I've Changed My Mind

Over the past year, well, really two years, I've been under going a caterpillar like transformation.

I've become an adult. Like, a real one. Having children, buying a house, being married-the whole package. Um, reverse that order.

I've also learned that I've got incredible power and strength. I've found out that I'm an amazing person. I'm not saying this to sound arrogant or proud, I'm saying this because it's true of all of us!

I noticed during the beginning parts of being a mom, when all those sleepless nights seemed to drag on for weeks, months and even years, that I just kind of was lost.

I felt at times, I wanted to be joyful, but found myself being hateful and jealous instead.

I would see photos of other people on family vacations on Facebook, and as much as I wanted to be happy for them, I just sat there and was just so jealous!

Jealous is an evil thing. No good comes from it. I am a big runner, so let me put this analogy into a form that I can relate.

When I found myself in jealous feelings and thought, I realized that, for me, it was like running circles around a track. The two mile, or even the one mile run around the track, just kind of sucked for me. 

The two mile was always the first even at our track meets. This event always seemed to be the one no one cared about, and honestly, I always kind of felt like someone was just kind of laughing at me as I would pass them and do laps.

Just like a track, running circles in a hamster wheel gets you no where.

Jealous is a lot like that-you keep circling around and around and around. You keep seeing the same things and keep feeling the same things and it never gets better. You're in the unloved event. Sometimes it seems like it's the most pointless two miles ever. 

Every once in a while, you'd have a friend try and cheer you on for a few laps, but they never really stayed for the whole course. I can't say I blame them. It gets old.

So does feeling and thinking jealously.

I've learned on those days, when I was running around the jealousy track, that Bitterness and Hate would always show up to be my only cheerleaders. The Enemy at his finest. You know, when that's who you have cheering you on, you find that you will run yourself into the ground. When you cross the finish line and turn back to look at them, they're both just standing there clapping their hands, laughing at you. See it doesn't bother Bitterness or Hate. In fact, they loved it! They knew the longer you circled around that track and them, the worse off you'd feel when you finally stopped, and they knew exactly how you'd affect everyone else in your life because of it.

They're really sneaky. 

I was absolutely tired of letting something so small and insignificant steal my joy. Besides, there will always be someone who has a "nicer" house, "better" car, "more talent," and so on and so forth.

Besides stealing my joy about life, I noticed that I was poisoning my relationships around me. I wasn't being thankful for the amazing job my God does at providing for us. I wasn't thankful to husband for all his hard work, that he does every day.

I needed to start transforming my mind! I found Dr. Caroline Leaf's program-The 21 Day Brain Detox. Wow! I watched this video on her first, and I was just floored. She explains amazing scientific discoveries in a very simple way!

The toxic thoughts we have in our brains, like jealousy, hate and all the rest of the negative junk, affect our brains AND bodies in a negative way! But, we as amazing, God created beings, can actually change the way we think!! We are not victims about how our brain thinks, WE CONTROL OUR BRAINS! Not the other way around.

I thought, "This is exactly what I need!" I started this program two months ago and I have absolutely noticed a huge difference!

I have been able to completely kill of those thoughts of jealousy. I have noticed that I am so much happier for EVERYONE! Including myself.

I can see people that get a new home and think, "That's just so awesome for them! They totally needed it!"

Someone else gets a new job I can easily say, "I'm so thankful that God blessed them and they have something so wonderful!" And most importantly, I sincerely mean all of those things. I can say it with a heart filled smile. It isn't generic. It is genuine.

Day by day, with her program I totally started to see myself killing all these nasty things.

Again, using a running analogy, I ran cross country as well. With feelings and thoughts of Jealousy, it was like running two miles around a circle track. You never went anywhere. You just finished and felt tired and exhausted and just "Eh."

But, after starting and finishing this program, I noticed that it was a lot like a cross country race. I may have run two miles, but I got to see so many cool things along the way. 

Beautiful possibilities of countryside.

Sometimes, when I was running, I would find myself so amazed at the landscape that it was hard not to be drawn to the beauty of the countryside. Or laugh at a cow that you'd just passed by!

