Give Thanks

A few months ago I heard from my niece via a text message.  Basically she sent me a text so that I would have her phone number.   I knew she was expecting and started asking her questions about her pregnancy.  Our conversations grew long (still via text) and I made sure to check up on her at least once a week.  I encouraged her to walk everyday because excercise does help when giving birth.   At least it did for me.   I could have gone on these last few months not even bothering to check on my niece,  but I felt compelled to.  In the course of these months I began to look forward to this baby coming into the world.   Little did I know how much of an impact she would make on all of us.

You see, my nephew died a year ago today.  He was hit by a car.  As a family, we were devastated.   How it hurts so bad to see someone you love go through so much pain (my sister).  What does this have to do with my great niece being born you ask?

My great niece's middle name was chosen in honor of my deceased nephew.   The family agreed she would be called by said middle name. 

Today was a day I was actually dreading.   Knowing that my sister would be reliving things wasn't a welcome thought.   I know God has seen my sister's pain and in all his awesomeness, he chose to help my sister and the rest of the family concentrate on something else today.   With God's help my great niece chose today to come into the world.   Do you think she made it into the world quickly?   No.  She took her sweet time and had us waiting on pins and needles most of the day!   We are all overjoyed!  As for myself,  I already feel a bond with this little girl that will last a lifetime. We give thanks to God above for giving us this special gift on a day that would have been miserable for us all.  With thoughts of my nephew smiling about his niece being born today, we celebrate this little life.

My point for today?  It only takes a few minutes out of your day to show people in our lives that we love them.   I felt like a second mom to my niece when my sister sent me a text at 2:20 a.m. because my niece had instructed her mom to make sure I knew she had gone into labor.  I grew my relationship with my niece by sending her texts a few times a week.  The fact that we have communicated regularly,  even if by text,  was enough to show my niece that I love and care for her as well as her child.   Give thanks to those you love.   Listen, be attentive to their needs, or just make a small amount of time for them.   You've heard that saying?  A little goes a long way.   I can attest that it sure does.

It's What I Do

For the record, just because 3 out of 5 of my blogs posts about RAK’s (Random Acts of Kindness) involve food doesn’t mean I have a problem.  Even if I did have a problem I don’t think I would admit it, in fact I would vehemently deny it.  Since today’s blog post also involves food, you can now say 4 out of 6 of my blog posts are about food.  I can’t help it, food is what I do.  Whether it is baking a cookie, or putting a casserole together; I throw the ingredients together and people just show up.  It gives new meaning to the words house pests... I mean guests.

 I invited two people over for dinner today.  One a single mom and the other mom is married but her husband works nights so she is usually home alone most evenings with her little girl. 

I wasn't sure what I would do for someone today.  I thought about it a little and came to the conclusion that any day that I don't have to cook is a good one.   Naturally I thought these girls would feel the same way.  I called them up and let me tell you, it did not take much persuasion on my part.  In fact I could barely utter the words "dinner" before they were at my front door.

All kidding aside it is nice to share a meal with friends.  For the most part we ate in silence.  I don't know if it was because I had a movie on or because they were so impressed with my culinary skills that words could not express what they were feeling. I'd like to think it was the latter so don't burst my bubble.

When dinner was over and the movie done I sent them home with some of the baked goods I made yesterday.  They were only to happy to take them home.  They practically ran out the door as if I was going to change my mind.  It was that or maybe they were starting to feel the effects of the broccoli.

Cooking a meal for someone is something I'm delighted to do. It is especially true when I have pests, I mean guests, who enjoy a break from the kitchen.  When was the last time you gave someone a break?  Either from their kids by babysitting, from the kitchen by preparing a meal or from cleaning by doing the housework for them. If you've not done any such thing maybe it's time. 

