By Barbara Dahlgren<\/em><\/p>\n Here’s a list I’ve come up with, and I’m sure you can add your own ideas. Just because you can’t buy gifts for others doesn’t mean you don’t have something to give. Think about giving the following…<\/p>\n Smiles:<\/strong> Smiles are a universal language. Not only do smiles lift spirits, they are contagious. Statistics show that a person who is given a smile will more than likely give one to someone else. So as the old song goes, \u201cSmile, darn ya, smile!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout<\/em>\u00a0for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.\u201d (Psalm 32:11)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Handwritten Note of Appreciation:<\/strong> Has someone done you a kindness? Why not give them a handwritten note of appreciation? With e-mail and text messaging being the norm for communication today, a hand written note could turn out to be a collector\u2019s item.<\/p>\n \u201cI thank my God upon every remembrance of you.\u201d (Philippians 1:3)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Encouragement:<\/strong> Words like \u201cyou did a great job,\u201d \u201cthank you for your help,\u201d and \u201cdon\u2019t you look nice today\u201d can make someone\u2019s day.<\/p>\n “Therefore encourage one another and build up\u00a0<\/em>one another\u2026\u201d (1 Thessalonians 5:11)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laughter:<\/strong> Why not clip and share a funny, yet tasteful, cartoon with someone? Sharing a laugh can even improve one\u2019s health. Studies show that those who laugh more live longer.<\/p>\n \u201cA merry heart is good medicine\u2026\u201d (Proverbs 17:22)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Patience:<\/strong> Try not to get irritated with ANYONE for the whole holiday season. Don\u2019t raise your voice in anger or lash out at others. We all make mistakes from time to time, so we don\u2019t need others constantly pointing them out to us.<\/p>\n \u201cIn your patience possess ye your souls.\u201d (Luke 21:10)<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Benefit of the Doubt:<\/strong> Think the best of others for a change. Don\u2019t impute motives or assume they are doing things to deliberately upset you. Sometimes we just take things the wrong way.<\/p>\n \u201cFinally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things <\/em>are honest, <\/em>whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are <\/em>pure,\u00a0<\/em>whatsoever things\u00a0<\/em>are lovely, whatsoever things are <\/em>of good\u00a0<\/em>report; if there be any virtue,\u00a0<\/em>and if there be <\/em>any praise,\u00a0<\/em>think on these things.\u201d (Philippians 4:8)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Give People a Break:<\/strong> Open the door for someone. Let someone go ahead of you in line. Give the other guy the parking space. It won\u2019t hurt you as much as you think.<\/p>\n \u201cLet nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in <\/em>lowliness <\/em>of mind\u00a0<\/em>let each esteem other better\u00a0<\/em>than themselves.\u201d (Philippians 2:3)<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Visit One Person in a Nursing Home:<\/strong> So many that are in nursing homes have no one to visit them. Our dream as a young person is not to end up old and alone. Ask the nursing home attendant if there is anyone who never has visitors, then visit a little with that person. Listen more than talk. The elderly love sharing childhood stories. They are living history lessons.<\/p>\n \u201c<\/sup>Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? <\/em>And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto <\/em>you, \u2018Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these\u00a0<\/em>my brethren, ye have done it unto me.\u2019\u201d (Matthew 25:39,40)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Forgive:<\/strong> Remember that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Let go and let God take care of it.<\/p>\n \u201cFor if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly\u00a0<\/em>Father will also forgive you:\u201d (Matthew 6:14)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Be a Living Example of Jesus Christ:<\/strong> Be a reflection of Christ. Let others see that Christ is alive and living in you. What a great gift to give to others!<\/p>\n \u201cLet your light so shine before men, that they may see your good\u00a0<\/em>works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.\u201d (Matthew 5:16)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Consider this\u2026 \u2018Tis the season to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Christ. Remember to thank God for Jesus, His gift to the world.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks be to God for His indescribable gift!\u201d (2 Corinthians 9:15)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suggestions for practicing this choice\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Not much money? Here are some inexpensive ideas for giving this holiday season.<\/p>\n Another Year of Choices By Barbara Dahlgren Most of us are in the midst of Christmas shopping. Choosing the right gift for someone can be a challenge. Those of us who don’t have money to buy expensive gifts to lavish … Continue reading ![\"Hand](\"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hand-holding-gift-box-free-from-Flickr.jpg\")
Most of us are in the midst of Christmas shopping. Choosing the right gift for someone can be a challenge. Those of us who don’t have money to buy expensive gifts to lavish on loved ones or even put a dollar or two in Santa’s Salvation Army bucket may feel a little down. But do not despair! There are gifts you can give that cost little or nothing, yet are very valuable.<\/p>\n![\"Wrapped](\"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wrapped-Presents-from-Print-Master.jpg\")
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