In cross country races you'd find yourself running up and downhills, around buildings, going here there every where! Kind of like a Dr. Seuss book. I remembered when I finished the race I had such a sense of accomplishment and it was always fun to see all the different people cheering you on! No one got bored watching you run circles, no-your friends would run to keep up with you! They'd race around the track to keep cheering you on.

When you were done, you were smiles. You knew where you started and you knew exactly how far you'd gone. 

That's what this program does. It takes you on a journey-it helps you conquer your hills and it cheers you on along the way. I makes you enjoy the journey and discover things along the way that make you realize how awesome and how much power you really have!

Additionally, you help to change the people around you. When you start to become a non-jealous person, filled with positive thoughts, you attract more people to you. People who want that feeling too!

I'm already almost done with my second toxic thought and I can't wait to just keep continuing my positive journey! Life doesn't seem to be the rat race it once was. I have an incredible sense of peace now. Joy. God has truly blessed me and my family! I have fully started to appreciate all his Glory and Wonder for our lives and those around us! What an amazing thing to feel.

If you are struggling with these same types of thoughts, try this program! I promise you, you will see the difference in your life!!!  This might be one of those things that I need to "giveaway," on my blog, because this is really what my life and journey on here has been all about.

Be the change that needs to happen. Be the change for someone else. Let's help each other!

Have you had thoughts that you've struggled with that just affect your whole life? Your relationships? Do you ever just feel tired of thinking and feeling that way? 

I'd love to hear your stories or comments. Have you heard of her program and tried it?

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We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)


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My Love Language...

I'm alive. I've been busy. Isn't that our life story? Sometimes, I can't even remember what we've done that keeps us so busy. Oh well.

I do have one thing that I can share with you that has kept me busy. I have been reading lately. (I really do enjoy it!)

I've heard this book title whispered around a little bit, and then I heard it used directly around Valentine's Day. 

The book is called The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. 

Have you heard of it? You might have.

Now, before you go thinking this is just a book for someone in a relationship like marriage, you're wrong. This book, has several different spin offs, but will basically apply to EVERY relationship you have. Friendships, co-workers, moms/dads, siblings, and children. Basically, if you have a relationship with ANYONE, you can use this!

What really sparked me into reading the book, was a men's discussion panel for Valentine's Day. Several women/mom's asked a panel of men what they would really value or treasure as a gift. While, each one had their own answer, one man's in particular was very interesting to me. He said, "You need to know your husband's love language. Mine for instance is spending quality time, which means sitting on the couch watching TV, not saying anything."

This, sounds like my husband. Then I got to thinking, is it really that EASY? Maybe this would be the one step that could really help take our relationship, and all my relationships, to the next level.

Let me just tell you, it's a small book. But, it packs quite the punch. There are Five Love Languages. 

Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

Essentially, we all fall into one of these categories. 

I've always seen these pictures or posts or comments about how sexy women find men that vacuum the house and do laundry or wash dishes are. I never understood that. The reason I don't get that, is because that isn't my love language. That would be considered Acts of Service. While I think that stuff is great, I also think it's part of just being a couple.

After taking the quiz, I found out that I scored really high in Words of Affirmation and Gifts. Which, is really, two of the things I probably request and ask more than anything.

It made me also realize that the Gifts one is huge to me. I spend a lot of time thinking about giving people gifts, looking for gifts, finding surprise gifts, and what would make a just for fun gift, for anyone. Could I say the word gift anymore?

But, I also realize I scrutinize gifts that I/my children, get just as much! For me, gifts speak a lot of love. When I open a gift, I realize at that moment, how much that person really thought about me. How much that person really showed they loved me. Now, that's NOT to be confused with being expensive or having to have a lot of money spent on me. 

Just knowing that someone took the time to get to know me, my personality, my likes, life, and then created/found a gift that fits me, is just incredible! 

This fills my love tank.

My husband, was a little bit of a surprise. The book talks about how the things one often complains or nags about, tend to show you what their love language is. Even how someone tends to just act towards you. We tend to mirror the love language we are expecting.

I thought about my husband a lot, and before he took the quiz I had pretty much figured out what his love language was. Or thought I had them both figured out. I was almost 100% correct.

