30 Day Challenge Jan 2011

I love spreading joy to others, but more than that, I love how easy it is to get into the habit of spreading joy.  A new year is upon us and it is my goal to help you see just how easy it is to get into the habit of spreading JOY.

The 30 Day Challenge - ONE thing a day for someone else, on purpose.  That’s all it takes. It can be for family, friends or random people.  Your mind will be looking, thinking and preparing for ways of spreading joy in no time.  This can be anything to help make a difference.  It can be a smile, it can be an encouraging email or text message.

The sky is the limit here and it is NOT hard to do this. By the end of the month you’ll have gotten yourself into the habit of spreading joy and it will be a natural thing for you to do as you meander through your day. Being aware of opportunities is key and this challenge is designed to get you thinking and looking for ways to make a difference each day.

Here is the challenge.

Will you publicly join me in developing this habit of spreading joy?  If so, please let me know.  I’d like to add your name here to a list – so that I won’t forget who is joining me, but so that I can encourage you  too. If you are on twitter, please include your twitter name, cause I’m old and forgetful like that!

Together we can journal our daily acts of joy.  I will write in my journal each day about what was done and then every 3 days or so, come back here and update things in the comment section.  I would encourage you to do so as well.  This will encourage everyone that is participating.

I’ve done this challenge publicly before and here is a link to how it turned out.

I would love to hear how this challenge affected your daily outlook, if you had any troubles and just over all, how it made your heart feel, to think, plan and then execute this challenge.

Ideas to get you going:

  • Give away reesecups and Little Debbie Cakes randomly
  • Have a NO chore day for family
  • Leave the closer parking space for someone else
  • Purchase a book of stamps and mail to Spreading Joy
  • Recycle, recycle, recycle
  • Have a “Eat dessert first” night with your family.
  • Make a financial donation to Spreading Joy, see if your company matches charitable giving – 2 acts in one
  • Meet someone for coffee and purchase it for them.  Enjoy the chat.
  • Sign up for this challenge and invite others to do so as well!

There are some ideas to get you going. If you need more, don’t forget that there are a total of 100 ways of making a difference WITHOUT spending one single penny listed here and here on this web site.

Are you ready to take the challenge?  Are you ready to develop the habit of spreading joy?

Those taking the 30 day challenge:

@spreadingJOY

@smooth_stone

@GodsWordisTruth

@10thamendment

@LifeVerse

@sharritiner

@sweetshel

IF we all do just 1 act of JOY a day – so far we are up to 217 #actsofJOY for the month!! wow.  I’m so excited to be making a difference this way!! Thanks for JOYning me!!

Sharing this IS spreading joy

In A Valley

I love catching shapes in clouds & the mountains are always beautiful

I’m in a valley.  It’s true.  Have been for about a month now  AND  I love it!  I do!  I’m working in beautiful Salem Virginia.  Mountains are everywhere I look.  The ride to and from each week has been gorgeous with the color of the leaves changing to burnt orange and bright reds.  Megan even asked me when I started working there, what it was like.  My reply was, “I’m in a valley,” to which she responded ohhhhhh, niiiiice! I had to smile because I knew that I’ve been wondering about life’s valleys.

Being in this majestic valley has got me thinking lately about “life’s valleys.”

We all go through the valley in life, there is no escaping it.  It’s a matter of when.  My question to myself has been why don’t I “look up” at the wonderful surroundings when I’m in life’s valley, just as I’m doing while working here in the valley of Virginia? I know that I’m surrounded by a million little things that make life glorious and I also know the valleys are going to happen. So what is the disconnect?

Could it be that I’m so focused on the issues that I forget to look up and enjoy what is around me?  Or maybe the discouragement during that time has put a huge cloud over me and I can’t see the beauty that is all about me? Could it be that discontentment wastes my energy and I have no strength to focus on making it through the valley?  Why have I never thought of looking up before?

We all have so many blessings in our life that should carry us from one valley to the next but when we are in those valleys – we tend to forget them, so our stay there seems much longer than necessary.

