ABC’s of Making A Difference

November 13, 2011 By 6 Comments

You can Make a Difference

A – Aware – Be aware of your surroundings. Many people that you pass by are hurting and your bright smile will probably bring them peace, joy and hope.

B – Believe – Believe that no matter how small your gift or act of joy is that it matters and it makes a difference.

C – Cheerful – Your attitude is contagious, so make sure you are cheerful today!

D – Delight – Delight in the joy and success of others.  There are so many negative things that we face each day which makes this gift is priceless

E – Encourage – This is the easiest way to make a difference.  No special talent needed, anyone of any financial level or position can do this.

F – Find – FIND the resources that you have. Making a difference doesn’t have to break the bank. You’ve got what you need right where you are.

G – Goals – Set goals for making a difference.  Decide that you’ll do one or two things a day.  Choose to trade a coffee, manicure or lunch and donate those funds to a charity, like Spreading Joy.

H – Hear – Your family, friends and those you work with are speaking about their likes, dislikes and troubles. Hear what they are saying and act on it.

I – Ignore – Ignore those negative feelings that try to convince you that you are not making a difference.  Every single act of JOY you do for someone is making a difference.

K – Kindness – Kindness matters to everyone.  Sprinkle a little bit everywhere you go!

L – Laugh – Laughter is the best medicine. Find things to laugh about and share!

M – More – Do a little more today for others, than you did yesterday.

N – Notes – Send out note cards and letters telling someone – THANK you for making a difference in my life! Leave sticky notes of encouragement where your friends, family or co-workers can find them.

O – Outstanding – Tell someone what an outstanding job they’ve done. Your cashier, your bank teller, your husband/wife and child!

P – Passionate – Be passionate about what you do.  The joy you feel will be undeniable and others will want to follow suit.

Q – Quality – Do your best, give your best and know that in doing so you’ll enhance the quality of your life.

R – Remember – Remember that you matter and you are unique….just like everyone else.

S – Speak – Say it today! Don’t wait.  Speak your heart to those special people in your life.

T – Thanksgiving – Don’t just practice an attitude of gratitude during one month a year.  Thanksgiving is something we should be doing each day.

U – Useful – Help someone. Don’t just hope that someone else will do it, YOU do it.

V – Valuable – What is valuable to you? Things, stuff or money? Try valuing respect, honor, truth and love more. Priceless gifts.

W – Whimsy – Add a little whimsy to your day and to those around you.  The fun sprinkled through your day will widen the already existent smile!

X – Xcuse me? – Don’t tell me you can’t make a difference! Everyone can! Here are 50 ways to do so without spending a penny – AND – if that isn’t enough, here are ANOTHER 50 ways!

Y – Yourself – Fearlessly be YOURSELF. You are amazing and we need you to be you.

Z – Zany – Be a little zany, silly and carefree. Be positive and run the negativity out! Enjoy each moment and let your heart smile!

 

Spreading Joy and Making a difference is easy!

Talk to me….what do you think? Can you do this?

 

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Taming the Madness

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

awwww, poooor Big Bird

This month is the month that we set aside specific time to reflect on all the wonderful blessings we have.  We focus on the huge things like our family, home, job, car and friends as well as the gobs of little things like coffee, Diet Coke, Reese’s Cups and warm cozy sweaters.  We could never truly list all of the things that we are and should be grateful for.  So, why are we a grumpy sort of people sometimes?

We sometimes get grumpy during this season of Thanksgiving because there is so much to do and so much to get for this time of the year.

How do we tame the madness?

I’m going to give you the best kept secret ever! You are going to thank me for years to come for revealing this to you.  Shoot…..maybe you’ll even throw a party in my honor, who knows. Here it is…..

Plan ahead! 

You heard me.  A little planning is all it takes!

