I'm rallying friends, writers, readers, and bloggers to make a commitment.
30 days of small kind acts. You can set a goal for one per day (like Penny Sullivan in the novel Stepping Into Sunlight) or one per week, or just one per month.
Sound fun? Sound scary? Sound impossible?
This site will provide community support, loads of ideas, and a place to share your cool experiences. Leave a comment at this post to show your interest.
Then use the posts here to help you think of creative ways to bless others through small acts of kindness, and please feel free to leave comments with your own ideas!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Showing posts with label Penny's Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penny's Project. Show all posts
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Many Pennys - Free Book
I've had such fun in the past few months hearing from readers of Stepping Into Sunlight.
Folks with some painful challenges are reaching out to show love to others. Serving others from their place of brokenness. Moving toward hope and healing.
The character of Penny Sullivan is being joined by many other "Pennys."
Please feel free to keep sharing your ideas for small acts of love here at this blog: little steps of kindness, creative ways to reach out, experiences you've had with Penny's Project.
Leave a comment during January at THIS POST about your experiences, and you'll be entered to win a free copy of Stepping Into Sunlight to give to a friend!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Folks with some painful challenges are reaching out to show love to others. Serving others from their place of brokenness. Moving toward hope and healing.
The character of Penny Sullivan is being joined by many other "Pennys."
Please feel free to keep sharing your ideas for small acts of love here at this blog: little steps of kindness, creative ways to reach out, experiences you've had with Penny's Project.
Leave a comment during January at THIS POST about your experiences, and you'll be entered to win a free copy of Stepping Into Sunlight to give to a friend!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Friday, September 26, 2008
Keep Noticing
I want to take a moment to thank all the brave and kind souls who joined Penny's Project this month and set about doing some small steps of kindness.
Some participated once a week, others set a goal to do something new each day.
I've discovered that in the process of looking for ways to share a kindness, I've been noticing people more--watching for possible needs, paying attention to the kindnesses given to me.
I'll be hitting the road soon for a lengthy booktour, but if you drop by while I'm gone, feel free to read the past posts and the comments from other creative folks who've contributed great ideas to Penny's Project.
And if you still need more ideas, grab a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight (the novel that inspired Penny's Project).
Let's all keep noticing others and offering them the "widow's mite" - the penny's worth of love that seems so tiny, but can be so profound when God multiplies it.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Some participated once a week, others set a goal to do something new each day.
I've discovered that in the process of looking for ways to share a kindness, I've been noticing people more--watching for possible needs, paying attention to the kindnesses given to me.
I'll be hitting the road soon for a lengthy booktour, but if you drop by while I'm gone, feel free to read the past posts and the comments from other creative folks who've contributed great ideas to Penny's Project.
And if you still need more ideas, grab a copy of Stepping Into Sunlight (the novel that inspired Penny's Project).
Let's all keep noticing others and offering them the "widow's mite" - the penny's worth of love that seems so tiny, but can be so profound when God multiplies it.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Day 23 - Matchmaking
Years ago, two friends and I dressed in peasant garb and sang Fiddler on the Roof songs for a show. I still love the song, "Matchmaker."
And I love to make matches.
At a recent conference I met many new people, and if I learned something about the new friend that fit with someone else I already knew, I tried to help them find each other.
There's a wonderful joy in creating webs of relationships.
In "Stepping Into Sunlight," Penny helps weave some interconnections between her child's school, the store-front mission in the neighborhood, and the members of her support group.
Think about the people you know.
Is there a single mom who would love to be introduced to a great car mechanic who will give her a fair price for an oil change? Is there a harried mom needing that reliable teen that you know who could babysit? Is there a friend who loves to quilt who would love to connect with the sewing circle at your church?
See if you can find a match to make for your step of kindness today!
His,
Sharon Hinck
And I love to make matches.
At a recent conference I met many new people, and if I learned something about the new friend that fit with someone else I already knew, I tried to help them find each other.
There's a wonderful joy in creating webs of relationships.
In "Stepping Into Sunlight," Penny helps weave some interconnections between her child's school, the store-front mission in the neighborhood, and the members of her support group.
Think about the people you know.
Is there a single mom who would love to be introduced to a great car mechanic who will give her a fair price for an oil change? Is there a harried mom needing that reliable teen that you know who could babysit? Is there a friend who loves to quilt who would love to connect with the sewing circle at your church?
See if you can find a match to make for your step of kindness today!