The valleys of life are hard. I’ve been in many of them and do not enjoy them during that time.  I’m always thankful for friends I can come to for help, but like many – I sometimes choose not to ask, for fear of being a “burden”.

I faced another closed door a few weeks back.  My heart ached with great pain, discouragement and no music was there. Until I poured out my heart in the following words that day, I sat in silence. No singing, no happiness and fighting back the tears from yet one more closed door.

The Closed Door

Sometimes the hurt is too much to bare
Even though you say I can, I feel I can’t share

The Load is heavy, the road is long
The heart is weary and has lost its song

I know there’s hope that never ends
But for now it seems my life won’t mend

I just want to be held, I’m tired and weak
I’ll simply rest in silence, as I can’t even speak

You are strong, I’m not.  I can’t even try
I can’t stop the tears from falling from my eyes

This is me, this is all – there is nothing more
Such is my life – as I stand, facing the closed door.

Will I remember this in my next valley? Yes. Will it make a difference? I honestly don’t know.  Will I struggle along alone? I hope not. I hope that I will have the courage to ask for help that day, but it takes courage for that, and I’m far from courageous.

What do you think?  Why do we not look up when we are in life’s valley?  Why do we struggle alone – without asking for help?  We have great friendships and tons of resources, yet we choose to limp along through the valley – alone.

Tell me, what is the disconnect?

{{HUGS}} yall


Sharing this IS spreading joy

Another 50 Ways of Making a Difference

There is something deep within us all that knows it is better to give than to receive.  That is why my heart is always screaming “There’s NO joy like Spreading JOY!” Just like most people, this economy is killing me financially.  I can’t seem to get out from under the ever growing snowball of horror as far as getting ahead goes.  That does NOT stop me from giving and making a difference.  It’s what I do, always has been, always will be.

This need to give inspired me to write 50 Ways to Make a Difference Without Spending a Penny last year.  I’m honored to say that it has inspired many whose hearts have the desire to give, but their wallet says NO.  My goal with these ideas is to get you to a point that you are keenly aware of ways to make a difference. That you’ll recognize various chances that tend to pop up.   I want your heart to soar as you are doing what you can, where you are, with that you have. And, believe me – it will.

EVERY act of joy, regardless of what it is, has limitless possibilities.  You may never know just how far your selfless act of joy went.

It is my pleasure to present to you ANOTHER 50 ways of making a difference with OUT spending a single penny!

1.  Click on Ads when visiting web sites. – You are already there reading & the owner of the site makes some money off each click, so why not?

2.  Blog Comments – Take a few moments and tell the writer of the article if you liked or even disliked what was written. Feed back is always wonderful!

3.  If you shop Amazon.com USE the affiliate link of a friend! WHY not let a small percentage of your purchase help someone? Don’t know anyone? I know of 2.  Richard @mcProdigal & Brett @ChristianRep (click their NAME to be directed to their sites which has their Amazon link there!)

4.  Make every phone call extremely pleasant. Even the “Non helping” help desk calls.

5.  Post Links to Charity organizational events to your facebook wall or twitter feed. If you can’t donate a financial gift, donate your voice! Do it daily to help promote the event without being asked to.

6.  If you know someone is having a rough day, make a video encouraging them to keep going and email it or facebook it to them. I have received a few of these, and LOVE it!

7.  Donate  your used computer, projectors etc to someone that doesn’t have one.  May take some time to research it, but completely worth it. Many single mom’s would love NOT to have to go to a public library to use the internet.

8.  Leave a comment below with a way of spreading joy without spending a penny. ;)

9.  Establish a monthly “NO Chore Day” for your entire family. Mom – yes, this includes you too. Do something fun with that time. The dishes will wait for you!

10.  Invite a friend over for coffee, dessert and a fun time of chatting.

11.  Color with some children.  Color with YOUR children.  Don’t even stay inside the lines. Be adventurous and color outside the lines.

