Boldly Face Tomorrow

January 4, 2012 By 8 Comments

Trials WILL come; it’s just a matter of when.

Tears WILL fall; it’s just a matter of how long.

Your Heart will break; it’s just a matter of how many pieces.

 

I understand this isn’t spreading joy, but it IS truth.

We can boldly face another day with a little preparation; after all, it is just a matter of time before we face storms and trials.

I believe I can say for certain that each one of us will face the following things:

 

Uncertainty:

You don’t know what you’ll be facing.  You don’t know what situations will arise that are beyond your control.  You don’t know about job issues, medical bills and other things.  You don’t know what you’ll be facing.  Choose to focus on the facts, not the uncertainty.  Look at the facts and allow that to help give you direction.  Sometimes all it takes is looking at things from a different view point.  Don’t allow your emotions to drive you.  Emotions are a tricky beast and can have our minds full of fear and doubt.  Even when facing uncertainty, choose to maintain a good attitude while fixing what you can and working around the rest.

 

Disappointment:

I wish that you didn’t have to face disappointments, but the truth is that you WILL face it.  Prepare for it in advance by looking for the good in the disappointment.  It’s an old saying, but still rings true today, look for the silver lining.  It’s always easier to see the negative, but if we teach ourselves to see the positive, it will get easier to find through each disappointment.  I’m not telling you to ignore your hardships, I’m simply instructing you to look beyond them at what treasure may be forming because of the hardship.

The positive things are there, you have to look for them!

 

Fear:

Fear will consume us. You’ll be so afraid to do anything, to make decisions or even just take the next step if you are not aware of just how consuming fear is.  Set your fears aside and focus on the truth of what is going on.  The truth is that YOU are strong and you will make it through this.  The truth is that you have people that care about you and will help you through it.  Focus on the truth!  Find the resources that are available and see if those will lead to more resources.   As things start to fall into place, you’ll notice the fears subsiding.  Let me encourage you to step out into the unknown.  When you do, you’ll feel the courage coursing through you and that will give you the ability to take the next step, and the next one and the next one.

 

Difficulties:

When you are facing difficulties, you don’t have to face them alone.  There are people who have been where you are and they are willing to walk with you.  There are people who have been where you are going, they will help you out!

When we face difficulties, we clam up and withdraw and then try and face them alone.  This is the time that we need to reach out so that we don’t have to battle the depression alone.    Find a friend to share your fears and difficulties with and divide the pain and in doing this, you will also double the joy you share.

When you are facing difficulties that lead to depression, may I suggest you pour yourself into “others.”  Regardless of the finances, we can all make a difference for others and that act alone will help bring deep down joy that no one or nothing can steal from you.

Here are 50 Ways to make a difference without spending a penny.  YOU can make a difference!

 

Sorrow:

Facing sorrow is not easy.  When someone is struggling, spend time with them, chat with them until they laugh.  It doesn’t take a special talent, lots of money or gifts galore.  It only takes a willing heart.  Be sensitive to others when sorrows arise.  Don’t assume someone should be over the grief they are going through.  Don’t assume someone shouldn’t be hurting “over that situation.”  We all deal with grief, pain and sorrow differently.  Be sensitive and kind to those facing sorrow.  If you are in the midst of sorrow or grief, know that it’s ok.  There is no right way to grieve.  Sometimes writing out your feelings – the good, bad and ugly is a way of releasing them.  Sometimes, it’s a matter of sharing them verbally or counseling.  Some may even need medical help.  Whatever your means of facing your sorrow, remember YOU have friends and family that will help you face them.  Don’t withdraw and try to go it alone.  That’s what WE are here for.

Regret:

This is the ONE thing we can choose NOT to face.  Regret.  Regret will break us.  The guilt of regret will weigh our hearts down and beat us.

We all have made bad decisions.

We can learn from our bad choices, we can decide that yes… I did “that” but I will NOT allow myself to be in that situation again.  Don’t let regret keep you from boldly making a change in your life.  Don’t let guilt keep you down when you are capable of doing so much for you and your family.  Don’t let regret win.  You are strong enough to use it, learn from it and then beat it.

Think about this:

If we are living in the past and worried about the future, how can we be effective today?

