Tragedy turned to Triumph

You work hard to make ends meet.

You have little children that depend solely on you.

You can’t do much for them, but you decide to go and enjoy an inexpensive but fun meal at a local burger place.  You load the kids up in the double stroller and you walk there, singing and enjoying the time together.

You order your meal, get the kids situated and simply enjoy this time together….right?

Amazing how quickly circumstances can steal the joy of a fun meal right out from underneath you.

This is a true story.  The mom came out after her meal to find that her stroller had been stolen.

It wasn’t a BMW type stroller that was valued at $500.00 but it WAS hers and it was in excellent condition.

There isn’t extra funding to simply go right out and purchase another one.  There isn’t even a car for “quick” transportation to go and pick one up; because that is the reason she was on foot to begin with.

Can you imagine her shock when she, with two young children in tow.  One probably on her hip, the other, holding her hand and her stroller is gone?

Can you imagine the tears of frustration stinging her cheek? Can you imagine the disbelief running through her heart?

That’s where YOU come in.  YES…you. 

Every day, ordinary Spreading Joy Heroes! 

I find out about this, I take a few days and tell everyone I know and with the help of social media, and a few friendly phone calls – funds for a new stroller have been raised!

See what you did? Well, if that wasn’t blessing enough, there was extra given.  After speaking with the kind young mom, I found out that the kids birthdays were approaching.  PERFECT – I thought.

The extra can help to get them extra gifts for their birthday.

Tragedy turned into Triumph…

As you see, Spreading Joy is not just book bags filled with school supplies and Christmas Gifts to forgotten kids, but it’s much more than that.

It’s caring….every day! 

It’s spreading joy to others every day.  It’s taking the little that a LOT of us have, and doing something great with it.

Thank you for being a HUGE part of what we do!

Some give because they realize how great they are blessed.

Others give because they’ve “been there, done that” and KNOW how huge $10 gift is.

Others give because they want to show God’s love to those around them.

Regardless of the reason – THANK YOU!!  Thank you for being a huge part of Spreading Joy and impacting this young mom’s heart forever!  I’m sure her heart smiles each time she thinks about how people she didn’t even know came to her aid.

YOU are amazing at Spreading Joy!

Thank you for your financial gift and partnering with us to impact the hearts of others! Thank you for Spreading Joy across America with us! Thank you for your monthly support!

Have fun Spreading Joy!

Why I LOVE Women/Mommy Bloggers

I have this amazing online friend – Jackie - who, like me, is sick of the mean girl attitude when it comes to women in business and blogging.  There is enough sadness, sorrow and disappointment in the world without women attacking other women just to get ahead or make a name for themselves.  While I would love to be one of the few who makes amazing money from blogging online, I know that is not likely to happen.  What I do know is that I will be one of those that are giving amazing encouragement, support and reminding others that they matter and to keep going.

I will boldly (and gladly) go where few women go – and that is to support others and to do so happily.

She recently challenged us to write an article that lifts up other women bloggers and business owners.  Talk about spreading Joy – well, I’m all about that!  I know many successful women/mommy bloggers and I’m happy to share exactly what I think about them here:

