Give.

Secret Millionaire - If you haven’t watched this show - you need too!! It’s fantastic. It brings a refreshing and inspiring perspective to your Sunday evenings. I admire people who are givers. Givers don’t expect anything in return. They are humbled by giving. They understand that other peoples troubles aren’t self inflicted.

There are a lot of people who need attention, most of those people are what I like to call takers. They take, take, take. If they don’t get materialistic things, well then, they want the media attention. It would kill these people to share a thing. They can’t believe there are such stores as second hand stores, and they cannot accept the idea that others live in poverty by fate and not always by choice. Takers have high expectations for the world, yet don’t respect themselves enough to walk away from the lifestyle that has defined there very selfishness. There are every day takers, Hollywood takers, and then there are political takers.

While I don’t believe public healthcare is the answer, I don’t understand why we continue to allow people to die because they don’t have insurance. Autry was in ICU for 9 days - 7 of which he was an uninsured 13 month old baby, intubated and unresponsive, administered between 19-23 drugs per day. Not once was I brave enough to mention that our medical insurance was to expire, and that we would not have any coverage for the majority of his stay. Today I owe nearly 170k in medical bills. Not by choice, by fate. That week, was the most humbling week of my life. I am sure that if I live to be 100 I will still be in massive amounts of debt, but I do not worry about my financial future any longer. I have been to the bottom, I know what its like to not know what will happen next. I know that it’s a struggle that we did not ask for. I wish that people wouldn’t have to worry so much about their health and healthcare. Maybe they could worry more about getting medical clearance for jobs, physicals, vaccinations. I was talking to a friend who was looking for a job. She told me that she didn’t have the money to get to her physical let alone pay someone to tell her that she was “all clear.” Luckily she was able to get to a county health clinic. But it really has me wondering if people really cannot get jobs because they don’t have medical coverage which allows for them to get appropriate treatment before starting…

When you realize that it doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive, where you purchased your prom dress, or where you graduate from college - you will discover the “True. You.” If materials define who you are, you will someday be introduced to a rude awakening. You don’t get to take that expensive gown, those designer shades, or designer tote with you when its time to leave the earth. Some people get rich quick, and its those people who bug me the most. I want to shake them and say “do you not remember what it was like to be grateful, thankful, or humbled by the small things.” don’t ever be too foolish to realize that everything you have can be taken away. I remember a sermon that we need to learn that we must hold everything loosely, because when we grip it tightly, it hurts when the Father pries our fingers loose and takes it from us!
Recently I was watching this Repo show on tv and these “dancers” were so ticked off at the repo man because he had to take away her brand new corvette. She was so upset that she beat him up, and later went to his office and slapped him across the face when she couldn’t use her “good looks and southern charm” to get her car back.

Do we hold on tight to things that we shouldn’t? Do we cherish our new vehicles more than we cherish our friendships? Does staying out late at a high school party mean more to you than keeping your families trust? Do you let your attitude destroy long standing relationships?

We have a friend whose parents literally lost everything in a house fire last week. I began to think about life in a slightly different way. If my house burnt to the ground. If my pictures, clothing, money, food, decorations, appliances, toys, and keepsakes were all gone too … where would I stand. Will I have lost everything? Or will I still have relationships that not even the widest wild fire could take away? Friends, Friendships, Life long relationships are not built around pick up trucks and name brand attire. Your true friends will be standing there next to you assuring you that what is really important is that you are all ok.

Care for your community -

I went on a walk or tour of our town tonight. I wish that everyone would look around at not only their home, but their neighborhood, their city, and their state and ask themselves “Is there something that I can do to better this place.” Have you ever considered starting a neighborhood restoration program? A community restoration program? Have you ever thought about adopting a highway? Cleaning up around a historical point of interest that is important to you?

There are so many opportunities to make a huge impact in the places you care about the most. What is it that holds you back? Time, money, kids, the feeling that one person cant make a significant impact? Admit the obstacle to yourself. Then decide if that is really what is keeping you from volunteering a service once in awhile.

Let me help you decide what is truly and obstacle. So lets start with money. It doesn’t cost very much money if any money at all to volunteer your time and services. Join a group who cleans a highway. Some groups clean on a weekly basis (I like to call these the super hwy group.) some clean on a monthly, bi-monthly, 6 month basis. You can walk up and down a highway for little to no cost. I used to do this in 4-H and have recently decided that this is one of the simplest ways to get re-involved doing something for the state and earth. The people you pick up trash with are usually in great spirits and will motivate you every step of the way.

