Courageous Living

November 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Helping you to stand up courageously!

I hesitated as I saw the book title sitting in my email.

Courageous Living: Dare To Take A Stand; A book that is a call for men to stand up, fight back for their faith and get involved with their families written by Michael Catt, Pastor of Sherwood Baptist in Albany Georgia.

I’m a lady that stands up for her faith and I am and will always be involved with my family in that my greatest desire is that my children serve the Lord faithfully while my husband and I follow the path set before us.

I admit that I half-heartedly downloaded the book from christianaudio.com.  I’m truly glad that I did!

Not only is this book a call for men to “man up” courageously, but ladies, much of it applies to us too.

This book reminds us that we need men to boldly lead the way, following Christ and husbands/dads to hold their family accountable in their actions, owning their mistakes.  We need men to courageously stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone.

The book is filled with example after example of courageous men and women doing what God has called them to do with modern day applications that will encourage the timid, motivate the discouraged and inspire all who read to courageously do more.

Ladies, we are not off the hook here.  Much of what is in this book applies to us too.  We want men to lead the way, but we resist following them.  We use the fact that our husbands don’t go to church to simply stay home because “what’s the use anyway.”  We let our children do whatever they want to because it’s such a bother to keep up with them and we wonder why they don’t choose to serve the Lord when they move out. Enough of the excuses…..time to “man up” ladies.

Being a Christian isn’t easy, never has been, but when in your life time have you heard of a stoning in the USA? Sure it’s often not a life of convenience, but neither is anything that is worth having.

Courageous Living is a call to action for each and every one of us.

It’s our choice to boldly stand and choose right courageously.  It’s our choice to own up to our responsibilities and make a difference for the Lord.  It’s our choice to get involved and be faithful to our local church.

If you don’t like the study groups that are going on, suggest a new one – LEAD a new one, but don’t just be passive about it.  DO SOMETHING. Go, be faithful and get involved!

Be courageous….and watch how others around you will gather courage as well.

Will you answer the call? Will you dare to stand?

This book was filled with many lines that I could quote for days. 

Get the book and enJOY.

(Ladies, anytime you see the word man or husband – simply replace with woman/wife. WE need this too.)

  • We need a new generation of men that don’t look to the corporate as a measure of their success; rather they look into the lives of wives and children.
  • We desperately need men who find their significance in faith, family and hard work.
  • Greatness is determined by God not by man.
  • Life should not be about stuff, it should be about the Savior.
  • A life of courage will see what others can’t see and believe what others can’t believe.
  • Courage demands a decision.
  • The Church can’t resurrect what the family puts to death.
  • If fear is contagious then courage is also contagious. 
  • Fear focuses on obstacles, courage focuses on opportunity.  Fear sees with eyes of the flesh, Courage sees with eyes of faith.
  • Following Christ should not be multiple choice in your home.
  • The faith that once cost people their lives, doesn’t even motivate us to stay faithful to the local church.
  • You aren’t a man until you take responsibility and live in accountability. 

This audio book is read by Maurice England and is extremely easy to listen to  as he reads with passion.

I’ve not seen it as of yet, but I’m sure the movie will be just as good. Watch a trailer of Courageous the Movie here. 

Thank you to christianaudio for a complimentary copy of this book via the Reviewers program.  I am not required to give a positive review of this book. 

Christianaudio has a free audiobook for your downloading pleasure each and every month, as well as gift certificates for the audio book enthusiast in your world.

 

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Essentials of the Heart

February 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Susan, you and your husband serve as Christian Camp missionaries. Share with us how this ministry-focus came about and how it influenced the writing of your book.

My husband and I have been missionary supported at Camp Peniel since 1992. The word Peniel comes from the Bible in Genesis 32:30 where Jacob wrestled with an angel.  He named that place Peniel because he said that he had seen God face to face and his life had been preserved.

The man who started Camp Peniel had a desire that anyone who came would experience God face to face, either by coming to know Him as their Savior or growing in their walk with Him.

