they gave freely and wholeheartedly

blake and i have been discussing finances lately and with that comes giving. the holiday season is coming up so there are decisions to be made. do we give, where do we give, how much. you see, we have things in mind that we are "saving" for- car, baby, new shoes, new playstation games etc.... and we like to see our account rise (it is not much) but it rises. i've been processing lately why my heart is so eager to buy new shoes, new shirts, new items to add to my closet of jewels (shopping gives me energy, i love it).... so the scripture i read today i would like to re-read in the coming days and listen for what the Lord has for us-

1 Chron.29

king david is passing the torch to his son Solomon and it is Solomon that will build the temple for the Lord. in order for the temple to be built, people have to give. the scripture talks about the leaders giving and lists everything in abundance that they gave. then it goes to say "the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord." it then goes into a prayer of praise to the Lord from David. after that is the line i would like to "sit" on for a while..."But who am I , and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."...

vs.17"i know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. all these things have i given willingly and with honest intent."vs. 20 "they bowed low and fell prostrate before the Lord and king".

don't want to give a "normal" gift this season...consider this www.adventconspiracy.org.

watch the video that pulls up and then also go to the "video" tab and watch the others. we are doing some thing similar to this as a staff at Watermark, if you would like to be a part of it let me know!