Giving Back

I hope you liked the article I posted. Let me know if it made a difference in your life or your mindset. I've always given to my church and to the poor through my church plus other things here and there. I don't really think about it. Until recently, I paid it like I would pay any other bill...without much thought...but as an obligation.

Steph had a post where she talked about wishing she had $100 a month to do things for her friends. I guess that is what started me on the path of self examination and asking myself how I give.

My walking partner, Kathee, said that John Huntsman and his wife decided when they first got married that they would give an extra 10 % of their income to the poor. They have been extremely blessed financially and continue to bless the lives of others in many ways. So, this was a good example of how when you are generous with your resources, you are blessed with even more.



I found a few scriptures that stood out as I read them this year. I'm sure I will find more as I continue to read and study.
Jacob 2:18-19 talks about seeking riches for our fellowmen

2 Nephi 28:13 We rob the poor because of our expensive houses and fine clothing. (In my notes I wrote, "Am I guilty of this? Do I give enough to those in need?")

2 Nephi 2 preface...men should seek riches to help their fellowmen.

Mosiah 4:17-19 Talks about giving of our substance without judgement because God gave us everything so ..."are we not all beggars?"

And then I read a quote from John H. Groberg from an article in the Ensign Nov. 2004 called "The Power of God's Love." "When filled with God's love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us." (The bolded part is the part of the quote that really stood out to me.)

This theme, praying for riches and giving freely to those in need, along with the article I quoted in the last two posts, have really had an effect on me. My mindset has always been to stay out of debt, use our resources wisely, and live within our means. I think I have always worried about money. Anyway, I thought that I would "experiment upon the word" and try and listen to the spirit for opportunities to give and serve. I have found quite a few opportunities. Incredibly, I am happier and have not missed the money we have given to others at all. I don't know if this is making much sense to you. I hope some how I can touch you like I have been touched and that we will all be able to do things to help lift others' burdens. I appreciate the impact you have on my life. Thank you and may the Lord bless us all.