you CAN too!

"Gratitude doesn't change the scenery.  It merely washes clean the glass you look through so you can clearly see the colors."
- Richelle Goodrich

Last week we talked about thankfulness and what Thanksgiving is all about.  We discussed that many of us forget to be thankful for what we do have, always wanting more and looking for the next best thing.

This week, let's think about those who are looking for the next best thing, which is a hot meal for their family.  Their next best thing is a new pair of shoes for their son.  A coat for the winter.  Gloves and a hat for the first snowstorm of the year.  

Our challenge to you this week - As you are going through your winter gear, getting things ready for the cold weather, take a look at what you own.  Can you part with that extra pair of mittens?  What about that scarf?  If so, donate them to your church or the nearest place that helps homeless.  Go through your pantry and donate any cans of food to your nearest food pantry.  Or next time you are at the grocery store, throw a few extra cans of food in your cart that you can donate.

Today's Starfish

Devon and I collected cans this week and donated them for people in need.  You CAN too!  

November = Month of Thanks

"Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."
-William Arthur Ward

November is here - can you believe it?  A month completely dedicated to giving thanks for all that we have - people and opportunities that have shaped our lives; necessities like food, clothing and shelter; our jobs, our friends, our family, our health.  And so much more!

Don't wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful for what you have.  GIve thanks everyday!

Our challenge to you this week - start November off right, with thanks.  Take a step back this month and look - really look - at everything you have.  Sometimes it seems like it is so much easier to focus on the things we don't have than it is to appreciate what we do have.  Be conscious of this and change your perception!



Today's Starfish

When Devon, Sarah and I were thinking about what it means to be thankful, and who we are thankful for, (and who may not get enough credit), our moms came to mind.  So, as a small way  to show our thanks and appreciation for EVERYTHING they have done for else since we were little babies in their tummies, we each wrote a handwritten thank you note to them that we will put in the mail.  There is nothing like getting a handwritten note from someone you love!

A Lesson from 3, 4 & 5 Year-Olds

"Treat others the way you would want to be treated."
Luke 6:31

This weekend, I worked at the children's ministry for my part-time job at my church.  Each month, we learn about a different virtue and coincidentally this month's virtue is kindness.  Also, each month we practice a memory verse - this month's memory verse is seen above.  I always teach the large group lesson to the kids at each service, and this weekend we watched examples of kids being kind and talked about how we can be kind to others.

I was blown away after the large group lesson when I was going from room to room checking on the classes.  The kids were so excited to tell me what THEY were going to do to be kind to someone else.

"I'm going to help my mom cook dinner."
"I'm going to give my favorite toy to my brother to play with."
"I'm going to say something nice to my friend at school tomorrow."
"I'm going to help clean the house."

The list went on and on!  It sure warmed my heart :)

Today's Starfish

This weekend, I learned from 3, 4 and 5 year olds that it doesn't really matter WHAT you do to be kind, as long as you just do it.  I asked Sarah and Devon to each do a random act of kindness of their choosing today.

For my random act, I bought the person behind me their coffee at Starbucks over my lunch break.  On a rainy, dreary day like today, I hope I brought a little sunshine into their Monday!

Sarah is currently in Hawaii and her boyfriend is missing her!  So she sent him a picture of herself and told him not to worry because she loves him very much and no distance or time will change that ever.

And, Devon was at the grocery store today and saw an elderly lady loading her car with groceries.  She offered to return the woman's cart for her.  Devon said it may sound little, but a little can go a long way.  She hopes she restored a sense of generosity and hope to this woman.  Our generation is not as selfish and rude as our reputation makes us sound!

The Not-So-Typical Bachelorette Party

"A kind and compassionate act is often its own reward."
- William John Bennett

Last week, a story went viral about an Iowa couple who gave a server a $100 tip on a $66 bill.  The service was terrible - it took 20 minutes to get water, 40 minutes for their appetizer and over an hour for the entree.  The restaurant was under-staffed and the server remained calm and polite despite the circumstances and unhappy patrons.  

"I said to Steven, wow, this used to be us.  Waiting tables.  I don't miss it at all and I never loved that job.  I did it for the tips.  Steven and I agreed it would be good to make this guy's night when he would probably be getting minimal to no tips due to slow service," Schultz wrote.

