Christmas Fun

We had a wonderful Christmas and I think in part it was because we really slowed down this year and tried to be intentional in what we "busied" ourselves with. Christmas 2012 was wonderful. Most of all we are so thankful for the greatest gift ever given. A precious baby born in a stable, the Savior of the world. Thank you Lord for your son, may we never take for granted that gift.

Day 24 - Food Gift Cards for Those in Need

Day Twenty Four:  Today we went downtown to hand out gift cards for a hot meal to people in need.  We drove up and down many streets, but their were very few people out today probably in part because of it being Christmas Eve.  Many local organizations were providing meals and special services to those in need as well today.  One way to look at today is to be thankful that their are places available for those in need here in Raleigh.

We will keep the gift cards in the card and hand them out as the need arises in the coming weeks ahead.

Day 23 - Treat for Salvation Army Bell Ringers

Day Twenty Three:  Who would have know that today's act of kindness would end up being a big bust.  Apparently we were to late and not a single Salvation Army  bell ringer could be found around North Raleigh.   We will have to move this to much earlier in the month for next year.

Day 22 - Pass Out Quarters at Aldi's

Day Twenty Two:  Today's act of kindness was simple, but it was definitely an opportunity for the boys to step out of their comfort zone.  We decided to pass out quarters at Aldi's so people did not have to use their own quarter to get a shopping cart. 

Day 21 - Pay for the Person Behind You at the Drive Thru

Day Twenty One: Today Drew took off from work and Owen stayed home from camp to have some one on one time.  Part of that time was a trip to McDonalds where they went through the drive through and paid for the person behind them in line. Told you McDonalds was one of our favorite restaurants.  The life of a family with small children.  Drew tried to get some pictures of the person behind him in line, unfortunately picture taking is not one of his strong suites.

Day 20 - Anonymous Notes of Encouragement for My Co-Workers

Day Twenty: Today was a fun day.  On my break at work I took time to write words of scripture in the hope that it would be an encouragement to the ladies I work with.  I then taped it to their driver side window so it would be the first thing they saw when they got to their car.

I am blessed beyond belief to have the job that I have at LLLC.  It is an unbelievable place to work.  The ladies that I work with have helped me and my family in ways that I will never be able to repay. They are the family that we do not have in North Carolina.  It was a gift to return a small token of what they have given me. 

Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Day 19 - Buy Lunch for Someone

Day Nineteen: The boys and I went to their favorite restaurant. Wait for it. McDonalds.  Gotta love one stop shopping; chicken nuggets, french fries, and a toy. Except on this day we decided to forgo our meal and bless someone else with a meal of their own. 

We saw a nice gentleman looking a little tired after a long day of work towing cars.  We met him as he was walking into the McDonalds and stopped him. We handed him a gift card and told him that we wanted to pay for his lunch and that we hoped he had a very Merry Christmas.  It seemed like it changed his whole demeanor.  We hope it was a blessing to him as much as it was to us.

Day 18 - Cupcakes to the Pediatrician's Office

Day Eighteen:  Today we made cupcakes for the staff at the boys pediatrician's office. They were chocolate topped with vanilla frosting and to make them festive we added crushed candy canes. 

It is so important to remember the ones who play a role in your life. We get so caught up in our busy days that we forget to stop and look at those that we come into contact with. God puts people in your life for a reason and I am guilty like so many others of not taking the time to see the people for who they are in HIS eyes. 

Day 17 - Leaving Surprises On Door Steps

Day Seventeen:  Today the boys and I put together packages of candy and cards that we delivered to random door steps in nearby neighborhoods.  The boys thought this was quite fun although I was a little nervous that we were going to get mauled by dogs.  The Lord watched out for us and we had a great time.

Day 16 - Passing Out Candy Canes

Day Sixteen:  Today we decided to pass out candy canes to holiday shoppers in North Raleigh.  The boys ran around the store telling people Merry Christmas and handing them candy canes.  Some people were very thankful for this random act of kindness and some were skeptical.  It was a great reminder to the boys to consider others during a time when it is easy to consider themselves.

Day 15 - Volunteering Our Time

 

Day Fifteen: Today we went to the Ronald McDonald House in Durham with friends from our church small group and this was a very meaningful time for our family.  We prepared BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, corn on the cob, rolls, and dessert for the families staying there. 