Many spiritual turning points in my life happened at Camp Peniel. Decisions that impacted my spiritual life the most were made at that place. Those decisions and disciplines that I learned there are what has influenced my book the most. It is for that reason that a portion of the proceeds will go to Camp Peniel’s scholarship program.

I understand Essentials of the Heart is blessing both men and women. Did you consider the impact it would have on men when you wrote it?  What are they saying about it?

I was blindsided by this one. I speak to women’s ministries; so, my audience is women. One day my friend came to me to apologize for not reading my book that she got a month earlier. I told her that she didn’t need to apologize for that, but she insisted to tell me why.

Her husband had picked up the book and started reading it. She did not want to take it from him until he was finished, but it was taking a long time.  (It is a small book so it shouldn’t take him that long.) He finally came to her and told her to go buy two more books because he wanted to give them to his adult sons for Christmas.

I was floored that he would enjoy it so much that he would want his adult sons to read it, too.

Essentials of the Heart is divided into two parts, Decisions and Disciplines.  What is the significance of this?

“He has made everything beautiful in its time; He also has planted eternity in men’s heart and mind [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun, but only God, can satisfy]…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMP) What that means to you and me is this: God created us with a sense of eternity in our hearts and mind. We know that there is more to this life than the here and now. We sense it deep within us.  The only thing that can bring lasting fulfillment to you and me is our relationship with God and growing in that relationship. That is what has brought me the greatest fulfillment in my life, and it starts with heart “Decisions”, which is the first section of the book. The next section is “Disciplines”. These are daily practices, which are necessary to grow in the Lord.

So the first Essential of the Heart is the decision we make personally for eternity … accepting Christ as our Savior. You list several more Decisions we need to make such as: Who do we want our life to count for, a Decision to Trust, a Decision to Build Intimacy, etc. I’d like for us to look at the issue of Trust. You explain though we often use the words trust and faith interchangeably, we first need to understand what they mean. Could you shed some light on this?

The word trust, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.  Faith according to the Bible is this: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). The Greek word for faith in the New Testament is pistis, which is a firm persuasion or conviction based on hearing according to Strong’s Dictionary.

If you look at all the definitions, that will give you a better picture of faith. It is important what you base your hope on in this life. Here is my definition of faith.  Faith is a firm conviction of hope based on God’s character, God’s ability, God’s strength, and God’s truth when I can’t see what lies ahead.  When I base my hope on God’s character and God’s Word, it is then that my faith will grow.

If someone would like to have you speak at their event, how can they contact you?

They can go to my website, SusanWeagant.com, for information on my speaking ministry.

I know your book is blessing individuals. Can Essentials of the Heart be used for a group study?

There is a pdf file of study questions for each chapter on my website and it is free to download.

About the Author:

Susan Weagant is a loving wife and mother of two wonderful boys. She and her husband, Ben, are missionary supported in the Christian Camping Ministry and have been since 1990. She home-schooled her older son until he went off to college and is currently homeschooling her youngest. Fifteen years of teaching women’s Bible studies have honed her skills in working with women. Susan’s current speaking includes Stonecroft Ministries, MOPS, Women’s retreats, and a women’s community Bible study. Susan’s passion and gift for teaching God’s Word blend well with her desire to share her heart with others. She welcomes the one on one relationship with the women she encounters.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services.


Anyone leaving a comment about this interview will be entered to win my copy of this awesome book!

{{{HUGS}} yall

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Another 50 Ways of Making a Difference

October 10, 2010 By 30 Comments

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

Filed Under: challenge, choices, frugal, fun, giving, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Love Hurts

July 23, 2010 By 13 Comments

A friend of mine reminded me of something today that I know and unfortunately – I know it all to well.  Love hurts!  It truly does. 

No matter who it is that you love, you run the risk of hurting because of that love.  Sometimes it’s done intentionally, other times it’s by accident and sometimes there is absolutely nothing that can be done at all.  We’ve all spent countless hours with tears falling because someone we love has hurt us, or someone that we love is hurting.   

