Spreading Joy

Wordless Wednesday What do you See?

Photo Thx Tammy van Molken

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

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

This Weeks Schedule:

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

Books we’ll encounter this week:

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

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

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

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

Consider:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Are YOU willing to let us see inside of WHO you are?

I am an open book.  I tweet/talk publicly about myself, family, likes and dislikes.  (ok, so I grumble about my dislikes, but still!) I’m happy, silly, joyful, serious, concerned and whine in the cuuutest suuuthern axcent ever.  

I have a list of a “few” things about me on my blog.  (ok..so it’s NOT a few…it’s actually over 40…and I could add more..just sayin. I should update the picture over there though, as it is from 2006.  I have added a few more wrinkles and some gray hair.) I love letting people get to know me because I LOVE getting to know people. All kinds of people, from far and near and all back grounds.

Having said all that – to say – I love social media and the reach it gives me.  I love that I have friends (YES friends!) that live in Africa, Australia, Scotland, Canada etc and have never met them personally – but I feel as though I’ve known them for such a long time.  I love the friendships that I’ve developed.  I love learning about these wonderful people.  I want to share some of them with you. 

I hope you’ll click on the links and learn more about them.  These lists can be found on their personal blogs.  I have loved reading them, learning more about them and becoming their friend. I hope that you will too.

Gene Bowker  follow him on twitter  @geneslens - Gene takes awesome pictures and writes from the heart! Fun follow, giver, friend - Read more about Gene

Elaine Kelly follow her on twitter @elaineremains - My chihuahua and I are trying to take over the world, it’s a work in progress. (Elaine has an amazing photo blog. Her pictures are awesome and she is quite talented.) And, doesn’t mind me umm.. mooning her – with @greetums cards – of course!! Read  more About Elaine

Richard Mayhan follow him on twitter @mcProdigal - Counselor & advocate, My  Tworship ministry partner, married, apologetics, technology, math, music-loving guy with a witty sense of humor.   Was prodigal for 27 years. Now gives hope to all parents of prodigals.  They can and do return. Read more about Richard.

Michele Langlo follow her on twitter @shadowedwriter - Hiding in the shadows, she loves to write and is amazing at it. She also has an amazing love of the ocean.  shhh..our secret..don’t tell anyone! Read more about Michele

Dino Jag follow him on twitter @dinojag - Makin music… & lovin life and it shows. Huge heart for others and always brings a smile! Read more about Dino

Lark Neville follow her on twitter @larkn0298 - Poet, technical writer, movie lover, voracious reader. Horror flick chicks & dudes love her! (I love her heart and passion for writing and others) Read more about Lark

Stash Serafin follow him on twitter @stashskate - Inspiring blind ice skater. Motivational speaker, co-author teaches ice skating as a metaphor of life. (Completely inspiring!) Read more about Stash

Melinda Lancaster follow her on twitter @heartcures - A follower of Christ who ministers, teaches, counsels, writes, in hopes of offering encouragement to those who grow weary on the road called life. Read more about Melinda **Special Note**I have to give Melinda Credit for this idea.  Way back 37 1/2 years ago (grins), after reading my list of about me - we discussed getting more “About Me” lists from various tweeple.  Thank you for this idea and I’m honored to include you in my list!

Bonnie Squires follow her on twitter @bonnie67 - Wife and Mom of 8. I have many interest Crafts, Recipes & Social Network sites. (Love her blog article called Just Some Hugs - I love hugs!!) Read more about Bonnie.

Michael Sarles follow him on twitter @MasisMore - Kind acts of randomness. Sports fan, tall guy, sarcastic much, lived in L.A., Israel, NYC, Boston & now Dallas. Former mental health pro. & marketing consultant  – #7 is totally my FAV on his list! I can totally see him looking DOWN saying this! Read more about Michael.

Rio Denali - follow her on twitter @NotTypicalBlond - Her bio grabbed me from the get go! Not your typical blonde. Former military, formally trained in FBI interrogation techniques, and with a degree in law… Rio might just surprise you. You KNOW you want to know! Read more about Rio.

Gina Stark - follow her on twitter @SuuperG - Some people think I’m egotistical-but enough about THEM! Here 4 laughs & inspiration.Freelance writer/blogger.Love travel, dance,fuud,horses,hiking 2much2 list! (ok, had to twist her arm a tad bit…*grinning* but – turned out nicely!) Read more about Gina.

