My One Word

OK. So I've been procrastinating on this post. And I've also been neglecting this blog big time. But at 11:36pm on January 4th, I sit down to do dis. (And no, I did not misspell that.)

As 2013 came to a close, I ducked my head and ushered her out, quietly closing the door behind her. A year I never want to repeat. A door I never want to reopen.

My year had some highlights, don't get me wrong. I began a new job. The kids and I had some awesome adventures. I spent a relaxing week on a beach in Florida making memories with my family.

But if my life were a movie on the big screen, 2013 for me, was what they refer to in Hollywood as the 'all is lost moment'. That point where it gets worse before it gets better.  Where you're just not quite sure if the main character, the one you're rooting for, is going to make it out alive or fall by her own demise.

Is the bitterness and distrust going to eat her alive?

Is she going to harbor this feeling of betrayal forever?

Is she going to continue to rehash the past because she doesn't know how not to?

Is she going to lose her compassion because, 'what's the point?'

Yet my Redeeming Narrator speaks over my 2013:

Is she going to continue to fight and struggle against My blessings?

Is she going to allow My grace and mercy to heal and change her heart?

Her faith so strong before, dwindles. Yet I remain. I AM holds her.

How long is she going to wriggle in My grasp?


I don't know if I have shared this before in my journey here on this blog, and even if I have, it bears repeating. One frustrated moment several years ago, I prayed a prayer, completely off the cuff. I was standing in my kitchen, and it had been a very trying morning for my marriage. I don't remember the details or the reason, but I'll never forget the prayer.

"Lord, if he is going to hinder my walk and my purpose for You, take him away from me." That was a bold, somewhat self-serving prayer spoken in the heat of the moment. One I never thought about again.

Until He did.

First let me say: be careful what you pray.

I mean, seriously. Of all the self-serving prayers I've uttered out of my mouth, You choose that one to answer!? Not the one for world peace. Not the one for new carpet. Not the one for a skinnier bod... That one?

And second, let me say, don't fight the answer.

God was preparing me for this journey. He was preparing my heart. He had the road all mapped out. He knew before me what would happen and He knows now what will happen moving forward. It's all in His hands.

But the key word in the last paragraph is 'forward'. Not rehashing the past. Not longing for what was supposed to be. No looking back. Just forward.

And that right there folks, is my One Word. No resolution. No empty promise with no follow through. My theme for this blog and for this next year. Just. One. Word.

Forward.

Lord, thank you for 2013. You have continued to meet me where I am. You have been waiting patiently knowing I would come to a point of complete surrender to Your will. May I never be the one in the way of my walk and my purpose for You. Together, today, I walk with You, forward.
In His Will, Amen.

Together....

Last weekend, my parents came into town to join the kids at school for a special Grandparent's Day breakfast.  The kids gave them a tour of their classrooms, garden and Outdoor Learning Center.  They also introduced them to their teachers.  Both my parents and the kids came home just bouncing from all the fun they had.

On Saturday, was my Dad's 76th Birthday.  And in two weeks, Mom will celebrate another birthday too.  We honored them with dinner, cake and presents.

As they were ready to leave, Dad and I were looking at some of the pictures from the day.  We came across several pictures of my Mom with sheer joy and surprise as she opened her gift.  And my Dad said something I will never forget: "I love that woman more and more everyday."

My parents have been married 36 years.  How after all these years, do they still have that kind of love?

The Blending...

Let me tell you, it hasn't been easy.  My parents came together later in life.  My Mother had two children from a previous marriage, and although no children, my Dad had a previous marriage as well.  Starting out blending a family was a challenge.  

I mean, have you ever watched a blender?!  The blades are sharp.  The churning, violent.  And sometimes in spite of your best effort, some pieces refuse to become a part of the final product.

I have talked to families over and over who have experienced first hand this attempt to blend.  And several have told me that if they knew before, the difficulty they would face, their not sure they would have gone through with another marriage.  Because it's hard.  Harder than they ever could have imagined.