When you give your heart away you run the risk of having to pick it back up, one piece at a time because someone has torn it into a million pieces.  You don’t know if your heart will be treasured as much as you desire.  But still, you take the risk and give it away.

Love hurts when parents don’t care or value their children as much as they should. Love hurts when we’ve taught our children to do their best, make wise choices and they still decide to do what will completely destroy their life.  Love hurts when you are sitting in the hospital room and the doctor tells you to do what you want to do because you’ve only got six months to live.  Love hurts when that person looks at you after hearing they only have a short time to live and says….”what do you think?” At that moment LOVE is killing you and ripping your heart to pieces and all you can mutter is, “I love you and I’m going to miss you deeply.” 

Love hurts when you watch your loved one slowly forget what they’ve known all along as well as how to do simple day to day things.  Love hurts every single time you leave them at the nursing home because they can no longer take care of themselves nor do they remember who you are.  

Love hurts when you do your very best but you hear that your best isn’t good enough. Love hurts when you no longer fit in because aren’t as nice looking as the rest of the group. 

Love hurts when you are holding a limp body that is convulsing with pain because it has been through so much and your only desire is for the pain to be placed on you, but you know differently. You can’t help them; all you can do is hold them and weep because love hurts so much. 

Love hurts when you get a phone call that says “there was an accident” or “they had a heart attack” and you think back to the last words that you said.  Love hurts as you are numb with grief and try to remember if you told them just how much you loved them. 

Love hurts when you’ve tried and tried but fail.  You look upon your friends and wonder when will it be your turn.  You love them, but love hurts.  Love hurts when your best friend is on the phone, crying and the words won’t come.  You have no comfort to offer her, so you listen in silence and cry with her, wishing your heart would speak to you so you could help her. 

Love hurts when you realize that “I’ll always love you” doesn’t mean forever anymore and love hurts when “I’ll never forget” ends way too soon.    

Yes, my beautiful friend. Love DOES hurt.  But Love also does many other things.   

Love comforts the heart that has been torn into a million pieces because the heart is an amazing thing and love is so very powerful.   It is the comfort of sending an emergency text requesting prayer and having that text replied to at 2:30 in the morning saying that others are praying as well.  

Love brings peace on the other end of the phone that simply says, “I’m sorry and I love you. I can not let you hang up until we laugh!”  and then simply talking until the natural effect of love takes place and the laughter simply oozes out.  

Love gives delight and puts a gleam in the parent’s eyes for a visit from a “complete stranger” at the nursing home.  They don’t have the memories anymore, but the time spent right now fills their heart with delight! Love is coming home to a parent that says welcome home, your room is waiting and even though you don’t deserve one single solitary nice thing from your parent, the forgiveness is greater than all that awaits you, because you know you don’t deserve that love or forgiveness anymore. 

Love assures the child and reminds him or her that he doesn’t have to pretend or be fake because their parents love them, just the way they are.  Regardless of weight, looks, IQ, status in school or the kind of career they end up in. Love is real and unconditional. Love is stomping through mud puddles while holding someone’s hand and laughing because this opportunity doesn’t happen often.  

Love is an opportunity to say I will miss you when these few short months are gone, but you have made my world far better than I could have made it without you.  Love is an opportunity to share and laugh at the little things that make life big. We can’t always count on being wildly successful or the greatest, but we can make the most of each opportunity brought our way, no matter how small. 

Love restores hope when all hope has been lost.  It lifts the head of the discouraged, it lights a fire in the eyes of the depressed.  Love motivates, encourages and inspires others to love and usually in a greater fashion.  Love shows the beauty of disfigurement, the tenderness of the aged, the passion of the brave and the power of the fearful.  Love thunders its power through the pain and sickness of cancer and the many diseases that grip our hearts with uncertainty.  Love whispers reassurance that no matter what, I’m right here with you.  

