[Generous-tip_the-generous-wife.com] The Generous Wife tip for Thursday December 4, 2008

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Thursday December 4, 2008

A couple of trains of thought crashing into each other ...

     Paul and I have talked off and on about Christmas gifts, the push to spend, and the endless pricey gifts that are expected, but often not wanted or appreciated.  That said, we love to give gifts (we're not being Scrooge).  We just want them to be meaningful and thoughtful.  We also want to give gifts that are more personal and heartfelt, rather than just buying to buy.

     (Totally out of left field ... UN figures)  The second leading cause of death in children under five worldwide is ... diarrhea (no I have not really lost my mind here, I am actually going somewhere with this).  1.9 million children die each year largely because they do not have clean water and they get one of any number of water born illnesses, resulting in diarrhea, resulting in death (nearly 4,000 children died today of something that could have been prevented, 4,000 will die tomorrow and the next day and the next ...).

     Ok, now I'm going to bring it all together.  We spend so much money on useless Christmas gifts and there are so many dying from diseases that clean water would largely prevent.  It totally sucks.  Why not cut back on what you spend for gifts and give more humble, from-the-heart gifts?  Then take at least some of what you don't spend and give the gift of clean water to those in need.  Even if it's just 20 bucks.  Your $20 and my $20 and several others' $20 can do the job.  Just like a gathering of folks can raise a barn (something an individual couldn't do well alone), so all our $20 can dig the wells needed to provide clean water for those in need.

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
http://www.withthisring.org/  (I personally know this gal and her organization is legit)

     Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life's blood.  But everyone has something to give.  Barbara Bush

Please, think generous!  Lori <><


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