Save Mandi's House

I saw this article in the newspaper and I wanted to get the word out.

Struggle is no stranger in the life of Mandi Shaw.  The 47-year-old Kearns woman has spent her life dealing with severe, debilitating birth defects. And in recent years, heart problems have rendered her permanently disabled and unable to work. She has only 20 percent of normal cardiac capacity.
In 2010, her husband died from cancer.  Now, her only income is a small disability check.
Shaw is far behind on the mortgage payments on her small home of nearly 20 years, and she has little prospect of ever catching up.  Cortney Shaw works two jobs to pay the mortgage for her and her mother.

 

With no family to fall back on, she and her 19-year-old daughter, Cortney, are facing the very real possibility they may soon be living in their pickup truck. Instead of Christmas cheer, they experienced a grinding anxiety. 

 

Read the Full Story HERE

 

See the You Tube video HERE

 I know that times are tough financial for most of us, but if we all donated let's say $12 in honor of 2012 it would help out this family so much.

These are different ways to donate:

(1) Using Paypal, send to Mandishouse@gmail.com

 

(2) You can call the Mortgage Rep (Stacey) at 801-288-3154.

(3) Sending check, make it out to "Mandi Shaw, Help Save my Mortgage".

Granite Credit Union

3109 West 4700 South

Taylorsville, Utah 84129

(3) Discover Card has a feature where money can be sent, at no charge. Go to Discovercard.com and look for the tab "Send Money". Use Mandishouse@gmail.com to send donation.

Contact Ron at mandishouse@gmail.com or call 801-553-9797 with questions.

Week 30--Kindness Challenge--Dec. 26

Smile at someone everyday this week.

Delivering Christmas

One of the things I like about November and December is that it is a lot easier to find good news and kindness news stories.  I posted a couple weeks ago about a police officer who held a ladies hand after she was involved in an accident.  Well, this article continues the story and tells about how the community has reached out to her family and provided Christmas for her kids.

Click HERE to read the full article

Week 29--Kindness Challenge--Dec. 19

Do an act of random kindness for a stranger this week.

(I'm posting this early because I won't be around a computer for the next couple of days.)

Making a Difference 1 Act of Kindness at a Time

I have been a little depressed the past couple of weeks so I was really happy to find this "good news" story in the paper this morning.  It really touched my heart and reminded me that this is what the Christmas Spirit is all about "Loving, Caring, and Helping our fellow man or woman in any way that we can".

For nine years, West Valley police officer Kevin Peck has protected and served the citizens of his city by trying to keep the streets safe from the criminal element.  But on Monday, as Peck responded to an accident scene, it wasn't with his gun or handcuffs that he served the community. Rather it was with a simple gesture of holding a hand, and providing thoughtful words and a listening ear.

           

Peck was just around the corner when a Utah Transit Authority bus struck 24-year-old Aryann Smith in a crosswalk, pinning her underneath the large vehicle and severely crushing both of her legs. He was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene.

As Peck assessed the situation, he quickly found out the woman had suffered severe injuries. The tall officer crawled underneath the bus himself to take the woman's pulse. But after he grabbed her hand, he didn't let go until fire crews were eventually able to lift the bus off of her and pull her out.

To read the full article click HERE

Week 28--Kindness Challenge--Dec. 12

Donate Food to a local food pantry this week.

Week 27--Kindness Challenge--Dec. 5th

Do an act of Kindness in honor of someone this week and then if you can let that person know about it.

Coming together: Community unites to help paralyzed football player

From the tiny mountain town of Oakley, the word is spreading: People are building a house for a local boy who was hurt on the football field, and the only two things they don't want for their efforts are money and recognition.

The response has been unbelievable," says Kent Woolstenhulme, another of the workers and a cousin to the injured boy's mother. "Almost everyone you talk to wants to help."

The idea began not long after Porter Hancock was injured while making a tackle for the South Summit High football team on Oct. 7. He is paralyzed from mid-chest down. There is reason to hope that he will regain the use of his lower limbs, but at the very least he faces a long road to recovery.
Family members and neighbors realized the Hancocks' home would not be suitable for a kid in a wheelchair, with its narrow doorways and halls and its split entry and steep stairs. The phone calls began. This is a community of contractors, men who make a living in construction. They rallied to help.

