November 1st is right around the corner, and with it comes the start of The 30-Day Giving Challenge (oh, and Daylight Savings ends too!)
I have been thinking and praying and planning for this Challenge every day. The excitement is building, and the response has been amazing so far!
My Pastor spoke about generosity once again this week, and I was even more convicted about making giving a priority in my life. The 30-Day Challenge is a great start, and hopefully a way to inspire a lifetime habit of giving intentionally.
A few thoughts about this process have been stirring in my mind. I realize that 30 days may seem like a long period of time. The first week or two will be new, exciting and easy.
The second half of the month might get busier, with Thanksgiving, family and travel. The challenge may get pushed aside. But I know there are always opportunities to give your time, talents or resources, if you are willing to be led.
This verse was laid on my heart:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9
Post this verse on your fridge or mirror, and remember it each day next month.
In an effort to encourage those without blogs to participate as well, I created an event on my Facebook fan page. You can now officially RSVP for the Challenge here, and feel free to share it on your wall or invite friends to participate too!
You can also post links to causes you wish to support, along with comments, photos and videos on the event wall throughout the month.
It will be so inspiring to see what others are doing and learning! I also want to encourage you to get your whole family involved. A journal is just one way to document the process.
What about a poster or chalk board? A dry-erase board in your kitchen? Allow your kids to write down ideas or draw pictures of your activities.
These were just a few ideas I had. Please share your ideas for involving your family below in comments!
If you are on Twitter, feel free to use the official hashtag for The 30-Day Challenge so we can all follow along with your giving adventures:
#30dayGC
Bloggers can also grab a clickable badge for your sidebar or posts if you wish. The code is under the button in my right sidebar.
I can hardly wait until Sunday! In the meantime, go read this very inspiring post from Mom Advice about how you can help the unemployed. Perhaps you can implement a few of Amy’s frugal suggestions next month!
There is still time to get involved if you would like to donate a product or service for the Challenge. Email 30daygivingchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com with your ideas or questions.
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Alyssa,
I have to tell you a little something. My heart strings were being tugged to do this challenge, and to start off I wanted to invite my friends on facebook to join in. I went to your page http://www.facebook.com/KingdomFirstMom#/event.php?eid=161276784692&ref=mf and invited pretty much everyone in my address book. I was going to be selective and pick the ones I thought would do it, but then I remembered that I should not pre-judge who may and who may not want to do this. I was amazed at the response from friends! So far I have 12 joining the challenge, and 17 who May be participating! I mention this here, because of my surprise. A LOT of the people I questioned about sending the invite, are on the list count above. So, we need to be a little less in control, as not to stifle the work that God has to be done here! Blessings dear Alyssa and all of you taking this challenge. (You can go to the event party page and invite also!) ~ laurieintexas
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Laurie, I saw that you had done that on Facebook and I was just tickled! Thank you so much for spreading the word. And that is a great reminder about letting go of control and allowing God to work in our lives. Thanks!
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Great idea and challenge!
Lori @ Shine Like Stars´s last blog ..The Chronicles of Biscuit – Sinasight?
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Thanks for another great post, Alyssa! And also for the great link to MomAdvice!
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I’m so excited other bloggers are getting in the giving spirit. It’s something we should all be doing year-long, but because Thanksgiving, Christmas and the new year, it seems to be on a lot of people’s hearts this time of the year. Thanks for the challenge.
Stephanie´s last blog ..*HOT* NEW Kellogg’s Coupons!!
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Hi! I am going to join you in the challenge! When I try to put your 30-day challenge button on my blog, I get a message saying the photo or video has been deleted and the photobucket emblem. Any suggestions?
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Sorry about that, the code in the post was giving me trouble. It should work properly now if you grab it from my right sidebar. Let me know if you are successful! And thanks so much for letting me know.
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Still not working for me. It’s too late to mess with it tonight so I’ll try again tomorrow. Good nite!
Lone Star Lifer´s last blog ..Happy Birthday to My (Pretend) Boyfriend.
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Ok, got the button up and running and will write my introductory entry tonight. The wheels are turning…..
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Oh yay, I am so glad you got it working! Keep those wheels turning…
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Oh Alyssa -
Words cannot express the feelings I had when you first posted about the Challenge. I had been having similar thoughts and when I read your post, it brought a wonderful, warm feeling to my heart, goose bumps to my arms and tears to my eyes.
I have had some significant challenges this year but feel like I am really on the upswing and doing something like this challenge could not come at a better time.
Thank you my friend…for I am honored to call you such.:)
Hugs, Alyson
Alyson´s last blog ..Because It’s Christmas 2 – Kids & Charity Giveaway Is Coming!
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I just found your blog and I love this idea! I am definitely wanting to join the challenge.
Katie´s last blog ..A Halloween Success
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Ok, got my blog entry up and running. Also invited most everyone in my FB friend list and sent out an email. Thanks for organizing this. It’s a good thing!
http://lonestarlifer.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/the-30-day-giving-challenge/
Lone Star Lifer´s last blog ..The 30-Day Giving Challenge.
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I think you read my mind. We are doing this in our home. We put 3 boxes out on our snack bar (1 for a crisis nursery, 1 for the food shelf, and 1 for a mission) We as a family are going to fill them for the holiday season. Anyting that I can purchase or donate go in the boxes. It is a constant reminder that their are always people in need. We have a big thanksgiving at our home and I invited people to share something when they come for dinner. A can good or a personal item like shampoo. What a great idea. Thanks
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Some time back I read an article on generosity and I have been trying to find a copy of it. I am going to guess that you posted it. If so will you send it again. If someone else is responsible would you see that I get a copy.
Thanks,
howsden
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