1. They write from the heart – Passion oozes from them!  They encourage, inspire and motivate you to do more, give more and be more accepting of who YOU (the reader) are.  You can tell they spend much time and effort building and encouraging others through their site.
2. They are either where I’ve been, where I currently am or where I’m heading – I will always and forever be a mommy!  We all have things in common! They understand, they care, they love, pray and are willing to help!  While each of our paths is different, they are certainly outlined the same way.  I love reading about new babies and the challenges of new moms because I remember with a huge smile those amazing years.  I love the posts from Jackie about the question her daughter asks because it reminded me of the crazy questions I use to get asked.  I love the posts that share about the joys of teen age years because that is right where I am right now.  I love reading about couples and marriage and ideas for the empty nest – as that is right where I’m heading.  No matter where I am – I am not alone!
3. What they treasure – When I read of who is supporting what, I get the amazing opportunity to peek inside their heart and see it dripping with compassion!
4. Their Site Allows You To Know a Little More of Them Personally – I’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet and hug several women that I first met via Social Media.  I spent much time getting to know them through their sites, tweets and various posts.  When we did meet it was like old friends getting together for the first time.  Priceless!
5. Their Writing – While some people think it’s all about kids, families or nothing at all, there is usually always great things in all the blogs I keep up with. It could be the latest adventures of Ninja Kitty from @Writrams or another Contagious reminder from @MarloTwells .  It may be something to remind me to keep pursuing my passion from @BridgetHaymond or a great book review or Bible Study from @LifeVerse .
6. Their Strengths – Most people write what they know most about.  While most people spend great amount of time on making their weaknesses better, I like to strengthen my strengths.  Yes, I do need to and will work on imperfections, but let’s face it, I’m never going to be the master of ….. (you fill in the blank) but if I love it and someone out there can do it better, then why not learn from them?
7. Their Attitude –The ladies I keep up with are realists through any given situation but maintain a great attitude.  It could be the struggles they are going through or the trials they have faced or are facing right now.  The face it with boldness, determination and a great attitude!  THAT brings me great joy!
8. Their Honesty – honestly enduring a hardship “out loud” often leaves us feeling vulnerable....even so, their honesty inspires and encourages those that are currently "enduring" major ickiness.
9. Their Adventures – So many people live and see things that I would never know about if I didn't see it on their blog!  I love seeing something that I immediately think – “that is going on my to do list!”
10. 10.   The Fun – I love reading and if I ever win the lottery, I’ll invite you all over to see my amazing library of books, but until then – blogs it is!  I love having an extra hot cup of coffee in hand and spend some time each day reading!  Pure fun! I subscribe to few blogs via email but 99% of the blogs I subscribe to are kept in my google reader!  Easy peasy done – all of my favorite blogs right in one place! (if you have a google account, you have a google reader – USE it!)

If we are completely honest, we see what we want to see in things.  Most of the time we choose to see the negative, simply because it is easier to see.  Seeing the good and the joy in things takes practice, but it can be done!

Let me encourage you to rise above the mean girl attitude. 

Be a woman who encourages, inspires and motivates! 

Be the woman who will stand alone when the mean girls are trying to get you to join in on their bashing. 

Be the woman who does right….regardless!

Let me encourage you to check out the initial blog article that inspired this one – go here to see it

Let me also encourage you to leave your link here – at our original site .  And for that matter – leave a link to any “like” article on any of my articles so that our readers can easily FIND YOU and be encouraged by what you have to say!  I would be honored to have you do that!

Here is a link to our most popular articles – linking there will allow YOUR article to be seen by many

Have fun spreading joy and encouraging other women/mommy bloggers! 

My Name is Barabbas

I love that no matter how many times we read the Bible that there is always something new and wonderful from the precious scriptures.

I was reading about the release of Barabbas and how the people of the day demanded that Jesus be crucified.  

As in the past, when I was reading this passage, I was amused at the fact that the people of the day honestly demanded that a murderer, thief and known criminal be set free so that our precious Lord and Savior Jesus would be crucified.

But….I was reading a passage that I had read many, many MANY times in my life time and then it happened, something new HIT me.

What happened to Barabbas after he was set free?

Because he was never mentioned again, my mind began to wonder:

• Did he run home, grateful that he had been set free, even though he was guilty of all charges?
• Did the old habits return and he continued on his criminal journey?
• Did he return home as if nothing had happened, keeping his story to himself?
• Did he go from city to city, telling his story, proclaiming the love and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus?
• Had his actions and life changed to that of praise and gratitude for the tremendous debt that he was forgiven of?

What DID he do? What WAS his story?

Then another thought…. I AM Barabbas

Then….. my heart began to melt, thinking wow… I have that SAME story to tell.

• My crimes are great and I’ve been forgiven of them
• The innocent was sacrificed so I could be set free
• I was guilty of all and condemned to complete separation but was  shown great mercy as my freedom allowed me to be accepted once again
• I deserve hell but will celebrate on the streets of gold one day

I’m only a sinner saved by grace so let’s bring the question close to home…. What is my story and how willing am I to tell it?

