I am back in Kolkata on this first day of the New Year. I have said before that I feel strangely at home in this city of teeming masses. I first visited Kolkata three years ago to serve the least of these at Mother Teresa’s homes. I think that is when it happened and why it happened that I feel drawn to return here. I feel connected to those I have served at Mother Teresa’s homes. Every time I return I am anxious to see them again. Jesus said, “For the poor you always have with you…” (John 12:8). When I read those words I often think that Jesus must have been thinking of Kolkata because it seems the poor have all gathered here. This city is over-saturated with people who live and die on the streets. And this is the city where Mother Teresa unwittingly captured the imagination and respect of the world because of her service to the poor.

Mother Teresa made a difference in the lives of the poor because she made herself totally available to God. It’s amazing what God can accomplish through those whose heart is completely His. Reading several books about the life of Mother Teresa got me interested in learning more about Pope John Paul II, one of the most universally respected leaders in the history of the Catholic Church. Although I am not a Catholic, I was fascinated by the life of this pope. While reading about him I came across the words “Totus Tuus” — a Latin expression that means “totally yours.” Totus Tuus was Pope John Paul II’s apostolic motto, one that he borrowed from a prayer-book by Saint Louis de Montfort. He chose these words to express his devotion to Mary. I do not agree with my Catholic friends about the veneration of Mary, but I do like the expression totus tuus. In its larger context the text that inspired the Pope is this: Totus Tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia. The translation of these words is, “I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all.”

As I think about the year ahead I have decided to borrow Pope John Paul II’s motto but to apply it to my relationship with Jesus Christ. I am not big on making New Year’s resolutions, but I do like the idea of taking ownership of something that will challenge me to grow in my relationship with Christ in the New Year. I can think of no better challenge than to say to Christ, “I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all.” I have a choice regarding who owns me and who I will serve. I choose to renew my commitment to Christ, to make myself His servant, to live out my faith in practical ways, and to share the life-transforming gospel message with others. And, lest I forget, I am determined to start each day of the New Year by saying to Christ — Totus Tuus.

Happy New Year! Live this year in such a way that if it is your last, then even your dust will praise God and tell the world of His faithfulness (Ps. 30:9).

Be honest. | Have you been honest with yourself? It’s never a good idea to kid yourself. Be honest about how you have lived your life. Celebrate the good things and determine to change the things that were not so good. If there is anything that you have done or failed to do that requires you to make amends or to ask forgiveness, then do so. Don’t bring old baggage with you into the new year.

Be accountable. | Did you stay on track this past year? One of the biggest reasons we swerve off the path or get into trouble is because we do not allow others to hold us accountable for our behavior. Proverbs 27:6 offers good advice, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” If you have not already done so, give a friend permission to wound you in the new year.

Be specific. | Did you pay attention to little things this past year? Little things can make a big difference. All it takes is a tiny pebble in the heel of your shoe to alter the way you walk. And, often, all it takes is a small act of kindness to make a huge difference in the lives of those we meet along our journey. Consider how the power of small things can make a big difference in how you live your life in the coming year.

Be understanding. | Were you patient with others? Being patient and understanding of others is not always easy to do. Someone pointed out that patience is what we appreciate in the guy driving the car behind us and despise in the driver in front us. Determine to try to see things from the other person’s point of view. That does not mean that you will agree but it may help you to be a little more patient.

Be flexible. | Did you freak out when things didn’t go according to plan? Life is messy. Things do not always work out they way we hope they will. Factor that in to your thinking and determine to be more flexible. I often warn those that I lead on international trips that no matter how carefully we plan, things and schedules will change, often without warning. When that happens, I tell my team members to be prepared to be more than flexible — I ask them to be fluid.

Be realistic. | Did you get everything done? Remember that there are only so many hours in the day. Work hard but also work smart. Remember to keep your promises and give your employer an honest day’s work. And, if you have to put in a little extra time, then do it. Sometimes it’s necessary to do so to get a job done and it won’t kill you.

Be positive. | Did you complain a lot this past year? Then, stop it! Avoid complaining and negative chatter and gossip — the verbal equivalents of eating too many beans! Determine instead to eat more ice cream than beans this new year. It will make you and everybody around you much happier.