There were definitely times early in my parents marriage where the future was uncertain.  Where they wondered if it was going to work.  But instead of throwing in the towel, they chose to stick it out.

The ideal....

Last week Apple released the latest and greatest in iPhone technology: the iPhone 5S available to the public late this week.

This new phone comes in three new colors: gold, silver and space gray.

It's 2x faster than the iPhone 5.  It has a new processor adding battery efficiency.

A brand new camera technology that claims anyone can be a professional photographer.  Because according to Apple, "...it makes more sense to teach iPhone how to take a great picture than teach people how to be expert photographers."

And it's most notable feature:  a futuristic finger print identity sensor known as Touch ID.

Interestingly enough, the last latest and greatest iPhone was released just over a year ago.  And speculations have already began for what may appear next year.

We live in a society always striving for the next best thing.  The niftiest in technology.  That one feature that's going to make our lives easier.  Better.  Happier.  And we want it now.  Instant gratification.

According to a December 2012 article on Google Think Insights, automakers are having to come up with a whole new strategy to appeal to Gen Y's (born 1980-1995).  According to the article, "Digital has only amplified Ys' independence, giving them first-hand experience of new people, places, and ideas. To today's young consumers, what counts is the experience, not the object."

How can we be surprised that we are taking this very mindset and applying it to our marriages?

The real....

Do you know what the problem is with approaching marriage with this mindset?  We make it all about us.  Me.  What is this person going to do for me?

But that is not the way God asks us to approach marriage.

Ephesians 5:22 and 25-27

²² Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ²⁶ to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, ²⁷ and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  

He asks us to sacrifice ourselves and our ideals.  To give ourselves up.  And in turn to serve our spouse. 

Not, 'only if you feel like it'.  Not, 'only if you're happy'.  Not, 'until someone better comes along'.  Not 'only if they do all the right things'.  Not even because it's simple and easy.  There is no asterisk.  No escape clause.  It is a command and it is to be unconditional.

Always two... 

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."  Ephesians 5:31

With fall upon us, the sky will soon fill with the V of Canadian Geese flying south for the winter.  This distinctive V-formation gives lift to the geese in the rear and allows for rest and conservation of energy as they fly such long distances.  On occasion, a goose will become tired and have to leave formation.

But there are always two.  Unless one dies, a pair of geese will stay together for life.  And if you do any research on the goose, you'll find service as well as commitment is important as they raise their goslings.

Finding the love....

I've watched over the years as my Mom and Dad serve each other.  Especially now as slowly the years continue to take their toll on their health.  And not once has commitment faltered.

If you think it's because their marriage is perfect and glides along without work.  You're mistaken.

If you think for one second it's because they always agree and never fight.  You're mistaken.

If you think it's because they are always respectful and never selfish.  You're mistaken.


But if you think it's because they work to lay down their selfish desires and serve each other.

If you think it's because they are quick to ask for forgiveness and even quicker to forgive.

And if you think it's because they took their commitment seriously. 

That my friends is how love can grow.  That is how marriages can survive.  And that is how you grow old together.

Like Sands Through the Hour Glass...

The first week at my new job has come to a close.  I think I'm going to love being a school bus driver.  But, since we're all friends, can I confess something here?

I'm utterly exhausted from the 5:30am alarm.  What used to be the "5:00 fussies" around dinner... has become the 6pm no-nap-meltdown.  The house is a wreck.  The laundry is piling up.  And by eight o'clock in the evening, I'm too tired to pick up the phone.  So my social life is non-existent.

As the days turn into weeks, I know that we will adjust and life will find a new normal.  Time will free and we will settle into routine.  The house will be cleaned.  The laundry will find a place.  And eventually I'll be able to stay awake beyond 8:30pm.

But something has gnawed at me the last couple of weeks.  It has presented itself in sermons and scriptures.  Devotionals and magazine articles.  Songs on the radio...conversations in passing.  Social media statuses...podcast interviews... And now daily stares me down at my new job.

That noiseless foot...of time.

