Monday, April 7, 2008

It is Better to Give, than Receive

Jeremy and I have been talking and praying about we can "give" for literally the past 6 months. We have had so much given to us and we want to give back. We finally officially joined Hillside Christian Church last week. This was the first week of the series NEXT by Tommy Politz. The series is about giving back to the church but also giving back period. Yesterdays message really spoke to me and Jeremy. We left there thinking "how odd is it that this is what Tommy is talk about...because we have been talking about it for months". Then I had to sit back and realize, it is not "odd" at all...this is all in God's plan. Jeremy and I have decided that we need to trust God alittle more and quit trying to take things in our own hands. This year is going to be a great year for us, based on the decisions we have made. We would like to become more involved in our church and to find an organization that we can volunteer with.

Here is one example: This weekend Jeremy's mom had a garage sale. I finally decided to go through all of Charcey's clothes from the past year (4 totes full) and sell all the outfits that did not have special meaning. I ended up with 2 huge baskets full. By noon on Saturday, we had sold a few of Charcey's clothes, but not much. Shortly after noon, a young couple walked up. The girl was clearly pregnant. Jeremy started talking to them and realized that they were having a girl in the next month. They made the statement "we hit the jackpot"...referring to Charcey's clothes. They had started making a huge stack of clothes they wanted to purchase...which was probably around $50 or $60 dollars worth. Jeremy said to them, "You know what, you guys can have all of these clothes for $50." They thought he was referring to the stack they already had, and got excited...and said "No, you can have everything, including the all the toys". They were so excited and so appreciative. That was the least we could have done. It made us feel good, to help out a couple who may or may not be as lucky as we have been. This is so small compared to what all we can give. Just like Tommy said on Sunday..."everything we have is Gods, we just manage it for him"

5 comments:

timmons said...

We are so very proud of you both...God has already started blessing you...GOG is so GOOD! Always put God first in all that you do...We love you with all our hearts Thank you for being you.
Mom & Dad

Whitney said...

Jennifer & Jeremy -
Glad to see you're part of the Hillside family. What an impactful sermon on Sunday! I too have been thinking about ways I can give more to glorify the kingdom of God. Hearing your story has blessed my heart and reinvigorated my passion to GIVE! Thanks for sharing!

Whitney (Colgan) Bartlett

Smith Family said...

Isn't God so amazing! Can not possibly imagine how life would be without him in my life and I want to thank you for that! You were a huge influence on my life before I married Cody. Truly love and miss you!
God Bless
Kenzie

Unknown said...

Aww. I love this blog. And what a great story to show how God can pop up in your life when you least expect it.

Anonymous said...

How blessed we are indeed. You are right, there are so many people out there that are not as fortunated and blessed as us, I know that couple was truly thankful. When you give with your hearts you receive more within your heart. I love you guys!

Ashley