Be committed. | Did you honor your commitment to Christ this past year? The Apostle Paul cautioned the saints in Rome to not allow the world to squeeze them into its mold (Rom. 12:1-2). Don’t let that happen to you. Some Christ-followers have just enough of the world in their system to not enjoy Christ. Determine instead to live for Christ all year long. Be distinctive in your love and concern for others. Allow God to use you to care for those in need. Be Jesus with skin on.

Best wishes for a great New Year.

Jimmy Valvano

   James Thomas Anthony Valvano (1946 – 1993), nicknamed Jimmy V, enjoyed a nineteen-year career as a head basketball coach. While serving as the head coach at North Carolina State University, his team defeated the University of Houston with a last-minute desperation shot and won the 1983 NCAA Basketball Tournament. The ever-enthusiastic Valvano ran around the court in stunned disbelief and celebration. After leaving NCSU, Valvano became an award-winning commentator at ESPN and ABC and also gave hundreds of motivational speeches across the country. In June 1992, Valvano was diagnosed with bone cancer and told he had a year to live.

   Two months before his death in 1993, Valvano was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at the first ESPY Awards, an annual sports awards event created by ESPN. It was at that event that Valvano announced the creation of  the Jimmy V Foundation — a charitable organization dedicated to helping find a cure for cancer. During his speech, Valvano said the following: 

To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special. 

Jimmy Valvano died two months later. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh. North Carolina. His tombstone is engraved with the words he spoke at the ESPY Awards: Take time every day to laugh, to think, to cry. 

   I like Valvano’s simple but sage advice. As we prepare to take our first steps into the New Year, it would be good for each of us to consider how we will live each day. 

Laugh | The Bible teaches, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22). Modern medicine affirms that laughter is indeed good medicine. Among other things, laughter relieves tension, releases endorphins, increases blood flow, and relaxes the body. So, laugh and enjoy life. Look for opportunities to bring joy and laughter into the lives of others. Good humor is far more contagious than a bad cough and can bring people together. And, don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember that it’s ok to laugh at yourself. Spend time with those who know how to laugh at themselves and who can find humor in everyday events. I made a resolution several years ago to spend more time with friends who eat ice cream than with those who eat beans. 

Think | The Bible has much to say about thinking. The writer of Proverbs (14:15) observed, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” We should think deeply about our steps every day. Thinking deeply is a prerequisite to living wisely. One of the reasons I enjoy blogging on a regular basis is that it holds me accountable for thinking about various topics every day. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). You can’t love God “with all your mind” unless you think. So, think deeply, creatively, and critically. 

Cry | The Bible also addresses the matter of shedding tears. The Psalmist (126:5) said, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” What makes you cry? In addition to shedding tears of joy, we must also shed tears that spring forth from the things that make us angry or sad — issues like injustice, abuse, tragedies, and neglect. Many great things have been accomplished because someone wept over serious concerns and then acted to do something to address those concerns. I think that we do not weep as much as we should because our lives are relatively safe, comfortable, and secure. But, imagine what could happen this year if each of us wept and then intentionally acted on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, those who are destitute (Prov. 31:8). God can use our tears to change the world for others. 

I hope that you have a wonderful New Year and that throughout the year you will heed Valvano’s sage advice to laugh, to think, and to cry every day.

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PS | Check out my website for two simple plans for reading through the Bible in 2010. Set aside a few minutes each day and in one year you will have read all 31,102 verses in the 1,189 chapters of the Bible.

Look Back | As you prepare to step across the threshold into the new year, take a moment to look back. Remembering where you have come from and what you have experienced can be beneficial to you as you press ahead. When you look back you will undoubtedly see both your victories and defeats. Do not allow past victories to fill you with pride or past defeats to fill you with fear. Both can cause you to stumble! And, do take note of the many times and the many ways in which God cared for you and made provision for your welfare. Face the future with confidence that God cares about you.

Look In | As you prepare for the new year, take a moment to look in and to take inventory of any habits and attitudes that will hinder your progress in the coming year. Ask God to reveal to you all of the things that can trip you up — “the sin which so easily entangles us” (Heb. 12:1). Cast these hindrances aside like filthy rags. And then, leave them behind and avoid them like the plague as you press ahead.

