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January 11, 2018 by Spreading Joy

When Toys are not Just Toys

We believe that every act of love, regardless of the size, has a huge impact on everyone involved.

We love Spreading Joy to those around us and always strive to do more year after year. Christmas 2017 was a little different.

Donations were down and our list had to be scaled down but we did what we love doing and that is making a difference with what we have. You’ve been there, we all have.

Our Christmas Joy event isn’t just toys, food and fun and games. It’s love in action, it’s kindness shared, it’s hugs, laughter and unconditional love for those that walk through the door.

Because of your generosity, love, and prayers, we were able to invite 66 children to our event this past Christmas.

Your gifts of unconditional love shaped as dolls, basketballs, superhero t-shirts were received with great joy!

Because of your heart for others, hugs were exchanged freely and the children that came were able to have some gifts for Christmas Day as well as a couple of gifts to enjoy that day.

Thank you for sharing in our time of giving love, hope and happiness for these families!

Thank you for the stickers, Facebook and Twitter Shares and food that you gave!

Thank you for the drinks, toys and many many people you asked to help out!

Thank you for Spreading Christmas Joy with us!

We’d love it if you’d hop over to our Facebook page and check out all the photos. Thanks for caring and being part of their Christmas Memories!

Special Thank you to Olive Garden in Gastonia for the food for the day and Iron Mountain Charlotte Facility for collecting toys for us!

October 31, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Christmas is such a time of JOY, love, and happiness! We also know there are those that struggle and we want to invite you to be part of a team that impacts their world for good by being part of their Christmas this year!

With your help and generous heart of giving, Spreading Joy will hold a huge Christmas party, inviting families that need a little extra help for Christmas. When you give, we will be able to provide a nice lunch, gifts that will be taken home to be opened on Christmas morning, as well as some toys, prizes and several trips through our giant candy store!

These children are referred to as the “Forgotten Children” by local DSS Workers, so we are collecting now so we will know how many we can invite. YES! We are starting early because we do not want to leave out a single child from this event.

Why partner with Spreading Joy? 100% of your gift goes toward helping families in need. Click To Tweet Everyone volunteers for SJC and loves giving back! You never pay for a salary, vacation or other things that your heart wonders about.

Here are several ways to partner with us:

Mail a gift or donation to Spreading JOY PO Box 1771 Denver NC 28037 no gift is too small
- $5 purchases prizes to give to kids that day
- $10 purchases a toy for the mom to take home for Christmas
- $100 purchases a toy for 10 children
- $1000 purchases 100 gifts
Make an online donation – YES! 100% minus the paypal fees that are taken out goes to help others
Adopt a child or two – Let us know how many children you’d like to adopt. Purchase 3 gifts for them. 1 about $15 range and 2 in the $7-$10 range. We’ll send you the ages and names so you can shop for them
Ask your place of employment and/or church or other groups to collect toys for Spreading Joy
Having a Thanksgiving get together? Ask everyone to bring a new unwrapped toy for children in need
Purchase $10 gift cards from McDonald’s or Walmart – these make fabulous gifts for the older children
Gather gently loved books and stuffed animals – we’d love to send the children home with these items that day. They love them. Ask your family, friends, co-workers etc. You’d be surprised how many you can collect
If you are in the Charlotte Metro area, you can meet me with any of the above!
Share on your Social Media outlets – There are Tweets and Facebook posts below that you can share! You never know who is looking for an organization like this one to support!

We are asking everyone we know! Yes…Everyone. It never hurts to ask and we know that there is no way to pull off such an amazing event without your help.

Please donate or reach out to us early with the number of children you’d like to adopt so that we can go ahead and make sure every child is supported! Our Goal is to raise $7,000 by the first of December so that we can invite every child on our list!

We’d love to be able to invite 100 children or more and give them 3 to 4 gifts each this year and know that without your love, support and generosity, we will never accomplish such an event!