His major love language is Acts of Service. Having dinner ready for him, washing his clothes, running errands, washing his truck, cleaning the house-these all showed him love. Made him feel secure. He always does this stuff for me, so I could tell this was going to be one of his big ones.

He will make me breakfast, he will clean my car, he will change the oil and rotate the tires, and he will even clean the house.

His second one, was actually a surprise. He likes gifts and quality time. The quality time one, wasn't the surprise. He tends to be the kind of man that just wants me to hang out in the garage with him while he works on his dirt bike, or shows me his new welds. He always likes to show me stuff he's doing and complains that I'm online too much when we are watching TV together. Yep, quality time is one that didn't come as a surprise to me.

Gifts and my husband. Two things I NEVER thought would go together. He's never really one for giving me gifts, but also, when I give him gifts (even the ones he will specifically ASK me to get for him) he just never seems to be to excited about it. I guess that just goes to show you, there are always new things to learn about the loved ones in our life!

We've been applying these things to our life on a daily basis now. I have to say, it takes a lot of the guessing out of what will work and what doesn't. It's actually been quite a relief! I now know, what I can do to show him, I love him. He's been doing mine as well. It's been so amazing!

We finally speak, the SAME LANGUAGE!!!!

After we took our quizzes, I actually have asked several friends and family members to do the same. 

My mom, turns out, is an Acts of Service person. My sister is just like me. There is no better way to show people you love them by speaking their language.


If you don't want to buy the book, and I do encourage it, then go to this link and take your profile quiz! Find out what your language is! You might be surprised.

The 5 Love Languages Profile Quiz


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"You obeyed the truth and your souls were made pure. Now you sincerely love each other. But you must keep on loving with all your heart."
1 Peter 1:22 (CEV)

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Keeping your Mouth in Check with your Heart

We've all done it. 

Had that moment, when we've said something we wished we hadn't. Boy, those words linger a long time don't they? Bet you can remember your face flushing red, or the look on the other person's face, or the sound in their or your own voice.

We've all experienced it.

A friend, loved one, co-worker let loose a statement or comment that knocked you back and maybe knocked you straight down to the ground. You remember that moment well. It's been with you for awhile. Maybe you've had several from the same people. Regardless of the circumstances, you've experienced the hurt, devastation and frustration from someones thoughtless words.

I've been spending a lot of time trying to listen to what I've been saying. I have been in a constant reminder over the past month or so about my words and what they really mean.

That probably sounded a little vague. Let me explain. I'm sure you've probably encountered a few of these sayings some where in your life.

Kind words are like honey-they cheer you up and make you feel strong.
                                                          -Proverbs 16:24 (CEV)

Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
                                                          -Proverbs 21:23 (CEV)

A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
                                                           -Jewish Proverb

The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.
                                                        -Benjamin Franklin

Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart.
                                                         -Zig Ziglar

Don't let your mouth write a check your tail can't cash.
                                                          -Bo Diddley

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
                                                          -Matthew 12:37

Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart.
                                                          -Luke 6:45 (CEV)

Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.
                                                               -Proverbs 17:28

I think that's enough to get the point over. The big one that I keep getting is the message from Luke 6:45. Your words show what is in your heart.

Do you ever hear people constantly being negative? Constantly coming up with drama? If you listen to them, and what they're really saying, you'll learn to read between the lines. They're unhappy. They have some thing in their heart that is just sad, and that is why they say all the things they do.

Have you ever been around someone who is just joyful? Who just speaks great things and helps to build you up? You would know if you had. I'm talking about a person who was sincere and genuine. Not someone just throwing compliments randomly out there, but someone who has a great heart. Someone who can help you see the positive, when something negative tries to hit you. (Sometimes, it can almost be annoying! But, never the less, you still are so thankful for those people who can help show you the wonderfulness that life has.)

I've been more quiet lately. (Go ahead and laugh a little right now, because if you know me, it's almost funny to imagine me being quiet.) But, I've been struggling lately. I know that I've encountered a lot of negative words recently. It made me wonder if I had been doing the same thing to other people. I needed time to look inside myself and see what I was battling and dealing with. I needed to listen to what my heart was telling other people and myself. 

If the power of our words brings life and death, happiness and sorrow, healing or hurt-why is it, we don't treat them all like the treasures they really are?