I love it when something like this happens - it takes a life of its own and is all over the news and social media.  In a world full of bad news everyday, it is a breath of fresh air to see a random act of kindness like this make the headlines!

Today's Starfish

Devon and I were at an epic bachelorette party over the weekend in Vegas with a very down to earth group of girls.  We tried to break the stereotype of snotty bachelorette parties - we were kind to everybody and tipped well.  

The drink server at the pool was so appreciative of us - she said we made her whole day and thanked us for being so nice.  And she said we were just what she needed that day.

Glad we could make her day!  I am sure she comes across a lot of not so nice customers out in Vegas :)

Birthday Blessings

"Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours."
- Marcus Aurelius

PERSON 1
Oh, if I only had this.  I could really use one of these.  This would match my outfit SO well.  This would make my life so much easier.  And I definitely NEED this.  And maybe this too.  And this for work.  And this for vacation.  And this for my fall wardrobe.  And this in this color. And these because they MATCH this.  

PERSON 2
I wish I could have food.  I am so hungry.  I would love to have some fresh, cold water today.  I wish I had a new pair of shoes because my feet get cold and wet.  I wish I had a new toy to play with.

BIG difference between 1 and 2, right?  Most of you reading this probably fall into the category of person 1.  We long for materialistic things;  things we don't really NEED, but rather want.  We don't worry about where our next meal is coming from or if there is bacteria in our filtered water.  If we need a different pair of shoes, we go to our closet or the store.  If we want a new toy to play with, we save up and go buy an iPad or a new cell phone.

Don't forget to be thankful for what you have.  There ARE people who fall into category 2.  It is easy to get caught up in our lives and forget to be thankful for everything we have.

Our challenge to you this week - Next time you pour yourself a big glass of water or sit down to a hot meal, think about those who don't have that luxury.  And remember, the best things in life aren't things.

Today's Starfish

The child Devon and I sponsor, Sonton, is turning 5 on October 2 (which also happens to be my birthday!).  For a gift, we sent a birthday card with a little bit of money inside.  In the card, we told him how much we love him and that Jesus loves him too.  We told him he shares a birthday with me and that Devon and I would be spending that day together and would be thinking of him and praying for him.

With the monetary gift we are giving Sonton, he is able to pick something he wants - whether it be rice for his family, a new toy or doll, or new clothes.  This is probably one of the first gifts Sonton has ever received.  We are providing something for this young child that so many of us may take advantage of.

As Sonton grows up, we will strive to build a relationship with him.  Just as Devon stated to me earlier today - It is not always about the material things.  She is thankful (me too!) that she gets to spend my birthday week with me and help me celebrate.  Friendship is one of the greatest gifts that we can receive, and that we can give.  And don't you forget that!

Stellar Service

"Always give people more than what they expect to get."
-Nelson Boswell

Experiences with the service industry can be frustrating, to put it mildly.  Rude cashiers, long hold times, impatient servers.  You know exactly what I am talking about and you can probably think back to a recent time where you experienced this yourself.

A lot of us have been on the other side and worked in the service industry - Sarah, Devon and I have been there!  Serving people all day is not always the easiest job and the people who do these jobs are not always the most pleasant people.

But sometimes, you come across great customer service that deserves to be recognized!  Maybe by a nice tip or a kind compliment.  

Maybe you go the extra mile and send a card or speak to a manager about their stellar employee. 

Our challenge to you - Notice good service when you see it.  Point it out.  Say thank you.  Make that person's day!

Today's Starfish

Devon wrote a thank you to a Starbucks manager, touting the service of one of their employees.

I sent an email to the manager of a hotel I stayed at this weekend, thanking them for their service and letting them know their staff was very accommodating.  

I am sure it will be nice when these managers receive these notes.  Focusing on the positive can be a difference maker when most of the time all these people hear are negative complaints!

A New Leaf

"Just like the seasons, people have the ability to change."

The crisp crunch of leaves echoes with every step.  The aroma of chili simmering in the crockpot illuminates the air.  College Game Day plays in the background on Saturday Mornings.  Hues of reds, oranges and yellows line the trees.  Your taste buds awaken with sweet pumpkin spice.  Is this heaven?!

