HOUSE PARTY

I had helped give to a local family in need recently.  I felt like God really wanted me to, so I pooled my resources, and got others that I knew to help out too.  It was such a great feeling to do something not for yourself but for someone else.

Then the doubts start to file in.

Did they really need the things we give them?
Does that person at the corner of the stoplight really need our money to feed his family?
Does the salvation army really need my change to help others?
Does my church really need my tithe to keep the church heated in the winter?
Does The House FM really need my donation to stay on the air?

I think it is a natural reaction whenever we give our money away, to want to make sure that it only goes to who we want and is only used for what we designate, but honestly, I'm not sure that is what Jesus asks of us.  In Luke 6:30, Jesus spells it out pretty plainly:

Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 

Ok, so I'm supposed to give to *anyone* who asks?  I'm pretty sure I would run out of money quickly!  But Jesus talks about this a few verses later (like he was reading my mind and the mind of everyone else who was listening) in Luke 6:38

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

JESUS said that!  As much as I believe in him, why can't I believe in his promises in the bible?  Why is it so hard for me to be the giver he wants, knowing that my gift will return in FULL and RUNNING OVER!

So my resolution for 2012 and beyond... Give to anyone who asks.

Who wants to take a step of faith with me?

Who wants to start believing Jesus at His word?

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

Just for fun, I tried to go through the process of cancelling my facebook account.  I got to the cancellation page and check out what facebook does:

It pulls a huge guilt trip on me!  It's like that bad relationship you have, where you are with the person all the time and it takes a toll on everything else, then when you go to say it's over they tell you,

"but my friends will miss you!   And I'll miss you!  And if you think we spend too much time, know that you can control the number of texts you receive from me!  And before you break up with me, please explain further why we can't be together anymore."

Yikes.  I was just messing around about cancelling Facebook, but maybe it is time to quit cold turkey.  And Facebook, just so you know, It's not me, it's you.

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 5 - Give a Meal!

We're all busy, I'll be the first to admit that. Oh, and did you notice it's Christmas time? Yeah...that brings even more chaos. Even through our crazy schedules though, we still find time to do the things we really want to (watch our fav shows, make a starbucks run, etc). If you really want to give this Christmas away, consider making time in your schedule to make a family a meal. I think buying it pre-made counts too :) It could be just as easy to set aside some food from a meal you make for your own family though. Think about someone who would really be blessed by not having to worry about making a meal or worrying about how to pay for it. Put on your awesome apron and give this Christmas away.

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 4 - Donate That Box!

Over the weekend, we have an easy challenge for you to Give this Christmas Away: Donate a box of clothes and other items to your local thrift store or charity.  They need donations all the time, and let's be honest, you probably have that box that you've been planning on donating half full anyway!  The things that we may not find any use for could help someone in need more than we ever know.  So get rid of the clutter in your house this weekend and Give this Christmas Away!

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 3 - Social Network Encouragement

I got to see the David Crowder Band last night in Wichita, and to the surprise of Jenn and Janelle who went with me, I have never seen them live before.  So it was exciting to finally sing along with their songs live, and to be part of the historic end of one of the greatest Christian Bands of all time!

In order to document the show for future generations, I brought my most high tech camera with SuperPixel(TM) technology.  I believe you will agree that when you see these pictures, you will not only feel as if you were at the show with me, but that you could print them in poster quality and hang on your wall as a reminder for all time.

Notice the incredible detail, not usually visible to the human eye.

In order to give you a contrast of the dimmer, more mellow parts to the concert to the "rowdy" parts, here's one with the lights of the stage on:

You may not be used to this incredible detail of the "retina" camera display

Goodbye, David Crowder Band.  You will be missed.  And I hope we can look back at this blog post and remember the great times. 

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about.  The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't.  Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way.  This Christmas will be different.  Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 2 - Drive Thru Difference

The Drive Thru Difference is such an easy way for us to get out of our comfort zones and help someone else out.  Simply pay for someone's meal in the car behind you this weekend in the fast food drive thru.  Or pay for someone's gas, or groceries, or just hand someone a $5 bill.  Get creative!

Just the act of giving to a complete stranger when you could keep the money for yourself is such a liberating experience, it will not only make your day, but the stranger's day as well!  If they ask why you decided to do it, (I always clam up at this part, but it is pretty simple) you can simply tell them it is because God loves them!

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about.  The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't.  Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way.  This Christmas will be different.  Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 1 - Help Out Your Local Salvation Army
I just got an email from the Ponca City Salvation Army about their needs for feeding people for Christmas, here's what they sent:

Our Menu this year for our boxes is Turkey/ Ham, Mashed pot, Stuffing/ corn bread, Sweet pot., Corn, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Pie Filling, Mac and Cheese, Cream of Mushroom Soup. 
We are trying to make enough boxes for 200, we appreciate any help anyone can give and God bless. I can be contacted Rebecca Ware @ The Salvation Army 580-762-7501 or by  Rebecca_Ware@uss.salvationarmy.org.

If you can give to this, awesome!  If you don't live near Ponca City, be sure to contact your local Salvation Army and ask how you can help this Christmas season!  If you are able to give your time, they are always looking for bell ringers.  Find out more at http://ringbells.org/ !

If you help out and would like to share your story about how you are giving this Christmas away, email the house party at - Mail@Thehousefm.com