Here are some easy ways to do so:

  1. Between now and Christmas, start purchasing the pantry staples you’ll need for your gatherings.  Add a little into your weekly shopping trip and the cost won’t kill you either.
  2. Take advantage of Christmas items already being displayed and toss in a roll of wrapping paper to your buggy.
  3. Plan easy family meals for the day/night just prior to your larger events.  Your family will enjoy the change and you’ll have less to worry about.
  4. Make your Christmas List right NOW.  (I’ll wait) Divide it up and start purchasing some items so that the finances are not stressed the week before Christmas.  If you get your shopping done ahead of time, you can simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
  5. Are you baking gifts for others this year? Gather up all of your supplies with each shopping trip.  Plan who is getting what and jot down the items you need.
  6. CANDY – Candy is on sale – especially right after Halloween.  Purchase some bags of it and DO NOT eat it.  Gosh…trust me when I say that I know how hard that is, but put it away for stockings and make up a few bags for those last minute gifts that you can pop into a nice container and present JOYfully.
  7. Plan a simple yet delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot and the presentation can be amazing, especially for you artsy types.   Turkeys go on sale, so do all the other items. You could easily pull off a huge meal for less than 40 bucks. Less than going out to eat at many places these days.
  8. Slowly decorate your home. Don’t rush through the evenings like a mad person, barking out orders, shoving things out of the way – instead, turn on some soothing Christmas Music and enlist the help of your family. Have fun, sing LOUD and make a wonderful memory.
  9. Start a Gratitude List and display on your refrigerator. Include a column for each of your family members names.  Add to it daily to keep your heart in the true spirit of thankfulness.
  10. Tell others what they mean to you.  Such a small thing when you think about it as it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, BUT when you are the one hearing it….it’s priceless.
  11. Start writing out Christmas Cards now! Do this as you are watching TV in the evenings. As you are writing you’ll be thinking of the amazing people that fill your world with great JOY and gratitude will flood your heart!
  12. Schedule YOURSELF some down time! You are planning for everything, leaving nothing out…..well, sortof. Make sure you plan some time to simply relax and be joyful.

 

There are so many more that I could include here, but I want to hear some of YOUR tips for taming the busiest season of the year!

I also want to see some of the things you are thankful for – big and LITTLE…so use the comment box below and share with us!

 

 

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Demonstrating the Love of God

August 8, 2011 By 1 Comment

Me & Pastor Harrison

Pastor Michael Harrison of The Community Fellowship in Collinsville VA invited me to come and see what was happening in their community for Back2School 2011.  I was honored with the invitation and decided to make the trip to see what was going on in his corner of the world.  What I saw and experienced was nothing short of amazing.

The entire event was very well laid out, from beginning to end.  People came at their designated times, signed in and went to the story area.  They were told about Christ and about washing feet/serving and how we show love for each other by serving and helping.  The next station was where all the children received free haircuts if they choose to. People from his church, community and others that wanted to help make the day special volunteered to cut hair.  Even though it meant standing much of the day, these volunteers were very professional, giving these children great cuts to start their school year off with.

Then the children moved on to received their new shoes and a pair of socks.  I had the honor of working in this area.  There were about 25 chairs set up for the kids to sit in and we (the workers) sat on the floor in front of them.  We removed their shoes, sock and told our runner what size we needed.  As we washed their feet, we chatted about what they wanted to be when they grew up and anything else that came up.  3 of the children that I served were enjoying their birthday that day.

I'd LOOOOVE to have a pair of these!!

The best part was when the new shoes came out and their eyes would light up.  From girly pink converse, to sky blue and then the one’s that had hope, JOY and love on them.  Some of the shoes lit up, some had Speed Racer and the Mach 5 on them, but ALL of them brought mile wide smiles from the kids as well as the parents and grandparents.  I was blessed to be able to pray with each and every child that I served.    Talk about an honor.  Several of the children gave me the biggest hugs and thanked me before leaving. I smiled and said you are welcome and invited them to come and be part of this awesome church, knowing I was just a visitor for a day and that the thanks belonged to a church with a huge heart for others.

They left that area and went on to receive 5 articles of clothes.  This clothing area was nothing like I’ve ever seen.  They looked neatly pressed.  I had the chance to speak with Nancy, who heads up the clothing closet and she told me that 25 precious ladies help keep it neat and in order by volunteering their time each week.