Have you felt the chill in the air?  Enjoyed your first PSL of the season? (That's Pumpkin Spice Latte for all you non-Starbucks drinkers out there.)  Football; pumpkin break; hooded sweatshirts.  Pumpkin patch visits; hayrides; harvest.  HONEY CRISP APPLES!!!

What does fall mean to you?

The temperature is changing.  Leaves are turning colors.  Flip flops to Ugg boots; tank tops to cardigans; sunglasses to scarves.  

Change is all around us.  It is a perfect time to turn a new leaf or have a change of heart.  Give an old friend a second chance; put judgments behind and get to know someone you may have written off for a superficial or silly reason.  Do something for yourself.  Put the past behind you.

What can YOU change beginning this fall?

Today's Starfish

For today's Starfish, we are each turning a new leaf in our lives.  We consciously made the decision to give someone another chance, be more open to change and to put the past seasons behind us.  

We challenge you to do the same.

A Healing Heart

"Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth 'You owe me.'  
Look what happens with a love like that.  It lights up the whole sky."
-Hafiz

We've all been there.  You're sick; you have a little flu bug or a sniffle.  You're hurting; you have to have surgery.  You're sad; you just want to spend the day under the covers.

When you felt these things, think of the people who were there for you.  The outpouring of love.  The flowers or the cards or the phone calls or texts or the prayers or the drives to the doctor's office.  People support you, no matter what you are faced with.

Have you been that person for someone else?  Have you been there during a rough patch or during an illness?  You probably have.  

Our challenge to you this week - do it more often. It will be beneficial for the both of you :) 

Today's Starfish

Sarah, Devon and I each know someone who was feeling a little under the weather or who recently had surgery.  We decided to show an outpouring of love to those people by getting them a little something to brighten their mood.

Cold Head, Warm Heart

"We make a living by what we get.  We  make a life by what we give."

-Winston Churchill

If you've been at all tuned in to social media or even the news the last week or so, you certainly know about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

As there is with everything that "goes viral", there has been both negative and positive reactions to this trending thread.  It is important to NOT look at this as a trend or fad but to see what it really is all about!  The money; the awareness - people are talking about a debilitating disease that most of us knew nothing about.  A disease that can strike any one of us; a disease that effects as many as 30,000 Americans at any given time; a disease that is not treatable.  

Maybe you are getting annoyed with all the ice bucket challenges in your newsfeed; maybe you were thinking you were going to dodge that nomination and you didn't.  But ask yourself - why are you letting yourself get worked up about something that is helping others?  There are so many terrible and ridiculous events that happen DAILY - we should be rejoicing that we are coming together for a common cause - regardless of our race or sexual orientation or ethnicity or socioeconomic boundaries.  

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge goes hand in hand with Starfish Mondays - be kind and pay it forward.  You never know who you might be helping.

Today's Starfish

I'm sure you've guessed it by now.  For today's starfish, Devon, Sarah and I made our donation to the ALS.  Don't forget to donate!

The No Return Policy

"Love and kindness are never wasted.  They always make a difference.  They bless the one who receives and they bless you, the giver."
-Barbara De Angelis

Kindness is never wasted.  No matter how big, no matter how small - it always makes a difference…. in at least two lives.  Let's give that a moment to sink in.  

How many THINGS do you have that can make a difference like that?  Material things - not that many probably.  Kindness is free - it is a gift to the giver and a gift to the receiver.  You don't have to save up for it and you certainly don't have to ask for a gift receipt.  

There is a no return policy for the gift of kindness.

Today's Starfish

Today, Sarah, Devon and I decided we would focus on being courteous all day - letting people go in front of us in lines and in traffic; spending a few extra seconds spreading joy through our words and body language.  

I asked the girls to write a little blurb about their experience for the blog and want to share these with you:

Sarah -

"Today was our YMCA's 50th Birthday Celebration.  We had cupcakes, water bottles and a balloon launch at 3pm.  I was so excited to get to do my Starfish task today!  I smiled and greeted everyone I met and they were all so friendly back; I could tell they appreciated the sincerity in someone asking how their day was and continuing on the conversation after their response instead of just saying "that's good" and walking away.  I even made balloon animals for the kids!  Their faces just lit up with joy when they got to take home a bunny or a puppy balloon!  Today definitely helped me realize how sometimes we ask how someone's day is going, but never truly listen to the response.  It's helped me really open up to listening and responding in a way that lets the other person know I truly care."