Love divides the pain and doubles the JOY.  Love is patient, kind, enormous, caring, abundant, boundless, dependent as well as helpful, responsible, peaceful, thoughtful, calming and serious. 

 Love will allow a mom to step between her child and danger without consideration of the outcome.  Love will wake a friend in the middle of the night without worry of what might be said later. Love brings music to the heart during the worst trial and allows you to sing even though tears may be falling.

Love is the mile wide smiles that are painted on faces because of the sparkle in the eyes of another.  Love is the hug that doesn’t let go right off the bat because the moment, the instant the hug is given the heart is flooded with spectacular joy from such a simple, yet wonderful gift.  Love is the joy that fills the soul when good nights or even good byes are exchanged.  Love is the tears that are shed because you wonder how in the world you ever made it through the day without their love to begin with.  

Yes, it is true.  Love does hurt and the risk is great.  But with all the wonderful things love does, I say go for it!  Love and love deeply!  Love is worth the risk as the returns are so much greater than the pain. 

Will you risk love?

Is it worth the risk?

{{HUGS}} yall

Filed Under: choices, difficulties, encouraging, favorite, happiness, motivation, passion Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Desires of the Heart

April 3, 2010 By 2 Comments

As I sit here, watching my son sleep, my heart is incredibly HUGE! 

For weeks I desired to see Todd for his 19th birthday.  Spoke of it with a few people, (ok…whinned about it too) but pretty much hid the desire in my heart as we are recovering from a difficult financial year last year…and the added cost of tuition each month, well – that is something else entirely.

I had, in my heart, resolved to quietly sit at home on April 3rd, speak to Todd on his birthday (while hiding the tears from him of course. Not that I do that well at all…I don’t.) and just lay low, let the day pass and make it through some how.  I know that there will be birthdays that I do not see him, I was just dreading the fact that it was going to be this one!  I was going to keep myself extremely busy – avoiding the pain and void of not seeing my son for his birthday.

I’m grinning as he snores, such a pleasant sound to my heart.

I have my very own Mommie to thank for this gift!  I’ll never be able to repay her as it is priceless to me.  We plan on leaving and NOT telling Todd so he would be surprised for his birthday – and boy, was he was so surprised!  I worked it out with his boss, Linda, that we would meet him at the store.  (Thank you Linda for your awesome gift of TIME with him!)

Listening to him, it has been an awful week.  I had spoken with him many time, even past midnight my time because things seemed to be going from bad to worse.  First year of college blues wasn’t helping either of us. He told me many times, “I just want to come home.”  I wanted to tell him it was going to be ok, because I knew I was coming to see him in that week.  I wanted to leave before I was scheduled to, just so that I could hug him and tell him it’s all going to work out.  Even though he was turning 19, he was still my baby and I wanted to help him through this rough time.

It’s time to surprise him.  Knowing he received my facebook status’s to his phone, I entered the mall and updated my status to say “walking around the mall”.  He didn’t know I was walking around the mall he was working at in ARKANSAS.  It couldn’t have been MORE perfect!

He was turning around to do something as we were walking into the store! He had no idea we were coming. The shock, surprise and happiness were all evident as the emotions swept over his heart!  The best gift of all – the HUG!! I love hugs and am unashamedly a “hugger”.  I love real, two armed hugs!! The hug he gave me – priceless!

So, I’m floating through this amazing weekend.  Trying to pry my babies out of bed now, so that we can just enjoy the day together. But, I could not resist taking a moment and saying – Happy Birthday Todd.  Isn’t it just the greatest thing to have such an amazing gift of time?! Yes. I believe it is. Oh, one more thing.  You, the readers of this blog, will allow me to indulge and express my complete adoration for my son..right? [nodding, sure you will - and I thank you]