Once the kids received their clothes, they were then able to receive their brand new backpack filled with various school supplies.

I pretty much stayed in the one area from 9:45 am to 5:30pm.  My husband worked in various places through the day.   They started at 8am and I have no clue when the cleanup ended so that services could take place on Sunday morning.

Washing Feet

I can’t imagine the work that was put into this event through the entire year and invite Pastor Harrison to share in the comments below anything his heart desires.

The ladies I worked alongside of were simply wonderful! Everyone was super nice and had no idea I was from so far away, not that that mattered, as we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

I felt at home there, serving with them and look forward to going back next year and even helping where we can before then.

It’s my honor to support them financially, to be a voice for them and to do what I can to help.

I went there to spread some joy and be a blessing to Pastor Harrison as well as to see how they are making a difference in their community so that maybe one day, my community can reach out to others in the same fashion.  I received a wealth of information on making a huge event like this happen as well as back2school supplies for my own upcoming event. Unbelievable!

If you are in the area, I invite you to check them out.  If you are on twitter, I invite you to follow @michaelharrison and his church @the_community.

Thank you Pastor Harrison for the invitation and the opportunity to serve your community!

Please visit the following

The Community Fellowship – church link

Pastor Harrison’s Blog

Information on the Dream Center in Collinsville VA

Here is a link to Pastor Harrison’s Summary – in short 938 students came to the event and when you include adults over 2,000 people showed up.  Over 400 haircuts were given, and over 230 volunteers helped to ensure this event was the best it could be.

Amazing.  Completely Amazing.

 

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The Little Things

October 3, 2010 By 9 Comments

Holding Pure Joy! Thanks Chris!

Some time ago, I came across a saying

It’s the little things that make life Big

and instantly I fell in love with it, because my heart has always celebrated little things.  I even asked my mom recently if I had always loved the little things in life as a child and she recalled that I did.  That the small, wonderful and simple things were always amazing to me. Learning that made my heart smile.

Many that know me, know I love Reese Cups and the picture here is me holding a “GIFT” from a student that had just attended the concept of Spreading Joy presentation at their school. I held it up to Angie, saying in my mind “LOOOOOK what I just got!!” I was so excited because I came to the school that day to GIVE to the students, not expecting a single thing in return and he put what he had just heard to work by spreading joy MY way.  Those kinds of unexpected little things will make my heart float through the day!

Inspired from a calendar of 10 Happy Things a day I purchased as a treat for myself last year, I started keeping a list in the back of my journal of the wonderful little things that make my heart smile.  I’ve decided to share them with you here, hoping that as you journey through your day with a million little joys floating around you, you’ll take time to notice them as well as appreciate them.  Who knows, maybe you’ll start a list of the little things that make your life BIG too! (I’m ordering the 3,650 Things To Be Happy About Calendar again this year. Click the link and you can to ;) )

In no particular order at all – Some of the little things that make my life BIG!

