20 Inexpensive yet Heartwarming Ideas

Christmas is a time for giving, loving and sharing.  

If you are like me, you have so many people you want to give to but finances just don’t allow you to give at the level your heart desires.  

Instead of cutting people off of your list, adjust it a little bit with some inexpensive gifts that are easy to make and will warm the heart with fond memories.

Practical, easy….memorable…let’s get to it hmm?  

(Read all the way to the bottom to see how easy it is to make gifts dipped in chocolate, I think you’ll be surprised.)

Inexpensive, Easy yet Heartwarming Gifts:

1.  Notes in a Jar – This gift can last an entire year long! A gorgeous jar from the dollar store and 365 notes, quotes, smiles and virtual hugs will warm hearts each day for an entire year!  You can easily doll up the jar with ribbon found in the dollar store as well.  Using notes like “Cause JOY”, “You Matter” to inspire them or use your favorite quotes.  If you know they love the Bible, mix it up with your favorite encouraging Bible Verses.
2. Framed Photo – Give a gorgeous photo of the family that is already framed.  Take a beautiful sunset/sunrise photo and add a quote to it and frame that.  If they love the ocean or mountains, use a picture from there, add in a verse or quote and frame that.  Every time they look at it, joy will fill their heart with thoughts of you!
3. Cup of Joy – Take a gorgeous coffee cup, tea cup and saucer and fill it full of sweet treats, coffee, coffee creamers etc for the coffee enthusiast in your world.  It will serve double duty as it holds some delicious treats as well as provides them a cup of warm thoughts throughout the year.
4. Homemade Treats – Easier to do than you realize! Bake up a batch of brownies, chex mix or even dip some pretzels, marshmallows or Nutter Butter cookies in chocolate and drizzle with favorite sprinkles for a sweet gift.  You can get the little kids involved here and have a day of making memories as well as gifts.  The sky is the limit with these delicious gifts!
5. Heartwarming, hand written letter – Sometimes there is just nothing better than a hand written letter of thanks, love and appreciation.  It can be read and re-read anytime!  You’d be surprised a just how heartwarming this gift truly can be.
6. Photo Collage – We love photos and when you add 3 or 4 in one, the smiles just get bigger.  Make a photo collage of your times together, the parties or celebrations.  Do one with kids through the years, skipping a few years in between so they can see how they’ve grown.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this will surely be priceless!
7. A box of Kisses – With the decorative boxes that are available these days, this will be super easy and bring lots of smiles each time a kiss is unwrapped.  Find a cute box, fill full of kisses and toss in a handwritten card and you are handing over a gift of love!  Mix it up by giving “hugs and kisses” together.
8. Handmade Ornament – For the crafty types, this is quite an easy gift.  Me, not so much, but some of them, I feel like even I could do.  Take a clear round bulb, square or whatever you have, toss in some gifts you’ve cut off a garland, some shiny gift filler, or write on it with paint pens and poof, you’ve got an awesome gift that will be treasured each Christmas.
9. Gifts in a Jar – Brownies, cookies, soups and spices can be amazing gifts when you toss all the dry ingredients in a jar, attach instructions and package in a fun, creative way.  Thousands of recipes will provide HUGE smiles as they are being prepared! If the jars are too expensive, use some Ziploc bags and then place in a Christmas Cello Bag that you get 10 in a pack from the dollar store.
10. Personalized Cookie Plate – Using a Christmas plate from the dollar store and some markers, and a little baking in the oven, you can personalize this gift and then add some cookies you’ve prepared just for them.  The plate can also have a memory such as hand prints, feet prints etc.  When you combine a foot with 2 hands, you have an instant angel for Grandma and Grandpa.  Be sure to jot down what year and the age of the child.
11. The Write Stuff – Give a nice journal and gel pens to someone.  On the first page tell them how thankful you are for them and that you hope they can fill this journal with warm thought s from their grateful heart.
12. Board Games & Snacks – inspire a time of food and fun with friends with this gift. There is nothing like game night! Great laughter, lots of memories and some whining….if you are like me and lose most of the time.  PRICELESS!
13. Note Cards and Stamps – A gift that will keep on giving! The stamps will cost the most, but you can get the cards for a buck at the dollar store.  Package it in a nice cello bag and know that your gift will encourage more than the one you gave it to.
14. Fuzzy Socks & Lotion – What a nice treat for the often forgot about feet.  Use jergens or another non girly smelling lotion just in case someone is particular about smells, toss in some cute fuzzy socks and you’ll be warming hearts as well as feet.
15. Cocoa – A cup, chocolate dipped spoon, chocolate dipped marshmallows, chocolate dipped peppermint stick and you’ve got a sweet treat!
16. Strawberries and Chocolate – After you’ve dipped your strawberries, place them in some mini cupcake liners, put in a cute Christmas box and you’ve got a sweet treat that is sure to impress!
17. Candies in a Jar – You’ve seen it in Cracker Barrel and other country stores, talk about easy to make. Purchase some fireballs, m&m’s, reese’s pieces or other old fashioned candy and toss it in a jar, add ribbon and card and instant goodness! Did I mention fireballs?
18. Fudge a little bit – I’ve never made fudge but hear that it’s really easy.  Pour it into metal cookie cutters or muffin liners, wrap and you’ve got a perfect little gift that is sure to please.
19. Personalized Survival Kit – By personalized I mean things that the recipient will adore, personalized. For instance, one year the kids got their dad a survival kit, it included his favorites & things he uses often: Honey bun, Starbucks cold coffee, BC Powder, cassette tapes from the thrift store, tie (also from the thrift store), note pad, pens, Sponge Bob stuff, gum, mints, and other things that I can no longer remember.  Point is – everyone has little things that they love and adore, why not package it up and make is special just for them.
20. Video – One True Media will take your pictures and make them into an amazing video for FREE.  What a gift!  Have fun gathering up all the memories and preparing them for a video that will easily import over to youtube.