Dearest Todd,

As you lay sleeping and snoring, you are also doing something else.  Warming my heart!  I have been watching you for hours now, so very thankful for this gift of time with you.  You remember when you use to jump up in the mornings and get ready for school as quick as you could, then lay back down with me until the actual time to get up? You’d always hold my hand.  I love that.  I love how you are fun, how you love to laugh and how wonderful you make us feel when we are around you.  I love remembering the little boy that you were, running around in your cowboy boots and diaper only, helping yourself to the last drink of mountain dew and saying “Thanks mommie for sharing with me”…and I love seeing the fine young man that you are growing into today.  I love that you still hug and kiss me in public.  That is a huge honor!! I’m so proud of you! So proud of the Christian path you are choosing. Choosing because you want to, not because it’s what I taught you to do.  So proud of how you are seeking God’s will for your life.  No matter where God’s will leads you, you’ll be the happiest and have the most JOY, right in the center, as HE will provide a way for you to walk the course He has set for you. I pray you keep seeking God’s perfect will for yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other…step by step, day by day – one problem at a time, one pleasure at a time. Always remember the little things, they truly are the biggest, bestest things ever!  I sure do love you son. I simply can not find the words that will express my love and gratitude to the depth that I feel them in my heart.

Love forever and always,

Mommie

To my very own wonderful Mommie….thank you!! I can only hope to grow up to be half as wonderful as you are!! I love you!

What are the desires you are longing for?  Is your heart heavy because you are missing a child in college?  Missing a child in the military – or something I can not imagine….are you missing a child, who is in heaven?

We have so many desires of our hearts don’t we?  Let’s take them one at a time.  Working towards our goals and desires if we can.  If we can’t, working with what we have to meet the desires the best we can…just as I had thought I would have to, using skype, cellphone, email and texting.  To tell you the truth, had I not been able to visit with Todd, I would have probably contacted him using each one of those means.

Keep plugging away at your dreams and desires.  You never know – you simply never know.

You are awake now! Time to get ready for a wonderful day! Love you Todd. I sure do love you lots n bunches!

{{HUGS}}

Filed Under: choices, encouraging, goals, happiness, motivation, passion, Spreading Joy, thanks Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Making a Change Series – Launch the Dream!

August 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

A DREAM you should be launching
This post is the 2nd in the series Making A Change.
(again, if you wrote this, please let me know so that I may give you the proper credit for inspiring me!)

To go out and change the world one should have:


A GOAL you should be pursuing;
A DREAM you should be launching;
A PLAN you should be executing;
A PROJECT you should be starting;
A POSSIBILITY you should be exploring;
An IDEA you should be working;
A PROBLEM you should be tackling;
A DECISION you should be making.

The greatest force in the world is a positive idea

Doing for others is something that I’ve always had a passion for. I love making sure things are taken care of, I love meeting needs of those around me and I love making a difference in the life of someone who is not expecting me to do so!

Spreading joy and doing fun, silly yet encouragement type things is just in me. I can’t help myself!