How about you?  What is YOUR story of redemption?

Are you sharing it or are you keeping it to yourself?

Do you go from place to place telling your story and proclaiming the Love and sacrifice of the Lord? Have your actions and life changed so much so that praise and gratitude ooze from you because of the tremendous debt that you’ve been forgiven of?

Or

Did you return to your old habits, old friends and old ways?

The Bible says that all things become new for the Christian.

Have you ever considered….that YOU (Christian) are Barabbas?

As you ponder the guilty man that was set free because of the innocent man that willingly laid down His precious life for his – remember – you ARE that guilty person.

What will you do with your story?

Do you have a similar story on your blog or site? If so, please do share below in the comment section, so that I can visit it as well as my readers.   

Is your site about “your redemption story?” – please, PLEASE leave it here – linking up will easily allow others to be encouraged by you sharing your story!

If you don’t have a web site – Consider sharing some of your testimony here?  You never know who you will encourage.

Sharing this is Spreading Joy.  Please share on twitter, fb, linked in and other social media sites.

Thank you for your efforts in Spreading JOY

***to see all the updated comments, and amazing stories about HIS redemption - please visit http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/my-name-is-barabbas/ 

and thank you for sharing yours there as well... 

Heart for Others

Heart for Others

Spreading Joy Corporation was founded on the fact that everyone has a desire to give more, do more and make an impact with their lives.  We all have a Heart for Others.

We all want to make a difference, but many feel that they can’t due to lack of resources.

We go to groups of all kinds to help remind them that YES – yes you can impact this world for good, starting with your own corner of the world.

Heart for Others Day is a fundraiser to help enable us to do more of this during 2013.  We want to be able to meet with any group that asks without having them worry about financing.  We want those that are the most discouraged and often forgotten about to realize that yes, they are cared about and someone will come and help them see the resources that they have to make their life count.  We want to show our heart for others, so that those can confidently go and show their heart for others.

We also know that finances are tight for so many right now and that giving all over this world is down.  We aren’t asking for much…..a simple $5 from anyone who sees this will be HUGE.

This fundraiser will easily be seen by over 4000 people over the next few weeks and if each of those that see this will simply give $5 our goal will be met.

Trouble is, not everyone will due to guilt, difficulties and a host of other reasons.  On the other hand, there are those that can give more than $5 and we truly hope you will do so.

Will you JOYn us on Heart for Others day on February 14^th by making a donation of any size?  Will you set a reminder in your calendar? Mail your gift in? PLAN on being part of our Heart for Others Day?

Let me remind you of a few things about your gift:

• There are ZERO paid employees in our Non Profit – Z E R O. So your funds will be use for others
• My family makes monthly donations as well, to help cover the day to day expenses – again, so that YOUR gifts can be used for OTHERS
• We aren’t here to get rich or get noticed, but we are here to help others feel rich enough to impact their corner of the world and your gift goes toward giving away our book, going into schools and other places to help encourage people face to face.
• We are very public about what we do, so any events will always be followed up by photos, updates and links as often as we can.  We want you to know beyond doubt how you are making a difference for others.

Please use all of your networking sites to re post this article – be a voice for us and share your heart for others by doing so

Please plan on making a donation of any size on Feb 14 and SHOW your heart for others (mail in or use the handy PayPal button over on the right sidebar)

Please email a link to this page to everyone in your address book, asking them to show their heart for others

Please, if you are a person of prayer, pray over our organization for direction, wisdom and more opportunities to encourage others in their journey. 

Thank you for how you are spreading joy with us!

Any gift of $25 or more will automatically receive our book Spreading Joy Daily.  If you already have it or know it would encourage someone and would like it sent somewhere else, please let me know by placing their name and address in the NOTE section of your donation when you give via paypal. 

You can mail your gift to:

Spreading Joy Corporation

PO Box 1771

Denver NC 28037

Thank you for having a heart for others!

Let’s harness the power of our voices!

Let’s harness the power of technology!

Let’s harness the power of teamwork!

Let’s all come together to see something remarkable happen, right before our very eyes.

