“‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – the words of Jesus from Acts 20:35 that I have heard throughout my life and wholeheartedly agree with. Nothing can compare to the joy that in seeing someone delight in sacrificial love. Have you ever had that blessing bestowed upon you? I may not have been blessed with riches, and that is beyond fine with me. However, one thing I’ve always asked God that I have enough that I can share with others. My friends, today is all about Finding Home.
Have you ever had a longing in your heart to do something to make a difference in a BIG way. I kind of eluded to my desire in my New Beginnings post I did a few weeks back. I have other dreams that can not act on as of yet as I see God still working things out. However, one heart-felt leading that I did get was to share my work with others who are in need of a special reward. I’m talking about people who need a big ol’ pat on the back for a service they have done or are doing. Or maybe someone who is dealing with hardships physically and/or financially need to know it will be okay.
BACKSTORY
Back a year ago, I hit the milestone age of 40. eep! I am very determined to be debt-free by that time. (UPDATE: I DID IT!) My family and I worked tirelessly to get it done and we got it done early. {{happy dance}} You can read my story in this post. I felt that I could never fully bless others while I still had that debt looming over me. That is where my new program, Finding Home, comes into play.
This time around I’m celebrating my birthday by giving a gift to others. YES!! You now have the opportunity to honor someone you know that would benefit from a custom-finished piece of furniture. Your honoree will have the BIGGEST gift ever when the tractor trailer pulls up and unloads a giant present wrapped just for them. Can you imagine how fun that will be?! We did this a few years back when I gave away a desk for my blogiversary and when we raised funds with my Christmas BEEP. It was the best thing!!
HONOR
Maybe your honoree has a need, has difficulty with health issues, or simply deserves a reward for their work for others. Either way, the idea is to bring light to someone’s life that deserves a giant HUG. Let’s give them a gift they’ll never forget! BTW, I’m hoping to keep this a secret from the recipient, but have understanding if they need to know.
I will select furniture that I have done (or my kids have done) or will do to be offered for the Finding Home program. There is NO COST for the furniture itself. All you have to do is submit an honoree (not yourself), agree to terms, and agree to cover costs of shipping to the continental U.S. – $145. Of course, local pickup is available as well. Our shipping cost is half of what retail would be as we get a shipping discount from JC’s workplace (my husband). Normal retail shipping is between $300-400.
That shipping fee amount can come from as many parties as would like to honor the selected person. All I need is that the fee comes from one source. You can read full terms in the application document below. Get your friends, family, neighbors involved to make it a fun surprise!
My furniture choice for this very first program announcement is one of my favorites, my hand-painted antique chest of drawers as seen in this makeover post.
Furniture retail value is $400.
MORE INFORMATION
Please know we are so overwhelmingly excited to do this. We also hope that our generosity is not be abused by those seeking with greedy intent to fill their pocket. This program is solely to bless others – a sort of paying it forward, returning the favor, paid in full, kind of gesture.
Lord willing, we will announce the chosen honoree by next Tuesday (my birthday!) in my blog post. Deadline for applicants this time around is Sunday June 2nd, 12 PM EST. Hopefully we can avoid any technical issues, so bear with us as we get this started.
After the applicant selection and furniture is arrives, I will have a follow up post of the recipient receiving the gift. A summation of the honoree’s story with respect to privacy follows. So be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get the announcement in your inbox. If you aren’t chosen the first time, you can notify us you would like to reapply your current honoree as each chance arises.
Got questions about Finding Home? Feel free to contact me using the contact form at the top of my blog or leave a comment below. I’m happy to help.
In the meantime, join me on social media about this new adventure and spread the word. Also, do pin and share this Finding Home program to get the word out and spread the love.
UPDATE: You can read about our triple gifting as we decided to choose three families instead of one for a furniture gift. Read the updated posts below:
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more posts related to Finding Home:
Great heartfelt gift, that I’m sure they will appreciate! And congrats on being out of debt! It’s a great blessing. Happy 41st.
Thank you, Edna! We are happy to do this.
What a great idea! Someone will be very happy.
Thank you, Jewell. It is the least I can do. 🙂
What a wonderful opportunity you are giving to people.