12,829.  That is how many days I have been alive as I type this.  That calculates to 307,896 hours.  18,473,760 minutes.  Give or take... on this orb floating in space.  Your time, thus far, may be more.  It may be less.  But one things is certain for both of us: Time spent, can not be returned.

As I think of things I want to accomplish on earth; a pristine house and empty laundry baskets aren't real high on the list.

I think of my children: the book I'll recite as pages turn for the thousandth time because it's still a favorite.  The playtime I want to have before Barbies and HotWheels aren't cool anymore.  The words I want to say, but don't, because surely I'll get another chance.  That opportune moment for teaching and correcting, not taken for the rush out the door. 

I think of my family and friends:  the visit I need to take but have put off far too long.  That coffee we're going to meet for.  The dish I want to make, but have yet to deliver.   The hug that needs to linger just because.  The apology, that has yet to escape my lips.  The wrong, that is still not right. 

Stories I haven't penned; words just waiting to exhale.  Paint in tubes, not yet on canvas.  That thank you note that has yet to see a postage stamp. 

And I become even more aware of time... not because of the gift that still trickles into the hour glass, but that which is already settled.  And I'm not sure which one holds more sand.

The Bible refers to our lives as but a vapor.  A breath.  A mist in comparison to eternity.  And it is all we have, to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.  We need to seize it.  Steward it.  And wield it in purpose.  So we can stand before it's Giver knowing it was not wasted.

Finding Favour - Slip On By




Do you want to know how many days you've been alive?  Check out The Robert D. 

12 Days of Giving - Days 11 & 12

"There is nothing to writing.  All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."

~Ernest Hemingway

A dear new friend of mine shared this quote this week.  And in follow-up she said, "I think the problem comes when we pretend we aren't hurting at all, as we wipe the blood off our keys."   Oh, such raw truth.

You may not be a writer.  Maybe you don't have a blog or lofty dreams of publication.  But this quote can apply to so much of our lives.  My friends, injustice is evident.  Pain is undeniable.  And passion is relevant.  Oh, how easy it can be, to disregard; to ignore out of fear or self-preservation.  Idleness is what this sin nature begs of us.  And the flesh will give us every opportunity to run the other way.  

But God has a different calling of response.

Philippians 2:1-11

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴ Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷ but made himself nothing,
    taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    and became obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!
⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Passion was relevant in everything He did.  The soil He trod did not go unchanged.  People were healed and fed from the Word and from His hands. 

Injustice was evident in His trial.  Innocence nailed to a tree.  The pain was undeniable.  Blood was shed.  And it made a difference.  It changed my eternity.  And yours.

I'm asking for you to not pretend anymore.  To not ignore the pain.  Don't fall into the hands of idleness.  Pain has a purpose.  And as we bleed, compassion leaks from our veins.  My dear friends, the verses above challenge us.  The word 'any' is so... singular.  It sounds so small.  I can say I don't just have a little encouragement or comfort from His love.  Not just some fellowship with His spirit.  Not just a tiny bit of tenderness or compassion.  But loads and loads!  And in turn He asks me to take action.  Because it will make a difference.  And it can change eternity.  Even just for one.

Today I want to share with you some organizations that are taking action.  They are making a difference, one purchase at a time.  

12 Days of Giving

51.  Sema Leatherworks was the first 'business as missions' I personally came into contact with.  Ron Copeland and his family have visited our church several times.  Ron is in the trenches of Nairobi, Kenya making a difference.  Such a small area with millions of people needing His love, seemed overwhelming.  We have watched over the years as churches are planted and people are coming to faith in God.  Their leather works are beautiful and God is revealing His plan, one piece at a time.

52.  Live FashionABLE is a beautiful story of compassion in action.  I had the privilege of meeting the hands and feet behind this business.  Such pure motivation to help women in need.  Each purchase of a beautiful scarf helps sustain business for a woman in Africa.  Each one comes with a personalized note from the seamstress telling you what your purchase has done in her life.  A reminder how something so small, can make a big difference in the life of another.

