Extension 26

Why Extension?
When I looked up the word extension I found, “the act of extending; the amount, degree, or range to which something extends or can extend; the application of traction to a fractured or dislocated limb to restore the normal position; an addition that increases the area, influence, operation, or contents of something.”

I need to be extended, to be stretched, in giving. To be restored to that designed position, in Christ, to be generous. To serve not be served. To reach with open hands and let Him use what we have to be a blessing. My flesh does not like this, but my flesh needs this- this stretching, this extending. Because as we extend ourselves, maybe that is where the restoration comes.

Why 26?
Throughout our adoption process God gave us many scriptures to guide and strengthen us. One of those was Isaiah 40:26, “Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.”

We felt like someone was missing from our family and God reminded us that He was able to bring that missing piece into our family. And as I mentioned before, November 26th was such a special day for us. All those years of waiting to adopt came to an official end as our adoption was final, once and for all. Our hearts are overwhelmed with thanksgiving for what God had done for us, and we want to give back.

The details of Extension 26:
We want to be more faithful in giving and be more generous; intentionally living out what the Word says. So each month we are giving $26 on the 26th of each month to a different ministry or project that supports the things that God does and we do.

Our criteria for the organizations/projects is that:

They love Jesus and make Him known.
They are trustworthy and good stewards of what they are given.
They champion (support or defend) a cause that is close to God’s heart and ours.

Of course something close to our heart is adoption. So much of the Extension 26 recipients will be orphan and adoption related.

What does this have to do with you?

We are asking you to prayerfully consider joining our family by being a part of Extension 26. All you have to do is give $26 on the 26th of each month (of course you can give more or less- however God leads you). You can choose your own organization/projects, but we will spotlight who we are giving to each month. We are NOT collecting any money from anyone, only providing encouragement and accountability to do so directly to other ministries/projects.

Would you join us? We are putting this post out there so that we will be accountable to give regularly. There is such joy in giving. This world, our society, it lies to us… saying “Get more so you can be happy. Hold on to what you have so it will not taken. Pile up your possessions so you can be prestigious and comfortable.” But you know what? As I read Scripture and as I read Kisses from Katie, I felt uncomfortable. Uncomfortable will all this stuff sitting around, piling up with a heavy weight – oh, the burden of “stuff management”! So much time, stress, and emotion is required to deal with our excess of stuff.

Now, don’t get me wrong I like gifts, a lot, and I like stuff, but oh how out of balance it has become in our country. Might this be the truth instead? “The more you give the more joy you experience. The more you let go the more you really gain. The more you bless the richer you are in spirit.” Like in Acts 20:35, ‘In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

With thanksgiving, for our salvation… and with joy for all that He has done, let’s give more faithfully and intentionally this year.

2016
January: Proverbs 31
February: Life Choices

2015
January: Support for the Sick
February: Global Orphan Care Fund
March: Work of Worth
April: Open Air Campaigners
May: Coming Alive Ministries (Nepal)
June: Mullen Family Adoption
July: Pregnancy Support Center (Taiwan)
August: Hopewell Ranch
September: Refugees
October: REACH trip to Cambodia
November: Mercy House & Fair Trade Friday Club
December: Fashion & Compassion