Time… when Kirt and I recruited people into ACACIA we used to tell kids who said “I cant join because I don’t have the time.” that it only takes as much time as you want it to take. If you only have a few seconds to make and impact - consider not tossing your trash out of the window. Consider writing a check to an organization that you hold close to your heart. If you have more than a few seconds then you should begin brainstorming some ways that you could volunteer your services. Again! Time is only a factor if you allow it to be! Pick a service that only takes what you can offer. Getting in too deep will make you feel as if you are unsuccessful. Volunteering for something small and manageable is a great start. Once you get a good feel for the organization you will be able to decide if you may have a little more time to set aside. Really, the truth is - making a difference is contagious so you WILL begin to find more time. Promise!

Got Kids? Lots of organizations will reply “Great!” Several organizations love your kids to be involved. Relay for Life is an event that kids are welcomed with open arms! I love having a kid on my team. Why? Well because one person from your team must be walking at all times. So, when its 3:30 am and I am considering taping my eyelids open … I opt for sending a young one out to walk the track. Give them mountain dew, candy, and glow sticks and those kids can walk for hours!

A little bit goes a long ways - so you should never think that a small act is going to be “too little.” You can really talk yourself out of doing things because you don’t think that your idea is going to be enough for the cause you want to help out. I have found out, in these last couple months that a little bit goes a long ways!
Ok so I understand that completely seems vague, let me give you some great examples! :D The simplest act you can do is to donate a little money, sometimes we don’t have money. Consider going to an elderly care facility at Christmas time with your friends. Sing Christmas carols to the residents. The ideas are endless and always remember that simple is sometimes sweetest. Sometimes it’s the smallest acts of love that mean the most.

Your neighborhood, community, and state are all in need of your services. Whether you bag your neighbors leaves in the fall, raise money to start a safe hang out for teens, or begin the task of restoring one of your favorite historical landmarks your services will not go unnoticed.
Make a difference. You can do it!!

　
　

Rollercoaster

Life is an incredible journey. The paths are long, wicked, twisted. The miles are countless. Some people walk an amazingly short life while others have the blessing to endure longer trips. If you have breath, you have purpose. I really believe that we are all here for one main purpose. To enrich the lives of those around us, as a child of God.

This last month has been a rollercoaster ride. Speaking of which. Once upon a time, I turned 21. That weekend, we went to KC to the casino and Worlds of Fun. I took Kirt on his first roller coaster ride. We decided to ride the Timber wolf. It was AMAZING!!! To every rider except kirt. He hated it and hated me.

This rollercoaster month has taken us from meeting a beautiful church family, to losing a very close friend, enrolling in college, to getting news that Autry may have yet another surgery. It seems like if something good happens there is something bad lurking in the background. Let me tell you that it has been a trip. I lost a lot of focus, but I am back!

I want to get back into the blogging groove. It really keeps me focused on my misson! During this rollercoaster ride, I have had a lot of opportunity come to me and I want to share a little bit. If anything strikes you as inspiring I would love to have some help so msg me on facebook!!

This year alone, I am so excited to embark on so many new adventures that will not only enrich my lives both those of others. My biggest honor this year and its only March - is that I was named as an Ambassador for the Three Day For A Cure this fall in Dallas! I am going to walk 60 miles over the course of 3 days. I am going to be surrounded by a family of walkers who are there because they have one thing in common: We all believe that the road will lead us to a cure. You can follow me at
Future plans consist of feeding families at the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. I absolutely cannot wait to open my heart to families who are in the deepest need that they have ever been in. I have spent plenty of time in the RMH. I have grieved with parents and families, I have been inspired parents, I have been encouraged and shown light to many families.

I am also planning a very awesome event that will consist of an entire community coming together to package meals in order to help save the starving! This adventure will be thrilling, humbling, and honoring. This project is in the works, and there will be plenty of information to come.. . Please stay tuned

God has so many cool plans in store for me. I have really allowed for him to use me. Which has been incredibly fun…. I want everyone to understand something though - just because you open your world and life to God and just because you allow him to use you … it doesn’t mean everyday is going to be amazing and care free. There are still so many trials and tribulations. Some days the load that I am expected to carry seems to be nearly impossible, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. See, allowing god to use me to disciple to others has created amazing opportunities for me. http://letswalkthisway.blogspot.com/