Words to Consider

 

"True strength is not measured

by how much you can overpower

others, but by how much you

can empower them.”

~ Bobby J. Mattingly

 

 

“I love a person

who walks through life

like they’re stitching

the world back together, one

act of kindness at a time.”

~ Case Kenny

 

 

“Kindness is not an act.

It is a reflection

of your soul.”

~ Lucy Viljoen

 

 

“It is not who is right,

but what is right,

that is important.”

~ Thomas Huxley

 

 

Someone once said,

“If you get on the wrong

train, be sure to get off at

the first stop.  The longer

you stay on, the more

expensive the return trip is

going to cost you.”

They weren’t talking

about trains.

~ Eleanor Rees

 

 

“BE MINDFUL

WHEN IT

COMES TO

YOUR WORDS.

A STRING OF

SOME THAT

DON’T MEAN

MUCH TO YOU

MAY STICK

WITH

SOMEONE

FOR A

LIFETIME.”

~ Toby Mac

 

 

“You can’t lift a thousand

pounds all at once.

Yet, you can easily lift one

 pound a thousand times.

Tiny, repeated efforts

will get you there.”

~ Marc & Angel Chernoff

 

 

“No one is

useless in this

world who

lightens the

burdens of

others.”

~ Charles Dickens

 

 

“A mistake repeated more

than once is a choice.”

~ Paulo Coelho

 

 

“A little consideration,

a little thought for others,

makes all the difference.”

~ Eeyore

 

 

This week, may our thoughts, words, and actions be pleasing to God and bless others.

 

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

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