This act of kindness was a reminder of why it is so important to give pack to others especially this time of year.  The Lord really showed me how fortunate I am to have a health family.

Day 14 - Gift for School Custodian

Day Fourteen: Today we wanted to bless our wonderful custodian Mr. Jesse.  He works so hard to keep our boys school clean and orderly.  No small feat I am sure. He was very gracious and humbled by our gift.  We are so appreciative of all that he does.

Owen giving Mr. Jesse his card and gift certificate for dinner out on the town.

Day 13 - Encouraging Notes on Cars

Day Thirteen: I hope today brought a smile to the faces of the many people who got in their car and saw an encouraging card waiting for them.  The boys and I had to go to Costco so we thought we would make the best use of our time and decided to encourage others with a small card that we had made beforehand. 

Both of the boys took time to make cards that included their own Christmas artwork. Owen put his cards on the small cars and Lucas put his on all of the SUVs.

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Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Day 12- Treats for the Mailman

Day Twelve- Today we left treats for the mailman in the mailbox. This time of year you see the mailmen and woman scurrying around later than usually to get everyone's packages to their loved ones during the holiday season  We wanted our mailman to know his hard work does not go unnoticed and that we appreciate it. Hopefully, he will feel an extra dose of love today in the form of some yummy treats that will be waiting on him.

Day 11- Flowers to Someone

Day Eleven turned out to be more than we expected. We were supposed to give flowers to someone who we thought might could use them. We were going to give them to a lady at our old church who has played a special role in the lives of our boys but turned out she wasn't at work today. So I thought and thought about who could we bless with flowers. Turns out a friend of mine and the mom to kids in both my boys classes at school was home with the flu. What a better way than to brighten up her day with some flowers. We decide to also leave her some orange juice and chicken noodle soup. We left it on her porch and then sent her a message saying their was a gift on her porch. I think she was pleasantly surprised.

It was a great day and I hope that my friend felt loved and thought of.

Day 10- Doughnuts To School

Day Ten was a sweet act of kindness. Drew and the boys went by Krispy Kreme on the way to school and picked up hot, fresh doughnuts for the staff. Nothing like a Krispy Kreme doughnut right off the convey belt. When they are hot I could inhale like a dozen myself. Shhh, don't tell anyone. It's our secret!!

We love the boys school and the staff is unbelievable  There is no greater feeling than to know when you can't be there to love and teach your children there are teachers who stand in the gap for you. They have helped mold and mentor my boys and for that we are so so very thankful.

Day 9- Beautifying our Community

Day Nine was so rewarding. We took off after church to pick up trash on the road outside of our neighborhood. We got our gloves on and each took a trash bag.

It was amazing our quick we filled our bags.  It was a great time to spend together as a family it and it also gave us the opportunity to talk with the boys about taking care of what God has provided and really thinking about it how we play a role in our community.

The boys did not complain one time and the only issue we had was how quick we filled our bags. It was a great day and I am looking forward to beginning this week being intentional about thinking of others and less about ourselves. We can do it, I know we can.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16

Day 8- Leave Change at the Laundromat

Day Eight we went to the laundromat and left change taped to the dryers. It was a small act of kindness but one I know could help someone greatly.

It hardly seemed significant to me but I know that God can use it to his Glory.Thank you Lord for opening my eyes during these days of serving others in your name.

Day 7- Sticky Notes on Public Restroom Mirrors

Day seven was crazy fun! We put sticky notes with messages on them on the mirrors at Walmart. The boys and I decided on three sticky notes each for the men and women's restrooms. We had fun coming up with fun sayings to put on them. I really thought when we got there they would not want to go through with it but boy was I surprised when Lucas went right in the men's restroom with his sticky notes and the camera and Owen decided he would go with me and stick the one's up in the women's restroom. I can only imagine what my reaction would be if I walked into the restroom to see a note in front of me as I washed my hands that said "your beautiful" or "you rock"! I hope that it brought a smile to someone that day and changed the rest of their day in a positive way.

Thank you Lord for allowing us to be a part of the small things that really make a difference in the life of your people.