About two weeks ago, they began building a house on property owned by Hancock's grandfather. They plan to have the new house ready by the time Porter leaves the hospital, which is scheduled for mid-December.

"It's what life's all about, helping people in need," says carpenter Ray Peterson.

To read the full story click HERE

Week 26--Kindness Challenge--Nov. 28

Find a good news story in the newspaper, online, t.v., radio, etc., write it down or print it out so you can see it every day.

You'll be amazed at how much it lifts your spirits to hear about the good that others do.  You have to really search to find these stories among all the negative ones, but they are there.

Being a Part of Someone Else's Miracle

This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician: I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast , cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the quickie mart building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel. At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95. I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying 'I don't want my kids to see me crying! ,' so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, 'And you were praying?' That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.' I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little. She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City . Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan. 1, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spok en in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there. So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there. I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, 'So, are you like an angel or something?' This definitely made me cry. I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.' It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong. Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings.... Psalms 55:22 ' Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved'

Week 25--Kindness Challenge--Nov. 21

Write 3 things you are thankful for everyday this week.

I started a thankful journal about 5 years ago on my birthday because I was really depressed.  I have tried to write faithfully 1-3 things every day that I am thankful for that day.  It has been amazing to see the little things that have happened during the day that normally I would never have noticed if I hadn't taken a couple of minutes to just think about the day.  This practice has greatly blessed my life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Man helps motorist who then saves his life miles later

A Canadian man who had just helped a motorist change a tire in western Wisconsin had his good deed quickly repaid when, just minutes later, that same motorist helped to save his life.   

This story was amazing to read about and really emphasizes the importance of helping others because you never know when it will turn around and end up helping you later.

This is the link to read the full story http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45200023

Week 24--Kindness Challenge--Nov. 14

Find out someones favorite color and give them something in that color.

Week 22--Kindness Challenge--Oct. 31

Give out a compliment everyday this week.

Week 23--Kindness Challenge--Nov. 7

Clean out your closet and take your "haven't worn in a season" clothes to Goodwill.

WEEK 21--Kindness Challenge--Oct. 24th

When you're driving let someone in whose trying to merge in your lane and refrain from getting angry when someone cuts you off or honks at you. 

Courtesy and Kindness while your driving will go a long way!!!

WEEK 20--Kindness Challenge--Oct. 17

Make Cookies and give them to someone.

This is always a fun Kindness Act.  In my neighborhood they like to do the Phantom Ghost Treats where someone secretly drops off cookies or a treat and a picture of a Ghost that you hang in your window then you continue the act of kindness by secretly dropping off a treat for someone else who doesn't have a ghost in their window.

This weeks kindness challenge is the half way mark of the 40 weeks of kindness challenges.  How are you doing?  Only 20 more weeks to go!

WEEK 19--Kindness Challenge--Oct. 10

 Light a Candle today for either a loved one who has passed away, or to remember someone who is struggling.

Oct. 15th is a great day to do this on because it is Infant Loss Remembrance Day where people all over the world light a candle in honor of an infant who died.  When everyone lights a candle at 7 p.m. in their time zone it creates a wave of light all day all over the world.

Way To Be

I read a story from the book "Way To Be" by Gordon B. Hinckley that I really liked.  It illustrates how being kind not only benefits the person you are helping, but, it also helps you.

"An older boy and his young companion were walking along a road that led through a field.  They saw an old coat and a badly worn pair of men's shoes by the roadside, and in the distance they saw the owner working in the field.

The younger boy suggested that they hide the shoes, conceal themselves, and watch the perplexity on the owner's face when he returned.

The older boy thought that would not be so good.  He said the owner must be a very poor man.  So, after talking the matter over, at his suggestion, they decided to try another experiment.  Instead of hiding the shoes, they would put a silver dollar (which was then a commonly used coin) in each shoe and see what the owner did when he discovered the money.