Corey – follow her on twitter @la_loquita - I dance like no one is watching. I smile at everyone. I walk-barefoot in the sand. I dream under the stars. I love till it hurts. I giggle like a girl. (I love YOUR giggle)  Read more about Corey.

Tegan Cole - follow her on twitter @sandalgal - Yankee Fan, Thinker, A little bit of everything…I’m real, that’s what I am… (She is REALly cool. Love bantering back n forth with her, @marrangee and @Christianrep - although, I think she plays favs with THEM – *grinning* Read more about Tegan.

Brett Corbett - follow him on twitter @ChristianRep - Christ Follower . Servant . Prayer Warrior . Patriot . Dad . Friend . Mentor Romans 8:28 Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 139 – (Loves the occassional HUG fest but don’t tell him I told you that! It’s OUR secret!! shhhhh!) Read more about Brett.

Fragmentz – follow her on twitter @fragmentz – She caught my eye with her dashing avatar and the fact that she can say alot about nothing at all.  I love that.  Excellent writer. Her Cardboard Testimony – Worthless, abused, ashamed, depressed, broken and wanting to die – BUT LEARNING TO LIVE AGAIN! Read more here.

Bridget Haymond - follow her on twitter @BridgetHaymond - Wife & Mother; Biblical Values Life Coach Leading with Gifts, Strengths & Purposeful Living; Motivator & Collaborator; Blogger; Music Lover & Humor Enthusiast! She gives AWESOME hugs! Read more about Bridget.

I want to get to know YOU more.  Do you have a blog that you can do an “About Me” post and share with me? I’d love to list you here! 

No blog? Well, you can still tell us about you!  Sure you can! Look Below!  See that box down there? Yeah…the comment box! How about putting a list there and make sure you include your twitter name – so we can KNOW who you are there are well. 

I can’t WAIT to get to know you more!

{{{{HUGS}}}} Yall!

A Daily Treat for Myself!

When I treat myself, I love an extra hot Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte (sugar free) from Starbucks or a Diet Coke and Reese Cup.  These simple little things bring me great joy and are truly a treat. 

Last year, I was looking for a journal (a treat for myself) and stumbled upon this cool desk calendar. 3,650 Things to be Happy About, by Barbara Ann Kipfer.  Being a lover of the million little things that bring joy to my day, I was intrigued. 

One was opened, so I began to flip through it.  10 items a day, everyday. How very cool! Giggling with excitement, I decide to treat myself to this wonderful little treasure.  2 months have passed and I must say, it has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever given myself.  I love tearing off the page, anxiously awaiting the next 10 things. 

I have not always agreed with some of them, but that is to be expected as everyone does not like the same things.  And then, there are the things that I have to “good search” to see what they are.  (Sorry Google, Good Searching makes sense, as they help out my little non profit.) I have learned something new from this calendar nearly every other day! For instance, did not know what a Yurt was.  Go on…Good Search it, if you need to. I did.

I decided to try and list 10 things a day for a week to see what I would come up with.  Some have to do with things that happened on that day – others, are just random things that popped into my head.  Here they are in no particular order:

Monday: Full moon hanging on a cloud, Gel Pens, soft Kleenex, board games, belly laughs, waking to a kiss, cool sunglasses, soft carpet, Atomic Fireballs, White out.

Tuesday: American Flag, rolling fog, cute note pads, making cotton candy, cloud shapes, Hot chocolate with marshmallows, Handwritten notes, roller coasters, forgiveness, Reese Cups with a Diet Coke

What is Wrong with this picture? It would be better if it were a BIG Cup Reese Cup!

Wednesday: Cute Socks, Chuck Norris Facts, Free Books, Puppies, Statue of Liberty, heart dangle earrings, unconditional love, hot soup, cute purses, lightening bugs

Thursday: Watching my children sleep, Anticipating Christmas morning, huge sliding boards, Ringling Brothers Circus, itouch, Animal cookies, listening to rain, Long lingering HUGS, Hope, Blue Roses

Friday: Little Debbie Cakes, homemade lemonade, reading poetry, Old books from the thrift store, Service Men & Women, Breakfast for dinner, Choices, PB&J with Glass of Milk, Disney Classics, hot peanut butter cookies out of the oven

Saturday: Toddlers that ask millions of questions, Being safe in God’s arms, Singing loudly in the car, Sitting sideways in overstuffed chairs, quotes, Falling asleep listening to the ocean lap against the shore, Watching my kids make the right decision, reading poetry, Policemen & Firefighters, Riding with all the windows down in the car

Sunday: Coconut Cake, Having the Bible ready available in hand or online, Universal Studios, Unsweetened Iced Tea, Monkeys on anything and everything, See sawing with a friend, Blowing Bubbles, Cute adorable socks, m&m’s, handmade bracelets

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.–Henry Ward Beecher

These are just a few things that make me happy.  What about you?  Can you list 10 things a day that make you happy, so that at the end of the year you’ll have your very own 3,650 things to be happy about?  What about listing 10 things a day that are simply happy things?  For example, spaghetti dinners do not make me happy, as I do not like any form of pasta.  But – being at the spaghetti dinner with smiling friends and getting warm hugs – now…that is happy stuff.  See what I mean?

