The beginning of the story is true – the couple awoke to realize their kids were upstairs in the burning house. But of course the guy didn’t make a New Year’s Resolution. He didn’t think about rewards. In fact, he didn’t think at all! He groped his way to the stairs, staggered up to the second floor and searched until he found the two little boys, huddled in terror in a corner. Then he grabbed one each under an arm and ran for the stairs and the exit.

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving. It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn’t been enough money to buy me the rifle that I’d wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

Here is another wonderful Christmas story. This story touched me deeply. I trust it will you too.

I hope you are enjoying them. I have received many emails saying that my stories are appreciated. Some even share their own story.

If you would like to share yours, I’d love to hear it, leave it in the comments below!

Yesterday I shared an article with you from my friend Roger
Allen from the Human Development Institute, on the gifts of
giving. Today I wish to share with you a story to warm your
heart!

I love this time of year! It is Christmas time all around the world! I love this season because it causes people to be nicer, more giving and focused on others. Just as gifts were brought and given to the Christ child so we, in similitude, give gifts to those we love. There are two parts to this letter.

Alan Axler, Vice President of Springfield Smoked Fish, had a problem. His Springfield, Mass company had been providing New Englanders lox, gefilte fish and other traditional kosher fish products since 1934. But in recent years, the company has barely been staying afloat. Axler attempted to boost sales in 2007 by investing thousands of dollars into his new product: Brekfish, a smoked salmon – healthier — substitute for bacon. It was well-received by samplers, but to Axler’s discouragement, supermarkets didn’t put it on their shelves. In 2008, sales were a full 20% down from where they’d been in 2000.

This is where I had to disagree with Brandy. It’s true that there are people in the world who are truly living hand to mouth – living under a corrugated tin roof and counting on strangers to bring them bowls of rice to fill their bellies. There’s an old saying, “Of whom much is given, much is expected.” Brandy, believe it or not, is one of those people. As you are. As I am.