Pretty soon the man returned from the field, put on his coat, slipped one foot into a shoe, felt something hard, took his foot out and found the silver dollar.  Wonder and surprise shone upon his face.  He looked at the dollar again and again, turned around and could see nobody, then proceeded to put on the other shoe.  When to his great surprise he found another dollar, his feelings overcame him.  He knelt down and offered aloud a prayer of thanksgiving, in which he spoke of his wife being sick and helpless and his children without bread.  He fervently thanked the Lord for this bounty from unknown hands and evoked the blessing of heaven upon those who gave him this needed help.

The boys remained hidden until he had gone.  They had been touched by his prayer and by his sincere expression of gratitude.  As they left to walk down the road, one said to the other, "Don't you have a good feeling?" adapted from Bryant S. Hinckley, Not by Bread Alone, Bookcraft, 1955, p. 95"

WEEK 18--Kindness Challenge--Oct. 3

As you go about your day, pick up trash.

Okay, I admit this is kind of a strange kindness challenge.  Sometimes people think kindness and service has to be these big projects, when in reality it is the small and simple things that probably mean the most.  Maybe you will brighten someones day who comes by after you and they see the area nice and clean and it will give them hope to keep enduring their day.

Week 17--Kindness Challenge--Sept. 26

Donate Money to someone or some charity this week.

I love doing this!  I wish I had more money to donate to others, but, even a little bit helps.

Week 16--Kindness Challenge--Sept. 19

Make a T.H.I.N.K. sign for yourself and look at it every day this week to remind yourself if your actions and words are:

T-Thoughtful

H-Helpful

I-Intelligent

N-Necessary

K-Kind

Week 15--Weekly Kindness Challenge--Sept. 12

Help someone this week in honor of the victims of 9/11. Remember the people who died 10 years ago on 9/11.  Remember how scary the world felt, but, how we united as Americans--"Together We Stand"--and reached out to help each other in little ways.. 

Remember Sept. 11th

Remember--what exactly does that mean?  I have been watching and reading different items this past week about 9/11.  It has broken my heart hearing all over again the memories of that day.  I am touched by stories of kindness of  people who reached out to help others who loss loved ones.  I am touched by stories of those who reached out to help survivors.  I am at a loss of words for the passengers and crew of flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to save others.

Here is a few of the note worthy stories I have found:

America's Camp--a camp started for the children who loss a parent on 9/11

Hope Rising--a statue dedicated to 9/11

Flight 93 National Memorial--a Monument being constructed to honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93

I watched the dedication of the Flight 93 Memorial.  I was touched by the speeches given.  I was touched by seeing the wall unveiled and seeing the names of each one of the passengers and crew.  I liked what President Bush said that it is important to remember and honor these people with these monuments, but, it is equally as important to remember them by the way we live our lives.  Maybe that is what remembering is really all about--showing our love for loss loved ones through memorials and monuments but also through our actions of loving and caring about others.  Every time we show kindness instead of anger, we defy what the terrorist wanted to split our nation apart in hate.

So, for today take some time to remember and honor all those who were loss on 9/11--fly a flag, attend a memorial, light a candle etc., then tomorrow and forever remember and honor them by the way you choose to treat others.

Week 14--Kindness Challenge--Sept. 5

Send a Greeting Card to someone "just because" to let them know you are thinking of them.

With modern technology, this is almost a lost tradition of sending a card through the mail.  People hardly send birthday cards or Christmas cards anymore.  This makes this challenge a unique one because it will be totally out of the blue and a nice surprise for someone.  You have to look for the "just because" cards but they are out there and it will be worth the time and effort you spend to find just the right card.

I absolutely love receiving "just because" cards because they truly show to me that someone cares because it is a lot harder and more work to send a card rather just email or text someone. 

Week 13--Kindness Challenge--Aug. 29th

Find the gift of laughter today--a good clean story,  joke, movie, email thought, etc., have a good laugh and then pass it on to someone else.

If only we knew how much the power of laughter truly does heal us in so many ways.  One of the things I liked about Disney/Pixars movie, Monsters, Inc., was how they showed that when they focused on making people laugh instead of making them cry and sad and afraid that the power boost they got blew their numbers off the chart.  Maybe there is something we can take from this movie to apply to our own lives.  Are we focused on making others sad and miserable by how we talk to them or do we lift them up and make them feel true joy?

If you want a recommendation for a great book that will make you laugh and help you feel good inside I  would recommend "The Ultimate Gift" by Jim Stovall.