Look Around | You have not made it this far all by yourself. Take a moment to look around at all who have journeyed with you this past year. Express your gratitude to those who helped you along the way and glean what you can from those who made your life difficult. Determine to do life in relationship with others in the year ahead. Don’t sail alone. Keep in mind that Satan is a pirate looking for a vessel without a fleet. Be willing to assist others who are having problems along the way and humbly receive help from others when you are in trouble or need.

Look Ahead | The most exciting thing about January is the opportunity for a fresh start, a second chance, and a new beginning. While it is not possible to go back and make a new beginning, it is possible to start now and make a new ending. As you look ahead, resolve to do better and go farther than you ever have. Press ahead with the determination to walk through new doors and gateways that will lead to exciting challenges and meaningful opportunities to love God and love people.

Look Out | Walk into the year ahead with your eyes open. Remember that Satan, our adversary, is “like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). His agenda is clearly spelled out in Scripture. Jesus said that Satan is determined “to steal, and kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). Make no mistake about it, he will do these things. So, be alert, make wise choices, guard your integrity, and pursue holiness.

Look Up | Remember to keep looking up throughout the New Year. The Psalmist declared, “To Thee I lift up my eyes, O Thou who art enthroned in the heavens!” (Ps. 123:1). You will encounter challenges, obstacles, troubles, and problems in the coming year. When you do, determine to make looking up the first thing you do instead of the last thing. God is ready and willing to help you. Look to Him for the strength, guidance, and wisdom to weather every storm, face every challenge, and overcome every obstacle.

“The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you, and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-25) throughout the coming year.

The Promise of Blessings | Moses encouraged the children of Israel with these words: “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land where you shall eat food without scarcity, in which you shall not lack anything; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you” (Deut. 8:7-10). We too can look forward to the promise of blessings in the New Year — those blessings that grow out of living in right relationship with God. Here are just some of the blessings we should expect.

• His peace when we are anxious and troubled.
• His love when we are hated and despised.
• His presence when we are alone and lonely.
• His hope when we feel the weight of despair.
• His strength when we are weak and vulnerable.
• His courage when we are immobilized by fear.
• His guidance when we are confused and frustrated.
• His provision when we are empty and in need.

The year ahead certainly holds the promise of blessings for those who follow God’s leadership and obey His Word.

The Prospect of Battles | Moses warned the Israelites to expect the prospect of battles in the Promised Land: “Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in and dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven” (Deut. 9:1). The Israelites indeed fought many battles in the new land —military battles for territory and spiritual battles for the purity of their faith. God always gave His people specific instructions regarding how to fight their battles. They were victorious when they followed His strategy and defeated when they followed their own. God also provided His people with strength and stamina to fight their battles.
 
   As we begin our journey into the New Year, we too, face the prospect of battles. Paul wrote about the nature of our battle in Ephesians 6:12 — “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We are engaged in a spiritual battle with an adversary that prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Paul said that our flesh sets its desire against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh (Gal. 5:17). So, we can expect to fight battles against the world, the flesh, and the devil — battles that will have an impact upon our integrity, credibility, and our witness in this world.

The Possibility of Bereavement | The Promised Land also held the possibility of bereavement for the Israelites. Moses knew that they would encounter situations that would rob them of joy, peace, and progress. We too, face the possibility of bereavement during the New Year. There is a bereavement that is caused by disobedience to God’s Word. Disobedience to God’s Word will sooner or later result in a loss of joy and peace and lead to deep sorrow (read Ps. 32:3-5). There is also a bereavement caused by disappointment. When we or those whom we love choose our way over God’s, it will lead to problems. I counsel with many people every year who are bereaved because of sinful choices. Finally, there is a bereavement caused by death. Death is no respecter of persons and often comes unannounced. I have conducted many funerals over the years for people who did not expect to face the future with the absence of a loved one. We must be prepared for the bereavement that is caused by death. And, we must also be prepared to die should death come for us sometime this during the New Year.

