Pay It Forward

Pay it forward. This is an important concept that needs remembering. Our daily life should use this principle. Too often we go through life and think only of ourselves and what others can do for us. In general, humans can be consumed with self.

With a camera on the phone, it is easy to be self-absorbed and take many a picture of just me or the things I or (we) do so the Instagram and Facebook world can see what we are doing. Many times, hoping for affirmation from that Cyber World of friendships.

So, I feel that it is important to reach out to people in the physical. I know that at times that it is difficult to actually make time to be with our friends and family but it is a much needed investment. Thoughtfulness and time are a gift to give to others. With that in mind, I try to have items ready or time available. By paying it forward, you will be blessed and the person that is on the receiving end will also be blessed. You never know what a note of gratitude, small gift item, or even just a smile will do for the receiving person.

I did post on my Facebook that the first five people that wanted to pay it forward would receive something from me within the next year. This is great, but I like to take it a little further. Gifting is something that makes me happy. It is important to me to select items out for the person that I have in mind to receive a gift.

Gifting can be so many things to different people depending on their love language or need.

Some things that I like to do:

1. Giving flowers.

Going to Trader Joe's or Costco for flowers is a reasonable choice. I was privileged to purchase some flowers to secretly encourage someone. At Costco, you get 2 dozen roses for a very low price. It was so exciting to tie pretty ribbon around the base and have a random person deliver the package. The recipient was so amazed, excited, and overwhelmed because no one had ever given her flowers before. Made my day.

2. Handwritten letters.

Everyone receives mail, but more often than not because all we do is email and text anymore...is receive junk mail and bills. I have a boxed set of cards that I purchased in case I do not have time to craft one myself, that I send out. They simply say, "Thank You." I specifically write what it is that I am thankful for about the person(s) that I am sending the card. It truly is important to be specific.

For example: I just wanted you to know that I appreciate the time that you me each week. I know that we may only get 15 minutes to chat, but the fact that you took those 15 minutes out of your busy schedule to come find me and talk really is valuable. I look forward to our quick but meaningful chats.

Or, find some totally hilarious card from the store and pop it in the mail with a quick "Hello, just thinking about you!"

3. A quick text:

Uh, yes. I am adding this in too even though I feel a handwritten note is simply the best. A text is immediate.Sometimes, the Lord just puts a person on my mind/heart and I simply just text and tell them that I was thinking about them and then I say a prayer and then you can follow up with the actual handwritten note card. Double the effect.

4. A box.

My Granny Jo was always the best at sending boxes. This would of course be for special occasions or life events. But, hey, sometimes it just needs to be for a Just Because occasion. The box does not have to be huge. The small mailing box from the Post Office can be a very handy size. You can pack a lot of fun into one of those boxes. I actually got to see a long time friend recently. We had reconnected through Facebook and then we were able to make face to face contact in the November. We laughed and had a great time. She had mentioned something to me and it just stuck with me. So, I have been collecting a particular little item in a variety of shapes and sizes that fit inside the little mailer box. Attaching little quotes and silly messages. I look forward to sending it out and getting her response.

Another package that I sent out recently was a Speedy Recovery type box. It had all of my friends favorite chocolate items, plus a few other little inside joke elements. She was tickled to receive it and was great in sending me picture texts as she enjoyed each item. I was blessed to know she enjoyed it the package.

There are of course many other ideas that I will write about another time and post with pictures.

5. A dinner party.

I enjoy immensely cooking and baking and setting a pretty tablescape. I also like to go a step further and invite someone to come and enjoy some fellowship with us. When they arrive, the evening is about the guest. There of course are always flowers and I try and have a little gift item beside their place setting. I like to pick a theme for the guest and then go to town with the decor and food choices. They feel extra special and that in return makes me very happy.

More to come along with some pictures.

Steeped In Him,
-chèrie

Returning to the Blog...Finally.

I am excited to restart this blog!

I have been doing some art journal, painting signs and furniture, and crafting. Of course baking! Lots of Bible studies and mission trips. It is always exciting to see where the Lord leads and what new things He brings into my life.

One of my adventures have been personalized scripture cards. My friend showed me some personalized scriptures and from there we came up with a way to produce them for others. Putting your name into the scriptures when you read is powerful.

Also, I have been hand painting and distressing wooden signs and some on canvas. I enjoy the process and it is relaxing, along with helping me to raise money for my mission trip to India (which is coming up soon.)

I may do a few posts on my favorite things and post some of my projects. But, this post was just to get back in the groove of writing and actually being able to log on to my site. (Thank you to my husband for working this out.)

