It took me no time to read this book. I could not put it down. From the first page I was captivated and could not stop.Not only was I caught in the simplicity and the joy of the story but I cried sharing some parts of it with my family. I celebrated with the heroine her heart changes, her pains and her love of Jesus.I bought two books immediately because I know people I would gift this delightful gem with, to share the life lessons and joys in it.Toni Nelson imparted with alacrity, humility and introspection a wonderful heartfelt experience of life and learning. ( )

It took me no time to read this book. I could not put it down. From the first page I was captivated and could not stop.Not only was I caught in the simplicity and the joy of the story but I cried sharing some parts of it with my family. I celebrated with the heroine her heart changes, her pains and her love of Jesus.I bought two books immediately because I know people I would gift this delightful gem with, to share the life lessons and joys in it.Toni Nelson imparted with alacrity, humility and introspection a wonderful heartfelt experience of life and learning. ( )

A small book with a big message. The memories of Toni Nelson as a young child through her life as an adult. Snipets here and there from different memories Toni has of her grandparents reaching out to others. As a child she recalls seeing the Hobo's on the rails, jump off and come to her doorstep where her Grandma would give them a meal. He marks their doorframe in a code that others recognize as a safe house, where you can get a good meal. Her first encounters with the homeless, and the simple acts of her Grandmother last with her through her life.
The book travels through a move to the country, Toni growing up, getting married and then comes full circle at the end of the book when she is offering hope to the homeless she meets with a lunch.
It is a very simply written book, but with a message for all in regards to the homeless. We dont have to volunteer at the soup kitchen, or start a homeless shelter, or set up a tent ministry downtown.. we can simply be open to the call of God and when we see someone without, we offer a meal. Not money for their bad habits, but a meal, a smile, and a friendship. Simple, but if everyone would do it, I think the world would be a better place.

A Beggars Purse starts out as sweet reminiscing of a child growing up in a California beach town in the 1950’s, but don’t let that fool you. It was during Toni Nelson’s childhood that God planted seeds of compassion in her heart that would bloom years later in the desert of Nevada. I related to the stories of her childhood, memories so similar to my own, and I appreciated the open honesty she shows when first confronted with the growing wave of the homeless in Nevada. Toni also acknowledges the quandary she and her husband faced about giving money to a person who may use it for their addiction, or offering to buy them a meal and risk their displeasure.

This short book is easy to read, and informative for anyone interacting with those who have fallen through the cracks. I read it on Kindle. ( )

I'm not much of a memoir reader, but this book made me feel as if I knew Toni. Her feelings and struggles with important, life-changing issues ~ moving to a new town, her normal reaction to hobo's, etc. drew me in. Poignant and heart-felt, this book is a gentle reminder of what God can do with a willing heart and a willing attitude ( )