There you have it! 20 easy, peasy ideas that are sure to warm the heart.

The thing you have to keep in mind is that people will love the fact you took the time to put something together like this for them.

Enjoy Christmas and other times of gift giving without the unnecessary guilt, even times of simple laughter together is a priceless gift that will last for a lifetime.

May I add in one more?  A Bonus:

The Spreading Joy Daily book, pair it with a mug, Reese’s Cups or just a note will be a gift that keeps on giving. You will be empowering others to make a difference without breaking the bank.  It’s filled with practical ideas for each day and you’ll find that as you make a difference, your heart will be flooded with great joy!  (PS, all proceeds goes right back into making a difference for others….double the joy.)

Ohh, I almost forgot -  Giving chocolate dipped items is really as easy as melt, dip, decorate and package.

Many of these white chocolate bars or milk chocolate bars have their own microwavable dish so the cleanup is easy.  

For about 10 bucks, you can get 2 blocks of these melting candies, package of marshmallows, pretzel rods, graham crackers or my personal favorite Nutter Butter Cookies, dip, sprinkle with fun and package for gifting.

I’d love for you to post pictures of what you’ve done over at our fan page – http://facebook.com/spreadingjoycorp

Also if you have a link on easy gift ideas, please do feel free to share it below in the comment section so others can be inspired and encouraged!

Spreading Joy is as easy as sharing this article on twitter, facebook, pinterest or emailing to your friends.  Use the handy buttons below to do so.

Thank you for your efforts in Spreading Joy and making a difference!

Powerhouse of JOY

I was gifted an iPhone 4s and immediately fell in love with it!  (Thank you honey!)

I love how quick it is, how I can have my music and even purchase music.  I love how everything is just right there….the JOY of easiness.  I’m a happy camper!

BUT – being a person that loves spreading JOY, I want it to be a powerhouse of JOY to others.  I’m hoping that after you read what I’m using, you’ll be able to suggest apps that will enable me to use this powerhouse gift in even a more JOYful way than I ever imagined!

ALSO….

I love being connected, but on my own terms.  I’m just that way.

To do this I have ALL notification turned off, with the exception of a few (and I’ll share that below) that I choose to have remind me of things.  I don’t even allow my email to publish to my phone automatically.  It’s just one way that I make sure that Social Media and technology work for me, not the other way around.

Here are the apps that I have…I use them to bring me great JOY as well as bring Others JOY.  (For the sake of time, I’ll only link to the lesser known apps. You don’t mind do you? hmm?)

Social Media:

Twitter – The Standard Twitter that comes with it is awesome to me.  But, in all fairness, I love Tweetdeck and have that on there…just incase.

Instagram – I love Instagram! I love seeing the things that bring JOY to others.  I love sharing photos (almost as much as I love sharing music)

Facebook – you’d think that I’d check fb more often than I do with the ease of this app…. [shrugs]

Skype – I love being able to see my family whenever we are apart.

Google + - still learning how to better use it for spreadingJOY but love seeing the things posted there when I hop in.

LinkedIn – Do people really find other jobs, connections and such with this? Maybe I’m not using it properly.

Fun Stuff:

Quotes WP – I love quotes. I love the motivation and inspiration found there

Weird Facts – I love relaxing and flipping through the #RandomFacts here. I will often tweet them with my initial reaction to them. #makesmesmile

Gives Me Hope – Short stories of hope.  Amazing how the little things truly make a difference.

Demotivation – the silly pics with “motivational” thoughts…just check it out, you never know, you may love it.

DoodleBuddy – I am not an artsy kind of gal and this is just plain fun.

Encouragement:

YouVersion – Bible App. There are so many reading programs and bookmarking abilities.  You can share any verse and use just to read from the Bible.  I love the ease of this!

American Greetings – This is a free app and for now, the ecards are free.  I just saw recently that their site was charging to use it, so I’m not sure how long this will be free. I love how easily it works with my address book or my Facebook. This is one that I have reminders set for.  It will remind me of birthdays that are listed from my facebook friends.

Starbucks – mm mmmmm mmmmmm justsayin

Pinterest – I love this! I actually didn’t think I’d like it and that it would be just something else to keep up with.  I love the ease of seeing a picture that appeals and pinning it so that the entire article or recipe is there.

God Thoughts – This is one that I leave on the notifications.  I can set the amount of times I’m reminded to think about the Lord.  I have it set for the Max, 3.  You can easily tweet or Facebook the verse that is sent to you. (and I do…often)  I love this app.  Thank you @TheePottersHand for this gift of encouragement.

To create cute signs with quotes or my own thoughts:

I’m not artsy in any way, shape or form.  To be creative I use the free versions of the following to create cute pictures that will encourage.

Tweegram

Jusgramm

Instafram

Textgram

Versagram

Using these apps, the most non creative individual can have moments of creativity.  Total JOY!

 Photography:

TOO many to name and I’m sure a million more are being created as you read this!   Explore and have fun with this one.  But – if there is a tried and true one that you turn to time and time again – PLEASE leave the name and link to it in the comments below!

Entertainment:

Pandora – everyone loves that

NBC – love seeing shows on MY time

ABC Player – love full episodes

TV.Com – CBS player – keeps me close to the NCIS and CSI episodes that I love

Kindle – I looooove my Kindle, but when I can’t get to it, this is awesome to have

Olive Tree Bible Reader – You can get some awesome free books here too

Netflix – movie night with popcorn and m&m’s can happen anywhere

Games:

AngryGran – I don’t get this game. But I DO love wacking the people that go by with my umbrella.  LOLOL I know…that is just oooooozing of ick and not joy.