Love Thy Neighbor

I met my new neighbor this evening.   I hadn't planned on it; for the most part I pretty much keep to myself. However, when I woke up this morning I felt like baking today.   You see, I made the mistake of buying some handsoap from Bath and Body Works called Pumpkin Cupcake.  Now everytime I use it I want to bake.   This is to keep me from gnawing on my hands because the soap smells good enough to eat.  So if you see someone walking around smelling their hands its not some kind of disorder, its just that they may have bought the same soap.  Now, about my neighbor... I have never and I repeat, never, baked to welcome a neighbor to the neighborhood.  Its something I've thought about,  but never really followed through on.   Well, I came home and slaved away in the kitchen,  again, the handsoap made me do it.  Actually the credit really goes to the Almighty.  I try to get my day started by preparing ahead for a random act of kindnesd (RAK).  This morning I was pressed for time but really felt that I needed to welcome the new neighbor.   So that's what I did.   I baked my cookies and put them in a ziploc baggie.  It was a little late before I went over there but the lights were still on and I could hear people talking in the garage so I just knocked on the garage door.  She asked "who is it?" in a friendly enough voice.   I told her I was her neighbor and that I had brought her something.   She said "your kidding me."  I told her no and she opened the garage door.   She was so excited that I was amazed at how much joy cookies could bring someone.   She told me she loves it here and she's only been here a few days.   She introduced herself and words cannot really express what I was feeling at her enthusiasm.   She said she used to live next door to someone who baked for a living.   She talked non stop and then asked me questions too.  She said I was welcome to come over any time.  What she made me feel was gratitude for people and that just a simple deed, such as baking cookies for someone, can really mean a lot.  She hugged me before I left and I went back to my place with joy and some of her enthusiasm.   I could have gone on ignoring all my neighbors but now I think I'm more inclined to bake for all of them.   Baking takes very little effort for me because I love doing it, especially when I get encouragement from the handsoap.  Loving my neighbor was a bit harder because I kept thinking what if she doesn't like my cookies?  Had I given in and not taken her cookies I would have missed out on her happiness and the blessing of seeing her so joyful.

You've Got Mial

I was brushing my teeth this morning and started to think about my RAK (Random Act of Kindness) for the day.  I’m glad I didn’t have to go through the whole day wondering what I was going to do.  No I didn’t look into my crystal ball.  I just had God speak a name as I was thinking about today’s RAK and some movie tickets that I wasn’t going to use.  People everywhere have needs; we just have to pay attention.  I’ve known about a couple who have had some financial struggles.  Their budget is so tight that it squeaks.  I’m sure that really makes it difficult to have date nights and walk without everyone hearing you from a mile away.  Don’t get me wrong, you can have date nights without money but you have to get really creative.  No, this post isn’t about creative date nights; it is about giving to someone in need.  So my covert mission today was to mail these movie passes to this couple with a note.  I basically addressed the note to both of them and told them that God was thinking of them because he wanted me to send them these movie tickets.  I didn’t sign my name to it and I didn’t write my name in the return address.  As luck would have it, I had their address because of a bible study that was scheduled at their home a few months before.  I dropped the envelope in the mail slot and some couple will be receiving those passes soon.  I breathed a sigh of relief that I wouldn’t have to donate a limb.  I’m going to take this time to share of one moment in the past when someone helped me out, so I’m only looking back for a brief moment to give you a glimpse of what it feels like to be on the receiving end.  I had a friend of mine come up to me a number of years ago.  I was really struggling to raise my kids on my budget.  They needed socks and basic undergarments but it seemed as if my paycheck was gone to pay bills every week with very little left over.  My friend handed me a gift card to Wal Mart for $100.00.  Yes, you read that right; one hundred dollars.  She told me that it wasn’t from her, that someone had given it to her to give to me so that I could by the kids clothing or whatever they needed.  I was floored!  I asked her who had given her the gift card but she told me that the person wanted to remain anonymous.  I told her to please thank that person from the bottom of my heart.  I proceeded to take the kids to Wal Mart and bought them their undergarments and some clothing.  Receiving that gift card helped me tremendously at a time when I really needed help and my kids needed help.  Shortly after that (about 4 weeks later), I received another $100.00 gift card from someone else.  No it wasn’t raining gift cards that year, but this happened to me three times in a period of five months.  I thank God for those people that listened to God’s urging to bless me.  So before you tell yourself you don’t have time, or don’t have money or are worried about what you’re going to do about the problem that just landed at your doorstep, take a moment to step back, exhale... and just do it.  Bake those cookies to give to the new neighbor, wash the car for a single parent who has about 10 million other things to do, let the person in line behind you with one item, in front of you and your cart full of groceries or babysit for a couple who need a date night.  You’ve heard the saying it’s the little things that matter?  I can attest to the fact that when someone thought of me and my needs, it meant so much to me.  To that couple I sent those movie passes too... you’ve got mail.

