A heart of generosity

Esther:  I think we will talk about a "heart of generosity". We have been going through a sermon series on generosity.  Generosity of time, talents, resources, and money
Lizzi:  Ok!
Maude:  Sounds good.
Esther:  We have been talking about that a lot in our home and how to live that out.
Esther:  I thought my first question would be when have you really seen that displayed?
Has someone every really blessed you?
with money, time, gifts?
Lizzi:  I have a very great, recent example
A couple weeks ago we had a big storm here and our power went out
The house got pretty cold and we told some friends that we were going to find a hotel to stay in
And they insisted that we stay with them. Not only was that very sweet and generous, but it was even more so because she was a week overdue from delivering their first baby!!
She could've gone into labor anytime, and her parents were already at their house too
Esther:  I have been blessed to see this displayed numerous times. But, one thing that really comes to mind is when we first got married. Numerous family members and friends just gave us furniture, couches, bed, and Andrew's great Aunt gave us a washer and dryer! It was such a blessing we were left with hardly any wants.
That is awesome Liz!
Lizzi:  They were really the hands and feet of Jesus to us.

Maude:  I would have to say with our movies.  Both were mostly (the first was all) volunteers.  People gave up a month of their time for filming (and the editor and some others gave much more than a month!).  During both films the people who made the film gave SO much time and effort to feed everyone (for one of the films the people making the food insisted on buying it as well!).  We were amazed by the selfless sacrifice of SO many people!!  Esther, the twins and Katharine also came to DC to help with filming.  Es and the boys stayed for a month and didn't get anything out of it at all!!  There is NO way we could have finished those films without so many generous people.
We have also have people donate money for parts of filmmaking that are expensive.  We've been VERY blessed!
Lizzi:  That's really awesome, Maude. Yeah that has been a huge blessing to us too, Es.
When we were first married, almost everything was given to us!
Maude:  Also a couple of years ago when my husband and I were extremely poor (everyone should be well below poverty at some point in their lives!!) we were SO blessed by the sweet gift of a check from someone who wasn't much better off than us.  Many peole give out of their excess but this was a true sacrificial gift. I still treasure it.
Esther:  Isn't it so neat to see how the Lord blesses through people?
 And they are blessed by being able to do it as well!
It is SO easy to make excuses to the Lord about being sacrificial with our time/money/resources ect.
I have recently been finding that is not so much my money I hold super close (though I struggle with that as well)
it is MY TIME
Esther:  I am so selfish
 As mamas of young children sometimes it is hard to know how we can reach out to others. Sometimes that may mean seasons of giving more financially and giving less of our time and other times it may be reversed. What are some ways you do or can have a "heart of generosity" in your life?
Maude:  One thing we've thought about a lot lately (as we've started attending a new church and everything) is how we are rarely invited to other people's houses now that we have kids to entertain as well.  We've been convicted that we need to invite people to our house more often - especially those with young kids too.
Lizzi:  Yeah, that's really good. And I think offering to pay for things (coffee, ice cream, etc) when out with other Moms
Oh my goodness. Sad story:
I was at Costco the other day (slightly addicted to Costco) and was in line for the coffee
Maude:  We also have established a date night babysitting exchange with another couple (although that helps us out too!).  And I've been writing for free to help others who need content.
Lizzi:  There was a lady in front of me who had ordered 2 hot dogs and something else for her and her little boy
Lizzi:  and she didn't have cash (they don't accept credit cards at the concession stand)  and so she had to put the food back and walk away.  And I thought AFTERWARD, "Why didn't I pay for her food??"
DUH!
I can't believe I didn't think of it until later.
Esther:  Maude, I think that is great! It is sad to me about how rarely people have others into there homes. Sometimes it can be a little daunting to think of having others in when you know your kid will scream and throw all of his food down through all of dinner but when I think that way I may be robbing myself of making a very sweet friend(s).
Lizzi:  I will have to be more conscious next time
Maude:  Sometimes it is hard to think of things at the moment
Did they seem hungry?  Or just like they would go to McDonalds when they got to the car?