His,
Sharon Hinck
Friday, September 12, 2008
Day 12 - Common Courtesies
Courtesy isn't so "common" these days - but, wow, can it make a difference.
Yesterday a visitor to the blog shared a beautiful story in her comment about how strangers reached out in little ways and made a difference during a challenging day.
Today, let's all look for an opportunity to hold a door for someone, let someone else get in the elevator first, or offer to hold a crying baby so the mom can dig through her bag for a binky. Let's step back and gesture to someone that they can go ahead of us in line at the bank or grocery store.
Even if you spend most of the day at home, see if you can find a way to offer extra courtesy to others in your family. Then please share your ideas!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Yesterday a visitor to the blog shared a beautiful story in her comment about how strangers reached out in little ways and made a difference during a challenging day.
Today, let's all look for an opportunity to hold a door for someone, let someone else get in the elevator first, or offer to hold a crying baby so the mom can dig through her bag for a binky. Let's step back and gesture to someone that they can go ahead of us in line at the bank or grocery store.
Even if you spend most of the day at home, see if you can find a way to offer extra courtesy to others in your family. Then please share your ideas!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Day 10 - Get Your Hands Dirty
In my pre-September warm-up posts, I shared about my daughter picking up litter in a movie theatre parking lot, and the story of the nun at a retreat who wiped up the bathroom to leave it nicer than the way she found it.
I think that perhaps because of being a homemaker for so many years, and the inevitable extra "clean up after others" work that goes along with that, it's easy for me to tune out when I hear that gentle nudge. After all, I have spent years picking up for others.
But no matter how many of our daily chores revolve around leaving a space better than how we found it, we can still reach out and do a little something extra. Will it be noticed? Perhaps not! But that's part of the fun.
Go for a walk today and pick up some litter. Or tidy the breakroom at work (when no one is around to notice who did it). Or vacuum your spouses car and shake out the floor mats.
Or share some other ideas you have!
Blessings!
Sharon
I think that perhaps because of being a homemaker for so many years, and the inevitable extra "clean up after others" work that goes along with that, it's easy for me to tune out when I hear that gentle nudge. After all, I have spent years picking up for others.
But no matter how many of our daily chores revolve around leaving a space better than how we found it, we can still reach out and do a little something extra. Will it be noticed? Perhaps not! But that's part of the fun.
Go for a walk today and pick up some litter. Or tidy the breakroom at work (when no one is around to notice who did it). Or vacuum your spouses car and shake out the floor mats.
Or share some other ideas you have!
Blessings!
Sharon
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Day 9 - Speak a Blessing
When my children were young, I'd stand in the doorway and rest my hand on their head before they left for the school bus and pronounce a blessing. Not quite the same as a prayer - a blessing if a bit more of declaration. "May your day be filled with reminders of how much God loves you." "May you find ways to bring light to your friends today." "May He send His angels to protect you and guard your steps."
Often, I based those blessings on whatever scripture I'd read in my morning quiet time.
Recently, several friends spoke blessings over me.
One said in an email, "I just know that God isn't done with the issue that is on your heart. Don't give up. His answer is on the way." Part prayer for the situation, part declaration of hope, her words helped me.
Another said in a phone conversation, "It's been a season of loss and difficulty, but I believe a season of God's abundance is coming for you. Be strong and tenaciously cling to the truth that He will fulfill His purposes."
While this is a kindness that might be more appropriate for family and friends, I've also looked for ways to speak a blessing to others I encounter. To a lab technician at the medical clinic, I've said, "You are so good at making people feel at ease. I know you're going to be a comfort to many people in your work and make a lot of difference to others."
How about you? Anyone you could speak a blessing over today?
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face shine on you today!
His, Sharon
Often, I based those blessings on whatever scripture I'd read in my morning quiet time.
Recently, several friends spoke blessings over me.
One said in an email, "I just know that God isn't done with the issue that is on your heart. Don't give up. His answer is on the way." Part prayer for the situation, part declaration of hope, her words helped me.
Another said in a phone conversation, "It's been a season of loss and difficulty, but I believe a season of God's abundance is coming for you. Be strong and tenaciously cling to the truth that He will fulfill His purposes."
While this is a kindness that might be more appropriate for family and friends, I've also looked for ways to speak a blessing to others I encounter. To a lab technician at the medical clinic, I've said, "You are so good at making people feel at ease. I know you're going to be a comfort to many people in your work and make a lot of difference to others."
