I finished reading Radical by David Platt, and then, The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, & it really changed our entire paradigm as a family. Our focus will be on giving to the poor, but we also want more ideas on ways to give to others in our families, friends, church & community. We are looking forward to sharing & being inspired by everyone else! BTW I'm so glad to see Amazima on the Ways to Give page! I love Katie & her ministry. Thanks Ladies for organizing this. What a Blessing! I can't wait to see what God does!

I need the accountability, and I love seeing (and borrowing!) all the creative ways people find to give and bless others. 

I accepted this challenge to help others see how we can make this world a better place by being positive and giving of ourselves instead of taking.  It is amazing what you can accomplish by giving love instead of expecting it!

One reason I joined is because of this experience. I want to live in a community where we can reach out to one another and not feel "weird." As they say, the buck stops here.

I joined the challenge to do this as a family especially to teach my 4 and a half yr old how it IS such a blessing to give. :)

I joined because God has been working on my heart as far as giving is concerned.  I also need the accountability and also to keep myself on track through the holidays!

The Prayer of Jabez comes from the Bible. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we read: "And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."

That is what Jesus wants us to do is reach out. Do good in love!

I'm reading over your reasons and I'm thinking that my reason may sound somewhat selfish; and perhaps it is in some ways.  I have been wanting to start my own consignment store.  I have several things that are worth a little bit of money, if only I could get someone to buy them! It was my hopes of having this be the means as to which I would have my kids with me to home school during the day. We have gathered a lot of stuff to do so, but it is not what God has designed for my life.  Apparently he has other plans for me.  I had to send the kids to public school and I am now looking for a job.  We are currently in need ourselves. So one reason is because God rewards the giver and we sure could use it. We've learned our lesson about tithing over the years and want to continue to give God his portion first. The other reason is to allow myself the ability to part with these "things" without having the remorse of letting them go.  I have boxes of stuff to go through, but I'm going to make it happen. Thanks for inspiring me to this worthwhile task.

I joined because God is urging me to "give" more and this was a wonderful way to get started and set my focus on giving and maybe sacrificing in order to give. 

I am a firm believer that God blesses us so that we can give back, not so that we can keep our blessings to ourselves. I have been given so much for so little. The least I can do is pay it forward.

Our family gives all year round but during this busy time of year, I want to make sure our generosity doesn't get put on the back burner. It's so easy to get caught up in my own family and our wants/needs.