Words with Friends – I love this game, but I’ll tend to go 3 to 6 days before I remember it’s my move.  Remember, notifications are turned OFF.

Piano – This is for Megan

Whirly Word – I love this game.  You get 6 letters and make all the words out of it you can.  This game is all kinds of fun! I’ve only actually completely filled in 3 or 4 of the puzzles, so It can be a challenge sometimes.

Wordsearch – simple fun

BeJeweled – free version is just not long enough but it’s fun

Temple Run – I can’t turn the corners well, so it’s doubtful I’ll ever get past the first few turns.  No, I’m not even kidding.

Angry Birds – I have it, but suck at it, so I don’t play often.

Sky Burger – Megan has been to the moon on this one.  Me, I do ok. J This is a lot of fun.

Miscellaneous:

MobileRSS – I love this! I can tweet the articles, email, Facebook and many others that I don’t even use.  If you love having all of your favorite blogs in your Google Reader, then this app is for you!  Read, comment and share.  Easy, peasy….done!  I just love easy!

I know that there is soooo much more that my powerhouse of JOY can do for me and others!  I also know that even as you read this, it is changing and more great things are being created!

I hope that you’ll take a moment to share with me the apps that you turn to time and time again!  (PLEASE….pleeeeeeeeeeese do)

I need easy – as technology is usually not kind to me.

I prefer free – I know that we often get what we pay for, but I’m just that way.  [shrugs]

I love fun.  Who doesn’t?

Thank you for sharing with all of us and helping us to get more out of the technology that just brings great JOY!

Things That Make Me Grumpy

  *GASP* did YOU see that title? Ohhhh my GOSH!! Look, being genuinely joyful by nature, the truth of the matter is that I’m grumpy.  And since we are being completely honest here, the truth of the matter is YOU are grumpy too. We all get grumpy. But, if we take some time, sit back and analyze our grumpiness then maybe we can figure out a way to be less grumpy. Or not. Our families will thank us for this one day.  Or not. So, with a little dash of humor, a lot of honesty and being authentically me… let’s see what makes this happy joy spreader grumpy…shall we?   Ok, here goes…. Let the grumpiness begin: (ummm, I’ve never actually sat and thought about this, so I’m having a difficulty getting started.)

1. Naps – ok, naps don’t make me grumpy. I actually have reached the point in my life that I take them more often than I should.  It’s the waking from naps that leave me in a fog and that “partly cloudy” state leaves me feeling grumpy, dazed and confused.  Megan actually thinks this state is pretty entertaining.  I will often tell Steve that no one should have to “encounter” me immediately after napping.
2. Hot Flashes at the most inappropriate time – they just don’t happen at night time.  The thing is, when my internal body temperature rises I start feeling sick on my stomach.  Nausea is no fun, so I counter it with crackers or toast and a really cold diet coke.  Talk about being miserable.  Ugggh
3. Nausea and puking – This is the world’s worst.  I actually don’t know how my daughter does it.  She has a rare disease that causes her digestive system to not work and this can be a way of life for her.  When I’m puky sick, I’m very whiny and the best thing to do is sleep.  I’m worse than anyone you’ve ever met.  I want my momma , an ice cold rag to put over my eyes and ice cold unsweetened tea to sip on.  But I mostly sleep, so that no one has to endure the ickiness.
4. Forgetfulness – ok, some forgetfulness.  Like, reaching for a pen and paper to write something down so I DON’T forget it and start to write and “poof” it’s gone.  That is just wrong. Just Saying.
5. Technology – Talk about grumpiness. Technology just doesn’t like me.  I can be doing something that everyone else is doing and out of nowhere, technology will start picking on me. Everyone else will be ok and me….I’m just looking all kinds of stupid. I’m so thankful for a few techy friends that will come to my rescue. IT Heroes are Super Heroes in my book.  When me and technology fight, I usually lose and have to phone a friend.  Rock on IT Heroes.
6. Flat Tires – this is just crazy to me.  I’ll be driving to work at 5:15 in the morning, minding my very own business and boom!!! There she blows.  And do guys stop to help the damsel in distress? Noooo, why??? Because society is stupid, ax murders lurk in the shadows and it is sometimes not worth the risk in the dark.  So, there I am, jumping on the lug nut wrench trying to loosen the bolt.  Praying and being all kinds of grumpy.  And then, as I’m not in the “best” position, I hear “ma’am, would you like some help.  In an effort to NOT scare him away, I calmly say Yes and THANK YOU – when I want to run over to him, give him a big hug and say pleeeeeeeese!!
7. Never ending Automation – ok, when I press zero, it is because I’m tired of the never ending recording you have just put me through.  THEN you tell me zero is not an option? What in the world people?  Where ARE you?  At some point there has to be a real live human that can help me.  I’m not asking for much, just a pulse.
8. Green lights that is only green for 3 cars to get through – Really? Seriously? What is the point there? Hellooooo you guys that set the timers for these things. Can you at least let 10 cars go through before you turn it back red?  Hmmm? Who do I contact about this? Ohh, wait – that will put me square in line with never ending automation. Ummm, nevermind
9. One of “those” days – you know the day.  I love the little things in life that make life big, but the reverse is also true. There are “those” little awful things that happen that make you grumpy.  Let’s recount one…shall we? You wake late, hurry to get ready and you get out the door and your shirt is wrong side outwards.  You run back in and fix it, get in your car and spill your coffee all over yourself.  You run BACK in, change and head back out.  You’ve bribed the kids out of bed with cupcakes.  You get half way to work and you hear it. A tiny, quiet sigh from the back seat. Your mind is jolted back to the moment as you realize you forgot to drop the little one off at daycare.  At this point you are ready for a do-over.  You finally reach your desk and realize that the meeting has started…. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.  Those days happen to us all! Just remember, you are not alone and enjoy a cupcake for breakfast too.
10. Mean people – Some people are just mean.  So, what do you do? Give them a taste of their own medicine? Nooooo, no no NO.  It makes me extremely grumpy and ill, but I lay on the JOY sooo thick that it just oooozes.  Mean people don’t like that much joy all in one setting.  They simply can’t “take” it. And somehow, spreading joy to mean people makes me feel a lot less grumpy. There is simply no reason to be mean and icky, even when you are grumpy.  I want to shake them and say “be JOYFUL….do you hear me?” somehow I don’t think they’d take me seriously.