Week 12--Kindness Challenge--Aug. 22

Help somone in your family with one of their chores this week.

I love it when one of my kids secretly does one of my chores, especially cleaning the toilet--I hate doing that chore!  This is a way to promote kindness in your family because hopefully it will have a snowball effect where one person will do someones chore and then everyone else will be focused on doing other peoples chores--okay so maybe I'm living in a dream world, but you never know!  :)

Week 11--Kindness Challenge--Aug. 15th

Give someone flowers this week.

I had a neighbor who brought over flowers one day to me for no reason at all, just to say I'm thinking of you.  Little did she know that I was having a really hard day that day and those flowers really meant a lot to me.

Week 10--Kindness Challenge--Aug. 8th

Refrain from speaking unkindly about anyone this week.

I think you will find this challenge to be a lot harder than it seems.  This isn't something that people think about when they think of kindness.  I love the quote from Marvin J. Ashton which says, "Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet."

Week 9--Kindness Challenge Aug. 1

Post-it Note someone's room, door, desk, car, etc., with positive comments written on the notes.

If you have never done this before you will be surprised how much joy it will not only bring the person you do it for but also the joy it brings you!

Meet Rachel

Meet Rachel

In honor of her 9th birthday, Rachel asked friends and family to donate money to bring clean water to an African village and was close to meeting her goal of $300 when she died over the weekend after a car accident July 20, 2011, in Bellevue, Wash. In her memory, strangers have now made her dream come true many times over and by Wednesday afternoon, some 10,000 people had donated more than $400,000 to "charity: water."

I saw this story in the newspaper this morning and it touched my heart.  First, because little 9 year old Rachel Beckwith was showing such unselfish kindness raising money for a charity for her birthday.  Second, after she was tragically killed in a car accident last week I am in awe at all the strangers who have passed on her kindness by donating money to her last wish.  It is amazing what $9 can do when donated in memory of an angel!

To read the complete story click HERE

To see Rachel's website click HERE

Week 8--Kindness Challenge--July 25th

Pray for someone everyday this week.

Sometimes the only thing you can do for someone who is going through a hard time is to pray for them.  It is so very important and so overlooked.  Those prayers are heard!

A Friend--How a small act of Kindness really did make a difference

I was emailed the following story--I don't know if it is true or not, but it really doesn't matter because it teaches a great lesson on how small acts of kindness really do make a difference!

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school; his name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him…

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes; my heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives. ' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends… When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship…

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd… He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak!

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began: 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.'

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions… With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others!

Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

Week 7-Kindness Challenge--July 18th

Give up something for someone else this week--a seat, the last cookie, a parking space, etc. 

Have you ever experienced someone giving up something for you?  When I was expecting I had to go in and have a blood test done.  When I got to the lab all the seats were taken.  It was really hard for me to stand for long periods of time so I wasn't looking forward to the wait.  Just then one of the men waiting picked up all his stuff and offered his seat to me--I was forever grateful!

A Miracle Garden--K.I.N.

Behind Martha Carlson's neatly trimmed house, K'nyaw Say Paw kneels in the dirt and places a tomato seed in the rich earth. Around her, other refugee children laugh and play in a garden that has been a boon to them, Carlson and a broader community that has taken them in.

Maybe it started with Carlson, who at 86 was too old to care for the vacant land behind her home. "I was talking to my Father in heaven saying I can't do this anymore," she said. "I didn't know he was going to send 50 people from Burma to solve my problem."

"It was just like a big gift," Carlson said, raising her hands toward the heavens. "I get to give them a big gift, so both of us are happy."

To read the full Article click HERE

Week 6--Kindness Challenge--July 11th

Take time for yourself this week to do something just for you! 

This is another one of the "refilling your own bucket" challenges so that you can reach out to others.

Weekly Kindness Challenge #5--July 4th

Leave a bag of candy with an I'm thinking of you card on someone's doorstep this week.

This is my favorite kindness challenge, because this is what I did every month last year to help myself deal with my grief.  This helped me to refocus and remember the good along with the sad.