How about you? Anyone you could speak a blessing over today?
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face shine on you today!
His, Sharon
Monday, September 8, 2008
Day 8 - Slow Down
A few days ago, I was making bookstore visits, stopping in to let the store staff know about my upcoming release, Stepping Into Sunlight.
Store visits can feel a little like sales cold-calls. Not exactly the favorite activity for my an author with my personality type. Thankfully, I was treated warmly each place I stopped.
But a few of the staff that I met really listened when I told them about the book. Their eyes didn't follow each person strolling by. They didn't glance at their watch after ten seconds. They smiled, they nodded . . . they took a moment to slow down and give the gift of attention. It meant the world to me.
I've always been bad at giving that gift. When my kids were young, I had to clamp my mouth shut as they told long, out-of-breath, rambling stories. I was SO tempted to hurry them along, get them to the point. But the POINT was that they needed to be heard. They needed me to slow down, hit the pause button of my busy life, and listen.
Today when you feel like rushing past someone, stop instead. When you find yourself "uh-huhing" faster and faster, hoping to get them to wrap up their thoughts, try slowing down and really listening. When someone in your family interrupts you in the middle of something, offer them your full attention - generously.
Let's give someone the kindness of slowing down. Of hearing. Of acknowledging that they are delightful and we want to spend a little time with them.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Store visits can feel a little like sales cold-calls. Not exactly the favorite activity for my an author with my personality type. Thankfully, I was treated warmly each place I stopped.
But a few of the staff that I met really listened when I told them about the book. Their eyes didn't follow each person strolling by. They didn't glance at their watch after ten seconds. They smiled, they nodded . . . they took a moment to slow down and give the gift of attention. It meant the world to me.
I've always been bad at giving that gift. When my kids were young, I had to clamp my mouth shut as they told long, out-of-breath, rambling stories. I was SO tempted to hurry them along, get them to the point. But the POINT was that they needed to be heard. They needed me to slow down, hit the pause button of my busy life, and listen.
Today when you feel like rushing past someone, stop instead. When you find yourself "uh-huhing" faster and faster, hoping to get them to wrap up their thoughts, try slowing down and really listening. When someone in your family interrupts you in the middle of something, offer them your full attention - generously.
Let's give someone the kindness of slowing down. Of hearing. Of acknowledging that they are delightful and we want to spend a little time with them.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Day 6 - Breaking Bread
Throughout Scripture, kindness and hospitality are often represented by a shared meal. Even when a widow in Zarapheth (I Kings 17) had only a tiny bit of oil and flour, she shared it with Elijah--and the oil and flour never ran out.
Can you share some food with some one today?
Once when I was experiencing deep discouragement about my ministry with a Christian arts group, a friend declared, "When the going gets tough, the tough get pie." And she took me out for a slice of comfort--her treat. I've never forgotten how loved and nurtured I felt by that act.
Bake a batch of cookies and bring some to a neighbor, a shut-in, a coworker, or a friend. Better yet, invite someone to supper. Keep it simple. A crockpot of simmering soup and a loaf of fresh-baked bread.
In this era of convenience foods, anyone can obtain an easy, quick meal. But a dish prepared by you and given in love is far more than just calories for the body. It's encouragement for the soul.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Can you share some food with some one today?
Once when I was experiencing deep discouragement about my ministry with a Christian arts group, a friend declared, "When the going gets tough, the tough get pie." And she took me out for a slice of comfort--her treat. I've never forgotten how loved and nurtured I felt by that act.
Bake a batch of cookies and bring some to a neighbor, a shut-in, a coworker, or a friend. Better yet, invite someone to supper. Keep it simple. A crockpot of simmering soup and a loaf of fresh-baked bread.
In this era of convenience foods, anyone can obtain an easy, quick meal. But a dish prepared by you and given in love is far more than just calories for the body. It's encouragement for the soul.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Friday, September 5, 2008
Day 5 - A Cup of Cold Water
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."-- Matthew 10:42
We clambered over boulders and pulled ourselves up the last part of the trail. My legs quivered from exhaustion. Sweat poured down the hot skin of my face as the sun seemed determined to press me back down the mountain.
"Want a drink?" My husband handed me his water bottle.
Water was never sweeter.
I had a bottle of my own in my backpack. I could have eventually dug it out. But the OFFER of a drink of water placed in my shaking hand was a gift that made that water feel even better than if I'd just provided it for myself.