So, there you have it.  In random order, cause I’m a random gal  – some of the things that simply make me grumpy. What about you?  Will you share with us? Hmmm? It might make you feel better and If not, others will see that they are not alone in their grumpiness. Spill your grumpiness in the comment section below.

ABC's of Making A Difference

A – Aware – Be aware of your surroundings. Many people that you pass by are hurting and your bright smile will probably bring them peace, joy and hope.

B – Believe – Believe that no matter how small your gift or act of joy is that it matters and it makes a difference.

C – Cheerful – Your attitude is contagious, so make sure you are cheerful today!

D – Delight – Delight in the joy and success of others. There are so many negative things that we face each day which makes this gift is priceless

E – Encourage – This is the easiest way to make a difference. No special talent needed, anyone of any financial level or position can do this.

F – Find – FIND the resources that you have. Making a difference doesn’t have to break the bank. You’ve got what you need right where you are.

G – Goals – Set goals for making a difference. Decide that you’ll do one or two things a day. Choose to trade a coffee, manicure or lunch and donate those funds to a charity, like Spreading Joy.

H – Hear – Your family, friends and those you work with are speaking about their likes, dislikes and troubles. Hear what they are saying and act on it.

I – Ignore – Ignore those negative feelings that try to convince you that you are not making a difference. Every single act of JOY you do for someone is making a difference.

K – Kindness – Kindness matters to everyone. Sprinkle a little bit everywhere you go!

L – Laugh – Laughter is the best medicine. Find things to laugh about and share!

M – More – Do a little more today for others, than you did yesterday.

N – Notes – Send out note cards and letters telling someone – THANK you for making a difference in my life! Leave sticky notes of encouragement where your friends, family or co-workers can find them.

O – Outstanding – Tell someone what an outstanding job they’ve done. Your cashier, your bank teller, your husband/wife and child!

P – Passionate – Be passionate about what you do. The joy you feel will be undeniable and others will want to follow suit.

Q – Quality – Do your best, give your best and know that in doing so you’ll enhance the quality of your life.

R – Remember – Remember that you matter and you are unique….just like everyone else.

S – Speak – Say it today! Don’t wait. Speak your heart to those special people in your life.

T – Thanksgiving – Don’t just practice an attitude of gratitude during one month a year. Thanksgiving is something we should be doing each day.

U – Useful – Help someone. Don’t just hope that someone else will do it, YOU do it.

V – Valuable – What is valuable to you? Things, stuff or money? Try valuing respect, honor, truth and love more. Priceless gifts.

W – Whimsy – Add a little whimsy to your day and to those around you. The fun sprinkled through your day will widen the already existent smile!

X – Xcuse me? – Don’t tell me you can’t make a difference! Everyone can! Here are 50 ways to do so without spending a penny – AND – if that isn’t enough, here are ANOTHER 50 ways!

Y – Yourself – Fearlessly be YOURSELF. You are amazing and we need you to be you.

Z – Zany – Be a little zany, silly and carefree. Be positive and run the negativity out! Enjoy each moment and let your heart smile!



Spreading Joy and Making a difference is easy!

Talk to me....what do you think? Can you do this?

Here is a free PDF of this post!

Extra Day

I’m a wife, mom, sister, cousin, aunt, full time employee, church member, occasional student, Non-Profit owner and a whole host of other things. Much like you are, I’d say, I’m pretty busy.

Sometimes, I find myself saying “will someone PAAAALEEEEEEEESE order me up another day!!” and I tend to get all kinds of whiny about it.

Well, thanks to leap year, I GET just that! And I have to tell you, I’m pretty excited about my adventure!

I am NOT going to waste this extra day that I’m given and I hope that you’ll JOYn me in making the most of our extra 24 hours!

At the very least, I’m going to make a difference an hour.

Here is what I’m planning on accomplishing with my extra DAY!

1. Calling my mom and telling her how awesome she is
2. Sending pizza to my husband for lunch!
3. Letting my children know how special they are
4. Using this coupon to purchase someone’s meal
5. Making a contribution to Spreading Joy’s Basketball Tournament Event
6. Calling an old friend and letting them know they are thought about
7. Reminding everyone to use their extra day to make a difference for others
8. Mail a thinking of you card to someone that I’ve lost touch with
9. Passing out an entire package of Reese’s cups (ok…maybe minus one…maybe)
10. Comment on a blog and share on social media sites
11. Dedicating all of my tweets to others for the entire day. Shouting out THEIR websites
12. Sending an email, thanking someone for being a precious friend – sticking with me through thick and thin, good and bad and loving me no matter what
13. Purchase a little girl toy and give it away randomly & tell them I’m spreading joy their way
14. Purchase a little boy toy and give it away randomly & tell them I’m spreading joy their way
15. Purchase a bouquet of flowers and give away…yes, randomly (if I were home, I’d give to my mom…so maybe Friday)
16. I will email 10 corporations asking for sponsors and/or donations for Spreading Joy
17. I will thank a US Vet for their service in the military
18. I will encourage everyone to use their extra day with care
19. I will be the typical big sister and harass my little sister
20. I will praise the Lord for the extra time publically
21. I will pick up any trash that I happen upon and not complain
22. I facebook a few people that I’ve not had a lot of contact with and encourage them
23. I will Laugh with someone today
24. Completely enjoy my extra day of making a difference for others

How about you? What adventure will you plan for your extra day? Will you let it come and slowly slip away without even giving notice?

