Giving

What a beautiful time of year to give since this Christmas season is all about what WE have been given! A precious baby on Christmas day! It is the only gift we need! And since we have been given the Perfect gift, we in turn want to give. Here are some ideas for giving:
Body + Soul magazines's 6 Secrets to giving are:
1. Start with gratitude. Write down what you're most thankful for and make a point to share at least one item on your list.
2. Keep it simple. Small gestures often make the biggest impact. Smile at a stranger, offer someone a sincere compliment, or buy someone lunch for no reason.
3. Give up expectations. Let go of judgments about how your gift will be put to use. Once you've given it, your gift will take care of itself.
4. Receive graciously. Giving without receiving will deplete your energy. Remember to be receptive to what others are eager to share.
5. Wing it. Resist the urge to plan all gift-giving in one sitting. Stay open to the gift-giving
opportunities that occur naturally throughout any given day.
6. Challenge yourself. What are you hesitant to give? Your time? Unconditional love? Ask why and try to let those hang-ups go.

Susan Branch's "The Best Gifts Are Tied With Heartstrings"
The Gift of Enthusiasm: When you go out shopping wear something festive for the season~a pin or a bright scarf or hat. Smile at everyone, spread sunshine, do your part~be an elf!
A Gift of Wonder: Fill your child's closet with balloons so that when he or she opens it there's a big surprise!
A Gift of Love: Enroll someone in your own personal Treat-of-the-Month Club. Make a little coupon that promises one special homemade dish a month, a casserole, or a dessert~very good for someone who might be alone alot.
The Gift of Fun: Take time to romp in the snow~make snow angels & snowmen~go ice skating. Come in cold & frosty to something hot from the stove.
A Gift of Contentedness: Stop everything & count your blessings. Have a nice glass of hot cider in front ot the fire with the one you love. (She said 'champaigne' but I do not wish to encourage the drinking of alcohol so I put in cider!)
The Gift of Pleasure: Tuck a little note into lunchbox or pocket~or maybe into a suitcase. Put in a cartoon or douse it with perfume or stick on some stickers to make it look cute~ say something sweet.
The Gift of Yourself: Your time can be a most precious gift~a phone call or letter~cook a lovely dinner, set a pretty table, & invite good friends.
The Gift of Faith: Before you go to bed on December 31st join hands, say a prayer & make a wish for the coming year.

There are many bible verses about giving. Here are a few:

"Give and it shall be given unto you;" Luke 6:38

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." II Corinthians 9:7

" I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said , It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

Enjoy the gift of Christmas and all of God's love that goes with it! Remember that our gifts do not have to be grand. Jesus came in the most humble way! It is a good reminder as this busy world seems to pull us into wanting more! We don't need more~we have it ALL in Jesus!

Know that you are loved this Christmas!