Spreading Joy

There is no denying that I dream lofty dreams of giving big.  With the help of many awesome people from my twitterverse and a foundation with a huge heart for others, Spreading Joy Corporation was able to distribute 300 backpacks filled with some basic school supplies.  Did that come close to the goal of 1000 backpacks? No, not even close.  Am I discouraged? NO….far from it actually.  I’m encouraged in the fact that we were able to help 300 children start the first day of school with their head held high and their heart full of hope that this school year would be an amazing one!

These backpacks went to a few local churches that ministers to neighborhood children, to Amy’s House – a battered women’s shelter and a school received some as well.

I’ve received a couple of Thank You’s and want to share them with you here.

This letter is being sent to you to express the appreciation for all the book bags and school supplies you donated to our children in the church for their back to school supplies.  The book bags were extremely nice, and the assortment of school supplies inside them were wonderful.  This will be a great help to the children who would not have had the privilege to purchase these items for themselves.

Dr. Jerry Taylor Pastor

I teach at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School in Mt. Pleasant, NC.  I received bookbags filled with school supplies from your organization last week.  I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and generosity.  You have made starting back to school more exciting for our students.  There is nothing like a new bookbag and supplies.  I am sure you will be blessed  many times for the kindness you have shown towards others.  Keep spreading your “joy” to those in need.

Thanks again,

Susan Airheart
First Grade Teacher/MPES

I also had the wonderful honor of hand delivering some of the backpacks to some neighboring homes down the road from where I live.  The smiles and thank you’s can not be expressed in words.  I didn’t tell them who I was, nor how they can thank me, as I believe giving in “secret” is such an awesome thing to do.  My heart was flooded with unbelievable joy as I walked back to my car, smiled and went on to the next road.  Events like this is why my heart screams “There is NO joy like Spreading JOY!”

I’d like to thank Fred’s for giving me such a great price on the backpacks! The district manager even went to his local stores and gathered them for me so that I could easily pick them up from my local store in Lincolnton, NC.

I’d like to thank New Grace Baptist Church for the use of their fellowship hall to spread everything out and organized the backpacks, as I would have never had enough room in my tiny home.

There is no way this could have been accomplished with out the hard work of so many wonderful people.  My family Steve, Todd, Megan and My Mom and Step Father and of course my great little sister, Angie and her children.  Friends that have huge hearts for others – Kevin and Sonia Neal and their daughter Kayla.  Ms. Phyllis, Myra and Vern- Thank you as I could not have done this without you!

We had a lot of fun as well as our challenges.  But when you are trying to make a difference, look for those challenges and work past them.  Don’t let them discourage you or stop you.  The day we were putting the backpacks together, Todd was rear-ended as he was trying to bring items to the fellowship hall.  Much of the unloading had been done by the time I got there and I felt really bad, but we worked through the issues, had fun doing it and our hearts soared because YOU made this possible for 300 wonderful Children!

If you gave towards this project – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a Spreading JOY hero that is completely in the background.  These children can’t thank you, but know that the difference you have made will have limitless possibilities in their future.

If your heart was crying out to give and you couldn’t afford to financially, but you used your voice to help spread the word of our project, I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart too, as your voice was heard and you made a difference using what you had!  I know for certain that there were people who gave because someone used their voice to spread the word.

Here are 2 videos from the day that we assembled the backpacks.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed putting this project together.

It was my honor and pleasure to be a guest on the Setting Boundaries and Finding Sanity 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/partnerinSANITY 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

I need to write more about him, as he was the original Joy Spreader.  Always giving to others, $20, here – candy for bank tellers there, helping out the guy that had a truck load of watermelons by purchasing them all and GIVING them away. Doing all the things I dream of doing.  Making a difference the way I dream of making.    

Until last year with Megan, I can not remember writing any poetry of any kind.  But these words flooded my heart this past week and it’s with tears of joy and sorrow, I’m sharing them with you here.    

