Met some great folks that we found out live here from our home town. Lee and his family treated us like royalty as we spent the evening sharing about old times and telling them all about the ranch project.
The very idea of just giving money away injures the heart of capitalism, right? "Why should I part with my hard-earned money," you may say. "I've worked hard for it and I intend to keep it." point, but let me explain some things to you.
1 - Helping others give you a sense of pride knowing that you have the means to let go of some of your wealth and still have plenty left for your needs.
2 - It feels good to know that someone is worse off than you are. Taking a look occasionally at all you have gives you more of a perspective on how fortunate you really are.
3 - If you can part with money, you know that money isn't the most important thing in your life.
4 - Think of it as a kind of hedge fund. If you contribute now, the organization will still be there for you in the future if you or your loved ones should have to use its services such as a "Save the Trees" charity. After all, we will all want to breathe in the future!
5 - If you have faith in a cause, as the old adage goes, "Put your money where your mouth is." Support what you believe in. The charity cannot survive long if people like you fail to support it monetarily. Ask yourself how you would feel if that charity did cease for lack of support, your support. You may have a moral responsibility here, so take time to consider the consequences of your actions or neglect thereof.
6 - To some, the best reason of all is that you can take most donations off your taxes. This fact alone may be all you need to donate more than just your time. This gesture of generosity comes right back to your own advantage and you don't have long to wait for the old "what goes around, comes around."
7 - Just knowing that someone is benefiting from your kindness can be a self -validating experience. You know that you have intrinsic value but it's nice to have it reaffirmed.
8 - Being a part of something larger than you yourself can give you a kind of comfort or sense of belonging.
9 - Caring gets your mind off your own troubles, for awhile anyway.
Well, it begins in your home.
You know what will happen if you leave the funding of your favorite charities in the hands of other people.
It may or may not get accomplished.
You don't want the future of your charity to be left in the hands of strangers. This argument alone should get you running to phone, grabbing the nearest pen and your checkbook, or getting online to donate something somewhere.
If you are considering donating to your favorite charity, remember to give what you can. Don't be cheap, but don't "give the farm away" either. Be generous, but don't cause yourself financial hardship. You don't want to become a recipient of the charity to which you have just donated.
If you are considering donating to your favorite charity, remember to give what you can. Don't be cheap, but don't "give the farm away" either. Be generous, but don't cause yourself financial hardship. You don't want to become a recipient of the charity to which you have just donated.
In a time where many of you may be struggling to have your day-to-day needs met, we need to join together in prayer for God's provision and strength.
Prayer for Provision, Contentment, and Strength
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means and I know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learrned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. ~Philippians 4:11-13
Lord, it is Christ who gives us strength to continue to move forward. God, give us strength. Often we feel that we can't go on another hour let alone another day. It seems we can't bear it anymore. Oh God, but you bore it on the cross. Your Son bore our suffering on the cross at Calvary. Give us His strength. Strengthen us through Christ Oh Lord.
Lord, in the trials, Lord we need to trust in you. Even through the tears, we look to you, Oh God. Even through the momentary suffering, we have confidence in You Alone, Oh God. Hear your servants, and answer the cry of our hearts.
Many that are following this prayer may have never called out to you Lord but now find themselves comforted in your presence. Bless them as they too come to you for understanding as to why life is the way it is and in the search for answers it's you and you alone that can fill that void.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:8-10 (in Context) Galatians 6 (Whole Chapter)
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