WET PANTS

WET  
PANTS

Come with me  
to a third grade classroom..... There is a  
nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of  
a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and  
the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his  
heart is going to stop because he cannot  
possibly imagine how this has happened. It's  
never happened before, and he knows that when  
the boys find out he will never hear the end of  
it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak  
to him again as long as he  
lives.

The boy  
believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his  
head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this  
is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes  
from now I'm dead  
meat.'

He looks up  
from his prayer and here comes the teacher with  
a look in her eyes that says he has been  
discovered.

As the  
teacher is walking toward him, a class mate  
named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is  
filled with water. Susie trips in front of the  
teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water  
in the boy's  
lap.

The boy  
pretends to be angry, but all the while is  
saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you,  
Lord!'

Now all of a  
sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule,  
the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher  
rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts  
to put on while his pants dry out. All the other  
children are on their hands and knees cleaning  
up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful.  
But as life would have it, the ridicule that  
should have been his has been transferred to  
someone else -  
Susie.

She tries to  
help, but they tell her to get out. You've done  
enough, you  
klutz!'

Finally, at  
the end of the day, as they are waiting for the  
bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers,  
'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie  
whispers back, 'I wet my pants once  
too.' May God help  
us see the opportunities that are always around  
us to do  
good..

Remember.....Just going to  
church doesn't make you a Christian any more  
than standing in your garage makes you a  
car. Each and  
everyone one of us is going through tough times  
right now, but God is getting ready to bless you  
in a way that only He can. Keep the  
faith.

WEEK 4--Kindness Challenge

Send an email to someone for no other reason than to just say "I'm thinking of you today."

I get a lot of spam email that is really depressing, I love it when I get an email from a friend that just says they care about me.  This is a really simple and often overlooked way to show kindness.  You never know the difference you could make in someone's life with just a simple email "hello" and it doesn't require money or a whole lot of time.

A.R.K.--The Parking Meter

Today while on vacation I was able to do A Random act of Kindness.  When I got back to my vehicle, I noticed that the persons meter who was parked next to me was expired.  I had an extra quarter in my pocket so I popped it into their meter to give them an extra 40 minutes.  I've never done that before and it felt really good knowing I was helping to prevent someone from getting a parking ticket with just my extra quarter! 

KINDNESS :)  IT MATTERS--IT BEGINS WITH YOU!

Kindness Challenge #3

Since I still have access to the internet where we are at, I thought I would blog a little reminder of Kindness Challenge #3 to say Thank you to everyone who serves you this week.  You could leave a little note in the mailbox for the mailman, say a sincere thank you to store clerks, etc. 

We've had lots of opportunities for this on our vacation because we've got mixed up on map routes and have stopped to get directions.  The people have been very friendly, informative and sympathic as they point us in the right direction.  We still have a ways to go so I'm sure we'll have more opportunities to Thank People for their service and help this week.

I can't begin to describe how much it brightens a clerks day to have someone say "Thank You".  I use to work as a cashier for Hardees.  Some of those days were really long and discouraging.  It was amazing how someones simple "Thank You" to me totally changed my day around.

Remember the magic word THANK YOU this week!  :)

Reflections on Kindness Challenge #2

We have been traveling through the state of Wyoming for the last couple of days and I have been able to enjoy seeing clouds.  In Wyoming the clouds seem to go on and on and never end--it is a pretty amazing sight.  I have seen big puffy "happy" white clouds and big "angry" black clouds that shoot out lightening.

Today we went and saw Devils Tower and we really enjoyed walking around it and marveling at this nature made piece of artwork.  We also had an ARK (Act of Random Kindness) performed for us here when a total stranger volunteered to take a picture of our family in front of it--that was really nice and gave us a chance to have a picture with all of us in it instead of the cameraman missing.

Remember Kindness :) It Matters and it begins with you!

WEEK 3--Kindness Challenge--June 20th

Remember I'm posting this early because I'm leaving on vacation, so you will have it for next Monday.  This Challenge doesn't start until June 20th.

Go out of your way to say "THANK YOU" to everyone who serves you this week, the delivery person, mailman, cashier, store clerk, etc.

HAVE FUN!!!!

WEEK 2--The Kindness Challenge

This week take time to notice the beauties of the earth, the mountains, the trees, the flowers, a sunset or sunrise, the clouds, a rainstorm, a rainbow, etc.

