Saturday, July 14, 2012

Gifts and Books


So did you read this article about the guy who asked his Facebook friends what he should do for his 65th birthday and someone suggested doing random acts of kindness? 

Well, he found that a terrific idea and, on his 65th birthday, went out into his community and did 65 random acts of kindness.

Totally, totally inspiring stuff.

What do I see as the two greatest secrets to finding true happiness in this life?

1. Daily soaking in the presence of God.
2. Then getting up and giving away what you have received from Him.

Really. But leave one of those out and any happiness will come and go. Will be whispier than regularly doing both.

One reason the Bible says, "Neglect not the gift that is in you"? So that we --and the people we help--won't miss out on any happiness we could have experienced here. 

Truly, it is in giving that we receive, not in hoarding stuff or Life lessons or blessings or waiting at home for others to bless us, first.

I hope you've discovered your very special gifts to this world and are flinging them around, everywhere.


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Just mentioning again that I've found my 200 free ebooks of all kinds (novels, cookbooks, how-to, etc.) through this website:

DailyFreeBooks.com  You can even customize their emails so you see books only from the categories you enjoy.

And speaking of books (a hold-in-your-hand one in this instance)-- I'm so enjoying Death of a Garage Sale Newbie. Wow. One of the best cozy mysteries I've ever read and an extra bonus are the Christian insights.


Oh, and please do continue sharing with me books you love! How wonderful when your loved books become mine.


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Tom took all four of his days off, well, off

And oh, what marvelous times we had. Yard sales, fast food, Bones (tv series) and lots of relaxing on these hot, humid days. We even accomplished a few things around the house and yard, too. 

And when this morning arrives? We both felt refreshed and ready to return to our respective jobs. 

Now, that's more like it! シ


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"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Hebrews 13:2

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." 
Ralph Waldo Emerson



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4 comments:

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I do love to read and think about good news, and things going well. Random acts of kindness bless giver and receiver and are how we should be living...Glad you and Tom had good times together on his days off.

Anonymous said...

My Dad's Chevy Woodie had a name! {this is not a name of a book...just a fact of life as a kid! :) } I am trying to not buy books any more books right now. Yet love to browse the titles at the used stores even so. Trying to see if I can guess what the book is about. :) I will admit though I am now actually looking for some of the titles you have given us...and now checking out the info on the kids books to see if any of them might sound as good as the ones you mentioned! I am so glad my teenage grandchildren love books too!!! Yea!!! I usually have several titles to look for our many homeschooling friends are looking for too. [gives me an another excuse to browse!!!! :-) ] From my first stories read as a kid I have loved the ones with a moral to the story and friends and family.
How fun you got to have 4 days together! What difference a year makes!! Now to have 4 days together is an oddity! :-) Glad you enjoyed your mini vacation. Sarah

K.E. said...

I love random acts of kindness as a general everyday kind of thing. Letting people go first at the store, especially if they have a huge cart full. Paying for the car behind you on a toll bridge or road. Buying an extra ticket to a play or the movies to give away. Passing a 15% off coupon to a family with kids on your way out of the store.
Taking one or two rogue grocery carts back to the cart corral. The tiny gesture of holding the door for people. A smile.

Pat said...

I love your advice of soaking in the presence of God then giving away what you have received! It doesn't cost a thing and blessing abound!
I just orderd When Our Chevy Had A name..can't wait to read it!
Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!