merry.Christmas

Christmas Eve has finally come. It's time for families to get together, or prepare to get togther for tomorrow. I hope it's a brisk, cold day for everyeone, just to keep with the wintertime season. And I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas! I'll be praying for everyone. For lives to be changed, for families to be healed, and for negative thoughts and emotions to be broken. May Christ fill your life, and become your joy!

12.days.of.giving.review

o come all ye faithful

joyful and triumphant

Over the past 12 days I have taken time out of my busy schedule to give back to others in all kinds of ways. My giving back has affected some I know, and many I don't know. Today I want to recap on the things I have done to give back. I truely hope that others have been inspired to give back in any way they can. Giving doesn't have to involve money. There are plenty of ways to give to the community and to others, you just have to become creative. But if you're able to give via money, there are plenty of things you can do. And giving doesn't have to happen just during this joyous season, it can, and should occur year round!

Day 1 :: Sent a military care package to Afganistan.
Day 2 :: Gave to Holiday Hope - which sponsors Toys for Tots with the USMC.
Day 3 :: Donated items for winter to the homeless.
Day 4 :: Donated my hair.
Day 5 :: Gave handmade candy canes to my co-workers.
Day 6 :: Donated to a local worship band.
Day 7 :: Gave gift cards to pastors.
Day 8 :: Handed out cookies to everyone in my apartment building.
Day 9 :: Made a large snack basket for a local fire department.
Day 10 :: Bought Toms (one for one) shoes.
Day 11 :: Donated cell phones.
Day 12 :: Had family time with my husband & brother.



Rise up. Be inspired. Give to others. Love everyone. Do something good. Do something special.

And remember :: Jesus loves you, no matter what you do, who you are, or where you've come from.

12th.day.of.giving

on the 12th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

Today I did something simple & sentimental.  I took my brother and my husband out to eat for a nice lunch.  You may say, "that's nothing special," or "that's not really giving back to others." But it is. I work a full time job as a nurse, doing 12 hour shifts at night, and usually I put in a lot of overtime. And with working at night, I sleep all day. Therefore, I see very, very little of my husband, which isn't easy for newly weds.  It's also not easy on my husband, because right now he doesn't have a job and sometimes feels like he's not fulfilling his role as the head of the household. And for my brother, well, I grew up too quick, and he kinda grew up too slow. There's only a three year difference in our ages, but maturity is a different story. So now we're at the point where we can have a true meaningful sister-brother relationship and understand each other. But now that I'm married, I've been out of my parents house for the past 5 years, and my work schedule, it's hard to find time to spend with him and help him become the person he can be. So I felt like this was a great end to my 12 days of giving; giving back to the ones I love, spending time with them, and letting them know how much I love and care about them!

11th.day.of.giving

on the 11th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

  

 

  

Just like almost everyone else that has owned a cell phone, I have several old phones tucked away in a drawer, never to be used again. Why go in reverse, as technology improves? (Now I do have some quarrels with certain things that technology is taking over that I don't agree with, but that's a whole other story, and nothing related to what I'm talking about today). I think to myself, "well there may come that day when I'll need a cell phone because you never know what will happen to the one I'm currently using". But the fact of the matter is, I have insurance I pay for on a monthly basis, so whatever happens to my cell phone, for the most part, will be covered under this insurance and the phone company will provide me a new phone. That being fact, I have no reason to keep my old cell phones. I've thought of selling them before, and have taken no steps in pursuing that. So it's time to get rid of them.

I actually was searching for ways to give back last night, because I was short a day, and during my search I came across a website where you can donate old cell phones. Pacebutler is accepting cell phone donations to help raise funds for several organizations. Once you're on their website, you select the organization you would like your donation to help, fill out a form with your information, and they provide you a mailing label, so you can ship your cell phones to them for free. When they receive your cell phone(s), they appraise their value, and send your choosen organization a check for your donation.

