Birthday Awesomeness...

First let me give a little caveat. This post is by no means, in any way, at all bragging, gloating, or anything to that nature. I decided to do something for my birthday that was not for me. Something that would allow me to share God's love and awesomeness with all around me... also, let me say that I am not perfect my any means- but I can always improve. There are some things on this list that may sound trivial or "easy" but I believe that even the little things- the every day things we do can Glorify God. So, let me explain what went down...

I turned 27. This means I get to come up with 27 random acts of LOVE to share with others- whether they know it is "me" or not, is irrelevant. It is not me, but rather God that has shown me love and now, I am able to love others. I just want everyone to see His Glory, His Word and know that they are loved.

This is what the little things I made look like. I printed off a "kindness" tag that is attached to a NBC thing. I attached this where applicable.

So, here we go... this ideally would all be done on one day, but for me it had to be done over the course of a few days (some things are just not feasible with me driving/ working from 6am and getting home at 7pm). Also, I wanted to include Logan in as much as possible...

The first thing to do was early in the morning. Have you ever been in Atlanta traffic or simply around Atlanta drivers? It's as if they are from a different breed! So, (1) I must avoid road rage. Well, since I don't get that rage-ified, it was more, be nice, patient, etc.

I just thought this picture was funny... But, true. It was difficult at times, but when the car in front of me was rolling back and almost hit me, I did not scream and wave angry fists in the air. I just gave a honk of my horn to alert him in a nice way. Then, I get to work. held the door (2) and elevator (3) open for the people behind me. Along with this, it would be nice to let others go first (4).Sounds easy/ simple but sometimes that is what makes the difference. With all the hustle and bustle, it is nice to say "good morning" to people as you hold the door open for them. And, with the elevator, it is like crazy around here. People will run into the elevator and want to push the "door close" button on people. Not this morning, I was the annoying person who held it open for everyone... and they were appreciative!

Next, after I was a little bit settled in to work, I wrote a note (5) to an awesome person who is absolutely amazing. This was no forced note, it was sincere and expressed thanks. Then, emailed my grandmother (6). Just a "hey" and to see how she is doing. After that, I did the thing that brings me weekly love... I wrote cards to those on the card ministry list (7). Some may not realize, but the card ministry is an awesome and easy way to love on people! I adore it and am so appreciative to be a part of it!

And, next comes one of my absolute favorite things to do... send stuff! sent a baby gift (8) and a random surprise to my love in Afghanistan (9)!

And, the next is hard sometimes, but it was to be patient (10) with taxpayers on the phone...

At my job, it is VERY easy to gripe, be irritable and complain all day. Literally - all day of every day... there is that much to complain about. BUT, instead of doing that, I tried really hard to stay positive (11). God has been working with me on this and I have gotten better, though I fail sometimes, I was very conscious of it today.

And, SMILE (12) as often as I can!

The next day, we went and visited (13) someone. What a great honor to be able to go visit with someone who needs some company!

Also, we took a meal (14) to help ease the load, even if it is just for one tiny second!

Also, did a little random cleaning (15) for someone!

While at the post office, sent an "I love you" little present (16) to an awesome friend and a few days ago,

sent a card with a small target gift card in it for my cousin's child (17). They don't really talk to us but I am praying that God can work in their lives.

Who doesn't love missionaries and have a special place in your heart for them? I admire them so much. This week, our highlighted missionary is Steve Strull to Germany. In addition to sending him a card, enclosed was a $1 bill in there (as suggested from the Preacher) (18). The theory is if we all send him a card and put $1 in it, he will have a good little bit of money.

Have you ever wanted a drink from the vending machine and just did not come up with enough change? Hmmm maybe someone will leave you a $1 to get a nice, cold beverage (19)!

[I forgot to take a pic of this...but, you can imagine a $1 with the "kindness card" stuck with tape to the vending machine where you put the money]

And, who doesn't love to get messages? why not text (20) the people you love and don't talk to very often...

(21) Give a large tip (honestly, I am not so good at leaving tips... wm usually handles this)

(22) leave a little something for the mail person

Then, why not leave $1 bills in the dollar store (23)? One for the boy's toy section and one for the girls!

(24) pay for a random person's meal...

Also, wrangled up those pesky grocery carts (25) that are abandoned in the parking lot...

It never hurts to be neighborly (26)... maybe invite to church or just as easily not cringe when you see certain neighbors (they are God's children too-I have to keep reminding myself this sometimes!)

And, finally, picking flowers (27) for someone special (or random)...

So, there ya have it... the best birthday ever! I am pretty certain I found a new tradition! I will say that I still have to complete 2 of the items above but wanted to go ahead and publish the post... it will get done in March, so with schedules and such, I just could not do it all in one or two days...

ALL of the things that were completed were for God's Glory. To show Him to others I know and love, and to equally show to completely random individuals. You just never know what God will do in their lives and hearts, even with something as little as a smile!