Let's be literal today. Be alert to the people around you. If you have young children in your home, tearing around the back yard, hand them a tumbler of cool water as they come in the door. Make iced tea for your husband, or pour a favorite soda for your teen as he comes in the door from school, and hand it to him.
Anticipate a need and offer a simple refreshment.
Then let us know how it went!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Day 4 - The Enemy
Jesus said, "Love your enemy, pray for those who persecute you."
A tall order when I get cranky even with those who are kind and delightful to me--like my family members and dear friends.
"Enemy" is a strange concept, too, because in my daily life of housework, family life, and writing, I don't run into a lot of people who directly oppose, attack, or persecute me. But if we broaden our understanding of "enemy" to those who seem to hinder things from going our way, then some one may come to mind.
Someone who nabs the good parking space, someone who jams up the customer service line with persistent arguments, the family member who makes us feel small with a barbed comment, the friend who blithely chats about a luxury vacation when we long for even a weekend getaway, a coworker who finagles their work onto our pile somehow.
Has someone come to mind?
Now - let's pray for that "enemy".... NO! Not the "teach them how wrong they are being" sort of prayer. Let's really dig deep and start thinking of the blessings we long for - love, fellowship, closeness to God, meaning and purpose . . . and let's ask for those on behalf of the "enemy." And while we're at it, a little confessing of our own selfish or harsh attitudes would be a good idea, too.
Still with me?
Okay, now let's ask God to inspire a small kind act we can do for the person that came to mind.
A genuine compliment (not to improve the relationship so WE feel better, but simply to bless them) or a word of praise to someone else about them. Or offering them our dessert. Or a handwritten note. OR, if there is an ongoing conflict about a parking spot, the way to roll up toothpaste, or the pile of work on the desk--how about giving ground--on purpose--as a gift of love?
I can't wait to hear what God stirs up today, as we practice improbable love. :-)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
A tall order when I get cranky even with those who are kind and delightful to me--like my family members and dear friends.
"Enemy" is a strange concept, too, because in my daily life of housework, family life, and writing, I don't run into a lot of people who directly oppose, attack, or persecute me. But if we broaden our understanding of "enemy" to those who seem to hinder things from going our way, then some one may come to mind.
Someone who nabs the good parking space, someone who jams up the customer service line with persistent arguments, the family member who makes us feel small with a barbed comment, the friend who blithely chats about a luxury vacation when we long for even a weekend getaway, a coworker who finagles their work onto our pile somehow.
Has someone come to mind?
Now - let's pray for that "enemy".... NO! Not the "teach them how wrong they are being" sort of prayer. Let's really dig deep and start thinking of the blessings we long for - love, fellowship, closeness to God, meaning and purpose . . . and let's ask for those on behalf of the "enemy." And while we're at it, a little confessing of our own selfish or harsh attitudes would be a good idea, too.
Still with me?
Okay, now let's ask God to inspire a small kind act we can do for the person that came to mind.
A genuine compliment (not to improve the relationship so WE feel better, but simply to bless them) or a word of praise to someone else about them. Or offering them our dessert. Or a handwritten note. OR, if there is an ongoing conflict about a parking spot, the way to roll up toothpaste, or the pile of work on the desk--how about giving ground--on purpose--as a gift of love?
I can't wait to hear what God stirs up today, as we practice improbable love. :-)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Day 3 - Blast from the Past
Today, let's prayerfully think back over someone we are grateful to that we haven't seen in a long time.
A grade school teacher?
A piano teacher?
A college professor?
An aunt or uncle you once spent the summer with?
A high school band director?
A Sundayschool teacher?
A pastor from a church you haven't attended in years?
(feel free to suggest more ideas!)
Once you've thought of a few people who were blessings to you once upon a time, see if you can find an email or snail mail address or phone number for that person - and surprise them with a "thank you."
Even a postcard saying, "Thinking of you today, and the way your encouragement when I was young helped shape my work today" will be a delightful "out of the blue" surprise!
Let's be detectives and see if we can find some people from our past and thank them!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
A grade school teacher?
A piano teacher?
A college professor?
An aunt or uncle you once spent the summer with?
A high school band director?
A Sundayschool teacher?
A pastor from a church you haven't attended in years?
(feel free to suggest more ideas!)
Once you've thought of a few people who were blessings to you once upon a time, see if you can find an email or snail mail address or phone number for that person - and surprise them with a "thank you."
