One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity

172 Pages·2010·0.81 MB·English

by  Debbie Macomber

One Simple Act
Debbie Macomber
One Simple Act
Discovering the
Power of Generosity
Published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
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One Simple Act © 2009 Debbie Macomber
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Macomber, Debbie.
One simple act / Debbie Macomber.
p. cm.
1. Generosity—religious aspects—Christianity. I. Title.
BV4647.G45M33 2009
241’.4—dc22 2009030449
ISBN 978-1-4391-0893-2
ISBN 978-1-43916697-0 (ebook)
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Manufactured in the United States of America
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Edited by Cindy Lambert
Interior Design by Jessica Shatan Heslin/Studio Shatan, Inc.
Scripture quotations not otherwise marked are taken from the Holy Bible, New
International Version ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations
marked The
Message are taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
2000, 2001,
2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
To my incredible Aunt Betty Stierwalt,
who is celebrating her hundredth birthday.
Her example of generosity and love
inspires all who know her.
Contents
One: Fleas, Footsteps, and Checkout Lanes
The Springboard of Gratitude
Two: Loaves, Fishes, and Miracle Math
The Mystery of Sharing
Three: Keys, Candy, and Army Men
The Act of Encouragement
Four: Spilled Latte, Backpacks, and Tollbooths
The Habit of Good Deeds
Five: A Memory, a Guard, and an Outstretched Hand
The Impact of Forgiveness
Six: A Coach, a Cough Drop, and a Light Bulb
The Power of Believing the Best
Seven: Point Hope, a Piano Recital, and a House Yet to Come
The Bounty of Open-Handed Giving
Eight: Static, Stories, and Chow-Chow
The Art of Listening
Nine: Jambalaya, Cupcakes, and the North Platte Canteen
The Practice of Hospitality
Ten: Waiting Rooms, Blossoms, and Letters That Last
The Privilege of Inspiring Hope
Eleven: Glue, Legends, and a Slumber Party
The Spirit of Christmas
Twelve: Bread Crumbs, Minnows, and Submarines
The Gift of Caregiving
Thirteen: A Kingdom, Ten Dollars, and Afghans of Love
The Bounty of Time
Fourteen: Red Stars, Research, and a Rolex
The Offering of Prayer
Fifteen: A Question, an Opportunity, and a Conversation Worth Having
The Sharing of Our Faith Stories
Sixteen: A Treasure, a Shawl, and a Hymn over the Phone
The Heart of Service
Seventeen: Giving God the Last Word
Acknowledgments
Appendix A: One Simple Act Reader Questions
Appendix B: Some of Debbie Macomber’s Favorite Charities
Notes
One Simple Act
Give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18