Share with us something you plan to do. It doesn’t have to be 24 items…. Just do something extra with your extra day!

Christmas JOY the Celebration

It started like any other morning before a Spreading Joy event. A million things running through my mind and this time, it’s a little different because I’m planning and handling much of the Christmas JOY event for the ladies at the Battered Womens Shelter & children from my hotel room in Virginia. Then it hits me. SNOW!! It was supposed to snow over night. I hurry to the huge window in my room and sure enough, IT’S SNOWING!!!! The little girl in me is so very excited! I can immediately see that there are several inches on the ground already. I’m supposed to work a half day and then head home to Charlotte NC and start picking up toys for Friday nights Christmas JOY event! I quickly get ready and head to work.

Much like a child that can’t wait to get out in the snow, I find a window and look out. It is pouring snow! Buckets! My heart is filled with worry at this point. How am I going to make it home? I call my sister. Tell her what I’m seeing. She tries to comfort me saying, things will be a little stressful but it will be ok. I quickly tell her that “you are NOT seeing what I’m seeing!” We chat about the possibilities of me not making it back. Two of the greatest things I love are both now tugging at my heart, snow and Spreading Joy. I head back to work thinking ok, it will work out no matter if I get home or not. I’m just going to enjoy my gift of snow! I finish out my half day of work, head back to my hotel and preparations start. The phone calls to my mom, sister and friends asking for help. The planning of who will do what, just in case I can’t make it back into town. These ladies deserve a wonderful meal, a time of fun and laughter and these toys for their kids. I’m determined to make it happen and with friends and family that have huge hearts, it goes off without a hitch!

The phone calls come in, “you won’t believe what Clark Nexsen collected for this event!” My friends Dave and Dale from Iron Mountain assure me it will be fine for them to bring the toys to me! Wow! Not only did they collect toys, but made things easier for me by bringing them to me, knowing that I was short on time! Amazing!

We get to the church, start setting up, sorting toys, picking up food, decorating and having fun. Later that evening I hop aboard a bus with my brother in law and we had to pick up the ladies and children. We are enjoying a trip back and I tease the ladies that we are having MY favorite meal – HOT DOGS! I giggle and tell them that Olive Garden has graciously given pasta, salad and bread sticks. We are all excited.

Everyone gets settled, and is eating, laughing, relaxing and having fun. There are enough workers so that the ladies that need help with their small children can eat their meals without worry for their tiny ones. I love the view, the children laughing and slurping up spaghetti, the moms smiling and chatting with one another. Peace, happiness and pure JOY surround me! My heart is soaring beyond belief!

The children stay in the fellowship hall and I take the ladies with me next door so that they can “shop” for their children. I thank them for coming and being such a wonderful part of my Christmas! I have been thinking about them all week and take a few minutes to tell them the wonderful attributes I see in them. I give them instructions as to where to find the toys, the gift wrapping stations and such. I wander through the halls as the ladies “shop”, listening to the giggling, listening to the oooohhhhh and ahhhh’s, listening to the thrill in their hearts as they pick out toys for their children. There are Easy Bake Ovens, dolls, Barbie dolls, stuff animals, play dough sets, Tonka Trucks, footballs, basket balls, games and so much more! There are literally 4 rooms full of toys for these wonderful ladies to choose from!

The ladies finish wrapping and start heading to get their children and load back on the bus and van. Several people volunteer to follow behind to “haul” presents as there’s no way all the people and the gifts are going to fit. I love each and every single HUG that I am receiving! The sparkly eyes, bright smiles and huge warm HUGS are priceless. Everyone leaves and I look around and the Spreading JOY heroes have already started cleaning up! Wow!! Amazing!

The night is perfect. Chaos, silliness, fun, Christmas music, laughter, toys, food, drinks, hugs and the mile wide smiles make it memorable!

But, the giving is not over with yet! Sunday, more toys are given out. To a local church and some for a teacher who has some homeless children in her class. Thursday NIGHT – MORE toys will be given away!! A week of Christmas JOY, my heart can hardly stand it! It is flooded with happiness and JOY!

We were able to distribute 545 toys and books this year. This is no small feat as we normally have 8 or 10 companies collecting toys and this year, we didn’t have that many.

Thank you seems so small in the light of what YOU did to make Christmas JOY 2010 possible.

Thank you to the director of Amy’s House, Vicky, for the wonderful work you do to help these ladies! It is my honor to make a difference for them, to encourage them and to remind them just how very special they are!

Thank you to Olive Garden for providing the meal for us! There was plenty of delicious food for everyone to enjoy! Thank you to Jim Taylor and Marvin McAllister for picking up food for us. Thank you Dave Finley for meeting me with toys and saving me so much time. Thank you Momma, Angie and Meg for picking up toys on Thursday for me while I enjoyed my gift of snow and stayed safely at the hotel. Thank you Dale and Jeanne Strickland for being available at a phone calls notice to pick up toys for me and for helping out the night of the event.

