...and the stockings were hung....

It's not the presents or the decorations or the lights.  It's not the candies or the parties.  It's not the snowflakes or the shopping or the bows and the ribbons.  It's not "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or "Elf" or "Home Alone."

It's not the bonus checks or the vacation time. It's not the stress or the hustle and bustle or the traffic jams.  It's not the trampling or the camping overnight to get the best gift.  It's not the most expensive wine or the best food.

It's not Santa. 
It's not the perfect tree. 


It's the joy. 
It's the joy of giving and the joy of receiving.  It's the joy the Christmas movies bring and it's the memories the Christmas parties make.  It's the joy the goodies bring to the people you share them with.  It's the joy felt in the air as people finish up their shopping.  It's the anticipation of Christmas morning.

And it's the magic.
It's the magic of believing.

It's about being around those you love.  Your friends and your family.  And it's about remembering those who are no longer with us.
It's about creating memories and traditions and love.

It's about being together.

It's about faith and hope and love.

And most importantly, it's about Jesus.  If Jesus wasn't born, we wouldn't have Christmas.

The Christmas Starfish

I feel extra blessed this holiday season.  Just being healthy and loved and able to spend time with my family and friends is the best gift. 

I created special memories with my dad this holiday season, attended Christmas Eve service at Hope with my mom and dad and took coffee to a few co-workers the morning of Christmas Eve.

Yesterday, my dad and I went to the cemetary where my Grandma and Grandpa are buried.  We always spent Christmas Eve with them, so it just felt right to be there.  This is the 2nd Christmas without either one of them.  I know they were looking down over us this Christmas, bringing joy to our hearts and helping us remember what is Christmas is truly all about.

 

Beautiful Little Angels

"Understanding why God allows someone to choose violence, hate, terror ... is hard. Simplistic answers don't help, either. Life can be devastating, and making sense of suffering like this is never a totally satisfying endeavor ... because from our vantage point we can't see everything we need to see in order to know everything we need to know. Still, we keep the faith, knowing there is hope in the promises of a God who doesn't abandon us in our heartbreak, but in fact weeps with us in our darkest valleys. We turn to God in times like this, because nothing less will do, and deep down we know that the world has no answers for bigger than this world problems. We hold fast to the truth of Jesus' resurrection, because his empty tomb reminds us that death - which appears to be so final - doesn't get the last word. God has our enemies covered. So we pray, "Thy Kingdom come" - where there is no violence and no death ... and we pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" - that we might find better ways to protect the most innocent among us right now ... and we pray, "Deliver us from evil" - knowing that, in the end, God's light dismisses the darkness ... and the darkness can never take back the light."
~ Pastor Mike from Lutheran Church of Hope

 

My heart has been breaking, over and over and over since the tragedy at Sandy Hook took place on Friday.  Just like all of America (and other countries) my heart goes out to the community, the families, the beautiful souls that were taken that day. 

Pastor Mike has a way with words, as you can see above.  I think it is SO important in times like these to keep our hope and faith.  We may not understand and we may not ever be able to make sense of what has happened, but God is there. 

It brings a comfort to me to think that God was there in those classrooms, holding the little children close to him as they were taken too soon.  And giving the teachers the courage to put their lives on the line to protect their little ones.  He was in the cabinets and the closets protecting those children and he was in the fire house weeping with the parents who's children did not make it out of school that day.

Today's Starfish

Today, I said extra prayers for those families who have lost their loved ones in Newtown CT.  And I prayed hard.  I prayed for the children and their parents, their brothers and sisters.  I prayed for the teachers and administrators and the people in their lives.  And I prayed for the person who caused this horrific event and I prayed for his family too.  Prayer is powerful.  If you believe in prayer, pray.  If you don't believe in prayer, that is ok.  Just keep these people in your thoughts.

The Art of Conversation

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
~Colossians 4:6




Put down your cell phone.  Turn off your i-Pad. Leave the DS at home. 

Angry Birds can wait.  Nothing is going to happen on Facebook or Twitter that cannot be read later.  The people you are playing on Words with Friends aren't going anywhere.  Your boyfriend can wait for that text.

We have become a society hooked on our smartphones and our tablets.  We don't go anywhere without them.  We are always connected. 

