Day 73: I am back

Day 73: I am back! I have fallen again. Sometimes I think we all feel like we are yelling at The Lord saying where are you? We need him and he doesn't answer. But what about when he is yelling at us? I really feel like he has been yelling at me lately. Where are you krystle? I am talking to you and you aren't listening to me. I am guilty. I know God is calling me to follow through with this goal and yet I have been making excuses to not follow through. Well he doesn't want to hear our excuses. He wants to see action. We are supposed to be the leaders of men! What kind of leader makes excuses? Well not this one anymore. Not that I am really the leaders of men type but I get what God means when he says that and I got it. Right now he wants me to follow through with some projects I have been in, including this one! So the goal continues today! Today I received a pamphlet in the mail from convoy of hope with information about what they have been up to. I sent them money when the tornadoes hit in Oklahoma to help with disaster relief. Well I found out they help with children all over the world. So as my first step back towards Gods calling for me right now I plan to donate $10 a month to help convoy of hope feed hungry kids across the world! Where this money is going it says that $10 will feed one child for 30 days! I can't even imagine here trying to even feed my kids one day on $10 much less 30 days. Wow! Well anyways I am back in the game and have projects coming up in my community. Keep me in your prayers as I strive to live out Gods plan for my life!

Day 72: Chili's

Day 72: Today Chili's resturant is donating 10% of their proceeds to the tornado relief fund in Oklahoma for any of the customers on the email list. If you want to be a part and you don't recieve the email I am sure that you could ask about it and they will make an exception. It is going on at every Chili's resturant so if you live next to one think about having dinner there. It is a nice way to help out the tornado relief with little effort. A friend and I had lunch there today in order to help out.

Day 71: Oklahoma tornado

Day 71: Yesterday a tragedy hit Moore, Oklahoma. A e5 tornado. They are still trying to find everyone in the rubble. Two elementary schools were hit and half a dozen kids might have died. So far the number of casualties is almost 50 I think is what I heard last. So many families lost everything. At times like this I think how can I help? What can I do? Convoy of Hope is a foundation that travels to areas with disasters like this and helps. They bring water and food and personal items to the families who lost everything. We donated to this organization today. There are so many organizations out there helping the ones who are effected by this disaster that's I hope that if you feel it in your heart, that you and your family also will try to help. The American Red Cross is another one that's there helping. Try to look in your heart and see if you and your family can help these poor people that are all suffering loss right now. Whether its a house, a school, a parent, a child, a neighbor, an animal. They are all suffering a loss.

Day 70: birthday decorations

Day 70: Today was a birthday expo at the local mall. The local radio station was setting up a station at it to have donations of birthday decorations for people who can't afford to give their kids birthdays. The Samaritan house does a birthday box for those people. So KLRC was taking the donations for the Samaritan house. I loved this idea. Every year I buy decorations for my kids parties and we use them one time then what? I store them in a drawer. Well today we took all of our stuff up there to donate it. We had number 1 party, Minnie Mouse, jungle animals, spongebob, Disney princess and hello kitty plus extra streamers. I feel like we really helped some other little kids get a fun party who might not of otherwise.

Day 69

Day 69: Friday was an easy day and not much was going on. I did buy everyone cookies again at work today. Nice little treat for everyone on Friday.

Day 68: Hunter's day

Day 68: As you can tell with today's and yesterday's posts that sometimes I can do something for another person but its not the story I want to share. Sometimes the other people in my small family do something that makes me really want to share it with others. Anyways Hunter is my son who is 7. And today I want to share my story of his day. Today was the $1 book fair at his school. They have one at the end of every school year. Hunter came and asked me for some money in order to buy some books. After a little haggling we decided on $5. So he took his money and I dropped him at school. That evening he came home with 4 books. I was concerned that he was shorted a book so I asked him why he only had 4 books. He replied 'mom my friend didn't have any money for a book and he really liked this same book as me so I gave him my dollar to buy it.' That kid sure does make me so proud. I said Hunter that was really nice of you and you make mommy really proud of you! My little Hunter has been putting others ahead of him at times lately and it really does make me think that maybe we are doing something right. Lol

Day 67: Kurt's day

Day 67: Today Kurt came home with the story of helping someone today. He was driving down the road going from one work site to another and he saw a homeless man. Kurt told me that he was close to the sonic so he went and bought him some lunch.

Day 66

Day 66: A friend of mine is very involved with the school and the PTA. She always knows what's going on with school events and I have always really been jealous of that. So tonight she talked me into joining the PTA. To help out my school. But not just joining, I am the next year Vice President of the PTA. Basically I have my friends back if she needs me. But I also get to help with school events and make decisions with the board. I am kind of excited about getting to know the people at Hunter's school better now.

Day 65

Day 65: On the drive home from work there was a lady asking for help for her family on the roadside. I had a small amount of cash so I have her that. When you have nothing, anything helps!

Day 64: dresses

Day 64: A while back I talked about volunteering to help with a project to help girls get the dresses and stuff from prom when they didn't have the resources to get the stuff themselves. Well this week I went to my dads house to get the rest of my stuff ( I moved out 8 years ago). Whole I was there I found almost 10 formal dresses that were mine and my sisters from school. I talked to my sister and we decided to donate them all to the project I helped with a while back. So I loaded up a friends car this weekend who helps take things to the organization. Glitter everywhere!

Hunter's week in my footsteps...

This week Hunter said he had some things going on at school that he would like to help with. They were doing a fundraiser this week to help get a bulletproof best for the police dog at school. So you bring $1 each day and you get to wear a hat. Hunter has a black cowboy hat that he loves and that's what he wore all week. Also it was teacher appreciation week. Our PTA sells carnations for $1 so that the kids can say thanks to their teachers for the support all year. He wanted to buy one for his teacher and one for his student teacher both. Lastly Hunter went with Kurt shopping for Hayley's birthday this week. He is always very particular about what he buys her. He looks for just the right thing. Everyday I am more and more proud if my Hunter. I think he growing up to be am amazing kid who really cares about others!!! I love this kid.

Day 62 and 63

Day 62 and 63: Sorry forgot to I a day but I was still doing my challenge. I had a very emotional night Thursday though. My parents divorced last year and I went to my dads house and dug up old memories. It was good to spend that trip down memory lane with him but that made the evening get away from me. Thursday Kurt and I met for lunch and bought his co workers lunch for him. Then Friday I went out and brought everyone cookies at work from the great American cookie factory. Which really worked out great because the manager there also donated a bunch of coupons to an event I am helping plan in July to help raise money for our team on the walk to end Alzheimer's.

Day 61: electric

Day 61: A friend of our family came to us and needed our help with his bills. His grandma had been in the hospital with some very life threatening surgery a week or so ago and he took off 2 days to be in the hospital with her. Everything went well but he had recently started a new job so he did not have vacation time. Now his check was short and his electric was about to be shut off. So we have him the money he needed for his electric bill. He plans to pay us back but God gives us what we need and he gave our friend what he needed too. God is amazing like that!

