The big question is how do we determine how to best give to people in need, medical research, and feel as if we are helping the rest of the world while taking care of our own expenses. Many people believe a tithe is giving to anybody for any purpose. I've heard so many times of people who give and give while their families sometimes don't have enough to eat or clothes to wear. They usually call this giving tithes but stay in poverty. That is because they are tieing the word tithe to a poverty program.
So, let me set the record straight.

1. A TITHE is always ten per cent of your income given to where you receive your spiritual help. No exceptions! However, sometimes our spiritual help comes from places that are not recognized by IRS and cannot be counted as charitable for income tax purposes. It should be given with joy because it is your connection with your source.

2. A DONATION (above and beyond your tithe) can be given to organized charities, (Red Cross, Research Funds, anyone who is asking for help and can be tax deductible if the organization you give to is recognized by IRS as a charitable organization) A donation is what is also given for special services such as spiritual counseling, special prayers, baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc.

3. SEED MONEY is when you give something....just because it feels good. Give a gift to a friend, take someone out to lunch, send a card, write a note, give something that makes them feel good. (It also makes you feel good) Seed money opens your heart to the joy of giving and returns to you in like kind. With the universe giving to you in a joyful way. This is multiplied much more than what you spent on the gift you gave. It usually comes from another person because the universe decides the channels to select for you.

Points to remember.

• Don't give because you "ought" to. Give because you feel grateful.

• Make your tithe the first check you write. The 90 percent that is left will go further than the 100 per cent you could have kept. You will begin having refunds, sales, discounts, and many ways to "save" money. That is because you are becoming more free and open in giving AND in receiving.

• Other unusual surprises will come your way. I call them Divine Surprises and I deliberately choose to ask for a Divine Surprise. (One of the greatest joys in metaphysics is to receive wonderful surprises)