The Unexpected

 

James Dunn is a driver for East of Chicago Pizza in Barberton, Ohio.  He recently delivered a pizza to an elderly customer and noticed that the grass was overgrown and the yard was not in the best of shape.  After work, Dunn went home and loaded up his lawn mower and other tools.  He cut the grass and trimmed the hedges.  Then Morning Glory Landscaping & Cleanouts came by and picked up the clippings, trash, and bags of grass.

Kaleb Klakulak’s was upset when his best friend, K.J. Gross, died.  Kaleb, 12 years old, found out that K.J.’s mother couldn’t afford a headstone for his grave.  He found jobs that he could do to earn money to help.  His parents helped set up a PayPal account so others could donate as well.  Kaleb went to see K.J.’s mother, LaSondra Singleton, and gave her a check for $900 to help with the cost of the headstone.  LaSondra responded, “I cried because it was unexpected and I’m trying to figure out things from day to day.”

 

Winston is a high school U.S. History teacher in Kentucky.  He recently had a “first” happen in his class.  One of his A+ students wrote a note on his test to “extend his 5 bonus points to anyone in need.”  Winston reported, “He selflessly offered what rightfully belonged to him, his earned bonus to any peer who might have been facing particularly tough challenges on the day of the test.  He didn’t care if he considered them a friend or if they were cool.  It didn’t matter the situation that caused them to score lower.  He just wanted to help, be kind, and commit a loving act.  This note gave me so much hope.  Let us all be a little more like this young man.”  Winston decided to honor the student’s request.  The 5 points actually allowed the recipient to move from a failing grade to passing.    

 

Keri and her husband, Alan Miller, had completed their shopping at Walmart and were in the checkout line.  They overheard the young man in front of them tell the cashier, “I worked all summer long.  So, I told my mom she didn’t have to spend a dime on school supplies this year.”  Alan immediately shook the young man’s hand and encouraged him to continue what he was doing and that his future could take him anywhere he wanted to take it.  Valuing hard work, Mr. Miller then paid for the teenager’s school supplies.

 

This week, may we know the joy and blessing of doing the unexpected.

 

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Thoughtful Gestures

 

Ashley Jost bought a book at Target in Columbia, Missouri.  After finishing a chapter, she tossed the book onto the ottoman and $5 fell out.  That’s when Ashley also noticed a note that had been left in the book.  “To the person who buys this book: I am having a tough day.  I thought maybe I could brighten someone else’s with this little surprise.  Go buy a coffee, donut, or a face mask.  Practice some self-care today.  Remember that you are loved.  You are amazing.  You are strong.  Love, Lisa.”

Approaching the checkout line at Aldi’s, with her full cart, Jaimee Elwell motioned for a lady to go in front of her who only had a case of water and two other things.  The lady quickly grabbed flowers and then paid for her items.  As she was leaving, the lady turned and handed the flowers to Jaimee and wished her a happy day.  Elwell responded, “You have no idea how my life is right now and I truly needed this sweet gesture!  One kind act leads to another.  Just be kind.  Thank you so much for the smile today.”

 

Last week Gem Salter took River, her 6-year-old son, to Clarks to be fitted for shoes for school.  Since he is autistic, it is difficult for River to be in crowds, noisy places, or long lines.  The store was very busy that day.  Gem explained the situation to Aaran Daniel, the assistant store manager.   Immediately he took them to a staff room at the back of the store and placed a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.  Aaran found several styles of shoes for River to try on.  The quiet and peaceful environment helped River decide on the best shoes for school.  As they were leaving, Aaran gave Gem the store phone number and told her the next time River needed shoes to call and make an appointment.  That way they could come before the store opened when it was still quiet.

 

Mike Cordry’s wife works for Door Dash.  Recently, she delivered beautiful flowers to an elderly lady.  The woman handed them back and said, “These are for you, my dear.”  A $20 tip was also included.  Seeing the difference it made for his wife, Mike commented, “People can be awesome!” 

 

Even small gestures can make a big impact.  May our thoughtful deeds also make a difference this week.

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Paris Olympics 2024 Golden Moments

 

“Getting to know Jesus was a turning point in my life.  I’ve experienced hope, confidence, and peace, through the Olympics, and through life.  Jesus is always with you.”