 

No Tomorrow

The times of love, smiles and hugs
The times of grief and sorrow
All have a special place deep within my heart
For with him, there is no tomorrow

I sit and think and smile inside
I wonder what you would say and do
My heart longs to see, to touch and hear you,
To tell you, once more….I love you

Father’s Day is bitter sweet
As you are finally free of pain
My heart and soul realize the miles
As my loss is heavens gain

I love you Dad, I miss you deeply
Your laughter, your love, your smile
This time of separation, free from your hugs
Will make the wait…. all worth the while.

 

Anyone that “knows” me knows that I completely adore Chuck Norris.  I always have, and always will. I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t completely infatuated with him.  I don’t know why, that is just the way it has been.  It could be his dashing smile, his sleeper hold, or his roundhouse kick – but what ever it is, he has always been the one person of influence I’ve longed to meet, but in my heart of hearts, felt that there was no humanly way possible.

Way back 25 years ago, when I was in the 11^th grade, a very wise teacher had us to list out some goals and dreams that we would love to achieve.  In this day and age, it’s called a Bucket List.  So, my 17 year old self that was shy, backwards and horribly awkward, thinks of a few things that will satisfy the teacher and turns them in.  All of the items are in random order, with the exception of the first thing! It is the most important.

1. Meet Chuck Norris
2. Fly in an airplane
3. Travel Overseas
4. Ride on a train
5. See Washington Redskins play
6. Go on a Cruise
7. Visit the Statue of Liberty

I must admit. Number 2 and 3 were a given.  Not much faith required there.  My Dad had sent my brothers overseas for a graduation present and I was graduating the next year, so that was easy.

Fly in an airplane – First time in 1986 and since then I have flown several times.  I love it.  Will fly anywhere you send me. 

Travel Overseas – My Graduation trip (1986) was to Germany, Austria and Switzerland! An amazing 12 days was spent seeing the castles, learning the history and taking in the breath taking scenery of the area. 

Ride on a train – I was able to ride on a train through the Swiss Alps.  We stopped for a snowball fight with complete strangers as well as students and adults that were traveling with us.  The train ride was an experience to remember.

Visit the Statue of Liberty – I have always adored Lady Liberty.  She is so beautiful, strong and a symbol of hope for many coming to the United States for the first time.  Completely unexpected, my Dad sent me, my sister Angie, my Step Mom and my Cousin Mike to New York for a 4 day weekend.  We stayed in New Jersey and took a train into New York everyday.  We were able to visit the Statue of Liberty as well as take the elevator up to her crown and look out over the city.  I completely enjoyed it, even though I’m horribly afraid of heights.  That trip also allowed us to visit the top of the World Trade Center – for which I’m eternally grateful for such a gift.  Again, the fear of heights kept me close to the wall and away from the railing – but I am able to say that I have that memory.  The memories of this trip is full of great laughter as people tripped over luggage or the curb of the side walk several times before we made it home safe and sound. 

See the Washington Redskins Play – This was during a time when Charlotte NC did NOT have an NFL team.  I had the privilege of having this dream come true on a basket ball court!  The Washington Redskins played the Miami Dolphins in a charity event at the UNCC college campus not far from my house.  My Dad found out about it and took me to see them.  Hey – the sheet didn’t say that it had to be a football game now did it? Mark another one off!! Side note – years later, when we did get a team, stadium and the works, I was able to see them play a few times. 

All of this has happened in a matter of a few years.  I’m down to 2 items, Meet Chuck Norris and go on a cruise.  Every new movie that came out, I’d watch, desire and wish more, but honestly….do I stand a chance of meeting him, naaah. 

Go on a Cruise – 1990, I’m several months pregnant and another dream is about to come true. My Dad sends me and my step mom on a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas.  I’m so excited as I get to fly again and mark one more thing off of my list.  The plane ride is wonderful.  I’m sick, but blame it on the baby as I had never been sick when flying before.  We enjoy the wonderful dinners, the shows, the tours, the island and the ocean – the vast, wonderful ocean.  Every night, we would park ourselves out on the top deck and sleep, listening to the sounds of the ocean gently rocking us back and forth, cradling us in this dream come true. 