Even a postcard saying, "Thinking of you today, and the way your encouragement when I was young helped shape my work today" will be a delightful "out of the blue" surprise!
Let's be detectives and see if we can find some people from our past and thank them!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Monday, September 1, 2008
Day 1 - Kindness in An Email
I'll try to post an idea each day in September - our Penny's Project month.
If I don't keep up with a new one each day, I hope these will be supplemented by great ideas by all of you!!!
Please comment about small acts of kindness that you have done, or plan to do, or that have been gifted to you.
Day one, we're starting with something VERY easy. Not costly, not scary or difficult, no sacrifice required.
Send an email to someone whom God brings to mind.
Sounds like a tiny, not-highly-meaningful act. BUT there have been days that a loving, genuine, personal, encouraging note from a friend in my email box TOTALLY helped me through a dark day.
I'm NOT referring to jokes and cartoons and group emails that are forwarded around and clutter our boxes. I'm also not counting a friendly affirmation included along with a request. I mean a pure, personal, encouraging and kind note for no other purpose than to let someone know you care about them.
Lord,
guide us to a name...then guide our words.
Help us pour out our love, support, and tender regard,
and hit "send" with a prayer on our lips for you to bless the friend who will receive our message. Amen.
Let me know how it goes!
And continue to invite your friends to visit this site and join us in Penny's Project - sharing a small step of kindness with a new person each day!
His,
Sharon
If I don't keep up with a new one each day, I hope these will be supplemented by great ideas by all of you!!!
Please comment about small acts of kindness that you have done, or plan to do, or that have been gifted to you.
Day one, we're starting with something VERY easy. Not costly, not scary or difficult, no sacrifice required.
Send an email to someone whom God brings to mind.
Sounds like a tiny, not-highly-meaningful act. BUT there have been days that a loving, genuine, personal, encouraging note from a friend in my email box TOTALLY helped me through a dark day.
I'm NOT referring to jokes and cartoons and group emails that are forwarded around and clutter our boxes. I'm also not counting a friendly affirmation included along with a request. I mean a pure, personal, encouraging and kind note for no other purpose than to let someone know you care about them.
Lord,
guide us to a name...then guide our words.
Help us pour out our love, support, and tender regard,
and hit "send" with a prayer on our lips for you to bless the friend who will receive our message. Amen.
Let me know how it goes!
And continue to invite your friends to visit this site and join us in Penny's Project - sharing a small step of kindness with a new person each day!
His,
Sharon
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I'm Praying For You
Sometimes we use the words as a fall-back when we feel helpless . . . as a last resort way to offer comfort. But it can be a powerful act of kindness, especially if we follow through.
"I'm praying for you."
Recently, I blogged about a woman who emailed out of the blue to tell me that God has suddenly placed me on her heart and she was praying for me, although she didn't know why. I suspect she worried she would sound a bit silly - especially if there were no special needs in my life.
But what she didn't realize at the time was that she emailed me on a very crucial morning. You can read the whole story here.
Have you ever been praying and felt the Holy Spirit bring a specific person to mind with special emphasis? Have you called or emailed to tell that friend, "I'm praying for you."?
Let's add that idea to our arsenal of kind acts.
We can wait for someone to share a problem and then offer to pray.
But we can ALSO actively ask God to bring to mind someone He wants us to support through our prayers. With or without their knowing, we can do kingdom work through that kind act.
Please share your comments about times when the prayers of others supported you, or ways that you've prayed for friends!
Blessings,
Sharon
"I'm praying for you."
Recently, I blogged about a woman who emailed out of the blue to tell me that God has suddenly placed me on her heart and she was praying for me, although she didn't know why. I suspect she worried she would sound a bit silly - especially if there were no special needs in my life.
But what she didn't realize at the time was that she emailed me on a very crucial morning. You can read the whole story here.
Have you ever been praying and felt the Holy Spirit bring a specific person to mind with special emphasis? Have you called or emailed to tell that friend, "I'm praying for you."?
Let's add that idea to our arsenal of kind acts.
We can wait for someone to share a problem and then offer to pray.
But we can ALSO actively ask God to bring to mind someone He wants us to support through our prayers. With or without their knowing, we can do kingdom work through that kind act.
Please share your comments about times when the prayers of others supported you, or ways that you've prayed for friends!
Blessings,
Sharon
Friday, August 15, 2008
How Can I Help?
What precious words!
Lately I've had the gift of that question offered to me by several friends.