Many times, we keep cell phones because we don't know how to dispose of them properly, don't want to take the time to find out how, or we have preconceived notions on what we'll do with those unused cell phones, such as I did, that we will never follow through with. By donating, you're helping save other people's lives. So why would you keep your cell phone tucked away in that drawer any longer? And free shipping?? Go find all the cell phones you can and send them on their way!

handmade.ornaments

So if you saw my post from a few days ago, on my 5th day of giving, you saw that I had created handmade candy cane ornaments. At the end of my post I had mentioned that my daughter & I would be making snowflake ornaments.

And that's what we did this weekend. We made handmade snowflake ornaments and she is going to give every family in our family one each. In addition to the snowflakes, we made all kinds of other ornaments, that we painted. :: Pictures to follow ::

10th.day.of.giving

on the 10th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

Toms shoes.

So technically, I bought me a few pairs. BUT, when you buy a pair, Toms gives a pair away. The shoes they give away go to needy children in third world countries. So even though I was giving to myself today, I was indirectly giving away. So that's why I counted this day in my 12 days of giving.

P.S. I bought my shoes with Christmas money.....so it's not like I was really giving to myself, my husbands parents were giving to me. And via them giving, I gave!

Say what you will, but Toms are awesome. They're an awesome organization. And I highly recommend you get a pair for yourselves!

P.S.S. The pairs I ordered :: Teal Pop Herringbone & Pewter Sequins

Go order some today!!! You won't regret it!! I will have 5 pairs now!

9th.day.of.giving

on the 9th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

I've made a large snack basket for a local fire department. I've included various things :: apples, oranges, chex mix, muffins, brownies & hot chocolate. My apartment complex gets a lot of calls from these guys; thankfully not my particular building. Who knows what the people are doing for them to be called, but I figured I would give back to these guys for all their hard work. And maybe they can put in a good word for my brother. He just graduated from the GTCC Fire Academy & now needs a job with a fire department....a full-time job, not volunteer.

8th.day.of.giving

on the 8th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

So most people live in some kind of community atmosphere, whether it be an apartment complex, a neighborhood, townhouse row, etc. But how many people know their neighbors? Well, when I was growing up, we lived in a neighborhood, and everybody knew everybody. The children would play together, you could go on a walk and feel safe, it was great. Currently I live in an apartment complex. I have several "neighbors." There's a guy who lives in the apartment across from me, sharing the same landing. Then I have a guy living above me who I only see passing on the steps, every now & then. I have a guy who lives beneath me, and across from him is a married couple, of whom I usually only see the husband. He's about the only person I've had a small conversation with. And these are just the people on my side of the buildling. There are three other sides to my building, and who knows who lives in those apartments. So, in essence, I don't know my neighbors, therefore, I do not feel a sense of community. And if I feel that way, I'm sure there are others who share that feeling.

I want to change that....or at least try. So I plan to spread some Christmas cheer and to show that I do care about my neighbors & would like to know them, or at least see their face.

My daughter {step-daughter} and I are going to make cookies for everyone! We're going to make sugar cookies & sugar-free cookies for everyone, and not just one per person...I'm not trying to be stingy in this season, at least to an extent. (Sugar-free in case some are diabetic). And in each bag we're including a small book called The Message of Hope, so this way we can spread the word about Jesus and how he was born on earth during this time to eventually die for us, and save us from our sins! Of course it goes more in-depth and has Bible verses, etc to explain it all. UPDATE:: we did try to make the suger-free cookies, and decided we should taste them just in case they weren't so good.....and it was a good thing we did.....they were straight up nasty! So everyone got sugar cookies!

Then we'll take them door-to-door, with husband in tow as well...you never know who you'll find behind these doors. And hopefully get some people to answer, and get to know them a little. Like I said, we'll just be doing our building. There are six or seven buildings in our apartment complex, and well that's a lot of people....and a lot of cookies!

Maybe you know your neighbors, maybe you don't. But this would be a great way to share with everyone you do or don't know.....And who doesn't like cookies?