Will you JOYn us?

Will you be a giant and use your voice?

Will you spread the word and try and round up others to do the same?

Facing the Impossible

Immediately upon hearing her words, tears welled up in my eyes and frustration and anger burned within my heart.

I miss the next part of the conversation because I’m looking up to the sky asking God…”really??? you WERE supposed to reveal to the doctors what is going on and you don’t? really??”

She stops speaking.  She said, Ms. Wikle did you hear me? Megan’s CT Scan was normal except for a small twist in her intestines.

I told her I understood her, but didn’t understand what could be causing all of this.

It’s a process she said.

I shake my head and by now, tears are streaming down my cheeks.  

My heart hurts for my daughter.  She has endured so much and is just now 18.  This last year alone has been filled with test after test only to hear "everything is normal." First her stomach was paralyzed and then 3 years later, something DIFFERENT is causing her food not to stay down but NO one knows what it is…. 

Really??

Frustrated I ask what next.  2 more test are ordered.  One of which was done almost exactly a year ago.

We are journaling what will stay down.  2 teaspoons of grits, 4 spoons of mashed potatoes.  4 oz of applesauce or yogurt, 1 spoon of scrambled eggs with the hopes that it can help them to see or think of what could be going on.

Really – is this the life she is destined to live?  

I don’t understand, I don’t know what God wants us to see.  My heart is filled with what Lord, what do you want?

After much prayer and saturating my heart with verse after verse, I realize I may never know, I realize thing may or may not change and she may never eat more than that. 

I know God is faithful and only God’s grace will get us through.

We are facing the impossible. 

For comfort, I search the scriptures for those who faced the impossible.

• Children of Israel – faced death by Pharaoh’s army or death in the Red Sea – impossible….but God stepped in and brought them safely to the other side of the sea.
• Esther and her entire race of people faced death and their fate was sealed by the King – impossible….but God stepped in and prepared the way for them to defend themselves.
• Elijah stood alone and faced hundreds of false prophets – impossible….but God was on his side and that was all he needed.
• Daniel faced hungry lions because of his faithfulness to pray – impossible….but God shut the lion’s mouths and gave Daniel the peace that only God can pour out.
• The 3 Hebrew Children were tossed into the fiery furnace that was so hot, the guy that opened the door was burned to death – impossible….but God walked in the fire WITH them.
• Sarah longed for a son and God had promised her and Abraham that their seed would exceed the grains of sand and stars in the sky and now she was past child bearing years – impossible….but God gave her a son and kept His promise
• Abraham was asked to make a sacrifice – of his one and only son – impossible….but God supplied a lamb upon seeing that Abraham was willing to offer up his son as the Lord had asked.

Impossible……

With God all things are possible:

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me

Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD?

How long will this continue? I don’t know.  

Will more tears fall? Yes – until she is healed, fixed or whatever needs to be done for her to consume a normal meal.

Do I trust God with her? yes…completely.  It’s all I got and thankfully it’s all I need.

Will I cry out in frustration, anger and ask why? Probably.  I’m a mom and we hate to see our children suffer.

I will continue to pray, to saturate our family in prayer and trust the Lord as HE can bring us through the impossible.

Will you pray with us? 

Will you trust God through the impossible with us?

I can only imagine the ministry that He has prepared for Megan as a young lady.  I pray daily that God will give her the strength to continue on this journey so that God can get all the glory.

I know God will use this and HER in a mighty way.

We will face the impossible….but we are not facing it alone.

Thank you Lord for the mercy and grace you pour out. I trust you with my family.  Strengthen our faith and love as we walk this journey together. in Jesus name I ask...amen.

Because of You

What I've learned from you cannot be expressed in mear words and my heart can't adequately describe for you the gift you've been.

.

I've grown, changed and will never be the same because of you.

You've changed the way I think, the way I see things, and the way I love.

You've changed how I pray, how I teach and how I learn.

You've changed how I trust, how I commit and how I act.

You've changed the way I approach each and every day.

Thank you.

You've shared tears of joy, agony of pain and laughter of love.

You've shared new adventures, new problems and new solutions.