I was talking about some discouragement . . . okay, I'll be honest, more of a feeling of hopelessness about some things that matter deeply to me.
Several friends, via email, phone, or in person, listened, cared, and said those precious words. How can I help?
Today, when someone across from us is angry, hurt, hopeless, or weary, let's offer a shoulder, a hand, a hug. And before giving suggestions, let's first meet their eyes and ask, "How can I help?"
Sometimes a person is too lost in the dark valley to KNOW what to ask for, or what they need. They may not be able to answer that question. Then we can get creative and offer a few ideas.
Sixteen years ago, I was seriously ill for several months. I was so sick that when people asked how they could help, I was too muddle-headed to think of an answer. So friends came up with their own ideas and shared love in a zillion ways.
One of the most unique was a woman from church that I didn't know too well at the time. She called up and said, "Can I please come over and clean your bathroom for you? I'm good at cleaning, and I want to help, and that's something I could do for you."
What a wonderful, specific, humble, beautiful offer!
I still remember how great it felt, after so many weeks of not being able to keep up on housework, to have a sparkling clean bathroom.
Has anyone asked you this wonderful question lately?
And have you had an opportunity to ask it of anyone?
Leave a comment and you'll be entered in my next drawing for a Penny's Project notebook (beautifully hand-crafted by a friend of mine...another of those women who ask, "How can I help?".)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Lately I've had the gift of that question offered to me by several friends.
I was talking about some discouragement . . . okay, I'll be honest, more of a feeling of hopelessness about some things that matter deeply to me.
Several friends, via email, phone, or in person, listened, cared, and said those precious words. How can I help?
Today, when someone across from us is angry, hurt, hopeless, or weary, let's offer a shoulder, a hand, a hug. And before giving suggestions, let's first meet their eyes and ask, "How can I help?"
Sometimes a person is too lost in the dark valley to KNOW what to ask for, or what they need. They may not be able to answer that question. Then we can get creative and offer a few ideas.
Sixteen years ago, I was seriously ill for several months. I was so sick that when people asked how they could help, I was too muddle-headed to think of an answer. So friends came up with their own ideas and shared love in a zillion ways.
One of the most unique was a woman from church that I didn't know too well at the time. She called up and said, "Can I please come over and clean your bathroom for you? I'm good at cleaning, and I want to help, and that's something I could do for you."
What a wonderful, specific, humble, beautiful offer!
I still remember how great it felt, after so many weeks of not being able to keep up on housework, to have a sparkling clean bathroom.
Has anyone asked you this wonderful question lately?
And have you had an opportunity to ask it of anyone?
Leave a comment and you'll be entered in my next drawing for a Penny's Project notebook (beautifully hand-crafted by a friend of mine...another of those women who ask, "How can I help?".)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Servanthood
Coming out of a movie theater after a family outing, my youngest daughter picked up something from the ground. I looked over, thinking she'd dropped something.
"What's that?" I asked.
She shrugged. "Something for me to throw away later."
Litter? She was picking up litter in a big old public parking lot?
When we got home, I sidled close to her and said, "Hey, thanks for doing that. But what made you think of it?"
She explained that on her recent mission trip, where she worked to clean and paint a community center, they discussed the issue of being a servant. It was easy during the parameters of the mission trip to think about giving their labor to others each day, but could be easy to forget about once they got home. My daughter didn't want to revert to the way most of us function - avoiding the dirty jobs. She wanted to bring the attitude of humble service into every day.
Cool, isn't it?
And other than this time when I caught her at it, it's the sort of quiet service that no one will ever see or praise or reward.
I once spent a week at a retreat center, and a nun who was also on the retreat wiped down the public restroom's sink and counter after getting ready in the morning. I never would have thought of doing that...leaving the space nicer than it was for the stranger who would use it next.
Can you think of other "invisible" acts of servanthood?
Remember, everyone who posts comments before August 1st will be entered in a drawing for a Penny's Project Notebook (to keep track of your small steps of kindness)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
"What's that?" I asked.
She shrugged. "Something for me to throw away later."
Litter? She was picking up litter in a big old public parking lot?
When we got home, I sidled close to her and said, "Hey, thanks for doing that. But what made you think of it?"
She explained that on her recent mission trip, where she worked to clean and paint a community center, they discussed the issue of being a servant. It was easy during the parameters of the mission trip to think about giving their labor to others each day, but could be easy to forget about once they got home. My daughter didn't want to revert to the way most of us function - avoiding the dirty jobs. She wanted to bring the attitude of humble service into every day.
