12th Day of Christmas Giveaways with Nicki Koziarz
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Welcome to the 12th Day of Christmas Giveaways!!!
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Today my friend Nicki Koziarz is here to share “5 Things We Can Always Give For Free.” She will be offering one reader a $50 donation to Proverbs 31 ministries in your name as well as a $25 gift certificate to the Proverbs 31 ministries store.
To join in on the fun and be entered to win the various prizes, simply leave a comment on the post answering the question of the day. ALSO—one grand prize will be given to one person who comments on all 12 days.
The Grand Prize is a $50 gift certificate to Proverbs 31 Ministries store and a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com!!!
Now, here is Nicki for today’s post…
5 Things We Can Always Give For Free
It happened again this morning.
An email from an organization I adore sent me a request to help fund a year-end campaign. With an ache in my heart, I looked at our budget, our bank account and realized we werenât going to be able to give to them. We had already committed giving to several places and there just wasnât anything left.
So, I pressed delete on that email and tried to move on with my day.
But something still aches and so, Iâm asking God to show me âŚ
What does one do when our bank accounts donât match our hearts?
I think thereâs always something we can do. Generosity goes beyond the checkbook.
So, here are five things God showed me I can always give for free to a ministry or organization I love.
1. Prayers
And I donât just mean a âHelp them Jesus,â prayer ⌠I mean setting aside a few minutes to really hit our knees on their behalf. Ask God to give you a verse to pray over their work and then, send it to them to tell them what you are praying for!
2. Online support.
One of the biggest needs of most organizations past funding is getting the word out about their cause. It costs ZERO dollars to send out a Tweet, or to post something on Facebook/Instagram. Also, a great way to spread the word is tag your friends in THEIR posts on social media.
3. Words of encouragement.
If a ministry/organization has blessed you, even in the smallest way, tell them! Most websites have a place where you can send an email or throw them a shout-out on social media. No one can hear too much the good they are doing in the world.
4. Involvement all year long.
 I know Christmas and Year-End is when we give the most, but a lot of organizations are looking for partnerships all year long. Maybe you could volunteer at an event they are hosting, or bring the staff lunch or some homemade goodies one day. There are also many volunteer roles they are looking to fill beyond the holidays. Ask them what you can do to help.
 5.  Connections
Do you know someone who would be a good fit for them? Maybe they have a job opening or volunteer role they are looking to fill. Most of the time the listings are posted on their websites. Hop on their site and just see if you have a connection to offer them.
So, instead of clicking the delete button this year, Iâm going to pick one of these five things I can do. Itâs helping me match my actions with my desire to give.
Today, Iâm giving away something a little different.
Karen Ehman and I both serve at Proverbs 31 Ministries where we are incredibly passionate about eradicating Biblical poverty. We know that the Word of God is the most important thing our world needs. And every dime at Proverbs is used to move towards that effort.
So, Iâll be giving away a $50 donation on YOUR behalf to Proverbs 31 
Ministries and Karen is giving away a $25 gift certificate to purchase anything from the Proverbs 31 Ministries bookstore.
To enter, leave a comment sharing which of these giving tips was your favorite! Also, do you have other ideas on how you can give for free? Leave those as well. You never know who youâll inspire!
Thanks for hanging out with me today! Merry Christmas!!!
Prayer and words of encouragement
I liked the idea of praying for them right then and there. Really praying and not just a simple one liner.
Thank you Nicki for some awesome ways to help. My favorite would be praying. I am learning and building my prayer life right now and God has shown me several ways to incorporate prayer into my life through these 12 past days. :) I also like to add sending seasonal cards to missions through the year for holidays, birthdays…and just to thank and encourage them as they serve our Heavenly Father.
God’s blessings to you and your family and a SuPeR Merry CHRISTmas ?