53.  I Won't Watch is another business making deep impact.  Don't just watch, do something!  Beautiful watches for a purpose.  Perfect for the teen or 'trendy' one on your list.  And a great reminder that at all times, we need to be watching for ways to help.  (Can one use too many puns?  Nah..)

54.  wise•abe has partnered with Compassion International.  A portion of their proceeds help to send as many kids as possible from the Compassion program to college.  What a way to sustain a future!  And their bags are so unique!  Love them!


I want to mention, that I have no hidden agenda today.  I'm not receiving commission or compensation for sharing these organizations with you.  These are organizations that I have found that truly are putting their feet to the pavement in obedience to God.  I also know, that the closer we get to the Christmas season, some of the stock is getting low.  Please remember that these are small businesses.  They are making a big impact in the life of another, but supply and demand can not always keep up.  So be patient and check back often as they work to restock.
 
I have enjoyed this series so much!  I hope you have too.  I pray that you and your family are connecting in a deeper way this Christmas season.  May we never forget the gift that was bestowed on us over 2000 years ago as a babe in a manger.  May we always share His love with everyone we meet.  And may we always be ready with an answer for the hope that we have.

Merry Christmas and Happy Giving!

12 Days of Giving - Days 8, 9 AND 10

Well, as you can see I took a little break over the weekend and enjoyed some much needed time with my children.  Had I been a good blogger, I would have scheduled my posts in advance, so you could still enjoy.  However, I'm not.  I'm a mother first and that just takes precedence, don't you think?  I do hope you'll forgive me.

Blurry but still cute...

So, it's Monday.  And it's an exciting one!  I have lots to share.  First, I'll tell you about our weekend fun.  We decided to go to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indianas and Western Art.  Now, at first mention, that may not sound as kid-friendly as say, Chuck E. Cheese.  But really, they do a pretty good job.  Our main focus was the Jingle Rails exhibit.

Their gift shop finds...

My son is infatuated with trains.  And the girls seem intrigued by western life, so this was a good fit.  As for me, I love the west.  I took several vacations with my parents as a kid, and have been to at least 13 western states.  I have many real life memories from the destinations featured in the display.  And I've always been in love with miniature replicas and details, so this was just as much fun for me too.  And this year, the older kids asked lots of questions on history, so it was educational too!  So much fun!

Jingle Rails ~ Downtown Indy

The work and intricate detail in this display is amazing.  New this year was the Indiana State Fairgrounds complete with Pepsi Coliseum and the Midway (including a working Ferris wheel) plus a barn, animals and tractors.  

We enjoyed dinner at Steak N' Shake and then planned to head to the Circle of Lights.  However, we took a detour to Georgia Street, where it was rumored some more fun.  We found singing and even some free ice skating, but the line was so long!  We decided to try and find Santa instead.  He had already moved on.  After much debate, we decided he had moved onto see some kids in Michigan by the time we arrived and we would catch up with him next time.

Proof they love each other!

At the circle, we enjoyed some free hot chocolate, compliments of the Salvation Army as well as some beautiful Christmas music to set the mood.  And guess what?!  We also found Santa!  He had left the sleigh at home and chosen a motorcycle instead.  The kids concluded reindeer would be a little crowded in the city.  But to honor them anyway, he had some tiny reindeer to help his motorcycle along.  His beard was authentic and I'm not sure who was having more fun with pictures, him or the kids!  I could tell by his dress, his attitude and his mode of transportation, he looked forward to this every year.  The kids were ecstatic!  And I didn't have to pay a fortune for 'mall Santa' pictures, so we all came away with something.

I'm trying to figure out why David's not smiling... I think he's beginning to catch onto 'Santa'.

Let's see...there's more to share from our fun-filled weekend, but for now let's move on to that giveaway!  Thank you to everyone who entered!  I put the names in a box and Molly drew one out for me.  So with out further ado, our winner is Amy!  Congratulations Amy!  I will e-mail you for your address and get the card out tomorrow for you to enjoy it!  Nothing like a warm cup of hot something this time of year!