If you blog, I challenge you to list 10 happy things a day, blog it and then link back here.  I’d love to read it as well as share it with others!

If you don’t blog, consider listing your 10 happy things a day for the week in the comments below.  It will be wonderful to see the things that make YOU happy!

Again, I ask – What makes you happy?

{{{HUGS}}}

Jonathan David Massey (my very cool nephew) & Me

I have the Greatest nieces and nephews in all the land.  The youngest nephew, Jonathan, recently did a little thing for me.  He told his teacher about Spreading Joy Corporation and how we help people.  In his mind, he was just telling her about how his Aunt Marie was making a difference.  What he didn’t realize was that he was actually doing something huge and giving me an opportunity that I may never have gotten myself.

After meeting with his teacher, the preparations start. I want to introduce Spreading Joy Corporation to them. I want them to know what we do, what we’ve done and what we want to do! What our hopes, dreams and desires are.  I want them to know that we’ve had goals and fallen short of them, but we weren’t feeling guilty about it because we simply did what we could with what we had.  More than all of that, I want them to walk away empowered, feeling like they can make a difference. I want them to see and KNOW that there’s no joy like Spreading Joy.

I only have 30 minutes to speak to them and know that I have so much more than that to say, but am prepared to make it work. After introducing Spreading Joy to them, I quickly run through our accomplishments (article on that soon to be published) explaining to them that while we didn’t reach the individual goals we set, we were not feeling guilty.  We simply did what we could, with what we had and used that to make a difference.  I fill them in on New Year of Hope (NYOH).  Explaining where we were and that we needed $802 to deliver HOPE to Dwayne and his 10 year old daughter Diana. Oh, I can’t wait to deliver this. 

Lincoln Charter School - Middle School Students 2010

We spend much of our time talking about noticing and appreciating the little things that truly make life big. I’m a lover of the million little things in life that make my heart smile.  While I’m sharing this, I hand out Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies.  The first guy to receive this Chris, wasn’t sure about what I was doing and offered it back as I was walking away.  I smile and told him to keep it, it’s what I love doing. My favorite thing to give out is Reese Cups, because they are my absolute favorite! But, Little Debbie makes is affordable to give sweet smiles.  While I’m “spreading joy” and passing out some of my favorite things, I want to remind everyone that holding the door for others, smiling at everyone, letting someone ahead in line and a whole slew of other “little” things make a huge difference. 

Middle school children do not have a lot of resources financially, but they do have huge hearts, creative minds and the power within themselves to make a huge difference.  We talk about a few of the 50 Ways to make a difference with spending a penny.  The list was printed out for them. I’m hoping that they will be inspired to start spreading joy from that.  I also tell them I want 50 more ways to make a difference for free and ask if they would consider sending in some ideas.

After giving Jason Lott a few of the “little things that make his life big”, I call 4 people (Tols Detmer, Thomas Butner, Madeline Tilley & Sabrina Twery) from the group of kids. Give them a “joy pack”.  This is not a gift for them to keep, I ask them to choose someone to give this to, someone that could use a little joy that day.  They are spreading joy heros.  They give freely, happily and everyone is hoping to be chosen. Are the bags huge gifts? NO. Remember, it’s the little things. 

The 4 heros come back to me after spreading joy.  I thank them for not grumbling, not whining and doing such a great job.  They are all smiling, standing there empty handed.  I’m hoping that their hearts are soaring because they just did something amazing!  Before I let them sit down, I give them a little something, more than what they just gave away – but still, little things, because I want them to know, first hand, little things are amazing!  I want them to realize that they (the huge hearted kids)  have the ability within themselves to make a huge difference.

So, what really happened because one little 11 year old boy cared? Well, let me tell you!