Devon - 

"Isn't it crazy how when you are in a hurry, you are quick to anger?  Someone cuts you off and all hell breaks loose in your car.  Today it was my goal to take some extra time so that I could be courteous to others.  I was able to let several people go ahead of me at the turn.  I parked further away so that it might make someone's day to get a closer parking spot.  Hopefully these little acts impacted others.  Strangely, it really helped me to stay positive because I wasn't pissed off at someone for making me late.  It really is the little things that can make or break your Monday."

Our challenge to you this week - do something like what Devon and Sarah did.  Truly listen to someone when you ask how their day is going.  Park further away and give up your close parking space.  Spread your joy to children because we all know their smiles are contagious.    Let someone out in front of you rather than hurrying on your way.  

Your kindness is never wasted.

Spread Your Bagel, Spread the Joy

"Turn Monday blahs into Monday ahhs." :)


Negativity is contagious.  It is much easier to dwell and complain about the things that are not going our way that it is to talk about things that are actually going smoothly.  It is more interesting (and maybe you'll even get some sympathy) to talk about how you overslept, burnt your toast, spilled your coffee and got stuck in traffic than it is to tell someone that your routine was successful this morning.  I mean, where is the fun in that?!

We get sucked in my others' negativity.  At work, at school at home.  It doesn't matter where you are.  Be aware of this - and also be careful that you aren't the one creating the negative environment.  We have to work hard to create a positive and enjoyable environment for ourselves, ESPECIALLY on Mondays.

Our challenge to you - next time you find yourself around someone with a case of the Mondays, remove yourself completely from the situation.  Go back to your desk and make a list of all the positive things in YOUR life.  Be proactive in choosing your path for the day.

Today's Starfish

As an easy way to help prevent a case of the Mondays for ourselves and our co-workers, we decided to bring bagels to share this morning.  It is always nice to come into work on a Monday morning with a surprise waiting for you.  And maybe they helped turn someone's day around :)

Open Door Policy

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."
-Walt Disney

Curiosity.  What if curiosity didn't exist?  What if we already knew everything that was going to happen to us every day of our lives?  Pretty boring huh?  There would be no wonder; no interest; no fascination.  

No concern about what is behind door #3.  No anticipation about what is in that envelope.  No skepticism; no bewilderment; no perplexity.

Think about life your for a moment.  Are you open to new things?  Are you open to people who may not do things exactly how you would or people who have a different set of beliefs and life experiences? 

Open your door. Fling it wide open.  From now on, live your life with an open door policy - be curious.  Be full of wonder and fascination.  

Be open.


Something Special

Meet Sarah.  Sarah is my oldest friend (we've known each other since we were 4 and 5).  Sarah has been a devoted reader of this blog since it began and currently lives in Kansas.  Sarah is the newest contributor to Starfish Mondays.  She is joining Devon and me and is taking Starfish Mondays to Kansas!  










Today's Starfish

In the spirit of opening doors - to life, to Sarah, to curiosity - today's Starfish was a simple one.  Devon, Sarah and I spent the day opening doors for others.  Holding a door is nothing hard.  But it does cause you to stop.  Look someone in the eye.  Smile.  Maybe exchange a word.  Slow down.  

Our challenge to you - Spend an entire day letting others go ahead of you.  Open a door.  Find that curiosity in life.  Have the courage to step through that open door that is waiting for you.  Remember, open door policy.

An Important Investment

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
-Robert Louis Stephenson

Think back…... or think in the now.  Has anyone ever invested in your life?  Invested themselves in helping you make the most of your life?  Given you an opportunity you normally wouldn't have had if they hadn't been there?  Showed compassion or empathy at the perfect time... just when you needed it?

Maybe you were a child in elementary school and an adult paid a little closer attention to you or praised you more than you received at home.  Maybe you were a teenager headed down the wrong road but someone swooped in and redirected your path.  Maybe you were in your 20s or 30s and your career wasn't going where you had hoped and someone came to your rescue because they knew of an opportunity that would be a perfect fit for you.  

Investing in someone's life can change the whole direction of their journey.  

Our challenge for you this week - Be that person for someone.  