Thank you to Pastor Jerry Taylor and Mrs. Taylor of New Grace Baptist Church for the use of your wonderful facilities and being available “just in case” I was snowed in! Thank you to the wonderful members of New Grace for volunteering to help serve, sort, clean, wrap, entertain and for the great JOY you brought my way! I could not have made it without your help!

Thank you to Patterson Pope for giving us employees paid Community Service time to make a difference in our world!

Thank you to my family for supporting Spreading JOY the way you do, helping and allowing me to make a difference right where I am. Thank you Tripp and Bob for driving the vehicles to bring the ladies to the church.

Thank you Quiznos, Iron Mountain, Clark Nexsen, Arthur Squad, Stone Pump and Trench and Linden ARP church for collecting toys.

Thank you my precious twitterverse for your online donations, the interviews to spread the word and for using your voice to reach people that I couldn’t reach without your help! You were instrumental in making Christmas JOY 2010 a huge success!

YOU are all HEROES and I hope as you watch the video, read and recount this week of Spreading JOY that your heart is flooded with warmth, love and pure delight for the part that YOU played for Christmas

Thank you!!

{{HUGS}} yall

30 Day Challenge Jan 2011

I love spreading joy to others, but more than that, I love how easy it is to get into the habit of spreading joy. A new year is upon us and it is my goal to help you see just how easy it is to get into the habit of spreading JOY.

The 30 Day Challenge - ONE thing a day for someone else, on purpose. That’s all it takes. It can be for family, friends or random people. Your mind will be looking, thinking and preparing for ways of spreading joy in no time. By the end of the month you’ll have gotten yourself into the habit of spreading joy and it will be a natural thing for you to do as you meander through your day.

Here is the challenge.

Will you publicly join me in developing this habit of spreading joy? If so, please let me know. I’d like to add your name here to a list – so that I won’t forget who is joining me, but so that I can encourage you too. If you are on twitter, please include your twitter name, cause I’m old and forgetful like that!

Together we can journal our daily acts of joy. I will write in my journal each day about what was done and then every 3 days or so, come back here and update things in the comment section. I would encourage you to do so as well. This will encourage everyone that is participating.

I’ve done this challenge publicly before and here is a link to how it turned out.

I would love to hear how this challenge affected your daily outlook, if you had any troubles and just over all, how it made your heart feel, to think, plan and then execute this challenge.

Ideas to get you going:

• Give away reesecups and Little Debbie Cakes randomly
• Have a NO chore day for family
• Leave the closer parking space for someone else
• Purchase a book of stamps and mail to Spreading Joy
• Recycle, recycle, recycle
• Have a “Eat dessert first” night with your family.
• Make a financial donation to Spreading Joy, see if your company matches charitable giving – 2 acts in one
• Meet someone for coffee and purchase it for them. Enjoy the chat.
• Sign up for this challenge and invite others to do so as well!

There are some ideas to get you going. If you need more, don’t forget that there are a total of 100 ways of making a difference WITHOUT spending one single penny listed here and here on this web site.

Are you ready to take the challenge? Are you ready to develop the habit of spreading joy?

Those taking the 30 day challenge:

@spreadingJOY

@smooth_stone

@GodsWordisTruth

IF we all do just 1 act of JOY a day – so far we are up to 93 #actsofJOY for the month!! wow. I’m so excited to be making a difference this way!!

Thanks for JOYning me!!

{{{HUGS}}} yall

The Little Things

"Holding Pure Joy! Thanks Chris!

Some time ago, I came across a saying

It's the little things that make life Big

and instantly I fell in love with it, because my heart has always celebrated little things. I even asked my mom recently if I had always loved the little things in life as a child and she recalled that I did. That the small, wonderful and simple things were always amazing to me. Learning that made my heart smile.

Many that know me, know I love Reese Cups and the picture here is me holding a "GIFT" from a student that had just attended the concept of Spreading Joy presentation at their school. I held it up to Angie, saying in my mind "LOOOOOK what I just got!!" I was so excited because I came to the school that day to GIVE to the students, not expecting a single thing in return and he put what he had just heard to work by spreading joy MY way. Those kinds of unexpected little things will make my heart float through the day!

Inspired from a calendar of 10 Happy Things a day I purchased as a treat for myself last year, I started keeping a list in the back of my journal of the wonderful little things that make my heart smile. I've decided to share them with you here, hoping that as you journey through your day with a million little joys floating around you, you'll take time to notice them as well as appreciate them. Who knows, maybe you'll start a list of the little things that make your life BIG too!

In no particular order at all - Some of the little things that make my life BIG!

