Monday, December 10, 2007

'Tis the Reason for the Season

Finn, Noah, Sophia & Cohen


Happy Holidays! I know it's a little early but when you have 4 babies, you plan and strategize every move ahead of time. I want to step out of baby realm for a minute and work on something I think is cool.


Mari and I finally got to go to church this past Sunday with Busha at home watching the babies. It was such a good message and it really hit home. I know you've heard us say this a million times, but here it is again - we have been blessed tremendously over the past year! Let me give you a little background:

Up until 2006, we had been in a financial bind. With Mari and I both working and making good salaries, we were still in debt and stressed about money. We stepped out on faith and began giving 10% of our salary to our church (http://www.communityoffaith.tv/) despite having a negative balance in our budget. Fast forward to 2007 - with the news of a quad pregnancy, meaning a ton of medical expenses and Mari not being able to work, the stress of pending financial disaster hit us. We kept our faith, knowing that God would provide. My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus Christ." Phil. 4:19. And guess what happened...people have stepped up and provided for all of our needs and the babies as well. In a nutshell, God will bless you ten times over for giving, though it may not be in the same denomination of that which you gave.


So, your mission (and ours) this Holiday season, is to give like crazy. Step out on faith and first and foremost start tithing at your church if you haven't already. Give to that homeless person on the street, give to a charity, or simply buy your co-worker a latte. Use your worldly resources to benefit others...In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven." Luke 16:9. Do this and "You will be enriched so that you can give even more generously." 2 Cor. 9:11



Mom & Dad Goerlich



One idea I have is in memory of my dad, who passed away on Jan 1, 2007. The link below will take you to the online donation page of MD Anderson where you can specify a donation in honor of Robert Goerlich to benefit gastric cancer research. This is not something you have to give to, but merely an idea and something I know we'll give to.

https://www3.mdanderson.org/devoffice/index.cfm?pagename=donateformen&gift=2&ctw2lan=EN


As we enter the Holiday season, it is very important to remember that it is about giving and not receiving. Remember to give thoughtfully, cheerfully and voluntarily.




Baby Update: They are all doing well and Noah continues to gain weight. They are headed to a sleep specialist because they keep waking up in the middle of the night. ;)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

They are ever so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your blessings!
Merry Christmas,
Love, Tina

Anonymous said...

Mari and Chris,
What a thoughtful and inspiring post. It was just what I needed to read after a third day of 39 kiddos stuffed in one classroom, glue, glitter, lost jackets - and constantly reminding myself to be thankful for all things.
I pray you will continue to be blessed with all you need for yourselves and the four. Such cute pictures.
In Christ,
Alaine

GibsonTwins said...

Mari and Chris,
I would love to add a link to your site on a prayer request site because it is awesome and there are soooo many great people there. The site owner, Laura, is wonderful too. If you do not want your site linked, email laurainsem@yahoo.com. The site is:
asherandjacobsfriends.com (on the siblings page there are many other multiples families too)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful reflection on giving. I was just wondering how a person can carry the Christmas Spirit with them throughout the year. I decided in addition to listening to uplifting music, a person could focus on giving, giving and giving and touching lives. Beautiful pictures - you all have come a long way in only a few months!!!