I’m so praying and hoping this will do what I feel God has told me to do. Thank you, Debra.
What a beautiful gesture of love. 🙂
Thank you, Claudine. I hope to do more one day. 🙂
What a wonderful idea! You are going to make someone very happy!
I sure hope so! Thank you, Sandi.
I love your ❤ happy early birthday!
Thank you on both accounts, Lori. Hugs!
Beautiful, Larissa. I love a generous heart.
Thank you, Laura. I’m sure hoping to bless someone immensely.
This is wonderful! How blessed will someone be to have one of your beautiful redeemed furniture pieces! This selfless gesture is – to me – a perfect example of what I like to call “everyday prayer” – living and quietly showing Him to others through our deeds. You are such an inspiration, Larissa.
Hugs to you, Susan. Thank you!
I am drinking my coffee and thanking God for your beautiful heart this morning! I’m praying that this program will be a true blessing, and I know it will; a blessing for the recipients as well as for you and your family. Happy Birthday, Larissa!
So happy to make you smile. Prayers up for us as we have to make a tough decision. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story. I too had /have relied on God through the last 10 years especially. I know God made me creative but I’ve never known why. I am a retired art teacher. Your blog inspires me to create things which fills my time with that kind of accomplishment. As long as I have a project in my head, I know God is working in me . I believe Creativity is a divine gift from God. He doesn’t give these gifts to everybody. You have found a way to use your gift and God is rewarding. Blessings to you and your lovely family. May you stay anchored to hope. God be with you.
Congrats to you on your retirement and for seeking God. He sure does bless in different ways and makes life so amazing. Thank you for the encouraging words, Stephanie.
What a wonderful and exciting program! BTW happy birthday, happy anniversary!
I can’t say enough how excited I am…my whole family is. Thank you!
Congratulations kind heart! This is a wonderful and beautiful way to practice gratitude, I love it! I can’t wait to follow along!
Thank you, Laurie. You’re a blessing to me. 🙂
You have the most beautiful soul my friend ♥ ♥ Pinned and posted on my FB Page to help get the word out. Happy Birthday wishes sent your way and much much success with this new venture 🙂
You are the best, Marie! I’m so anxious and excited. Thank you!
This is a wonderful thing you are doing 🙂 I’m proud to say I know you….. You and your entire Family are awesome!!!!
High five from my clan. 🙂 Thanks, Bryan!
This is such a great thing you are doing Larissa. I am definitely going to pin and put the word out. God Bless you and Happy Birthday!
You are the best, Mary! Thank you.
Your heart is so generous and you reflect God in your selflessness. You’re such an inspiration in both your life testament and your work. I thank God for leading me to your blog as you’ve been such a blessing. Wishing you a birthday filled with as much happiness and goodness as you share with others!!
Debra, your words mean more than you’ll ever know. Many of times I’ve been ready to quit doing what I do, but feel that God keeps calling me to stick to it. Thank you for your encouragement! {{hugs}}
This program is a beautiful display of putting Acts 20:35 into action. Blessings to you and your family!
So sweet of you to encourage me so, Paula. Thank you. 🙂
From the first time I read a post to your blog I knew you “were different” — I think of what’s “different” is that you are entirely selfless. You are loving, kind, and always think of God first, family second, and everyone else before yourself! What a beautiful idea you have in “Finding Home”. I know it will not only be a blessing to you but to others as well. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY WISHES TO YOU!
My parents have taught me, and the Lord guides me, so all credit is due to those who helped shape me into who I am. Thank you so much for the BIG hug, Marti. Here’s to being different. (you couldn’t have described me better, because I have never “fit in”. 🙂 )
Birthday wishes to you (a little early I know) and what a beautiful gesture Larissa. Have an amazing week. xo
Thank you so much, Denise. 🙂
Larissa,
Thank you so much for honoring our son and his family in such a selfless and special way! Taylor and his family love the waterfall buffet and were so impressed that your son did the restoration, and it was so beautiful! Thank you for setting such a good example of Christ-like love. Thank your family, also!
Lynne
I cannot say enough how much we are so very excited to do this. We have been praying for some way we can make an impact and totally felt God leading us in this direction. Lord willing we can keep doing this for as long as He sees fit. Thank you!