A big shout out Thank you to all the women at PS1 ministries for these 12 days I’ve enjoyed every day of them and appreciate all of you ? Like having a party with you all every day :)
All the tips were wonderful ideas. And the social media I believe is my favorite for spreading and sharing the word. But also word of mouth is good. Share with those you work with and other friends and family. Spread the word.
Words of encouragement
My favorite is prayer for the organization that you can’t financially support at this time. That was a good list to choose from and nice to know there are other ways to help.
I love using social media for words of encouragement. Its so easy to post a quick Bible Verse or image or even text encouraging and supportive words to a friend.
Love your thoughtful ideas. I also love the Poverbs 31 team and a great place to give a gift in someone’s name. I like the year long involvement especially take some baked treats or lunch to volunteers and staff.
I really liked all five of these ideas! They are so do-able. I can also do the same for family and friends. Prayer – holding others in my heart as I go about my day. I know the needs that have been shared and can pray especially for them. Online support/encouragement – a word of encouragement sent to a friend is often the ‘just in time’ prayer. Involvement all year long – a bunch of flowers, some treats, a card, being present in a visit. Those go beyond the year – like a coupon book with automatic redeeming! Connections – how can I connect a person’s gifts and talents with the needs of another. When an opportunity comes along that calls the name of a friend I can pass that along. Awareness!
This year our gifting is purposeful and grace-ful. Thank you so much for sharing your stories with others.
Merry Christmas!
Wonderful practical ideas! The thought has never crossed my mind to write an encouraging note to a ministry before, but it makes perfect sense! It encourages a heart of gratitude in me, too. :-)
I love all of these tips and especially love, “But something still aches and so, Iâm asking God to show me âŚ
What does one do when our bank accounts donât match our hearts?” I am going to make it a habit to pray Scripture more over those I love and ministries I support and now will also share those Scriptures!
Online support and prayers go hand in hand. Far too often I would heart the words, I’ll pray for you come out my mouth, and then forget to pray. Now, I write the prayer or say the prayer and let them know. When I needed support I would reread those prayers and they soothed my aching heart.
Prayers and online support are my favorites.
I like, prayers, encouragement and spreading the word, and this can be more than a one time thing, but something we make time for on a regular basis. I want to thank all those who have posted over these 12 days, the speakers and commenters alike. This has been a moving experience for me and I am so grateful for all of you! Merry Christmas and God bless you all!
Nancy Ericsson – Massachusetts
…or give a plate of food: goodies or actual food to a neighbor in you own hood that might be neglected and feeling left out at holidays. Everyone loves food gifts, especially if you don’t have family nearby or aren’t able to get out much!
Prayers are the most valuable. Also volunteering is a powerful way to show how much you appreciate their ministry.
I think the sharing on social media is a great idea. I can’t count the number of places I have switched to from shopping to doctors because of a great review from a friend on social media. I also always see people posting looking for a new doctor, babysitter, whatever. What a great way to help is to put your personal stamp on it.
Love these positive things we can always give-I’ve lived in a place of plenty but mostly in a place of just enough and these things can be done in all circumstances.
I love Proverbs 31 and all it’s doing to eradicate Biblical poverty and that is why I’m a monthly donor. It’s not a lot but it all adds up and helps!!
Leaving an online mention of another’s efforts for a charity is a win-win-win! We give the individual volunteer kudos at the same time we get the charity’s name out there, and we also show friends and family that we respect that charity (providing encouragement for others to get involved). I plan to liberally exercise this “donation” option!
I have done the same thing. Thank you for giving me a different perspective on the situation. I have a few that I am going to ask for a specific verse to pray over their organization.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
I prefer the online idea. That’s a fabulous way to spread the word
I like the online idea. I try to share posts that are meaningful to me, but I could do more with that.
I never think to send online verbal encouragements but I know that affirmation always Spurs me on. I will try this. I think that actually participating in on the ground support of a group in your community is vital. Many hands make light word.
Prayers and words of encouragement!
Pray more and I am definitely spread the word about ministries that are important to me so they can bless others and maybe In return others will bless that ministry.