Send someone a letter or a text message or have a conversation.  Pick up the phone and let someone know you care.  Ask if there is anything you can do to help.  Begin a friendship or renew that relationship with someone.

Think of that person who did it for you.  Thank them.

Today's Starfish

As you may recall, Devon and I began the commitment of being a sponsor to a 5-year-old boy from Bangladesh on the Fourth of July this year.  

We want to be those people for Sonaton.  We hope to make a difference in his life, not only with the few dollars we send but also with our inspiring words and prayers and hopes for his life.

We received our first letter from him recently.  He told us about his family and that he wants to be a Doctor when he grows up.  He would love to visit a zoo and asked that we pray for his studies as he is starting school soon.

For today's starfish, Devon and I are responding to his letter so that he knows a little more about us and that we are praying for him and thinking of him.

This is just the beginning of our investment in a child who lives very differently than us.

"I made a difference for that one."

"After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said, 'I made a difference for that one.'"
-excerpt from The Starfish Story

As many of you know, I work part-time at my church as a children's ministry facilitator for 3, 4 and 5 year olds.  (Never a dull moment!)  This weekend after the Saturday night 5:00 service that I worked, I decided to go to the 6:30 service titled "Lost People Matter."

As I was sitting in the worship center drinking my coffee, listening intently about helping lost people - inviting them to go somewhere with you, providing a kind smile or a warm conversation, letting someone know you care - lo and behold! the pastor started to tell The Starfish Story!

I felt like I was truly right where I was supposed to be at that exact moment.  It made me start thinking about my blog and totally reinforced the idea behind Starfish Mondays.  You truly can make a difference in someone's life - it doesn't matter how big or how small the kind deed is; it is the act of being kind alone that can restore someone's faith in humanity.  Maybe this blog will touch just one person today - but that one person is worth it.  

Today's Starfish

Today's Starfish was simple - I told Devon about my experience at church and we decided that today, we were going to go the extra mile to smile at everyone we came into contact with and just be extra nice - to people at the grocery store, the gym, the coffee shop, work.  Act like everyone we interact with is a like a Starfish we are sending back into the ocean - making a small difference in their lives.  Plus, the act of smiling and being kind make people happier :)

Our challenge to you:  Dedicate a day to "throwing starfish back in the water."  Say a kind word to as many people as possible; smile extra big at someone you meet in the hallway.  You have no idea what that kind gesture or smile can do to make a difference in that person's life!

Ray of Hope

"Over the past year, I've come to love butterflies and rainbows.  After all, without change, there'd be no butterflies.  And without a storm, there'd be no rainbows.  I especially like this rainbow I saw this morning while running.  I had to stop, get my phone untangled, and take a picture.  It was just a ray, I couldn't see any other part of it.  Just this ray.  So whatever your 'storm' is - if some days seem too dark, too hard… My prayer for you is that you'll always be able to find a ray of hope, even if it is small.  Happy Monday, friends."
-Amy, my long-time friend and neighbor.  

This was Amy's Facebook post this morning, and personally, it helped me get ready to face the day.  I had a rough morning and seeing her post while lying in bed gave me the strength to find my ray of hope and get ready to face the day.  Monday mornings can be so hard sometimes.  But that was a perfect reminder for me (and you) to find that ray of hope.

We've all been there.  We think things can't possibly get any worse than they are… but then they do.  The streak of bad-luck seems never-ending.  If it's not one thing, it's another.  When it rains, it pours.

But we know there is light at the end of the tunnel.  We know there is a ray of hope waiting for us.  We know, because we've been here before.  We've been here before, and we've survived.  We will survive this time and we will survive next time and we will survive the time after that.  Because that is what we do.  You are resilient.  You are strong.  You are brave.

Today's Starfish

Everyone goes through hard times.  No one is immune to rough days.  Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you may know nothing about.  A friend of Devon and mine has gone through her share of trials and tribulations recently.  The wedding dress she picked out turned out to not lay right (even after she sent it back to get fixed) so she has to pick out a new one.  Did I mention her wedding is in three months?!  Oh, and her honeymoon got cancelled.  So they have to plan a new one!  And on top of all this plus the normal stresses of having a wedding, she is having some health issues.  Did I mention her wedding is in three months?!