Coffee Reesecups Hugs Diet Coke Twinkling Eyes
Smiles Missionaries Gum Books Rainbows
Ocean Sunrise Sunset Full Moon Gel Pens w/Bright colors
Cloud Shapes Bright Stars Playdoh Bible Blowing Bubbles
Singing Music American Flag Sunglasses Handwritten Notes
Chuck Norris Soft Carpet Favorite Jeans Monkeys Roasted Marshmallows
Favorite Tennis shoes Riding a Bike Walk along a river Roasted Marshmallows Hot Chocolate w/marshmallows
Holding Hands Blue Roses Teddy Bears Soft Kleenex Over Sized Sweaters
Watching My kids sleep Laying in grass alone Sound of crashing waves Laying in grass w/a friend Catching snowflakes on tongue
Fresh Snowfall Long necklaces Wizard of Oz Fireballs Splashing in a puddle
M&M’s Cute Socks Technology Toe Socks Unsweetened Iced Tea
Breakfast Christmas Green LIghts Soldiers Heart dangle earrings
Standing Firm Blackberry Disney World Nurses Handmade bracelets
Jukebox full of Oldies Lightning across the sky Crossing a bridge w/out stopping Police officers Friends who call in the middle of the night
Roller Coasters Puppies Slinkies Card games Instant Messaging
Board Games Cute Note Pads Sticky Notes White Out Unconditional Love
Steady Rain Rolling Fog Crisp Breeze Hot Soup Waking to a kiss
Forgiveness Cute Purses Quotes Poems Making Cotton Candy
Belly Laughs Pictures Scrapbooking Opals Eating Cotton Candy
Sleeping Babies Audio Bible Audio Books Skype Thunder in the distance
Lemonade Circus Cute Sunglasses iTunes Precious moments
Face Painting No Spill Days iTouch Hair Spray Hot Cookies out of oven
Hugs from nieces/nephews Watching when NO one sees Overstuffed comfy chairs My Heart Ring from Daddy Hot Cake w/melted icing
Swinging on Swing HUGE sliding boards Empty Tomb of HOPE Being SAFE in Gods Arms Breakfast for Dinner
Choices Triple Coupons Coming Home Operas Hugs for NO reason
Walking Barefoot Random Photos Happy Endings Roses Little Debbie Cakes
Plants surviving in my house Growing up to be my Mom Being only ONE in the movie theater Meeting new People Sitting sideways in comfy chair
Ice Cold Slushies Animal Cookies Disney Classics Hope Always having music
Spreading JOY Opportunities Water Slides God’s Power Chuck Norris Bookmark
Golden Sunsets God’s Plan Safe flights Free Dinner Bath & Bodyworks
Smiles during tears Toasted Bagels & Cream Cheese Watching a merry go round Movie Theater Popcorn Social Media making world accessible
Hope Restored New Watches Misprints Paper Clips Kids that talk &talk….
Sparkles of love in eyes of friend Kisses from Todd & Megan Snow that is soft on day 2 Listening to the Rain Watching my kids make the RIGHT decisions
Unplanned vacations Full moon hanging on a cloud Long lingering WARM hugs Seeing Todd for 19th Bday Hearing Harry Connick JR Sing in PERSON!
Blistex Journey Perfume Care Bears Curve cologne Monkey Bookmark
Sleeping to sound of ocean lapping at shore PB&J Sandwiches w/Milk Extra HOT Cinnamon Dolce Latte Laughing thru nite w/a friend Sleeping just after alarm goes off
Free Anything Niagara falls Contentment A quick exit Beach Trips w/Mom
Passing w/A “C” God’s Character God’s Promises God’s Power Free Audio Books
Golden Grahams Curve 4 Women Tweet-ups Candid photos Meeting Chuck Norris
Kids Praying Being Welcome Being Paid Up …….Instead Dreams Coming True
Singing YOU are my sunshine! Power of Holy Spirit Overhearing kids say something nice Chocolate covered pretzels Being held close as I sleep
Texts from my children Sitting w/young people Blowing bubbles w/gum Kisses on the forehead Chocolate covered Marshmallows
Seeing Dad in my dreams A day of “To Don’ts” Beauty in the Ordinary Being loved as always Saved messages in my Voice Mail
Unexpected help Reesecups in mail Being Found Being Trusted My Flower garden living
Angels Among us Hugs from Santa Being Noticed Guidance Ocean at Midnight
Not giving up Pondering Finishing Soaring Fireplace at 1 am
Cute Coffee Cups Saying Thank YOU Treasures of the heart Courage to step out Making a Difference
Smokies of TN Cobblestone walkways Firefighter friends in Boston Acceptance of situation Frequent Flier Miles
Early Morning Smiles Loving with No Boundaries Great things HE has done Appreciating NOW Learning to live again
Phone calls of thanks from ocean Love that lasts forever Realizing love hurts and it’s ok Brightening MY corner of the world Unbridled laughter of Teen girls
Meg sitting upside down Todd’s time beside me talking about nothing Noticing a smile & glance from across the room Getting items donated for others Discernment right on time
Getting what you need Hearing what is NOT being said Computer prayers answered Sitting in Church w/mom Being happy -regardless
Seeing Hearts Grow My moms unconditional love Winning the heart of a shy child Hair blowing in the wind Learning a friend is a true American Hero
Happy gatherings for no reason Getting the gift that seemed ridiculous Realizing the headache is easing up Texts asking are you OK after horrid day Kisses from my almost grown children
Laughing while others wonder Unexpected gifts in the mail Printing off cute photo hugs Sight for sore eyes Little Debbie making it easy to give by giving
Falling asleep immediately Whiffs of old spice Being prayed through Color making my day bright Laughing at myself
Friends Praying Walmart @ 5 am One More Day Protection Getting to the Point