Day 60: moms ribbons

Day 60: A few weeks ago the mom of one of our cub scouts bought up a nice idea. To make a ribbon for each of the moms in the pack to pin their kids accomplishments on. When a Cub Scout moves from one level to the next they get a pin and their badge. The badge goes on their uniform but the pins can then go on this ribbon for their mom. So I went and bought ribbon and thread and pins. Tonight 4 of us moms got together during the meeting and put together 62 ribbons for each of the scouts to give one to their mom at our next pack meeting. I must say I am impressed that we did it all so quick. They look pretty cute too if I do say so myself.

Day 59: lost caller?

Day 59: Today I received a phone call from a termite place who was confused. We rent. Five years ago though we rented from a man that we no longer have contact with. Anyways the man from the termite place was trying to locate the owner of that house. I guess my number was the last one they had on file. I told the guy we haven't lived there in 5 years but I have him the phone number to the owner and where he works so that maybe he could find him.

Day 58: go7

Day 58: Today I was supposed to be a part of springfest which is a local festival we have but all the rain changed the date. So instead of springfest we went to volunteer with a local group called go7. Go 7 is a charity that comes from our local homeless center 7 hills and the go to rural areas and distribute personal and food items. Once a month they hit each area with now 4 areas that need their help they are busy every weekend of the month. This weekend it was in Gravette. We went and helped set up. There was actually a line of people there waiting. Then they come in and take whatever they want. We just restock or help with their bags. Whatever they need. It is so amazing to be in the community doing this as a family! My kids get to see it all and then ask questions. I love that The Lord has brought me to this organization. These are some amazing people who run this and support go 7!

Personal fail

So I have to admit I let the world take me down. I haven't been keeping up with my blog and it really saddens me. I have been so busy with everyday life that I let satan take me out of my vision. I lost the great communication I had going between The Lord and I. This is bad. But when I decided to do this I said I would do it everyday for the next year. So since I missed a week I am going to start with today being my next day on my challenge. I can't make up the days between The Lord and I but I am going to keep on with my challenge and try to make it even bigger! So here is my next day of my challenge....

Day 57

Day 57: Today I had some errands to run on lunch and while I was out I ran to party city to look for Hayleys birthday party stuff. Party city is raising money for the Arkansas children's hospital so when I checked out I made a donation. Simple and easy! Love it!

Rain to think about

Rain. I notice as I am driving home today that it is raining. Not just a little rain but it is pouring. Then I start to think. Can you imagine what it was like all those many years ago when God asked Noah to build that ark? He followed God's orders and then filled the ship with two animals of every kind. Filled the ship with his family. Then it started to rain. And rain and rain and rain. For 40 days and 40 nights! Wow! That is alot of rain. When it rains for a full day here I think we feel flooded but 40 days and 40 nights!?!?! And for Noah and his family to be on that boat with the rain just pouring down and all the while having faith that all will be well. God has a plan and we must obey. I just pray that I can have that much faith in anything God asks me to do as Noah did so many years ago. And then as I get home tonight and the rainbow shines in the sky I remember the sign. The sign from God that he will not flood the Earth again. I smiled thinking of what He has done for me and my family. What God has done for so many other people. What has He done for you? Thanks him and praise him for all his love tonight. Amen!

Day 56: cheerleaders

Day 56: Today is day 56! I can't believe how far we have come. A kid of one of the girls I work with is a cheerleader from an area school and they were selling popcorn for the group. And who doesn't love popcorn? So I bought some popcorn to help out the cheerleaders!

Day 55: earth day

Day 55: On day 55 it was Earth Day. So yesterday I decided to make an effort to start trying to help the Earth in any way I can. I am going to start trying to unplug things that I am not using at the house to try to do my part to save the planet!

Day 54: hubby

Day 54: On day 54 I bought my husband a card. Just a note to tell him I love him and was thinking about him. So many times during the days we get busy with life and forget that we need to take care of our marriage too. Sometimes we have to stop running and just say hey I love you!

Day 53

Day 53: So sorry I have not been posting my daily deeds. It has been crazy but I have been doing something everyday. So I will try to get caught up. On day 53 I was at Walmart when a lady left her keys and wallet laying at the register. I chased her down to give her the stuff back.

Days 51 and 52

Days 51 and 52: Unfortunately yesterday I don't think I did anyone to help another person. I must have not been listening to The Lord yesterday or I was in the wrong place at the wrong times. Lol although tonight after work I grabbed my kids and we went to help out at an overnight shelter that 7 hills homeless center was putting on. It was held at the Methodist church in Fayetteville. It is an amazing program. These families who have no homes are transported to the place where they can fill out applications to get short term housing and help finding a job. While they are there filling out applications they get a warm meal and a place to sleep for the night. Then in the morning they feed them breakfast and take them to wherever they have been staying. I volunteered to watch the kids tonight while the parents did paperwork. The kids were so full if dbergy but so well behaved. They watched movies and colored. It was an amazing evening and I am so thrilled there are organizations like 7 hills that have programs to help people when they need it the most!

Day 50: devotional

Day 50: Today I started a new devotional with the elementary kids in our church. I am so excited about it. There are bible verses to learn. Fun activities throughout the lesson to keep them thinking. And very good bible lessons. I hope to be able to teach the kids something over these next 6 weeks and grow closer to them. And them closer to God. We are learning to be closer to God and be winners in his kingdom!

Day 49: cookies

Day 49: today on lunch I bought great American cookie company cookies and took them back to work and shared with everyone. People are always in a better mood after a treat!

Day 48: race for the cure

Day 48: At the store Hunter and I saw one of those large bowl looking things that you put your change in and the money goes round and round and round till it finally goes in the container. Hunter loved it. It was raising money for the race for the cure this weekend for breast cancer. Not only did we put money in it but Hunter also got all the other passing kids to check it out and put money in it too. He is such a great kid!

Day 47: 2nd blessing bag

Day 47: As you may have guessed from the title of today's post today we handed out our 2 nd blessing bag. I explained these bags in a previous post. They are just these canvas bags that we put all kinds of things you might need if you were living on the street. Water. Soap. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Snacks. Socks. List of shelters. As we were driving thru town today my daughter and I saw a family on the corner in need of help. We dropped off our blessing bag and about $4 in cash. I never have cash on me so it was all I had. I let the bag and maybe it will help them a little bit.

Day 46: shopping!

Day 46: I bet you are thinking: shopping? How can that be what you did to help another today? Well let me tell you. In my area the high school has a special program for girls who need help to get to go the prom. It is an amazing program. People donate dresses and shoes and jewelry to the program and then the girls get to come in and shop. When I heard about this program I was quickly signed up. This is a great idea. So today was my day to help out. As a volunteer you are basically the shoppers helper. You help pick out the dress and everything. You bring her anything she needs. Today was so exciting. I helped 4 girls find dresses and shoes with accessories. I am so glad I found this project. I will definitely sign up to help again next year!

Awesome prayer!

Lord Jesus, I don't understand why you would give your life for me. There is nothing greater that I can do in earth than to give my life for you in service to others. Please strengthen me for this joyful task!

This is the prayer at the end of my devotional tonight. I love it. It is exactly how I feel. I will pray it so many times!!!

Day 45: waitress

Day 45: Tonight we went out to eat at Applebee's. The kids love it there. We were finishing our meal and our waitress came to us and said her manager made a deal with her that if she could get us to take the survey that he would buy her dinner. Perfect! Took he 2 minutes and it made her happy and it got her free dinner! Somedays it is so easy to do something nice for someone else!