7th.day.of.giving

on the 7th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

Today in a few of the Christmas cards I sent out with my husband we snuck in some gift cards! To whom? Well they weren't sent out randomly....so I'm sorry if anyone's hopes were up for the moment! We sent them to some of the people who have sown into our lives with spiritual knowledge .. aka our pastors!

My husband use to attend a mega-church in South Carolina, Redemption World Outreach Center (and actually we still attend here about every other week), and the preachers are Apostle Ron & Hope Carpenter. Though they may not be able to have the close contact most pastors do, they truly love everyone in their church. It's such a great and powerful ministry they have going on, and we can't be happier to have found such a church and to be gaining such knowledge they preach....and to have the awesome worship experience Pastors Stephen & Lori Ward help lead everyone into.

The church I was so blessed to be part of during the time of transition in my life, from changing churches, to finding myself, to marrying my husband, was Awaken City Church here in Greensboro, NC. The Pastor Frank Bishoff and his wife Michelle are beautiful, amazing people, with awesome kids! This church is full of people from all walks of life, but they all love each other & everyone who comes through their doors. I learned so much there and always had the best time dancing for my Daddy in heaven during worship (( totally miss this too!! )). And, I want to congratulate them on getting their new building downtown which is the heart of this church!

And finally, the church we currently attend, ChurchAlive of the Triad, with Pastor Jody Bullard and his wife Carey. This is a great church, that has challenged us in different areas, while still providing us with knowledge to move forward. There are some great people who attend here, and it provides a place to worship & hear the Word of God in a multi-cultural atmosphere.

6th.day.of.giving

on the 6th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

Sure, sure, sure... you may not be some music freak like I am, but where do you think the people you listen to on the radio and buy their cds....where do you think they came from?? outta nowhere??? ..... I don't think soooo...

So yes, I do think you should support local music. Whether it's going to shows or donating straight to the band .. help out your local guys & gals. How else can they make it big....hmmm??

I personally have supported local music since I had knowledge of such a thing { I was a sheltered child }. Going to shows, being somewhat of a groupie .. lol I was there every chance I could be to support several bands & artist that traveled around locally, but now I don't have all that free time...booo!

But anyway, the reason for my post today is apparent... I'm giving to a local band.

Ember Worship is their name & right now they're trying to make their 2nd album. Their 1st album being an EP. They play awesome, upbeat, rockin worship music that makes you get up and dance! Dance for your Daddy { aka God! } because he loves music & he loves his children to praise and worship him. These guys have it together, and can become the next big group you hear about; but they need your help and donations to get there. How else do you plan on hearing the next big song... support local bands!

You can google "ember worship" and find all their social media pages, as well as youtube videos of some of their performances .. go check um out!

Donate here :: Ember Worship's 2nd Album -- you get perks for your contribution! (not that you should need any lol)

5th.day.of.giving

on the 5th day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

Candy Cane ornaments
Handmade, in-fact

:: Tutorial Provided ::

I'm giving these to my co-workers & managers. Spreading the Christmas spirit. Maybe it will entice others too as well!

Things you'll need ::
  rolling pin
  pizza cutter
  straw
  parchment paper
  red model magic by crayola
  white model magic by crayola
  cookie cutter
  ribbon (color of your choice)
  silver glitter glue (optional)

1. Spread out about 2 ft of parchment paper on a flat surface

2. Use rolling pin to flatten clay to a thickness of 1/4" - 1/2" in a rectangular shape

     (( hint: start with the white clay first, then red ))

3. Use your pizza cutter and cut diagonally across your two rectangles, cut strips 1/3" - 1" in width

4. Take strips you've cut, in the same order you cut from the two colors, & place them side by side, alternating colors to create one long rectangle of white & red together

5. As you place the strips together, squish them so they're becoming one piece of clay

6. Once all strips are together, take your rolling pin & roll over your newly created rectangle on both sides

7. Use your candy cane shaped cookie cutter and begin cutting out your shapes

  (( be sure when you cut one, that you cut completely through the clay .. then take shape and place to side on parchment paper ))

8. Use your straw and cut a hole about 1/4" below top edge of candy cane

9. Let you candy canes dry for 24-48 hrs .. flipping over half way through your drying

10. ((optional step)) Use silver glitter glue (or desired color) and write the year, your name, Merry Christmas .. it's up to you

11. Cut your ribbon to desired length for hanging on your Christmas tree

{ i was able to cut 13 large candy canes and 2 small candy canes from my clay roll out }

And the result :: All of my candy canes look different, with varying widths of white & red .. but all so cute!