Certainty String cheese 2 hour naps Another Chance My John R. Rice Bible
Wild Flowers New  Journeys Simple pleasures Moments Keeping things going
Giggling…a few days later Honest Communication Inspirational words Listening…really listening Being accepted just as I am
Being Believed in Joy after the Pain Blueberry Muffins Family Cookout Surprise phone calls
Strawberry yogurt Extra night for free Believing in my children Brighter days ahead Sharing my passion
Marie Pong A car to borrow New purse 4 free Messages Peace, glorious peace
Stress free ping pong Cool nights after hot summer Resources at fingertips Hot apple cider w/cinnamon Guilt leaving the heart
Passing with flying colors Fasting & being close to God Finding out you’ve inspired someone Msg of Praise for blessing Psalm 6 Todd in suit & Tie for me
New book in mail No bake cookies Privacy!!! Stickers Knowing this isn’t all
Being inspired Cool Sandals Encouraging texts Milk duds 1895 House a B&B
Learning from an expert Being a persistent little booger Beach all to myself Emptying my heart of guilt Trusting even when I don’t understand
m&m minis Stickers in journal Stickers on FB Coming Home Being a Homebody
Jesus – Always Wanting to…. Gifts to myself Silence Cool sunglasses cheap
Todd saying “its perfect mom” Foggy Quiet mornings One of these days…being today Exploring new places Shaking hands w/40 military personnel
A smile that dries the tears Bright paper to write on Breeze from an open window Sounds that brings smiles Opportunities in another state
Going before security comes Praying without ceasing Travel and exploration Coming home to a clean kitchen Strength for tomorrow
Sweater when you need it Moon hanging in the morning sky Mountains every where I look Recognizing simple miracles Kids having the Bible I gave to them from 2nd grade & they are in 5th grade now
Friends sharing pics of beach & mountains Visiting a new ice cream shop Letting my light shine Christmas Stockings Watching a wall of rain approach
Lance cheese &pb crackers Compliment from Princess Megan Famous Author commenting on blog Warm comfy Christmas sweaters Phoning a friend, asking for help & getting it
Phone call from Todd Contacts & Corrective lenses Praying at Alter & a friend joins unexpectedly Surprise Videos in email from friend Unexpected knocks at door
Cool Journals Chocolate Milk Plums Peace Lilies Fixing a problem easily
Cool Whip Sprinkles on top Remembering IT Heroes Wonder Woman
Fresh Roasted chicken dinner Fav Worship song being sung live Dinner, movie & Bookstore date Friends pics on FB Watching my brothers with their Grand kids
Saying Yes to God and trusting Muffins in the Mail Mustard seed faith Blissful UNeventfulness Sausage Egg & Cheese McMuffin
Bewitched Cool Boots Blue Ridge Pkwy Promises Kept When the stars line up
Cake Icing Wars with Todd Meg Blocking goals in soccer Reading under a tree Warmth from Fire Place Cream Cheese Brownies
Sesame Chicken Bundling up Emergency Exits Par 3 More than Enough
List making Anklets Bracelets Cool shells Stove Top Stuffing
Wireless Internet Lucky Charms Winter Olympics “Getting” It Hands free Headset
Laughing till I Cry Del Sol Nail Polish Mailing Gifts Sleeping In Hot hush puppies
Free E Books Signed Book Silly Book marks Silly Putty Chuck Norris Facts
Cute Stickers Worship Songs Balloon bouquets Happy bunny Key Chain from friend
Special Olympics & the smiles Matching Hair color Sugar free Lattes from McDonalds Burger king Onion Rings Weekend alone at beach
Scotch Tape Sharpie Markers Love Songs Oldies Paper Jam Free Days
Extra Strength Tylenol Mechanical pencils Chocolate cupcakes Secrets of the heart Finding lids for bowls easily
Faith Oranges Strawberries Ranch Dip Late nights on Twitter
Seizing the Day Being Needed An Extra Hug Inner Strength Living your Passion
Soothing rain Bacon Phases of moon Bounciness Upgrades for free
Wooden swing on tree w/ropes Extra suite for guests Sitting in warmth of sunshine Kids doing what is asked on first request Thinking of a friend late at night, calling and they answer
Exactly enough cake Kisses from slobbery babies Unexpected calls that make you laugh Knowing what faith can do Peanut Butter sticks
Messing with song director in church, during service Wonder Woman to do book Missionaries coming to visit church Sitting with Angie in church Minute maid sugar free lemonade
People Watching Tip toeing Wall of windows Chips & salsa Napping in the sun
Cute post it notes Barefoot in grass Romantic table for 2 Slow dancing Love songs being sung to you
Laying in his arms Children that prayin…believing Laughter through troubles Emails Finding true love
Splitting a banana split Ending the day with a friend Arriving safely Easter baskets Sharing JOY with others
Facebook friends God’s Strength More than 1 bestest friend Hot fudge brownie sundae Starting a chain of yawning
Pony tail holders Secret paths Schoochin Clean windows Pimento cheese
Pig tails Face paint Challenge free trips Corn dogs Gazing at sky
Perseverance Funny people Something worth waiting for Early morning thunder storms Time capsules
Welcome home flowers Watermelon Emailed hugs Feeling better after crying Waking to roses
You Tube qued up Help through the rain Swimming Being prayed for & not even knowing it Deep, peaceful sleep – through the night

