A Giving Heart

{This week’s guest post is from none other than my sweet hubby John, who also happens to be the “official” photographer of Soaked and Sprouting. I take some pictures myself, but the really good ones are John’s. I confess, when he told me “There’s something I need to write,” I may have silently snorted. However, when he explained, and I heard his heart, I asked if he would guest post. Win-win situation all around! Please welcome John to Soaked and Sprouting!}

If you know me, you know that I am a car enthusiast. I bought my first classic (a 1971 Mustang!) in 2010 and joined a local car club. 

The club hosts several events during the year. Proceeds benefit local charities chosen by the members each year. God planted in me a heart to give, and I thought this was a wonderful thing to do. 

As the club grew so did the number of events that are held during the year. This year the club was able to donate nine thousand dollars to different charities! 

Just recently, a tragedy took the life of a young, pregnant mom and her son, with three other children seriously injured. It began to bring back a flood of memories. My dad passed away at the age of thirty seven. I was only six at the time. I just knew I had to do something to help this young family suffering such a devastating loss. 

Others stepped up to help, and a fundraiser with a car show was planned. I began to work hard to recruit several local car clubs and individuals to participate in this show and bring sizable donations. 

What shocked me was that not everyone has the same ideas concerning benefit car shows. I was disappointed to hear that some felt their vehicles were misjudged at previous shows. Because of that, they would not attend this event, even though it was a fundraiser for a great cause. 

Scriptures flooded my mind.  The memories of generous family and friends, who helped my family when my dad passed, also came to mind. 

 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (CSB) 

Looking to the interest of others has truly blessed me. God has blessed me tremendously, through my giving to others. Here is one example of how He has done that:

Last December a car show was held at a Veterans home. In conversation with some of the men living there, I met a veteran that had known my dad. What a moment for me – my dad has been gone 54 years! And I got to visit with a man who had known him! What a blessing!

 

Thinking back to my childhood again, the help and support that came to our family was overwhelming. We could have easily survived as a family, but having the support and generosity of others made survival that much easier.

[tweetthis]Having the support and generosity of others made survival that much easier. [/tweetthis]

I learned early on about tithing and firmly believe Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (NIV)

God has given me a heart to give. If He shows me a need, I know He will provide, and I give with my whole heart. And, just like at the Veterans home, I know He will pour out so much blessing there will be no room to store it!

 

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Linking up today with Debbie Kitterman over at Dare2Hear, hop on over for some great encouragement!