Couple weeks ago, my husband preached a sermon at church that has been sitting with me. Uncomfortably.
One of the points in the sermon was about how we need to be radical, extravagant givers. To make his point, he posed the question: “Have you ever wanted to be rich for a day and just bless people?”
He describes it well. Just listen here:
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Now. Not sure about you but I like the idea of giving away my ‘córdobas.’ But I struggle with the concept that I’m ‘rich’ – especially right now. Because in essence, my job is breaking up with me. Corporate sale sort of thing. Position eliminated sort of thing. And I get that logically but it shuts me down emotionally – and financially. Makes me want to cling and horde. Makes me wish for a care package from mom sort of thing.
So, to fight that feeling … I’m going to practice some baby steps towards the ‘rich for a day’ kind of generosity. I’ve made myself a little challenge. Every week from now til the new year – I’m going to share something I love. And I’m going to give something away. To you. Why? Because it delights me to encourage you. To make you smile. To help you understand that life is beautiful and God is good. And to help us both understand the truth: We are all rich. No matter the circumstances.
So item #1. Week #1. Capri Blue ‘Volcano’ candle. Why this, why now?
- Frankly, I haven’t met a human that doesn’t love this scent. It’s really dreamy.
- Also, candles are a part of my ‘care package’ to myself when I need my spirits lifted. So I’m thinking that a candle like this one will lift your spirits too.
- Finally, I’ll have to go by Anthropologie to pick it up which makes me oh so happy. There’s nothing like soaking in the store, getting my arty fix.
To enter to win this week’s treasure, all you have to do is simply list 5 things you’re grateful for in the ‘Speak Your Mind’ section. Deadline is 12:00 pm (CST), Wednesday September 1.
… and the candle goes to Andrea Thomas!
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I am so grateful I have a new day to make it right.
I am so grateful that I took sign language when I was a bus driver, so I can now use it for praise service.
I am so grateful that I was given a caring heart and a friendly personality.
I am so grateful to work with God’s little angels, eventhough somedays they leave their halos at home.
I am so grateful that I can touch a child’s heart with a smile, somedays this might be all they have to look forward to.
I am grateful God is merciful and he gives me something to be grateful for everyday.
1. I’m grateful to live in this country where we can study God’s Word freely and worship openly.
2. I’m thankful for family and friends.
3. I’m grateful for two eyes to see (even if one is damaged), two arms, two legs, two hands, two ears,
etc.
4. I’m grateful we’ve been able to give so generously in recent years.
5. So-o-o thankful to have survived planning a daughter’s wedding in July in only a few weeks time!!!!
I am grateful for, and in constant awe of, the faithfulness God has showered over me my entire life…
I am grateful for my rich spiritual heritage (praying and faithful parents/grandparents/great grandparents) which has covered over a multitude of poor decisions
I am grateful that God’s mercies are new every morning…as every morning…I need them to be…
I am grateful that God loves me as I am…even though half the time he is shaking his head in disbelief…
I am grateful for an amazing husband and children who have blessed my life beyond my wildest imagination or even understanding….
And I could go on…and on…
(I am also grateful for the volcano candle….as it is my very favorite, too…it transforms my “fish cooked in olive oil” kitchen into a fabulous smelling, calming, sanctuary…)
So excited your coming back to BPF! :)
Five of the things I’m grateful for:
1. My family – husband + 3 kids = my cup runneth over with love and joy (yes, even through the temper tantrums)
2. My friends – A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown ;)
3. Good food – that’s why I’m on a diet to lose those …pounds.
4. Sleep- it’s never overrated
5. My Father, My God – I wouldn’t have any of these things (blessings) without Him in my corner.
Those are also my favorite candles- but you don’t have to give me one. Did you know we used to sell those at The Local- the store you loves in Lake Jackson when you came here? I don’t know if we were selling them when you were here or not- but like you said, you can always get tehm at Anthro- and it’s soooo nice to have an excuse to go there… happy place ;)
1. I am grateful for friends- some of them took me to lunch today for my birthday and blessed me.
2. For running HOT water, toilets, GOOD toilet paper, and LOTS of electricity…I take those for granted.
3. Cell phones and GPS…they keep me connected to my kids who are growing up and trying to become DISconnected! (from me anyway)
4. My dogs- even though they get on my nerves, they always want to snuggle in the evenings ;)
5. My God- He blesses me abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine. (obviously-see above)
1. I am grateful for a loving God and that Jesus died for our sins.
2. I am grateful for my family.
3. I am grateful for good health.
4. I am grateful for supportive, loving friends.
5. I am grateful for America and that I am able to raise my family here.
I am grateful for so many things, but here are my top 5….Today:
1 – Christ’s saving and amazing and undeserving grace.
