Giving Thanks: The Art of Tithing

by Paula Langguth Ryan, Catherine Ponder (Foreword)

Much more than a “self-help” book — and far from the standard scriptural treatise on tithing — GIVING THANKS is all about personal empowerment. “Each of us has our own issues around giving and receiving that we need to heal,” is the author’s abiding theme. Her insightful guide to this healing process is both practical and inspirational, tackling fears about tithing and attachments to gifts we give. All the while offering a new perspective on the half-full/half-empty glass we call life. Ryan begins by providing readers with a brief history of tithing, and then moves on to dispel myths and misperceptions that have prevented people from embracing tithing in the “You do not have an obligation to tithe, you have an opportunity to tithe.” She then outlines how to give and receive without attachment, guilt or shame, and how to recognize the many forms abundance takes (only one of which is monetary) in one’s life. Her book also addresses a subject previously avoided in tithing books, but which has caused countless people to miss out on the benefits of how to tithe when money is tight and stepping out in faith feels more like stepping into quicksand. GIVING THANKS also explores how the fear of not having ‘enough’ has become an ingrained habit and demonstrates concrete strategies for breaking that habit. This book walks you through how to “give with gratitude, focus on what you truly desire, release your attachment to how it comes to you, and receive with gratitude.” Particularly helpful for anyone who likes to see how others have benefited from tithing, this book contains anecdotal accounts of real people’s tithing breakthroughs, as well as a list of more than 50 intentions used by others to expand their view of prosperity.

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2005

About the author

Paula Langguth Ryan is a pioneer in the contemporary prosperity movement, and author of Bounce Back From Bankruptcy. As a spiritual conflict resolution consultant and debt negotiation specialist, she helps people and organizations bring the pieces of their lives together in peace so they can achieve their dreams. Her clients include ordinary people who became extraordinary: top-performing sales professionals, best-selling authors, Olympic athletes, entrepreneurs and internationally-acclaimed recording artists.

Reviews

[Melaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paula is a fabulous lady with fresh new ideas. I have read this twice and benefited greatly both times.

[Kristin Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my life.

[Taica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book again each year as it is a text for a class that I teach.

This book changed my life. It's being revised now so I look forward to the new edition. The concepts in the book are beautiful and enduring and deeply transformational. I have been applying them to my life now with great success for the past four or five years. These practices have brought greater ease, joy and abundance into my life.

It doesn't get a five because there is room to improve the writing and typesetting. In addition, it would benefit from removing parts that imply or say outright that if you don't do certain things, bad things may happen to you. The book is not enhanced by negative prediction, and this is the one place where my students sometimes have problems with the book. Overall, they love it and get so very much out of it.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on prosperity!