 

It’s simple – - – We can’t.  Choose NOT to regret.  Put those past mistakes to good use by learning from them and sharing what you’ve learned with others.

 

Emptiness:

There are times that you’ll feel empty, alone and like you don’t matter.  It’s going to happen, it is just a matter of when.  When you face this, once again I have to insist that you go on fact instead of feelings. Feelings are so tricky and emotional roller coasters are not very fun.

Here are the facts:

  • YOU Matter – Not only do you matter, but you matter a LOT.  You are the world to someone!
  • YOU Make a difference – in so many ways.  You feel as though you do nothing special and you are nothing special, but THAT is what MAKES you special.  No one can make a difference like YOU do.  NO one!
  • YOU will make if past this – and when you do, you’ll soar to new heights that you didn’t even know existed.

Use this time of empty feelings to focus on making a difference for others instead of dwelling on how you feel.  It can be as little as giving your children their favorite cereal for dinner, coloring with them in their coloring books.  It could be something like telling an older friend thank you for helping to shape our world into what it is today and taking some time to hear how they did it.  It could be something like extending patience to the cashier that is experiencing one rude customer after another.  Take your mind off of the emptiness that is flooding your heart and place your focus on those around you.  You’ll soon find the emptiness filling up with amazing JOY.

 

Overwhelmed:

Even the calmest person I know will face times when they are overwhelmed.  It’s at this point that you simply can’t afford to feel guilty for stopping and doing something for yourself.

STOP right here, pull yourself away from everything for a little bit.  Go outside, stretch and take 5 minutes to soak up the outdoors.  When you can, take an some additional time to just step away from all that is pulling at you.

If you have young children, it may need to be for 15-30 minutes after they’ve gone to bed, but STOP and do something for yourself.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be done and done without guilt.

Read

Write in your journal

Gaze out the window

Listen to the sound of the rain

Take a nap on the couch – set a timer so you don’t over sleep.

If you don’t pull yourself out of the situation for a little bit, it will only get worse.

 

How are you boldly facing tomorrow?  What other tips would you share with others?

 

To Hear an audio version of this, please click below:

 

 

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Sprinkling Hope This Christmas

December 19, 2011 By 4 Comments

ONE little Question from this Child made many of us cry - "Ms. Marie, are you going to give my mommie Christmas presents for ME?"

Spreading JOY, making a difference and doing what we can, where we are with what we have.  That’s all that any of us can do.

When several hundred of us get together, it simply amazes me as to what can be accomplished.  I wish that I had the time and space to list what each one of you mean to Spreading Joy!  You should know because you cared, gave, worked and used your voice that there was hope sprinkled in the hearts of Mom’s and Children this Christmas.

The tears of joy, laughter and hugs were unbelievable as everyone enjoyed an afternoon of carefree fun.

Children held up “PaSketti” as long as their arms while trying to slurp it up. My friend and I were soaking up the moment as we watched one boy completely enjoying his “PaSketti,” he had a huge smile as he was navigating the food in the right direction and the Pasketti face was priceless!  Others enjoyed the hot dogs and scrumptious macaroni and cheese.  All enjoyed the delicious desserts that the ladies of New Grace Baptist Church provided for us.

We were able to reach out to these amazing women and kids because you reached out with your huge heart, time, talents and gifts.  Thank you! By partnering with us we were able to bring Christmas Joy their way.  Here is a look at what happened:

  • We fed approx. 120 Moms and kids and volunteers spaghetti, salad, bread, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs and dessert
  • There was an awesome selection of drinks for everyone to choose from
  • The Moms were taken next door for some encouragement and shopping for toys.  They were encouraged to Boldly Walk into 2012.
  • We were able to give each Mom a gift bag with the following – Chicken Soup for the Soul book, a second encouraging book, beaded bookmark, Oriental Carpet Creation purse, Nativity book/cd combo, body wash and/or hand sanitizer, coffee & condiment pack.  Do you realize how HUGE this gift is?  These Mothers didn’t come for anything for themselves.  They only wanted gifts for their kids!
  • Each Mom was allowed to Shop for Free for 5 toys for their child to open on Christmas morning
  • After the shopping was completed, they moved into our Wrapping Rooms and wrapped, tagged and secured each present for travel home. You should have been here to hear the laughter and giggles of delight!

