Prosperity I live in an abundant universe. I give freely, not only of my financial resources, but also of my time, energy and love. I share from my willingness and eagerness to bless others. Whether I recycle gently-used household items, spend time tutoring a child, or volunteer to assist someone in need, I am giving from my heart. I receive the blessings of joy, satisfaction and gratitude as soon as I give to another. As I give and receive, I realize that material possessions do not define prosperity. Prosperity is a mind-set, a consciousness, a knowing that everything we need is already supplied. My giving opens the way for God's blessings to circulate. I give from the knowledge that I live in an abundant universe. The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.--2 Corinthians 9:6 |
UKV Tithing Workshop
This workshop is lead by Kathy Dent, a long-time UKV member and one of our local tithing advocate! . Here is here vision for the group: "I'm thinking 30-45 minutes each Sunday depending on how many people participate.The first week talking about what is tithing, why we tithe and how to do it. I'm thinking about having people keep track of their tithes and the good that comes to them each week. I'm sure it will develop and evolve from there."
Prosperity Stories from our Members
Jan 21, 2011
Dear Sky,
I wish I could be there (for the tithing workshop starting this Sunday) ,,, tithing is great,,, best thing I ever did with our money. I learned about it from the Streaton Smith program the Four T;s. at Unity in Delray Beach Fl. in 1997 . I am now so happy to be able to prosper and I have been so blessed inside and out beyond my wildest dreams.
Sorry Jim and I have not been able to come up from Princeton in such a long time. It is really nice to get the newsletter by email. We have been attending some churches here. But THERE IS NOTHING LIKE UNITY,
Much love to all
Dorothy and Jim Scott
Sept 13, 2010
Sky, I know you will enjoy this one. I'll tell it as briefly as I can.
My sister Sherry was busy for many years working to provide for her sons and herself, then taking care of my aunt and my mother through several years of medical challenges. As years went by Sherry lost some of her skills in violin playing, which had been one of her creative passions in her younger years. In time her children grew up and the elderly people passed away. A few months ago she said to me, "I don't think I can play violin anymore because the arthritis in my fingers won't let me move well enough. She had her beautiful instrument appraised so that it could be sold, but was disappointed to learn that it was not as valuable as she had hoped. So it was stored away in a closet.
One day a dear old friend invited her to play violin in homes for the elderly with the dulcimer group in Huntington. "Just come with me one time and sit in on one or two songs," Sarah told Sherry. So they practiced a bit and Sherry was surprised to find that she could still play. Now she is a full time member of this group and they visit homes for the elderly on a weekly basis. I went to hear them recently and my heart was filled with joy, not only to hear my sister playing again after so many years, but to hear the many voices joining in the old hymns and to witness the happy energy in the room. Sherry's fingers have loosened up and she plays beautifully!
Now here's where some of the further mystery of God's power is demonstrated to me:
Thursday I was on my way to the CultureFest at Pipestem. I had forgotten to pick up a ice chest I was borrowing from my daughter for the weekend so I stopped at the travel store in Beckley hoping to find one. While looking through the gifts and souvenirs I was drawn to a beautiful little bowed psaltery. I thought about how the elderly people at the nursing homes would love to hear "Amazing Grace" played on an instrument with such a hauntingly beautiful sound. The psaltery is mentioned in the Bible as an instrument played by David.
I knew it was an extravagance and I would need to be very thrifty with my other expenses to stay within my budget throughout the rest of the month, but I handed over the $78.00 plus tax, which came to $82.68. I have been anticipating, all weekend, the fun I'll have giving this to my sister, who has never even heard a psaltery played. I know she will fall in love with the sound of it. And it is such a joy to look at too. Hand made by Greg and Tish Westman of Mabscott, WV., it is layered in poplar, cherry and black walnut. A little dove holding an olive branch forms the soundhole. The wood has a warm glow and is perfectly smooth to the touch. I considered for a few minutes last night keeping it for myself. I sat on my bed and drew the bow over the strings and I was mesmerized by the sound until both of my cats cried out in obvious misery. They yowled loudly until I put the psaltery back into it's box. I have no training or experience playing musical instruments anyway. My own creative passions are in a different area.
Now it's Monday morning. A few minutes ago I looked through the mail that accumulated over the four days I had been away. There were two letters that looked interesting so I ripped into those first. I was surprised to find a check returned from a payment I had made to a doctor recently. Along with this was a note saying, "This was paid off on August 5th so I am returning this check to you." It was in the amount of $70.00. Then I opened the next envelope and found another check, this time for $35.73. It was from a consignment shop that had sold a few small items that had belonged to my mother. One fourth of this money actually belonged to me and I was to distribute the other three fourths of it to my two sisters and my brother. My part, added to the money returned from the doctor's office, added up to exactly $78.93.
So, I can now give the sweet little gift of a bowed psaltery to my sister, knowing that I have taken only $3.75 from my checking account! My heart is singing in anticipation. I can hear a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace" playing right now in my head!
Thank You God!!!
And thank you, Sky, for helping me to see His miracles more clearly!
Click here to view more Prosperity Stories from our members!
Gratitude
From a place of gratitude, I see beauty in everyone and everything.
When I adopt an attitude of gratitude, I create a shift in my outlook. Instead of seeing problems, I see opportunities. Instead of feeling hopeless, I feel hopeful. By focusing on what is working well, I invite more of the same. When I let others know, "I am grateful for you," I create a connection of love and understanding. Through these simple words, I help others see their own beauty and the contribution they make in the world. Through prayer, meditation or journal writing, I begin and end each day reflecting on the many ways Spirit blesses me. I approach life in a state of gratitude. I see the magnificence all around me, and I am filled with joy for all the good in this world.
We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude.--Acts 24:3