Finally, I am honored to be featured with my Mamahood story on Project After Belly today.  Nathalie is a sweet Momma I met at a conference I attended recently.  Let me tell you, this girl has a heart for motherhood and children.  Her passion just exudes from first conversation for Mommas all over the world.  And it's also very evident in her writing.  I do hope that you will check out her blog and leave a little love for her.  Thank you Nathalie for allowing me to share my story.  May God bless you!

OK, here we go, days 8, 9 and 10 of....

12 Days of Giving

36. Raining or snowing?  Take an umbrella to the church or store and help people get in without getting wet.

37.  Volunteer to read a story at the local library.

38.  Set up a craft time with supplies for stay at home mom's to come and craft and fellowship with their little ones.

39.  Next time you go to the park, take some bubbles and play with the kids already there.

40.  Take some crackers or bottled water next time you're around the homeless.  Give a snack and engage in some conversation.

41. Make thank you cards and deliver them for the custodians at school and/or church.

42.  Volunteer to help clean a class room.

43.  Make heart letters saying "Have a great day!" and slip them under windshield wipers on a nice, non-windy day.

44.  Do you know how to make balloon animals?  Or maybe you have a helium tank?  Go and hand out balloons just to brighten someone's day!

45.  Give a compliment to someone you see today.  And don't forget your smile!

46.  Volunteer your time at an organization you care about.  Have a passion for homeless?  Go to the local homeless shelter.  What about Mom's?  Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center.

47.  Shop local!  Support the small business instead of the big box store.  For them, each purchase makes and difference!

48.  Surprise your kids with a note in their lunchbox or maybe their back pack.  Let them know you're proud of them and that you love them.

49.  Surprise your spouse with a note too, while you're at it!  Kindness should start at home!

50.  Make some Christmas ornaments to pass out.  Looking for ideas?  Pinterest has a bunch!  Sign up and make sure to follow me!  I love finding fun things to craft!  Click the link on the right to sign up and get crafting!!

“Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.”
  ~Mother Teresa

P.S.  I had this blog written before 11am and waited all day to get the pictures on.  Bad blogger!  Bad!!

12 Days of Giving ~ Day 7

It's not too late to register to win the Starbucks gift card.  I will announce a winner Monday.  To enter, please sign up for free updates by entering your e-mail address to the right of this post.

Last night I went to the kids school to watch their Christmas program.  I am so thankful for a school who still recognizes the Christmas season.  The program was adorable!  They also took the opportunity to display some of the kids' art.  Such talent hanging in the halls!

David and his art

Madelyn and her owl.

This weekend we plan to hit the streets and practice our giving.  Are you getting geared up too?  Here are some more ideas.  Have a great weekend friends!

12 Days of Giving

31.  Host a cookie exchange.  Everyone bakes a batch of cookies and comes together to plate them up.  Then divide up into cars and go deliver them.  Think of the seniors who aren't able to get out much, or maybe even the local hospital.  A surgery waiting room would be a great place.

32.  Have your kids clean up their rooms and donate the gently used toys to the local homeless shelter.

33.  Surprise the teacher's lounge with a box of bagels.

34.  Take a cup of hot chocolate to the Salvation Army bell ringer.

35.  Invite a new family over for dinner.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” 

~St. Francis of Assisi

12 Days of Giving ~ Day 6 ~ And a giveaway!

Alright, in all the spirit of talking about giving, I thought it only fair to give something to you.  Up for grabs is a $15 Starbucks gift card.  No better way to ring in the holidays than with a nice warm cup of hot something.  I will announce winners on Monday December 10th.  In order to be eligible, please enter your e-mail to the right of this post.  I will choose winners at random.  And while you're at it, leave me a comment: What is the best gift you've ever received?

Please Note:  A comment alone does not enter you into this give away.  Only entrances by e-mail will be considered.