I’ve worked with inner city children for many many years now and have always tried to do more for them to give them the encouragement they need to know that dreams do come true, to know that this path they struggle on now will not always be. I do this through a local church. Sadly, many organizations will no longer support a “religious” Non Profit group and these children feel the pain of it. I kicked around the idea for a year and a half about starting a “non-religious” Non Profit so that anyone, anywhere could benefit from it and so that I could make a difference and satisfy my craving of giving to others. I also realize that so many people are discouraged and think that their little bit doesn’t help – but I want to remind them it does. I want them to know the joy of spreading joy! I personally benefit from spreading joy as I have a need – a huge desire to give and give big!
With the paperwork approved in an amazing 78 days and legal in the sight of the IRS, Spreading Joy Corporation was a go! My dream was beginning – as so was a major recession. Many said “You are crazy, this will never work!” Others said, “no one will get Spreading Joy.”
Bottom line – Spreading Joy Corporation wants everyone to realize that every single act of joy done for someone (anyone) reaps HUGE benefits for the receiver as well as the giver. Encouraging others is FREE and anyone can do it. I also believe that those of us who can give and do for others – should.
What are my dreams for Spreading Joy? What if money was no object and I was spreading joy on a full time basis day in and day out? I’m glad you asked, I’d LOVE to share that with you! (Well, at least a few of them!)
1. I would feed the inner city kids I work with every weekend. Many only get “free” school lunches, so when school is out – meals can be scarce.
2. Christmas in July wouldn’t be about preparing for the upcoming Christmas – Nope, it would be a full blown Christmas celebration with all the works, trimming and presents to go along with it!
3. Groceries for others – I would love to be able to walk up to several people as they are checking out of the grocery store and pay for their groceries. 1 person a day, each and every day. Never knowing where I may show up next.
4. Back to school wouldn’t be a horrible problem for several thousand children. Not at all.
5. Christmas – boy, that would be an awesome celebration. All the fixings of a Christmas Dinner for several thousand of the finest inner city I know! 2 or 3 gifts for each of them. Maybe some new clothing. There isn’t enough room to right the dreams I have for these kids at Christmas time! It would be a blast just to sit back and WATCH the magic happen!!
6. Spreading Joy Across America! I would go state to state reminding people of the joy of giving! Speaking about the huge blessings of doing for others! Having sponsors that would enable me to “give” things as I travel to help those in need. Reminding people that there truly is NO joy like spreading joy! There is joy for the journey! It is all around us! We just need to be reminded sometimes!

SNAP, SNAP – back to reality. That is honestly just a few things off the top of my head. I would be a little more structured, have a plan etc. But the question now becomes, since we are in the midst of a horrible recession and things are financially worse than ever, what is a gal with a big desire to give supposed to do?

WORK THE DREAM! Launch it! Keep at it until it becomes a reality! Never give up!
*I can’t travel across America and tell others about how wonderful and easy it is to be spreading joy every day and making a difference – but I can meet with various ladies groups in churches and start there. I can show/remind them that there is joy in the journey – no matter what we are facing!
*I can’t throw a shindig of a bash at Christmas, but I can start now, collecting toys and money to make a difference for as many children possible this Christmas. Making sure that 1,000 kids get at least 1 present, but will SHOOT for 3 each.
*I might not be able to fill 1,000 book bags with the necessary school supplies, but I can purchase a few supplies and give that to the kids to help!
*I can’t purchase groceries for 1 person a day, everyday, but I can distribute food to the homeless in my area and help them with their food needs.
*I can’t make Christmas come twice a year for some wonderful deserving children, but I can plan ahead and start asking various organizations to support Spreading Joy Corporation with a toy drive or a change drive that will be used for the upcoming Christmas season.
*I can’t feed the kids every weekend, but I can call companies and see who would be willing to take 1 weekend day a quarter and set a goal of finding 13 Organizations that will commit to feeding the kids once a quarter. I already have one, (Jim – I’m calling you) so I only need 12 more to go!
Will my dream stop there? No – no way! I dream of giving big, HUGE. This is just the beginning. Don’t focus on what you can’t do when it comes to your dreams!
Focus and work on what you CAN do and get those dreams out there! It isn’t enough to “launch it” – work at it. Set goals! Never give up!
Photo: Kids I DREAM of helping! These guys have been hugging me for 3 years now! We helped them at Christmas! I love you Q and S!
Filed Under: challenge, motivation, simple, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Good, The Bad and the Crazy

June 25, 2009 By 4 Comments

I love twitter. I love that I have met so many wonderful people there. The other day 2 of my favorite tweeple were tweeting back and forth and it caught my attention. After being asked how things were – @coffeesister replied saying ” @HappyLotus has actually been a really rough coupla days yet w/great things in the midst, hope your busyness was a goodness but YAY for calm”

I knew exactly what she was talking about – except for me it has been a rough couple of weeks. Normally we handle problems and move on but sometimes, every once in a while, a problem creeps up and you have to stay with it longer than you desire. The question then becomes, how do you keep focused on the good things going on around you while you concentrate on the bad and the crazy