Everywhere we go, people are always looking at their phones.  The shopping mall, out to dinner, in the car, at sporting events, at church, out with friends.

Right?  When was the last time you went anywhere without your phone?  Or when did you last turn your phone off? When was the last time you left your phone in the car or in your purse and didn't check it for a long stretch of time?

During the holiday season especially, don't forget to focus your attention on the joy around you.  The family and the friends, the reason for the season.  Leave the technology behind this Christmas.

Today's Starfish

I had to go to the doctor today and while I was waiting in the lobby for my appointment, I struck up a conversation with an elderly gentleman.  Instead of checking Facebook or catching up on the news, I am pretty sure I made this man's day just by talking to him about the weather, the holidays, his life during his younger years and arthritis.  Sure beats the 12 status updates I could have read!

Knock Knock

Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes."
--Joseph B. Wirthlin


"The door is always open."
"When God closes a door, He opens a window"
"Close the door on the past - Open the door to the future"

Have you ever stopped and thought about every single door you go in and out of each day?  I know I haven't until right now - the door out of my bedroom and into the bathroom; the door out of my house and the door into my car;  the door out of my car and the door into my office and so on and so forth. 

Sometimes the door is revolving and you have to wait your turn.  Sometimes the door opens automatically when you get close to it. Sometimes you have to knock before you can enter.  Sometimes it is wide open, inviting you to step inside. And sometimes the door is locked, sometimes it's jammed... sometimes it's just plain hard to open.

We each have a door of our own within ourselves - a door to our minds and a door to our hearts.  Maybe you used to have your door open and you slammed it shut due to a past experience.  Maybe you locked it and threw away the key.  Maybe your door is creaking open slowly.  Or maybe you took the hinges off your door and you are ready for anything and everything that comes your way!

Keep an open door policy.  Open your mind and open your heart.  Let friends and family inside.  Always remember that others may have a closed door.  Be patient.  Keep knocking.  Drop little acts of kindness off at their doorstep.  They will come around evenutally.

And don't forget to let God in - He is constantly knocking at the door to your heart, but you have to open it!

Today's Starfish

As I was going about my day today, I made sure to hold the door open for everyone I came into contact with when I was entering and exiting.  It was nice to get the "thank yous" and it was nice to have a few gentlemen insist that they hold the door open for me instead.  Try this sometime - it is easy to do and it will make you feel good!

love the ones you're with

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
~From a headstone in Ireland



Losing someone you love - a relative, a friend, a spouse, a grandmother - is one of the hardest things to deal with in life. 

My best friend Brooke lost her grandmother yesterday.  Her Grammy lived an extremely full life and even got to see Brooke get married.  But it is still so hard on the ones who are left behind.

I think about my grandmother daily.  She passed away in 2010.  We were very close and talked often.  I would hear the town gossip and what happened on Dr. Phil that afternoon.  Each phone call ended with,
"I love you Grandma."
"I love you too, honey.  Be careful."

Our loved ones leave us with memories.  My memories of my Grandma go back 24 years.  How lucky I was to have a grandma who came to every game, concert, spelling bee.  Who was there for every birthday, dance recital and sheep show.  Who not only got to see me graduate from high school but also walk across the stage to receive my college diploma.  The lessons she taught me and the love she shared with everyone she came into contact with.  Those are things that will NEVER be taken away, for as long as I live.

Today's Starfish

I only met Brooke's Grammy once, but she was a one of a kind woman.  I love hearing all the stories from Brooke and her mom.  I know how hard it is to lose a grandmother so for today's Starfish, I sent Brooke a flower arrangement to her work just to let her know she was in my thoughts.

be thankful every day - not just in November!

This Starfish is going to be a bit different than normal... My poor puppy Josie, who we have had since I was in 8th grade, is not doing very well so I was up til 4am with her and had to leave the house by 6:30 to make it to work on time!  She is going to be missed dearly when she is gone.  I am thankful for her.  She has been my best buddy for 12 years.



My little Josie when she was just a baby

 

 





 

You know the thing people are doing on facebook... the "I'm thankful for...." every day of November?  While I think that is great and all, I think it's important to remember what we are thankful for EVERY day of the year.  Back in August, I started keeping a "grateful journal."  Every day, I write down something I am grateful for.  Just one thing. Usually it is really simple, but it really makes me think every day.  If you have a hard time just slowing down and smelling the roses, try my method and see if it helps you like it has helped me!