There was a time that all people had were words. There were no cell phones, computers, books and documents. If someone gave you their word, it was a done deal. Goods traded and sold, all at the power of a word.

There are still a few things that only require a few words, in order to change a life. Words like, "Will you marry me?" "I do!" "We're pregnant!" "We'd like to offer you the job!" "Congratulations!" "I'm proud of you." "I love you."

These small words, are so powerful. They are also not offered, often. 

I bet some of your most memorable days, included some of the most kind hearted words you'd ever heard. Mine do. The day I got engaged, was so special and amazing. Some of the most difficult days I've made it through, were all because someone gave me some kind words and positive encouragement.

Maybe if we all started using more positive words, we could see a difference and change in people. Have you told your kids you're proud of them lately? Have you reminded your mom and dad that you're thankful, for all they've done and sacrificed for you? Have you ever told your friend that their support was what changed their whole week around, or maybe life? Have you told your spouse how wonderful they are and why?

I've never heard anyone, EVER, complain about being told something positive.

Well, ok, that's not entirely true. I was once given a work evaluation and told, as a negative point, that I was too "cheerful and bubbly." (Pause for an awkward moment.....) Yea, I thought it was weird too. There's always someone who wants to rain on a positive parade, but again, you can see those people have some deep hurt/fears/hate in their hearts.

As I move on from my newly learned lesson, I hope that I've shared something with you, for your life. Listen to what you've been saying. Even if it means you're a little quieter and don't have a lot to say right now. Evaluate what it is you mean.

Maybe, if you're reading this, you're seeing that it's meant for someone in your life. Maybe they need more positive words. Maybe someone in your life needs to be built up, because they're struggling inside. Maybe they just need to be reminded how truly wonderful they are. 

So I dare you-go build someone up! Go use your Super Power Words for GOOD! Go and share the love! You'll NEVER regret saying something positive and meaningful, to someone.


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Friendship: The New Dating Game

30 Acts of Kindness

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Child Birth: The Natural Way

The miracle of child birth. It's a pretty amazing and spectacular thing. 

It's also one of those topics like breast feeding vs bottle feeding, cloth diapers vs disposables, natural vs epidural/c-section, etc. It tends to stir up a lot of opinions and stories.

I had both my children the natural way. Well, I was induced with the first one and opted for no pain meds. The second one, I went into labor naturally and had her with no pain meds.

I struggled, when I was pregnant, to find anyone who was a real person, that could tell me how to go through it. I wanted some honest stories about what to expect and what they used to cope.

I don't have any photos of me doing it. These guys look way better than me anyway!

Most people couldn't really tell me anything. I found some solace with Ina May Gaskin's Guide To Child Birth. She's delivered lots of babies. I mean LOTS! She was also very honest. I found that there were a few pieces of information in this book that really sped up my labor process and helped to change my frame of mind. 

I have several people in my life who are currently pregnant. A few I know, are planning to have a natural labor and delivery. I've tried to be honest with them about what to expect. As I was telling my story for the second time, in about a week, I thought it might be nice to share with all of you. So, here it goes. My honest, true, story!

First off, it does hurt. Everyone has different degrees of pain, so to answer how much, is kind of hard and difficult. Also, every one's labor is different. With my son, I had all back labor (this is the kind you don't want!). With my daughter, it was just regular contractions. Also remember, God designed us to do this. He'll help you through this!

I had two, six-hour labors, with the deliveries of both my children. Like I stated before, with my son, I was induced. My water broke at noon and six hours later, he arrived safely.

With my son's delivery, I felt that I had missed out on something. I didn't get to experience the exciting rush of, "Honey, it's time to go to the hospital, we're having the baby!" I guess I've seen too many movies, and I felt, well, cheated out of that birth experience. I know that other mothers have felt the same way in regards to having an unplanned c-section. Some where along the lines, they felt they just missed out on the child birth experience. And, it's understandable, and totally normal.

With my daughter, however, I was bound and determined  not get induced. With her, I had, had contractions on and off for a full day. Because I had missed out on this with my first one, I felt like a new mom. I had contractions four minutes apart, but they didn't really hurt. I didn't want to go to the hospital to be sent home (I've heard a few mom stories about that too, and I didn't want to be embarrassed by being sent home either!).