Want to see how your gifts are used? Here is a link to past Christmas Joy Events! Those smiles are priceless and why we work so hard raising funds to be part of their Christmas morning! http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/category/christmas-joy/

Will you Re-tweet this?

100% of Your Gift of any size will help those in need this Christmas! #ChristmasJOY needed this Christmas Season https://t.co/DHTr13OcvI pic.twitter.com/p6QjIc9duv
— Marie Wikle??? (@spreadingJOY) October 31, 2017

Will you share this on Facebook?

Thank you for caring for others this Christmas Season! Thank you for giving of yourself. Thank you for reminding these children that they are not forgotten! Thank you!

We are an IRS Approved Non-Profit and your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by the law.

October 12, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Jesus Always for Kids

Author Sarah Young has published a marvelous book of joy provoking devotions for kids! In her continued style of us reading as if Jesus Himself was speaking to us, this book written for older children is sure to get them looking for the daily joys that are surrounding them.

This is a great devotional for creating conversations about what is going on in your child’s world. You can also use it to help them consider things they typically aren’t looking for in this online, face paced, I want it now society.

This beautifully designed, hardback edition will be durable for any child!

How can this devotional benefit you and your child?

Time spent with Jesus daily
JOY – everyone needs joy each day
Reminder of the fact there is joy regardless of circumstances (we all need that don’t we?)
Conversation Starters – it’s often difficult to have full conversations with older children isn’t it? USE this!
- Ask them what this day makes them think of
- Share your own thoughts on the days reading (means you need to read it too!)
- Ask them what joys were present in their day
- Ask them how they can spread joy to others
Discuss chronic illness using the Author as an example. If no chronic illness is in your family, ask if their peers struggle with this and discuss how they can be a positive force in their world.
Family time discussing the joy of the Lord (again…all of us need this)

I love all of the devotionals by Sarah Young but her Jesus Always for adults and children are among my favorites!

I'm so glad this book will be in my Granddaughters library! Click To Tweet

How will you use Jesus Always in your family? What devotional are you currently making your way through?

Want to enter to win a copy from our Friends at Front Gate Media? Enter HERE by 10/24 http://blessedfreebies.com/jesus-always-365.html

Product details:

Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Hardcover: 400 pages

Thank you to FrontGate Media for a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give positive feedback.

September 20, 2017 by Spreading Joy

A Very Thankful Prayer – Review and Giveaway

A Very Thankful Prayer by Author Bonnie Rickner Jenson

(Illustrated by Natalia Moore)

This is a children’s board book focused on gratitude and the Thanksgiving Season.

Very sturdy, durable and absolutely adorable with shiny bronze leaves on the cover, this book will bring delight to you and your children time and time again.

The colors are bright and vivid, providing many scenes for little minds to soak up. These cute little animals participate in several fall activities, allowing children a peek into the many wonderful things to be thankful for. It’s ideal for the parent who wants their children to start looking for things to be thankful for in the world around them each day.

With 24 fun-filled pages, this book can be read throughout the entire Thanksgiving Season. Your older children could easily read it to the toddlers in your home or you can read it and then use it as a conversation starter, asking the children what things they are thankful for from their day.

I’m excited to be able to read it to my granddaughter this Thanksgiving Season!

How will you get your children to notice and be thankful for the everyday ordinary items in their… Click To Tweet

Do you have Thanksgiving Traditions?

Thanks for stopping by! I’m thankful for each one of you who take the time to read our posts and share with others. YOU are Spreading JOY!

Want to win a copy of this book? If so…. click the url below to enter

http://www.blessedfreebies.com/averythankfulprayer.html

Winner announced 9/25 so HURRY!

To Purchase a Copy of the book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Thankful-Prayer-Bonnie-Rickner-Jensen/dp/0718098838

Thank you to FrontGate Media for a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give positive feedback.

September 13, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Back to School 2017 Results

Back to School 2017

I want to say a HUGE Thank you to those who made a difference in the life of students and teachers this year! You are a hero and I’m so thankful for your heart for others and that you partnered with Spreading Joy to impact lives with JOY!