Steve has always known of my fascination of Chuck Norris.  When I met Steve, I used to have a small 3×5 framed picture of Chuck Norris in my room.  Somewhere over time, that picture has disappeared, but the desire never did.  It only grew as more movies came out and then Walker Texas Ranger leapt onto the scene.  Chuck Norris was playing in a new episode every week, right in my living room.   I’d watch the episode, secretly despising Alex Cahill for always getting kidnapped or needing to be rescued.  I’d watch the movies with great joy and hope of meeting this TV star that was virtually unreachable. 

 In 2003, I revised my list as I had crossed off everything but one item.  I make the additions while sitting beside the ocean during Memorial Day weekend.  My kids were 12 and 8, and because my Dad’s heart was giving out and his death was in the near future, I was in a situation where I was thinking about life, it’s ending and I decided  That the list should be updated with more goals and dreams.  A few of the new items are:

• Visit and do something in all 50 States.
• Stay at the Hotel shaped like a sale in Dubai
• Start a Non Profit and make dreams come true.
• Read a book a month
• Read through the Bible multiple times
• Visit the Equator

This is just a few of the items that are on that list.  I’ll post the list elsewhere at some point.  The point is, the number 1 item was still just that…Number 1 and never going to be crossed off.  (Just being honest here.)

Social media is amazing.  I love twitter and the many, many connections and friends I have made.  I love learning about others and developed a list of things about me that I often share with others.  Number 6 on that list is I have wanted to meet Chuck Norris since I was 17.  (Really, can you help with this?) I share this list weekly  as well as talk about meeting him and on his birthday this year, the entire day I tweeted Chuck Norris Facts.  Many have seen the Chuck Norris request and have asked, emailed and tried to get me to him.  YOU know who you are and I Thank you!!

Every March 10^th – I send out my usual Happy Chuck Norris Day email.  It’s his birthday and it’s just what I do.  I may talk about what he has done, his code of ethics, his career, and his handsome good looks or just rattle off my favorite Chuck Norris facts.  I usually add pictures because one can never have to many pictures of Chuck Norris.

I sat beside the ocean January 1^st, 2010 and dreamed of what this year would hold.  Never in a million, bazillion years would I have guessed that I would be writing this article.  Never.  In fact, I talk about meeting Chuck Norris, laugh at my favorite jokes, but had just decided that it would never happen.  He turned 70 this year and in my heart of hearts, I felt that there was no way that I would ever get to meet him.   

May 12, 2010 I get an email that said Chuck Norris is going to be in Charlotte on Friday at the NRA Convention. Well, the convention center was 10 minutes from where I was sitting. I hop online and it’s sold out.  Wouldn’t you know it? So close but so far away.  Friday, I’m pouting on facebook.  I even make a statement like ” Ugggh!!! How can I be soooo close….and yet sooo far away?!?!?!? *pouting* what in the world?!? [shaking head]

Friday afternoon, my cousin Mike calls and tells me to check my email. A sales guy just left their office, leaving them with none other than tickets to the NRA at the convention center – which in HIS mind and MY mind equals ONE THING!!! OH my GOSH, I get to meet Chuck Norris!! I pick up the tickets, HUG my cousin and float through my night.

In line on Saturday morning, to purchase the book Black Belt Patriotism, it hits me…Today, I’m going to meet Chuck Norris! The tears start flowing.  I get the book and get in line.  Not far from the front of the line, Todd turns me around and points and sure enough – there HE is! WOOOOW!! I see him!!! I’m going to actually meet and talk to him! (more tears)  We wait patiently! He’s been signing books and chatting for a while, now.  I’m speaking with one of his workers and seeing that Todd and I are next in line when the worker tells me that Chuck Norris is going to take a break for a little bit.  I laugh!!! How funny is that! I’ve waited 25 years to meet him and he walks away!  I tell the worker that I’m tweeting that, and send outa tweet that said I was “next in line to meet Chuck Norris and he leaves….come back!!!”   He watches, making sure that I’m not sneaking a photo.  Altho, I’d love to have a photo with him, but that just was not the case today.

