To be honest, I think I'm a little weird here. I'm pretty consistent at giving (tithing... and even beyond). That being said, giving SACRIFICIALLY is something all together different. It's easy to give when there's "excess." It's much more difficult when it cuts into my comfortable living.
I haven't been plugged into a specific church for awhile, so I've been challenged to know WHERE to give. I've been setting amounts aside and giving them as I feel led. It's been fun in some ways, I've still been giving through some churches I've been attending, but it's been fun to direct some of my "offerings" to individuals in need, missions and other special projects. It's a different feeling being able to see the final recipient of a gift. When I give through a church, I don't always get to see how those dollars are used (which is good in terms of requiring faith in God and church leaders to direct those funds). So, giving to smaller organizations and people provides a different kind of satisfaction. It's much more tangible.
Ideas for giving...
The purpose: foreign missions, homeless ministry, sponsor a child. I have an idea related to a specific individual, too.
The sacrifice: drop the little bit of cable I currently have ($15/mo), sell something... not sure what that would be, though. I actually keep a fairly trim budget. Maybe, at this point, it makes more sense to just DIRECT the funds I'm currently setting aside for giving? Or am I just rationalizing my own selfishness. Hrmmm...
To do items: email a friend to get an idea. Check.
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