 

12 Days of Giving

 

26.  Tape dollars or leave change in the vending machine.

27.  Surprise a family with a homemade dinner.

28.  Leave quarters at the laundry mat.

29.  Leave a box of sidewalk chalk at the local park with a note for the next visitors to have some drawing fun.

30.  Decorate a wreath for Christmas and secretly leave it on someone's door or porch.


Happy Giving!!

“Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
― Steve Maraboli

12 Days of Giving ~ Day 5

As we continue with our giving ideas, I'm joining with Compassion International (see link in sidebar) to dig a little deeper.  Compassion is dedicated to release children from poverty all across the world.  This Christmas season, they have launched a campaign #ItsAboutGiving.  The challenge is to paint a complete picture of what #ItsAboutGiving looks like.  What feelings, sounds, tastes and colors are associated?  As we begin to peel back the layers, I wanted to share with you the heart of a dear friend of mine.

Becky and Melissa

Melissa King is the founder of The Forgotten Ministry of Indiana.  Based out of Hope Community Church in Brownsburg Indiana, Melissa has a heart for the homeless.  As Compassion began their #itsaboutgiving campaign, she was the first person that came to mind.  I'd like to share a little of her heart and mission with you in an interview I conducted.

Becky:  Melissa, what is a gift you have given in your ministry that was received with joy and deep appreciation?

Melissa:  Oh, wow.  It's the simple things really.  Cold water on a hot day in the summer.  Canned food.  No rinse shampoo and body wash are greatly appreciated.  And as the weather gets colder they love receiving hand warmers.

Becky:  What effect did that have on you?

Melissa:  At first, it was shocking.  the simple things we don't have to worry about having.  It's taught me to be more grateful and more appreciative, not only of what I have, but of what other people are giving to the ministry.

Shock from seeing the homeless camps for the first time.

 
Becky:  Why do you give?  What is the root behind the desire you have for these forgotten?

Melissa:  Of course there's the physical needs that need to be met.  But more than that, these people have a need for Christ-like love.  They are seen as outcasts and looked down upon in our society.  I think personally I have a strong desire to see people as Jesus does and to love those who are stereotyped. 
Even Christians sometimes see the homeless as a lost cause.  That there is no way to help them because they won't help themselves.  But God calls us to give and show Christ's love to people regardless of their past or present choices.

Becky:  Grace.

Melissa:  Yes

Becky:  What have you learned from our culture about giving?

Melissa:  People want to give, but they don't how to.  They can also be choosy about who to give to and who they think deserves it - how far they'll go, emotionally or material wise to give.  How far do they have to step out of their comfort zone.  In the type of ministry I do, I see a lot of people who think that giving will just institutionalize the situation.

But I've come to learn that connection is as important as giving basic necessities.  There are several other church groups that go down into the camps, but many people I have talked to say that they like when our groups come down, because we talk to them and spend time with them.  They can see when others are serving for accolades for themselves or coinciding love with things instead of the unconditional love that God gives to us.

Becky:  Wow.  Connection is so important.  What have you learned from the Bible about giving?

Melissa:  In blessing others you'll also be blessed.  But I've also learned that we are to give a need, but also LOVE them as He loves them. 
The mission verse behind The Forgotten Ministry is 1 John 3:17-18.  If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.  

The 'living room' of a homeless camp in downtown Indianapolis.

If you would like to connect with Melissa, please go to The Forgotten Ministry of Indiana facebook page.

12 Days of Giving

21.  Compassion International is dedicated to release children from poverty all across the world.  Compassion has a Christmas Gift Catalog where you can select and purchase gifts that help children registered in the Compassion program.  Select a gift to help a child in need.

22.  Make bookmarks to go hand out at the public library.

23.  Take cookies and decorations to the nursing home or assisted living place.  Decorate the cookies with the residents.  (Thank you SoZealous).

24.  This winter, as you go out to scrape your vehicle free from frost or brush the snow off, go ahead a do another car.  Is it warm where you live?  Go hand wash a vehicle.

25.  Do something nice for your neighbor.  Bring in their trash can on trash day, hand deliver their mail or newspaper.

Happy Giving!