I won’t bore you with all the bad that has been in my life since the first of May, but so that you get the picture, I have to share a little bit of what has happened. Late April I issued a challenge to my twitter friends to do an act of joy a day so that they may see that “there’s no joy like spreading joy” and I would join in myself. I’m personally (not including the things I do through Spreading Joy Corporation – but as an individual) trying to reach 1,000 acts of joy and set a goal of 3 acts of joy a day! I’m a giver, love to give and therefore that shouldn’t be a problem – right? W-R-O-N-G! Another twitter friend @dr_uw commented “I like your page, very encouraging to risk exposure and share.”

I remembered that comment when my phone rang at 7:15 at work on that first Friday morning in May. My husband who had been only working 32 hours a week for months had been given the news the day before that they were only going to be able to work every other week. Not totally laid off, but not making 40 hours a week either. My daughter, Megan, had been dealing with vomiting for most of April and we were taking her to test after test after test. My son, Todd, was graduating in a few weeks and would be heading off to college at the end of the summer and then there is the normal, usual stuff that just goes on. In May the washer broke. That same week, while I was at the laundry mat my husband had a flat tire on the way home and that very night my son’s car had a flat tire. (Great a washer and 2 tires) The next week my breaks were going out on the car and when my husband went to change them he noticed that 2 of the lug nut BOLTS were off – yep….gone. He went to take the tire off and what do you know – the OTHER TWO broke off. I could not believe it. I just knew we’d have to pay a tow truck to take my vehicle a mile down the road to get fixed. This is all in the middle of dealing with Doctors and Nurses phone calls and trying to keep Spreading Joy Corporation going. I’m not telling you all of this for your pity – I will take your prayers – but I want to share how in the world we made it through the month of May without totally losing our sanity.

I did not make my personal goal of 3 acts of joy a day in the month of May, but I did continue to do something everyday – just as I have done since April of 2008. While I was focusing on Megan and trying to help her and dealing with the crazy things that were going on around me I knew that no matter what, things would be ok because of the support we had.

The support during this trying time has been unbelievable! So many people are praying for Megan and while it is so hard watching her be so sick sometimes, knowing that she is being prayed for around the world has provided me with great peace. The tweets, the emails, the phone calls, the card and especially the prayers. I love giving and doing, but sometimes you have to let people support you, that is all there is to it. If someone wants to know how you are – tell them. You don’t have to be whiney about it, but say that its hard if you need to. Say that you are concerned. Don’t carry the burden alone. Take the help that is offered.

I had to remember – this too shall pass. This is only a small piece of the journey. You will not be on this road forever. Things will look up. Things will get better – count on it! Don’t dwell on this state that things are in…look to the future as it is a bright one!
I have made sure that I remain a source of motivation for others as well as giving others. I know you’ll probably tire of me say “There’s no joy like spreading joy” but it is true! When you give, do or encourage others YOU will get so much more back. The joy you receive when you are focusing on others is truly unspeakable. Your heart is warmed, your soul is thankful and the joy that is there because of the difference you’ve made is unwavering. You can have joy through the journey! You can have joy through the trials.

Take it one day at a time. If you have to, take it one hour at a time! Don’t hurry through your day. Don’t try to tackle everything all at once. Focus on what is important and let the rest wait. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Stay in the now..the right here and make it work.
Don’t remain so focused on the “crazy” that you miss the blessings that happen in between. While all this was going on in May – good things were going on too. My son was getting ready to graduate, Spreading Joy received a $10,000 matching grant and little did I know that a $500.00 grant to Wal-Mart was being approved. New friendships were being formed and thank goodness School was almost over! Great things were happening and I was noticing it. I could have easily missed it – had I been focused on the “crazy”.

Remember, we are all going to go through the good days, the bad days and most certainly the crazy days. Keep your chin up. Things will be good again. I promise!

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. “~ Ayn Rand
Filed Under: Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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