And there is all the difference in the world between paying and being paid. The act of paying is perhaps the most uncomfortable infliction that the two orchard thieves entailed upon us.

It is a wonderful truth that things we want most in life-a sense of purpose, happiness and hope-are most easily attained by giving them to others.

When God gave Christ to this world, He gave the best He had, and He wants us to do the same.

I'd be absolutely happy to go back and make a smaller picture. I never want my choices to be dictated by budget. That's one of the reasons why I take so much pride in being able to make films for $2 and a paper clip - because I can always get my hands on $2 and a paper clip. I never have to ask for permission for that.

The fact is, you can say you love God and sing that you trust God and put him first, but your checkbook is where you can show just how much God's grace means to you.

Give because you love to give - as the flower pours forth its perfume.

It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

We can always find something to give. The joy of giving does not spring from the availability of dispensable resources. True richness is defined not in how much you have but how much you can give! Meaning, fulfillment and happiness come from making a difference and giving happiness to others.

If you have an extra shirt to give to a toxic person, be kind. If you can give to a difficult individual without taking time away from a reliable individual, go for it. But if your investment of time and money keeps you from fulfilling your ministry and fighting your own battles, including investing in other reliable people, it's time to reevaluate. It's time to say no—even to your children.

Love the giver more than the gift.

there is all the difference in the world between paying and being paid.

Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.