I was lucky enough to be around two, off-duty doctors who basically told me that if I could easily walk through and talk through my contractions, because they weren't really causing discomfort, that I was fine not heading to the Labor and Delivery ward right then. I needed to go when I couldn't easily talk or walk through the discomfort or pain. (We live 5 minutes away from our hospital, and I totally understand that there are towns with people, who have to drive an hour or more to get to their hospital for delivery.)

With my daughter, I hopped into the shower, and it instantly kicked my contractions into hyper drive! I was having some intense, cramping pain, that I no longer could talk through so I knew it was time to go.

Upon my arrival with her at the hospital, I was at 5 cm dilated. Whoo hoo-half way done!

With both kids, I used the hot tub method to deal with the pain and discomfort. Also, squatting like a little frog, helped a lot as well!

I didn't have a birth plan, other than to just get through it without meds. If music would have been playing in the back ground I could have honestly told you I wouldn't have heard it. 

With each contraction, your natural instinct is to almost tense up and "fight through it." It hurts. Imagine the worst menstrual cramps ever-then magnify it. By A LOT!

However, the tensing up, counteracts the whole thing. The best things I got out of Ina's book, was that you need to mentally tell yourself that this needs to happen, and that you're "opening up," and that you're not fighting it! Pretty much need to keep that taped to your head and have your coaching partner repeat that to you. Your cervix needs to open! Period. Try and work with it as much as you can and when it's over, rest. Try not to focus too much on the last contraction.

I'm going to say that this was 99% mental. Women have been having natural child birth for centuries. (Your mother probably had you this way-you'll have a new respect for her after your children are born.) We were blessed/cursed at the same time with this. You see, we are strong enough to endure this (and forget all about it!), and repeat it!

The contractions get more intense after your water breaks. With my son, I actually heard a little 'Pop!' After that, I felt a gush, like I had accidentally peed my pants! Thank goodness I was in the hospital gown (which by the way--don't waste money buying a cute fancy gown, because birth is MESSY!!!!!!).

With my daughter, I was sitting in the hot tub and kind of a felt an extra surge of water, and looked down and saw I definitely had my water break. (It's not just clear water that comes out, it comes with either red blood, or can look kind of greenish. If it's greenish, the baby has had a bowl movement inside you at this point. You can learn more about that later.)

At that point, you're headed toward the final stretch.

During the time between 7 cm and 10 cm, for me, was the most intense. I started to shake with adrenaline and get really hot. I also started to throw up and go potty, because it was my body's way of getting ready for the final push (pun intended!). This was also where the contractions were coming really fast and hard. With that, also meant, they were intense in pain. I would sway my hips, I would try the ball, I would try just about everything to get through each one. I even stopped talking for a period of time (which, for anyone that knows me, is pretty much a miracle!).

I should also mention, that at this point, if you're modest about being naked, in front of anyone, you won't be. I was literally naked with both children, from that 7cm point on and I didn't care who saw me. My focus was directed entirely on something else. I also had my children during shift change, so there was literally, about 12 people in my room.

If you can imagine, 12 people (adults) in a room, with me naked, and they are all staring at your bottom, waiting for your little miracle to arrive. That sounds weird, but you don't even notice they are there and you don't CARE!

Pushing went pretty fast for me. About 15 minutes for each kid. I have that personality that when I'm done, I'M DONE! When I was told it was time to push (and trust me you'll know, your body will start to do it for you), I was like a sumo wrestler taking a stance. I HAD, HAD ENOUGH OF THE PAIN. I put my game face on and I was ready to go!

If you need tips about pushing or are interested in knowing what that is like, ask around. Or send me a private message. I'm always honest and willing to share.

In the end, once that little awesome, amazing, miracle's head and shoulder's pop out, the pain is gone. Seriously. It's instant. You don't really have to worry about the placenta either. That will pretty much just slide right out and you don't have to worry about that, and you don't even notice, because you have a baby in your arms. Or he/she is being passed around the room being checked by nurses and doctors. What an amazing distraction, huh?