At Spreading Joy we firmly believe in doing what you can with what you have and the ripple effect… Click To Tweet Little things matter and they all add up! Click To Tweet

I was a little sad that the donations for Back to School was less than usual…way less, but instead of trying to reach for a large number and give each child less items, we did what we could while keeping the back packs full of basic back to school supplies.

Because you have a heart of gold, 230 children received a bag full of the following:

Entire pack of pencils (8)
Entire pack of pens (10)
Pack of coloring pencils
Box of Crayons
2 spiral notebooks
Glue stick

We were also able to help 6 New Teachers this year. The first year of teaching can be expensive with supplies, decorations and such that are need.

Thanks to your Generosity They each received:

Case of copy paper
White boards
Paper
Pencils
Pens
Sticky Notes
Dry erase markers
Tape

Your gifts, Social Media shares and supply donations made all of this possible and will have a positive impact on all that received these items this year! Thank you!

Thanks for caring, giving, sharing and Spreading Joy with us!

You matter!

July 20, 2017 by Spreading Joy

9th Annual School Supply Drive

The need is great.

No Gift is too small.

Your gift will bring hope, inspire dreams and remind a child that love is powerful!

Giving is super easy and 100% of your donation minus the paypal fee will go towards supplies for… Click To Tweet

Your gift will also benefit some first year teachers with much needed supplies. Many teachers get extra things they need out of their own finances and first year teachers will need so much more.

Will you help Spread a little JOY to their world?

You can mail a check to:

Spreading Joy Corp PO Box 1771 Denver NC 28037

Again, 100% of your donations minus paypal fees will go to this even.

Thanks in advance! Thanks for sharing, spreading the word and giving.

Thanks for your heart for others!

March 21, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Little is Much

Little is Much When God is in it

We are dreamers. We dream of doing huge things, having wonderful things and simply “making it.” We have lofty goals and take radical steps towards reaching them. Then, when we realize that what we want may never happen or the dreams may never come true, we sit in disbelief and wonder what we could have done differently. Sometimes we even decide “what’s the use, IT just doesn’t matter anymore” and put ourselves in a “do nothing” mode. This should be a red flag to us, but often it’s not.

We’ve taken our eyes off the prize, we are letting discouragement win and we forget that little is much when God is in it. Our hearts scream of doing more when in reality we need to focus on our strengths and remain faithful to do those things. We set our eyes on the unattainable when our eyes should be on the ordinary items within our reach. Those ordinary items will be the little things that God uses to do amazing work for His glory; after all, our labor IS for His glory….right?

Have you given much thought to the little things that God used? When 5,000 men (not to mention women and children) needed to be fed, Jesus didn’t send word to the nearest palace to have their servants bring the biggest and best foods available. He didn’t break out the finest china and whip up a five course meal using the top chefs of the land. A young boy offered Jesus a small lunch of bread and fish that was just enough for this one little boy and Jesus took his willingness, blessed it and served a multitude with 12 baskets to spare.

I constantly remind myself and others, it’s not in what we offer the Lord, it’s THAT we give of ourselves, use our talents and be available to follow His lead, even if it means ignoring our own hopes and dreams.

We focus on fears and failures when we should be focusing on the Father. We give in to our whiny selves and listen to that voice that says “why bother” when we should be faithful with the little things that God has entrusted us with.

Take some time to think about your talents and your strengths. Are you using those gifts for the Lord? Are you being faithful to what God has called you to do? We are all called to be edifying one another, are you building up others and encouraging them? Little is much when God is blessing it. You feel as though you don’t make a difference and even that you simply don’t matter, but you do. God looks at you through the eyes of compassion, longing for you to simply be faithful to do what you know is right in His eyes.

