The Cookies

My aunt shared this story with me today.

It can be so tempting to jump to negative assumptions. But, when we do, especially when we’re wrong, we miss out on what could have been a beautiful moment…

~

A young lady was waiting for her flight in the boarding room of a big airport. As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to spend her time. She also bought a packet of cookies.

She sat down in an armchair, in the VIP room of the airport, to rest and read in peace. Beside the armchair where the packet of cookies lay, a man sat down in the next seat, opened his magazine and started reading.

When she took out the first cookie, the man took one also. She felt irritated but said nothing. She just thought, “What nerve! If I was in the mood I would punch him for daring!”

For each cookie she took, the man took one too. This was infuriating her, but she didn’t want to cause a scene. When only one cookie remained, she thought, “Ah…what will this abusive man do now?”

Then, the man, taking the last cookie, divided it into half, giving her one half.

Ah! That was too much! She was much too angry now! In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place.

When she sat down in her seat inside the plane, she looked into her purse to take her eyeglasses out and, to her surprise, her packet of cookies was there…untouched and unopened.

She felt so ashamed. She realized that she was wrong…she had forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse.

The man had divided his cookies with her, without feeling angered or bitter…while she had been very angry, thinking that she was dividing her cookies with him. And now there was no chance to explain herself..nor to apologize.

There are four things you cannot recover:

The stone after the throw.

The word after it’s been said.

The occasion after the loss.

The time after it’s gone.

 

a surprise

“Mom, we have a surprise for you! But, first we need you to take us to the pet store!”

I had three faces eagerly looking up at me.

And watched as three bodies jumped up and down before me.

Ava then handed me a blue velvet jewelry box.

In it, was a fistful of crumpled up dollar bills. The kids had pulled together their money and stuffed it all inside the tiny box. They knew exactly what they wanted to buy with their earnings, but just needed a bit of help getting there.

Unfortunately, their daddy was away on a business trip, so they had to appeal to the only other driver in the house.

Over the past week, they have commented on what they want to buy with their money. Ava still wants an iPod Touch, but know she has a lonnnnnnggggg way to go. Garrett and Grady had their heart set on the Lego Atlantis Golden King’s Palace. They were only $2 short. But then, while we were up North, the kids put on a little Christmas Extravaganza with their cousins. Their papa, who served as producer, gave them each $2 when the show was over. That gave the boys what they needed to buy the one item Santa did not come through with!

I figured we’d be making a trip to Toys R Us this week, so the pet store thing left me wondering.

The night before I took the kids to PetSmart. The boys have wanted a hamster for quite a while. Ava has two guinea pigs and they wanted a pet that was “theirs” too. They have been so good and responsible and well…I just wanted to get them one. So, I said, “Yes.”

We purchased the cage, but the hamster won’t be in until tomorrow.

They are quite excited.

Since we had just been at the pet store, I knew they must have seen something else they thought I’d like. Lord only knows there was no way I’d go for a snake or a pet tarantula!

We piled into the minivan and set off again to PetSmart.

They grabbed my hands while in the parking lot and literally pulled me into the store.

They then let go and took off…

racing…

almost stepping on a dog who, with it’s owner, was walking toward the main entrance…

and made a beeline line right to…

the bird section.

“It’s still here! It’s still here!!” they cried out. As I approached them I remembered how, during our previous visit, they admired one bird in particular.

A little green parakeet.

“It’s your favorite color Mom! And now you can have something special to sing with too!!”

Yes and Yes.

So, we have another addition to our family and after we get the boys their hamster tomorrow we.are.done.

Hmmm…I think I may hold off on taking them to see “We Bought a Zoo.”

Anyhow, meet my new parakeet.

I haven’t named it yet, but it’s really sweet and seems to enjoy sitting on my hand. I have no idea if it’s a boy or a girl, and neither did the workers at PetSmart. The boys have decided that if their new hamster is a girl, then they’re naming it “Cupcake.” If it’s a boy, then they’ll call it “Crackers.”