We wanted to let her know we were thinking about her, so we collected some inspiring and uplifting quotes and thoughts, got some of her favorite candies and a few other things to make her smile and put together a little care package to lift her spirits.  

Our challenge to you - Be aware.  Be aware of the people around you and be sensitive to situations you may know nothing about.  A warm smile or quick hello may be just what they need to make it through the day.  Be someone's ray of hope.

In Touch

We hope you enjoyed last Friday's special Starfish!  Devon and I are so excited for this new journey together and for Sonaton to be a part of our lives.  We know it is a big commitment, but giving up a small luxury we take for granted (like a weekly Starbucks or a few glasses of wine) can make a big difference for this child.  




I think that if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them and let them fight for you.  Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or too tired, don't take them for granted.  Friends are part of the glue that hold life and faith together. Powerful stuff.
~Jon Katz

It can't be said enough.. friends-true friends-will be there for you… unconditionally.  A friendship is relationship - you put in what you get out of it.  Sometimes we tend to lose sight of this.  We get wrapped up in our lives, in our jobs, in our family and in our routines.  We play phone tag, we set up plans to talk and they fall through, we text all day but don't actually hear a live voice.  We are losing contact without really losing contact.  Sad!


Today's Starfish

Devon and I decided that enough is enough!  We said that tonight we would make the time to call an old friend, someone we haven't spoken to in some time.  I got to speak to two of my good friends who I usually play a ridiculous amount of phone tag with and Devon also spoke with one of her good friends she doesn't get to talk to very often.  Success!

Our challenge to you - give your thumbs a break!  Dial up that friend that you don't talk to enough.  C'mon, everyone has one!

From Sea to Shining Sea

O beautiful for spacious skies
Stand beside her and guide her
Stuck a feather in his hat
Land that I love
For amber waves of grain
Sweet land of liberty
Every heart beats true for the red, white and blue
Oh say can you see
Of thee I sing
When the saints go marching in
From sea to shining sea.

The Fourth of July is a time to be grateful.  Grateful for this amazing country we live in, the freedoms we have, the men and women who served and are serving our country, the freedom to make choices, freedom to vote.  The list goes on and on.

Have you been paying attention to the national news lately?  Riots in the street, murder due to religious beliefs, reckless killings of teenagers, severe raping and beatings of women.  And the list goes on and on.

We are lucky.  And if you're like me, it's something you might take for granted.

This Fourth of July, be thankful.  Thankful for the drink in your cup, the food in your belly, the parade passing by.  When you look at the flag, understand what it means.  When you hear a patriotic song, put your hand over your heart.  And when you see a veteran or a serviceman or woman, thank them for honoring your country.

Today's Starfish

Devon and I made the decision to commit  to sponsor a child in a third world country, who does not experience the same way of life we do.  Through Compassion International (www.compassion.com), we are able to help provide food, clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, life skills and most importantly the opportunity to learn about Jesus and be encouraged to develop a relationship with God.  

Please meet Sonaton, a 4 year old boy from Bangladesh.  He shares my birthday (Oct. 2) and was born the same year Devon and I graduated from Drake, 2009.  

We are so excited to go on this journey together as best friends and will sponsor Sonaton until he is 18 years old.  

Sometimes we need to take a step back and be grateful for all that we do have, and think about ways we can help those who do not.

Happy 4th of July!

The Need Next Door

"And the second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
~Matthew 22:39

What is a good neighbor?

Growing up in a rural community, a good neighbor fed your animals while you were out of town, made a casserole for your family when a newborn arrived or tragedy struck, called you when your cows were out and delivered Christmas cookies during the holidays.

In a city setting, a good neighbor does many of the same things... brings you your mail when it gets mixed up with theirs, mows your lawn, scoops your walk after a blizzard and lends a helping hand when things get rough.

Oftentimes, we think of our neighbors in the literal sense - those who live next to us.  But in reality, everyone is our neighbor.  As the verse above reads, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  Treat others (your neighbors) as you want to be treated. 

Sounds easy, but do we really do it?  Or are we wrapped up so tightly in our own lives that we don't even notice the joys and the sufferings of those around us?  