He comes back, I extend my hand and Chuck Norris shakes it.  I clasp his hand with my left hand and I’m giggling like a child on Christmas morning holding the best present ever! I look him in the eyes and get the chance to tell him that I’ve wanted to meet him since I was 17 and have waited for these 25 years.  He doesn’t rush us.  He listens and even comments that me wanting to meet him for so long is sweet.  He looks up and smiles, says Thank you, calls me by my name and shakes my hand again.  *grinning* “I TOUCHED Chuck Norris!!” I think to myself!   I do the 2 handed hand shake again…I have his hand in BOTH my hands!!  Wow..my heart is pounding.  It’s racing. I just met Chuck Norris!  I tell Todd to shake his hand, and he does.  Todd then takes a picture of “the hand” that shook Chuck Norris’s hand and facebooks it.  It’s nice to see my son excited!  I call Angie first.  I’m crying and can hardly speak. I met him!!!  She laughs with me! She knows how I’ve desired this for all these years.

I gaze at my autographed book.  With the hundreds of people that were there today, he will not likely remember me, unless he remembers the silly “older lady” that bounced over to his table immediately following the first break, giggling like crazy.  (and clapping) But me…well, I will never, ever forget that today is the day that a 25 year old dream came true.  Never! I can’t even begin to express how I’m feeling.  How my heart is full of unspeakable joy.  It is just amazing that this dream has now come true.

 My best friend and her husband called to “check on me” later on in the evening.  The only way I could describe myself was that I was “paralyzed with JOY”  – I was (am) so happy that I didn’t know what to think or do.  I tried to write this article earlier and the words wouldn’t come.  My heart was soaring well beyond cloud 37 ½! 

What dreams do you have?  Do you feel like they are simply out of reach?  Have you waited 10, 20 or 30 years and still have not had your dream come true.  Don’t give up.  Don’t!  While this may seem very insignificant in the realm of things, it has always been important to me.  I’ve joked about it, laughed about it…and have desired it greatly.  Don’t give up. Keep Dreaming and then move in the direction of your dreams!

I called my Mommie today.  I told her, Mom…guess what?!?  Finally, mom, finally.   I met Chuck Norris…can you believe it?  With that, the tears started again.  I could hardly talk.  I Love you Mom! I’m so glad I could share my joy with you!

[whispering….] Hey Dad….guess what Daddy?  (Tears falling) Did you see today?  I got to meet Chuck Norris! [nodding] and it was completely awesome!  I touched him and everything.  I wish you were here….I do.  I miss you so.

 {{{HUGS}} Yall.

 Enter to Worship Exit to Serve  By Ronald K. Gray

We cannot have the attitude to simply ask God’s blessings in our life. That is the tendency of the church today.  We should desire to actively participate in a relationship with Him. 

• What is the book about? While the book’s title puts it in the praise and worship section in book stores, the book is more about the total life of the believer. Nehemiah10:39 is the core scripture for the book’s teachings. Nehemiah had gone to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls and also rebuilt the temple, restoring worship to the people. Worship was centered around sacrifice. I use the different groups pictured in Nehemiah to talk about fundamental areas of the believers life. The scripture says they would not forsake the temple of God. We have forsaken the house of God today. We are so busy with our agendas, we have left the true reason for worship. God is looking for something real from our lives, not just our words.

 

• Why Enter to Worship and Exit to Serve? The life of the believer comes from our life in God. We bring to Him a sacrifice of our monies, our gifts, our fruit and lay it at His feet. The premise for most Christians today is what can God do for them instead of how can I worship God with all that is within me. The scriptures teach us that everyone has something to offer. When we worship in the fullness of our lives, God then fills us to be able to affect our world. We then exit to serve God through proclaiming His Word, serving those around us and exalting His name in all the earth. Everything we do in church is to help us fulfill God’s calling on our lives in the world.