So, I think I may wait until they name their pet and then go with the other name for mine.

You know what?

I have some pretty fantastic kids.

Warm Wishes…

Having the entire family together again, late-night conversations, lots of laughs, good food, rambunctious rounds of “Phase 10,” gifts galore, 500-piece puzzles, baking, Beef-a-Roo, picture taking, catching up with friends, many cups of hot chocolate…

I am having an amazing time up North!!

I’ll be back up and blogging next week. But, for now I’m savoring all this time with my family.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable end of 2011 and a bright New Year!!

Christmas Day: Celebrating Christ and Honoring Family

December 25, 2011

Dear Ava, Garrett and Grady,

Merry Christmas.

I am so proud of you and the generous spirit you have shared with others this season with our “Embracing a Spirit of Giving 2011″ project. We did so much together and I hope when you look back one day and read all of these stories, you will remember the faces of the lives you touched.

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas story is found in the Gospel of Luke, after the shepherds went out and spread the good news of Christ’s birth. There, you’ll find a description of Mary, who after giving birth to Jesus, “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

I have done the same this season. There are so many moments I have tucked away in my heart. I have these memories stored up and readily available for me to experience again and again. I love you so much. You are my gifts and every time I look into your eyes, I thank God for such beautiful children. My life is changed because of you. I am a better person because of you. You help fulfill a calling God has entrusted to me…to be your Mother. I pray I will help you grow to be strong and unwavering in your faith. I hope to help you stand tall when you feel small and above all else, know you are wanted and loved.

I am so excited to celebrate Christ’s birth with you today. Of all the gifts you will receive this morning, none will be as great as the gift we find in His Hope, His Peace and His Life.

Today we are also honoring our family. Thank you for helping me keep our secret for the past few days. Originally, we planned on arriving in Illinois late this evening. But, we decided to come up early and arrived a few days ago. In fact, one thing I have not been able to share with our friends is that the man who gave to us at McDonald’s did so on the day we arrived. I had been driving for almost nine hours and was tired. The spirit in which his gift was given, strengthen me as we continued on our last hour of driving to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Grandma Bev and Grandpa Dave were so excited to see you the night we arrived. Your daddy arrived last night and now, this morning, we will surprise Grandma Paula and Papa Randy by attending their Christmas service. I cannot wait to see their faces when we walk through the door. I know that having a complete family, especially on Christmas morning, will mean so much to them.

Tomorrow, we will continue sharing our joy as the rest of our family arrives…aunts, uncles, cousins and many more! Always treasure your family. They are a refuge in the storm and light in the darkness and a sanctuary where love abounds. And hey, they are just a fantastic group to laugh with and be around!

I love you my children.

Always.

Love,

Mom

p.s… I like sharing this video clip on this blog every Christmas. The message is timeless and everlasting.

p.p.s…You are awesome

Christmas Countdown: 1 Day “Giving to Police Officers”

We have a cookie making tradition in our home.

Every Christmas Eve, I pull out the Christmas cookie cutters and roll out a large amount of sugar cookie dough. From a pile of flour, butter and sugar comes little delicacies: snowmen, angels, candy canes, trees, bells, crosses, stars, gingerbread men, etc. From there, I open up a big can of frosting, put out a variety of sprinkles and cookie toppings, then let the kids go nuts.

Well, not completely nuts.

The boys still need a little supervision and an extra set of hands on deck. They still have not quite grasped the whole “less is more” concept when cookie decorating. In their eyes, the more glitz they can add to a cookie, the better. I have on more than one occasion asked, “Would you like a little cookie to go with those sprinkles?” But, we have fun regardless.

We decorated all of our cookies this morning, then set out early this afternoon to visit with a wonderful family. Gil is a senior deputy sheriff and an active SWAT team member, while Sandy is in charge of the 9-1-1 dispatch unit. The kids got the chance to have one-on-one time with them, and listened as they shared stories of what they do. Gil shared with them his responsibilities and what he does to help protect other people and our community. He showed them his gear and I think it was a toss-up between the handcuffs and gas mask for “coolest” accessory. Grady told him that one day he wanted to be a police officer (as well as a firefighter and astronaut…). I can’t help but wonder if one day he too will recall the day when he met an actual officer and still feel the awe that he did today.