While all of this was going on, the kids were having a grand time of their own!

  • They heard the story of the Birth of Christ and how the Angels proclaimed this wonderful gift!
  • We allowed them to row by row shop at our Candy Store.  There were about 30 different candies and treats for them to choose from.  YOU should have been there to hear their giggles and laughter at this! Such a sweet treat!
  • We brought the children over to the gift rooms and allowed them to choose 2 gifts each to take home THAT day.  (The others were from their mom to be placed under the tree)
  • Before each child left, I personally gave each one of them a hug and a Reese’s Cup.  As I hugged them, I told them just how very special they were and that people from all over the world cared about them and wanted them to have a very Merry Christmas.  Their smiles will forever warm my heart!

 

Thank YOU!

As exciting as this day was, there is no way it could have been possible without the help of so many wonderful people.

Huge thanks and a deep appreciation goes out to:

  • Todd, from Mooresville NC – For donating all of the spaghetti, macaroni and cheese and hot dogs.  A HUGE thank you to Murdock, my friend for being my knight in shining armor in this! Both of you guys saved the day!
  • Olive Garden for donating the Salad
  • Those that collected toys for us: Clark Nexsen Architecture, Sport Clips Denver, Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, Iron Mountain & Sugar Creek Garden Center
  • Those that sponsored the Christmas Joy Event – Jeff & Kathy Broom, Teen Challenge Women’s Center, Hope Circle of Linden ARP Church, Sock Grams and LifeBridge Christian Center
  • Thank you Jackie and Bob for using your voices by adding our Christmas Joy Event to your web site and spreading the word as much as possible.
  • Thank you Michael and Angie for helping with emailing and rounding up places to collect toys and make donations.
  • Thank you to The Book Rack in Charlotte for Donating books and the beaded bookmarks and to Lincolnton Book Stop in Lincolnton for donating books.
  • Thank you to those that have Facebooked our event, recommending us for those seeking for places to give funding too.
  • The precious friends I’ve come to know and love on Twitter that help us make a difference! My twitterverse is an amazing place of love and I’m forever grateful for each one of you.  You’ll never know the extent of my gratitude for you! You encourage me more than you can possibly imagine!
  • Thank you to Patterson Pope – my full time employer, for the paid 16 hours of Community Service time to take care of the “STUFF” that is near and dear to my heart.
  • Thank you to Pastor Jerry Taylor and the wonderful family of New Grace Baptist Church! Thank you for your monthly support, the use of your facilities, vehicles and for how you always step up and volunteer to help when we do these various events!
  • My friends and family that always have time to help, volunteer and look for/round up what was missing, needed and offered an arm of support, smile of inspiration and heart of love. I love you and wouldn’t know what to do without you.

 

A special thanks to my Mom for helping me load and unload the majority of these gifts bright and early Thursday morning and last minute sorting on Saturday morning.  I hope that when I’m 70, I’ll still be going as strong as you are.  I love you dearly.

A very special thank you to Steve….my wonderful husband.  For listening to the endless chatter about the new ideas, the Candy Store and how excited I am to be spreading joy.  Christmas has always excited me, but making a difference in this fashion, kicks up the excitement factor…a LOT.  Thank you honey!! I love you.

I hope that you’ll watch the videos, see the pictures and that as you do, you’ll sit back, smile and say…

There’s no Joy like Spreading JOY!

 

Thank you! The hope you’ve sprinkled this Christmas will carry in the hearts of many for years to come!

[whispering] if I’ve forgotten anyone, PLEASE tell me so that I can fix it…and do so quickly!

Also – if you were THERE on this amazing day, please take a moment to comment and share YOUR story! I know you have one!  If you don’t, share how your heart soared in helping to sprinkle HOPE this Christmas!

Here is an audio recording of the encouragement I gave to the ladies:

Boldly Walk into the New Year!

Click here for a thank you video and a closer look at 90% of the toys

A Video for your Viewing Pleasure! Thank you for how you are Spreading JOY and Making a Difference!