Little is much when God is in it – think about these little things:

You spend time each day praising the Lord via Social Media. Your praise is picked up by someone half a world away who is discouraged, but your thankfulness has reminded them of a past blessing. They are encouraged and strengthened. They are praising God regularly now, due to your praise.
You purchase the Bible study books but write in a regular notebook so you can pass along the book to someone else. You allow someone who is financially struggling to draw closer to the Lord. They draw closer, their family notices and someone else is hearing God’s tugging at their heart.
You give your last $10.00 to a special offering or ministry focused on others. A child receives something that his/her parent had no hope of getting them. They grow up, remembering the kindness of strangers and make it their mission to help others.
You leave a note for someone who seems a little bit down lately, telling them how special they are. They woke up crying tears of sorrow because they felt worthless, but later went to sleep, crying tears of joy because someone actually cares.
You smile and nod at a passerby, not knowing that their day has left them wondering how things will ever get better. Your compassionate smile reminded them that there is hope and tomorrow will bring another day to try again.

If you feel like you don’t have much to give or wonder how you could possibly make it one more month, give your little bit to Jesus and let Him use it. Give your talents, abilities, finances or lack thereof to the Lord and tell him it’s His, to do what he wants to with it and then trust him.

Trust Him for the wisdom of the next step, for the power to make it through one more day and for the ability to make a huge difference with what He’s given you.

You were given the strengths, talents, insights and wisdom that you have for a reason. You can influence others that no one else can. You have the ability to shine and be Matthew 5:16 out loud for the Lord. Remaining faithful to the little things you can do now will have you in the habit of faithfully following and serving the Lord, so that when He gives us more to do, He knows, beyond doubt, that we will be faithful to complete it.

YOU simply need to be available and willing to do whatever it is….BIG or SMALL that God wants you to do. When you do, trust that HE will bless it and use it mightily. Trust that your faithfulness to listen to your heart will encourage others to do the same.

Trust that little is MUCH more than you can ever imagine – when GOD is in it. Click To Tweet

Take stock in the ordinary resources you have around you. Get into the habit of spreading joy and making a difference with those resources and when more resources come your way, you’ll be faithful to make a difference with those as well.

Here are some ways to get you going:

50 Ways of Making a Difference without Spending a Penny http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/50-ways-to-make-a-difference-without-spending-a-penny/

Need more still? Another 50 ways right here http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/another-50-ways-of-making-a-difference/

Making a Difference is as Easy as ABC…. http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/abcs-of-making-a-difference/

Spreading Joy Daily – has 365 Ideas to get you going in making a difference – DAILY! – http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/spreading-joy-daily/ 100% of the sales of this book, goes right back into helping others!

Have you ever been richly blessed by a little gift? Have you ever given your last little bit and saw how it was able to blossom into more than you ever imagined?

Share your story and/or link below and be an encouragement to someone who may have forgotten that little is MUCH when God is in it.

Have fun Spreading JOY!

About Marie Wikle:

Seeing through the eyes of compassion and understanding the heart that desires to have an impact, Marie encourages others to see the full potential of the everyday, ordinary resources that is right within their reach.

Everyone needs to make a difference and with creative thinking and a unique look at the ordinary, she shows people all over the world just how easy it is to make a difference.

Marie is available to speak to your ladies group, child’s classroom or any other social gather so that you can hear firsthand how to step up, lead the way in innovative thinking and see just how easy the ordinary items of daily living can be used to make a difference.

When you are Spreading Joy Daily – you’ll quickly see that there is no joy like Spreading Joy!

March 17, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Hug in a Cup

I love finding cool gifts for my kids and this year for Valentine’s Day was no different. We celebrate “love” on Valentine’s Day with the entire family because I LOVE them.

This year, I found and ordered my coffee loving son coffee from Bean Box.

I don’t know about you, but to me and him, coffee is such a treat! It’s literally a hug in a cup. Good anytime of the day, served many different ways and you don’t need a special reason to enjoy!