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, try to remember what it is really all about.  There is so much hustle and bustle getting ready for Christmas that sometimes I think people forget to enjoy Thanksgiving.  And don't forget to eat lots of turkey!

My Grateful Journal

Today's Starfish

I have been dropped off at work a few times in the last month or so and today was one of those days.  My friend/co-worker has been kind enough to take me home after work on those days.  Today I really needed to get away from the office during lunch, but I didn't have my car.  Kim graciously let me borrow her car.  While I was out, I took it through the car wash and wiped down the dash and doors for her.  She was sure surprised when we got in her car after work.  Thanks, Kim, for driving me home when I have no car at work!!!!! :)

"Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates, and guys are just people to have fun with."

Maybe mistakes are what make our fate... without them what would shape our lives? Maybe if we had never veered off course we wouldn't fall in love, have babies, or be who we are. After all, things change, so do cities, people come into your life and they go. But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart... and if you're very lucky, a plane ride away. ~ Sex and the City


Friendship: noun

1. the state of being a friend; association as friends: to value a person's friendship.

2. a friendly relation or intimacy.

Synonyms 

harmony, accord, understanding, rapport.

BFF ~ BESTIE ~ SAME PERSON ~ SISTERS BY HEART ~ COMRADE ~ CONFIDANT ~

 

Let me tell you a little something.  Friendships are some of the most important relationships you will have in your lifetime.  Friends don't "break up" with you, or turn their backs on you, or judge you.  They are just there.  There to listen, there to talk.  There to laugh and cry and sit in silence when there are no words to be spoken. 

 

I met a group of my closest girlfriends in college.  We used to spend countless hours together - watching stupid tv shows, getting dressed up and going out all night, talking and crying and laughing.  We grew together.  We encouraged one another.  We endured the good and the bad and the ugly. 

 

Now we are spread out across the country - North Carolina, California, Minnesota, Colorado, Indiana, Chicago, Iowa.  We no longer have the luxury of walking across campus to see each other or meeting up for Starbucks or having a weekend of doing absolutely nothing together.

 

I wish I would have realized it in college.  How lucky I was to have all my closest friends in the same place.  I miss that.  Immensely.

 

Devon (Colorado) and Johanne (North Carolina) came to Iowa this weekend to visit.  I am lucky enough to have Brooke here in Iowa with me.  We made it a girls weekend and I couldn't have been happier!   I hadn't seen Dev for 8 months or Johanne for a year and a half!  It was just like old times.   We are already talking about the next time we will be able to get together.  And yes, I cried when they left!  (I may or may not be getting a little teary-eyed writing this right now!)

 

Today's Starfish

 

This morning, Devon and I got up extra early so we could go grab coffee before I had to go to work.  I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but we have come to understand how important our time together.  Back in our younger years, we may have skipped that early morning coffee time to stay in bed for another 40 minutes. 

 

It meant so much to me to have my friends in town this weekend.  I treated them to brunch and bottomless mimosas at Granite City yesterday and got our Starbucks this morning.  I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

I want to start off this post by thanking you all for reading my blog!  I was absolutely FLABBERGASTED by the amount of concern and questions so many of you showed me over this past week since I didn't post last week.  I received many emails, texts and calls.  Someone told me that their Tuesday wasn't as good as usual because they usually start their day off with my blog.  Others were concerned that the Starfish was over.  THANK YOU ALL for taking the time to read my blog and I hope I add a little inspiration to your day! 


Let's take a poll:  Raise your hand if you are SICK and TIRED of all the political ads!  Raise your hand if you can't wait for your facebook newsfeed to be a little less congested with everyone's political opinions!  Raise your hand if you are going to fulfill your duty as an American citizen and vote TOMORROW!

Hopefully most everyone raised their hands on that last one (figuratively of course!).

No matter your party, no matter your opinion, no matter your sex.  We all have a responsiblity to cast our vote tomorrow.  Just think about all those people in other countries who don't even have the option.    And remember - if you don't vote, you can't complain!