I am grateful for the opportunity my kids had today for this experience. The care and attention that other people show them does not go unnoticed by me. I appreciate the time other people carve out of their busy schedules and set aside for my family. You never know how your interactions with another person, particularly a child, can direct the course of their life. I’ve found you can never underestimate the power and impact a simple one-on-one discussion can have. Often times, these are the moments that leave lasting impressions.

Our countdown is just about through. What an amazing journey this has been! I’ll be composing my final post for the “Embracing a Spirit of Giving 2011″ project this evening and post it tomorrow morning. But, for now, I am enjoying my children and relishing in their excitement. We will attend a candlelit midnight mass this evening before they head off to bed before. I hope their dreams are indeed sweet before they arise Christmas morning, when we’ll celebrate the day we have been waiting for all countdown.

I hope your evening is beautiful.

“Giving to Police Officers” Preview

I remember a police officer visiting my 1st Grade class.

He was in uniform and my six-year-old eyes were drawn to the details of his outfit: his badge, his gun holster, his cap, the bat positioned in his belt and oddly enough…his shoes. I recall him being very tall and as I gazed up at him, felt a mixture of wonder and a bit of fear. That is, until he bent down to talk with us. At that moment, any hesitation I felt dissipated and I listened excitedly as he talked to us about avoiding strangers and how a police officer is there is help you when you are lost or in danger. And then he gave us some pages to color with images that reinforced the “helping” nature of the police profession.

Fast forward 10 years, and you’ll find a 16-year-old girl about to get her license. And once she received that little plastic card, her view of police officers changed.

For at that moment, I realized that police officers were not only helpers, but watchers.

The slight paranoia that came with this realization gave birth to an image of police officers as looming figures who wait…sometimes in unmarked cars, to catch you when you disobey the law. And suddenly, “Officer Friendly” became more of a “Big Brother.”

This story comes to mind this morning because I see parallels in the way my kids could compare a police officer with Santa. Throughout the month of December, they have asked me if I think they’re on the naughty or nice list. They know they’re being watched for:

He sees you when you’re sleeping.

He knows when you’re awake.

He knows if you’ve been bad or good,

So be good for goodness sake!

I, admittedly, have reinforced the idea. I know I’ve played the “Santa is watching you” card as a last resort to get them back in line. And when I say it, I feel like I sold out and gave a cheap reason for good behavior.

I desire for my kids to obey not because they’re afraid of the potential of being busted and the accompanying consequences, but, simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Their obedience should stem from a sense of duty, not from a fear of getting caught if they don’t.

And I want them to always remember that police officers are helpers and protectors first. When we focus on the watching aspect of their profession, I feel like we dismiss or push aside the admirable nature of their job. Police officers are men and women who are heroes not because of a badge, but because they risk and rise to their call to defend us…with their own lives if necessary. Watching is one aspect of their profession. But, it’s purpose is not so they can just write a ticket when we mess up or to finger point our shortcomings. But, to maintain order and well-being in our lives and our community.

So, this Christmas Eve, I have a special visit planned for the kids to visit with an officer. And we’ll get to give to someone who watches every day in order to help us in ways we don’t even see.

Christmas Countdown: 2 Days “Pay it Forward”

It all started with an expired parking meter.

About two weeks ago, I took the kids to one of our favorite Nashville restaurants, Sambuca. I found a parking place within a decent walking distance, but had to feed the meter.

The kids were unfamiliar with the whole “parking meter” concept. I explained it to them and said as long as we’re back before the time runs out, then we won’t get a ticket.

I don’t know what I was thinking.

Throughout the course of our stay, they kept asking me what time it was, how much time we had left, etc. They were so worried I’d get into trouble!