  

{ the tutorial that inspired me :: snowflake ornament - which i plan on making with my step-daughter this weekend for family! }

4th.day.of.giving

on the 4th day of Christmas
:: i gave away these things ::

{ lets just imagine that is brunette hair! }

As you know we have a cancer stricten culture. Of course most are not by choice, or caused by factors we can control, but the fact of the matter is we all know of someone, or have someone close to us who is or has been affected by cancer. That fact may be enough for some to want to help out & give, or do what they can for that person or an organization that supports cancer. If not, how about imagine yourself having to deal with cancer, having to take pills upon pills, getting frequent radiation treatments, having to get chemotherapy, having to visit the hospital frequently because your immune system is shot; imagine being pale, feeling sick all the time, imagine you lost all of your hair... Now why wouldn't you want to help out however you can? Well I know some people may still not have the heart to give or help, and that's ok, but i hope you have the heart to give to something somewhere.

Anyway, today I'm heading to the salon .. Boho Salon .. and I'm gettin my 10" minimum, if not a few more inches, waked off in a pony tail so i can ship it to Locks of Love. They're a great organization that has been around for a while and has helped many children & people have wigs so they don't have to walk around bald {especially in this winter season, i imagine that would be pretty cold!}.

You can find out more information about Locks of Love here :: http://www.locksoflove.org/

And here are the before & afters ::

{ wow! }

Such a drastic change all at once, but it's so worth it. And i'm happy with my hair.....just cant wait to grow it out to do it again!

4th.day.of.giving....oh.my

OMG!! OMG!! OMG!!

EEK!! EEK!! EEK!!

{ how i feel right now!!! }

Today is the scariest, most sacrificial of them all, of them all so far at least...but probably of them all. I don't know if I can go through with it.....I want too so bad...but i'm so ...idk the word... I hope I don't end up having a panic attack or anything crazy!!

Dear Lord....please let me get plenty of rest today & help me this afternoon....hold my hand through this since no one else will be there! Thank you Daddy!! Amen!

This is gonna be intense...emotionally.........dang, it already is!!

Be expectant of my post later today!

3rd.day.of.giving

on the 3rd day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

Homelessness is everywhere in America now. You used to not see it but in the big cities, but now you see homeless people walking the streets of small towns. I've become more aware of the problem since moving to a city & from a church i was attending.

So, today I'm donating. I've gone and bought some inexpensive, but quality gloves, scarves, and tobogans that I plan to give to the homeless. Winter time is some of the worst times the homeless have to endure. During the day they can hang out at restaurants and libraries, but at night fall they have to wait in line to try and get in a shelter, and if the shelter fills up before it's their turn to cross the doorway... well tough luck is about the best answer they're going to get. So they need all the warm articles of clothing & blankets they can get. I found all of these at the dollar store, and it's stuff I would wear, so nothing is wrong with um. In the past I've had extra coats I donated, and fleece blankets as well. I know of people who have donated tents & sleeping bags to the homeless. If you're not using it, why not give it to someone who will.....on a daily basis. Just think, while you're nice and cozy in your home, with the heat going, a nice fire, and blankets.....the homeless are outside shivering, trying to stay warm by a fire that someone has to tend all night. So give if you can. There are lots of organizations that help homeless.

