Possessions Day 1: Bring It On!

I have been excited about this challenge given by Jen Hatmaker in her book, 7.  I love to give and also fight in the house for organization and de-cluttering so periodically (usually every season) we go through closets and attic spaces and clean out and try to find purposes and people for the items.  The challenge to myself is to make time to make this meaningful.

Here is my list so far today:

1.)  A set of three pumpkin spice LED candles given to Mrs. Anna Ballard a guidance counselor and grandmother who is taking my SWP writing project class.  She has a grandson with autism who loves scented candles.  She was excited about this gift she could give to him.  They were brand new given to me and I know that they would bless her and her grandson more than me this fall.

2.)  Giant bag of work clothes to Landrum Thrift Barn to sell where proceeds go to Hospice- Dropped these off today on my way home from Connemara.  Praying that someone else in the size ten range who can use some lined dress pants will benefit.

3.) Speedo Life Vest - Eli has a really nice speedo life vest that he loved but has just about outgrown.  We gave this to little two year old, JP who is swimming now and whose mom is currently expecting his baby brother.  He loves to swim at his great grandmother's pool and so we are hoping this awesome life vest will keep her worry free at the side of the pool.

4.) Books - I chose three books to give to my first year teacher class at their pre-service professional development class in August.  I made a stack for these in the office.

5.). Sony running earphones - I received an awesome pair of  blue sony running headphones for my birthday. My husband loved them and asked for a pair for Father's Day. I had planned before reading seven to buy a second pair for him. After reading this chapter I've realized we don't need a second pair. I have five regular iPhone ones I can use so I have him these.

6.). Home Depot gift card - I received this from a teacher this past spring and was planning on using it to buy a new indoor house plant for the dining room because the one I have isn't looking too good. I'm going to give it to Greg's dad, Pop Pop to use for supplies for his word working shop.

7.). Nature box snacks - I love these!  They are covered in our house and cd once a month. I had great joy in taking the blueberry coated almonds, the pistachio power clusters, and the cherry vanilla granola to my class picnic at Connemara for them to eat.

Scripture says:

2 Corinthians 9:6-7English Standard Version (ESV)

The Cheerful Giver

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

I do receive a blessing from giving to others.  I can rarely wait to give a gift at the particular date so it is exciting to know that I will get to give seven items away each day .