So - it has been a rough election year.  Lots of rudeness from each party, smirks during debates, terrible comments left on people's facebook comments and walls, etc etc.  But please remember, everyone is entitled to their own opinion!  And being a Democrat or a Republican does not make you any better or worse than anyone else :)  We are all Americans, after all.

Today's Starfish

When I got out of my car this morning to go into work, I found a penny next to the back tire.  This gave me my idea for my Starfish today.  When you find a coin on the ground, do you ever really look at it?  Maybe you look at the year, maybe you notice the ridges.  As I was looking at the penny I picked up, I started thinking about the presidents of our past - the ones that were so good that their head is now on a coin. 

Today I became a "coin fairy."  As I walked through the parking lots, through my work building and anywhere else I went, I dropped coins on the ground.  I always get excited when I see a coin and I pick it up - maybe it will bring me good luck or maybe it is just another coin to add to my "starbucks fund."  :)

When you cast your vote tomorrow, think about which person's head would be more likely to be minted onto a coin years and years down the road.  Because that is what our country needs right now!

October + Pink = Breast Cancer Awareness Month

"My cancer scare changed my life. I'm grateful for every new, healthy day I have. It has helped me prioritize my life."

~Olivia Newton-John

 

Chances are, you know someone who has cancer or someone who's life has been touched by cancer.  Maybe a friend or a relative or a co-worker.  And as you all probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  When you are out at the mall, you see lots and lots of PINK.  Pink shirts and pink ribbons.  Slogans like "Fight Like a Girl" and "Save the Ta-tas."

Yesterday at my church, a brave and inspirational family shared their story with the congregation about the mother's battle with cancer.  This woman happens to work at the same company I do.  During the service, I decided this was definitely going to be the topic of my Starfish. 

In 2010, Angie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer and was told she had 1-5 years to live.  Their story is so inspirational as they talk about their journey and how they keep their faith. I encourage you to watch the clip below and see for yourself.

http://sermons.hopewdm.org/ 
The sermon is from 10/21/2012 and is titled "Wandering." The Sanders' story starts at about 20:00 and is continued at 29:40.

My Challenge to you this Week: 

Be thankful.  Be faithful.  If you pray, pray for Angie.  Pray for every woman who is battling breast cancer.  Don't wait to live, really live, until you are told you may not have much time left.  Live your life to the absolute fullest - and love, love to the absolute fullest.

Today's Starfish

I was very touched by Angie and her family's story.  I was inspired by their faith and their raw, real conviction that they shared with hundreds of people.  I got up extra early today and stopped at Starbucks.  I bought 4 coffees - one for my friend who was celebrating her birthday, one for my other friend and one for Angie.  Angie and I do not work in the same department or even on the same floor, but I wanted to share with her how deeply touched I was by her story.  I took the coffee and a card down to her and let her know I was at church on Sunday and that I was praying for her and her family.  She was so surprised - she got goosebumps and tears sprang to her eyes.  It was a very moving moment and a great way to start my Monday. 

A Touchdown and 2 Extra Points for KINDNESS

Winning is not a sometime thing.  Its an all time thing.You don't win once in awhile.  You don't do the right thing once in a while.  You do them right all the time.  Winning is a habit.  Unfortunately, so is losing. 
-Vince Lombardi




The Hawks win in double OT.  ISU loses. Won my fantasy football match this week.  Made a delicious corn salsa dip and potato soup for the boys to eat while watching football.  It was a weekend of wins.  TOUCHDOWN!!!!

You may be a starter, a coach, a benchwarmer, a referee, a cheerleader, a waterboy, an underdog or a fan.
Maybe you are up in the stands every Friday night, bundled  under 3 blankets, cheering on your son who is a kicker for your local high school.  Or maybe you are an avid college football fan and you are at the tailgate Saturday morning by 4am, beer in hand, sporting your Hawkeye fleece.  Maybe you prefer the professional league and spend all day every Sunday, in someone's basement glued to the TV.  Or if you are like the guys I know, you have two TVs set up next to each other and are watching two different games at once.  TOUCHDOWN!!