12.  Email this list to someone who has a huge heart but is without the financial means to make a difference.

13.  Turn off all lights when leaving the room.  (Mom’s all over the world will thank you!)

14.  Send an encouraging text to let someone know you were thinking of them.

15.  Give a HUG – my goodness, just do it! One size fits all, you can’t hug the wrong person and even if you are having an awesome day, a hug will just make it fantabulous!

16.  When making homemade bread, double the recipe and give some away.

17.  If you have someone’s Instant Message or Skype contact info, leave them a message even if they are off line. They will find it and be encouraged when they log on.

18.  Send Ecards to people in your email address book.  I love using www.greetums.com and www.sendwisecards.com for this.  The possibilities are truly endless.  Go, encourage and email smiles!

19.  Recently read a book that you loved? Has a friend given you a book that they had published? Write a review and post it without being asked to on your web site promoting it.  Every bit of promotion helps. (I’m so far behind on this…I’m working on it!)

20.  Surprise your family with a HOT breakfast one morning, instead of the traditional quick milk, juice and cereal as they are running out of the door.

21.  Give kind words freely.  Honestly, after a day of “you didn’t accomplish this, you made a D on that test, you monthly projections were off by a long shot…blah, blah, blah” WE all need to hear more positive things that we did do.

22.  Be generous with the pat on the backs, the handshakes and eye to eye contact.  Positive reinforcement here!

23.  When my head is on my desk, don’t bother me. Honestly, there is reason.

24.  Share confidence! Remind others that they CAN do this. They are excellent at what they do. They are strong and will make it through.

25.  When you are sick with a head cold, don’t write. Just don’t do it. Spare us all the whinybrat ickiness and don’t write.  ok?  (LOLOL, that is a note to myself.  I currently have a cold and can’t think of anything to write here and am feeling kind of bratty!  Thus the “harshness” of #23.  I’m leaving this, but will do a for real #25 and stop writing for the night.)

25.  If you see someone in distress, tears or extremely emotional about something.  Even if you don’t know them, take a moment to smile and remind them that it WILL be alright.  Don’t make light of their situation, but do be encouraging.

26.   Return a favor – without being asked.

27.  Do not assume – Don’t do it.  What you think you might know isn’t necessarily the truth of the actual known fact. You just never know….you know?

28.  Wink at random people.  Make sure you pass along a huge smile too!

29.  Shake hands or some how, some way greet our wonderful Military personnel each and every time you see someone in uniform. Look them in the eyes and say thank you.  Make this a rule! I never pass up this opportunity.

30.  Take time to smell the roses.  You pass them in the store, you pass them in gardens.  Take the time to do it. You never know who is watching and how you will inspire them.

31.  Write a note for your child(ren) expressing how proud of them you are. Leave it on their pillow or put it in their overnight bag.  This is always fun for a lunch box too, especially if your child is young.

32.  Be forgiving today.  Bury the hatchet and let bygones, be bygones.

33.  SLOW down – so you won’t be grouchy! YOU know it’s true. When you are in a hurry every SINGLE thing gets on your nerves and you are grouchy.  (Pointing the finger at MYSELF!! I never do things slowly)

34. VOTE – Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

35.  Tell those that you love, you love them.  Seriously.  Go on….I’ll wait.

36.  Designate your company MATCH to Spreading JOY.  Many organizations will match your contributions 100 % up to a certain amount.  Here are some Corporations that match donations.

37.  Attend the party.  Seriously. You were invited. The Host is working hard at putting it together! YOU will make someone happy…so GO – - have fun, sit back and ENJOY!

38.  When singing in the car, LOUDLY, be aware of the feelings of others – if YOU are not alone.  ;) Make sure its songs they can sing along to.

39.  Phone calls – for NO reasons.  Love this.  Go ahead and make that call. You never know who you will encourage,  whose day you’ll make brighter and how that person just might have needed that encouragement at just that moment.

40.  Eat Dessert FIRST.  You will be a huge spreadingJOY hero to your family when you plan this.  Go all out – do ice cream in waffle bowls.  Have Reese’s Cup Pie (and invite me over) or Chocolate Cake with Chocolate frosting.  Have it first and have lots of fun!