 

Whew…. that is a lot, I know.  but trust me. this list will continue grow.  Maybe the next set will be in color…as I do love writing in color.  All of these things listed in my journal are in different colors.

What are some of the little things that make YOUR life big?  What JOYS do you see daily that make your heart smile?  I hope you’ll take the time to tell us! You never know who YOU will inspire!

{{{HUGS}} yall

 

 

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Wordless Wednesday

August 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Wordless Wednesday What do you See?

Photo Thx Tammy van Molken

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Finding Joy

August 7, 2010 By 5 Comments

It was my honor and pleasure to be a guest on the Partners in Prayer for our Prodigals Blog Talk Radio with Diane Viere.

Setting Boundaries knows when we love an adult child whose life is out of control we can often feel helpless and hopeless. How do you step back into joy when your heart is filled with sorrow? Regardless of the type of sorrow you are feeling, there are ways of finding joy.

Finding joy among chaos and the feeling that your world is falling apart is completely possible and it was my pleasure to speak with her on that topic. This is a very honest and candid talk about being joyful – even through tears.

Setting Boundaries & Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio Interview

Easy steps to Finding JOY when your heart is sorrowful:

  • Give JOY – This should go without saying, but we often forget that it IS better to give than to receive. When we give anything to anyone, our hearts are often flooded with joy. Giving back doesn’t have to always be expensive, huge gifts.  Cards, smiles, hugs – simple pleasures are just as joyful as other gifts.
  • Smile – Simple, yet can often can make a huge difference to a heart that is sorrowful.
  • Do not compare – Don’t do it.  Comparing things, dwelling on the “have nots” is asking for sorrow.
  • Notice and count the JOYs that are swirling all around you.  – So many little things make our life big, yet we tend to miss it because we are counting our “sorrows” instead of our joys. One easy way to do this is by journaling.  When you write down the JOYs, the happiness, the smile starters – you have something you can look at to remind yourself of the good times.
  • Plan JOY – We plan meetings, Dr appts, visits here and there. Plan some joyful things. Plan a family night. Plan a walk in the park. Plan it and then expect joy. The only rule is that there is no discussion of the sorrow that surrounds you.  PLAN and COUNT the joy.
  • Remember, this too shall pass. We will have trials, tears and sorrow, but it won’t always be this way.  Look ahead into the future. Joy is coming.