Every day, we play our own game. We put on our uniforms - including the pads, the helmets, the cleats.  Because we never know when we are going to get tackled or stuck in the mud.  We are all working toward being a part of "special teams", making that field goal, grabbing that interception, scoring the winning touchdown or coming back for an impressive few minutes of overtime.  We huddle up and we take a few minutes to step back and evaluate the situation.  In life, like football, we all have our sights set on the goalposts.  There are going to be some hard hits throughout the game, you may get beat up a little bit, you may come out with some grass stains on your pants - but you keep your head held high and your chin strap fastened and you keep pushing through. 



 

Today's Starfish

Today, I gave a tissue to one of my Cyclone friends at work  so he could dry his tears from their loss on Saturday.  I gave my roommate a whole box.  TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!



Today's REAL Starfish


So... a girl walks into a bar...

Nope, this is not a bar joke...  I really did! :)

I went to a sportsbar at the beginning of the second quarter of the Monday Night Football game tonight and asked a waitress to buy a pitcher of beer for any table in the bar that would appreciate a free pitcher... and for her to keep the change for a tip.  She was speechless for a few moments.  She asked me why I wanted to do this and I explained to her what I do every Monday.  She thought it was really cool and said she was going to give the beer to one of her regular tables that comes in every Monday night.   I was so excited all afternoon as I was looking forward to doing this tonight.  TOUCHDOWN!

There is a Holiday Today? (not the one you are thinking! ;) )

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my back account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of clothes I wore. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."
~Unknown

Yes, you are right...it IS Columbus Day...but did you know it is also National Children's Day?!  I had never heard of this holiday until I checked out my calendar at work today.  And it got me thinking about how absolutely AWESOME kids are.

Now, I don't have any kids myself, but hopefully some day I will have some little munchkins that I can call my own.  If we pay close attention, we can learn so much from the children around us that may just help us in our own lives.

Kids are carefree. Their biggest worry might be what they are going to do at recess tomorrow or who they are going to sit by at lunch or if their daddy is going to read their favorite book before bed.  Children are innocent - they don't judge and they don't care about the color of your skin, your weight, how much you have in your bank account or what brand of clothes you are wearing. 

Don't you miss those days? The days where you didn't have so much to think about?  The days where you just went with the flow of life and loved every minute?  The days where you weren't trying to impress anyone and you were happy with who you are?  The days where you got an afternoon nap? :)

I know it's tough.  It isn't easy being an adult.  But why are we spending so much of our lives planning the next chapter instead of enjoying the page we are on now? 

My challenge for you this week is to remember what it is like to be a kid.  Even if you can set aside just 10 minutes of your day to be carefree and do something you normally wouldn't do, something you may see as childish.  See if you can bring back even the slightest feeling of being a child again... and revel in that moment :) 

Today's Starfish

I am breaking the rules this week - today's starfish is actually from yesterday but I have kept this great feeling with me all throughout today so it still counts! ;) 

Yesterday was my first day teaching Sunday School at my church.  I have a group of 4 year olds and even though I've only taught once, I absolutely love it and can't wait to go back!  Not only do I get to learn awesome songs and dances along with the kids, but I get to teach these small children how awesome God is and how much He loves them.  We learned about Moses and the burning bush.  We said a prayer and the kids repeated after me.  I told them that one of their hands is their "God" hand and their other hand is their "me" hand.  When they put them together, God is right there with them - listening to every word they say.

These kids are going to teach me so much with their open hearts and minds.  I am looking forward to teaching them and learning with them in the weeks to come. :)

HAPPY _____DAY!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."
~Oprah Winfrey

Birthdays.

Tomorrow is mine.

I'll be 26.  Kind of a weird age.  No longer in the "early twenties" and 30 has become a bit more of a reality. 

But really, age is just a number. Just like the number on the scale or the number on your last work review.  A number does not define you.  It does not make you who you are. 

And birthdays are fun to celebrate.  Birthday cards and birthday gifts.  People in passing wishing you a happy birthday. Phone calls and texts.  Someone maybe taking you out to dinner or bringing you a coffee.  And who could forget all the Facebook love you get on your birthday? 

People get so caught up in the "number" part of their birthday.  But let me tell you a few things:

• A.  50 is the new 30
• B.  Your birthday is the beginning of your new year - you get a fresh start
• C.  You can't stop time
• D.  Enjoy the day - it's really all about you!
• E.  Having a birthday is better than the alternative - NOT having a birthday

The point is, enjoy EACH day.  There is always something to celebrate.  And if you can't find something good in your day, make something good for someone else.  One day you won't have anymore tomorrows and you won't have anymore birthdays. 

