Product Description

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 past: “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 tithing: 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78268 in Books
• Published on: 2005-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Paula Langguth Ryan brings broad expertise to this subject. The author of Bounce Back From Bankruptcy, Ryan deftly combines personal finance and inspirational advice to give readers a roadmap to the successful life they truly desire. A Contemporary Prosperity Advisor, Ryan is considered by many to be the leader of the next generation of new thought teachers – the heir-apparent in an area pioneered by John Randolph Price, Catherine Ponder and others. GIVING THANKS marks the first time Catherine Ponder (founder of Unity Church Worldwide) has written a Foreword to a living author’s work.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Book
Many of the books I have read talk about tithing but not to the depth that Paula Ryan does. This book was easy to read and offered simple definitions and gave many examples of different kinds of opportunities to tithe. Knowing basically what tithing is, this book opened my eyes and soul to how much more it is and how wonderful it can be. Giving Thanks The Art of Tithing is just what the title says- giving thanks for all that we have and having faith that we will have even more to be thankful for. Thank You Paula for making these concepts so easy to embrace!

I meant to rate this book 5 STARS but am unable to edit!

Very inspiring
If you're like many people, the concept of tithing brings up negative emotions. Maybe you live in constant fear of not having enough, or you were brought up in a religious environment that made demands on you to tithe, whether you wanted to or not. Giving Thanks provides fresh insights, and encourages an open mind as it explains all the reasons why you need to look past your limited thinking, and just do it.

If you're feeling that your prosperity is limited, you probably aren't tithing. As the author explains, in order to receive the good that wants to come to you, you first need to give thanks for all the good you already have - and you need to do this through your tithes.

Although the 10% tithe is recommended, Ryan encourages us to test the waters with a smaller tithe, working up to the full 10% as soon as possible. From her experience, most people will be tithing in full within months of beginning the experiment, once they see the results.

This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, where you give solely in order to get. Instead it's a sound practice of blessing the good you've received, and giving back a portion in order to receive more blessing. This sets in motion a cycle of good that keeps on giving.

If you're ready to experience more good in every area of your life, you first need to start tithing. Giving Thanks will show you how. I highly recommend you pick up a copy and put these principles to work for yourself.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Inspirational-and fun to read
I was introduced to the idea of tithing in 1990 by a Catholic friend and again in 1994 by a Jewish friend. Although, at the time, I was not active in any religious tradition, I really began to see the value of supporting people and organizations that did good in the world. Then, I read Paula Ryan's book and, for the first time, really understood the relationship between abundance and giving to people and groups that truly feed my spirit. Now I really think about who feeds my spirit and am much more thoughtful about my gifts.

Even if the word "tithing" makes you cringe, jump in and read this book. It is filled with Paula's own stories and stories of those she has helped with her prosperity coaching. It is not at all preachy and it is really fun to read.