“It’s okay,” I assured them. “I put in plenty of quarters.”

Well, I misjudged the time because when we returned to our vehicle, the meter had expired (but, no ticket…booyah!).

The kids then started glancing at other parking meters lining the street, looking to see which ones had expired. We found a few and they worried about those people getting a ticket.

“How nice would it be if someone fed their meter for them?” I wondered.

I mean after all, it was only a quarter.

And that was today’s theme…quarters.

As I shared earlier, I used some of the funds given to us from the stranger who blessed us the other day with his random act of kindness. I went to the bank, matched his amount and got a ton of quarters.

The idea was simple: think of reasons people use quarters, then go around town and meet those needs. We also posted a little note with each “give,” wishing the recipient a “Merry Christmas.”

The rest of this story is best shared with a few photos (okay, well actually there more than “a few…”)

I remember pulling up to Aldi once, quarterless. If you are familiar with Aldi, then you know that in order to get a grocery cart, you need to first put in a quarter. I had two dimes and nickel, but their carts only accept quarters. So, I had to wait for another customer to come out and trade me their cart for my change. Today, we put in the quarter for two lucky customers.

From there we went to a Redbox. I know you have to swipe a card in order to rent a movie. But, movies are a staple at our “family nights.” So, we wanted to purchase one for another family.

After that, it was all about the mall:

Candy, anyone? No problem…it’s on us.

Tired of shopping and need a break? Relax and enjoy a massage!

If you know my kids, you know they LOVE the claw game. We strike out every time, but maybe someone else will score with our coins!

The kids also love rides. This is the little girl who enjoyed one for free. Her dad was so appreciative!

Thirsty? We have you covered.

Have you ever made silly faces with a friend in a photo booth? Garrett and I did last year and I still have the photo strip…it’s one of my favorites. Hopefully, another duo can have just as much fun!

This last part was the most memorable for me…

As we made our way around the mall, we eventually came upon Santa. The line to see him was crazy long! You could see parents trying to be patient as they attempted to pacify their kids (and keep their outfits looking good) while waiting in line. Some of the poor kids looked hot and cranky. Well, just across from Santa was a Mrs. Fields cookie kiosk. I went up to the counter and asked how much a cookie cost. I gave my kids enough quarters to give to six kids waiting in line. Those kids could then enjoy a free cookie after visiting with Santa.

You should have seen their parent’s faces! Some of them looked a bit skeptical when we offered them a stack of quarters to buy a cookie. But, once I explained why we were doing this, they instantly broke into smiles. One dad, even came back up to us and shared that he was there by himself with his four children since his wife was deployed overseas. Our gesture really meant a lot to him. Another woman said she got goosebumps when we told her what we were doing. She said her daughter had just asked for a cookie right before we walked up. She asked Ava her name and when we told her, she gasped, “My daughter has a friend named Ava and sings ‘Ava Grace’ all day long.”

“Her friend’s last name or middle name isn’t ‘Grace,’” she continued. “But she likes singing it that way.”

“Well,” I said, “let me introduce you to ‘Ava Grace’…because that is my daughter’s name.”

She could not believe it!

We made our way up and down the line and I let the kids choose who they wanted to give their quarters too.

Over and over:

Smile after smile.

“Thank you” after “Thank you.”

“Merry Christmas” after “Merry Christmas.”

~

Merry Christmas everyone!!

~

“Pay it Forward” Preview

Random acts of kindness…

…beautiful gestures that warm the heart.

My children and I were just on the receiving end of one.

We were sitting in McDonald’s getting ready to eat lunch. At the time, my mind was all over the place. The kids had just opened their Happy Meal box to see what toy was inside. Right now, McDonald’s is featuring “Alvin and the Chipmunks” and coincidentally enough, we just saw the movie a few nights ago.

Well, let me tell you…my son was anything but “happy.”