   It’s only natural for us to face new opportunities with great expectations. As you prepare for 2010, remember to walk with God, face life’s battles and difficulties in His strength, avoid the unnecessary sorrow caused by poor choices, and make certain that you are prepared to die should death call your name. I wish you the very best year you have ever experienced.

   We have just stepped over the threshold into a new year — a place where we have not walked or passed before. Reflecting on my childhood dreams of Antarctica and on the year ahead reminded me of a favorite verse from the book of Joshua. As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, he ordered the Levitical priests to lead the procession by carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the national symbol of God’s presence, before the people. Joshua then ordered the people to follow the ark. “Do not come near it,” Joshua warned, “that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before” (Joshua 3:4).

   What a beautiful picture of proper priorities when venturing into the unknown: God leading and His people following. No one was permitted to walk or run ahead of the ark. Everyone was to follow God’s leadership because they were going to a place they did not know. It’s always dangerous to run ahead of God, especially when venturing to an unfamiliar place or facing new and challenging situations. Look again at Joshua’s instructions.

Do not come near it… | In other words, stay back! Walk in such a way that you can see the leadership of God. For the Israelites, this meant keeping a distance of 2,000 cubits (or about 1,000 yards) between them and the ark. The Ark of the Covenant would go before them, blazing the way into uncharted territory. Staying back and following God is certainly the surest way to get ahead.

that you may know the way by which you shall go… | Someone asked Daniel Boone, the American pioneer and trailblazer, if he had ever been lost. “No,” replied Boone, “but once I was a bit bewildered for three days.” Follow the leadership of God or you might end up lost, confused, and bewildered in the months ahead. Getting ahead of God is the surest way to get confused.

for you have not passed this way before. | As carefully as we may plan, we do not know what tomorrow holds. There are no human footprints yet on the sands of tomorrow. However, God inhabits eternity (Isaiah 57:15) and is already at tomorrow waiting for us. He knows better than we do the way we should go. So, seek and follow His leadership. Following His leadership is the surest way to stay on track.

   We have just taken our first steps into the New Year. We’ll certainly face many uncertainties as we venture into the uncharted months ahead. But we can also count on facing the promise of blessings as we choose to follow and obey God; the prospect of battles against the world, the flesh, and the Devil; and the possibility of bereavement. So, make the wise choice and stay behind this year. Let God lead the way!

Doorway | Yunnan, China 2003

   January is the first month of the year. However, along with the month of February, it was the last to be added to the calendar. The month is named for Janus, the Roman god of doors and gateways. Janus was usually depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions — one to the past and one to the future. The month of January beckons us to look back and take inventory of the previous year and to look ahead to the opportunities of the coming year.

   January offers us the opportunity for fresh starts, second chances, and new beginnings. Fresh starts have a way of giving new meaning to life. Second chances can invigorate us with the resolve to do better and go farther than we ever have. New beginnings can infuse us with purpose, energy, and the determination to walk through doors and gateways that lead to new challenges.

   I hope that you will step across the threshold of the New Year with the determination to go beyond — to become more and to do more than ever before for God and His purposes. Here are a few practical suggestions for how you can go beyond and live adventurously for God in the coming year.

A = Acknowledge | Depend on God. Acknowledge your need for Him. Watchman Nee said that divine work can only be done in dependence upon divine strength. He was right! Keep that in mind as you face the challenges of the coming year.

D = Dream | Make sure that you have more dreams than memories. Dream about and envision what God can do in and through you if you will make yourself totally available to Him. And then, make yourself totally available to Him.

V = Venture | Do not just be something — do something. Have the faith and the courage to venture across the line that defines the farthest you’ve ever been or the most you’ve ever done for God and His purposes. Adventure awaits you on the other side of that line.

E = Endure | Ernest Shackelton is one of my historical mentors. His family’s motto was Fortitudine Vincimus — “By Endurance We Conquer.” Expect hardships, challenges, and setbacks when you venture into uncharted territory. And then, endure! Hold on, hold out, and press on. Nobody said it would be easy.

N = Nurture | Develop the disciplines that will sustain you. Exercise to face physical challenges and study and pray to prepare for spiritual challenges. Be intentional in your preparation. Remember that success is the offspring of opportunity and preparation.