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
~Winston Churchill

 

12 Days of Giving ~ Day 4

I have been so encouraged over the last couple days.  My eyes have been opened to see so many opportunities.  When you step back and allow God to guide, He will use you.  Yesterday, Molly and I headed to the grocery store.  We met a woman named Joyce.  She's a spunky, sweet, lonely 84-year-old widow who just needed some conversation. 

We met first in the laundry aisle and chatted about price and brands.  But in the dairy section, she began to share her heart for her daughter.  Relationship has been strained and is non-existent.  Holidays are difficult because she is not included in her daughter's festivities.  Not even a phone call.  How my heart began to just break for her.  I committed to pray for Joyce and her daughter.  How this sweet woman just needed connection.

When we think of gifts, how often do we think monetary?  A pretty package, a beautiful bow.  But God's gifts to us go beyond material.  He sacrifices His time to hear our prayers.  He serves us with His friendship and also provides people and connection in our time here on earth.  He asks us to practice hospitality in Romans 12:13.  His giving transcends any boundary the world tries to establish.

I ask that you join me in prayer for Joyce this Christmas season.  May our prayers be a gift of peace and love beyond her imagination.  And the next time you're in the laundry aisle, strike up some conversation.  You just might be the gift someone else needs.

I'd like to know... what is a gift you have given that was received with joy and deep appreciation?  What effect did that have on you?  Leave your answers in the comment section below.  I may use your story coming up as we continue to discover what giving really means.  #itsaboutgiving

12 Days of Giving

16.  Allow someone to go in front of you in the check-out line.  Even if they have more groceries than you.

17.  Did you know that most newspaper carriers have to buy their own rubber bands?  Buy a bag of rubber bands for your carrier or recycle the ones you receive.

18.   Have flowers delivered to a senior.

19.  Purchase a bottle of water and give it to your check out person at the store.  Tell them you appreciate their service and wanted to do something nice for their break time.

20.  Make and hand out 'help coupons' to friends and family.  Offer services like cleaning, window washing, grocery shopping, babysitting... you get the idea.

Happy Giving!

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”  

~Charles Dickens

12 Days of Givng ~ Day 3

Happy Monday!  I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  I know I did.  The weather here is beautiful and very mild for the first week in December.  Lovely weather for a much needed night out.

Indianapolis is really a beautiful city.  If you've never visited, I do recommend it.  At Christmas, they have a gorgeous light display downtown at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, otherwise known as "The Circle".  A very good friend and I headed downtown to check out the sights and sounds.  We enjoyed some before-dinner dessert of hot chocolate at South Bend Chocolate Company.

As Mom's sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves, is some time away.  Simple things, like adult conversation.  A meal that doesn't involve peanut butter and jelly or a sippy cup.  These moments become cherished.  It's a time to recharge and refresh.  I wouldn't trade being a mother for anything.  But I'm also more.  I'm a daughter.  A sister.  A friend.  A writer.  A soon to be school bus driver.  Stepping away for just a bit helps us to remember who we are.  Not just what we do. 

And that little voice... 'Mother's Guilt'?  That little voice needs to step away from my hot chocolate.  Because I need this!  And so do you.  So give yourself the gift of a night out.  And enjoy it!

12 Days of Giving

11.  Make some scarves and hats.  (or buy, if like me, you should have paid better attention to your grandmother's crochet lessons)  Go and hand them out.

12.  Those tie fleece blankets?  Make some for the local neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).   And before tying the last few ties... cut out a fleece heart to stick inside.

13.  Go to the local sledding hill and pass out some hot chocolate.  A nice day?  Take some popsicles to the park.

14.  Go the grocery store and help someone load groceries into their car.

15.  Leave a plate of cookies or a cupcake in the mailbox for your mail person with a note of thanks.



Happy Giving!

“Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water -it will make ripples throughout the entire pond...” 

~Jessy and Bryan Matteo 

12 Days of Giving ~ Day 2

Photo Credit: asenat29 on flickr

 I'm so encouraged by your excitement!  I know God is doing big things!  I want you to know I'm praying for you and it is no coincidence you're here.   