~ Annette Echikunwoke, USA Silver Medalist, Hammer Throw

 

“What I have in Christ is far greater than what I don’t have in life.  He has prepared me for a moment such as this.  That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to him.”  “Records come and go, the glory of God is eternal.  I no longer run for self-recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone.  I don’t deserve anything.  But by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything.  I credit all that I do to God.  Regardless of what has happened He’s going to get praise through me.”

~ Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, USA Gold Medalist, 400m hurdles

 

“My identity isn’t a golf score…I believe in Jesus, that’s what defines me the most.”

Scottie Scheffler, USA Gold Medalist, Golf

 

Harvard University degree in neurobiology and global health

Master’s degree in Epidemiology from University of Texas

Volunteers at a clinic for the uninsured in Texas

Hopes to run a hospital to provide healthcare for those in need

“Who I am off the track has always come first.  Your sport is not who you are.  I hope when they look at me and they see what I do, they’re inspired to work hard.  They’re inspired to be kind to people and to give back to their communities when they can.  If I can leave that message with the world, then I’ve done my job.”

~ Gabby Thomas, USA Gold Medalist, 200m, 4x100 meters relay, 4x400meters relay

 

When interviewed, a reporter stated that Yemisi Ogunleye was in a gospel choir and asked what song she was thinking about as she waited to throw.  Instead of just mentioning the title of the song, “I Almost Let Go,” by Kurt Carr, she sang it!

“So I’m here today because God kept me

I’m alive today only because of His grace

Oh He kept me, God kept me

God’s mercy kept me

He kept me so I wouldn’t let go”

Yemisi Ogunleye, Germany Gold Medalist, Shot Put

 

When she was a teenager, Lola Anderson wrote in her diary, in pink highlighter, “My name is Lola Anderson and I think it would be my biggest dream in life to go to the Olympics and represent Team GB in rowing and, if possible, win a gold medal.”  Feeling like she was being cocky, Lola threw her entry in the trash.    Her father, Don, a rower himself, retrieved the crumpled-up piece of paper and saved it.  Seven years later he gave it to his daughter, two months before he died of cancer.  Lola won gold in the Paris Olympics and credits her dad for the inspiration.  Danielle Sherman-Lazar reminded, “Parents. You have a lasting impact.  What you say becomes what your children think.  If you believe in them, they’ll believe in themselves – and they could win gold.  You should be the reason they always try.  It matters.”

~ Lola Anderson, Great Britain Gold Medalist, Women’s quadruple Sculls

 

And whatever we do, may it be for God’s glory! 

 

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1

 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Olympic Observations

 

* For these few weeks we have the opportunity to concentrate on the good, positive, athletic, and talented people in our world.

* Knowing the hours of training, dedication, commitment, discipline, and hard work to train for a sport, athletes are quick to congratulate, encourage, and console each other before, during, and after competitions.

 

* It doesn’t matter which state an athlete comes from, or which university they attend, we are Team USA!

 

* The youngest Paris Olympian is 11-year-old Zheng Haohao, from China, who competed for women’s skateboarding.

 

* Mary Hanna, a 69-year-old Australian equestrian traveling reserve, is the oldest athlete in the 2024 Olympics.  Juan Antonio Jimenez Cabo, an equestrian from Spain, is 65 years old.  There are 15 Olympic athletes between ages 41 to 69.

 

* Approaching a finish line, it’s best to not slow down.

 

* Athletes who come in second in the heats or semi-finals can win in the finals, sometimes breaking Olympic and world records along the way.

 

* When an athlete tripped or fell, they got up and finished the race.

 

* Many athletes have had hardships to overcome in life.  Training and participating in their sport gave them an incentive to work for and hope.

 

* Countries still send athletes to compete, even when they have never won a medal.  In the Paris Olympics, two athletes won the first medal ever for their countries.  Julien Alfred, of Saint Lucia, ran in the women’s 100-m final, and earned a gold medal.  Thea LaFond, of Dominica, made history by winning a gold medal with a 15.02-meter jump in the triple jump. 

 

* Athletes are quick to acknowledge and thank parents, family, coaches, teammates, and some even God, for helping them reach their potential.  They know they didn’t succeed on their own.

 

* Win or lose, the cameras can be on you!

 

Whether it’s the Olympics or everyday life, may we, too, be quick to encourage those around us as we offer our hope, congratulations, appreciation, and/or consolation.

 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11