 

• Why do you talk about money? The very first thing that was brought into the temple was an offering of grain or corn. This is symbolic of money. I go to Kenya every year and they trade their corn for other items such as meat, oil, etc. God is interested in our money. He speaks of money more than He does either prayer or heaven. I think there has been a lot of negative about money and there has been a lot of error through the years. I hope that what I teach in the book is balanced. Many pastors have said this teaching has helped their churches understand the truth about tithes, first fruits and seed offerings.

 

• What do you think is the most important chapter of the book? In over 35 years of full time ministry, I have never heard anyone else teach about porters. In Nehemiah 10:39 it lists porters between priest and singers. I thought that was very interesting and researched porters. It is basically a janitor. So between priests and porters are janitors. Servants that do the basics. People who do ordinary things to keep ministries going. God wants servants. That is a concept that is lost in the big time world of church ministries today. Jesus came to serve. I believe that we can make a difference in our community, our neighborhoods, and our world if we are willing to lay our lives down to serve God.

 

• What do you hope to accomplish with your book? I hope that ordinary believers will recognize they have something to offer. We can bring our monies and touch the nations. We can bring our gifts and see the power of God touch people and their needs. We can offer our fruit and not wait for the pastors or elders, but be instruments to bring life to those around us who are seeking a relevant relationship with Jesus. The five fold ministries of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher were never supposed to do everything in the church. The church is supposed to be equipped for ministry. Everyone should be able to proclaim the message and everyone should have praise for the God we serve. That should not happen just on Sunday mornings between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. We should be able to give God praise in our homes and throughout the week. I truly believe this can be the church’s finest hour.

 

• Where are these resources available to purchase?  You can obtain this book and many other resources on my web site at http://www.RonaldGrayMinistries.org.

 

•  Are there other available resources connected with this book? Yes, I taught my book at a conference and had it professionally recorded on video and audio. These sessions are great for small groups and Bible studies. There is a Study Guide to help the leader go through the sessions. The book and the video provide different insights that will help people to grow into maturity.

 

Please leave a comment below to be entered into a drawing for a free copy of this book! 

Many Thanks to Ronald Gray for the copy of his book.

I’m sitting on the balcony loving the gray skies, the majestic ocean and how the fog is lingering right down on my level. The waves come crashing in over and over the same every time, yet different with each crash.  The ocean is so strong, powerful and demanding yet gentle, calming and assuring. 

Few people are out taking advantage of this amazing sight. It’s cold and the air stings my nose.  The cold air makes me shiver all the way down go my bones…but I don’t mind. I am wrapped in a blanket with sweater, jacket and toe socks and the love of the view of the ocean to keep me warm.  Oh, and my coffee – it warms me from the inside out. It’s New Years Eve and I think of all that the new year has to offer.

I remember back to last year, one year ago today. I was probably at the same spot….on the balcony, covered with a blankt, with coffee in hand and toe socks to keep me warm. Thinking about 2009 and all the glorious things it would hold.  I remember thinking this new year, 2009  would be the best year ever! I am going to start planning wonderful things early and my family will have a wonderful year! We will take a cruise for Todds graduation present.  Goodness, is he really graduating this year?  Then we will plan a long weekend, a 5 day vacation just before Todd heads off to college. We will travel up the East coast, no reservations, no commitments just seeing the different beaches, seeing the lighthouses, visiting where ever when ever! I love being spontaneous like that. We would travel all the way to New York from NC and end with seeing Lady Liberty, by far my most favorite American icon! Then I dreamt of our Christmas 2009. I smile thinking “yes! this will be the best Christmas ever!!”  I will start now and save to get Steve the huge flat screen HD TV he wants, and I’ll get Meg her very own Lap top and I’ll get Todd something super cool as well. “That’s what I’ll do”  I grin to myself!!