Coffee	Reesecups	Hugs	Diet Coke	Twinkling Eyes
Smiles	Missionaries	Gum	Books	Rainbows
Ocean	Sunrise	Sunset	Full Moon	Gel Pens w/Bright colors
Cloud Shapes	Bright Stars	Playdoh	Bible	Blowing Bubbles
Singing	Music	American Flag	Sunglasses	Handwritten Notes
Chuck Norris	Soft Carpet	Favorite Jeans	Monkeys	Roasted Marshmallows
Favorite Tennis shoes	Riding a Bike	Walk along a river	Roasted Marshmallows	Hot Chocolate w/marshmallows
Holding Hands	Blue Roses	Teddy Bears	Soft Kleenex	Over Sized Sweaters
Watching My kids sleep	Laying in grass alone	Sound of crashing waves	Laying in grass w/a friend	Catching snowflakes on tongue
Fresh Snowfall	Long necklaces	Wizard of Oz	Fireballs	Splashing in a puddle
M&M’s	Cute Socks	Technology	Toe Socks	Unsweetened Iced Tea
Breakfast	Christmas	Green LIghts	Soldiers	Heart dangle earrings
Standing Firm	Blackberry	Disney World	Nurses	Handmade bracelets
Jukebox full of Oldies	Lightning across the sky	Crossing a bridge w/out stopping	Police officers	Friends who call in the middle of the night
Roller Coasters	Puppies	Slinkies	Card games	Instant Messaging
Board Games	Cute Note Pads	Sticky Notes	White Out	Unconditional Love
Steady Rain	Rolling Fog	Crisp Breeze	Hot Soup	Waking to a kiss
Forgiveness	Cute Purses	Quotes	Poems	Making Cotton Candy
Belly Laughs	Pictures	Scrapbooking	Opals	Eating Cotton Candy
Sleeping Babies	Audio Bible	Audio Books	Skype	Thunder in the distance
Lemonade	Circus	Cute Sunglasses	iTunes	Precious moments
Face Painting	No Spill Days	iTouch	Hair Spray	Hot Cookies out of oven
Hugs from nieces/nephews	Watching when NO one sees	Overstuffed comfy chairs	My Heart Ring from Daddy	Hot Cake w/melted icing
Swinging on Swing	HUGE sliding boards	Empty Tomb of HOPE	Being SAFE in Gods Arms	Breakfast for Dinner
Choices	Triple Coupons	Coming Home	Operas	Hugs for NO reason
Walking Barefoot	Random Photos	Happy Endings	Roses	Little Debbie Cakes
Plants surviving in my house	Growing up to be my Mom	Being only ONE in the movie theater	Meeting new People	Sitting sideways in comfy chair
Ice Cold Slushies	Animal Cookies	Disney Classics	Hope	Always having music
Spreading JOY	Opportunities	Water Slides	God’s Power	Chuck Norris Bookmark
Golden Sunsets	God’s Plan	Safe flights	Free Dinner	Bath & Bodyworks
Smiles during tears	Toasted Bagels & Cream Cheese	Watching a merry go round	Movie Theater Popcorn	Social Media making world accessible
Hope Restored	New Watches	Misprints	Paper Clips	Kids that talk &talk….
Sparkles of love in eyes of friend	Kisses from Todd & Megan	Snow that is soft on day 2	Listening to the Rain	Watching my kids make the RIGHT decisions
Unplanned vacations	Full moon hanging on a cloud	Long lingering WARM hugs	Seeing Todd for 19th Bday	Hearing Harry Connick JR Sing in PERSON!
Blistex	Journey Perfume	Care Bears	Curve cologne	Monkey Bookmark
Sleeping to sound of ocean lapping at shore	PB&J Sandwiches w/Milk	Extra HOT Cinnamon Dolce Latte	Laughing thru nite w/a friend	Sleeping just after alarm goes off
Free Anything	Niagara falls	Contentment	A quick exit	Beach Trips w/Mom
Passing w/A “C”	God’s Character	God’s Promises	God’s Power	Free Audio Books
Golden Grahams	Curve 4 Women	Tweet-ups	Candid photos	Meeting Chuck Norris
Kids Praying	Being Welcome	Being Paid Up	…….Instead	Dreams Coming True
Singing YOU are my sunshine!	Power of Holy Spirit	Overhearing kids say something nice	Chocolate covered pretzels	Being held close as I sleep
Texts from my children	Sitting w/young people	Blowing bubbles w/gum	Kisses on the forehead	Chocolate covered Marshmallows
Seeing Dad in my dreams	A day of “To Don’ts”	Beauty in the Ordinary	Being loved as always	Saved messages in my Voice Mail
Unexpected help	Reesecups in mail	Being Found	Being Trusted	My Flower garden living
Angels Among us	Hugs from Santa	Being Noticed	Guidance	Ocean at Midnight
Not giving up	Pondering	Finishing	Soaring	Fireplace at 1 am
Cute Coffee Cups	Saying Thank YOU	Treasures of the heart	Courage to step out	Making a Difference
Smokies of TN	Cobblestone walkways	Firefighter friends in Boston	Acceptance of situation	Frequent Flier Miles
Early Morning Smiles	Loving with No Boundaries	Great things HE has done	Appreciating NOW	Learning to live again
Phone calls of thanks from ocean	Love that lasts forever	Realizing love hurts and it’s ok	Brightening MY corner of the world	Unbridled laughter of Teen girls
Meg sitting upside down	Todd’s time beside me talking about nothing	Noticing a smile & glance from across the room	Getting items donated for others	Discernment right on time
Getting what you need	Hearing what is NOT being said	Computer prayers answered	Sitting in Church w/mom	Being happy -regardless
Seeing Hearts Grow	My moms unconditional love	Winning the heart of a shy child	Hair blowing in the wind	Learning a friend is a true American Hero
Happy gatherings for no reason	Getting the gift that seemed ridiculous	Realizing the headache is easing up	Texts asking are you OK after horrid day	Kisses from my almost grown children
Laughing while others wonder	Unexpected gifts in the mail	Printing off cute photo hugs	Sight for sore eyes	Little Debbie making it easy to give by giving
Falling asleep immediately	Whiffs of old spice	Being prayed through	Color making my day bright	Laughing at myself
Friends Praying	Walmart @ 5 am	One More Day	Protection	Getting to the Point
Certainty	String cheese	2 hour naps	Another Chance	My John R. Rice Bible
Wild Flowers	New Journeys	Simple pleasures	Moments	Keeping things going
Giggling…a few days later	Honest Communication	Inspirational words	Listening…really listening	Being accepted just as I am