41.  Celebrate your UN-Birthday with your family.  Make a cake from scratch, using basic ingredients from the pantry.  The fun, laughter and the fact that it’s your UN-birthday will have your home filled with great laughter and JOY!

42.  Use a gift card that you received for someone else! Wow. HOW selfless is this?  You’ll make a difference and it will not have cost YOU a single cent.

43.  Share your frequent flyer miles.  Do you travel alot? Have an abundance of miles racked up.  Offer a night or 2 at a hotel to someone.  Let me know that you would be a resource of miles for Spreading JOY.

44.  Do not wake up Grumpy.  Let him sleep. ;) (hahahahaha. Ok, that is as old as the hills, but still funny to me.) Seriously.  If you wake up grumpy, focus on others, think of the millions of little things that make YOUR life big and keep the ickiness to yourself until it passes.  We want to be spreadingJOY not spreadingICK.  Check out Confessions of a Cranky Gal.

45.  Host an afternoon Tea Party with your child(ren).  These will be cherished memories indeed. Before you know it, you’ll be attending the wedding of your princess.  Remember, PINKIES up!

46.  Be happy for someone else’s success AND help them, in any way, shape or form to be successful.

47.  Watch your words.  This reminds me of “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” yeah, you remember that rhyme.  IT IS NOT TRUE! Your words are powerful! They will leave a mark on people! Either positive or negative.  You get to choose!  Choose wisely!

48.  Help your child(ren) complete an act of joy every day.  Starting joyful habits at a young age will instill a kindness that will last a life time.

49.  Leave the mole hill small. Do not make a mountain out of it.  Trust me, you’ll face enough mountains in your lifetime.  Don’t add to it.

50.  End on a positive note.  I realize this cannot always be accomplished, but it is worth the effort.

51.  Leave a sticky note of encouragement on a few of your co-workers computer.  Don’t sign it.  Just do it.

There you have it! Another 50 ways of making a difference without spending a single penny.  I love this stuff.  Spreading joy has never been easier.

I know things are tough, but you are tougher.  You can make a difference, right where you are, with what you have.  Free your heart of guilt because you feel you can not make a difference.  You can.  Do one thing a day.  Just one.

What are your thoughts?

Make sure you come back and tell me – How are YOU spreading joy?

((HUGS)) Yall

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Session 13 – Bible in 90 Days

Can you believe it.  The last session?  Wow.  I have enjoyed this journey with you.  I don’t know about you, but I do plan on reading through my Bible at least 2 or 3 times in a year.  Now that I know I can do it more than once a year, I will make this a priority in my life.  Plus, I do love listening to it as well.

So, let’s get to it…shall we?

This week’s reading schedule:

  • Day 85 Hebrews 1:1 – James 3:12
  • Day 86 James 3:13 – 3 John 14
  • Day 87 Jude 1 – Revelation 17:18
  • Day 88 Revelation 18:1 – Revelation 22:21

From Children’s Letters to God:

Dear God, who draws the lines around the countries? – Nan

Dear God, I bet it is hard for you to love all the people in the world. There are only four people in my family and I could never do it. – James

Dear God, we read that Thomas Edison invented light. But in Sunday School, we learned that you did it. So I guess he stole the idea from you. – Donna

Dear God, I didn’t think that orange went with purple until I saw the sunset on Thursday. That was cool. – Eugene

Dear God, thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. – Joyce

Are you getting out of the reading what you expected?  If so, what are  you getting out of it? If not, what had you hoped for and what are you getting instead?

Digging in:

1. After Stephen is stoned, the church is persecuted and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8;1). Is there any upside to this tragedy? What are other examples from your New Testament reading where adversity leads to comparable consequences?

Do you feel that your reading has more thoroughly equipped you for your service for the Lord?

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Hebrews – In this letter to the Hebrews, Christ is explained against the backdrop of the Old Testament. The author of this letter is unknown.

