Phil Parham (37 page)

I walked through the front door of one family's home and was shocked at how worn out their home was. There were even holes in the floor so large you could see the dirt underneath the house. In the corner, I saw three children huddled around a black-and-white television that barely got reception. They were covered with dirt and grime and looked so sad. The father was in bed, too sick to get up. The mother told us that because her husband was ill, he was out of work; she had to stay home with the children, so they had no income. It broke my heart.

I'll never forget how excited this woman and her kids were to see our gifts. It made my heart so happy that even though I couldn't change their situation, I could do a little something to bring joy to their day. Suddenly, the problems I had seemed very small. I saw my life in a completely different light and had a better attitude about appreciating all I had.

Being able to give to that family was the best gift I got for Christmas that year. When you make a difference in others, you get a lot more than what you give.

1. Have you ever done something for someone and got more in return?

2. What did you learn from the story about this family in need?

3. Why do you think God is pleased when we give?

To avoid blisters when you do a lot of walking or running, wear socks with sections for your toes. It will keep your tootsies from rubbing together and will enable you to run more comfortably.

A Word from Amy

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can't out give God”? I can tell you with certainty that this statement is true because I've experienced it. When we were living in Washington State, a guest minister visited our church and talked about the importance of giving. I was so excited to give, until I realized I didn't have any money. I knew there must be something I could give to God. Immediately I thought about a beautiful diamond ring my mother-in-law had given to me. I knew that was what I had to donate in the next offering. I did it without telling anybody.

What happened next may sound crazy to some of you, but I swear it's true. Within the next week, someone had given me a car, a computer, and another diamond ring. Three separate people told me they felt led to give these things to me. I was so excited that I gave the car and the ring away to other people I thought needed them more than I did. Within two weeks, someone else gave me a newer car, and I got some money in the mail. It was unbelievable. I was so excited to keep giving—to help others and to thank God—and I learned I couldn't out give God. He is the ultimate gift giver.

I know we don't give for the purpose of receiving, but this happens to be a law in the Bible. Jesus tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). Remember, you can't out give God. Give your time, talents, and gifts to someone today, and test out this law for yourself.

1. Have you ever known you were supposed to give someone something when it was really hard?

2. Have you ever given something and seen God's blessings come back to you?

3. What does the saying, “You can't out give God” mean to you?

Planting a garden is a living example of the law of sowing and reaping. When you plant one tomato plant, you may get a hundred tomatoes. Try this in your backyard.

A Word from Amy

We have talked so much about giving to others, but what do we do when others give to us? I used to feel bad when someone would give me something if I didn't have something to give in return. I would feel guilty until I had evened the score. One day someone wanted to give me something, and I refused to accept it. But my friend said something that made me change my mind: “Why are you going to rob me of a blessing?”

I had never thought about it that way. When we don't allow someone to give to us, we are keeping them from being blessed. We are keeping them from sowing their seed that will cause them to grow a crop. We know that we need to be good givers, but we need to be good receivers too.

The same thing applies when someone pays us a compliment. It took me the longest time to just say “thank you” when someone told me I did a good job or I looked nice. I would try to deflect the compliment by saying, “Oh, it was nothing,” or “Oh, this old thing?” When people pay us compliments, they're trying to do something nice for us. We need to receive that blessing.

Accepting blessings is another great way to make a difference in other people's lives. God gave us the best gift ever when He gave Jesus to save the world from sin. We need to accept that gift above all.

Be thankful for good things that come your way and be a good receiver.

1. What is the best gift ever given?

2. Why do we need to be good receivers?

3. What does it mean to “rob someone of a blessing”?

Practice saying “thank you” when someone pays you a compliment. It's a good way to learn to be a receiver.

C
ongratulations! Not only did you complete
The Amazing Fitness Adventure for Your Kids,
you have also embarked on a whole new chapter in your life. I'm sure you and your family feel better, healthier, and have more energy than when you started this challenge.

We are so proud that you realize how important good health is to you and your kids and that you have taken the appropriate steps to make this a priority in your family. We encourage you to take what you have learned in this book and continue to walk the journey of good health. Just because these 90 days are up doesn't mean you can go back to your old lifestyle habits. Keep moving forward. Keep taking the right steps and making the right decisions when it comes to nutrition and fitness.

Make a difference and leave a legacy for others to follow in your footsteps. We know you can do it!

FRUITS and VEGETABLES

  Blueberries

  Strawberries

  Blackberries

  Raspberries