Day 44: shop for a cause!

Day 44: do you ever do something that just gets you so excited? Like you are just pumped up for life???!!! That's how I am feeling right now! I have recently became friends with the co chairman of the Alzheimer's Association of Nwa and in becoming her friend she told me his she is so dedicated to raising funds for Alzheimer's. Her dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and he went to see The Lord last March. Anyways her dedication inspired me to come up with an event with her to help her raise money for her dads memory. So we have been like crazy working on it in all my spare time. We are doing an event in July that will include local vendors and a silent auction with donations from businesses. Portion of proceeds going to Alzheimer's Association of nwa. We created an event on Facebook called 'shop for a cause benefitting the Alzheimer's Association of Nwa with tesm P.S I love you'. If you are on Facebook go and check it out and join our event. Anyways we have so many great vendors wanting to be a part and volunteers. Businesses donating. The generosity is almost overwhelming! I have been spending alot of time working on this but I can't wait for everyone to be there that day supporting Karen and her love for her dad. Along with all the people who have suffered because of Alzheimer's.

Day 43: firemen

Day 43: Kurt's parents are on the fire department in the town they live in. Kurt used to be one also but since kids I have tried to get him into safer meadows. Lol (Although he can hurt himself playing with the dog.) Anyways the fire department is doing a fundraiser selling homemade salsa and sauces so we of course were in. At only $5 a jar it wasn't to bad. Kurt will enjoy the different things we got for sure.

Day 42

Day 42: When we got to work this morning the company set out an email that a lady that has been a good customer of our is the manager of our local McDonald's and they are having a contest today. They are having a contest of who could sell the most premium wraps and to help the sale they marked them half off. So at lunch today I volunteered to go stand in the line to buy everyone a wrap to help her out with her contest. The girls at work were grateful that they could support our customer but at the same time not sit in the long line. Lol

Day 41: $1

Day 41: I was on Facebook today and a local business posted that for all new likes on their page that they will donate $1 to the Susan G Koman walk for the cure. So I liked it. It is one of the easiest ways I have helped an organization. Then I shared it with all my friends so they can like it. They are doing it through the end of the month so please feel free to also go like the page! Let's raise some money from the comfort of our couch and our smart phones! Lol

Money

I want to let some of you know something about me. Most of you reading this blog probably know nothing about me. Even if we are friends or family you may not know some things. Here is the thing. My husband and I do not have a lot of money. We actually live check to check like most people do these days. If an emergency comes up we have to sell something or work extra jobs to find the money. We pay our bills but there is not a lot left after that. We also both work full time jobs. At least 40 hours a week. This being said a lot of my posts have been me shelling out cash for different organizations that have hit my heart. No we do not have extra money to do this. Yes though I do have the faith in The Lord that if he tells me to do something and I obey him that he will give me everything I need in life. It is hard sometimes to say well I really want to do something with that money but it is not my money. I say this to my husband all the time. He gave us the money and so quickly he could take it away. He could take away our cars or our house. He is God and he could turn our lives upside down if he so chooses. Therefore if Hod asks me to give everything I have to anyone I must have the faith that he will provide. Do you remember the woman in the bible who gave everything? I really love the story when Jesus took the small amount of fish and fed so many. He takes my small amount of what he asks everyday and works miracles! That's why our God is an awesome God!!!

Day 40: McDonald's

Day 40: Tonight I was taking the kids through the drive thru at McDonald's when He told me how I could help another person. I was sitting at the drive thru and it was like this voice came into my head. He said buy the car behinds you dinner! So I did. It's funny because as long as I listen to God he always shows me what I need to be doing. The thing that we need to remember is that when He says jump we do it. We don't ask questions. We obey.

Day 39

Day 39: Today I give the gift of forgiveness. I know it's not really part of my challenge but with the forgiveness we gave flowers. Does that work? We have had some people in our lives that have made mistakes and they have put alot of strain on our little family due to the things they have done. But I need to forgive them. Tonight we went to dinner at their house and brought flowers. I hope I can continue to forgive them for the things they have done.

Sharathon 2013 Recap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gU948OmgHoHere is a you tube video of the sharathon that I helped out with a few weeks ago! The lady caller in the middle talking about her sister who has cancer was a lady that I took a pledge from! She gave enough to be a half day sponsor and she honored her sister on her birthday! October 29. So awesome!

Day 38: suck it up!

Day 38: So have you ever just got off on the wrong foot with someone? You think how will you ever deal with this person. Last week at my work we had a new driver start with the company we use to ship our overnights. As part of my job I have to make the overnight shipments and send out contracts or other paperwork. So dealing with these drivers has always been my job. Anyways new guy started and then missed a day. I took the stuff and dropped it off myself. But the next day when I asked the driver where he was he said you weren't on schedule. And when I questioned him on his answers he had more excuses and then told me to take them to box everyday myself. Oh my this did not make me happy. He continued the rest of this week with the same attitude. So today I thought I will suck up my feelings and try to find a common ground to start over on. I took my break this afternoon and went to the cookie store and bought him a cookie. When he came for the shipping items today I said I also bought you a cookie! Do you think we can start over? He said 'absolutely you bought me a cookie'! Lol He even gave me a hug. It was hard for me to get over his attitude towards me but I am hoping that after today we can friends. No matter how hard it is sometime we have to suck up our own feeling and quit dwelling on what has happened and move on. Today that is what we did. We moved on!

Day 37: American red cross

Day 37: Today I ran to Walmart on lunch and the American Red Cross was there looking for help. I am not a very good helper of people in need with health problems, I mean if your bleeding or sick I am probably the last person you want to see. On the other hand I have a cousin who is a nurse and my husband was a volunteer fire fighter. This would have been more their idea of a good volunteer activity. Since I am not much of a volunteer when it comes to emergency situations I was happy to help them with a cash donation. The American Red Cross does alot of good for everyone. Anytime there is a national emergency they are always there helping or sending supplies. Great organization! Happy to help!

Day 35 and 36

Day 35 and 36: Yesterday was crazy busy at work. There was so much to do that I worked through lunch and stayed late. My husband actually gets the good deed for yesterday. When I got home from my very busy day he had the kids home from daycare and school and dinner all made for me. It's times like those that let me know that he supports me and we are in this marriage together. On the other hand tonight Kurt and I threw a party for his cub scouts because they have just earned their tiger cub badge! We had pizza and then played tons of fun games. It was great for all the kids to play together as a group. I just love that they have all got to know each other so well. They really have learned a lot this year too. I am hoping for many more years of learning for these kids.

Day 34: Easter!

Day 34: Today is Easter! And today is our Easter program at church. I loved planning it. Between two other people and myself we taught the kids the whole program in about 2 hours of practice. But in the end the play was amazingly cute. And my tomb came out actually looking like a tomb. I am so blessed to be where I am now. Today makes me very thankful!

Day 33

Day 33: Today I spent the morning being there for someone I love. They were going through something horrible on them and I just tried my best to be there. Show her that I love her no matter what happens.

Day 32: st Jude

Day 32: Keeping on track with my challenge. I was watching tv tonight with kids and a commercial came on about St Jude children's hospital. Of course I immediately thought: perfect! Went right on and made a donation to St Jude. I may not be able to donate alot but every little bit adds up!

