To Give is Happier...

"... remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 
(Acts 20:35)
"You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'" (Acts 20:35, The Message)
A year ago, I thought keeping all my wrapping paper in this (thrift-store-bought) shopping cart would be a nifty idea.  I envisioned myself wheeling it out and around to wherever I decided to wrap.  Now I see it's hard to keep all the rolls inside it tidy.  I need to find a different storage system (or sew a liner for the cart -- not likely to happen).  Anyhow, I've pulled out the rolls of wrapping paper and wall paper  that I think will "work" for Christmas wrapping this year.  I'll retrieve the gifts from the trunk of my car (where I've been stashing 'em), check the scotch tape supply,  light the candles, play some carols, and experience as I wrap that:

"To give IS happier than to receive". 
(Acts 20:35, J.B. Phillips translation)
One down...and miles to go before I sleep!

12 comments:

  1. It seems like I've tried many methods to keep my wrapping paper tidy, only never to quite achieve that goal! I currently use a plastic container I purchased for that purpose, but it doesn't work very well either.
    I agree, giving brings such joy, and sometimes just giving your time to be with or help someone is the greatest gift of all, to both the giver and reciever!

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  2. I keep my paper in a large/tall cardbaord box in an extra closet with the scissors and tape in a carrier tote. I have a smaller tub with all the tissue and ribbons and name tags in it. I hate to wrap but being organized helps I tell myself. I am starting to think I am a liar.

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  3. Amen! I LOVE to give!
    I use a rubbermaid plastic wrapping container, it has a lid on it to keep it all inside, then I shove it all under the bed! LOL
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    ~Donna~

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  4. Sounds like you're setting the right mood to get the gifts wrapped. I love wrapping presents, especially at Christmas time. I always keep my extra wrapping paper in a black trash bag closed with a twist tie in the downstairs closet.

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  5. I actually like your very unique shopping cart/wrapping center, but I can see how it would quickly become chaos!
    I once visited a blog a few years ago where a woman had a WHOLE ROOM devoted to wrapping paper, and ribbons, and tape, and bows! It was amazing! Everything lined up against the walls on big rolls to easily pull out, and then a big table in the middle of the room for wrapping.
    Can you spell "J-E-A-L-O-U-S"?!! Yes, I was!
    And I saw another woman who had an old cabinet devoted to a wrapping center. That's my goal, a nice contained cabinet/wrapping center ~ one of these years I hope to accomplish it. (Maybe 2012?!)
    Right now I store ribbons, bow, cards, tape, and scissors in hat boxes, and the wrapping rolls are stashed EVERYWHERE (drawers, closets, attic, etc.) all over the house! I am not a very organized person at all.
    Enjoy!
    Love and Prayers,
    Eileen

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  6. Over the years hubby & I have managed to whittle Christmas giving down to a minimum in favor of a year-round giving initiative if/when needs arise. It has been such a blessing to surprise an unsuspecting recipient, which is to say that it truly is more joyful to give ...

    Merry Christmas,
    Kathleen

    P.S. We still do for our children/grandchildren at Christmas. And I LOVE wrapping & music-listening & falling headlong into the season's spirit. It's sort my gift to myself :)

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  7. What a soul warming post....and yes it is!!

    Merry Christmas

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  8. I totally agree with this sentiment, I have always enjoyed giving... it is as much a gift to the giver as those who are the recipients IMO. When I'm working my Kettle as a Salvation Army Bellringer I always observe that Children ALWAYS enjoy giving and get great Joy from it... too bad some folks outgrown that Childlike cheerful giving from the Heart, it does delight the Lord. And besides... I've never been able to outgive God. *Winks*

    Thank you for your concern about my Brother, he has now been released from Hospital in time for the Holidays which is a huge Gift to our Family. He's been battling a serious illness for many years so he has good days and bad... we rejoice in the good ones and hold him up in Prayer during the difficult ones.

    Merry Christmas from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  9. My Mom had a tall tin garbage can she used to keep the paper in. It was bright red and seemed to be perfect for the job!

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  10. Instead of keeping bulky rolls in storage....I cut up different size pieces, fold them and put them in a drawer. Their flat shape takes up less room. When I need some wrapping paper, I just look for the size I need. Wrangling a roll of paper is NOT my idea of fun, so the less I have to do it, the better! I try to buy the *rolled* paper in a print (on sale) that can be used any time of year. That would exclude Santa and trees!

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  11. Hope you got all that wrapping done Rebecca. Love the verses you shared with us too!
    -- Ya know I really like the idea of leaving those rolls in the cart but know exactly what you mean how "difficult" they can be wrestling them all. The ends never want to stay put on the rolls and always end up getting all wrinkled and messed up. I have a few rolls of vintage wallpaper I liked to use for crafts that I have the same problem with. If you figure out a better mousetrap let me know. lol Merry Christmas dear friend!!!

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)