Our challenge for you this week - Be aware.  Be aware of those around you and those you see on a daily basis.  Be aware of their moods and what they may be going through in this chapter of their journey.  You never know when your kind smile or thoughtful words may change someone's outlook.  Lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, help an elderly person carry their groceries to the door, wave a friendly wave to the mailman, take 2 minutes to have a quick conversation with someone on the elevator.  It's not hard.  Trust us :)

Today's Starfish

Last week, Devon's mom Ann shared the news that their neighbors in Colorado Springs (age 63 and 65) lost their 36 year old daughter to a brain hemorrhage.  She left behind 4 daughters - ages 13, 11, 2, and 2 weeks.  The grandparents welcomed the girls into their home with open arms, but how overwhelming this whole situation must be for all involved.  This family is in need of comfort, strength, love and prayer!  

We wanted to reach our arms out to this hurting family.  Ann is throwing a baby shower for the 2 week old, Devon got a Coldstone Creamery gift card (because ice cream makes everyone smile!) and my mom and I got the three girls Old Navy gift cards so they can each get something new for school in the fall.  

If you would like to reach out to this family - please keep them in your prayers!  God is always good, but sometimes very hard to understand.  If you want to send a card or anything that could help, please send to Ann Clarkson and she will make sure it gets to this family.

6030 Ashton Park Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Spread Kindness

 "No kind action ever stops with itself.  One kind action leads to another.  Good example is followed.  A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.  The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." 
~Amelia Earhart


Today is all about that quote - so make sure you read it!

Devon and I brought back Starfish Mondays six weeks ago and we are so glad we did!  Let me just share with you some of the awesome results we have already seen from this blog!  Not only is it helping us connect on a more regular basis as best friends - we talk all the time, but it forces us to think outside the box and talk at a regular time every week - but it is also taking on a small life of it's own!  

May 12 - Target gift card to a friend who lost his condo in a tornado
I received the the nicest phone call from him, telling me that that was the nicest thing that has happened to him since the tornado :)

May 19 - A Cup of Joy (took coffee to a co-worker)
My good friend Sarah, who lives in Kansas, was inspired by this post.  She took a co-worker a cup of coffee that very next day!

May 26 - God Bless the USA
We featured our friend Gina in this blog and thanked her for her sacrifices as a military wife, and also thanked her husband who is deployed in Qatar.  Devon received these messages from Gina:

"Thank you, that's very touching to my heart."  And "Thank you for the amazing card!  Brought tears to my eyes."

June 2 - Five Minutes (phone call to a loved one)
I received this message from an old college friend, Dhara.

"I wanted to send you a message to tell you that I love reading your Starfish Mondays!  After I read your post last night, I was inspired to talk to my great aunt who lives in India.  As you mentioned in your post, she was definitely thrilled to hear from me!"

From moms reading and sharing our posts to friends "liking" our blog on Facebook We love hearing that Starfish Mondays have evolved and we love hearing what you have done and your ideas!  Keep 'em coming!

Today's Starfish

Today, we put change in an envelope and taped it to a vending machine.  The envelope read:

"Random act of kindness.  Enjoy a drink or treat on me!"  And then it listed Starfish Mondays' website.

Devon put hers on a vending machine at her office early in the day.  Later this afternoon, she heard from the lucky recipient!  The surprise had made her day and she loved the blog.  She is already thinking about what she can do next Monday to spread some simple joy. I put mine at a vending machine at the mall.  I hope I made someone's Monday a little better!

Puppy Love

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."

We could learn a lot from dogs, ya know? 
They don't judge others.  They don't discriminate.  They don't hate.  They don't care how much money you make or what brand of clothes you wear or what kind of car you drive.  They don't hold grudges or slam doors.  They love unconditionally.  No matter what mood you are in  - they love you.  If you are having a bad day or if you are sick - they know, and they won't leave you side.  We could learn a lot from dogs.

Well, if you are friends with me on Facebook, you know I just got a new puppy!  She is adorable and lovable and sassy.  I am so in love! Her name is Millie and she has the sweetest little face.  She doesn't let me out of her sight and she is quite a snuggler.

Today's Starfish

I am traveling for work this week, so Devon and I decided our Starfish would be a little different and we would do it over the weekend rather than Monday.  Kindness is for everyone - not just humans!  Devon and her husband have two dogs and I have little Millie so we decided we would spend extra time with our little loves than normal - take them on a longer walk, play with them a little more.  We love our furry friends!



Millie



Sage and Danger