Day 31: radio

Day 31: if you read yesterday's post then I am sure u could guess what I did today... I made a donation to KLRC radio station. There were people making all kinds of donations. Monthly or one time. $1 or $10,000. It was so amazing to hear what the station has done for so many people. It has brought many people out of dark times in their lives. It has brought many people to Christ. If you live in the area please check out 90.9 station in northwest Arkansas or Oklahoma area. If not you can listen live at KLRC.com. It is very encouraging! All day long they were praying and everyone else was praying with them. Then they had a very generous donor call and donate $10000 if we would call in and all meet the $10,000. That's when I called to donate. It was so amazing the amount of people who called to support the ministry. We collected over $15,000 in 30 minutes. Since we went over the $10,000 the donors threw in there money. So awesome! God is amazing!! Lots of people said that they didn't have the money but God told them to give and then God gave them the money. You just have faith! Faith in following what he tells you to do! Amen! God has given me so many blessings and I am so thankful. I hope more people will come to Christ this year because of the ministry of KLRC.

Day 30: sharathon

Day 30: today I am on a working for The Lord volunteering high!!! This morning I woke up bright and early and went to KLRC radio station. I talked about the station before. It's our local Christian radio station. It is a very powerful place to go when you feel like no one is out there. The radio station is funded by the listeners. We don't have to listen to ads or people trying to sell you something. But once a year they have a big sharathon where everyone calls in and makes a donation to keep KLRC going for another year. I am so moved by the station that I spent time there this morning taking phone pledges. It was amazing! The people showing their support and the stories. Oh my goodness it was so good I did not want to leave! I cell definitely do it again next year. I can't think of a better way to highlight a full month of me doing things for others!!!

Day 29: no dings!

Day 29: Do you ever come out of a store and find a door ding from a shopping cart? It has happened to me before and it sure makes me mad. So tonight as a very simple act I removed some carts from beside cars tonight on my way into Walmart. I know it doesn't help much but maybe I saved a few cars from door dings. Lol

Day 28: need a lift?

Day 28: I am sorry I forgot to post yesterday but I will post about yesterday... Although I was not the one in the family who did the nicest thing yesterday for someone else. My husband Kurt is always having to step it up. Lol We have a friend who is having financial problems and her car broke down so Kurt went and got the trailer and towed her car for her to his friends shop to get it repaired. Very sweet gesture on his part. She had no money to have it towed.

Day 27: friends

Day 27: What is your definition of friends? To me it is people who have the same values as you do. People whom which you have things in common. People whom which you support and they support you. Ones that you can always call if you need something and you can count on. True friends are often hard to find but God has sure brought my family to know some great people. I am so happy to have them in our lives. I won't mention any names but today we spent part of the day together and it was so great to talk to some people as positive and uplifting as I try to be on a daily basis. Tonight I took them dinner in appreciation of all they have done for us and as a thank you for our friendship!

Like parents like children!

I have been trying so hard to do something everyday to help another and today it finally started to sink in. We pulled up to a store and there was a homeless man outside. The kids said 'mom why is he there'? I informed them he was homeless and he has no where to go. Which then brought up well why not? I then explained that mom and dad are very well blessed to have great jobs that help us take care of our family. Some people don't have jobs and can't take care of themselves or their families. Then my kids made me so proud.... They said can we help him? Kurt and the kids went over to give the guy some money. I am always so proud when my kids are so inquisitive about things. And it just shows me that my kids see what we are supposed to do and what I have been trying to do. Another day of me being so proud of my family!!!

Day 26: library

Day 26: A while back I was asked at my church to start organizing volunteer activities for the church! I was so excited to be asked. I love organizing things and I love to volunteer! So today was our first activity with the church. The Harbor church volunteered this morning for a few hours at the Springdale library. We worked in the children's section. We cleaned and labeled books then restocked them. It was great. The librarian said that they only get cleaned every few years due to not very many people to do it and that the library has so many books. Our kids all came and rolled up their sleeves to get the books cleaned. Only a few of the new labels were upside down at first, but in the end the area looked great. We finished only about 1/3 of the section with the time we were given but you could definitely see a difference. I loved this volunteer activity. Kids were so excited about reading all the books when we finished the project. Here included is the picture of most of the people who came to help. A couple of people missed the picture. Today was a great day! The library was so greatful to have the help of so many volunteers that they even bought us some lunch! So thankful today that our kids have such a great library for our kids!

Well I thought I was creative?!?

So here is the thing. I love to help with the kids programs at church. I really love spending time with the kids and helping them learn about The Lord. I also like to create new plays for the kids or change ones to work for our age group. We have a wonderful Easter program coming up. The plan is for some songs, a skit and then a final song with sign language. It is going to be so wonderful. Here is the problem... I thought I was a creative person. I really did but I have one piece of prop to make for the skit. It seemed like a simple idea. Now I sit here, looking at a box. Hmmm. Where did my creative side go? I know though this will come to me. The box will be something amazing. God will show me how to transform this box right before my eyes. Lol I am positive it will look great on Easter. Just don't know how we are going to get there.....

Day 25: angel on the corner?

Day 25: Today as I was driving home there was a lady asking for help. I had minimal cash but I gave her the little cash I had on me. It is a very simple day when The Lord makes it so easy to just put random people who need help right in front of me on my drive home. It is absolutely amazing! I am definitely going to remember tonight as I pray to thank The Lord for all the new people he has brought into my life during this journey. And thanks for giving me resources to be able to help these people and organizations. I feel so honored than he can work through me.

Day 24: no bullies!

Day 24: when I was in high school I was a part of an organization that went around to different elementary school and taught kids about different dangers. We taught not to talk to strangers. Never get in the car with someone you don't know. Never eat something from a stranger without your parents consent. But my favorite lesson we taught was no bullying! We taught not to be a bully and what to do if you are being bullied. This was 10 plus years ago and as I look at kids now I can't believe how much worse it has got. Kids are so much harsher than they were when I was in school. I fear for my kids attending school. I pray they never have to find out how it feels to be bullied. I also pray that I teach them to never ever be mean to another person like a bully. In order to help teach about anti bullying they have developed an organization world wide. It is called international bullying prevention association. They teach the effects of bullying. What to do if you are bullied. And most importantly DO NOT BULLY!!! Tonight this hit my heart and so I went online and made a donation to the organization to help with supplies or volunteers to help spread the word. Bullying is bad and we will not take it. There are alot of charities out there also besides this one that help with this same thing. I encourage everyone to think about what you can do to help with the anti bullying act. Whether it means making a donation of any amount. Or talking at school or churches. Maybe just talking to your kids or their friends. Anything and everything is helpful. Let us not let the bullies rule the world!!!

Day 22 and 23!

I have been so crazy busy! I have gotten off my challenge a bit since so much has been going on. I have been trying to just do small things for people lately like open doors or let someone in in traffic. Although here is another idea that I work on everyday. At my house we collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald house of charities. When we get a bunch we just turn them in. This idea is actually from my kid's babysitter and I love it! So easy and the kids watch us and help take them off the cans. I have some volunteer opportunities that I am working on and some things coming up. Soon I will be posting about some new things coming up.

