Making the Gospel Real

I want to share something with you that Roger and I have been doing since we got married.

I think it stemmed out of the Compassion Child that we sponsor. Her name is Glory and she started to open our eyes to many things. (And for the record, we plan on sponsoring her as long as possible, 20 years?)

We wanted to make a difference, do something that would really help people.

Roger and I decided that out of EVERY paycheck, we would purchase something that would help someone else.

Now you're confused right?

It's really simple actually.

We would do a little research and find an organization or family that needed help and then either purchase something that would go towards them or donate directly to them. We also committed to praying that week for the "thing" we were helping. At first, we purchased adoption T-shirts from several families who were adopting children from all over the world. The proceeds went directly to their fundraising, which is great! Then we started to buy things like coffee, bracelets, and hats. We also do Operation Christmas Child and support many of our troops overseas. Honestly, it was so easy to find things to purchase or organizations to donate to.

Sometimes we spend upwards to $50 on an item and sometimes it is just $5.00. It really depends on what we find. People have criticized me for not helping people right here in the US. It's not true though. We have supported a few families who have adopted from the US. And adoption isn't the only thing that we can help with. We have donated money to food banks, homeless centers, or even dropped off our clothes where we knew it would go to charity. The need to help is EVERYWHERE!

I have heard so many people say things like "adoption shirts are too expensive" " only half of the money goes to that organization" " I need to save to be able to buy it"among other things. And honestly, I used to say those things as well. EXECPT that I have eaten out at least once this month and if I can do that then I can support something. If you say, well great, we never eat out then I say...There is something in your life that can be cut back, trust me. If Roger and I can do it on minimum wage then you can do it as well.

I am not trying to be harsh. (Maybe a tad harsh?) I just think that there are so many people who say they want to do something and then don't. Talk is cheap. I am also not trying to pat ourselves on the back. We are NOT perfect. We do NOT have it figured out. We are simply trying to raise awareness of those in need for ourselves. The gospel commands us to take care of the poor and needy and this is how I know how to do it best. Maybe it looks different for you. I don't know. I just know that you are called to do something. Figure out your something and DO IT! (And then please share!!!)

Sorry if my post ruined your mood...

Wait am I sorry? :)