I Have a Confession...

Yesterday I went to church and I saw a friend of mine. I haven't spent time with her in a while but while I was there I asked her if she wanted to get together, she agreed and said she would let me know for sure during the workday tomorrow. As I woke up this morning I didn't know what I would do for a RAK (Random Act of Kindness). I thought that I would be led to do something for a stranger or maybe donate a kidney or some other body part.  By the end of the day I still had nothing.  All I knew was that I had committed to spending time with my friend but at the same time I was feeling pressured to complete a RAK and get home to do some chores; like vacuum, put the dishes away in the the dishwasher and clean my counters. All of these things on my "to do" list seemed like they should be given some kind of priority.  Needless to say that by the end of the work day I was hoping my friend wouldn't be able to make time for meeting me.   Instead she called me and asked if I would pick her up.  I confess,  my first thought was completely selfish.  Then I told myself "really?"  Your protesting over a ride?   You know, if I needed a ride my friend would say yes;  no hesitation.  So after I talked myself out of such selfish thoughts,  yes all of this took two seconds, I agreed to pick her up. We ended up going somewhere for dinner, we sat down and then we just started talking; she told me how she was feeling because she recently lost a loved one.  I was glad that I ignored the fact that I had chores waiting for me when I got home.  I lent her my ear and she lent me hers.  Still after our 3 hours of conversation I was worried that I wouldn't be able to perform a RAK today. It was then that I heard loud and clear; you have performed your RAK.  My questions?  What?  How? The response:  "you gave time to a friend in need."  I felt like Gru in Despicable Me; "Lightbulb!" What an amazing thing.  Sure, I was hoping that she would cancel but then later on I realized how much she needed me to listen and that she needed to talk about her grief. What I've learned is that our time is valuable and who we give it to does matter.  Time given to others matters more than performing chores or checking off items on our "to do" list.   Listen to your friends especially when they're hurting inside.  There is much joy to be gained knowing you are helping someone get through a rough time, even if at first you don't realize the act of kindness you showed them.