Spreading Joy was able to:

• Enjoy the snow while talking to one amazing teacher over delicious coffee
• Give away 300 joy packs of candy with our information attached to it.
• Joyfully hand out and throw into the crowd 10 Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies
• Give away 6 yummilicious, simply the best treat on the face of the earth Reese Cup – Reese Eggs
• Give away 9 packs of lip gloss (with 8 different kinds in each) I think
• Give away 4 packs of fingernail polish (with 7 or 8 different kinds each)
• Give away 3 $10.00 McDonald’s gift cards
• Give away 3 boxes of a beautiful necklace set
• Give away 9 books (I love giving away books)
• Speak to around 200 middle school kids with HUGE amazing Hearts! (and several Amazing teachers too!)

And….imagine with me, for just a moment, if you will.  If those 200 individuals tell one other person, JUST 1 – that will be 400 people hearing about Spreading Joy Corporation for the first time. And – if that second set of people tell 1 other person, then we are up to around 600 people hearing for the first time. 

So, Jonathan, you amazing Spreading Joy hero – do you see how the “little” thing of telling 1 person, has made a HUGE difference? I hope so.  I hope others will too.

What did I get out of all of this?  Oh, yes, new people heard about Spreading Joy. Yes, I enjoyed presenting my passion to the school – they were attentive and fun to talk to! But more than that, the hugs, the laughter, the smiles, the bright sparkly eyes – from realizing that “hey!!! I can make a difference, right here – right NOW!” filled my heart with so much JOY, I floated through the rest of the day! I was literally flooded with great joy from the response of the children afterwards! Warm, receptive and their minds were already thinking of ways they could make a difference!  My heart was completely overflowing as I was extremely blessed by simply being able to hear their comments as they were heading back to class.

This Little Blue Bunny has a HUGE place in my heart! Thank you Jason

So, when you think that giving a little blue bunny is something small – ohhhh…THINK again!! HUGE!! Huge Spreading Joy Hero there!! I love this guy and someone with a HUGE heart was kind enough to make my day and give him to me!

When Reese Cups are on sale, buy one, get one free….Get them, give one and discover how AMAZING you feel when you are instantly transformed into a Spreading Joy Hero! Chris, the first receipient of the Little Debbie Cake, surprised me with an amazing treat at the end of the presentation! Thank you for the wonderful Reese Cup! It was fantabulous!

There is nothing like being flooded with great joy when you see, first hand, the little things that make life big!

Thank you Lincoln Charter School for having me at your wonderful School!  Thank you Ms. Paula Micol for inviting me to present my passion for making a difference. Thank you Jonathan, for being one child who cared and acted on it – and made a Huge Difference!

Holding Pure Joy! Thanks Chris!

The question goes out to all who read this:

Have you ever considered for one moment, what telling just one person could do to help spread the word about Spreading Joy?  Do you see the amazing difference that just one person doing so has created? 

Who will you tell today?  Will you be a Spreading Joy Hero and spread the word about Spreading Joy? 

Thank you!

Thank you for making a huge difference, right where you are, with what you have, leaving the guilt behind – because you are truly making a difference!

Friday morning in January….the alarm goes off, ugghh…I groan. 4:30 already? Mercy.  I hit the clock, drag myself out of bed and start the day.  It’s Friday, I should be excited.  Few more hours and the weekend will be upon me, right? Wrong!  Normally the super silliness you see here is just me.  While I am and can be completely serious, I love laughing, smiling, cutting up and just loving each and every moment that I can. 

I’m not sure what is going on, but I feel anything but happy.  I start getting ready and as I normally do, spend time in prayer while getting ready.  Someone is on my heart that day, so I pray, specifically for them. Normally this would lift my spirits, but it doesn’t.  I head out the door to work. No music, no nothing, just feeling cranky.  I realize this and decide to keep my ickiness to myself.  

Just Keeping It Real!

 I got in my car and headed over to a near by Wal-Mart.  Trying to figure out what to get and for whom.  I knew that I needed to do something for someone – to get rid of the crankiness.  I check ubertwitter to send out a few tweets while I’m walking through Wal-Mart.  What I saw made me laugh so hard, out loud and in front of everyone.  Gene sent a reply that simply said:  

Completely made me Laugh Out Loud!