When someone invites you for coffee, you know it will be anything but short and to the point. Friends and family take time to linger over coffee! Some of my fondest memories are sharing laughter with friends and family over a cup of coffee. We would always sit for hours

We Share love, laughter, tears, prayers and life over a cup of coffee. Click To Tweet

Sharing issues over coffee helps to ease the pain. Sharing love and laughter over coffee increases the joy!

The perfect cup of coffee is as individual as the person enjoying it!

I looked at different things online to send to my son and decided to go with Bean Box.

The coffee is shipped within 48 hours of roasting so it’s absolutely fresh! It’s roasted to order so you know it’s going to be delicious.

You can do coffee gifts, a one time gift, more personalized gifts and it’s really affordable.

At just $23 for a package of coffee, it’s perfect for a just because gift, Birthday Gift, Get Well Gift, Thank you gift etc.

This gives the ability to try coffees they may not otherwise get to try.

Got a coffee lover in your world? This might be the gift they will love!

Do you make coffee dates with your best friends, family or those that are discouraged?

Do you have a favorite local coffee shop? Leave the name of it and where it’s located in the comments below so those that stop by SJC and read this will know to check it out when traveling.

So, who in your world would love this gift?

PS – My son loved them all but out of the box he received, he loved the Bluebeard the best.

Affiliate link is used in this article. If you purchase or subscribe we will receive a small commission that will help with the financial side of this ministry.

Photography: loHi Media

Check them out on Instagram

March 14, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Wherever I Am

Charles Spurgeon said “Wherever you are, whatever your case, God will be with you.”

Have you ever simply just wrapped your heart in that thought?

Wherever I am…. God IS with me. No doubt about it.

When I’m on the mountain, He is there enjoying the fact that my heart is soaring!

When I’m walking through the valley, He is there…often carrying me because I lack the strength to simply go on.

When I’m burdened down with pain, questions and the fears that so easily paralyzes us, HE is there longing that we’d hand over every single weight that we try to carry.

When I’m praying for my children, for the courage for them to do His will, He is there, with HIS mighty arms wrapped around me.

When I’m looking forward to the ordinary joys of life, He is there basking in the delight that I’m sharing with Him.

When I’m faithfully serving the Lord, willingly following His direction for my life, He is there to guide and direct.

When I’m being stubborn and kicking against His will simply because of the unknown, He is there….patiently waiting for my childlike tantrum to end.

I remember my son preaching a few years back, reminding us that we should be so close to the Lord, that all we have to do is turn to Him….. simply t u r n.

Never, ever ever forget as you pray for your friend, child or family member that is away from the Lord, that He is also there with them too.

We may never understand why they have been away from God for so long, or why God just didn’t step in and immediately bring them right back, but one thing we can count on, is our Lord is always there for us.

Where are you right now? What is your heart facing?

Trust God

Be Encouraged

KNOW God is there with you right now!

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February 27, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Be Real

So many things these days are absolutely not real. From every commercial you see, to the magazine advertisements those things are touched up, sprayed up and changed so much, the original is nearly impossible to find.

We are so filtered (yes…I said we) that we forget what real beauty is like; real kindness is mistaken for flirting and real honest to goodness upright character is a rarity these days.

Be real! Enjoy the real things and make a real difference.

Let’s look at a few real things:

Real Problems: Never think you are alone in your problems, you positively are not. I’m tackling this one first because I know problems are real and I know bad things happen to good people and no one that works with or volunteers with Spreading Joy is free of Real Problems.

Homeless – this just isn’t about the beggar on the street anymore. Homelessness is often the single mom who struggles to make ends meet forcing her and her children to sleep in a car.
Loss of homes and vehicles – talk about a horrible blow. This is an awful thing and too many good people are affected by the realities of this.
Abuse – physical and emotional are both real and horrid. You can get help; you do not need to live this way. Please choose to step out even though times may get tough
Grief and loss – the very first year after losing someone close to you is such a difficult time. Even the first few years. There is no right way to grieve, but keeping your hurt and loss bottled up will turn into an explosion. Don’t know what to do to help someone who is grieving, here are a few ideas for you.
Depression and mental health issues – This is real and it’s an issue, especially in the Christian community because so many hide it. Feeling ashamed because if they were really focusing on Christ, their depression would go away…right? Wrong. Again, don’t go it alone, seek help, and talk it out. Here are some things about depression and having more joy in your day.
Chronic illness – some days getting out of bed is all some people can do. Don’t judge or belittle them. Pray for them and encourage them. This is real and these individual need real encouragement.

