Now, Give it All Away

Photo by Mike Gullett – AP

I have spent the past two months trying to save money. I have bought toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and deodorant. I have gotten free samples of anything I can get my hands on. Even samples I can’t use, but family or friends can. I have enough of some items that I will not have to buy them again for a year. Or so I thought. Within the next week I will be giving it all away. When I look at the pictures of Joplin my budget worries seem pretty insignificant. Of course I can afford to help. God commands it.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 (ESV)

I give not only because God desires this from me, but also because it feeds my soul. I give not because I expect anything in return, but I rest easy in the knowledge that God will provide for me.

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 (ESV)

Have you been looking for an opportunity to give? A chance to teach your children the importance of sacrifice? I promise you will be less anxious when you are giving than when you are holding on tightly to your possessions. Give it a try.

~Marla

The Hand of God

There is a line from the movie Twister that comes to mind when I see the videos of the massive tornado that destroyed 30% of Joplin, Missouri. They are discussing the Fujita Scale and what this means. When they get to the F-5 category it is described as "The Finger of God." Rather a chilling description. For those not familiar with the newer Enhanced Fujita Scale, the tornado in Joplin was rated as a high end EF-4. Winds were estimated up to 198mph. At 201mph it would have been an EF-5. Regardless of rating, the impact on, and loss of human life and property is staggering. As of 10:00am today, the death toll was at 118, and is expected to rise. Adding to that news, is that here in south central Kansas the TORCON (Tornado Condition Index) is a whopping 9 out of 10 for today. This means that in any 50 miles radius in this area, there is a 90% chance of a tornado developing. I think I'll make sure that anything I value is in the basement today!

So where does the "Hand of God" enter this picture? In each and every person here in the Midwest/Great Plains area and beyond who has began collecting supplies, donating items, money, or blood. People who have began loading vehicles with items and dropping them off at supply distribution centers. We are the hand of God, or at least we should be. I wanted to show just an example of what can be done. My niece and her friends, upon hearing of the disaster, began immediately going to work. They went and purchased supplies to make hygiene kits to send to Joplin. I have posted some of the pictures that my niece took.

I plan to make some kits of my own to send either with them or to another place accepting donations. I encourage all my area friends to do the same. Get your kids or grandkids involved. Even little hands can be the hand of God!

God Bless ~Marla

Donation Ideas

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Soap

Deodorant

Hand Sanitizer

Tampons

Bandaids

Shampoo

Non-Latex Gloves

Bottled Water

Bottled Sport Drinks

Energy Bars

Baby Wipes

Diapers

Pull Ups

Ready Made Formula

Blankets - All Sizes

Tarps

Batteries - All Sizes

Flashlights