Being Believed in	Joy after the Pain	Blueberry Muffins	Family Cookout	Surprise phone calls
Strawberry yogurt	Extra night for free	Believing in my children	Brighter days ahead	Sharing my passion
Marie Pong	A car to borrow	New purse 4 free	Messages	Peace, glorious peace
Stress free ping pong	Cool nights after hot summer	Resources at fingertips	Hot apple cider w/cinnamon	Guilt leaving the heart
Passing with flying colors	Fasting & being close to God	Finding out you’ve inspired someone	Msg of Praise for blessing Psalm 6	Todd in suit & Tie for me
New book in mail	No bake cookies	Privacy!!!	Stickers	Knowing this isn’t all
Being inspired	Cool Sandals	Encouraging texts	Milk duds	1895 House a B&B
Learning from an expert	Being a persistent little booger	Beach all to myself	Emptying my heart of guilt	Trusting even when I don’t understand
m&m minis	Stickers in journal	Stickers on FB	Coming Home	Being a Homebody
Jesus - Always	Wanting to….	Gifts to myself	Silence	Cool sunglasses cheap
Todd saying “its perfect mom”	Foggy Quiet mornings	One of these days…being today	Exploring new places	Shaking hands w/40 military personnel
A smile that dries the tears	Bright paper to write on	Breeze from an open window	Sounds that brings smiles	Opportunities in another state
Going before security comes	Praying without ceasing	Travel and exploration	Coming home to a clean kitchen	Strength for tomorrow
Sweater when you need it	Moon hanging in the morning sky	Mountains every where I look	Recognizing simple miracles	Kids having the Bible I gave to them from 2nd grade & they are in 5th grade now
Friends sharing pics of beach & mountains	Visiting a new ice cream shop	Letting my light shine	Christmas Stockings	Watching a wall of rain approach
Lance cheese &pb crackers	Compliment from Princess Megan	Famous Author commenting on blog	Warm comfy Christmas sweaters	Phoning a friend, asking for help & getting it
Phone call from Todd	Contacts & Corrective lenses	Praying at Alter & a friend joins unexpectedly	Surprise Videos in email from friend	Unexpected knocks at door
Cool Journals	Chocolate Milk	Plums	Peace Lilies	Fixing a problem easily
Cool Whip	Sprinkles on top	Remembering	IT Heroes	Wonder Woman
Fresh Roasted chicken dinner	Fav Worship song being sung live	Dinner, movie & Bookstore date	Friends pics on FB	Watching my brothers with their Grand kids
Saying Yes to God and trusting	Muffins in the Mail	Mustard seed faith	Blissful UNeventfulness	Sausage Egg & Cheese McMuffin
Bewitched	Cool Boots	Blue Ridge Pkwy	Promises Kept	When the stars line up
Cake Icing Wars with Todd	Meg Blocking goals in soccer	Reading under a tree	Warmth from Fire Place	Cream Cheese Brownies
Sesame Chicken	Bundling up	Emergency Exits	Par 3	More than Enough
List making	Anklets	Bracelets	Cool shells	Stove Top Stuffing
Wireless Internet	Lucky Charms	Winter Olympics	“Getting” It	Hands free Headset
Laughing till I Cry	Del Sol Nail Polish	Mailing Gifts	Sleeping In	Hot hush puppies
Free E Books	Signed Book	Silly Book marks	Silly Putty	Chuck Norris Facts
Cute Stickers	Worship Songs	Balloon bouquets	Happy bunny	Key Chain from friend
Special Olympics & the smiles	Matching Hair color	Sugar free Lattes from McDonalds	Burger king Onion Rings	Weekend alone at beach
Scotch Tape	Sharpie Markers	Love Songs	Oldies	Paper Jam Free Days
Extra Strength Tylenol	Mechanical pencils	Chocolate cupcakes	Secrets of the heart	Finding lids for bowls easily
Faith	Oranges	Strawberries	Ranch Dip	Late nights on Twitter
Seizing the Day	Being Needed	An Extra Hug	Inner Strength	Living your Passion
Soothing rain	Bacon	Phases of moon	Bounciness	Upgrades for free
Wooden swing on tree w/ropes	Extra suite for guests	Sitting in warmth of sunshine	Kids doing what is asked on first request	Thinking of a friend late at night, calling and they answer
Exactly enough cake	Kisses from slobbery babies	Unexpected calls that make you laugh	Knowing what faith can do	Peanut Butter sticks
Messing with song director in church, during service	Wonder Woman to do book	Missionaries coming to visit church	Sitting with Angie in church	Minute maid sugar free lemonade
People Watching	Tip toeing	Wall of windows	Chips & salsa	Napping in the sun
Cute post it notes	Barefoot in grass	Romantic table for 2	Slow dancing	Love songs being sung to you
Laying in his arms	Children that prayin…believing	Laughter through troubles	Emails	Finding true love
Splitting a banana split	Ending the day with a friend	Arriving safely	Easter baskets	Sharing JOY with others
Facebook friends	God’s Strength	More than 1 bestest friend	Hot fudge brownie sundae	Starting a chain of yawning
Pony tail holders	Secret paths	Schoochin	Clean windows	Pimento cheese
Pig tails	Face paint	Challenge free trips	Corn dogs	Gazing at sky
Perseverance	Funny people	Something worth waiting for	Early morning thunder storms	Time capsules
Welcome home flowers	Watermelon	Emailed hugs	Feeling better after crying	Waking to roses
You Tube qued up	Help through the rain	Swimming	Being prayed for & not even knowing it	Deep, peaceful sleep – through the night

Whew.... that is a lot, I know. but trust me. this list will continue grow. Maybe the next set will be in color...as I do love writing in color. All of these things listed in my journal are in different colors.

What are some of the little things that make YOUR life big? What JOYS do you see daily that make your heart smile? I hope you'll take the time to tell us! You never know who YOU will inspire!

{{{HUGS}} yall