These things are why you need to be KIND every single day. You do not know who is facing what problem and the real heartache they are facing.

Real Blessing:

Daily Blessings – yes, this is real. It is there! We have to fight to see it sometimes, but trust me, there is good in every day. Look for it; capture it in writing, use a joy jar or happiness journal so when the days are hard you can be reminded of the god.
Little things – there are so many little things in our life that make life big! Count these as part of your real blessings!

Real Opportunities:

You will have real opportunities to influence the life of others. USE them. Don’t let them slip by you! You never know when a kind word or kind deed will change someone’s life.
An army of Ordinary People using their ordinary resources can and will make an extraordinary difference for Christ! We will help! Here are ideas for each day that anyone can do!
Every opportunity matters. Stop focusing on what you can’t do and focus on what you can do! Can’t pay off thousands of dollars in layaway for people? Then purchase a coffee or meal for someone. Do not negate the effect of what you do because the dollar amount doesn’t have the amount of zero’s behind it that you desire.
Opportunity to raise thankful and giving children. Yes…this is positively real and can be done. Let gratitude flow from you, from your heart each day and they will mimic this. Use specific things to teach them to give, to teach them gratitude. Seize this opportunity! Don’t let it pass you by.
Opportunity to encourage others – don’t be the person that says “how are you doing” and then be put off when they say they are having a bad day or not doing so well. Don’t be that person! Be the one who hugs them and says, “I’m sorry, let me pray with you right now” or look them in the eye and say, I’m so sorry to hear that, I’ll be in prayer for you! This IS HUGE!!! Be the one to actually care when you ask how someone is doing!
Opportunity to have a Christ Centered Home – You are in control of this. You can choose this and I hope you will. There is so much hope in Christ that even when you feel all hope is lost, saturating your heart with the Word of God will start to rebuild that hope.

Be real.

Be dependable.

Ask for help.

Give help and prayers without judgement.

Allow others to be real with you without fear.

Because I really want to know…what say ye?

Let’s get real on these and other topics in the comments below.

February 9, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Join the Story Box

The Story Box

So many people are looking for ways to get their small children out from in front of a screen. With all the educational apps and such it can be a very productive time.

One of my favorite past times is reading. I love to read. I love adventures, mysteries and the encouraging Bible Studies from several of my favorite Christian Authors.

For birthdays this year for my small nieces and nephew, I was looking around for different things to send them and came across The Story Box.

They will mail your child 2 books and the wrapping is gorgeous. You and your child and will enjoy these books for a long time.

This Subscription box will delight your child when they get a PACKAGE with their name on it and thrill them when they open it to find not just one brand new book, but T W O!

What child doesn’t love mail? Most little children love books too, so this is a win-win!

The books we received are:

My niece absolutely loved them! We read them several times.

Details on How it Works:

When you subscribe you’ll receive one package each month. It will contain two children’s books and a parent guide. There are 3 types of packages to choose from:

The Board Books Package – for children 0-2 ½
The Pictures Book Package – for children 2 ½ – 6
Family Package – for families with children in both age groups.
SHIPPING is Always Free!

Visit their What’s Inside Page for more info.

Did you know Join the Story Box is all about Spreading Joy? YES! They are! A portion of each subscription fee is used to purchase books and other educational materials to benefit children with disabilities and children from low-income families.

One of the things I love to do is to have bookstore dates. Well, consider this the bookstore coming to you! Happy Mail for the children! Besides, what child doesn’t love to receive mail? Hmmm?