Basically, what you need to know is this. YOU CAN DO IT! Don't focus on the pain, focus on the part that you've been building up too-your baby! Keep the mental part about trying to not counteract the contractions fore front! Read Ina's book. She has so much to share on it. Really, can you ever be overly, mentally prepared? I don't think so!

Hope you've found this helpful. If it's a friend, or a sister that is about to go through this, be a champ and have something waiting for her at the end. Champagne, her favorite candy, a gift certificate for a mani/pedi! She's a hero-even though she doesn't get a badge, she's just done an unbelievable, amazing job, bring a life into this world. She should be celebrated too!

Need more ideas or tips on that upcoming arrival of a baby? Check out my post here! 

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He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29






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My 30th Birthday

This day has finally arrived. I'm 30. It's an age that when I was about 13, I thought was old. Like, REALLY old. An age that seemed so far away, but was the start of the downhill of life.

I'm so glad I'm not 13 anymore. This birthday, means nothing even remotely close to what I thought it did back then.

This birthday, is the celebration of life. It's the acknowledgment that throughout some of the stupidest things I've ever done in my youthful life, I've managed to live to tell the tales to another generation. That I've grown in all areas and ways of life. That I've taken paths that have never been traveled, and that I've shared my means with others.

This birthday was the realization that I have SO FAR to go yet. That at this point in my life, I could never be done doing, what needs to be done. 

I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I've been given. I've been incredibly blessed with all the people I've met in my life. Those who have been around to help give me guidance and perspective. To share their errors and triumphs with me, in hopes that I'll be able to have an even better life. 

I'm even grateful for those challenging and difficult people I know/have in my life. It's because of these people and their daily challenges for me, that I get to experience what it truly means to love. These people also show me that out of each difficult situation, there is a lesson to be learned and shared. If we didn't learn from them, life would be pretty uneventful and probably hopeless.

But nonetheless, I'm 30! What a fabulous thing! 

As I've been mentioning and doing in some of my posts, I wanted to be a giver and a sharer of this moment. (Not just this moment, I've realized but in EVERY moment!)

I kicked off my 30th with doing 30 Random Acts of Kindness.

http:www.spirituallythinking.blogspot.com
Taken from Here! Love this!

I just want to encourage each and every one of you, to try this at some point in your life. You don't necessarily need to do thirty things, or even ten different things. But this journey was amazing!

I took about a month and half to sit down and plan this. I needed to save a little money and some of these things required a lot of time.

I made a list of things I wanted/thought I could do. I had planned to do them all in one day, but after I started acquiring all this 'stuff' I realized, my car was too SMALL to hold everything in one shot. Plus, my husband pointed out that taking my two little kids with me every where I went to do this, would make this a miraculous feat to get it all done in one full day.

My Collection of Items!

I broke it up into a few things each day. My kids could take doing this stuff for about an hour or two max. He was right. Yes, I said it. My husband, was RIGHT! 

Here is what I did, and how it went! Enjoy!

 Act #1. Donated Valentine's to the homeless shelter for the kids to make and take to school.

 Act #2. Took puzzles and coloring books and crayons and dropped them off at the hospital for the kids.

 Act #3. Donated coffee to the homeless shelter.

 Act #4. Sent a Yiftee to a lucky Reader!

 Act #5. Picked up garbage around the neighborhood.

Act #6. Donated expired coupons to the Red Cross for the troops.

 Act #7. Sent cards to friends and family with lots of love

 Act #8. Put coupons out at the store for people to use.

 Act #9. Left diapers at the diaper stations.

 Act #10. Handed out Blessing Bags to the people in need.

 Act #11. Handed out waters to people we saw, like the mail lady, homeless, the kids holding signs and billboards by the street.

Act #12. Retrieved rogue shopping carts throughout the store parking lots, and placed them in the carousels.

 Act #13. Helped a gentleman with his groceries and put his cart away. (He was really surprised I offered to help, and even more so when he found out I didn't work for the store.)

Act #14. Smile all day at people. (This seems easy, but try it! Actually focus on walking through the store with a smile on your face. You have to make an effort to keep doing it....all day long...all the time! But, it works. Everyone can't help but smile back.)

Act #15. Bought flowers and cards and gave them to a gas station attendant. (There were two of them.) As I drove away, I saw them smile.