Yes – a year ago the sky was the limit, as I waited for the new year to roll in. Here I am again, at the eve of another new year.  I giggle to myself because I’m thinking the same things…again! Even though 2009 was probably the toughest year financially, medically, mentally, physically and spiritually, it was also the best year!! If it could have gone wrong this past year –  it did. Click on the tag Megan and see how much pain and torment she went through.  Oh the horror my only princess endured. Look at the blog post where I loudly proclaim that circumstances will not steal my joy of giving because we knew the finances were horrible due to husbands job almost closing the door.

We are still behind on Todds tuition for 2009 but because of the heart of the college and the Grace of God he can return to college n a few days. Todd is there by faith, as the finances are not available and banks do not loan tuition for Bible college. Yes, 2009 was literally one trial after another. I would pray for a miracle, see the prayer answered  and boom, another was needed.  I remember feeling and saying I “only” need 37 1/2 miracles!  I even cried at the thought of not getting my mom the Christmas gift I always get her! I always treat her to several days at the beach, as she loves it as much as I do. (plus I go with her!) My heart broke as I told her that I simply could not afford it because I have the greatest mommie ever and I want to give her the best gift ever! Yet….I sit here, on the balcony gazing at the ocean, full of amazing joy and great hope for a wonderful 2010!

Gazing at what many would be saddened by. Dark clouds hoovering over the ocean. The fog is growing thicker by the hour. The rain is steadily falling.  The wind is bone chilling cold and yes, my teeth and toes are freezing, but I love it!!

Will the finances get better this year? Don’t know.  Will Megan endure other physical isses? Don’t know. Will Todd find a job, since he just found out he was a seasonal employee, when he returns to college so that he can help us pay his tuition? Don’t know. Will Steves job be safe and secure or will he lose it? Don’t know. Will I be able to give my family the Christmas gifts that I think are great and amazing on Christmas 2010? Don’t know.

So, by now you are wondering, what in the world DO you know!?! Well, I am glad you asked! I know that I have Hope that never ends, even when the sky is falling! I have the best family in the world. I have been connected to some of the greatest people in the world through social media! I will have the pleasure of laughing out loud till my stomach hurts and I can’t breathe. I will have the gift of thousands of hugs from people I know and love as well as hugs from strangers I have just met. I will have the opportunity to give and make a difference, because every act of joy will last somewhere forever! Every one, no matter how small they may seem at the moment! I will be in awe at answered prayers, and scratch my head in amazement at how things seem to come together. I know that new friendships will be formed and old friendships will grow stronger. I know that tears will be shed as I walk down the journey of separation with friends that have lost very close loved ones and my heart aches for them. I know that if I never see the ocean again that the memories I have of me and my mom’s many visits will always warm my heart! I know that I am loved, adored even by an almighty God that gave his Son for me. I know that my family and friends love me – all of me! The super silly side, the sing loud (horribly loud) with the music side, the spreading joy – gotta help this person right now side.  The we just got to pray about it, trust the Lord and let Him carry us through all of this side of me. I may not know a lot, but I do know there’s NO joy like spreading joy and I intend on spreading joy every where I possibly can!

I hope you look at 2010 with hope, with love and plan on enjoying laughter, hugs and smiling a million smiles. I hope you’ll let go of the 2009 things that disappointed you, the things that made you cry and even wonder if any of it is worth it or not and boldly move towards this new opportunity we will soon be given. I hope you’ll give what you can, where you are, so that you too will realize that truly, there is no joy like spreading joy – regardless of the gift!

So, tell me….what do YOU know about 2010? Hmmmm?

Going to school should be an exciting time for every child. Spreading Joy Corporation is pleased to announce that through the giving of a few corporations and many individuals, we were able to spread some back to school joy to 800 children and teens, thus making our Back 2 School project a complete success!