Happy Day!

Today's Starfish

My mom and I visited the Windy City this past weekend for my birthday celebration.  It was a perfect weekend and the perfect way to celebrate!  I must mention that I saw real live starfish at the Shedd Aquarium!  We went to the Ghiradelli chocolate store and I got a ton of chocolates to re-stock my chocolate bucket at work.  I took the chocolates to work and they have been a big hit so far :)

*Must Love Dogs

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
~Author Unknown

If you have a pet - a dog or a cat or a giraffe or a fish or a horse - you understand the quote I am using this week.  I love dogs, so that is what I am going to go with. 

Your dog depends on you. He depends on you for food and for shelter and for walks. He depends on you for potty breaks if he lives indoors and he depends on you for haircuts and baths and medicines and treats and toys.

In your dog's eyes, you do no wrong.  You are perfect.  Your dog is never UNhappy to see you.  I cannot remember a time that I have come home from work or school to NOT be greeted by a wagging tail and a slobbery kiss.  Your dog thinks you are the kindest, most caring, most loveable person.  Your dog thinks you are perfect. 



So you already know where I am going with this, don't you?   Why don't you BE the person your pet already thinks you are?  Obviously we can't be PERFECT.  But you can be kind and caring and loveable to everyone you come into contact with - not just your dog.  You can provide different things to different people in the same way that you provide food and grooming and shelter for your pet.  It's just a different way of thinking about it. 

And be nice to your dog.  Dogs do so much for us.  They listen.  They snuggle.  They don't judge.  And they do the stupid tricks you teach them.  :)

Today's Starfish

Tonight, I watched Kirk and Kalvin while everyone else was doing other things.  They get along pretty well so it wasn't too hard, but no one else had to worry about what the dogs were doing!  Kalvin even shared his toys with Kirk.  That is a Starfish within a Starfish!

The Beauty of Autumn

"When you are afraid to change, remind yourself of the beauty of Autumn."
~Unknown



The crunch of leaves beneath your feet is unmistakable.  The air is crisp and the sun has already started to fade for the evening. The pumpkin spice latte and salted caramel mocha have made their way back on the menu at Starbucks.  The crops are being harvested and you can hear the constant hum of the combine in the cornfield outside your window. Football season has arrived and everyone is cheering on their favorite team and talking smack to their rivals. The autumn scented candles are back on the shelves at Bath and Body Works and have made your home smell like "Apple Crumble", "Cinnamon Nut Bread" and "Autumn Leaves".  Your hooded sweatshirts have made a comeback to the front of your closet and your open toed shoes are on their way to the back.

Summer is slowly fading into fall.  Everything around you is changing.  The sights, the smells, the tastes, the sounds, the feeling in the air.  Autumn is a time for change.  A time to peel off a layer of the past and begin with a smooth, fresh start.  A time to close the chapter on summer and begin something new and exciting.

Today is the first day I really felt like summer was coming to a close.  It was chilly - especially this evening!  I just had to get up from my computer and close my window.  Kalvin, the puppy, even wiggled under the covers the other night in bed.  The seasons are certainly changing.  Now is a great time to make some of your own changes in your life :)  Peel back that dusty layer of the past, open that new chapter and dive headfirst into the gigantic pile of leaves.

Today's Starfish

Kindness is not only about being kind to others, but also about being kind to yourself.  I am going to take my own advice this season and start making some changes in my life.  I am going to dive full force into my pile of leaves and start living whole-heartedly.  I am going to pay close attention to nature and find the beauty in every single day.  I am going to burn more fall scented candles and I am going to wear more hoodies and I'm going to watch more football games and I'm going to tell you how great my team is even if they are horrible.  I am going to feel, really feel, the crispness in the air and and I am going to stop and really hear the crunch of the leaves under my feet.  I am going to drink more pumpkin spice lattes and salted caramel mochas (try to stop me!) and I am going to wear more scarves and sweaters.  I'm going to watch the sunset and I'm going to take Kalvin on more walks.  I am going to slow down this autumn and really LIVE.

