unwrapping 29 gifts

Today, I’d like to talk about a literal gift.

I saw this cute little DIY s’more gift here and knew I had to give them away this Christmas.  At first, I thought I’d give them to a handful of friends …

But then a friend gave me a fabulous book as a gift.  29 Gifts: how a month of giving can change your life.

And wait … let me back up even a little further.  Before I received the book … a different friend sent me a link to this Today Show clip:

I was so intrigued after seeing that clip.  And couldn’t wait to get the book to read.

But before I had a chance to pick it up, my friend, Roxane, sent it to me with the most beautiful inscription inside that meant the world to me.

Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.  And not only could I not put it down … I wanted everyone I know to read it too.  And heck … a portion of the sales goes to MS research!  Can’t go wrong with that!

What I decided to do was give the book to the ladies in my bible study group, as well as the s’more goodie.  I did do that … but also gave them as teachers gifts this year too {along with this and our traditional Barnes & Noble gift card}.

And so far, two teachers have caught me and told me how incredible the book has been so far.

So on to the cute tower of yumminess I put together.  And let me state once again … I don’t have extra time on my hands for these things {honest!}.  I’m just extremely motivated by the end results and push my way through it.


Oh!  And I put a bookmark together too.  While I love the premise of giving in the book … I feel it promotes more of a karma, what-comes-around-goes-around kind of approach.  And not that there’s anything wrong with that.  I’d rather you give than not give …

It’s just that I believe giving goes further than that.  I believe God blesses those that bless others.  I think there’s something more intentional going on than just a “karma thing” … I believe it’s a “God thing.”

And the cute little tower of sweets above?  Super cute when it’s just one, huh?  But 25!?!  Yikers, what was I thinking?  Here’s part of my assembly line …

My hope is that y’all will run out and grab the book.  And consider gifting it to someone else … both to learn more about MS and the absolute strangeness of this disease, but also to learn about how taking your mind off your own circumstances … frankly put, stop feeling sorry for yourself … can change your life both emotionally and as Cami proves, physically.

When I gave the gift to the  bible study ladies, someone asked me the question, “Have you learned anything reading the book?”  I thought a moment and replied, “for me … it’s just really confirmed to me that I need to continue doing what I’m doing … not feeling sorry for myself and not focusing on my illness.”

I hope this inspires you to do the same … and spread the word!!

6 Comments

  1. Marmalade December 22, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    Off to check out the book. TY for sharing, Tracy. LOVE the s’mores idea, FABULOUS.

    You are such a wonderful soul.

    Reply
  2. Amy T December 22, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    I’m going to buy this book today… thanks for the inspiration. Even though we are struggling this holiday season, I’m trying my darndest to instill a sense of giving in my daughter… We served food at a local soup kitchen, and are planning on doing visits at some of the nursing homes in the area as well. It goes to show – even when you don’t have monetary gifts to give, giving of yourself means so much more!

    Reply
  3. katherinemarie December 22, 2009 at 2:17 pm

    Thank you so very much for sharing such a FANTASTICALLY beautiful idea. I can not wait to get a copy!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  4. Michelle S. December 23, 2009 at 9:13 am

    Tracie, I just love your blog. You’re making the world a better place with it! You’re so cute with the smore gifts too. Thanks for the book suggestion. Great idea. Have a great holiday!

    Reply
  5. amber December 23, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Oh how awesome, I need to get that. Your tower of smores looks yummy and what a fun gift.

    Reply
  6. Cathy December 23, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    I’m off to B&N right.now. to check this book out–it sounds incredible! Such powerful words—-that in the midst of our own upheaval, we have so much to give to others. Oh, and the T&T smores are adorable! Santa’s workshop has been VERY busy lately. :)

    Reply

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