It really is important to be steeped in His presence!

chèrie

A little pink...

One thing that I enjoy doing is making cards for people. A handmade card is something special. Not because I made it, but because it took time from me and that I went out of my way to make it for the person to whom it will be sent. I try to think of what they might like and personalize to them. This was just some fun paper that I had and a new flower die that I wanted to try out. Embossed the top note die nad crinkled the flowers. Added a little bling here and there and wrote a note inside to let the person know how special they were and of course, that a prayer was said for them.

R.O.S.E.S. ~ Reflecting Our Savior's Example to Serve

God works in wonderful ways. I enjoy giving gifts and ministering to others. So, when my sweet friend asked me to help her with a ladies ministry, I was truly excited. It is something that I always did on my own and wanted to accomplish it with a group. We decided on what it was going to include and then decided on names. We have come up with R.O.S.E.S. Which stands for: Reflecting Our Savior's Example to Serve. Our first meeting was very encouraging. Each lady that is now in the group hosts the ministry meeting at their home. It is truly exciting to see others want to serve individuals in need. Shut-ins, Widows, Loss of Child, Sick/Hospitalized are the groups that we minister. Not only has it been encouraging and exciting to see God work, but the ladies have felt unity and likemindedness in our goals for the ministry.

Authenticity

It is important to be who you really are when around other people. I went to a writing conference this summer in NYC and it was fantastic. One main point that the speaker said was to be "authentic" in your writing. Well, I think that you need to "authentic" in your life. Authentic is defined in the dictionary as "not false; genuine; real". We should be authentic in all aspects of our lives.


I love the saying "what you see is what you get." People prefer you to be real, authentic, and sincere. Do not put on what you do not have. There is a BBC show called "Keeping Up Apperances." The main character is always trying to be something that she is truly not which results in people running away and avoiding her very name! It is a truly amusing comedy, but sadly there are many people that live their lives trying to keep up an appearance of something they are not.


The Bible says that "...out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh" Matthew 12:34. So, what is in your heart? Is there bitterness, jealously, or selfishness? Or love, compassion, and selflessness? As human beings we are not perfect and have moments of all of these feelings, but if they live in our lives and go unchecked these negatives will multiply. Out of your mouth will procede words of unkindness when someone is hurting, disgust when someone isn't dressed "appropriately", and arrogance to think that you are better than anyone else. There is danger in not surrending these emotions at the very moment they touch you. I have experienced and been bombarded with individuals that have a selfish attitude, complaining, and critical spirit in my early years. If you are not careful, you will find that those characteristics can be easily put on.


Instead, "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feel shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and the supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:11-18


Jesus was authentic. He was the same with all people. I challenge you do an inventory of your character. Are you authentic? Genuine? Compassionate? Kind? Believe me, I will be praying that the Holy Spirit checks me, as well.


Dear Lord, help me to be a person of authenticity. I want my relationship with You to be real and growing. I want to be so small that all they see is Jesus and want to seek You. I want to be a blessing and know that I am doing your will for my life. Lord, you get all the glory.

Love that Encompasses without Expectation

Love is defined in many different ways. Each of us through personal experiences can give a definition of love. It can be a hug, card, or smile. We can express love in many ways to neighbors, friends, and family. Expressions of love should be sincere and from the heart. People know the difference.

I challenge you to think of ways that can be very special and a blessing to others. You do not have to have loads of money to show an act of loving kindness.

Baby or adult sitting for a friend can be a valuable gift. This gift of time shows love. It allows for a few moments of quality time that they can spend with a friend, spouse, or quiet time for themselves.

Making a meal for someone is also a special act of love. It can be for the reason of sickness, healing after a stay in the hospital, or just because. Surprise someone!

Something that I enjoy doing with my daughter is making batches of breads, cookies, or small cakes. We package them in cellophane bags and pretty ribbon with a tag that says, "Just for You." We like to give them out to friends at church or neighbors. My daughter gets time with me and I get to teach her how to give love.

Telephoning can make someone's day. Dial a number that you have not called in a while and just say hello. The sound of your voice will be sweet. Make it a habit and pick a night that you spend a few minutes calling random people just because you care.

I am not much of a phone talker so, many times I choose email or facebook. But, I must say that I really like picking a special card, hand made or not, and sitting down to write a little note that expresses my thoughts about the person I am writing. We all get advertisements, junk mail, and bills. How refreshing to receive a card in the mail that says hello, you are important to me, or I love you. Who wouldn't want to hear those words?

So, think about how you can show love sincerely. Do not expect anything in return. Unselfishly give of your self and see what a blessing you can be.