Day 21: surprise

Day 21: Do you ever remember as a kid your parents making you save your money up to get something you really want? You ask everyone for money from your birthday so you can get this really cool toy? Well as I was at Walmart today with Hayley we were getting ready to check out and these kids came up behind us with some cool toys. I asked them about the cool toys and the boy said he had been saving up for this awesome nerf gun. I said how long did it take you to save up? He said since February! Lol That was only a month ago. But I know how long that is when you are young. So when I was done checking out I turned around and gave each of the boys $5. I said her is some money for your birthday also. You can use it for your gun or start a new goal. The boys both looked at me and said thank you. As did the mom. Sometimes it's nice to just be there for someone else. I will probably never see them ever again but at least I will know that today I was able to give a nice surprise for some kids who worked hard to save their money.

Day 20: box tops

Day 20: have you ever clipped box tops? This is the easiest way ever to make money for your child's school. I don't buy anything different at the grocery store than what I buy on a normal basis but lots of the item I buy have box tops on them. Things that aren't even boxes like the bag muffin mix. Biscuit rolls. All kids of things. Next time before you throw away an empty box or something check it for a box top. Cut out the box top and send it in to your kids school. We are constantly collecting these. We cut them out and save them til we get a bunch then take them in. For every box top the school gets they receive money for computers and other equipment. This is so easy and takes no money of your own since you probably already buy items that have box tops on them!

Monster truck cake!!

I have to share the cake my sister in law, Kristie, made for Hunter's birthday. It is amazing! He found a picture of what he wanted and she made it to a tee. Plus it was delicious. By the way it was a mudding party.....

Day 19: hectic!

Day 19: This has been a very busy week. I feel like I am so behind on all my household chores. I started last night with a complete clean and laundry overhaul. Tonight we are celebrating my sons 7th birthday! I am so excited to celebrate with him. I cannot believe we are already at 7. This morning though I went and cleaned church again cause the preachers family was given an incredible gift of a family vacation. They so deserve it I am so excited for them. Although Kurt had to work so I was on my own. It's all good. I have got everything done and ready for the party now too. My sister on law made. hunter's cake and it absolutely amazing. Monster truck mudding cake! Anyways Hunter is so ready for his bday so I am posting early today so I can be all his the rest of the day! It is so incredible to see the kind of little boy he has turned into. I love him so much!!!

Day 18:$1

Day 18: Have you ever been shopping at Walmart or harps or some other store and the cashier says would you like to donate $1 to whatever cause? That's what happened to me today. It made me realize that I don't have to go looking for ways to try to help other people. The ways just show up. I was shopping at the Family Christian Store for Hunters birthday and when I went up to check out the lady saying would you like to donate $1 to our cause. I feel bad now cause I can't thing of the name of the cause that I was helping but it was to help orphans. I just remember thinking sometimes God is making this challenge thing way too easy. Lol of course I want to donate $1. I don't know if she even got done telling me what it was for cause I was just so happy to donate. It's amazing how $1 can do so much for someone who doesn't have anything but $1 really means little to me. I mean $1. To me I think what can $1 buy anymore? But to so many people $1 can be stretched a ways. So while I was at the Christian outlet, they had some t shirts on sale. I picked one up and it had a big whale on it and it said 'believe in Him or I will swallow you'. Lol I love it! Amen!!!

Piggy

So last year the Ozark Literacy Council came up with this idea to make 25 giant size fiberglass pigs and have local artists paint them for businesses to purchase. If you are a business that wants to participate you got to pick at artist out of the porkfolio and then you paid a flat amount for the pig and artist. I brought the idea to participate to my work Lewis Automotive. They liked the idea so they paid for a blue ribbon sponsor. Our artist was great. We didn't like any of the ideas in the folder for our dealership so we talked to her about making our pig a salesman. He has keys in his hand and a blue book in his pocket. Anyways then the pig got to sit at our dealership til it was time for the piggies to all go to auction. Tonight they had all the piggies at the town center for a big auction. Our pig was one of the top sellers at $2600 raised for the literacy council. I am so glad that we all got involved in this. So after the initial amount that we paid they got $2600 more. On just our pig! It was a really great idea for a fundraiser and the Ozark Literacy council made some good money tonight!

Thanksgiving in March

This morning on the radio KLRC was having a great discussion. Thanksgiving in March. People were calling in and saying what they wanted to thank The Lord for in their lives. There were so many great things that people were thankful for. Their families. Husbands. Kids. Careers. Houses. Cars. Friends. Church. So many great things but one mom called in that really had a great one. Her son who she said was 9 had recently come to know The Lord. He had so much love for The Lord that he wanted to get other kids to know The Lord. He with his moms help created a Facebook page that was for young kids coming to learn about The Lord. She even went on to say that her son has been posting a bible verse each day on the site. When our kids get it, it is so rewarding! Our kids do learn through us parents so I was thinking she must be a great role model to her kids. But still what an amazing kid. I want to be more like that kid! I want to bring other people to The Lord I know. To pray. To read the bible. To sing songs of worship. It is amazing what happens when He is a part of our lives. I am so thankful that I have been able to return to a place of worship that I love and to be able to bring myself back to The Lord. That is what I am most thankful for: God. With him everything else just falls into place.

Day 16: $7 for 7 hills

Day 16: on Facebook today there was a post from 7 hills homeless shelter about there annual campaign called $7 for 7 hills. This is local shelter in my area who I have don't stuff for before. They do a lot for our community. My family has done community outreach in gravette before and we also made a large donation of clothes and food with our family and friends last year. This campaign helps people with prescriptions they can't afford and food or clothes. Anything they could need. So I went on tonight and made a donation to the 7 hills homeless shelter. I feel like this is not my money, it is His. I know he gives my family everything we need in life. I never have any regrets about a monetary donation I make cause God will always supply our needs. Anything else is just icing on the cake!

Day 15: marshmallows

Day 15: Tonight was the dad and lad bake sale with cub scouts. It was so cute. They had all kids of goodies. Brownies, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, candies. Anything you can think of. There were some crazy bidders too! Like people fighting over different dishes. A dirt pie with gummy worms went for like $50. It was alot of fun though. The kids were loving the real auctioneer. So Hunter wanted some chocolate covered marshmallows with sprinkles. Like a good mother I bought them. But like a good mother I wasn't going to let him eat them all. I bought two plates and opened one for all his den to share. Then when we got home I suggested that we take the second plate to our neighbors across the street. They are our age and have kids the same age as ours. It's really good to have awesome neighbors. Anyways the kids loved the idea so we took them to the little boy across the street. Of course then we had to stay and play for a little while but it was nice of the kids to give their winnings to someone else.

Day 14: candy

Day 14: Tomorrow with Kurt's cub scouts they are having dad and lad bake sale! So I ran on my lunch today to grab the stuff Hunter and Kurt need to make the stuff today at lunch and so while I was at Walmart I grabbed candy for everyone at work. They had the Easter candy out! So now though Kurt and Hunter are making their treats for the bake sale. They found a recipe for some s'more treats. The look yummy. You use golden Graham's and melt marshmallow cream then still in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. The cub scouts are trying to raise money for the cub scouts so I decided to help out and make something else to send also. I will probably whip up some muffins or something. I just hope they have a good turnout tomorrow or we will be buying our own deserts! Lol still goes to a good cause!