Your grandchildren will love this! Even if you send them just one shipment. The littles in your home will love it! And seriously…a BOX for them!?! You know how excited you get when you get a package!

Check them out, send a book and make some memories! You’ll be glad you did!

*I received this box in return for my honest opinion. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions are completely my own. I highly recommend this as a great way to get your children reading more.

*Affiliate links may be used in this post. Meaning that if you purchase these items we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These funds help fund the growing cost of this ministry

February 7, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Write Back Soon

Each year we host a Christmas Party for the community we encourage and each year we usually have a hard time getting items for the older children.

I was searching for ideas and came across this book Write Back Soon by Karen Benke and thought it would be a huge addition for the gifts for the young ladies that would be attending.

It absolutely was!

We paired it with colored Pencils and some stencils and they were all taken!

It’s such a great book!

This book is filled with chapter after chapter of ideas, prompts and inspiration to reach out to others in your world via pen and paper!

From “Kinds of Correspondence” to “Gifts to Include in an Envelope” You have almost 200 pages of ideas to get those creative ideas flowing from your mind to actual paper!

Reminding you to write on the “Specific Days of the Year like National Handwriting Day, Do A Grouch a Favor Day, Thesaurus Day etc. there is no shortage of ideas here!

In a technology driven world, this book is refreshing and inspiring!

Benke even reminds us about the potential of the Letters’ Return. As many people do, her friend saved all of her handwritten notes and left them for her, reminding her “we’re all on loan to one another.”

I personally love sending my children and great-nieces and nephew postcards from my travel. When I’m blessed with grandchildren, I’ll do the same for them. Knowing someone is thinking of you while they are on vacation is pretty special!

Again, this book is packed with ideas so that you can grab paper and pen and easily get a just because letter/card in the mail.

Because I love Snail Mail and want you to send more letters, I’m giving a copy of this book away.

Simply leave a comment below about a letter or card you received from someone and how it made you feel. Easy right?!?

I’ll draw a winner on 2/14/17

Karen has other books – Rip the Page and Leap Write In! Sign up for her “Muse Letter” there as well and continue to be inspired.

Find her on:

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/karen.benke.1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/karen-benke/20/105/b65

Youtube: https://vimeo.com/user44483481

If you purchase via Amazon, don’t forget to start a smile.amazon.com and choose Spreading Joy as your Charity of Choice and Amazon Gives back to us at no additional cost to you! Win-Win!

*Copies of this book were donated for our Christmas Joy event and as a thank you, I am doing this review and to spread the word about this wonderful book. I have not received compensation for my review nor was I required to give a positive review.

February 2, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Help a Grieving Family with This Bundle

**Please NOTE this Ends 2/7/2017**

What happens when a bunch of business owners get together in the face 
of a difficult time for a friend? Well, you're about to find out. 

You see Crissy Herron lost her mom over Christmas, very unexpectedly. 
Of course it's been a very hard time for Crissy and family, and she 
hasn't had time to focus on work.

So her friends Kelly McCausey and Angela Wills stepped in to help set 
up a great bundle sale, inviting business owner friends with awesome 
products & programs.

The Great Big Life & Biz Bundle was born!

Crissy is the host.
Many incredible offers available.
All for ONE price.

Get it here 

They've set the price at just $19 but you don't get one product for 
that, you get ALL OF THEM. 

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January 16, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Volunteers Needed

Would you be willing to write children every month and encourage them?

Knowing the power of getting an encouraging note in the mail, we want to use that to be a huge encouragement to the children of Spreading Joy!

In 2016 we started sending each child a Birthday Card with an encouraging note. (Thank you Sarah!) The children absolutely loved it! You may be reading this and think it’s such a small thing but trust me when I say, this is H U G E!

Please consider volunteering for this!

