The Giving Challenge - Stephanie L. Jones

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MY MISSION
is to encourage you to live a bold life, establish and accomplish big dreams and challenge you to bless others in everything you do.

© 2020 Stephanie L. Jones, Giving Gal

Happy 4th Birthday to The Giving Challenge. I nev

Happy 4th Birthday to The Giving Challenge. I never dreamed I would be an author but God had other plans for my life. As a thank you to all my supporters, everything on my site is 25 percent off. Enjoy!

I’d like to introduce you to “my children.”

I’d like to introduce you to “my children.” They live in a little pink and white house in Malawi, Africa. In 2021, I’ll be sharing more about the incredible story of how a teacher, Temwani, is changing the lives of thousands of children in her village. Last year, a friend and I, set out to build a home for these orphans. It cost $500. When Temwani shared how inexpensive a home would be, tears welled up in my eyes. $500 to give children a shelter from the winds and the rains? No more sleeping outside or in fallen rubble. As you move into 2021, who do you want to help? How can you make a difference? If you don’t know or need guidance, just ask me. I know of so many needs in this little rural village. Please pray for their education, safety, and health. With gratitude,
Stephanie

Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I take ti

Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I take time to listen to one of his sermons. They are always inspiring and powerful. Listening takes me beyond just posting a quote on social media but taking the time to learn from the words spoken by MLK Jr. But from our learnings, we must then move to action. This year I listened to The Drum Major Instinct. Here is a bit of what he said that is actionable,
"I want you to be first in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity."
"Everyone can be great because everyone can serve." He goes on to share what he would like to be said about him in his eulogy. Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others, loving somebody, fed the hungry, clothed those who were naked, visited those who were in prison, and loved and served humanity. So, why is the sermon titled, "The Drum Major Instinct?" He wanted his eulogy to say he was a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness. As you go about your week, what will you be a drum major for in your life? Blessings,
Stephanie

This morning my devotional asked me to pause and t

This morning my devotional asked me to pause and think about how great you are God. As I pondered the question words like faithful, powerful, and loving surfaced. No matter how bad things get in life, you are in control. And then I thought, I know how magnificent you are, what you have done in my life, and the small and big miracles you have performed in the lives of those I love. If all of this is true, which I believe it is, then why do so many people abandon you and Christianity? The truth, or maybe my observation/opinion, bubbled to the front of my mind. They leave not be because of you but because of us. Unlike you who is perfect, we are flawed, criticizing those that surround us, instead of looking into our own life for sin. We spend more time consuming the content of this world than your Word. In our time of need we turn to things we have made idols in our lives, not you. Lord, forgive us of our sins and daily shortcomings. Lead us back to you and your truths. Let our actions, not just our words, be an example to all that cross our path, both physically and virtually. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Excited to be speaking again! Join us tomorrow ni

Excited to be speaking again! Join us tomorrow night for this online event. The registration link is in my bio.

This morning I woke up with a heavy heart. As I

This morning I woke up with a heavy heart. As I scrolled through social media I read so much vile, hatred, condescending filth and I ponder the darkness that has infiltrated our society. Each morning I turn to the word of God for his insight, guidance, and reminder of how, as a follower of Christ, I am to conduct myself. The verse of the day was Proverbs 11:24. It’s on generosity. But another verse caught my attention 10:31-32. “The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.” Are my words helpful? A simple question to ask before posting or commenting. Seems like good guidance. I then flipped back to the beginning of chapter 10 and as I read through it a theme arose. “The words of the godly a are life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” (v.11) Are my words life-giving? “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” (v.12) Am I loving? “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (v.19) Should I keep my mouth shut? “The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.” Are my words encouraging? As I continued into chapter 11, several other verses captured my attention. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (v.2) Am I being humble or prideful? “With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.” (v.9) Are my words hurting my friends? “Upright citizens are good for the city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.” Are making actions making my community better? Are my words tearing my community apart? “It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.” (v. 12) Are my words belittling my neighbor? Aren’t we taught to love our neighbor and our enemies? “Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.” (v.17) Am I being kind? Today I’m grateful for the words and guidance God has provided me.

Is this your year to Finish? Finish, it is my wor

Is this your year to Finish? Finish, it is my word of the year for 2021. I don’t know about you, but I have begun a lot of projects. A LOT! I get a good idea, dump the energy I have into it that is propelled by the excitement of the idea, the vision of the impact, and then as the work gets difficult, I fizzle out, put the project on a shelf, and bounce to the next project. I have found over the years, having one word to focus my efforts, has been incredibly helpful. The year I picked Intentional, I no longer told friends, “Hey let’s get together sometime” but instead said, “Hey let’s pull out our calendar and figure out when we can get together.” See the difference? Practicing being intentional for a year, changed my mindset, which carried on throughout the year. What is your word for the year? Do you need to focus? What about being more grateful? Or being disciplined with positive habits? Whatever word you choose, write it down and post it where you see it daily. Let that word push you into giving your best life. Here’s to a fabulous 2021! Blessings, Stephanie

Giving Challenge: Keep a stack of cards near your

Giving Challenge: Keep a stack of cards near your entryway. When you are expecting a delivery, take a minute to write a note to the driver. Be sincere and grateful. I wrote this on NYE and at the last minute I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to let her know that Jesus loved her. I gotta admit I felt a little awkward, not sure why, putting it in her note, but I was obedient to the request. I have no idea what is going on in her life but I’m confident the note, and tip, I gave her, made her night. Are you up for the challenge?!

Today I’m grateful for the electric company crew

Today I’m grateful for the electric company crews that worked all night to get our power on today. In the dark, with a lantern and flashlight, I boxed up my Christmas decorations and turned my Christmas tree into a winter tree. Last night the lights didn’t twinkle but they are tonight and I’m grateful. What are you grateful for today?

I had a couple of thoughts to share but @jasmanrol

I had a couple of thoughts to share but @jasmanrolle’s post seemed spot on for today. On this day, in 2011, I set out on my giving journey. Me one person looking for a way to make a difference in one other person’s life every day. 522 days later my first mission ended. I took a short break but realized giving changed me. It wasn’t just a habit and no longer a daily goal but a lifestyle. With the exception of a couple of days, I’ve given a gift every day since that break. If you accomplish nothing else this year, love God, and love people, and you’ll accomplish more than you imagine. That mission might just change your life like it did mine.

Out for a hike on the trails and God gave me this

Out for a hike on the trails and God gave me this little gift. Happy New Year’s Eve.

Christmas book number two of the week. I just fin

Christmas book number two of the week. I just finished The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere. What a touching story about tragedy, grief, and the gifts of people that God brings into our lives at just the right time. I’m diving into The Snow Angel, and just like Glenn’s other Christmas book, The Christmas Sweater, it’s a book with a message that we all can learn from. What Christmas books are you reading this holiday season?

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