My challenge to you:  Do the same. 

FIVE MILLION ONE HUNDRED TWENTY TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHT!

If you can't feed a hundred people, just feed one.
~Mother Teresa


Saturday morning, I participated in an annual fight against hunger in central Iowa called Meals from the Heartland.  Meals from the Heartland began the hunger fight in 2007.  Since the beginning, it has fed 15,216 (average) hungry people per day. 

The event took place downtown Des Moines at HyVee Hall.  Teams of 8-10 of all ages join together and scoop soy protein, rice, vegetables and vitamins into bags that are shipped all around the world - Gallup New Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti, Kenya, Dominican Republic, Philippines, Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania and right here in Central Iowa. 

I was on a team of eight and we bagged meals for two hours.  We filled 22 boxes.  Each box contains 36 bags of food and each bag of food creates 6 meals.  If you do the math, I helped feed 4,752 people in just TWO HOURS!  And if you have not figured out my title already, the total meals packaged this year was 5,122,008 in just 4 days!  How AWESOME!

Isaiah 58:10 “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”

Today's Starfish

As I was grocery shopping today, I was thinking about the people who are hungry right here in my state. In my city. I tossed a few non perishable items into my cart that I will take to the Urbandale Food Pantry this week. It's the little things that we can do that can help someone else in a BIG way.

 



Give!

“Giving is a universal opportunity. Regardless of your age, profession, religion, income bracket, and background, you have the capacity to create change.”

-Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen - Philanthropist

 

 

While all of us are different and come from different walks of life, there is something we all have in common.

We all have the capacity to give. 

 

To give love, hope, faith. 

To give thoughtful gifts, greeting cards and monetery gifts. 

To give our time, labor and sweat.

To give kind words, loving smiles, and warm hugs. 

 

 

Today's Starfish

I am blessed with amazing girlfriends who each bring something different to our friendships.  One of my best friends is running her first full marathon in Chicago on October 7.  She is running with the American Cancer Society in memory of a few very special people in her life.  Lisa is an amazing woman and I am blessed to have her in my life.  I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments.

For today's starfish, I donated $50 to help her reach her fundraising goal for the marathon.

If you would like to know more about the marathon or donate yourself, please go to the following link or send me a message :)

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=42914&pg=personal&px=26314306

Back to School!

"You can get all A's and still flunk life."
~ Walker Percy



Remember your first day of school?  Were you so excited you couldn't sleep the night before?  Did you have your outfit picked out a week before school started?  Were you nervous, afraid you weren't going to make friends or know where you were supposed to go?  Think about all of those different emotions you felt on your first day of school - you may be thinking about elementary school, middle school, high school, or even college!  I am guilty of emotions like that EVERY first day of school I experienced.  Even in college.  My friends always laughed at me because I always went to each building the night before classes started to make sure I knew exactly what room I was supposed to be in for each class I was taking.

Today was the first day of school for many students.  Parents walked younger children into their classrooms and swallowed back tears as they walked out of the building.  Seventh and eighth graders exchanged summer stories. Excitement filled the high school halls as lockers slammed and bells rang. And the incoming freshman experienced their first class on the college campus. 

A LOT of learning happens in all of these types of school settings... but so much more than what comes from the textbooks.  Students (and teachers) are taught life lessons:  how to work hard, responsibility, kindness, how to maintain a routine, respect, how to treat others. 

I hope no one sat by themselves at lunch in the cafeteria and I hope everyone had someone to play with at recess.  I hope no one was made fun of for their braces and I hope no one was teased about the kind of shoes they were wearing.  I hope no one was bullied and I hope that if someone was, someone else stood up for them. 

Remind your kids and remember this yourselves : it is HARD growing up in today's world.  It is more important now than ever to love and be kind to everyone, no matter their background, race, sexual orientation, economic status or appearance. 


Today's Starfish

A very special friend of mine had her first day of first grade today.  The starfish for today was to talk to her on the phone to hear about her day - she did some math, made music with her hands, played outside, made new friends, wore a cool new outfit (along with an awesome hat seen below!) and has her very own desk!  It was very cool to hear how excited she was about her first day of school and I wish Brantley an awesome year at first grade!!