Here is what will happen:

Fill out the form below and let us know your information
We will email you their names and age (8 children a month) so that you can send age appropriate encouragement.
You’ll write them either with a card, stationary, post card or just regular paper, put their name on it and a stamp (if you can do so) and then mail all of them in a one larger envelope back to me at PO Box 1771 Denver NC 28037
I will get your letters, address them and drop them off in the mail.
The next month you’ll get a different set of names. Our goal is to have you write all of our children. We have a core group of about 80ish.

Yes, you can include a book mark and/or a few stickers. Just make sure it would be ok with one stamp.

Anyone can do this! You can make this a family affair! Order pizza, some stickers and have an evening where everyone writes every child! Can you imagine how surprised these children will be?

What do you think? Will you use this as a means of Spreading Joy to others?

Can you draw? Are you creative? If so, you could make your letters look like some of these. (Check out the cool letter art)

If you’d be willing to write children every month, please use the sign up form below and let us know!

If you cannot write to the children, there is an easy way to impact hearts with us. Would you consider mailing us some cards, stamps and/or stickers? It would help tremendously! Thank you in advance for helping in any way you can!

Thank you for Volunteering for Spreading Joy! Thank you for changing lives with Spreading Joy!

Thank you for caring! You are ahhhmazin at Spreading Joy to Others!

** If you are on your mobile phone and want to volunteer, please use THIS LINK http://eepurl.com/cxB-uf

January 11, 2017 by Spreading Joy

Introducing the Walmart Beauty Box

Walmart Beauty Box

Subscription boxes are such a huge thing lately! I knew there were lots of them but I had no ideas that there are literally Subscription Boxes for anything you’d like. (Probably, I mean I’m assuming here but seriously, check out the hashtag #subscriptionbox and wow, you’ll see what I mean.)

And why not!?! In an age where no one sends snail mail anymore there is typically nothing happy happening in our mailboxes. Besides, with all the junk mail we get, mailboxes full of bills and other dreary things this is a wonderful way to brighten your day!

Before I give you the amazing details of this box, let me say right here that they have NO clue I’m even doing this! I’m sharing this with you because you can do this for yourself

B U T you can also use this as a means of Spreading Joy to someone else and it is VERY Affordable.

The Walmart Beauty Box comes out quarterly. Just 4 times a year but for the cost, you absolutely cannot beat it. HERE is the Spreading Joy part — You can even G I F T a subscription for the same cost! You need to know their birthday (including year) but you can send someone this gorgeous box of goodies F O U R times a year and brighten their day! It’s easy to set up once you’ve set up your account.

Here are the contents of the FALL Box for this year! I absolutely LOVE it! and the PRICE… I love that even more. I know…you are dying to know! (I’m waiting patiently on my Winter box! I am super excited!)

The Walmart Beauty Box is F R E E!

YES! you read that right. You only have to pay for shipping costs and that is just $5! Now you see how this can be a great gift for someone!?!

Who in your world could use a pick me up like this? Who could you gift this to so that they get some happy mail just or no reason? Who could use some encouragement?

Who would love to try some samples of larger products? I know I do, especially for hair care because I have the frizziest hair of all.

Think about it – You could gift this to yourself and 3 others for just $20 a quarter! Spreading JOY is so much fun isn’t it?

GIVEAWAY:

You know I love giving away things! It’s the Spreading Joy part of my heart, I just cannot help it.

Tell me who you would gift a subscription to and WHY – and then ONE of you will win a One Year Subscription for that person! I’ll choose one random person. Make sure you can provide me their birthday. I’m mail them a nice card and let them know that you nominated them and they won.

How fun!?!

Give Away Ends: 1/20/2017 at Midnight!

What are you waiting for, go…sign up! https://beautybox.walmart.com/

Do you subscribe to a monthly gift subscription? If so, what is it (if you don’t mind me asking?) Have you ever gifted anyone a Subscription Box?

Dear Walmart, thank you for making this such a fun, affordable thing! I love you for that.

*I’ve not received anything in return for this article. I’m spreading joy to you by introducing you to something that I think many will love. I’m thankful for Walmart and their ability to provide such a cool quarterly mailing at a super reasonable price.*