BE something, DO something, LEAVE something

I'm encouraged daily in our community by those who simply want to do something to help those in need. My daughter's gymnastic instructor asked the kids to collect their change and bring it in a container to their end of the year performance. They were collecting money for children in Japan and it was awesome to see those jars, bottles and containers line the stage! I love getting my kiddos involved and helping them see outside of our "bubble". With the recent tornadoes in AL, TN, & MS, friends have taken it upon themselves to collect clothing, school supplies, food, toiletries, and this one is cool....unused makeup (us girls get this!)...and so much more! Individuals giving a small amount of time to drive to those places impacted by this crazy weather and help in clean-up efforts. Recently, I heard about individuals organizing food packing events and from that, feeding 50,000 malnourished people in Haiti and Africa! Now, that is awesome!

Every one of these people are acting on this quote, "Be the CHANGE you wish to see in the world." God gives us all a heart for something...and we are here for a purpose! Small things can make big changes in people's lives...not only here on earth but for eternity! We can take what God has given us a heart for, make the most of it, and make a positive change. No matter where we live or what our position or age is, we all can do something GREAT with our lives. "Being someone" to someone in need will cause us to be remembered forever. We can all do something...we can use our God-given talents for good and we will reap rewards for our diligence and faithfulness. And when we BE someone and DO something, we will LEAVE something...how we influence those around us can touch the next generation. Go ahead, step out...you're gonna do great things (listen to #17 on the playlist, "These are the words I would say"

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I just created a page on Facebook. Go on and "like" us and keep updated on details and the latest developments in the race. Awesome things are happening and can't wait to share soon! :) Happy Weekend Everyone :)

Weariness turned into Blessedness

Last week, I crashed, I was tired, and I grew weary planning parts of the race. As excited as I have been about it, there are just certain aspects of organizing the race that frankly, I don't enjoy. I've had to get out of my comfort zone and conquer fears , but I know this is all part of God's plan too. Anyway, one morning, as I was struggling with my to-do list, God so sweetly reminded me of this scripture, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9. And I had to remind myself that my small struggles are NOTHING in comparison to the struggles of millions of people who simply spend each moment of every day trying to find clean water and small morsels of food, and sweet children who simply want someone to hug them, play with them, and love on them. Seriously, these are all basic necessities that I take for granted every day!! I thought about that scripture in Galatians all day and it truly helped me when I desperately needed it. Then, as I shared my day with my 9th grade LifeGroup girls that same evening and read aloud Galatians 6:9, you could immediately see that this verse was ministering to them as well. It just uplifted me more to see how God was using this to help them. They all shared how this verse was speaking to them at that very moment and helping them realize that the things they are struggling with, the battles they face...are opportunities to stand strong to their convictions, and when they do, it will be worth it in the end! God is going to be on their side and even when they desperately want the approval of their peers, they know that if they stand their ground and do what is right, it will pay off in the long-run.

We all grow weary, we all want to give up sometimes through those dark and stormy hours, but if we will lean on God's truth, he will see us through and at the end of those storms is a beautiful rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. In this case, as I continue to step out in faith, relying on God to equip me and strengthen me, and as I press forward in organizing the race, that pot of gold is 10-12 children being blessed, given a ray of hope and the basic necessities to help them simply LIVE! God's perfect love will be pouring into the hearts and lives of abandoned children.

And I have to say that in the past week, I have been so humbled, overwhelmed, and over joyed with the responses, sweet emails, encouraging words and support from friends. While working through my weariness, I have been so blessed by so many of you at a time when I needed it the most. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Register your FEET to be a part: https://go.missionsconnex.com/FEET

Register for the race

So excited to announce that you can officially register for the race now! You can register to run, walk, donate, or volunteer. It's going to be a FUN, FAMILY event, so get your entire family involved! Form a team and/or have your kiddos sign up for the Kid's Challenge. Grab your shoes, get your feet into motion and make a lasting imprint in the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in Haiti.

https://go.missionsconnex.com/FEET