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One word. Five minutes to write about it. This is the idea behind Five Minute Friday and this is today's free-writing post.
extreme measures
extreme sports
go to extremes
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How much is too much? We're getting ready to move and I can say without hesitation that we have too much stuff. We're getting rid of a lot of it now, but should have done so a long time ago. We've collected too much. How much is too much to give? That's a little harder to answer. Is it too extreme to 'give till it hurts' as we're sometimes urged to do during fundraising efforts? As usual, I find that motive is an important factor, and it seems like it's more important than the actual amount.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ~II Corinthians 9:7
But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." ~Mark 12:42-44
I wonder what great blessing this dear lady had received that prompted her to give so extravagantly. When we receive a gift of extravagant generosity, we respond with extreme gratitude, and out of extreme gratitude comes extravagant generosity, so that we consider it our privilege to give.
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. ~II Corinthians 8:1-4
'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding. ~Alice Walker
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I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude. ~Brene Brown
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6 comments:
Thanks for a thoughtful post. I relate so well to collecting too much "stuff"!
Just stopped by from FMF#14
Out of extreme gratitude comes extravagant generosity. I love this!
Oh how I remember our move from CA to AZ and oh how we had too much stuff. We had stuff that belonged to my late inlaws, my stuff, hubby's stuff and all our daughters stuff. Basically it was 60 years of everything because we lived in the house my husband grew up in. I admitit was hard getting rid of things. Unfortunately we even left some things in the house including several kitchen items. But I kfnow those items blessed the new owners. At least I hope! I'm FMF #19
Sometimes I lay (lie?) awake at night thinking of all the things sitting about I need to get rid of. Most everything has a sentimental meaning or was a gift or represents a special places we have visited. But when is it too much?? For the longest time, my very generous friend from elementary school would send me clothes, shoes, purses, all kinds of decor, cosmetics, books, jewelry. I felt guilty for being unable to reciprocate and didn't know what to do with everything. She has finally slowed down and for that I am grateful.
how intriguing to consider what might have prompted the widow's generosity.... making me think of what drives my generosity.
They say give until it hurts,
give what you can and more,
but those who hand out the hair-shirts
are still seen in the store,
pondering the best champagne,
the finest caviar,
and then so as to share the pain,
drive a year-old car
and point to this as sacrifice;
"I wanted a Mercedes Benz!",
but in an effort to be nice
to their poorer friends
bought a low-miles SUV
and declared a saintly victory.
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