Your compassion towards children you have never met has touched my heart and blessed me deeply. These children will never be able to thank you personally or repay your kindness but you need to know the gift you provided will have lasting effects on their hearts.

There were 4 separate events of giving out back to school supplies as well as several neighborhoods that were covered door to door.

Each bag contained at least 2 spiral bound notebooks, pen, pencil, eraser, glue stick, bottle of glue, ruler, pocket folder and box of crayons. Ten items total.

In this economy, when people need help, many tend to head to a local church for immediate help. One of the events was at a church where their members have a heart for kids and they were able to add to these items. They added 1 inch binder as well as a mechanical pencil, 5 more pens and pencils. The members also gave out 24 completely filled book bags as a special prize.

There is no way to describe the joy and happiness of watching all the children walk away with a bag full of school supplies. The love and compassion from so many people that gave and prayed and told others about the project was very evident as the eyes of the children lit up with sheer delight while rummaging through their bags.

The joy of shopping, bagging and watching the children get their bags was such an honor.

The store associates had such wonderful attitudes as they rang up thousands of items for us. One even joked with me about help for my glue habit! (At least he didn’t see me sniffing the crayons, he would have truly wondered then!!)

I’m grateful to my wonderful friends Dale and Jeanne Strickland who helped with the shopping, delivering and was the extra car that we loaded up with goodies. They endured hours of searching, counting and loading the buggies as well as unloading to the car. Not to mention the silliness that comes from just being near me sometimes when I’m tired. They deserve medals for that much alone.

So many people donated their time to bag at the church as well as my family who spent a day helping to bag at our home. Todd had to keep me in line and make sure I was productive – using a ruler to “whip” me back into shape. (I promise I did not take it when it disappeared son, I have NO clue where it when…honest!)

A million thank you’s for your generosity could not even begin to cover how I feel for what you’ve done!

May you always remember that there’s NO joy like spreading joy!

You have not lived a perfect day, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.–Ruth Smeltzer

Late April, I decided I would make public my acts of joy during May. I normally do that in the “Tell Me Your Story” portion of the main Spreading Joy Corporation website and over at the facebook group page. Normally it isn’t a problem. I set a goal to do 2 acts of joy a day because I’m trying to reach my 1,000th act of joy as soon as possible and issued a challenge to everyone on Twitter to do an act of joy for someone everyday. I wanted to blog our results with the hopes that someone will come across this blog and realize they can make a difference with what they have – right where they are.

Several people stepped up to the challenge and I want to say thank you for sharing with me as well as making a difference.

So, how did we do? Well over 100 acts of joy were emailed, blogged or twittered about. Here are a few!

• Encouraged sick friend
• Helped someone get medicine that they needed
• Left encouraging comments on blog (and believe me, this is encouraging)
• Purchased Eco friendly grocery bags in an effort to become greener
• Encouraged people via Twitter (free and so easy to do)
• Sent care packages to our soldiers and wished they could send more
• Fed the homeless in their area
• Provided an entire month of giving without spending ideas
• Free Bibles and Rice were given through the Free Click Campaigns
• Cards were sent for encouragement (yes, handwritten cards)
• Helped a hurting neighbor
• Gave large tip to waitress who obviously needed help
• Emailed discouraged friend
• Helped Spreading Joy Corporation via Good Search
• Money donated to Missionaries
• Participated in Spring Forward Campaign

The bottom line, is a handful of people looked for ways to make a difference during one month and many things were accomplished. What if 200 people decided to step up to the challenge and made an effort to do ONE act of kindness a day – just one. Well, I can tell you from experience, those 200 people will be the happiest people on earth (even through trials) and by the end of the month there would be OVER 6,000 acts of joy performed which means over 6,000 people had their hearts warmed.

That alone is enough for me to keep going, keep spreading the word about doing acts of joy daily and to encourage as many people as I can along the way to make a difference with what they have, right where they are.

Thank you again to those of you who participated, who tweeted, who emailed etc. YOU have been an encouragement to me….and trust me, the Month of May was a challenge for me. (which I will post about at a later date) I didn’t not reach my personal goal of 2 acts of joy a day, but there is always June!