With that belly laugh, I feel the crankiness slowly start lifting. Laughter truly is good medicine!  I see the perfect thing; Little Debbie Cakes.  I LOVE unwrapping smiles and so will the people I give these delicious treats to. I purchase them and see a few more replies about my crankiness.  I respond thank you to Jarrell who said “Keep raising those arms & waving hands & praising God.” Then to Catie who said “Don’t be cranky!! Here’s a hug! *HUG* hope it makes you feel better :]” and trust me…it Did make me feel better.  More crankiness, slowly oozing away.  Then I respond to Angie and Katie who both sent more HUGS, knowing I ADORE hugs.  Lastly I reply to Barbara who said “Feel better lady joy!” and head over to Subway to get a sandwich and Peanutbutter cookies for lunch.  I smile and give every Subway worker a Little Debbie Valentine Brownie and wish them a wonderful day. I send out a tweet about what I had just done.  I smile.  I noticed more crankiness oozing away, “nice feeling” I think to myself.  I’m walking through the parking lot, pull 2 cakes out for my team and then proceed to give the others away.  ”I love spreading joy”, I happily think to myself. “Does a heart good!”

I get into my car and check ubertwitter to send out a few more thank you’s and WHO do I see?Why, it’s Little Debbie herself - Saying:

I LOVE unwrapping Smiles

At this point, I’m like a kid on Christmas morning!  “OH my gosh!  Is this real or is this a bot?” I’m giggling out loud to myself.  So I ask and they reply that sure enough, they are the real deal!  Wow! As real as rain!  Some how, knowing this and the fact that the person I had been praying for much of that morning had said that the day had started out difficult, but was getting better, simply just made my day.  Those few simple, yet extremely important things helped to get rid of the crankiness.  

Next to giving out Reese Cups, giving out Little Debbie Cakes is one of my favorite things to do.   They are delicious and very affordable, as well as always bring a smile!  I do love unwrapping a smile!  

The moral? Am I always spreading joy? No, just ask my kids or husband or for that matter my little sister, Angie.  Can there be an easy fix to it? It’s not always easy, but I’m telling you – from experience, I know that if you’ll FORCE yourself to focus on someone else for awhile, the crankiness will leave you.  It has no choice but to run for the hills!  There will be no room in your heart for the crankies.  The joy you get from giving, even something small, will NOT leave room for the crankiness in your heart.

Don’t believe me?  Next time you are cranky, spend approximately $3.00 on a couple boxes of Little Debbie Cakes and just give them out to random people with one of your amazing smiles.  Then, after you have given them all away, come over here and describe the joy that has just flooded your heart and pushed out the crankiness.

 I dare you!

I can’t wait to hear from you on what you do to get rid of the CRANKIES!

Sending {{HUGS}} of gret JOY!

I wanted to take some time to introduce you to a blog that I think you’ll love. I’ve never met Tabitha personally or even spoken to her on the phone – but our hearts are in the same place.

It is A FiveOh4 Uplifting Blog!

She has no idea just how much she has blissfully inspired me! I’ve been giving out “Joy Packs” now for over a year now, but haven’t thought to put photos up, keep track of them or even really mention it. Who knows why that is. I’ll probably start posting a few photos each time I do it so that maybe, just maybe, YOU will be inspired to do something for someone else.

Tabitha and her family send out goody bags to children and adults who are battling cancer or are in the hospital. They make note cards to include in each bag. They will send bags in honor of people! She doesn’t let a physical handicap stop her! It is truly inspiring! Tabitha says,

“The first three years of my life were spent living in Children’s Hospital
due to birth abnormalities. I was born without a right arm and at 9 months old my right leg had to be amputated. My left arm is half the length of a normal length arm, but none of this has ever STOPPED me.”

She isn’t kidding. She spends time doing things to brighten the days of children in hospitals and that inspires me!

Tabitha – I wanted to publicly say thank you for all that you do! You are an inspiration to me as well as to so many other people. We may never know this side of heaven just how many hearts you’ve touched with your compassion and your vision!

I will also be sending you the following items via our friends at Oriental Trading (Love them!)

24 – Neon Monkey Bracelets (Cause Monkeys are my Favorite!!)
72 – Groovy 60’s tattoos
72 – Mini Activity Pads
50 – Mini Rainbow Spring Assortment

What inspires you? Do you respond to that inspiration? You’d be surprised how a simple response would make a difference to someone else!

“Abundance and love are not limited. Support others in their pursuit of them and your life will be blessed as well.” Lark Neville

Photo from:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlyfaye/2785383504/

Here is a recap of my Month of Giving for March 2009. My wish is that it will encourage you and inspire you to do what you can with what you have.

Wow!!! I can’t believe I’m so far behind in my 30 day challenge posting. First I get behind because of Jury Duty…when your normal working routine is changed it affect so many things – and then I stay behind because of working a few extra hours for someone that needs some help this week….oh, enough of the whining already….on with it – right?!?
Ok, Ok – here we go…