T = Trash | Take inventory of habits and attitudes that will hinder your progress. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us” (Heb. 12:1). Do it. Toss them all into the trash like filthy rags. And then, leave them there and travel light.

U = Utilize | Use your time and resources to advance God’s purposes. Christians in America spend 97 cents of every dollar on themselves while spending only 3 cents on advancing God’s purposes around the planet. We’ve got to do better than that if we expect to advance the interests of God’s kingdom. Do and give more this year.

R = Risk | Risk is about exposure to the chance of injury or loss. John A. Shedd said, “A ship in the harbor is safe but that is not what ships are built for.” God did not design us to stay in the harbor or to always sail within sight of the shore. So, take a risk for a cause bigger than yourself. Lose sight of the shore this year.

E = Encourage | Encourage others to go beyond by your example. Those who think they can’t might believe they can if they see you taking bold steps. Don’t underestimate the power of your influence. Dare to live adventurously for God throughout the New Year.

Learn to say no. | We often fail to say no to things that we should not do or don’t want to do because we don’t want to disappoint others. As a result, we over-commit our time and resources and give up control of our lives. Identify what is most important to you so that you can say yes to those things and no to the things that are not as important.

Plan ahead. | We tend to complicate our own lives by failing to plan ahead and scheduling periods for rest, reflection, and recharging. Instead, we jump from one thing to another without ever pausing long enough to savor the joy of accomplishment (Proverbs 13:19). As a result, we add unnecessary stress to our lives (Proverbs 13:12). Learn to schedule your down times as intentionally as you schedule other activities. And, limit activities outside your home so that you can invest in the people who live in your home.

Reduce debt. | If you have debt, stop adding to it. Instead, take practical (and hard) steps to reduce it. Don’t mortgage your future by purchasing stuff you can’t afford with money you don’t have. Learn to live below your means and to be content with what you have (Philippians 4:12).

Stop upgrading. | Your life will not come to an end if you do not upgrade to a newer and faster computer, phone, television, car, or whatever. Don’t justify selfish or unnecessary purchases by trying to convince yourself that something newer or faster will help you to simplify your life. Having newer stuff does not equal simplicity. Try owning something long enough to wear it out.

Clear the clutter. | Most people have so much stuff that they lose track of what they have. We have stuff in our homes, garages, attics, and even more stuff buried in storage graveyards. We have stuff that we never use that could bless others if we took the time to give it away. Add clutter clearing to your calendar and start eliminating unnecessary stuff a little at a time. And, while you’re at it, de-clutter your heart. Eliminate the clutter of fear, guilt, anxiety, and busyness so that you can make room for more time with Christ.

Stop maintaining. | Take inventory of all of the things that you have and never use, but must maintain. Don’t let junk drain you of energy and resources. Cancel subscriptions to magazines that you never read. Drop your memberships to the places you seldom go. Sell or give stuff away in order to stop serving your stuff.

Turn off and tune in. | Simplify your schedule by eliminating time in front of the television. Break your addiction to noise. Schedule some time to read a devotional, to meditate on a passage of Scripture, to read a good book, or to enjoy meaningful conversation with a family member or friend. Turn off the noise so that you can tune in to God and those closest to you. Please take a moment to read my post entitled Go Remote for additional insight.

Do the math. | Don’t drive across town to save two cents on gas or a dime on lima beans. Your time is worth much more than what you think you’ll save. Pay your bills online and look for other ways to recover the only resource that you can’t replace — your time.

Open your eyes. | Ask God to enlarge your vision of the world. When you listen to the evening news or read a newspaper, listen and look for the mention of people groups. Remember that many people groups have yet to hear or read the gospel of Jesus Christ. Visit PeopleGroups.org to learn more about a particular people group, including their status of evangelization. And, visit the Wycliffe Bible Translators website to learn about their work to provide access to Scriptures to everyone in the language they understand best.

Get on your knees. | The 10/40 Window is an area of the world that extends from 10 degrees to 40 degrees north of the Equator, and stretches from North Africa across to China. This rectangular shaped window is home to the largest population of non-Christians in the world. 10/40Window.org provides online prayer guides to help you focus your prayers on the people groups still waiting to hear the good news about Jesus. Pray daily for unreached peoples.