This may seem a little strange as a kindness challenge because it is something you do for yourself.  Have you heard the scripture, Love thy neighbor as thyself?  The problem is a lot of us don't love and take care of ourselves so we are unable to help and love our "neighbor".  Once a month one of the kindness challenges is going to focus on doing something kind for yourself so you can refill your cup and be able to help others.

NOTE:  I am going to be on vacation next Monday so I am going to post the Week 3 Kindness Challenge tomorrow.  I'm hoping to have internet and if I do I will post a comment on that post if I don't have internet then everyone will still have the Week 3 Challenge.

A.R.K--In Church

I had an Act of Random Kindness shown to me today at Church.  I was substituting in a primary class as a teacher helper today, but, the regular teacher with the lesson didn't show up.  I was freaking out not knowing what to do.  Lucky for me one of the other Moms stayed with the class to help me out even though she didn't have to and I'm sure she would have liked to go to her regular class.  She jumped right in and taught a lesson off the top of her head and then involved them in coloring and singing a song.  She was my life savor today and I'm really grateful she chose to help out!  She taught me a great example that sometimes Acts of Kindness aren't planned out and prepared for in advance, sometimes they happen at the spur of the moment--the key is to just be willing to adjust your plan in order to help out. 

:)

Kindness Challenge #1 Review

So, we are coming to the end of the Kindness Challenge Week 1.  I hope everyone found some way to honor or remember someone special in their life.  I chose to honor Mikayla Grace, Maxxton, and my own two Angels, Janessa and Hope, by delivering a bag of candy and sending 2 cards in the mail just to say I'm thinking of you.  I also tried all week to do some of my kid's regular chores for them in honor of these 4 Angels.  It has been a hard "remembrance" week for me, but, being able to do these little random acts of kindness has helped make this week a lot more bearable.  Remember to come back this next Monday for Kindness Challenge #2!

Week 1--Kindness Challenge

Welcome to Week 1 of the 40 week Kindness Challenge! 

Do an Act of Kindness in honor of someone.

This weeks challenge is free choice of what you do, just do it honor of someone. 

Who can you honor?
How about someone who has helped you like a friend or teacher, etc.  How about someone who has been a great example to you--a grandparent, a neighbor, etc. How about honoring one of the Angel Babies celebrating Angel Birthdays in the month of June--see http://pinwheelsfromheaven.blogspot.com/ for the list. 

 In fact Angel Baby Mikayla, whose 1st Angel birthday is June 13th, has a special blog where her parents are celebrating by inviting everyone to do an act of kindness in her honor for the whole month of June.  They have little cards you can print out to leave in honor of her. 

That brings up the next point of How do you do this act of kindness in honor of the person?
-Leave a note that says this was done in honor of. . . . . . . . .
-Think about that person as you are doing the act of kindness
-If you can, send a note to that person you are honoring to let them know what you did or just write it down so you can remember what you did.

What are some ideas for Acts of Kindness?

Send a card or email to someone, make or buy treats to give to someone, help someone with a chore, donate your time or money to help someone, help weed or mow your neighbors grass, give out a compliment, etc.

Have Fun!

Teen's dad spends school year waving at bus, embarrassing son

I scan the paper a couple of times a week to see if there are any good or kindness news in them.  Usually, I'm disappointed, but today I hit the Jackpot.  The title of this newsstory "Teen's dad spends school year waving at bus, embarrassing son"  instantly drew my attention.  I have 3 teenagers, and I have to admit I get my thrills trying to embarrass them as their "Old 80's Mom" that they think of me.  I got a good laugh reading about this Dad's devotion to come up with creative ways to dress up and wave at the bus for the last 170 days.

This is how the article started up  "No matter how cool a teenager's mom and dad might be, few teens get through high school without feeling their parents embarrassed them.
And one teen has his dad to thank for embarrassing him the entire school year — well, 170 days of it.
When the high school's bus routes changed this year, 16-year-old Rain Price soon found out he'd be going right past his house every single morning. Much to his chagrin, he also found out his dad would be standing outside, waving.

 "When he did it the first day, I was in shock," Rain said. "It's my first day of my sophomore year."