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Priceless Gifts

December 4, 2011 By 1 Comment

We all love giving and making a difference.  Spreading Joy is what I love to call it.  The problem is that many of us look at our giving in the wrong fashion.  We look at what we can’t do, don’t have or dwell on the huge things that we may never be able to do.

There are so many gifts that are given to us and we treasure them, but when WE give them back to others, we often miss the value of what we are giving away.  We feel small and worthless because we can’t do more.  These gifts are priceless and should be given freely and often.

Let’s look at some examples together:

The Gift of Strength – Women are strong. We’ll step in between danger and our children in an instant and think nothing of it. We’ll face monsters that lurk in the dark, giants that terrorize our kids and a million other things that make our children and families feel weak and defeated.  Men will think nothing of protecting their family and closest friends, even if they are facing certain death.  When you strengthen another by lending a hand, agreeing in prayer or simply being their rock in times of deep sorrow and pain, you are giving those people the strength to take the next step, to put one foot in front of the other. You know what it feels like when your world has been shaken to the core and then how wonderful it is when a friend steps up to encourage you. During those times when your world is falling apart, a true friend to strengthen you is priceless. Value this gift more as you are that friend that steps in when it seems the world has stepped out.

The Gift of Time – In this hurry up society where the elderly are pushed aside, kids are sat in front of the TV and there is never enough time for anything or anyone anymore, this gift is more valuable than we seem to realize.  I love family gatherings, I love girls’ night out and I love one on one time with my kids.  That phone call out of the blue is often a ray of hope. Give the gift of time, knowing that this gift will always be treasured.

The Gift of Love – Unconditional love is simply amazing. Being loved just for you is a priceless gift we all desire. We feel like we have to prove things to others, be something that we are not or have the nicest things before “others” will love and accept us. Knowing that we are loved when we are whiny, bratty, disobedient, fearful, doubtful and even when we build walls, shutting out our friends is a precious gift. Why, then, do we not value it more when we give this gift away? You don’t just love your friends that live in the fanciest of homes, drive the best cars and provide the best dinner parties.  You don’t just love those family members that never cause you grief or always are helpful. You love your family and friends unconditionally and in doing so; you make a huge impact on each of those hearts.

The Gift of Peace – When the tears are flowing, uncertainty and anxiety are bursting from your heart, then a precious friend steps up, puts a loving arm around us and reassures us, it will be ok.  We don’t have to go through things alone.  When we have a friend that will hold our hand as well as touch our heart with kindness as we are going through the valley brings us amazing peace because we know someone cares and is willing to help us get through. This gift allows us to take one more step, knowing that it’s truly going to be ok.  I pray you use this gift often as you wrap your arms around someone hurting and assure them that “it” will be ok while you listen to them, allowing them to empty their heart of pain.

The Gift of Prayer – When we pray for others, we are sometimes guilty of thinking “I wish I could do more.” Well, I do that occasionally.  Praying for someone is absolutely the greatest gift ever! I’m boldly going before the throne of grace on their behalf and asking God the Father to find favor with them. I’m going before the One that knows their pain, feels their grief and is right in the midst of their trials.  I’m seeking help from the One that can help when no other can. The gift of prayer is perfect as one size fits all and anyone can do it!  I don’t know about you, but when I wake up to an email or message that says “I’m praying for you” my heart immediately smiles because I was being wrapped in prayer while I slept.  I have a policy that I never break.  My mind is usually running everywhere, so when someone pops into my mind and on my heart, I’ll say a prayer for them.  I do this, knowing that God placed them there for a reason since it was out of the blue.  I do try and contact them to let them know, but sometimes that just doesn’t work out.  Give the gift of prayer, without feeling like you should do more.

The Gift of Forgiveness – Pain is pain, regardless of who caused it, where it comes from and how deep it cuts to our core, it hurts! There are some that choose to hold a grudge and will simply not let go and they refuse to give the gift of forgiveness.  As long as we are in this earthly body, WE will hurt others.  We will disappoint, discourage and cause pain and have to ask forgiveness of those we cause this hurt to.  Remember that when someone has to ask you to forgive them.  Think for a moment….who do you need to forgive? Give this gift freely, without the give and take of reminding and remembering the pain.