2 – A wonderful family of origin with absolutely no conflicts or issues – ever.
3 – A good husband of 21 years and a truly fabulous 17 year old daughter.
4 – A good paying, “relatively” secure, job of 25 years.
5 – My health and my desire to stay healthly and fit.
I’m thankful to be alive – my breast cancer is still in remission!
I’m thankful for my splendid husband…handsome, strong, godly, teaching students tonight at Trinity U to get out of the boat (Mark 14)
I’m thankful for my 3 beautiful children and how much they love school.
I’m thankful they are back in school!
I’m thankful for all the amazing, godly Christians on campus who are reaching out this week to the incoming freshmen.
Andrea! You’re this week’s winner! Email with your mailing address and that candle’s coming your way.
1. I am grateful that good uses all situations/circumstances for His glory.
2. I am grateful that my family is drawing nearer to God.
3. I am grateful for worship music because it soothes me in whatever state I am in and brings Him Glory.
4. I am grateful for having a heart that wants to lead people to Christ.
5. I am grateful to God for leading us to Austin Christian Fellowship where we are getting radical in our faith.
Thank you, Susie, for sharing with us. Please do not enter me in contest. I only wanted to share and be a part of this humbling post. I really needed the few mins. of downtime and perspective!! I look forward to the less is more concept!! I will be praying for you as God takes you by the hand and leads you to your next mission/purpose.
5 things Im grateful for
1. For my salvation
2. For my wonderful Family
3. Wonderful friends that are always there when I need them
4. Our beautiful world in which we live
5. my health feeling good feeling healthly
there are so many more I am truly blessed
I am grateful for my loving husband who supports me and protects me and also holds me accountable by saying “No” when I need to hear it.
I am grateful for my beautiful children who are the joy of my life and who love the Lord and are so far ahead of where I was at their ages or even now.
I am grateful for the best friends any woman could ask for.
I am grateful for a Pastor who takes his calling so seriously and always seeks the Heart of God for the Word for His People.
I am grateful that I still have my mother to speak into my life and to share all the wonderful things God blesses me with.
Thank you for the reminder of how blessed I am today!
Jessica S.
I. I am grateful for gentle breezes that whispers “Creation”
2. I am grateful for lingering baths with lit candles glowing because relaxing refreshes me for my family.
3. I am grateful for silence when I can listen to The Lord’s plan for me.
4. I am grateful for women because they encourage, uplift, share, giggle, and create beauty in my life.
5. I am grateful for my morning coffee because 1. It wakes me up and 2. Every morning while drinking my coffee I thank God for another chance to make TODAY awesome.
Eventhough i LOVE candles….please don’t enter me….as i just won the momAgenda! I just want to say thank you for your giving…especially in hard times….but giving at ALL times. We always tithe…but i feel on a day to day basis…i want to give more…to people…World Vision…people in the coffee shop, HEB, and the sweet lady that took care of my daughter yesterday. Please pray for me…that God will make it “easier” for me to give. :) Love you Susie! Abundant Blessings!!
Susie, that sermon was AWESOME!!! It hit me hard as well. I saw this (on Twitter) and I really want to win this for my wife:
1. I am grateful for a God that forgives and loves us unconditionally!
2. I am grateful for a wife that agrees with #1.
3. I am grateful that God took me by the hand and led me to Austin Christian Fellowship.
4. I am grateful that I am surrounded by amazing friends that also agree with #1.
5. I am grateful for the talents that God gave me so I can testify for Him!!!
I am grateful there are others to support me when I need it.
I am grateful I am able to support others when they need it.
I am grateful for my husband that loves me, beyond a shadow of a doubt, even knowing all my faults and failures. I feel like it gives me a peek into the heart of God.
I am grateful for my daughters, because everyday I learn from them how to be a more loving and kind person.
I am grateful for friends – even when they are as far away as a phone call and not as close as sharing a cup of coffee.
Golly, only 5? :)