 Act #16. Woke up Monday morning to snow! Got out REALLY early and shoveled my neighbors side walks and tried to brush the snow off their windshields.

Act #17. Used my cute Treat Holders (how to make post HERE) and gave the librarians some milk and donuts! They thought the treat holder was cute and the thought was very nice!

Act #18. Gave a homeless, smiling, helpful man, who was outside the post office, a coupon for chicken nuggets at Burger King with the money to cover it, plus tax and I threw some extra money. Also gave him a blessing bag with dry socks, and a water. He was so happy.

Act #19. Made Red Velvet Cupcakes for the nurses at our local hospital. (Heads up on this one--you may need to call ahead and find out if they will take them! I actually have a few neighbors who are nurses, who brought them, because our hospital will only take pre-packaged food to hand out from a stranger. Makes sense when you think about it.) Included a thank you note for them always being awesome!

 Act #20. Gave the crossing guard at the local school some milk and donuts in my cute Treat Carrier!

 Act #21. Bought the person's coffee behind me in line at Starbucks.

Act #22. Brought back old vases to a local mom and pop floral shop! They were really grateful!

Act #23. Put up notes with the change for a soda, on the soda machines. (Pop machines, if you're from the Midwest!)

Act #24 & #25. Gave donuts and thank you cards to both the local fire station and sheriff's office!

Act #26. Made 89 homemade Valentine's for the local assisted living/nursing home. (Are you always finding fun projects to make with your kids and not sure what to do with them all, bring them there! They really appreciate it!)

Act #27. Wrote out positive, encouraging and loving notes and left them on cars.

Act #28. Donated a bag of dog food to the local animal shelter.

Act #29. Donated some medical supplies to the local free clinic. (Nothing major, just small things.) They are always grateful and they take care of so many in our local areas!  

Act #30. Recycle plastic garbage bags. 

Act #31. Tell my family and friends how much I love them! 

Act #32. Leave a big tip! Even if they don't deserve it. You never know what's going on in their life, and perhaps your note and tip will be the reason their night turns around and others will get great service that night too! 

 Act #33. Mail treats to an unsuspecting friend! Surprise!

Act #34. Gave away a diamond candle on the blog to a lucky reader! (See, I give good stuff here!) 

Act #35. Bought Milk & Cookies for all the kids at Story Hour. Mom's totally appreciate this!

Act #36. Place stamps on envelopes at the card store.
Act #37. Donate blood.
Act #38. Leave $1 bills at the Dollar Store for people to find.
Act #39. Buy a grocery store gift card and give it to someone in the store to use.
Act #40. Hand out balloons to people.
Act #41. Pay for someone's hair cut (Done by friends!)
Act #42. Pay for someone's gas. (Done by friends!)

Ok, so I did more than 30, but once you get started you realize how awesome and incredibly fun it is, to be the blessing in someone's life.

The flowers, and the grocery carts, the coffee and cookies were some of my favorites, because I actually got to see some of the reactions.

You know how you always HEAR about people doing good things, and you think, "I can do that?" Go do it! Be a DOER! 

I have to tell you, when I first started this, I had serious doubts. I thought people would think I'm crazy and that it feels weird. But you have to fight PAST that! Because, wouldn't you want any of these nice things to happen to you?!?! I know I would. So what are you waiting for? 

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE!

All these are just small seeds. People that mock small seeds, fail to realize that all great things come from something small. The biggest trees started from a tiny seed. Even we, as people, started from something even smaller than a seed! Look how we've grown! Go and be amazing! Go and DO!

After realizing how easy it is to do these things, I plan to keep going. There is no reason that I should just do these once in my life or once a year. I can't wait to keep doing all these things.

I'd love to hear what you've done-or ideas you have! Tell me how it felt to do some random acts of kindness! Or how it felt when one happened to you!

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without

 realizing it.

Hebrews 13:2

Want more ideas on how to spread some fun love and cheer? Check out these posts!

Giving Gifts To Those Who Don't Care For You

Giving in Secret

Recalls story of getting gifts, and giving back

Coffee Dates

Donate Breast Milk

Library Fines

Flying With Thanks!

Sending Cheer!

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