The embarrassment was a thrill for his father.
The second day of school, there he was again, only this time Price was wearing a San Diego Chargers helmet and jersey. Day three, it was an Anakin Skywalker helmet, and the next day, swim trunks and a snorkel mask.
Other kids started to take note.
"Most of them like it, and we roll down our windows and wave. It's fun," Rain said.
His dad admits it took a lot of effort to keep it up, but said it was "a way of letting him know that we really care about him, but do something a little different." He described it as "a father's way" of saying I love you."

Do you think this kid has any doubts if his Father loves him?  Of course he would probably wish that his Dad would show that love in a less embarrassing way!!!  But that's what part of our job description of parents is, Get kids up for school, check, Feed Breakfast, Check, Embarrass in front of everyone, CHECK!


Click on the following links to read the full story in the Deseret News and to visit their blog:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373877/Teens-dad-spends-school-year-waving-at-bus-embarrassing-son.html

http://waveatthebus.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html

Monday Weekly Kindness Challenge

Last year in an effort to cope with grief, I started doing random of acts of kindness on a monthly basis.  They were just little things like smiley face bags of Hershey Kisses and Hugs left on doorsteps with a simple note saying you're being thought of, or a "Just Because" Greeting Card sent in the mail, or a simple email just to say I care.  I was amazed at how much joy I received doing this every month.

Starting Monday June 6th I will be posting a Weekly Kindness Challenge for the next 40 weeks.  I invite all who want to participate to check out my blog every Monday for that weeks challenge and then post a comment as to what you did and how it went.  I'm excited to start this Kindness Revolution!

Remember Kindness it Matters :)  It starts with you!

The Parable of the Pink Petunias

Last year I bought some pretty pink petunias and excitedly planted them in one of my flower barrels.  I was dealing with the unexpected death of my child at the time and became wrapped up in my grieving and forgot all about the petunias for about a month.  When I went to check on them I was horrified to find them wilted and looking terrible.  I had forgotten to check if they were being properly watered--which they were not.  I quickly grabbed a watering can and poured some water over them, hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.  Amazingly to me when I looked out the window 30 minutes later the petunias had started to perk up and stand on their own.  They weren't totally cured, but, after about a week of consistently watering and checking on them they looked wonderful.  In fact that barrel of petunias did the best for the whole summer producing big, beautiful blooms that lasted clear into the month of November.

As I've reflected on this experience I can relate it to people who have experienced the loss of a loved one.  At first everyone is so sad and sympathetic and doing everything they can for you.  Then after about a month, you are basically forgotten and people move on with their lives, forgetting that you are slowly dying inside and could really use some "watering", (small acts of kindness).  It was amazing to me on days when I felt like I couldn't go on how "alive" I felt when someone just sent me a simple email, or a card out of the blue, or called just to let me talk.  I truly felt like those almost dead petunias who after being watered, suddenly felt a spark of life. 

I think people who have never experienced a loss don't know what to say or do.  I can relate I was on that side of the fence a year ago.  The problem is that when you do nothing it makes the experience a lot worse than it needs to be for the person who is grieving.  I'd like to give you a quick list on what to do for people who are grieving.

We'll call this list our "WATERING CAN LIST"

(1)  DO SOMETHING!  Do not avoid or treat them like they are a "leper".  They did not ask for this trial.  You may not know what to say or do, but, doing nothing hurts the person more than you'll ever know.  Here are some small things you can do that mean a lot:

          *Send an email to just say "Hugs" or I'm thinking of you.

          *Say hi to them and "you're in my prayers."

          *Make eye contact and just smile.

          *Invite them to sit by you or go sit by them so they are not sitting alone.

          *Give them a hug or gentle pat on the arm.

          *Don't just ask if you can bring dinner/ buy something frozen they can choose to use then or later and just randomly drop it by.

          *Call them on the phone to see if they need to talk.

          *For me just having people ask about my child, like what we  named her, or asking to see retouched pictures that we had of her really helped me feel normal and not like some freak.  Another thing for me was being given something with my childs name on it, whether it was a piece of jewelry, statue, etc.  I loved seeing her name because it helped me by saying that others recognized my child as a real person.

          *Drop by flowers or treats for no reason.

