Random Act of Kindness
My favorite thing to do this time of year well actually all year long but especially this time of year.
Just a random act of kindness doing something small or big to help someone else out in need.
Terry and I were out to dinner the other night and a young couple with 4 little ones was going over their Christmas list and talking about which up coming pay check they will use to buy gifts for the kids for Christmas. They wanted to stick to a budget and not charge anything. The hubby was saying his next check will have his overtime on it and that is where they could find the extra money for the kids gifts this year. I thought that was so sweet how they were figuring out where the extra cash for Christmas will come from to buy the kids something for Christmas.
So Terry and I paid their dinner check. Going out with 4 kids for dinner is not cheap and we thought to ourselves been there done that so lets help them out and pick up their dinner check as a random act of kindness. This way they would have a little extra cash towards the kids gift buying.
They had the same waitress so we just had her give their check to us and we paid theirs and ours and left before they could know who paid their bill. Just a nice random act of kindness.
So today I am going to do a little post on random acts of kindness.
You are all angels to me to come read my blog posts and leave your sweet messages. So I want to share some kindness with all of you. So below you will see the little treasures I found to do a give away here today.
All you have to do is leave me a comment sharing with all of us an act of kindness you did for someone. It is always heart warming to read the wonderful acts of kindness that we do for each other.
In the spirit of your act of kindness I will put your name into a hat and pull out the names.
This is open to the United States only. I wish I could open it up to all of you sweet bloggers from other countries but the shipping is cost prohibitive. Hope you understand but I invite you to share your act or acts of kindness with all of us. It just does my heart good to read all the generous and loving things that we do for each other.
Hope as you get your Jingle on with decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking you will take time to do some random acts of kindness.
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| Here are the treasures I have found to have in the give away. |
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| I found this Christmas Morning Coffee last year to give each of my neighbors with some home baked Christmas Cookies. They all told me it was the best coffee ever. So this year I found it again and want to share this wonderful coffee as a giveaway. Below the coffee is a sweet book I found. It is full of gardening ideas for example putting coffee grounds into certain garden plants help them thrive. Very interesting read for the gardner's out there. I found two of these for the give away. |
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| This is seriously one of the best hot chocolate mixes I have ever had. The salted caramel is so yummy. |
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| This little cutie is a fur coat that you can throw in your purse or attach to your purse or key ring etc. Inside is a cute little reusable shopping tote. These are just too darn cute. |
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| I have a few of these in different patterns as you can see in the first picture of the prizes. So please leave me a comment and share your random act of kindness you have done and I will enter you into the give away. I will divide all these treasures up to let more of you have a chance to win. |
Speaking of angels and kindness I wanted to leave all of you with the beautiful singing of O Holy Night by the Celtic Women. Please take a few minutes to listen to this beautiful song.
Thank you sweet angels in blog land. Enjoy.
Kris
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Kris, you and your husband are amazing people. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. This year I am teaching the girls all about giving too. We participate in toys or tots every year and I believe it is our job as parents to teach the next generation of children that giving should be part of our life.
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome Victoria. Good luck in the give away. How sweet.
DeleteKris
Such a heart warming post for this time of year, Kris. So sweet of you and your husband to buy their dinner. I have been crocheting preemie baby hats... a little thing I can do. I do not meet the parents or see the hats on the babes, but it gives me a lift to think that the little hats may help them to remember that they are not going through this time in the preemie intensive care unit alone.
ReplyDeleteShould my name be drawn out of the hat, I'd like to pass the random act of kindness forward. Instead of sending it to me, please give the gift to someone else anonymously.
Big hugs,
Lin
Lin,
DeleteYou are too sweet. I saw your post on the premie hats and I loved it. It was so heartwarming and those sweet hats are so beautiful. If you name is drawn I will not only send you something but will do something for someone anonymously too. What a big heart you have.
Kris
What a lovely idea, and the things you chose are so sweet! Love the gardening ideas book!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day! xox
Hi Anne,
DeleteThe gardening book is a great idea book. Good luck in the drawing.
Kris
Wow Kris what an act of kindness! The parents of that family must of been so happy by what you and your husband did! I drive an 88 year old women in my crochet group each week to our crochet meetings at my church. We are a group of women where we crochet and knit all year long for a Christmas knit/crochet Fair that we have at our church. We are also knitting and crocheting hats and scarves for the poor, homeless, and various baby items for hospitals. This is a simple way for me to help out the church and for helping out some of the ladies in the group that do not drive. Thanks for being generous with your giveaway. Take care and enjoy your girls night out and the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Ohhhhhhh Julie how sweet this kindess you show is. Love to see that you use your beautiful talents of knitting and crocheting to help others in need. Just beautiful. Good luck sweet friend.
DeleteKris
That was such a sweet thing to do, Kris. We recently had a similar experience at a restaurant where the family had 3 or 4 kids under 5 years old. I was in awe of the mom and the way she handled the kids. Anyway, they were splitting all the food up and the kids waiting so sweetly. It wasn't until we left that my husband and I talked about it and realized we could have paid their ticket. Our kids are grown now and money isn't a struggle like it was when we were first married...we need to be sure and act when the chance is there!
ReplyDeleteThe act of kindness I have been acting on lately is taking food to our neighbors who had a baby last July. They both work unbelievably long hours and I know home cooked food is a bonus to them.
Thank you for the reminder to be kind. That's a message that I love all year long. ♥
Stacey,
DeleteThis is too sweet. What a kind gesture to help out your neighbors with their new baby. It is a shame young couples have to work so hard to make ends meet. I bet they so love your generous home cooked meals. Good luck in the drawing and thank you Stacey just for being the sweet and generous you.
Kris
Aww how nice of you to do that for the couple and kids. You are a true angle :)
ReplyDeleteOk girlie you should talk. I know your story and how you took in your son's friend and adopted him as your own. You do so much for others too. I am so inspired by your generous heart. Good luck.
DeleteKris
Oh Kris... how very kind of you and your husband... but then, I can tell by reading your posts the special kind of a lady you are... like you, I am happiest when I am doing things for others... and try to help wherever I can throughout the year, not just at Christmas time... several weeks ago, I was in the dollar store and several young little girls, probably about age 7 or 8 were ahead of me in the line... they had five little items, gifts for their mama they told me... when they went to pay, they only had four dollars... the clerk told them they would have to put something back... she was rather curt and short with them and my heart ached for these little ones... they could not decide which one to put back and the clerk kept telling them to hurry up... I told her to add their little items to mine, and I paid the bill... I told them to go buy themselves an ice cream cone or something yummy with their money and save the rest... they thanked me and literally skipped out of the store... I was the one who received a "gift" that day... xoxo... Julie Marie
ReplyDeleteOh Julie how sweet. Love this. These stories are so touching and you did get a great gift that day. Most of all you instilled kindness and sharing in those young girls and hopefully some day they will pay it forward because they will remember your kindness shared with them. Good luck my friend.
DeleteKris
Imagine the look on that families face when they were told their bill had been paid! You, and Terry are special people, Kris.
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me.
Working in a pharmacy gives me ample opportunity to see folks in need of a little help. Especially the elderly. When they have to choose between paying for their scripts, or groceries...it breaks my heart.
Some people come in and are short on money. They can't pick up their medication because they don't have the full amount needed to purchase the script.
Depending on the amount needed...if I have it in my purse, I'll throw the money in the till.
No one should go without their medication because of a few dollars, or even just a few cents.
Thank you for the chance for me to read these touching situations where humanity blesses their fellow man.
Debbie
xo
So sweet Debbie. You are so kind to do that for the elderly. I use to work with seniors that had to make those kind of choices to get their meds or food. It is a shame in this country we treat some seniors on fixed incomes like this. So touching that you help when you can. Good Luck.
DeleteKris
I work with seniors every week, shopping, making meals, cleaning house, whatever they need at the time. They are so special and I love being with them. I can't wait each week to hear there stories. You are a very special person and it thrills me to hear how you and others give of your time and resources. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I forgot, those really cute little leopard flat are at Target. Can you believe it. I love them.
DeleteThanks Marty I am so checking those out. Love them. Hope I can find a pair. Thank you for doing all you do with the seniors. This is so heart lifting to see what so many of us do to help each other. Makes this world seem brighter and more hopeful. Thank you sweet friend for helping me and coming to my blog this past year. I so appreciate you and what you share of yourself with me.
DeleteKris
Kris,
ReplyDeleteYou and Terry rock! Years ago before easy pass John and I would pay the toll for the bridge for the person behind, now you can't do that. So what we do now is this ... So many people have no insurance let alone money for RX's so we help out. It just seems insane when someone is ill that require a prescription because of health issues paying for it should never be an issue ... not in our country!
I contribute to sponsored programs for children and abused woman. Although I'll be on a blogging break until the New Year (but I will be commenting) when I post in January I will be sharing my acts instead of resolutions which seem to always fill my heart with joy and helps out people. You'll see in January.
I want to take this opportunity and express my appreciation to you throughout this past year. You opened up your heart to me when my heart was broken by the loss of my son, you encouraged and inspired me. For all you do and who you are I feel you are an Earth Angel and I just want to say Love you friend.
If I should be the one who wins this very sweet giveaway please donate it to someone more deserving.
xoxo,
Vera
Ohhhhhh Vera it has been pure pleasure to get to know you too this past year. We have cried and shared our hearts with each other and for that I feel so blessed. I will look forward to all the new posts in the new year from you. They always touch my heart. You are an angel. Thank you for sharing your sweet blog and your friendship with me. You make my day on many occassions. Thank you sweet friend.
DeleteKris
Although we wish we could do more, we often will give people the change they need, or a coupon that we are not using. Last month we saw a lady looking desperately for her car and we could tell she did not feel the best. We asked her what her car was.....we drove around, found it and then took her to it....she was so happy. And I know that I have been blessed several times by an act of kindness.....
ReplyDeleteSo sweet Ceekay. Love your act of kindness. I bet the lady was so happy you helped her. I have done that a few times parked and then forgot where I parked LOL! It happens.
DeleteGood luck sweet friend.
Kris
Your random act of kindness was so sweet and meant the world to that family... it sounds exactly the kind of thing you and Terry would do! Last year my daughter and her family were without a home, they had let go of one home but couldn't get into their new home for almost 7 months. We have a home plenty big for me and Mr. P. our furbaby Hannah and our big fat cat, but adding a family of 4 more people, 1 dog and 5 cats was not what I thought would be very pleasant. But it ended up being wonderful, time spent with my daughter, her wonderful guy and 2 of the three grandkids was priceless. So who really got the random act of kindness? I think it was me! Thanks for reminding me of what this season is really all about, what goes around, comes around and I truly believe it comes back ten fold!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pendra for your story and how much you helped out your daughter and family. Charity starts at home and this is proof of it. I bet you all had a wonderful bonding time all together. So happy you had that time with them.
DeleteThank you for your sweet visits and friendship. Good luck in the drawing.
Kris
Kris, You and Terry are sweet people. My act of kindness was to my own kid yesterday.LOL. When my Lizzy was driving us to lunch, I heard a bell chime..I asked her what it was. Oh God love her, she said, "it's the bell telling me I am low on gas. " My gosh I have driven on what we call fume before, but never till a bell screams get to the station. LOL. So I told her to pull into the gas station and I used my card to get her some gas. Then paid for her lunch, then let her go through my closet for some party wear. I have to laugh and cry at the same time. Our children, will always be our children, no matter how old they get. I know she gets foggy headed since her chemo...but my gosh, I do not want that girl driving that low on gas again. I will try to do more this season....for I know there are children in dire need. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh just so sweet. I just told Pendra in my reply charity starts at home and we need to think of family too. How sweet of you to do this for your Lizzy. You are a good mom and wonderful grandmother, wife and friend. So special to help so many. Good luck in the drawing and thank you for sharing your sweet story with all of us.
DeleteKris
That was such a caring and giving thing paying for their dinner, so kind. Well I instantly thought of my daughter Kim when you asked for examples of random acts of kindness. My daughter entered a radio contest to win $3000 for the Christmas season and she WON!!! Now she did not go out and blow it on herself, nope, instead she took 6 developmentally disabled people shopping to buy news clothes and them took them all somewhere they had never been ......Disneyland. She is always doing things like this, putting others ahead of herself even though she is always in pain suffering from scleroderma. She is my hero and my angel.
ReplyDeleteO, oh Kris, I knew I loved you for so many reasons and this being at the top of the list reasons.
ReplyDeleteAs for acts of kindness we can't help everyone, but that one you do help spreads love through the days ahead when they think of it and tell others of it, it just spreads good and pure intentions.
We go way back here with kindness, our acts have always been ones on the streets, and in many cases my daughter and I get to know the many we have paid it forward to.
We went one late night to pick up some cough meds, and found a well know Christian homeless man who want not for a thing, he never begs, and turns down offers...his pride has the best of him. In getting to know him we found he does have a street income yet not enough to pay for room and board yet he gets a hotel twice a month to relax, watch tv, eat a warm meal and then he only has a budget left for $5.00 a day meal for the rest of the month. Last winter he was huddled up in a ball in a tin sleep blanket in the freezing windy freeze here, and at his age of 72 how our hearts weeped , My daughter and I could not go home to our small cottage without offering him warmth so off we go to all night shopping at Walmart in search for a sub-zero sleeping bag. We then went back and woke him in a fright to him and handed him the bag, with the warmth he could not afford himself, we still see him about using the bag, we also went and served up a thanksgiving parking lot meal the day before thanksgiving to our homeless guy (Tony) and a few of his friends, even the homeless have friends that ban together to help each other. We often pay for large pizzas and drop them off for a sharing.
My daughter will as well feed bags of burgers and bean cups to ones in local need. It seams we really can't leave our home without noticing the ones we have come to share with sitting in need of a warm place to rest there hearts on.
KRIS, you really choked me up with your dear blessing to this family, and there financial planning, I know how that feels to go over a budget and plan the best you can for a family need. Your hearts, you and your husbands was in the right place of giving, and to have ducked out before leaving I am most certain the waitress made mention of you and you were talked about in awwww! ...
For time to come.
If I were to be one of your chosen hat drawing, I would love for you to pass on my drawn name and you give it to someone new to your visits that welcomes them to your giving heart.
Beautiful Givings this holiday season of greetings, and this is what Christmas is all about.
See you soon Kris,
Thank you for taking the time to visit me, your words always encourage my heart for creating and blogging.
Blessings in abundance to you and yours.
Xx
Dore
Dore,
DeleteYou are too loving and sweet. I love your story of getting the sleeping bag for warmth for your homeless friend. How beautiful you two angels were to him that night. I love your story and I love that your kindness is to pay it forward if you are to win. I will do that in honor of your request if your name is pulled. These stories are touching my heart so much and how beautiful many of you are to want to pay your gift forward. Touches my heart. Thank you dear friend. You not only have a creative heart but a loving and giving heart too. Thank you for sharing.
Kris
Yikes!! Sorry Kris, that comment was better said in email.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Dore
Hey Kris,
ReplyDeleteWhat a super sweet thing to do for that family! I wish you could have been a little elf in the corner just to see the look on their faces, I'm sure it was priceless!
Years ago, when we were struggling financially, I kept seeing a homeless man in front of the grocery store where I shop. I never said a word to him or did anything for him but he was there every time I shopped.
One afternoon I came out of the store with about $5 or $6 left to our name, we had No savings and several days until my husband received another check. But, something told me to buy him lunch. So, I went back into the store, ordered the best sandwich I could, chips and a drink, used every dime of what I had left and purchased his lunch.
He was so very gracious when I gave it to him :)
The real story though, is that I never saw him again.
I will always believe he was an angel sent just to see how much I trusted God to take care of our family. I think when I was willing to give everything I had, God saw.
We have never been unable to pay a bill or provide food for our family, even now that I am a widow, I never lack for anything.
God is So faithful when we just reach out and trust.
I don't need to win a prize, I just love to share God's sweet grace for His kiddos!
Have a wonderful party!!!!
Blessings, Cindy
Cindy,
DeleteThank you for your touching story. Yep I bet he was an angel put before you to see if you could give what you had left. So happy that you do not struggle with money and that you can make it each month and provide for yourself and your family. Very touching. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.
Kris
Bless you and Terry for what you did for that family ~ they will never forget it. I'm going to be like Lin above ~ if I should win, please pass along the kindness to someone else anonymously.
ReplyDeleteHugs ~~~
Thank you Bobbie for offering up if you win to do a kindness for someone else. So sweet.
DeleteKris
You are the kindest most giving person I have ever known! Years ago before me moved,at our last church I volunteered in the gift room.Each person could come "shop" the room for something,for there kids,grand kids whatever.I loved being a part of it,helping pick gifts and giving dignity to those who could not afford it.I will never forget an older women came up to me with tears,she reached out to hug me and told me how thankful she was.She had no money for gifts to buy for her children.She was able to "shop" and give gifts to her family.One of the things I miss most about our move was our past church.They were very giving and I enjoyed helping so many charity's in need.Thank you for sharing your story.You are an inspiration to me sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne for your story. How sweet. Isn't it amazing how good that makes you feel to be of help to others that do not have anything. Thank you sweet friend for your story. Good luck in the giveaway.
DeleteKris
So sweet of you!! I bet that sweet couple were shocked and thankful. This Thanksgiving I took supper to a elderly friend of my daughter. I had never met her before but told my daughter I would take dinner to her. We had a wonderful time with my daughter and family and thought I would save my daughter a trip. I had only planned to quickly drop the food off; on my wany out I backed out into her concrete walled area and my front tire went into the hole!! While I waited for triple A, I sat inside and chatted. She was all alone, we had such a nice time, I was glad to get to know her and made me feel thankful for my family. I wish you a happy holiday but know you already are in it!! Di@Cottage-wishes
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story Di. Love this story. You needed to spend time and get to know this women so it was not a surprise I bet that your tire went into the hole and you were stranded for a little while to learn more about this women. God works in mysteries ways. Love your story thanks for sharing with all of us.
DeleteKris
Kris I loved reading your story and act of kindness. The most recent thing my family has done was to put together ziplock bags of personal items (like soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, combs, deodorant etc.) to give out at a shelter for battered women.
ReplyDeleteJudith how sweet. I just saw a women with zip lock bags full of things like you are doing giving them to the homeless on the street in downtown Chicago. It was so sweet to see this women giving out these bags to many of the homeless. I bet those things in the shelter are such a huge help. Thank you for doing this and thank you for sharing your story with us.
DeleteKris
You and your husband are so giving to do that for complete strangers! If you can afford to do that for others, then I think that's wonderful that you do. I believe it's good karma too. For me, I do what I can. I have watched my mother in law when her caregiver wasn't available. I have taken food to a neighbor when they had a death in the family. I have helped my mom out around the house after her hip surgery. I am still raising a child too, so I feel like everyday I put him first. But, I think that just instantly goes along with motherhood. I think this time of year is such an important time to give to those less fortunate too, whether it be your time or your money. It's such a sweet giveaway you're doing for all your blog readers. I hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly. It sometimes is not money that is needed just time too. I love that you are able to help your mother in law when the caregiver is not there and you help your own mom after her surgery. Just doing for others is a big party of caring and sharing. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Good luck in the giveaway.
DeleteKris
Kris, your random act of kindness was so nice! I loved it! Let's see... there's a sweet couple at our church, the husband has cancer, going through radiation, out of work etc . We bought them groceries for a month and paid for their Thanksgiving meal. The fun part was having my kids involved helping with the lists and getting the groceries delivered.
ReplyDeleteThe man responded well to the chemo and is back at work until further treatments. We'll continue to help them as needed. I've enjoyed reading all these sweet acts of kindness Kris! So refreshing!!!
Hi Sherry,
DeleteThat is such a great story and I bet the couple from your Church were just so touched by your kindness. I think when people going through cancer treatment know others care it helps them to want to fight and get better. Your story touched my heart. Thank you for sharing and good luck.
Kris
Kris...my husband and I saw a lady do the exact same thing while we were eating out last week. About 2 months ago...we saw a little girl having a yard sale where she was trying to sell some of her toys to be able to get enough money for a school trip to the zoo. We gave her money...so she could go to the zoo and keep her toys. And after we had done that...others gave so her brother could go to the zoo too. We had hear that their mom was a single mom and she just didn't make enough money for them to go. The smile on the little girl face just melted my heart...when she realized that she was going to get to go to the zoo with her classmates and her brother too.
ReplyDelete~Cindy
Oh Cindy how sweet is this. What a wonderful thing you did for these two. I bet that special trip to the zoo they will remember your kindness and hopefully will pay it forward someday. Good luck sweet friend.
DeleteKris
That was so sweet of you to buy their dinner Kris. I love doing random acts of kindness. Something as small as letting someone in front of me in a queue or letting someone in while driving really makes me feel warm inside to make someone else's day a little less stressful. Especially at this busy time of year. Some things cost nothing to do but are invaluable. But I love your idea and might just have to pinch it. :) Julie
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie for sharing your story. I think you are right it is the small things that add up to big things. Have a wonderful week end.
DeleteKris
I love your story and wish I could do something similar for someone. My acts of kindness are a hug to someone who needs one, a listening ear, buying a gift for an anonymous person at the nursing home, and volunteer work. This time of year I especially feel compelled to volunteer for The Salvation Army. Giving should be a way of life, and not at all random. (MHO).
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Debbie
Good Morning Debbie,
DeleteI love that you volunteer and give of your time. I think sometimes in this fast pace world we live in that is a more precious gift than spending or donating money. Time is such a gift to give. Thank you for sharing with us. Good luck in the drawing my friend. Happy Week End.
Kris
Hi Kris
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say sorry for not commenting on your posts of late. I have been reading them, but you know how it goes at this time of year always rushing from one job to the next! Anyway, I just felt that I HAD to comment on this one and say what a wonderful, kind thing you and Terry did for that family, I bet it will have made their Christmas, albeit a little early.
Obviously I can't enter your prize draw and I'm a wickedly selfish person .... lol, but just wanted to wish everyone luck in winning those fabulous items.
Hugs
Judi in the UK
Hi Judy,
DeleteHow are you? Hope all is going well for you and the hubby. I think of you often and I know how busy things can get so please do not apologize for not commenting. I appreciate always to hear from you but I know sometimes life is busy. So no worries. I do not get to as many blogs as I use to. My blog is like a full time job of late lol! Have a wonderful holiday season my friend.
Kris
Oh my, KRIS! There is so much fun here! That fur bag....WANT!
ReplyDeleteIsn't this fun? This whole celebration, this gathering of friends and family and of ONESELF. May you enjoy a restful time and make memories! Thank you so much for coming to visit my post in Paris. Have you ever been there? What a place. Like a dream.
HUGS TO YOU! Anita
Oh Anita Paris is on my bucket list. I hope to see that beautiful enchanting city some day. Loved your Paris post. All of you did such a great job with your presentations. Loved them all. Thank you for coming by and sharing.
DeleteKris
I am not signing up, Kris. I have given and been the recipient of many acts of kindness over the last year. I know some people are going to be really thrilled to get one of your packages. You are too sweet and so kind! Love ya- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks so much my friend. You are deserving of this giveaway for sure. You do so much for so many. You inspire my heart with all the prayer chains you do for others through out the year. I have seen the power of prayer work and I love that you are such an angel to help so many with those posts. So my friend I am throwing in your name. Terry will pick the names so you can blame him if he picks your name LOL! Have a wonderful week end.
DeleteLove ya,
Kris
Never having children, my husband and I try to help out where we can. We too love to randomly pick up a check for a young family dinner or in other ways. I work with a gal who has 4 children, her husband also has 4 children and together they have 1 - totally unplanned, seeing her struggle I have made myself and honorary Aunt..helping out with more than Christmas, back to school, birthdays, other holidays, but Christmas we have taken on more and love doing it. We believe Christmas is for giving and I know when she brings in pictures of Christmas I will be able to share with my husband what fun and the joy they all will have had (she has no idea we are the "angel" she keeps talking about!
ReplyDeleteLove your story. This is too sweet. I bet it does your heart good to see the pictures of the kids when they receive your beautiful gifts. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteKris
Thank you for sharing this heart warming story, I have picked up the tab for dinner for some service men and women eating out...I will be sure to 'eaves drop' when out and about to see where else I can spread some cheer!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet. I think it is fun to surprise someone at dinner and pick up the tab too. Thank you for sharing your sweet story. Good luck in the giveaway.
DeleteKris
Hello Kris!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visitn my THEATRE production!
You can leave me out of the give-away, I just wanted to come visit you!
A tear came to my eye as I read what you did for that family. Our daughter has 4 little ones
with another on the way, and I know what a blessing that was to the family in the restaurant.
And I remember when our own family was young, how it was hard to even buy a Christmas tree,
because it came out of funds we'd use for gifts.
You have inspired me to do more random acts of kindness.
Thank you. May you be blessed so you can continue blessing!!!!!
~ Violet
Violet,
DeleteI loved the theatre productions they were all so creative and fun. You all did such a great job. I can remember going pay check to pay check when my girls were little and having no money to go out to dinner in the budget so it is fun sometimes to surprise an unsuspecting family and treat them and the kids. Wow your daughter with 4 little ones and one on the way. How exciting. Wish you daughter lived closer I bet she would love a little night out with the kids and someone to pick up the tab! Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Kris
This made me smile because many years ago, someone did this for us. Our three kids were all under the age do four and as we got ready to pay, the waitress said a couple had paid for our meal because they thought our family looked so sweet and our kids were behaving so nicely (haha that wasn't always the case!). Every year we participate in the Angel Tree project which provides gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated. The gifts come as if they were from the parent so it was great fun purchasing and wrapping the gifts for several little ones again this year. Thanks for your sweet giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLauren,
DeleteThis is really nice. How fun that you were gifted with kindness that inspired you to pay it forward. Love your story and thank you for sharing this with all of us. Good luck sweet friend.
Kris
Sending a special bottle of wine to very dear friends of mine, who were celebrating their 25th anniversary at a very posh restaurant....they were SO surprised...she started to cry... Warmed my heart..it did!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet are you. I bet they did cry with your generous gift to them on their special night. Good luck.
DeleteKris
Our friend had terminal cancer and I put off visiting him because I didn't think I could contain my tears. I finally decided I had to go and basically say my goodbye. I baked them some Christmas cookies, bought a Christmas tree plant with a Santa hat on top, and took other food. They immediately put the plant on their dining table as a centerpiece, and we sat and had a nice meal. I tried to think of uplifting things to talk about and we laughed and talked for about two hours. I left and cried all the way home. At his services, his wife introduced me as "the one who bakes the best cookies ever". I think they gave me more than I gave them through our friendship.
ReplyDeleteAnn,
DeleteThis is too sweet. I think even at times of stress and sadness you need to take time to sit and find things to smile about. Glad you gave that to this family. Good luck.
Kris
I will share one of Steve's random acts. He is a successful artist and many people love his work, but can't afford to buy it. Last spring he spotted 3 little boys just coming out of the water with their surfboards. He stopped them and got them to pose for him. The painting turned out great and he posted it on facebook. The mother of one of the boys contacted him and told him that it was her son and two of his friends who were visiting from Kauai. She wanted to buy the painting, but was shocked at the price. Recently, Steve was cleaning out his storage area and saw the painting. He took the painting over to the house and gave it to the mom. Steve wanted the painting to be where it was loved and had meaning.
ReplyDeleteTooooooooo Sweet. I know that mom will cherish that painting forever. Yeah Steve!!!
DeleteKris
Oh Kris, you are so sweet to offer this giveaway! I love that you paid that family's check. Such a nice thing to do and I'm sure it was greatly appreciated. As for what I've done lately, this probably isn't much, but even though my boys are way out of the diaper and formula stage, I continue to clip coupons for those products and tuck them into the shelves in the baby aisle at the grocery store. I once had the opportunity to see a woman's face as she found them and it was priceless! Maybe those few dollars they save mean they can afford to put a little more groceries into their cart. :) Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, friend!
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh Lisa this is so great. I love that you do this. Yep especially with the price of diapers those coupons really help. Thanks for sharing with us.
DeleteGood luck in the give away.
Kris
Kris, it was so sweet of you and Terry to buy that family's dinner. I can only imagine the joy and amazement they felt. Dennis and I try to live our lives with open hands and realize all we have is from God. Recently we invited a single mom to have lunch with us after church. Her kids were with friends, so it was just the three of us. We wanted to get to know her better. She had a summer job that ended in the fall, and told us how she had budgeted carefully over the summer so she would have enough money to cover her lack of income until she found another job. She gets no help from her ex-husband. Suddenly Dennis pulled a large bill out his wallet and handed it to her. "I want you to have this," he said. She started to refuse it, but he wouldn't take it back. She was astonished. It was the greatest feeling in the world to see the look on her face. She said, "I don't know what to say." I told her "Say 'thank you, Lord'. . .it all comes from him." On the way home Dennis asked me if I minded that he gave away that much money. I laughed and said, "Are you kidding? I'm so glad you're generous."
ReplyDeleteThis is such a heartwarming story. Love it. Wow to not even think about the amount of money or give it thought and just offer it up without hesitation. Truly a gift of love. Dennis is too sweet and a keeper to have such a generous heart. Loved that you shared this with us. Good luck.
DeleteKris
We recently paid the groceries of an older lady who simply smiled the biggest smile, as the clerk explained he purchases were already paid for. The smile said it all! God bless you and thanks for reminding us to continue to do good for each other.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet of you to show this older lady such kindness. That smile was a blessing right back to you. Thank you for sharing your sweet story and good luck in the giveaway.
DeleteKris
Here is my random act of kindness. I was in line at Target and the gal behind me only had one item so I let her go ahead of me. Her debit card did not work, pin number didn't work, running as a credit didn't work. The checker thought they had tried too many times. She suggested that she go to the end of the line and see if it will run as a credit. I paid for my items, got some cash back then handed the checker enough cash to cover the gals purchase. Her jaw dropped to the floor. I told her just do it. The young gal was not buying anything extravagant, generic diapers. I remember what is like to be in that position. My heart is full. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteDelete if this is a duplicate as I thought I posted it already.
Thank you Sharon for sharing your story. What a nice gesture. I bet she really needed those diapers too and would not have gone to the end of the line if she had not needed them so that was really sweet for you to pay for them for her. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Good luck sweet angel in the give away.
DeleteKris
I believe in doing random acts of kindness as a part of life. The feelings I get are worth far more than what I do. I once bought food for a homeless family living in their vehicle. I left a box of good and needs (toothpaste, soap, etc) on a neighbors doorstep several times in the middle of the night when she was having difficult times.
ReplyDeleteI carry baggies in my vehicle which contain juice, crackers & cheese, pull-top meat can, easy open containers of fruit, etc. with napkin, plastic silverware. When I see someone on a corner with sign, I hand it out to them.
I made needlepoint stockings for a charity for their silent auction.
Each month I contribute to the local food bank, help with our church charity that provides food for children on weekends who only get 2 free meals M-F in schools, help provide backpacks filled with school needs at beginning of each school year, and provide a gift to a child with a request on the Giving Tree.
Just a sample of what I feel are necessary to do to help those in need. I am on limited income, especially since death of my husband, but I always feel I can do something for others. Even the small acts of kindness do a lot.
If I should be chosen, I hope you will donate to a senior who is in need and would appreciate the gift!
Rose you are an angel to do all you do. Wow! my heart is filled as I read your comment. Thank you sweet angel for all you do.
DeleteThank you for you unselfish wish to want to have your prize given to someone else in need. I will honor that if your name is pulled. You are too kind. We actually have a giving box at Church to put in items that families in need can come and pick from. I know the cocoa's and coffee are treats they normally would not get so I will put those in the box in your honor if you name is picked.
Thanks Rose for being such a wonderful angel. You have made my heart smile.
Kris
All acts of kindness bless the giver as much as the receiver. I was taught to care in this way as I have taught my children. My faith puts concerning ourselves with others needs above our own and this is simply a good way to live. Some call it karma. I also think of it as having been in need before too and maybe again and so I'm merely keeping the circle going. It matters. In our world today even more than ever I think. May you be blessed this season and all year for how you care about others.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said Kate. Good luck.
DeleteKris
Me again. Guess I forgot to say my kindness. Currently I am in beauty school again to be relicensed as a stylist. My life having taken a turn so I need to begin a career again. Most of the girls there are early twenties. They have no money and barely get by. I but food they can heat up and give it to those in need at various lunchtimes. This way they are not hungry but they don't feel awkward taking money from someone. It's the most I can do at this time. But a full belly makes working and studying much easier!!!!
ReplyDeleteProbably the most rewarding thing I have ever done involved precious little ones. When our great-grandson (age 3) was going thru all of his cancer treatments we spent so much time at the Children's Hospital here in Tulsa. Luckily that Christmas Landen got to come home for the holidays. But, when I checked, there were 26 little ones who were not going to get to go home. So, I spent a few days and make little gingerbread houses for each of them. I still remember the excited looks on their faces as I entered their room and gave each child one. So little of my time and it meant so much to them. It definitely blessed me more than it did them. My heart still aches for all of those precious little ones who have to spend holidays in the hospital. Although the hospital here did so much extra for them, they still were not at home.
ReplyDeleteI've been blessed with your gifts before, so let someone else have my chance. You did a wonderful act of kindness and I'm sure it will be repaid to you many times over.
Love ya,
Judy
Judy,
DeleteHow wonderful that you made the Gingerbread Houses for the little ones not going home for Christmas. I bet they loved that they received this wonderful gift. Thank you for making their having to stay in the hospital for Christmas much brighter. You are truly an angel. Thank you for offering up your win if your name is picked to someone else. You truly are a sweet angel. You have been through so much these past months and losing your beloved so I am going to still put your name in. You deserve a small chance at kindness right now too. Thank you Judy for sharing your story.
Kris
That was such a blessing that you did for that family ! I bought for a young boy off of the Angel Tree where my grandson goes to school . He put in his letter that he wasn't picky , he would take anything . That made me cry . I knew what he meant because when I was a little girl we were very poor and sometimes Santa didn't come and we didn't understand that .
ReplyDeleteAnyway , I bought him a nice pair of shoes , jeans and shirt and them picked him up a toy . He's 11 years old and I will never forget this young mans letter ! I know he will be grateful for what I bought him . This made my heart feel so full ..
Merry Christmas
Cathy Thompson
So sweet Cathy. I bet you made his Christmas Day special with all the gifts. Boy to hear from an 11 year old he will be happy with anything given to him is amazing and so heartwarming. Thanks for sharing your story.
DeleteKris
We just never know how we effect the lives of others, so when prompted "DO IT". Thanx for the reminder Kris. XX Jo
ReplyDeleteYou are so right we should do acts of kindness all the time. Thanks for coming by. You showed me a nice act of kindness with the win of my Christmas runner and pillows. Thank you sweet friend.
DeleteKris
I have a 86 year old friend across the street who is a school teacher and she home schools. Well, I am not a teacher, nor have I ever wanted to be a teacher. Some times my friend has a Dr's appointment, so I go over and home school the girls while she is gone. They are lovely young girls. So when break comes we play Children's Scrabble and have lots of fun, plus they are learning spelling and thinking.
ReplyDeleteSo when my friend comes back - she goes for her money to pay me and I say NO, I'm just sitting around burning day light and the little girls are delightful. My friend is a top notch teacher and has received many awards.
What you and Terry did is amazing. You are such thoughtful, beautiful people and it has been my pleasure to met you. Maybe some day we will meet in person. If I ever go back home to VA I have to change planes in Chicago and hopefully we can meet then.
Have a wonderful week.
Hugs
Mary
Oh Mary how fun would that be. Yep lets do it if you go home and change plans here in Chicago we can meet and have a little time in the airport. Love that you help out your friend across the street with her home school girls. Wow to be teaching at 86 still. What a blessing this women is to be on top of her game and healthy enough to still teach and pass on wisdom. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week end.
DeleteKris
As I was leaving our Extension homemakers meeting last week(where we made Christmas stockings that we'll fill this coming week & deliver to the local nursing home) I met a middle aged man in the parking lot. Our meeting was held at a church & he was looking for the pastor. I don't go to that church but long story short.....after realising he wasn't getting any help I asked if I could help him. He was looking for a place to stay that night & a meal. After asking him a few questions I offered to lead him to our local shelter. I've worked with the needy in my town & knew he could get a meal there & maybe a place to stay. (He had a truck & could follow me, otherwise I probably wouldn't have done anything) He was very grateful & respectful. Looking back, I wish I'd taken him to the gas station first & put gas in his truck.
ReplyDeleteWorking with the homeless in the past, I'm careful about giving cash. I go the extra mile to get food rather than give cash.
The book coffee for Roses has been on my wish list, I hope I win it!
Hi Jenny,
DeleteHow sweet to help out this gentleman in his time of need. I bet he was so grateful to you to help him. Thank you for sharing your story it is so touching and heart warming. If you name is picked I will definitely send you the Coffee for Roses book. I am going to have my hubby draw the names tomorrow night and will post on it Monday or Tuesday. Good luck.
Kris
Dear Kris, you and your husband are special people. Kindness is very important for me. Give is most important than receive!
ReplyDeleteKisses
Alessandra
This is such a great idea for a post/giveaway - just warms the heart reading the stories! I'm Canadian so I can't enter but I'd love to contribute a story. Many years ago I belonged to an online women's group and one of our members was going through some tough times. She rarely complained about her dire situation but I got the sense her daughter wasn't going to see much (if anything) under the tree thst year. I spent days doing name searches online to find her mailing address and one day had success. So I anonymously filled a box with clothes, toys, a stocking filled with pre-teen girly toiletries and holiday treats, some tins of Christmas baking, a gift certificate for a turkey, and a Christmas card with a heartfelt message. I had my husband send it from the nearest city, rather than the town we lived in so she wouldn't figure out who sent it. Eventually, and I have no idea how, she figured it out and sent me a beautiful letter (probably with the same resourcefulness I had finding her address). It felt so good knowing that little girl and her mother would find some joy that dire holiday season.
ReplyDeleteKris, I was catching up on my reading and came upon your "winners" post that I had to come by and read the original. Your story is wonderful, the true embodiment of the Christmas spirit, that I am certain lives in your heart all year long. I have been reading all the comments and am actually teary eyed reading all of the lovely stories of kindness that friends have shared. What a truly wonderful group of ladies I have the pleasure of knowing. Merry Christmas and Happy Kindness! ;)
ReplyDelete