The Gift of Courage – Standing alone is so frightening. We all feel uncomfortable and so very alone when all eyes are on us.  When you step up, stand up and lead the way, you may never realize it, but you are giving someone else courage to do the same.  Many do not want to stand alone and are fearful, so your simple act of leading the way empowers others with the confidence to do the same. Step up, speak up, stand out!  Go…boldly so!

The Gift of Compassion – When you give the gift of compassion you instantly make a difference. Be compassionate, even if you don’t understand what is going on or how someone could have gotten into “that” situation.  Be compassionate with your family, friends and co-workers as you may not realize what sadness or discouragement is running through their heart.  Be compassionate…period.  Many people are hostel and indifferent to those who are facing hard times. Your gift of compassion is received with a grateful heart and will be passed on. Someone will remember this gift and pass it to another that is facing difficulty. Look through the eyes of compassion today, as you never know when you’ll need others to look on you with compassion.

The Gift of Hope – All the resources are gone…. there seems to be no job, no money, no family members that will come to the rescue…no hope.  You see the need, you do what you can to help as well as do what you can to show them other resources and avenues that can be taken.  You give hope that tomorrow will be better, you inspire them to keep going, keep looking and remind them that someone cares. There’s nothing like the gift of hope. May I remind you to keep doing what you can with what you have and inspire others to do the same! The gift of hope is amazing.

The Gift of JOY – Joy is contagious! Don’t you just love being around people that are happy, joyful and that just seem to enjoy each moment of life? I love watching people like this! You can be going through a sad time, times of trials and discouragement and when someone like this comes your way, you can’t help but to smile by simply being around them. I love giving the gift of joy because this gift gets passed around easily!  Giving out smiles, looking people in the eye and being super friendly is something that we all are capable of doing. Create JOY!

 

These are priceless gifts that we treasure when we get them from others!  Why do we not see the value in them as we give them away to others?

I hope this encourages you to re-think your gift giving, refocus your values on these kinds of gifts and that it reminds you that you are awesome at spreading joy! I hope you’ll remember these gifts as you thinking about giving to others.

One of my goals is to make sure that I’m spreading joy daily and I hope that you’ll make that as your goal as well!

For ideas on making a difference without spending a penny – click here:

50 Ways of Making a Difference without Spending a Penny 

Need more still? Another 50 ways right here!

One more?

Making a Difference is as Easy as ABC…. 

 

This post was adapted from a guest post that I did for the Women’s Bible Cafe.

To see the Biblical application, click here. 

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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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Ekko Web Solutions

September 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ekko Web Solutions Delivers!

I’m such a non-techy gal and have learned so many things along the way of my Spreading Joy journey. When it came time to update my website with a new look, I was a bit nervous.  With so many things in my world that just seems to never go right, I needed “easy peasy done” type changes.  Ekko Web Solutions provided just that for me.

Linda with Ekko Web Solutions sent me a questionnaire and assured me that she’d take care of installing everything and making sure it worked properly.  After a few short emails telling her what I liked, what I hoped for and favorite colors, I received a peek at the design.  I loved it but wanted a few changes.  She was very professional and quickly made the changes.  After coming up with what I love, I asked the most important question of all.  “Can I decorate for Christmas?” Christmas is my most favorite time of the year and is very important to me.

This request was not a problem.  I can’t wait till Christmas time to show you guys the finished product!

Would you like a custom website or custom twitter design?  Do you appreciate great customer service and a caring heart when it comes to work being done for you? Would you like something that shows more than just your business, then you’ll love Ekko Web solutions.

I highly recommend Ekko Web Solutions as they are friendly, professional and a pleasure to work with.  Let me know what you think.

 

Visit their Website:

http://www.ekkowebsolutions.com/

Take a peek at the custom banners and web pages:

http://www.ekkowebsolutions.com/portfolio

Follow Ekko Web Solutions on Twitter and Like on Facebook

 

 

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St. Luke’s

March 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Gorgeous Inside of St. Luke's

A few weeks ago, I took some travel size toiletries by to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for the Hesed House of Hope, our local homeless shelter. To help the homeless in our area, I left a huge box of shampoos, soaps, lotions, toothbrushes and toothpaste  on the back porch of this huge, gorgeous home that is a wonderful part of our small town history. No one came to the door, so I left my Spreading Joy business card in the box and left.