As you begin to brainstorm and before hitting the pavement, I'd ask you to do one thing: bathe your time in prayer.  Ask Him to open your eyes.  You may have a general plan as you head out, but He may have a divine encounter in mind too.

Remember to be flexible with you time.  Don't be discouraged if you run into a few snags along the way.  The enemy is going to be on the prowl to mess this up for you.  But through prayer, you're going to be prepared for his attack.

I'd also like to encourage you to keep a journal about your experience.  It doesn't have to be fancy or perfect.  Just a simple notebook.  You can have one for the whole family or maybe the kids would each like one.  Wouldn't it be neat to look back in a few or 10 years and remember?  The joys.  The laughter.  The time spent.  This is a time to make memories for your family.  And how much more precious are written details that might otherwise fade?

OK, so without further ado...

12 Days of Giving

6.  Go caroling.  Down the street, the local nursing home, outside a store... anywhere really. 

7.  Rake someone's leaves or scoop snow.  If it's summer, mow a lawn. 

8.  Deliver a bouquet of flowers or maybe even a Christmas wreath to someone's front porch.

9.  Pack a box of non-perishable food items to leave on someone's doorstep.

10.  Go to the Dollar Store and leave some random dollar bills in the toy aisle with a note.  Oh, to see the look on the child's face who finds that!


Aren't you just giddy with excitement?!  Make sure you're checking the comments too.  We've had some great ideas shared. 

Happy Giving!

"Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.”
  ~Brian Tracy 

12 Days of Christmas

You've heard the folk song... about partridges in trees, gold rings and maids a milkin'.  Receiving from one's true love.  French in origin, it commemorates the days between Christmas and the Feast of Epiphany which celebrates the revelation of God in human form. 

As a child I can remember the anticipation of Christmas.  Wondering what would be under the tree.  All about me, me, me. 

As a parent, I've tried to instill the giving.  Daily they are bombarded with the opposite.  In a selfish, entitled, get-more society giving is lost.  As believers in Christ and as parents, we have to be intentional.  We have to be consistent.  And we have to be the example.

On October 10, 2010 (10/10/10), our family commemorated the day by giving.  10 random acts of kindness in our community.  The day is one I'll never forget.  The kids were giddy with excitement.  All done anonymously, we talked about who would benefit and how they would react.  It's hard to explain the feelings I had that day.... I was content.  I hadn't felt that way in awhile, but for the first time in a long time, we were serving as a family.  And it was wonderful.

The kids learned first hand, that pleasure in giving is not in thanks received.  It's not in accolades.  It's not in money spent.  It's not about the giver.  Joy comes in blessing we can bestow on another.  

This year will be the last year we will see three consecutive numbers on the calendar in our lifetime.  December 12, 2012 (12/12/12).  It also happens to mark my 35th birthday.  Each day leading up to December 12th, I'm going to share some ideas with you on how you and your family can give back this holiday season.  I encourage you to gather the kiddos and include them in your plans.  Let them brainstorm.  You might be surprised with a little encouragement, how these little hearts, truly want to contribute to the joy of another.

Intentionality is the only way we can help this next generation overcome entitlement.  Join me as we lead by example.

Day 1 of 12 Days of Giving

1.  Tape candy canes around town - on the ATM, on a shopping cart, on the gas pump... you get the idea.  Be creative.

2.  Color pictures or make cards and go hand them out at the nursing home, assisted living home, and/or the hospital.

3.  Go through the drive-thru and pay the ticket of the car behind you.

4.  Bake cookies and take them to the local fire station.

5.  Walk the parking lot of a grocery store and gather and put away the carts.


There's a few ideas to get those ol' cogs a working.  Keep checking back.  As we go along, I'll have some giveaways just for you, too.  And feel free to add your own ideas into the comments.  We're in this together and the more ideas we have, the bigger impact we can make in our communities. 

Happy Giving!!

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
  ~Mother Teresa