Grady was crying because he wanted “Theodore,” but ended up getting “Simon.” Garrett, on the other hand, did get “Theodore” and made sure his brother knew it. So, I was dealing with them and trying to explain that we should just be thankful for what we get. Ava, then, deemed it the right moment to chime in, “Mom, just go to the counter and ask for another one.”

Great.

Way to support my point.

We worked everything out and each child kept the toy they were given. All of a sudden, a man walked up behind me.

“Miss,” he said.

I turned around and all I remember is he was wearing a dress suit. Honestly, I assumed he was the manager because I think he asked how everything was.

“I wanted to give this to you, so you could get the children something special for Christmas.”

My mind froze.

I can’t describe it exactly…between the madness from the “Happy Meal” fiasco and the fact that I couldn’t figure out why someone who, I thought was a “manager” was handing me money, coupled with effects from lack of sleep and the kids spying the dollar bills and asking what he was giving me…it was like I couldn’t process what he was saying.

I just sat there while he gently tried to give me his money. Eventually, my mouth did start working and I know I said, “Thank you.”

(Though, according to Ava, it was more like “Ohhhhh…thank you.”)

He wished us a “Merry Christmas” before leaving and I can’t even remember if I wished him one back.

I wish I could go back and say more. I wish I had followed him out and expressed a deeper sense of gratitude. My words failed me that afternoon, but hopefully what he saw on my face was enough to let him know how touched I was by his generosity.

The timing of this random act of kindness couldn’t be better.

Today’s give is all about “paying-it-forward.”

The concept is simple:

The recipient of a favor does a favor for a third party rather than paying the favor back.

In other words, when someone does something nice for us, instead of paying them back, we in turn, do a good deed for another person; hence, paying it forward.

I have quite an afternoon planned for us and can’t wait to tell you all about it in this evening’s follow up post!

I will say though, I am using part of what the generous man gave me in McDonald’s and am matching it with my own family’s funds.

I hope this will inspire others to keep the giving cycle turning!

Christmas Countdown: 3 Days “Giving to Children in Hospitals”

When Ava first learned about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital she felt much compassion for the kids there.

She asked if she could donate some of her own money to help make a difference in their lives. Adam was so touched by her gesture that he told her he would match whatever amount she gave.

So, I knew today would be a particularly meaningful “give” for the kids.

We had a lot of fun making our decorations for the pediatric wing of our local hospital. Our Christmas wreath turned out beautifully. If anyone is looking for an easy craft to make, you can find the tutorial HERE.

The nurse who greeted us was very thankful for the gifts my kids entrusted to her. They just could not believe that some kids have to celebrate Christmas in a hospital. I think it was good for them to not only have me talk about it, but to actually go to the hospital and experience it.

I am very thankful my kids are healthy and here with me.

And I know I’ll be holding them a little tighter tonight.

“Giving to Children in Hospitals” Preview

“I want a Space Room. Can you make me planets, Mom and hang them? And don’t forget to make Mars. Mars is the red one. And put stars in the room! Actually Mom, I want “Transformers.” Yes Mom…but just for my bed. Oh…and Legos! I want Legos in my room! And, then I want to have a sling shot just like “Angry Birds,” so we can shoot Grady across the room and into the bunk bed…”

~Garrett’s answer after I questioned him about what kind of bedroom he wanted me to make.

Well, I asked!

I love decorating my kids’ rooms. I always try to personalize them in some way and incorporate their “loves” in my design. I want their rooms to be a special place to go (especially since that’s where they’re sent when they misbehave…so they might as well enjoy the setting.)

For some kids though, the four walls of a hospital room are more familiar than those of their bedroom back home.

But, that doesn’t mean we can’t add a bit of Christmas to it!

So, the kids and I are making Christmas decorations this afternoon and bringing them to the pediatric wing of a hospital. Ava, in particular, enjoys making crafts from construction paper. We’re planning on putting together paper chains, wreaths and assembling cut-out Christmas trees. I have lots of sequins to add a twinkle to our creations and glue galore!