 

This prompted a phone call from Father Miles.  I didn’t leave a note or anything as to what it was for and for all he knew it could have been someone sending him a “hint.” (He said it, I didn’t) :)

We chatted for a moment about the box of goodies and I filled him in on my day job that allows me to travel each week and I just save those items, bring them home and when I get a box of them, I’ll  donate it the homeless shelter.  This lead to more questions about Spreading Joy and a meeting over coffee.  I love coffee. I love meeting new people…such JOY!

We met and in our discussion he came up with the idea of giving up some negative things for Lent and replacing them with positive, JOYful things.

Thanks Father Miles for the Opportunity to talk about JOY

He graciously invited me to come and share my heart for finding joy.  Joy is there…always.  But sometimes we are so focused on the problems we deal with day that we miss it completely.  While we can’t change our circumstances, we can certainly choose how we respond to those situations.  We can choose to focus on the positive things that are all about us and slowly start to move forward and out from under the cloud of despair.  Am I saying that we should never get angry? Never whine, cry, pout or pitch a fit?  Noooo, not hardly.  I do all of these things and sometimes, even more than I want to or should.  I’m simply saying that we do not have to “STAY” in this place, that we can move beyond the clouds….if we choose to.  It’s our choice.

 

When I concluded, he challenged us to give up the concept that we don’t matter, because we do; to give up the notion that we can’t make a difference, because we can; to give up idea that it just isn’t going to get better, because it will.

I’ve really enjoyed my visits at St. Luke’s and the members have always welcomed me and my family with open arms.

I’m thankful for the new friends I’ve found there and for any opportunity that I can be a blessing to them and to leadership in the

A View from the Cemetary

future.

 

 

For More Information, Please visit them by clicking the various links below.

St. Luke’s Episcopal church

Find them on Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ash Wednesday

March 7, 2011 By 4 Comments

Many people have already decided what they will be giving up for Ash Wednesday.  I’d like to challenge you to look at things from a different approach.

I was chatting with Father Miles of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church over coffee a few weeks ago, discussing ways that Spreading Joy could encourage his church.  We were discussing the difficulties that we all face, the clouds that tend to hang over us, causing us to just see only the negative things that are surrounding us.  He then had the idea that for Ash Wednesday, he would challenge his people to do something a little different this year.  Instead of giving up coffee, Reese Cups, fast food or other things of that nature, that he would get them to focus on giving up negativity and replace it with JOY!

I love the idea, but as one that is always looking past the negativity and searching for joy on purpose, I know how difficult this can be.  (Wait…am I being negative right there? uggghhh!!)

Replacing the negative, discouraging and depressing thoughts and actions with positive will certainly help anyone who decides to do so.  When you are on purpose looking for the millions of little blessings that are swirling about you at any given time, you will be a much happier, positive person.  Everyone will see a noticeable difference and want to know the source of your JOY!

Not wanting anyone to fail, I suggest that you replace, replace  - replace.  If you are trying to get rid of one thing, it is always easier to do so when you replace it with something better.  Tell me, what is better than true joy from deep within?  We can’t always change the circumstances that brings the black cloud of despair over us and try to keep us down, but we can make a choice about staying “in” the negativity or moving past it.

I was speaking with a co-worker about Lent and giving up things for these 40 days today.  She said that she will fast from something that will move her closer to God, such as gossip.  She doesn’t think that giving up coffee or Reese Cups would be wrong, but for her, personally – she wanted something that would help her to build her relationship with the Lord.

What are you giving up?  Will you join others in giving up negativity and replace it with JOY, happiness, contentment and pure delight?  Do you think this will be easy to do? Why or why not?  If you fall short one day, will you keep going or will you simply give up?

I pray your cup overflows with unspeakable joy for these next 40 days and beyond!

{{{HUGS}}}} yall

 

PS

I’ll have the honor of speaking and encouraging the members at St. Luke’s on Sunday 3/14.  I hope you’ll click the link and check out this gorgeous Church.

 

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