Move away from the table. | Skip a meal or that cup of expensive coffee once a week and give the money to missions. Let the absence of food remind you of people who are still hungering for the Bread of Life. Use your time of fasting to pray for those who have little or no access to the gospel.

Get a clue. | More Christians were martyred in the 20th Century than in the previous nineteen centuries combined. Visit the Voice of the Martyrs website and subscribe to their newsletter to stay informed about the persecution of believers today. Add the persecuted church to your prayer list. We must pray for the persecuted church every day. Read my posts filed under the Persecution category in the sidebar.

Break the silence. | Share your personal story with others about how you came to faith in Jesus. And, learn how to use the Scriptures to guide others to faith in Christ. Look for opportunities to turn conversations to spiritual matters. Read my posts on the Four Calls to Evangelism to learn more about our responsibility to share the good news about Jesus Christ.

Roll up your sleeves. | We must not only share the gospel, we must also show the gospel. Live incarnationally — be Jesus with skin on. Be careful how you live because you are the only Jesus some will ever see. Do more than say “God loves you” — demonstrate God’s love to others through practical acts of kindness.

Dig into your pockets. | Only two cents of every dollar given by American Christians goes to support overseas ministries. Yet, it is estimated that Americans spend as much as 40 billion dollars on their pets. Imagine how many more people would have access to the gospel if we spent as much on missions as we do on our pets. Give sacrificially to missions.

Pack your bags. | Short-term volunteer missions initiatives are a great way to put yourself in a context where you will experience God working in and through your life in ways you never imagined. You will come home with a greater appreciation for and understanding of what it will take to finish the task of global evangelization. If your church does not mobilize teams for international travel, investigate opportunities through organizations like Innovative Mission Opportunities. This organization does a great job of leading teams to work with unreached peoples in the 10/40 Window.

Participate in a local service initiative through your church. | Serving others is not a spectator sport. Get in the game by volunteering to serve others through your church. Involve your kids and make some special memories by serving others together.

Prepare a meal for someone who is ill. | If you have ever been hospitalized, you know how good you felt when someone took the time to encourage you. One way you can encourage someone who is hospitalized is by preparing a meal for them when they return home. This will be one less thing for them to worry about. Be sure to pay special attention to any dietary restrictions.

Assemble a “Candy for Cops” basket. | Get your kids to help you shop for candy bars, cookies, and snacks. Arrange them in a gift basket and deliver them to your local police or fire-station with a note of appreciation to those who keep our community safe.

Volunteer at a local assistance ministry. | Volunteers are essential to the smooth operation of local assistance ministries. Call up a local assistance ministry and offer to volunteer in their food pantry, clothes closet, or with whatever need they have.

Go shopping for a homeless person. | Make some time to do more than give a few coins to the guys holding the cardboard signs on street corners. If there is a store nearby, offer to purchase a few essentials for them. My friend Jon Davis offers helpful advice on how to do this. Read his post entitled Silent, Wet, Dirty, Hungry Night.

Babysit for a single parent. | Single parents often do not have the extra resources for a night of fun and relaxation. Purchase a movie ticket or a gift card to a local restaurant for a single parent and then offer to babysit their kids while they enjoy a night out.

Mow the lawn of a friend or neighbor who is out of town. | Offer to mow the lawn of a friend or neighbor who will be out of town on business or vacation for an extended period. This will take some pressure off of them and keep the neighbors happy.

Assemble a new parent’s kit for the arrival of a newborn. | Assemble a basket of items for a newborn boy or girl and deliver it to the labor unit of a local hospital. Ask them to give the basket to an unwed mother or a family in need. Be sure to include a copy of the Bible and a devotional book on children or parenting.

Adopt a “grandfriend.” | Adopt an elderly adult in your neighborhood or local nursing home. Visit them on a regular basis, remember them on their birthday, offer to read to them, teach them a new card game or how to use a computer. Your presence and time will be a huge blessing to them.

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Note | Please take a moment to read all of the ideas for personal growth. This series of posts are filed under the Personal Growth category in the sidebar. Just click and read.