Day 13: veterans

Day 13: Today I went to Walmart for my weekly grocery shopping with both kids ( Kurt had Cub Scout leader meeting). So as we were leaving there was a man standing outside talking about the things that veterans affairs does for our veterans. So as part of my challenge today we donated some money to the veterans affairs. It was a great way for me to open up conversation too with my kids. We talked about who veterans are and why that guy was asking for our help. My kids are very inquisitive so I do my best to answer there questions. I love that they wonder so much. It means they are listening and they care about the conversation. Even if it is just for the drive home. Lol Anyways there was day 13. Come back tomorrow to see what I do then. Can't believe it's almost two weeks. I am loving looking for different ideas!

Concert

So tonight my husband and I were going to have a date night and go to to the winter jam concert in Tulsa. First of all we are stingy with our kids and keep them most of the time so we don't take date nights. Second of all I said we were.... We got to the bok center and it was raining. There were thousands of people standing outside waiting. We got there a couple hours early before show time but some people had been there for many hours. There were tons of youth groups from churches. It was amazing to see all the young teens that were worshiping God. There were families worshiping together. Groups of friends. Just a very diverse group of people. Then they began letting in small groups of people at a time. Then at show time they come out side and said the fire Marshall said we can't go in cause they were at capacity. We were all kind of let down after all we were freezing and wet but nobody moved. Then a man from the winter jam tour came outside and said for who ever wants to stay they will have the same singers come outside and do a special concert. It was amazing that they realized we were all here to worship and we appreciate what all these Christian artists do so they were going to say thanks. The first artist came out. He played a great set. We were all singing along. Even though it was pouring rain we didn't care. We had our arms in the air. Until.... Fire Marshall came outside. He said we can't have an outside concert. What? Who are we hurting? Lots of people had left. There were probably just a few hundred people outside now. Anyways police showed up and made us leave. So I was really annoyed with the bok center tonight in Tulsa but really impressed with all the amazing people who stuck it out in the cold and rain just to hear a few songs. We worshiped on the steps of the bok center with complete strangers. Even though we missed the concert it was still an uplifting night!

Day 12: I am so proud!

Day 12: Today I offered to clean the church for my pastor and his wife. They have prior engagements out of town today and so they don't have to rush around I offered to clean it. I didn't know though when I offered that the whole family would be feeling my kindness. We got to the church and I told the kids they could go play and mom will clean then we can go. There are tons of toys considering they have a preschool there during the day but instead they came to me and said can I help? At first I didn't think they really meant it but I gave them a rag and showed them what needed cleaned. They went right to it. Kurt changed filters and found some other repairs to do. I was kind of just surprised. It was a family project. I loved it. The kids never stopped cleaning instead they kept asking for new jobs. I of course went over everything they did but they really did a good job. I could tell their heart was really in it. I am just so proud of my kids after today and my husband too. I am usually the one that volunteers and just does the things but they all jumped in without me even asking. The church is used alot for services twice a week and preschool during the days. We have our Cub Scout meetings there twice a month. Then there are always other activities going on. I definately needs a good clean at least once a week. I am happy to do so since I get so much from the church. It's God's building and I want to help take care of it. I am just so glad all my family feels the same way. My kids may never offer to help again but today they made their mommy very proud!

Day 11: banana bread!

Day 11: Last night I stayed up after the kids went to bed and made banana bread muffins for Kurt's work. He took them in this morning and said they were a success! I love baking but just never have much time to do so. So if I can bake something to share with another then that is a great way for me to show appreciation to someone and enjoy doing it at the same time. I have also really been having a great time working on the stuff for Easter. I finally learned sign language to teach the kids for the song. I can't wait to see them do it. Anyways there is day 11 of my challenge to do something for someone else. What should I do tomorrow? Hmmmm. Come back to see!

Mid day thought!

Have you ever been driving down the road and a song hits you and makes you think? Today I have been really concentrating and working on different stuff for the Easter program at church, so while driving down the road a song came on that really hit me. It's by Citizen Way and here is the chorus....

It should've been me
It should've been us
Should've been there hanging on a cross
All of this shame
All of these scars
Should've been stains that were never washed
Why do I hide
Why do you try
Over and over and over again
I guess it just leaves saying thank God
It leaves me saying thank God, thank God
For the should've been

What a song! It doesn't beat around the bush. It doesn't tell us what we want to hear. It says the truth. If you think about it, it should have been us. It is our sins that he died for, right? We are the ones that lie, steal, murder etc etc. Why should he die for us? Why did Adam and Eve sin by not obeying what they were told to do? We should be the ones that were beaten and had to carry the cross while being ridiculed. We should have been the ones hanging there on the hill. Why did God send his only son to die for the sins that we commit? It brings so many questions to my mind. But in the end I agree with Citizens Way and it leaves me saying thank God for what should have been. The fact is though God loved us so much that he did send his only son to die for us. He washed all our sins away. He loves us more than any of us can ever imagine. This Easter I hope we all remember why we really celebrate the holiday. It is fun to color eggs and do a hunt with the kids but we are there to celebrate what Jesus did for us so long ago. He washed away all our sins but then rose again!!! What a thought for the day!

Day 10: Is for mom!

Day 10: Today I took my mom to lunch! We both work during the days so we met to have lunch together. During the week it is so crazy busy that we don't always get time to catch up with what's going on so it is nice to sit and talk sometimes. I know that my mom and I have disagreed on things before and many times I know I have made her crazy but we still love each other. It's funny cause when you are a child you think your parents know everything. Then you get to about 10 or so and they suddenly know nothing. But when you start a family and have kids of your own it suddenly turns around and they know everything again. I can't really count how many times after I had Hunter that I called my mom and said 'what do i do'? That's what moms are for, right? To tell us what to do when they cry for no reason. Or when they have a fever and it won't go away. How long mom do I wait before I call the dr? You know so many things we need moms for. Sometimes we need someone to just love on our kids for a while so we can get a small break. It is not only great for me to have a break but also for my kids. My mom has become a great mamaw to my kids and I really appreciate all that she does for me and my family. So today I am just taking a moment to say thanks to my mom! Even though many times I forget to say it, just like many of you might. I suggest that today we all call or text our moms and say thanks! Thanks for all you do or have done for me!

Day 9: is anyone out there?

Day 9: Is anyone out there? Just kidding. I had some trouble helping someone today. When I went to lunch there was no one behind me in the drive thru so I couldn't buy there lunch. Then after church we tried to stop and help someone having car trouble but they already had it under control they said. So I guess there was just no one needing me today. In better news though, it gave me free time to search for ideas today for the Easter program at church. I looked up a whole lot of skits and stuff for the kids to perform and we were able at church tonight to come up with an idea of what we would like to do. I am so excited cause I think it is going to be great. I absolutely love getting the kids involved in things like this cause they learn so much better by acting it out or singing about it then to just hear a story being told to them. Acting it out really brings the story to life! Plus I remember when I was a kid all the great programs my parents helped put on with our children's church and they were awesome. I hope someday all these kids feel the same way. I always love doing anything with our kids at church cause they are just such a great group. I always feel very revived for the week after spending an evening with the kids and our church family. I am so glad that the Lord brought all of us together. We all support and care for each other. I can't imagine having the connection with any other group they way I do with my church family. I praise the Lord for the things He has done for my family and the biggest thing is definately bringing us to the Harbor Church. Anyways, I will get off my soap box.... I made an effort today but wasn't able to find anything I could do. So tomorrow is a new day and I will be back on track! Catch you tomorrow!