Lizzi:  Probably go to McDonalds
Maude:  Yes, Es and I'm not the best hostess as I am not particularly friendly - but if I provide the food and location, it is their job to provide the conversation, right?
Lizzi:  But that's still pretty sad!
When I could've helped...
Maude: That would have been a good way to show love - whether they were poor or not.
I have had a few times like that when afterward I thought why didn't I help?  But it just didn't cross my mind until later
I need to pay better attention I guess
Esther:  I think one thing for me is just being more aware of the needs around me, caring really. It is so easy to get in the "esther zone" and not pay attention to the hurting hearts that are all around
Maude:  What is my excuse?  I certainly don't get in the "Esther zone!!!'  hahaha!!
Esther:  Well you probably have your own "Maude zone"
Maude:  Doesn't everyone?  lol
Have a "Maude zone" I mean!
Lizzi:  So true
Esther:  haha
Lizzi:  Oh... haha
I know I sure get into my own little world and don't notice other people
(See Lizzi has her own world!! Haha! that's more than a zone!)
Maude:  Lizzi would!!! hahaha!!
Lizzi:  Yep!!
Maude:  I'm kidding of course, Liz!!
funny
Lizzi:  Suuuure...
Anyway... It is true that it can be a serious problem
I think I am definitely a pessimist
Maude:  That is why generosity needs to be a conscious plan- you need to notice that someone has needs before you can help
Esther:  I think it is so easy to swing from one pendulum to the other but I don't think that is where the Lord intends for us to be. One day I can be in the "Esther zone" and not pay atention to the hurting and needs of people around me and I can in truth, not care. Then I swing to the other side and start think "money and possessions are bad" and decide I want to move into a box and sell all I have to give to those in need. Where it is really all about the heart. It is okay for us to buy the larger house with more room. But why do we want to buy the larger house is the question we need to be asking.
Lizzi:  and instead of seeing people with needs I often see people who might be psychos, or dangerous, ya know?
Lizzi:  Sometimes it's hard to be vulnerable enough to be generous
Esther:  is it so we can pull away from society and never talk to another soul?
hopefully not!
Maude:  You a pessimist, Liz?  Remember the trip to Montana when we would look at the beauty around us and you would say, "Wow, that could really smash us to bits."   You saw the world a  little differently!
Esther:  but if it is to invite people into our home, have room for them, have an extra bed for a person in need of one I think that is a great way to spend money
Lizzi:  That is so true. Exactly the example our friends were to us the other day
And the way I want to be
Maude:  I know a wealthy couple with a huge home who in over 30 years of marriage have had someone else living with them most of that time - because those people needed somewhere to stay and the were so glad to have the room to accomodate them!
Very generous
Lizzi:  And I think it's important to remember that we can still be like that... even in the state we are in right now
Maude:  Yes.  I think Esther and her husband are a great example of that.
They have been to me
Esther:  Liz, I think it is so true that generosity means being vulnerable! I think it also comes down to trust in the Lord. We are not called to make sure the people we are generous to (giving money, time, helping out ect) are using all that wisely (or how we would use it) we are called to be "cheerful givers". period. I think we should be WISE with how we give but I hope our "wisdom" never stops us from giving.
Lizzi:  Even if it imposes on our tight quarters... That is serving!
True, Es.
Maude: Because he just deployed they have a little extra money and instead of misering it away they have been EXTREMELY generous with other people.  THey aren't waiting for "someday when they have a lot of money" they are being generous now
I am very impressed with my baby sister!
Esther:  you're sweet Maude
Maude:  Well, I really mean it.
Esther:  I think a huge thing with being generous with our money, time, and "stuff" is to remember that it is ALL a gift from the Lord. We truly do not "own" anything. It has all been given to us for the short stint we are on earth.  I want to have a willing heart to be generous to care, love, and give with joy the things we have been entrusted with on this earth for why else do we have them? Nothing goes with us past the grave. I have a long way to go but I see the Lord slowly chiseling away at my selfishness.  "
you're sweet Maude




Matthew 6:19-21 " Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is there your heart will be also."


Psalm 24:1  "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."


2 Corinthians 9:7 " Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."