Some Favorite quotes:

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. Thich Nhat Hanh

Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. Fyodor Dostoevsky

I could talk for days on end about finding joy, spreading joy and the like.  I hope you’ll be encouraged by listening to the interview and you’ll start finding joy.   Once you start looking for ways of spreading joy, you’ll easily begin to notice opportunities for making a difference.

To easily get started, take the 30 day challenge. One act of joy a day for 30 days, to get you in the habit of spreading joy.  If you think you can not afford to be spreading joy, think again!   Here are 50 ways of making a difference without spending a penny.

Are you ready to find joy? If so, you’ll soon realize that “There is NO joy like Spreading Joy!”

Follow Diane on Twitter http://twitter.com/prodigalHOPE as she regularly has free webinars and documents to help you while you are on the road to sanity!

So, tell me.  How do you step into joy when your heart is sorrowful?

How are you spreading joy?  Do you try to make a difference with someone at least ONCE daily?

Did this interview encourage you to find true joy, even through the tears? I can’t wait to hear YOUR story of finding and spreading joy!

{{{HUGS}}} yall

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Session 5 – Bible in 90 Days

July 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We’ve come a long way through our Bible! I’ve enjoyed getting to know old characters again, being reminded that even though many failed and failed BIG that they were still mightly used by the Lord because they were willing to be used.  I’ve enjoyed hearing many, many times – do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.  I hope that you are enjoying the journey so far as well!

This Weeks Schedule:

  • Day 29 1 Chronicles 1:1 – 1 Chronicles 9:44
  • Day 30 1 Chronicles 10:1 – 1 Chronicles 23:32
  • Day 31 1 Chronicles 24:1 – 2 Chronicles 7:10
  • Day 32 2 Chronicles 7:11 – 2 Chronicles 23:15
  • Day 33 2 Chronicles 23:16 – 2 Chronicles 35:15
  • Day 34 2 Chronicles 35:16 – Ezra 10:44
  • Day 35 Nehemiah 1:1 – Nehemiah 13:14

Books we’ll encounter this week:

1 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 2 Samuel. This book was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended as an encouragement to the returnees. Its emphasis in on the more positive events/aspects of the reigns covered.

2 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 1 & 2 Kings.  Like Chronicles, it was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended to encourage.

Ezra Overview:  When Cyrus became king of Persia, the Lord led him to free teh exiles to return to Jerusalem. Ezra, a teacher “well versed in the Law of Moses” arrives several decades later to discover that many from Judah have been intermarrying with the neighboring peoples.

Nehemiah Overview:  Whereas Ezra is a teacher and scribe, Nehemiah is a leader. The book of Nehemiah celebrates the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls against significant odds. The behavior of the residents when Nehemiah is in residence and when he is not harkens back to the era of the Judges.

Consider:

1.  How does the Lord use the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12?

2.  Does David immediately realize the significance of Nathan’s story about the rich man?

3.  What does David’s response in 2 Samuel 12:13 say about his relationship with God?

4.  What were the consequences of David’s sin?

5.  Has there been an “aha” triggered by your reading this week that you have been able to immediately apply to your life?

Do you know that we are going to be halfway through the Old Testament? *Clapping* GOOD for YOU!!  If you have fallen behind, don’t give up!! Keep reading. Keep at it! You’ll be glad you did!

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

This Weeks Study Guide. 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.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: Bible In 90 Days, challenge, encouraging, goals, ideas, motivation, spirit, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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