Day 8: yummy

Day 8: My husband is the den leader of a Cub Scout group. Two times a month we host a den meeting and all the parents try to switch off bringing snacks for the boys. Tonight was not my turn but the mom who volunteered couldn't make it so I brought crackers and drinks to the cub scouts as my thoughtful deed for the day. I am so glad that Kurt is the den leader of our group. He does such a great job teaching the kids and then wearing them out for their parents afterward. It's great to see him being such a good role model for all the boys especially our own. I am proud of him for doing such a great responsibility. That's all for day 8... I made it a whole week so let's keep it going.

Mid day break down

So just wanted to share a funny story with everyone. Sometimes at lunch I need a little quiet time. I need to step away from my work and have a few minutes to just have silence. Whether you work or you stay home I know that you can all relate. Anyways when this happens to me I like to go tanning. Lol I know a little unconventional for quiet time but no one is talking to me there. So today I was laying in the tanning bed and a country song came on the radio.

Here is the Chorus
It doesn't matter what you've done, I still love you
It doesn't matter where you've been, you can still come home
And honey if it's you, we've got a lot of making up to do
And I can't hug you on the phone, so hurry home

Okay this song is from a father to his daughter but as I am laying there listening to it all I hear is God singing those words to me and all of his kids. So there I am supposed to be having my quiet time in the tanning bed and I start crying. Just listening to the words that God loves us no matter what we have done. He forgives us and takes us back. He just wants us to come back to him and let us let him in our hearts! He is calling out to us in so many ways to have that relationship with him that we all need. Anyways after the song was over I dried my tears and went back to work. I promise I am not a person to have a mid day break down but sometimes He is just reminding me He is there for me and always has my back.

Day 7: big tipper!

Day 7: Have you ever had a really great waiter or waitress? Have you ever thought that waiter went above and beyond to take care of me? Today I was at lunch and I had just a waiter. He was really nice. He remembered what I drank last time I was in the restaurant. He stayed on top of getting us drinks. He was just a really great waiter so when he brought me my ticket I made sure to leave an extra tip above what I would normally tip. So here is my beef with some people... Did you know there are people out there who don't think it is required to tip?!?! I unfortunately know some people like this. They think that is there job. What?!?! Yes. To a degree it is there job but do you know what they get paid to do that job? A lot less than some of us in our cushiony office jobs. But they do it. And they do it expecting to earn some sort of tip to make up what they are missing from their salary. It has become somewhat standard to leave at least a 10% tip but I try to do somewhat more. If I can afford to go and sit at a restaurant then I can afford to pay someone to take care of me. I mean going out is a privilege. I am a mom. If we go out then I don't have to cook nor do I have to clean anything up. So the very least I can do is say thank you for not making me cook or clean tonight. Anyways my day 7 was just a simple way to say thank you to my waiter today with a little extra cash. That's day 7.... Come back tomorrow for more good deeds!

What's the deal?

I just wanted to take a quick opportunity to explain to everyone what's the deal with my blog. Lol I have found that for myself it is easier to stay accountable for doing something if I have someone holding me accountable. Therefore that is what I am doing with this blog. Holding myself accountable for a challenge I made for myself. I am in no way bragging about doing nice things for other people. I am not saying I am better than anyone else because I do something that someone else cannot do. All I am doing is holding myself accountable for my challenge. Also I want to share with everyone what happens when you do good for another. What they say or do. How I feel about what I did. And maybe one of you might feel compelled to share a story with me or maybe you can take one of my stories and try it for yourself. I just wanted to share with everyone how I am using this blog as an outlet for my challenge to good for others.

Day 6: mini muffins!

Day 6: Mini muffins? Who doesn't love a mini muffin? Just like a regular muffin but better because they are bite size and mess free and perfect for a last minute snack before church service. This morning as I was getting up and getting ready for church I made a plate full of mini blueberry muffins to take to church. We don't always have food it is just sometimes people bring snacks or something for us to snack on before service. It was a nice unexpected treat for all the people attending church this morning. And they were yummy if I do say so myself. At church this morning our pastor really got me thinking. The part that really triggered me was when he said "we are God's children and we have been sent to do his will". It kind of makes me think of when I was a kid and I was always trying to do good for my parents to make them proud. Like when you do good on a test and you want to hang it on the fridge to show everyone. Or when you conquer riding a bike and you are so proud of what you have learned. The first person you want to show is your parents. And they are so proud of you and your accomplishments. You know now that I think about it learning to be who God wants us to be is kind of like learning to ride a bike. At first you think I want to be a christian, I want to learn how to ride a bike. Then you try riding and you fall off over and over. You make mistakes and you think how am I ever going to get this right? God keeps telling me to do this and I keep messing up and falling off my bike. Then He sees that I need his help and his encouragement and he runs along side of my bike and picks me up. Oh my gosh! I am riding my bike. I thought I was going to fall but he caught me. He showed me that with his support and his encouragement that I can ride my bike. I can be a christian and be who He wants me to be. Is it hard? Absolutely! There will be days when we need prayers more than others. There will surely be days when you feel like your knee is skinned up but He is still there. He still loves you! This is what keeps me trying everyday to do something good for another person. I want to be the disciple that He wants me to be. If he says Krystle help that man, I want to follow his direction. If he says Krystle minister to that woman, I want to let his words pour out of my mouth in ministry. I want to be the christian He desires. I want Him to look down on me and pin my accomplishments up on his fridge. Please pray that I will continue to find new ways to help others in my community. And as always stay tuned for day 7.....

Day 5

Day 5: Today was a hard day for helping others. My daughter was so very kind to pass her stomach bug to her mom. So I am sick and of course had to work. I did my nice thing to help another at work today. I was able to get finished with my work a little bit early so I decided to help a coworker with her filing. It wasn't much but it will put her ahead of the game on Monday. I have been trying to think of new ways each day to help another and it's kind of hard not to duplicate things. I am sure in the next 360 more days I will duplicate some of my good deeds but I am going to see how many ideas I can come up with first. If anyone out there has some ideas please comment them below. I would love any feedback. Anyways that's day 5.... See u tomorrow!

Day 4 of challenge!