James - James is a half-brother of Jesus. His message here is to submit to God in humility. This book is a call to action, with James asserting a person is justified by what he does and not faith alone.

1 Peter – The apostle Peter writes on being holy, submitting to others and living for God.

2 Peter – Peter reminds Christians that he writes as a witness of Christ’s life and he encourages all to actively develop a number of Christian qualities as byproducts of our faith.

1 John – Echoing Peter, the apostle John proclaims that he writes as one who witnessed Christ’s life.  John encourages readers to walk in the light, love one another and fear not, because perfect love drives out fear.

2 John- The Spostle tells readers to love one another, but to be wary of those who do not bring the teaching of Christ.

3 John- John encourages his friend Gaius to walk in truth and protect himself from evil.

Jude – A half brother of Jesus, Jude calls on believers to build themselves p and persevere in the faith.  (I love verse 22 KJV And of some have compassion, making a difference – compassion, nothing like it.)

Revelation – The Apostle John’s apocalyptic vision is a fantastic end to an extraordinary journey through the Bible. Like the rest of the Bible, reading Revelation once is a good start, but further reading and study are necessary to begin grasping its complex and layered message.

WOW – whahoooo… celebrating the completion of our journey.  I have a  few final things:

How did this impact your life?

Will you recommend that others do it?

If you haven’t finished reading yet, do you plan on finishing?

Is there something you are chaning in your life as a result of reading all of the Bible?

What is next for you?  Do you have questions for further study?  Take a moment and jot down some things that are next for you.  Also, you’ll find “Next Steps” suggestions at www.biblein90days.org  check them out.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide: Week 13: John There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

LASTLY -

As of this writing, I’m not going to finish in 90 days.  But I will finish, as I do not give up so easily.  I have notes scribbled all over the place and will go back and get them together and place them in the comment section of each of the sessions. 

I will also be reading the study guides and commenting on them as well – so check back often – especially the comment section and see if there has been anything new added.

Thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey throught the Bible.  I hope your heart has been touched by it.  I hope you’ll start again, as each time you journey through the Bible – the journey is different.  That is the coolest thing of all.  You get something wonderfully different each time you read. 

{{HUGS}} yall

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Always A Mom

Me and Mom Mother's Day 2010

When I was growing up and dreamed of getting married, having children and being a Mommie, I never really knew what all that entailed. I knew that Mom’s did so much for so many and always loved and respected my Mom for all that she has done for me over the years.

Even though I am a wife – I may not always be one. I will, however, always and forever be a Mom!

Moms wear so many hats and I’m often amazed at what all we can accomplish when we set our minds to it!

We are wife, mom, gourmet chef, short order cook, doctor, referee, entertainer, taxi driver, organizer, event coordinator, slayer of horrible monsters that lurk in closets. We provide miracle kisses that heal all scrapes, scratches and other injuries that do not require stitches or casts. We are alarm clocks to get the day started and the light switch when it’s “lights out” for the day. We are the believer of dreams, encouragers to the end and the gentle shove out of the nest when fear arises. We are a constant reminder that can’t never could and that won’t never will but if you think you can, then you probably will. We are a light in the dark and the sunshine on a rainy day. We sacrifice great things of the present for even greater things in the future. We cry tears of joy as well as endure the tears of sorrow. We handle untimely disasters single handedly while always knowing where the other shoe is. We know that the book you need is on the 2nd shelf to the left – if you’d just look there, you’d see. We multitask better than the most powerful CEO and can whip up a school project hours before it is due. We will believe when no one else around will and keep pressing towards the prize when everyone else is at a complete halt.

Even though we hate it sometimes, we are also the bad guy in this story of life. Hindering our children from doing what they “want” to do when they think it is ok. We are the policeman that strives to keep order and peace as well as the Security guard that keeps watch in the night for dangers that are lurking. We are the backbone when they are weak, yet softly praying that when the kids are older they will have the courage to do what is right on their own. We are determined to preserve and protect and will face the greatest danger for our children – all because we are always a Mom. Even though the kids may think of us as strict, mean, aggravating, ridiculous, uncooperative, hateful and just plain behind in the times – we will always be MOM.

