When we are scared, we hold on to what we have too tightly. Sort of a death grip, which is ironic because none of the things we are squeezing are ours to keep. As I’ve said before, dying with a big pile of money under the bed is the same as dying with a big pile of zucchini under the bed….Like an angel’s visit, gratitude interrupts our fear and reminds us of God’s faithfulness.

Gratitude helps me to pay attention to God’s gifts. Today, my houseplants (and Bernard of Clairvaux) remind me to be grateful for gifts of food, sunlight and air. What are you grateful for today?

The practice of gratitude guides humans like ultraviolet vision guides bees.

What is ethical fundraising? When a fundraiser can tell stories about the garden and invite people to water it, trusting that God will provide a harvest.

Ultimately having a big pile of money under the mattress is exactly the same as having a big pile of zucchini under the bed. You can’t take it with you.

Frederik Buechner’s wisdom applied to generosity. Where do your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet? What kind of giving inspires joy? What does the world need?

Simple Steps towards Generosity: Church Stewardship for the Overwhelmed

Generosity as Spiritual Gift - Part 2: Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control

Generosity is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Are our hearts and our lives headed in the same direction? Is it a good direction? Like the moisture meter, the answers to those questions speak truth!

To say MLK could preach is an obvious understatement. He knew full well the hatred and injustice in the world, yet he hung on to hope. He had courage.

Listening to MLK preach changed the way I delivered my plenary about celebrating the offering as an act of worship. I was braver than before.