December 2010 Widow's Challenge: A Season of Giving.

For the month of December, I focused on giving to a family, friend, or community group in need during the Christmas season. For me, the international families at my husband's seminary came to mind. These families often do not have the means for extra gifts, as they have sacrificed much financially to attend school in the States.

Since we were moving mid-month, I thought this would be the perfect time to see how far I could make my stockpile of free or nearly free items stretch to bless these families. Here's what I managed to give:

My stockpile included:

• several bottles of laundry detergent
• food items like cereal, soups, cake mix, Hamburger Helper, and rice mixes
• hygiene items like deodorant, floss, toothbrushes, mouth rinse and shampoo
• medicines
• cleaning supplies
• Christmas items like ornaments, books, and holiday scented Renuzits

Above are the finished gift bags filled with my stockpile items. 

My husband and I are on a limited budget right now as well, and we couldn't have given away these items if I had not gotten them with coupons!  Stretching my dollar to bless another family is not only rewarding, but to me, worth the time and effort it requires to shop for free.

On that note, I'm quite excited to see what the new year will bring as I strive to live generously for the glory of God! May you have a blessed 2011, as you bless others!

New to the "Widow's Challenge"? Check out what the Widow's Challenge is all about.