You've shared milestones, memories and a peek into the heart of tomorrow.

Thank you.

You've brought new treasures, secured old treasures and allowed painful memories to turn into smiles.

You've brought great questions as well as answers that I would have never even imagined.

You've brought great joy and hope as well as the reminder of a brighter tomorrow.

Thank you.

You've made me adaptable, determined and curious for what awaits me.

You've made me enthusiastic, optimistic and anxiously anticipating more!

You've made me resourceful, realistic and practical!

Thank you.

You've showed me just how great life can be and at the same time, made me realize just how quickly pain, sorrow and tears can flood my heart.

I'll forever treasure you 2012 as you have been the most wonderful gift ever.

And somehow I know the same awaits me next year!

How has 2012 forever changed you?  

Please feel free to share your comments and/or a link about a similar article in the comment section below.

Have fun Spreading JOY!

One Thing

 

As another year comes to a close and talks of resolutions swirl around, my mind and heart considers what this upcoming year will hold.

I don’t typically make resolutions but do set some goals to work towards or try to spend time really enjoying the beauty that the ordinary day brings.

This year is no different.  Instead of setting myself up for failure with a list of resolutions that would likely be long forgotten about mid February, I've decided that one thing is needed.

Just one.

Becoming a woman of prayer.

While I pray daily and often, I want to be closer to the Lord more than ever.  I want to boldly speak for Him and of Him.  I want to know that everything I do, any direction I take and each path I explore is exactly where HE wants me to be.

E.M. Bounds said “Prayer that costs nothing gets nothing.” And that is not the kind of Christian I want to be.  I want to schooch in close to the Lord so that before one tear lands on my cheek, my heart is already whispering in prayer; before one thank you can be uttered, my heart is already praising HIM for His mercy and grace.

Speaking of Paul and Silas E.M. Bounds said “Their joy in Jesus was so profound that it expressed itself happily and sweetly in praise and prayer under extremely painful and depressing conditions.”

We’ve faced some hard times and will continue to do so I’m sure but in the end, I want MY JOY in Jesus to be expressed sweetly in praise and prayer.  I want my faith to be built on the foundation of prayer, I want my praise to be continual, no matter what.

One thing is all that I’m focusing on this year.  Just one. 

What are your goals for the New Year?  Do you have a list or will you focus on one or two things?

If you’ve written an article on your goals for the New Year, please feel free to share it below.  If you haven’t but would like to list out some of your goals, please do so and encourage all those who stop by and read this.

E.M. Bounds has several books about prayer; I encourage you to get them.  Here are a few of my favorite quotes from him:

Our ability to stay with God in our closet measures our ability to stay with God out of the closet. 

Hurried devotions make weak faith, feeble convictions and questionable piety.  To be little with God is to be little for God.  To cut short our praying makes our whole Christian character short, small, improvised and careless.

Persevering prayer always wins.

Prayer can do anything that God can do. Pity is that we do not believe this as we ought, and we do not put it to the test.

Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.

 

Love Continues

Let Brotherly Love Continue – Hebrews 13:1

I love sisters and how God has blessed me with a real one that I adore and love to torment….I mean treasure.  I am also blessed with brothers that I adore and I know that I can call and ask anything of them and they will come to my rescue.  

I’m also blessed with many, MANY brothers and sisters in Christ that simply amaze me as well!  Letting brotherly love continue is a way of life for them and I’m thankful to be surrounded by some of the greatest family around.

I was given the honor of doing a devotional for our Secret Sisters group at Christmas time.  Our theme was centered on Candy Canes.  Candy Canes are such sweet treats all by themselves, but maybe the following devotion will help you to remember just how easy it is to….

