doesn’t matter.  Just do it.  The power lies with God to transform that prayer into God’s reality.  (Not mine! – God knows best!)

     Part of the Celtic tradition is the idea that God is in and part of everything – from taking out the trash, to washing the clothes, to the daily walk to market.  Everything and every moment of the day calls us to prayer.  Call them “Arrow” prayers or “Dart” prayers, but we can cover our day in mini-bursts of prayer as well as setting aside a time and place for more in depth God-talk. 

     Lastly, as a visual person, I would add to Macomber’s list, try alternate forms of prayerful meditation.  I have found that drawing my prayers leads me to pray more often and more completely for everyone on my list.  

Thursday, September 4

Ch 15: A QUESTION, AN OPPORTUNITY, and a CONVERSATION WORTH HAVING –

The Sharing of Our Faith Stories

1 Peter 3:15 GNT

 Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you.

BOOK NOTES:

• ·       Have you ever noticed how easy it can be to chatter and make small talk, but how reluctant we can be to have a spiritual conversation with others?
• ·       If we seek to live in a spirit of generosity, we’ll open our hearts and tell people about the very best things in our lives.
• ·       Before we just dive in, we need to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  
• ·       God is already at work around us; we need to pay attention and move alongside Him. (Henry T. Blackaby)
• ·       Observe and ask questions.  Then listen!
• ·       We don’t have to have all the answers; we just need to introduce another to the One who does!
• ·       Meet another’s needs first.  This is what generosity is all about.
• ·       Enter another’s world and engage them at their point of interest.
• ·       Travel with another on their journey. 

“Sharing our faith stories is truly far simpler than we imagine it to be. After all, God is already at work in the lives of the people around us. We need only to share what God is doing in our own lives to open the door for meaningful conversation.” (DM)

            This is probably the toughest chapter for me in the book.  I can witness through action, through pictures, through so many ways, but to talk about my faith with a non-believer is so very hard.  I appreciated Macomber’s comment, “We don’t have to have the answers, just to share with another where WE find OUR answers.”

      As I searched for a few pictures to add for today, I came across this one announcing a Storytelling session.  It made me think of my conversation with Katy about a goal for fellowship this year: Sharing Our Stories.  The lightbulb went off!  Sharing our stories is really about sharing our faith.  If you relate how God has been at work in your life, you are really just sharing 'where you find your answers'.  And storytelling is much easier.  

Friday, September 5

Ch 16: A TREASURE, A SHAWL, AND A HYMN OVER THE PHONE – The Heart of Service

Colossians 3:17 MSG

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

BOOK NOTES:

Prayer Drawing filled with Habitat Service references

• ·       No matter how hard we try to give, God continuously gives us more!
• ·       We CAN take it with us….we store us treasure in heaven!
• ·       There are few gifts as precious as the gift of service.
• ·       “You can’t wring your hands  and roll up your sleeves at the same time.” (Pat Schroeder)
• ·       Offer what you have – bring the loaves and fishes of your resources no matter how modest.  God will multiply.
• ·       If the church is going to be relevant,  we need to roll up our sleeves and offer service to a hurting world.  “Remember the weekday, to keep IT holy.” (Elbert Hubbard)

 

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as you ever can.

(John Wesley)

Saturday, September 6 – More on Service

Ten Rules for Happier Living (Unknown Author)

1.     Give something away – no strings attached.

2.     Do a kindness – then forget it.

3.     Spend a few minutes with the aged – their experience is priceless guidance.

4.     Look intently into the face of a baby – and marvel.

5.     Laugh often – it’s life’s lubricant.

6.     Give thanks – a thousand times a day is not enough.

7.     Pray – or you will lose the way.

8.     Work – with vim and vigor.

9.     Plan as though you’ll live forever – because you will.

10.  Live as though you’ll die tomorrow – because you will, on some tomorrow.

“The best way for us to share the lifestyle of generosity is to model it.  The heart that chooses to serve others will multiply the happiness in this world and reap the eternal reward of joy in heaven.  Such a heart is aligned with the very heart of God.” DM

     I looked up Rules for Living in Google images just to see what I would find.  Wow.  All sorts of posters, etc. with 'rules' - some whimsical, some financial, some for youth - all with some morsel of truth worth considering.  I decided I liked the list that Macomber cites in her book.  But I also appreciated many of the suggestions given in the list at left.  

     If I had to compile my own list of Ten Rules for Living, which would I include?  Seems like it is one way to measure my priorities.   

Ch 17: GIVING GOD THE LAST WORD

Colossians 3:16 VOICE

Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives. With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another. Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.

BOOK NOTES:

• We’ve only scratched the surface of what it means to live in a spirit of generosity.  But there are five things I know for sure:
• ·       Giving not only changes the recipient, it changes us.
• ·       Giving aligns us with the very heartbeat of God.
• ·       The Bible says that we CAN take it with us.
• ·       We are called to give – cheerfully and joyfully.
• ·       Giving is an act of worship.

God gets the final word….excerpts from Matthew 6 (MSG)

• ·       When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks.  Just do it – quietly and unobtrusively. (4)
• ·       In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. (14)
• ·       Stockpile your treasure in heaven, where it is safe from moths and rust and burglars…The place where your treasure is, is the place where you will most want to be, and end up being. (20-21)
• ·       You can’t worship God and money both. (24)
• ·       What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with GETTING, so you can’t respond to God’s GIVING. (32)
• ·       Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions…You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. (33)
• ·       Give your entire attention to what God is doing RIGHT NOW, and don’t get worked up with what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (34)

     So ends Macomber’s book.  I have already passed it on to another CAV friend.  But to take the five main points and put them into practice.  That shall be the challenge.  I have gained the reputation with this group of CAV leaders to be generous with my smiles and laughter.  Perhaps that is a good place to start.  A chapter Macomber forgot to include?