We love decorating our home for Christmas. And sadly, some kids will fall asleep on Christmas Eve in a hospital bed, instead of snuggled in the blankets and sheets of their own bed. Well, they may not be “home for Christmas,” but hopefully the love we share with them today will put a little more joy in their season.

Christmas Countdown: 4 Days “Giving to Friends”

When I outlined our “Embracing a Spirit of Giving 2011″ project, I knew without a doubt what I wanted to do this day.

Before moving, I was part of a book club that was made up of some pretty amazing ladies. On my last night with the group, they surprised me with some really sweet going away items. One of them was a collection of cards and stationary, along with a sheet of address labels…with the girls’ addresses already printed on it.

Today, I got the chance to sit down and write a card for each of them. As I did, special memories of each individual came to mind and I appreciated the extra smiles I had today.

The kids wrote to their IL “besties.” I just love the photos I’m including at the end of this post. I took them right before we moved. What a delightful group!

I don’t take my friendships for granted. Even more, I don’t take the time I have with my friends for granted…for you never know how long you will be part of another person’s life.

There’s an old, familiar saying that claims, “Out of sight, out of mind.”

While these friends may indeed be out sight, they are never out of mind…and certainly never far from heart.

“Giving to Friends” Preview

Today, we are writing letters.

The kids and I have each selected a few friends to reach out to: the paper is stacked, our pencils are sharpened and I’m ready to answer the question, “Mom, how do you spell…” about 37 times.

I am thankful for the friends in my life. The role they play is invaluable…whether they are a BFF or more of an acquaintance.

A friend of mine shared this with me a few years ago. I thought it fitting to post given today’s theme.

To all my friends, near and far…you are loved.

~

Reason, Season, or Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

~ Unknown

Christmas Countdown: 5 Days “Giving to the Elderly”

Tonight.Was.Awesome.

I took the kids’ to the Tennessee State Veterans Home, which is about an hour away (and why I’m posting later than usual). I’m only posting pictures of the kids because due to Hippa Law, I cannot put up picturess of the residents. I still got to take many photos, they just won’t appear online.

So, I’m going to describe a few of my favorites :

When we walked in, a gentleman on a motor scooter instantly rolled up to us and greeted us. The kids were so excited to give him an ornament. He proudly strung his star on the handle of his scooter and wished us a “Merry Christmas” before we went along our way.

Next, we met a man sporting a bright blue sweater and wearing a big Santa hat! He was wheelchair-bound and greeted us with a loud chorus of “Silent Night.” When Ava gave him her ornament, he held her hand and sweetly kissed it before continuing on with his song.

From there, we went room-by-room, visiting with the veterans. The staff member who accompanied us was so kind and made sure to introduce us to each resident. Many of them had little trees in their room, so it was very heart-warming to watch our little stars adorn them.

There was a married couple who shared a room: she wore an eye patch and he had his arm lovingly draped around her. We met a man who lost both his legs, but his smile was so bright, it was nearly impossible to take your eyes off of his face.

And then there was a woman who, as tears streamed down her face, exclaimed, “I’ve never seen anything like this! What dear, dear children! Thank you so much for coming to see me!!”

What I remember most about tonight is open hands. At first, you’d think the residents were reaching for the ornaments.

But, no.

They were reaching directly for my children’s hands. They wanted to feel their warmth and connect with them. And once they did, it was like they didn’t want to let go. They gazed on my kids like they were little jewels. And even though the time spent with each individual resident was fleeting, I know it was meaningful.

I didn’t know this, but the residents had their Christmas party this evening. So, after we visited the individual rooms, we were invited to their main hall to join them for their Christmas dinner and caroling.

There was one more surprise in store for us…

I haven’t taken the kids to see Santa yet and they actually gave me a bit of a hard time about it this morning.

We’ve written many letters (lettersssssssssss is probably more accurate. I think we’ve gone through two books of stamps already. I tried telling them that our letters to Santa didn’t need stamps, but Ava learned all about “envelope addressing and preparation” in school last year, so she wasn’t buying it.)