Let brotherly love continue

• The Candy Cane looks like a staff:  Let it remind you to steady your sister.
  • More often than not, when I’m out with my sister, something happens and I will trip.  It could be the imaginary hump in the floor, a dip in the sidewalk or even a tiny rock.  There have been times that NOTHING was there to steady me and I hit the ground, looking up wondering what just happened.  (yes…we both laughed and I’ll wait till you are done laughing to continue.) There are those times that it happened and something was close by that I could steady myself with and boy was I thankful.  Sometimes, just being right there to provide a little security and steadiness is all it takes to help them through the day or even through the tears.  Love continues.
• The Candy Cane looks like cane – Let your sister lean on you.
  • We are so independent and hate to have to lean on others, but sometimes we simply can’t make it without some extra help.  A cane, while such a simple thing is such a huge tool for strength.  Being able to lean on our sister can take a horrible situation and make it easier.  Through the trials of cancer, time of other horrid illness that seem to have no end and the pain of loss, being able to lean on others without worry is pure love. Love continues.
• The Candy Cane looks like a hook – Hang a reminder of them in front of you.
  • If you know someone is going through a rough trial, hard time physically or even emotionally, set yourself some reminders.  Put sticky notes on your computer, in your Bible or devotional book to remind yourself to pray for them, send them a card or even a text or email.  Love continues.
  • Also – With the hook – don’t get hung up on the past.  Instead of letting your past define you, let it drive you.  You can’t change past decisions, past actions, past mistakes but you can determine that you’ll learn from them, grow from them and use your past to help define a better future for you and those that are close to you.  Love Continues.
• The Candy Cane looks like a “J” – Be Jesus to them.
  • Matthew 5:16 says Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  We need to live a life of love, joy, hope and goodness knowing that all the while we are a light for Him.  Others will see this light in their time of darkness and in the end, God is glorified. Don’t give a second thought to how bright you think your light for the Lord is, because even a teeny tiny flicker in the pitch black dark can been seen from a great distance.  Shine for Him! Show them the JOY of the Lord is your strength!  Love Continues.
• A “pair” of Candy Canes looks like heart – Show great love to your sister.
  • Showing love is easy and the fact is, it will last a life time! Showing love doesn’t have to be done in some huge way, often the tiniest, purest acts of love are the greatest. Here are some easy ways to show some love.   Love Continues.

One last thought - Let Brotherly love continue…. It’s not a suggestion. 

We’d like to hear from you! If you have an article on this verse, please share it below in the comments so that others can easily find it and be encouraged.

Spreading Joy is as simple as sharing your thoughts on this verse, sharing the link to this article on twitter, facebook, linked in and google+. 

You Matter! 

Have fun Spreading JOY!

Tears are Healing

I honestly believe that laughter is the best medicine!

Nothing like friends getting together, laughing and having a blast to lift the mullygrubs, remove the cloud of discouragement or to bring comfort during times of depression.

As the quote in the photo says, I also believe tears ARE healing.

I’ve never in my life understood why people say “stop crying, it doesn’t make you feel better” when sometimes it actually does.

Don’t get me wrong, if it’s a 2 year old pitching a fit, that is completely unreasonable and the parent needs to stop it before they have to endure the “fits” of a bratty teenager.

We, especially men, often feel guilty for crying.  Many think it is a sign of weakness, but I disagree.

I think it shows great strength to expose a heart that is ripped apart so much so that the tears are flowing. 

It takes great courage to show the side of you that is vulnerable while you are enduring great pain. 

It is a courageous thing to allow tears to start the healing process.

There is something cleansing about allowing the flood gates of tears to just go.  I can’t explain it, but I can tell you how I feel after allowing my heart and soul to release those emotions that have been pinned up inside.

Sometimes there are things that we simply can’t control and they often drive us to tears.  Instead of fighting to hold them in, let them go and let the healing process start to take effect.  Once you release those feelings and the pressures of what weighs you down, you will be able to see clearer, feel better and can start taking the necessary steps to move forward.

Besides…your tears are very precious.  Don’t believe me, check this out.  Psalm 56:8 

When we empty our heart of hurt, God can take what is tattered, torn and in a million pieces and make it better than we ever imagined.

What are your personal thoughts about the healing property of tears?

Have you written an article on this topic? If so, please share that link in the comment sections so others can leave here and find you easily.

Spreading Joy is as easy as sharing this on twitter, facebook, linked in, and google+

Have fun Spreading JOY!

While laughter is the best medicine, often times, tears are completely healing.