Scott Adams said “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” Well done on the ripple effect that you’ve created this past month – well done!

photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevint/85911467/

No, I’m not kidding!

This is hitting closer to home now. Since the beginning of the year my husband’s job has been at 32 hours a week. Well, Friday he calls me and says that they are now going to an every other week schedule. OUCH! So what is a giving heart supposed to do?

Plan ahead!

Christmas is coming, birthdays are right around the corner. Even if it is $10.00 a week, start your list and go ahead and make those purchases. My goal is to have all of my Christmas shopping done before the end of September. I will let you know how it goes.

College is this fall as well. Thankfully there is a nearby K-Mart who still has lay away. Towels, wash clothes and anything else I can think of are on lay away so that those needed items won’t break the bank upon entering college.

Graduation – If you are planning on giving a nice gift to that graduate of yours, start putting back now. This will allow you to tuck a nice little bit of “green” in your favorite graduates card.

Yes – A recession is the perfect time to give. You will motivate and encourage others to give. You will make a difference in the life of someone who probably needs it more than you could ever know. No matter how bad things may be for you right now – there is always someone who is in a worse situation. A recession is filled with opportunities to make a big difference and not have to spend a lot. How is that possible? Well, I’m glad you asked!

A recession is the perfect time to give because:

1. You will not have to look far for someone in need. There is probably a family on your street that could use a little bit of help. Instead of your family going out to eat, get a gift card – give it to the family down the road (even if it is for McDonalds) and enjoy a night at home with your family playing games and feasting on hot dogs. What about that co-worker that never, ever ever goes out to lunch. You know who they are…invite them to lunch with you. Tell them you are buying and you won’t take no for an answer.

2. Your little bit will go a long way. Any “little” thing you do during this economy will be greatly appreciated! I always appreciate everything that comes my way, but if I know someone is pinching pennies – then that always means so much more! You know it is sacrificial and more importantly, it comes from the heart. Even the box of Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies that you gave out one by one – put a smile on the face of someone and made their day. (If you’ve never done this, you should try it! It is a great feeling to just walk up and hand out an oatmeal pie to a total stranger and simply walk away.)

3. Words of encouragement cost nothing but have the greatest value. Knowing that you are not alone with certain problems helps so much. It truly does. Why do you think support groups and online forums are so popular? We need to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and these types of groups remind us of that. When people are in different stages of the same type of journey, those that are “out front” can remind those that are behind that it will get better. Things do work out – you just have to be patient. We can see that there is hope just ahead. So, what are you waiting on? Send that note, type out that email – encourage someone today!

4. A positive attitude is contagious! Is yours worth catching? So many people are discouraged and are struggling just to make it through the day. Your positive attitude and helpful spirit can help carry several people through what just might be a horrible day. Even if you, yourself are going through a rough patch, you can still be positive and happy. Smile at everyone you come in contact with. Look at each new day as a chance to have a positive impact in the life of someone near you.

5. Giving what you have the most of – TIME. Many people in the Hollywood scene will donate thousands of dollars to their favorite charity (and let me say, I’d love to have a Hollywood Star have Spreading Joy Corporation as their favorite charity – I’m not even going to deny it!) but they don’t often give much of their time. You may have the opposite problem – more time than money. So, give your time. Are you a quick book pro? Are you great with talking to complete strangers? Are you free for a few hours everyday while your children are in school? Think about how you can donate your time to make a difference.

Giving during a recession just makes sense. Many people (including myself) struggle with the fact that they can’t make a HUGE difference and simply decide it is just not worth it. Just keep working through the recession. Keep giving something to someone every day. Don’t worry about what it is, how big it is or if it will save the world. Just get yourself in the habit of giving and you’ll be shocked at the amount of joy your heart receives back.

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” Albert Einstein

Photo by:http://www.flickr.com/photos/myeye/2236222509/