I LIKE FRUIT
We first met Lee back in the fall of 2005. An international Bible organization was holding their annual conference at our church and they were looking for people willing to house some of the attendees. Since we had a couple of extra beds and enjoy meeting new people, we agreed to open up our home to two of the gentlemen attending.
The weekend of the conference we enjoyed the company of both Tom, on the left, and Lee, on the right. At the end of the weekend Tom commented that we may not see each other again this side of eternity, and to this day we haven't. Lee, however, is another story entirely! Our relationship with him continues despite the fact that we live in Michigan and he lives in California.
We just love Lee to death! He's an adventurer, a missionary, and probably the most upbeat person we've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Now into his 80's, he still runs circles around me! He - along with his new bride, whom he became reacquainted with at their 50-year college reunion, shortly after we met - was in town a few years later to attend the same conference and, though it was held at a different location, again he stayed with us.
Whenever we have overnight guests I invite them to make themselves at home and help themselves to anything in the kitchen. Since rummaging around someone else's pantry can feel awkward, I've gotten into the habit of putting a small basket of snacks in the guest room so visitors can eat at their leisure. Knowing from his previous visit that Lee is a huge fan of fruit, for his second visit I placed a basket of it in the room where he would be staying. He was very pleased by the gesture, but I had no idea what a huge impact this simple gift made.
Lee and his wife visited with us in Michigan at least one other time, and the last time we went to see Bob's brother in California we were able to stop in and visit Lee. In between we've kept in touch by phone, with Lee always calling just when we seem to need a word of encouragement. And without fail, EVERY time I answer the phone the call begins along these lines:
"Is this the woman who puts fruit out in a basket for a weary traveler? As long as I live I will never forget..."
EVERY TIME!
I just finished reading a super-fun book; "I Like Giving" by Brad Formsma. In it, Formsma shares some of his giving experiences and explains the origins of the "I Like Giving" movement. The book covers every aspect of giving you can imagine - where to start, how to do it, setting boundaries, involving your entire family - all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum - receiving. He even has a chapter on the science of giving; citing studies that prove money can buy happiness - when that money is spent on someone else.
The book not only shares Brad's experiences, but is filled with stories just like the one I just shared; stories on the blessings of giving that come to the giver. Reading it just made me want to say, "I want that!" and go out and bless someone! These personal accounts are sprinkled throughout the book with surprising titles such as, "I Like Turbulence.", "I Like Scars." and "I Like Payphones." as well as fun titles like, "I Like Coffee and Pink Lipstick."
True to their spirit of giving, they even gave me some books to give away! I already had the opportunity to give away one, but I have TWO more to give away here!
Congratulations to our two winners, Laura and Lynne! An email has been sent instructing you how to claim your book.
Lisa
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I've been known to link up with: Inspire Me Monday, Living Proverbs 31, Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday, The Beauty in His Grip, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Playdates With God, Unite, M,M and M, Monday Musings, Whole-Hearted Home, Soli Deo Gloria, Tell Me a Story, Titus 2sdays, Growing Homemakers, Women Helping Women, Wise Woman, Tell His Story, Works for Me Wednesday, Winsome Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Wednesdays Prayer Girls, Three Word Wednesday, Whimsical Wednesday, Messy Marriage, A Little R&R, Wholehearted Wednesdays, From House to Home, The Girls Link Up, Doing You Well Wednesday, Think Tank Thursday, Thriving Thursday, Little Things Thursdays, The HomeAcre Hop, Thursday Favorite Things, Mama Kats Losin’ it, Thrive at Home, Cozy Book Hop, Inspire Me Please, Thrifty Things Friday, Spiritual Sunday, Faith Filled Friday, Friendship Friday, Heart-Filled Fridays, #Fellowship Fridays, Essential Things, Make My Saturday Sweet, The Weekend Brew, Write on Edge, Frugal Friday, Think Pink Sunday, Sunday Stillness
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I had a precious son he was born with a serious heart condition and he had a big heart bypass operation at age 17. He had a stroke at age 22, and tragically developed a mental illness at age 17 also. he was autistic, and had aspergers, on top of all this hard life that he had to live , he was the bravest boy I have ever loved and known and cherished. he was brilliant at drawing super heroes and he wrote awesome christian poems he loved Jesus so much. he was rejected by a lot of people who never understood him and his feelings. He tragically died last July 24th from acute cardiac failure I miss him 24 7 and wonder where he is now if he made it to heaven to be with Jesus and all his goddesses. I am going to write his life story to help other parents with special needs children adults understand what it was like to walk in his shoes he was 6ft, my gentle loving giant Im calling my book as he has an amazing legacy and testimony to tell and I will tell it all for him now. He was my hero.I also formed my not for profit charity for Literacy to help children and children with special needs cope with better skills in reading, writing, spelling etc as they really struggle the most. My website is www.wowwaikato.co.nz thank you Paula Bisphan Admin in Hamilton NZ 0278499845
I like giving, too! It is the only thing that gets me out of a funk sometimes. I truly believe giving and helping others is what God made us to do because it feels so good!
I just wrote a post about how to get your children involved in volunteering in the community (giving time). I noticed I always look to entertain my children rather than getting them involved in service. That's not the way to raise godly children.
I'd love the book to read up on how to give more as a family.
I already subscribe to your blog and I already follow you on twitter.
Also, I'm a giver so when I'm finished with the book you know I will pass it on to someone else who needs it.
A basket of fruit, who would have thought the impression it made on your guest, who became a new family member. May your home be the place of peace and joy as you continue to give and reach out. Thank you for sharing your heart on giving with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Wonderful post filled with love and beautiful people ~ Wonderful 'giveaway' also ~ xoxo
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you for sharing!
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for linking up with The Weekend Brew!
This sounds like an amazing book to enjoy. I like giving something homemade to friends and family.
When you give you also receive. Definitely something I would love read. Thanks Lisa!
This sounds like a great book. I've been trying to encourage my 10 year old to be more giving and this could definitely help.
I would like to win this book so I can find new ways to give and encourage others - even when I don't feel I have much to offer.
Am I to leave an entry for each item? If so, I liked your facebook page as Lynne Foster
I have subscribed to this blog - I used the same email address that is connected with these comments.