Day 4: Today was a crazy day for one. My daughter is sick with the non-stop vomiting virus and my work just hit the busiest month of the year. Thank goodness for husbands who understand and help out when I can't be everywhere. But no excuses I will continue my challenge to do something good for someone else everyday for the next year. Today I give the gift of free advertisement. As a child I remember listening to christian radio and quickly turning if off. I just couldn't connect with the music nor was it fun and upbeat. Today I listen to christian radio all the time and so do my kids. Christian radio has come a long way since I was a kid. Now you can hear fun, upbeat music. Even christian rappers. It's great hearing all the different types of music on the station and with such a great message still. Our local christian radio station recently changed channels to expand the amount of listeners to a wider area and in doing so they are trying to get the word out of the new channel. This week they are handing out bumper stickers with the new channel on it at the local Chik-fil-A restaurants. So I stopped by to pick one up for my truck and grabbed a whole pile for all of my friends also listening. I have no problem driving around and advertising for such a great radio station. KLRC is a radio station that really cares about their listeners. They have days when you can call in and tell them what you are in need of and then other people call in and donate those items to the in need listener. They advertise for all kinds of non-profit organizations. They give money and prizes each week to a teacher that is making a good impression in the schools. They let us know of traffic problems every morning on our way to work. Plus just listening to KLRC makes me remember why we are here and appreciate every day so much more. It puts me in a great mood every morning to start my day. Therefore I am happy to advertise on my truck and my husband's truck for a great station that is a part of my day everyday. If you have a local christian radio station but haven't checked it out before, I say try it. Christian music has come a long way over the years. You may be surprised at how you get connected to the station in your area. So here we have day 4..... what will I do tomorrow to help another?

Day 3: the little things

Day 3: Living for others. It's hard. It is hard to always put others needs ahead of your own. As moms and dads we do it for our kids, but to do it for complete strangers? We don't know them. Why should we help them? How do we know they are sincere in asking for our help? How do we know they aren't scamming us?  Many times I have had this same conversation with people and even with myself. Here is the way I look at it. That man is asking for my help. I should never judge him or question him. He asked for my help and I should give it to him. If for any reason he is doing it for the wrong reason, he will have his judgement day. I will not have to answer for any ones actions but my own. Also here is a thought, we have no do idea when or where Jesus could come back. What if Jesus is the bum asking me for help on the side of the road? And then I drove right by him? Didn't even show him a concern at all? That is not what I want to be answering to when my day comes. Now after giving my views on the needy here is what I did for day 3 of my challenge. At the church I attend, the Harbor Church of NWA, we made care bags for the homeless last year. We took cheap canvas bags and filled them with things a person living on the street might need. Socks, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, chapstick, water, snacks and a list of shelters in the area with the number to someone at the church listed on it if they need someone to talk to. We have carried these bags around in our cars since last year just waiting to find a person who needs them. Today as I was driving home from my job I saw a person on the corner with the sign 'my family needs your help'. Your family! This lady has a family. I was so very happy that I had the bag in my car today and was able to give it to her. I handed it out the window to her and she said 'God Bless'. It was such a great feeling to be able to help her just a little bit. I know the bag won't go far but if she gets anything out of it at all it will be worth our time and resources we used to make the bags. I was still on my high from helping her when I got home to check in with Kurt to see what he did today to help others. He responded that he opened the door for someone today. That was nice. It was putting someone else before him and that is the point of the whole challenge. It's not about how big the gesture is but instead it is about the actual act. We don't need to spend a million dollars to help people. It's the little things. Opening the door for someone. Waiting in traffic and letting someone out before you. Taking the newspaper from the drive way to your neighbors door. All these little things can make someone elses day and it cost you nothing but a second of your time. So as we embark on another day let's try to think of others and what they need. You might be surprised at how something so simple can warm your heart and the hearts of everyone involved. Come back tomorrow to see what happens on day 4.

Day 2 is for the animals!

Day 2: Today was already a little more difficult to see a person who is in need of some help. But as I was scrolling through my facebook account earlier I noticed that Miranda Lambert (love the girl) was talking about a great project, the Pedigree Adoption project. I clicked the link to see what it was all about. What you do is your nominate the animal shelter in your area to get help from pedigree. I thought every shelter needs help! So I did it. I filled out the info to nominate my local animal shelter.

In new news though, my husband Kurt thinks that he is going to get on board with this project! He says I do nice things. So he came home with his list of nice things he did for other people today. First, he said a persons car was stalled on the road today blocking traffic so he stopped and help the guy push his car off the road. Secondly, a guy at one of the businesses he working at today locked his keys in his car. He helped jimmy the door to get the door open so he could retrieve his keys. And lastly, he wanted to point out the fact that he came home and made dinner for me. Potatoes and stuffed pork chops! Yummy! I told you he was a wonderful husband. Except now he thinks he can do 3 nice things today and I pulled out one? Oh this could be war around this house. lol Stay tuned for day 3!

Day 1 of challenge!

Day 1: Drove back down the same road today as yesterday and the man was not standing on the corner today. Good for him. Bad for my challenge. lol So instead of trying to help him I fell back on an old favorite of mine. The local christian radio station KLRC has a time each year when they pay it forward in the drive thru. So that is what I did. I went to get my lunch today at Taco Bell and before I drove off I paid for the guy behind me. I know not the best or healthiest lunch choice but it was quick. The man in the drive thru just looked at me when I said "I would like to also pay for the guy behind me" like I was some crazy woman just released from the looney bin. He responds " is he your friend back there"? "Nope! I have no idea who that  guy back there is. Just felt like he needed a free lunch today". The drive thru attendant took the money and I drove off. I am still not sure if the poor taco bell worker caught up or if he is still dumbfounded. lol  Sometimes it is nice for people to be thrown off guard. It is rather sad though that he was confused at my choice to do something nice for a stranger. We need to all take time to do nice things for other people. Today was an easy day for my challenge. I am hoping with each new day someone or something presents itself to me. God wants me to help others. I am God's child and I will do what He needs of me. This was day 1 please follow me to day 2!

Blogging? Say What?

First off I just want to mention that I have no blogging experience. I have really no idea what I am doing. Actually I had to look at other bloggers and google it many times to try to figure out what exactly I needed to do to even make a blog. I have always enjoyed writing but since having kids I have pushed it to the side. With this blog I hope to get back in the swing of things. I also hope to find followers that feel the same way I do about God and what he is calling us to do. Between all the crazy things going on in our lives with family and work we often forget about what is the most important, our relationship with God. He needs to be the number one relationship we have in our lives. Although as a mom and a wife it is hard to put Him first. Kids are needing your love and kisses, help with homework, dinner, bathes, laundry. It's hard for any of us to say that can wait. What does God need from me right now? I am hoping that some people feel the same way that I do and maybe together we can support each other to be who He has called us to be. For me, I know he has called me to help. I feel a very strong urge to help those around me. I have recently done a few food drives for local food banks. Helped with different foundations in our area to help the needy. 7 Hills Homeless shelter. The United Way. Just finished helping my son and his cub scout troup raise over 1500 items for a food bank right down the road from my house. As much as I have tried to help and so many others too, I still drive down the road and see a man standing on the side of the road in the pouring rain with a sign " my family needs help". My heart breaks! Think about it for just a second. How long could one of us go without our job? How long if we lost our job today would we make it before we would be on the same curb righting frostbite? That's is crazy. That is scary! So as a part of this blog I am going to live for someone else. I am going to do something for some one other than myself everyday for the rest of this year. I know you are thinking, ' You are crazy, you can't do something for someone else everyday'. lol Well this is me. This is what I am going to do! It doesn't have to be anything big everyday. Maybe today I will start with helping the guy standing in the rain on the corner. In the end I am going to post a blog each day with what I did to help another. I appreciate all ideas and hope that maybe my blog will help inspire other people to see what is happening in our community or what is He calling you to do?!?!!?