“Mom, you’ve taken us to see someone new each day, but you haven’t taken us to see Santa.”

I felt bad. Really, I did. But, I promised them we’d go see him before Friday.

Guess who was at the party?

Santa!!

The kids nearly took down a few veterans as they made a bee-line for him. I bet some of them were impressed with my children’s maneuvering skills and ability to quickly identify the fastest route to the man in the red suit.

After sitting on Santa’s lap, we mingled a bit more before heading home.

I’m tired, but filled.

It’s funny…

You’d think we’d eventually become empty from pouring ourselves into others. But, instead, I find that the more we empty ourselves, the more filled we become.

“Giving to the Elderly” Preview

I think this may have been my favorite “give” last year.

I’ve shared before that I felt really inspired by the idea that Christmas should be a time when we focus on giving presence rather than presents. I didn’t fully understand the impact of this until we visited a nursing home last year. I remember so clearly the way the residents’ faces lit up when we walked through the door. Many were gathered right there at the entryway. It’s like they were just hoping for anyone to stop by. Recalling how they grasped my children’s hands as they listened to their stories still brings a tear to my eye.

My mom called me the other day and asked if we planned on visiting a retirement center again. I told her that “yes” we were, but I had not figured out where we were going yet (gotta love new areas!). Anyhow, she had just watched a special on TV that talked about how the veterans were a group who really could use visitors. The sacrifice these brave individuals made for our country can never be repaid. These men love our flag. And the thought of them alone at any time, especially Christmas, solidified my decision…we were going to visit the Tennessee State Veterans Home.

Both my and Adam’s grandfathers served in WWII. My grandfathers were in the Navy. Grandpa Jack served as a yeoman to his ship’s Admiral, while Grandpa John worked with his ship’s torpedo operations. I like to think of today as a way to pay respect to the current living veterans and honor the memory of our grandfathers.

The kids and I plan on giving out homemade ornaments. I put together 30 stars, made from craft sticks. They were so easy to assemble and I like that they have a bit of a crude look to their shape. The kids had fun coloring and decorating their stars! I spoke with the activities director at the facility and she said they would have 30 veterans waiting for us when we arrived. We could distribute our gifts and then spend time visiting.

I have to admit…I’m really excited and definitely looking forward to sharing our day’s events later tonight!!

Christmas Countdown: 6 Days “Giving to the Hungry”

The kids and I spent some time down in Murfreesboro, TN at Feed America First.

There, we met John, who gave us a tour of their warehouse and explained to the kids how their distribution process works. He talked to them about who they give food to: churches, children’s homes, women’s and homeless shelters just to name a few.

While there, we made a donation to feed a child for a season.

And then my daughter did something that made my heart swell.

I treated the kids to lunch at Panera earlier this afternoon. I didn’t know it, but Ava secretly brought $1.20 so she could surprise me with a Mint Crinkle cookie. When she gave it to me she exclaimed,

“Mom, we’ve been giving every day to other people and today someone gave to me!”

It turns out, the cashier wished her a “Merry Christmas” and gave her the cookie at no charge.

I’m so happy she got the chance to be on the receiving end of a random give. This was actually the second time this happened in a short time period, for Ava received a surprise card in the mail from my parents. In it, was a donation to her “craft fund,” so she could buy more supplies to make ornaments and crafts to give to others.

I suppose Ava could have saved her dollar and spent it on something else. However, during our tour, John explained how just $1 provides enough food for 12 to 15 meals.

Ava dug her $1.20 out of her pocket and gave it to him.

I didn’t want to call attention to her gesture at that moment, but I put my arm around her and gently squeezed her shoulder. When we walked out, I told her how proud I was of her generous spirit. She smiled up at me and said, “Giving is fun.”

You know what?

It really is.

Today, I felt convicted to be a better steward with all God has given me and my family. We are taken care of and now it’s our responsibility to care for others and help them make it through another day…including our hungry neighbors.

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“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’  (Matthew 25:34-40)

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