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"...Both generous and ungenerous people live lives that are less than ideal. But the generous possess an insight usually missing among the less generous. They know that they already have enough, and that clinging to what they have or clamoring for more will not bring about greater happiness. So they share some of their time, money, and care with others. They tend to see the beauty of life, the value of solidarity, and their connection to humanity. Their perspective tells them that the world, properly viewed, is a place of abundance. They take their hardships in stride, believing that life is good and still worth living, beautiful, and meaningful. Their problems in life do not set the dominant tone of life." This week, I’m reading a quote from The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. 2014 edition.Reflection questions: How will you show this week the connection your donors have in bringing the beauty of life into your mission?To purchase this book: The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. Copyright: Oxford University Press 2014. Reproduced with permission of the Licensor through PLSclear.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit:…

"Donors, grantees, and beneficiaries need each other to bring something beautiful and life-giving to fruition. It is a collaboration borne of deep desire to find meaning, to be a blessing, to be part of something successful and consequential, and to heal the sorrows of life....” This week I am reading two quotes from Imagining Abundance. Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service. Kerry Alys Robinson. 2014.Reflection questions:In thinking about those who support our missions, especially those areas that deal with human tragedies, How are we helping to heal the sorrows of life for, through, and with our donors?How do we give space for donors to redeem their tragedies through generosity?To purchase this book:  Imagining Abundance. Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service. Permissions granted for use of this quote.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...For with wisdom cometh patience, And with patience cometh rest..."This week, I am reading the poem The Hardest Time of All, by Sarah Doudney. Written in 1896.Reflection Questions:Will you reflect on your current fundraising or mission challenges and consider where perseverance, patience, wisdom, and rest can enter in?Will you take the time to document those challenges and then schedule an email to send that reflection to yourself in a year?To read: The Hardest Time of AllWhat do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...She's somebody's mother, boys, you know,For all she's aged and poor and slow."And I hope some fellow will lend a handTo help my mother, you understand,..."This week, I am reading the poem Somebody’s Mother by Mary Dow Brine. Written in 1878. Reflection questions:In thinking of your work, what is your somebody’s fill-in-the-blank?What brings you pride and joy in your work this week?To read: Somebody's MotherThis work has entered the public domain.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.     For in truth it is life that gives unto life—while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness...."This week, I am reading the poem On Giving by Kahil Gibran. Published in 1923.Reflection question:How are you rising together with the giver, whatever their motivation?To explore more: the poems of Kahil Gabran.This poem has entered the public domain.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop