The Year of Growth: Spreading Our Blessings

A dandelion spreads it seeds through a method called wind dispersal.  The seeds can be carried long distances by the wind, floating along until the wind dies down.  Those seeds have a new place to grow, creating new life, spreading more seeds, and repeating the process over and over again.  A dandelion does not simply stay in one solitary place forever, but shows its beauty in far off places.

As we have prayed and asked God to help us grow this year, He is teaching us the same method as the dandelion.  We are spreading our blessings to new places, reaching new people, hoping the process is repeated by others.

Christmas is fast approaching and we always ask ourselves the inevitable question...What do we get our kids for Christmas?  What electronic do they need?  What game station would be cool to have?  And the answer is...

Nothing.

We have been extremely blessed this year.  As I look back at the many things God has done for our family, I am always overwhelmed. God is good.  He has heavily laid on my heart the opportunity to bless others.  Give back in ways we haven't before.  Show kindness to others even when the world seems cruel. 

I told our kids awhile back when we have little, we still give a lot. When we are feeling down, we still provide encouragement.  Ironically, when God placed this on my heart, it was at a time I felt we didn't have enough.  But God was to quick to show me that we have more than enough.  He has blessed us abundantly.  And that it's time to bless others.

This Christmas will be different for us.  Our Christmas will be smaller so we can be a bigger blessing to others. Sure, our kids will still receive gifts but it won't be extravagant and of course, we will definitely remember the true reason for the season.  Throughout the month of December, our family will be doing random acts of kindness.   We came up with a list of 25 random acts of kindness and wrote them down.  We may possibly do more, but no less, and doing at least one random act per day.  Perhaps it's blessing the mailman with a special treat or providing a meal for another family.  Perhaps it's leaving notes of encouragement in public places or giving a donation to a local shelter.  There is so much kindness to share.

After we wrote our list, we prayed over it as a family, asking God to use us to bless others.  Our calendar is ready to go so we can keep a journal of all that has been done.  We may take some photos of our random acts in hopes of inspiring others.  But the main goal is to not do random acts of kindness for the applause of man, but rather in obedience to God.

 

We are eager to get started on December 1.  Craig and I love that our kids are just as eager and understand the world is bigger than them.  We need to spread our kindness to others, not just at Christmas, but all the time.  Perhaps our random acts of kindness will continue past the holidays.  If you feel so inspired, please join us and do random acts of kindness with your family.

 

 



 

The Year of Growth: Continued Blooms

Hello all,
It's been quite awhile since I've updated.  Our lives have been hectic and very fast-paced these past few months.  As I sit here on a cool Autumn day with an afternoon cup of coffee, I decided to play catch up on our lives (albeit in letter form).

Preston just finished his first season with a new baseball team.  It's a team he has been wanting to be part of for awhile.  The coach used to be Preston's batting/pitching coach, but is now so much more.  Preston has the greatest respect for him and only wants to improve as a player and person. Sixth grade has been a little rough, adjusting to more responsibilities and tougher academic standards.  However, we feel like we've finally got him into the groove of things and he is doing well.  He joined Running Club, Basketball Club, Movie Club, Four-Square Club, and Bible Club. He is a social butterfly!!!

Kaitlyn is in her last year of middle school!!!!  It's so hard to believe! But she is doing extremely well in all of her Pre-AP classes.  She is taking Algebra as well so she can earn high school credit.  She is extremely independent and studious when it comes to her classes.  We are always amazed at her finished projects and how creative she can be with them.  She is in AVID and NJHS which is already preparing her for college (yikes!).  She's also part of an afterschool theater troupe, Bible study, and is completing a stint as house manager for the school play.  She is almost done with her second season of volleyball and they currently have a winning record.  She has worked hard on her overhand serve and is now known as the power hitter on the team.  She has done amazing!

Craig is heading into his new store's first holiday season.  It's been a lot of work to get a brand new store to the standards that he holds.  His bosses are pleased with all he has done and his associates appreciate the way he runs the store.  He has professional goals he has set and is eager to reach each one.  It's been very special seeing the store transform from bare bones (literally) to a flourishing business.  We are so proud of all Craig has done.  Craig has still managed to find time to support all of us, attend our events and games, and be our biggest encourager through our tough days.

I am in still in school studying music therapy and it honestly feels like I'm never going to be done.  It's hard, it is emotional, and I want to give up all of the time.  But, I know I must stay the course.  Honestly, I feel like I'm just an average musician.  I'm not the greatest singer, pianist, or guitarist, which is totally okay with me.  However, I think my compassion and willingness to always listen will help me be a great therapist.  I have met so many wonderful people at my school and everyone is very supportive and encouraging of each other.  Despite my school schedule and long practice hours, I somehow manage to be the main chauffeur, cook, and calendar keeper (we all have cleaning duties).  Everyone's still alive!!!

Our calendar stays full, but our hearts are fuller.  We are so thankful for the life we are blessed with and that we get to experience everything together.  We have some amazing things coming up next year and we look forward to all God has in store for us.  We have prayed for God to bring us revelations and opportunities and He never fails. 

We hope all is well in your hearts and homes.  May God bring peace and comfort to you and your families as well.  Until next time...

Sincerely,
The Kelley's