          *Take the time to find a greeting card that says things you'd like to say but feel awkward saying and send it to them.

(2) DON'T ASK HOW ARE YOU--their lives stink what do you want them to say?  SAY "IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU!" instead.

(3)  DON'T ASK WHEN THEY THINK THEY WILL BE "OVER" THEIR LOSS.  They will N E V E R be over their loss!  They will eventually learn to live with their loss and make it a part of their lives, but that loss will ALWAYS be with them and be a permanent part of their "new, normal" life.  Don't criticize them for things you expect them to be doing or not doing.  You do not understand what their grief is like and that they are trying to do the best they can.  Your criticism can be like poison that destroys hope.

(4)  PLEASE RECOGNIZE THEM ON DIFFERENT HOLIDAYS.  Birthdays, anniversaries, death dates, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc., etc., these are all really hard days for people experiencing a loss.  They need your support on those days just as much as they did that first month after the loss.  (See the list under #1)

Everyone is a pretty pink or blue petunia just full of potential.  We just need regular "Watering" on our drooping days. 

So the moral of the Parable of the Pink Petunias is this:  NEVER underestimate the power of a  "small act of kindness"!

Big cash discovery leads to a lesson in honesty for new Bountiful Homeowners K.I.N.

He hit the mother lode, but not once did Josh Ferrin even think of laying claim on the more than $45,000 cash that he found in his garage.

In fact, he gave it all back.

Read the complete story Here

This is such an amazing story in the Deseret News!  It is so nice to see honesty and goodness in the world we live in.  Thank you Ferrin Family for being such great examples!

Extreme Home Makeover-K.I.T.

I really don't watch a lot of t.v. and I really don't like reality t.v. shows.  I make an exception with Extreme Home Makeover because I love how it makes me feel after I've watched an episode.  I love seeing people coming together to help fix up a house for a needy family.  What better example of kindness can you get than that. 

The last episode I watched was a lady who took in foster kids and then she saved her money and used it to go out and help homeless people.  It was so neat to see them build her a house that fit her personality and then they donated all this stuff that she could hand out and continue her dream of helping homeless people.  It really touched my heart. 

I definitely give this show a A+++ on my Kindness meter!  It shows kindness in action and inspires you to go out and be a better person yourself.

I'm Sorry--ARK

The other day my daughter was pulling into our garage and the the mailman honked rudely at her.  She hasn't had her drivers license very long so his action really upset her.  A few minutes after she came in there was a knock at the door and it was the mailman.  He apologized for honking and explained that he was trying to scan a package and had pushed down too hard and ended up hitting the horn on accident.  I was so impressed that he would apologize for something that was truly an accident, but, something that my daughter wouldn't have known anything about.  What a great example of kindness through the simple words "I'm sorry" which cleared up what could have been a big misunderstanding.

Worm Wiggles its Way into Royal Wedding Photo-K.I.N.

Amid the designer dresses, jewels, uniforms and medals, an uninvited guest squirmed its way into the official royal wedding portraits.

This is a really funny and cute newstory that caught my eye and gave me a needed laugh this week!  I thought it was so kind to see Prince Harry trying to comfort one of the little 3 year old bridesmaids who got scared by all the crowds by giving her his toy worm.  When I see that photo of the Royal Wedding I will always be reminded of how important Kindness is no matter what your age!

Click HERE to see the Today show video

Dayton's Legs--K.I.N.

Out of love, a 13-year-old boy in Arizona pushed himself to the limit so that his friend, who has cerebral palsy, could participate with him in a triathlon.  I cried when I saw this video.  This is such a great example of Kindness.  May we all try to be like Spencer who is truly emulating Jesus Christ!

Click HERE to see the video.

Kindness & Facebook--K.I.N.

As I was scanning the headlines tonight I came across this article about a woman who found items that had been blown into her yard by the tornado and she decided to see if she could set up a facebook page with pictures of the items so they can be returned to the rightful owners.  This was so touching to me that something most of us would just consider garbage and throw away she realized were treasures to others.  She literally put herself in these victims shoes realizing that these little bits and pieces meant a lot to people whose lives have been literally ripped apart these past couple of days.  What a great example of kindness!

Click HERE to read the full Article.