I used to tell my Mom that “I’ll never say that to MY kids!” When ever she said “Because I said so.” Did that hold true? NO, absolutely not. In all honesty I probably said everything she said and then some.

That is why I LOVE this video. It reminds me that I am not alone. Other Moms say the same things to THEIR children. We are always a Mom and these things that Moms say will continue to be said by Moms all over the world!

Thanks Mom for always believing, loving and for giving me something good to grow up to be…just like you!

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Angels Among us

Talking with Grayson about Angels Watching over him.

I believe there are angels among us.  Plain, simple – true.  I’ve had too many instances that should have not ended well, but was protected.  Just last year, when I was walking in my neighborhood, two huge dogs came charging across the road at me.  It was happening so fast!  I could hear the growling, the anger and then their size did not help my fears.  The only thing I knew to do was stop walking and I uttered out loud, “Dear Lord, I need an angel!”  I stood there as the dogs growled and circled me.  I was fearful and felt the tears streaming down my cheek.  I stood still, paralyzed with fear.  The dogs quieted and simply walked away.   There was no doubt in my mind what had just happened.  An Angel stood between me and the dogs.  I had been protected.

In December, my best friend’s daughter is in the hospital having her first baby.  This is special to me as well, not just because she is my best friend but because I had a part in this young lady’s life.  I spent weeks and weeks playing with her and her sister because I wanted to as well as being their babysitter.  It has been my pleasure to remain a part of this wonderful family.

We are all chatting away, watching and waiting for baby Grayson to make his appearance.  He is taking his precious sweet time.  I see the monitor.  His heart rate races extremely high.  I walk over, not saying anything and put my hand on her tummy.  I love rubbing pregnant tummies.  Then I see the heart rate drop, alarming so.  Still, I don’t say a word.  I pray.

Lord, please set an angel in flight to cradle baby Grayson and protect him.

I know the nurses are monitoring her and do not want to alarm the family.  So I continue to rub and pray.  The nurses do come in.  I kiss my sweet girl, tell her I’m praying and that I love her with all my heart.  The soon to be grandparents see the concern on the nurses faces as they say they are going to call the doctor.  The nurses leave and I tell them what I had just witnessed.

I give my best friend and her husband hugs as I leave and promise to pray.  These girls in this family are like my very own children, so my hearts desire for baby Grayson is nothing but the best.

Several hours later, I receive a text – along with a picture of a precious little boy, safe and sound.  Prayers answered.  BUT …..that is not the only reason I believe.

I visit the next day – as I have to see this wonderful bundle of joy.  He is not even 24 hours old yet.  I get to hold him. We are discussing how he opens one eye, but not yet both and just how adorable and brand NEW he is.  I’m holding him to where I can just gaze into his precious face and start talking to him.  I whisper quietly:

Grayson, you gave us a scare little boy. Did you feel the angels holding you last night?

At that point, he coos at me and opens both eyes.  Instantly.  I smile, he closes his eyes.  I start talking about the angels again, and immediately he opens both eyes.  At this point, the tears of joy are streaming down my face.   I have NO idea what is going on around me because my heart is consumed with the fact that I KNOW this child was cradled in the arms of an angel just hours before birth.

It is later that I find out that my best friend took a picture of me during all of this.  You can see Grayson’s expression as well as the tears on my cheek.  She sends me the picture stating that he looks like he is going to tell me something and I’m all ears.   At that point, I excitedly tell her about how me and this precious soul were discussing how wonderful it was that an angel took care of him just before birth.  The photo speaks volumes.

I’m not sure how you feel about angels, but I’m glad they are here.  I’m glad they will protect us, shield us and hold us when we need it.

What do you think about angels?  Do you believe there are angels among us?  Do you feel that you’ve been protected by an angel?

{{HUGS}} y’all

Sharing this IS spreading joy