2nd.day.of.giving

on the 2nd day of Christmas

:: i gave away these things ::

A lot of communities have Angel Tree's around where someone, a family, or group can adopt a child and provide some or all of their Christmas for them. Which is awesome! There are people out there who have the funds to provide for those less fortunate, and all power to them to do all they can. The thing is, there are too many people who don't help out when they can or able. Step up, do your part! For those HERE in our country, in your state, in your city, in your community.

So there's a church, Redemption World Outreach Center, that does lots & lots of outreach in their community. In fact they do over 150 outreaches throughout their community, throughout the year. One of those outreaches is Holiday Hope.

Holiday Hope partners with the USMC and Toys for Tots program to provide for the needy children in their community ranging from ages 2-12 years of age. Also with this program they provide clothing to the needy and assistance to the parents. Every year they give away 15,000+ toys....how awesome is that! The good thing about giving to this outreach is you can either buy a toy(s) and drop it off at their specific locations or you can donate money in any amount you're able. So you don't feel obligated to purchase everything on a particular childs wish list. And if you're in a situation such as i am, with lack of time to shop....you give, they take in donations & whatever toys people buy & then they distribute to the families that have applied for assistance.

Now yes, I may be barking up my own tree. I personally do not live in the community they provide for, but my husband and I consider this church our "home" church, and this year I have decided to support this particular outreach. I hope one day, the church we attend now, or the church we'll have of our own we can do a similar outreach.

For more information check out their website here :: Holiday Hope

1st.day.of.giving

on the 1st day of Christmas
:: i gave away these things ::

We're sending a military care package overseas to Afganistan. The package includes two care bags I put together for a male and a female. They include basic things, such as :: tooth brush, tooth paste, dental flossers, combs, nail clippers, gloves, work gloves, tobogan, scarf, socks, pen, paper pad, puzzle books, twizzlers and gum. And just in the box I have a few other things :: soaps, hand sanitizer, ziploc bags, nutri-grain bars, uno game cards, Bible & devotional.

There are tons of ideas that you can fill a military care package with :: hygiene products, feminine care products, things to keep them warm for the winter they're enduring right now, candy (that can't melt), snacks, books, magazines, games, movies, cds, things to keep them occupied, calling cards, etc, etc. I did see where some were asking for ipods, laptops, cameras, and other various electronics. So if you're able to afford these items or have older ones you plan on replacing, but still work, they'd love to take them off your hands.

I found the person/troop & address I'll be sending our care package to on AnySoldier.com. Military persons post almost everyday things they need & their unit needs. You can pick who you want to send something too by various categories or at random.

You can google sending a military care package as well and find different websites that support these efforts. There are also sites that offer pre-packaged care packages & you just pay a flat fee.

So if this is something you're interested in doing get started on it now, you don't have to wait until someone or some organization is having a collection drive for packages or donations. But really, our military men & women would appreciate care packages year round, not just Christmas. They're doing an awesome duty for our country and deserve a little something in return from the people who appreciate what they do....the citizens of the USA!

P.S.. everything that is in my care package came from the dollar store, where everything was literally $1 each, and some things i was able to divide up. The Bible & devotional I have in there came from a thrift store for $1 each. The only things that cost more were the socks & uno game. Package it in a "if it fits, it ships" priority mail USPS box & you're done! (besides filling out a customs form)

Also, another side note...military persons prefer the items you send that they will be wearing to match the colors of their uniforms [dress code]. AND the socks I found are warm, they wick away moisture, provide cushioning & arch support.

12.days.of.giving

'tis the season to be jolly

fa la la la la la la la la

So while doing some reading on others blogs & a churches blog the other day, i became inspired to do " 12 days of giving" for Christmas. Because that's what this season is all about anyway! So after doing some thinking I believe I have come up with the 12 things I'm going to do for this self-made event. Although I won't reveal all that's up my sleeve for the moment, each day after I begin I will post what I've done to "give" for that day. I'm not doing this to get credit or be boastful....I'm doing this so that others may give as well. There are some great way to give back in everyone's community.

And I'm going to have to start my 12 days of giving early...because there are deadlines on some of the things I'm going to do....and we can't miss those or it defeats the purpose.