Even When They Don't Deserve It

I started baking last night.  Mainly because bosses day was last week Wednesday and I thought that my youngest child should thank the boss even if it was a bit late.  I happen to know from an “insider” that the boss loves Banana Nut Bread.  My take on Banana Nut Bread was to make some Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Muffins, everyone say yummy!  As I was making my muffins I was thinking about today’s RAK (Random Act of Kindness).  I started to pray in my mind that I would know what to do and who to bless.  All of a sudden, I get a particular person’s image in my head and I just about groaned out loud.  I thought to myself “Really God? You can’t be serious.”  So the little voice in my head said “you will take one of the muffins you are baking and give it to her.”  More groans followed.  The nice thing about this is that I have to remain anonymous with those who receive a RAK, so at least I didn’t have to reveal myself.  This morning I got up to spend my time with God and opened up to my daily devotional and low and behold today’s devotional is called “Love – Even When They Don’t Deserve It.”  I’m thinking you’ve got to be kidding me!  So I read through it and realize that on my own strength I cannot love someone like this, but with God I can.  I soon find myself joyful over the thought of blessing someone whose life I only see from one perspective.  I see the person who causes everyone around the workplace to be stressed.  I see a person who has wrought havoc over a lot of people and is not liked much by anyone.  However what I don’t see is probably those things that this person goes through at home.  I started to think to myself, we all have parts of our lives that people don’t see.  I don’t know what this person goes through...until I’ve walked a mile in their shoes and all that.  So I found myself trying to get out the door early (insert groan) so that I can stop by the grocery store to pick out a “Just Thinking of You” card.  I was in need of picking up some other items and got to the checker without the card.  Thankfully I remembered before she started scanning my items.  I went back and wouldn’t you know I had to look twice before I found a “Just Thinking of You” card.  It seems they have a very slim selection, only one type in stock.  The store could have literally asked me to pay $10 for the card; being that I was in a hurry and I probably would have paid it.  Thankfully, they had mercy on me because the card was priced at $1.99.  I cheerfully paid for my card and the six other items I hadn’t planned on purchasing, thanks to the impulsive devil sitting on my shoulder.  Okay, so maybe I needed 4 of the 6 items.  When I got into work, I filled out the card.  My message to this person was that “their job must be stressful, and that someone somewhere is thinking about them” etc.  I didn’t sign my name to the card.  I snuck over to the mail boxes and slipped the muffin and card into the appropriate mail box.  Don’t worry people, I made sure it was in a ziplock baggie so no critters could get to it (if we had any).  After my reluctant mission, I went back to my office with a smile on my face.  Although it initially felt like I would rather have my fingernails ripped out rather than give something to this person.  Now that it’s a done deal, I’m glad that I didn’t insist on God ripping out my fingernails.  Giving the card and muffin was much less painless than I thought.  It made me think of what people must think of me.  What’s their perception of me?  I’m no better than someone else just because I think I am (yes those thoughts do occur to me now and then; I’m human).  I do have the choice to act on good and bad deeds; we all do.  In this case I’m hoping I made a small difference to someone who may not be experiencing much love from anyone.

Can You Keep a Secret?

I woke up this morning and like every morning I started reading todays devotional for the day.  Earlier in the week I had read that if you stay focused on the past, you can’t move forward with your future.  Wow!  That really resonated with me.  I have felt stuck for a while.  So what I’ve been telling myself over and over in my head like a broken record is to forget the past and think about your future.  I really want to put into action some things that go through my head on a daily basis.  No more standing back and waiting for something to happen!  Take charge and let God lead.  So the leading I got today was to wake up earlier than usual (can you hear me groaning already?).  I trudged along and spent my time with God.  Then I washed out my reusable Starbucks cup.  Yes, in order for me to stop at Starbucks before work, I have to leave my place 15 to 20 minutes early.  All the while I knew that I would be paying for the person/s drink behind me in the drive-thru.  A myriad of thoughts went through my head, like what if someone pulls up behind me and wants to buy all the coffee Starbucks has?  I mean I can’t afford to pay for all the coffee in Starbucks.  I pulled into the drive-thru and there was no one that pulled in behind me.  I start to think maybe I won’t have anyone pull in behind me by the time I’m done.  Wouldn’t you know it, as soon as I think that thought, a women pulls up.  So my window is rolled down because I wanted to hear what she was ordering... you know, just in case she did decides to order all the coffee Starbucks had.  As luck would have it, I could not hear her order.  When it is my turn to pay for my order, I do so and timidly asked the cashier if I could pay for the woman’s order behind me?  He gave me a smile and said, “we love when our customers do that, yes you can pay for her order.”  Little did he know that I was still holding my breath praying that she hadn’t ordered all of the coffee they had in stock.  The cashier handed me back my card and said her order was a dollar less than mine.  I exhale and thank God that I wouldn’t have a need to rent out storage space for coffee.  Once I felt the relief of paying the woman’s order, I left and basically told the cashier to tell her to have a nice day.  He said he would tell her.  I pull out of the drive thru as quickly as possible.  Why?  So she wouldn’t try to chase me down and thank me.  You see, this Random Act of Kindness is between me and God.  I started to feel immense joy at being able to give to someone else.  It helped me get to work and smile doing so, even when a red truck was riding my tail all the way down the road.  My thought was to practice sign language, but then I thought again and smiled that someone out there probably needed to buy the guy a Starbucks.