Cool, isn't it?
And other than this time when I caught her at it, it's the sort of quiet service that no one will ever see or praise or reward.
I once spent a week at a retreat center, and a nun who was also on the retreat wiped down the public restroom's sink and counter after getting ready in the morning. I never would have thought of doing that...leaving the space nicer than it was for the stranger who would use it next.
Can you think of other "invisible" acts of servanthood?
Remember, everyone who posts comments before August 1st will be entered in a drawing for a Penny's Project Notebook (to keep track of your small steps of kindness)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Friday, July 18, 2008
Praising Someone - Behind Their Back
We all know the horrible feeling of finding out someone has said something mean about us behind our back.
But there is an equally powerful joy in learning someone shared a kind report about us to others.
I just returned from the International Christian Retail Show - an exhausting experience. One day, I got a call. A store manager had stopped by my publisher's booth and raved about my books. They told him I was at the conference, and called me to arrange for me to meet him. I was so encouraged by his enthusiasm. But it also felt amazing to think of someone "talking behind my back" in such a terrific way. He made me look good to my publishers.
In Stepping Into Sunlight, Penny tells a store manager about a clerk that has done a terrific job. The manager and clerk are both startled, but it makes the clerk's day, and raises her in the eyes of her rather cranky manager.
It's so much easier to whine and complain about people. I confess I slip into it far too often. But I've been concentrating on finding opportunities to genuinely talk up someone I like or admire behind his or her back. They may never find out, but it does raise their esteem. And if they do hear about it, it just might make their day.
Can you think of someone you could speak well of behind their back?
We've discussed the power of a kind word, but let's try the power of a covert kind word and see what happens. :-)
Feel free to share your stories here.
Everyone who comments will be entered in a drawing for a free Penny's Project Notebook.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
But there is an equally powerful joy in learning someone shared a kind report about us to others.
I just returned from the International Christian Retail Show - an exhausting experience. One day, I got a call. A store manager had stopped by my publisher's booth and raved about my books. They told him I was at the conference, and called me to arrange for me to meet him. I was so encouraged by his enthusiasm. But it also felt amazing to think of someone "talking behind my back" in such a terrific way. He made me look good to my publishers.
In Stepping Into Sunlight, Penny tells a store manager about a clerk that has done a terrific job. The manager and clerk are both startled, but it makes the clerk's day, and raises her in the eyes of her rather cranky manager.
It's so much easier to whine and complain about people. I confess I slip into it far too often. But I've been concentrating on finding opportunities to genuinely talk up someone I like or admire behind his or her back. They may never find out, but it does raise their esteem. And if they do hear about it, it just might make their day.
Can you think of someone you could speak well of behind their back?
We've discussed the power of a kind word, but let's try the power of a covert kind word and see what happens. :-)
Feel free to share your stories here.
Everyone who comments will be entered in a drawing for a free Penny's Project Notebook.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
One Little Kind Word
I truly spend most of my life floundering around convinced I'm not of much use to God's kingdom and wishing I could do something more to lift the load of my friends who are hurting, or to honor His name, or to meet the needs I see in the world.
Every now and again, God gives me a glimpse of a way He HAS used me when I wasn't looking.
Months ago I hosted a small gathering at my home. One of the women had shared about some discouragement, and as she left that evening, I casually said, "If you ever want to talk, feel free to call."
Simple words. Tossed out almost without thought. Certainly no great act of sacrifice or love. This was a sweet woman to whom it was easy to reach out.
But she later wrote to me and shared that the simple invitation was an answer to a long battle she had fought with feeling insignificant. She had been praying that God would do something to reassure her that she was lovable, that she was important to Him. Standing on my front porch, she felt His answer.
Wow.
I've been on the receiving end of those sorts of timely, kind words, as well.
Last winter, I was facing a scary heart catheterization procedure. The morning before heading to the hospital, I opened my emails and found one from a woman I'd met briefly several months earlier (who knew nothing about my health struggles). "I don't know why," she wrote. "and this might sound weird. But for some reason God has really impressed on me that I should pray for you. So I wanted to let you know I'm praying."
I put my head on my desk and burst into tears. Joyful tears. Without me even asking, He was nudging people to support me in prayer.
How about you? Have you ever received the gift of a kind word at a crucial time?
Or have you said something and later learned it was exactly what the other person needed?
Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
Let's find some ways to share golden apples today!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Every now and again, God gives me a glimpse of a way He HAS used me when I wasn't looking.
Months ago I hosted a small gathering at my home. One of the women had shared about some discouragement, and as she left that evening, I casually said, "If you ever want to talk, feel free to call."
Simple words. Tossed out almost without thought. Certainly no great act of sacrifice or love. This was a sweet woman to whom it was easy to reach out.
But she later wrote to me and shared that the simple invitation was an answer to a long battle she had fought with feeling insignificant. She had been praying that God would do something to reassure her that she was lovable, that she was important to Him. Standing on my front porch, she felt His answer.
Wow.
I've been on the receiving end of those sorts of timely, kind words, as well.
Last winter, I was facing a scary heart catheterization procedure. The morning before heading to the hospital, I opened my emails and found one from a woman I'd met briefly several months earlier (who knew nothing about my health struggles). "I don't know why," she wrote. "and this might sound weird. But for some reason God has really impressed on me that I should pray for you. So I wanted to let you know I'm praying."
I put my head on my desk and burst into tears. Joyful tears. Without me even asking, He was nudging people to support me in prayer.
How about you? Have you ever received the gift of a kind word at a crucial time?
Or have you said something and later learned it was exactly what the other person needed?
Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
Let's find some ways to share golden apples today!
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Monday, July 7, 2008
The History of Kindness
Long before the movie "Pay it Forward" or "Oprah's Big Give," people around the world have been excited by the idea of unexpected steps of kindness - doing something caring and loving without expecting reciprocation. Here are a few examples:
You can visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation here.
In 1994 Mary Colf wrote 301 Random Acts of Kindness.
In 1999, Barbara Johnson wrote a children's book called Christian Acts of Kindness.
But some of my favorite examples of the power of small acts of kindness are recorded in the New Testament Gospels.
A little boy shares a few fish and loaves of bread, and Jesus multiplies it into enough to feed thousands.
A widow gives two small coins, and Jesus says that while others coming to the temple gave large amounts, the woman's gift was precious because she gave all she had.
Even further back, in the Old Testament, another widow makes a meal from her last bits of oil and flour for a weary prophet, Elijah. And as he stayed with her and her son, day after day, God miraculously kept the oil and flour from running out.
What I love about the Biblical accounts, is that the human part of the equation is hopelessly inadequate for the need--yet God takes our small offerings and accomplishes His purposes.
Kindness isn't about celebrating human goodness, but about being a vessel that share's God's greatness.
As one of my favorite verses says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Cor. 4:7)
Have you ever done a small simple act and been surprised by the way God did something much more profound through it? Tomorrow I'll share an example from my life.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
You can visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation here.
In 1994 Mary Colf wrote 301 Random Acts of Kindness.
In 1999, Barbara Johnson wrote a children's book called Christian Acts of Kindness.
But some of my favorite examples of the power of small acts of kindness are recorded in the New Testament Gospels.
A little boy shares a few fish and loaves of bread, and Jesus multiplies it into enough to feed thousands.
A widow gives two small coins, and Jesus says that while others coming to the temple gave large amounts, the woman's gift was precious because she gave all she had.
Even further back, in the Old Testament, another widow makes a meal from her last bits of oil and flour for a weary prophet, Elijah. And as he stayed with her and her son, day after day, God miraculously kept the oil and flour from running out.
What I love about the Biblical accounts, is that the human part of the equation is hopelessly inadequate for the need--yet God takes our small offerings and accomplishes His purposes.
Kindness isn't about celebrating human goodness, but about being a vessel that share's God's greatness.
As one of my favorite verses says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Cor. 4:7)
Have you ever done a small simple act and been surprised by the way God did something much more profound through it? Tomorrow I'll share an example from my life.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Past Projects
Since childhood, I've enjoyed designing special projects like the character of Penny Sullivan did in Stepping Into Sunlight.One year during Lent, I tried to do a secret good deed each day (it's harder than it sounds!). Another time, I set out to send a letter of gratitude to a different person each day during November (in honor of Thanksgiving).
As a wife and mom of four, I'm blessed with folks to whom it's easy to show love. But I still like the idea of challenging myself to reach out to new people in creative ways.
My local Christian radio station, KTIS, has been promoting something called "Drive Thru Difference" - where listeners are encouraged to pay for the person behind them at the drive-through as a surprise gift.
Have you ever participated in a special project like one of these in the past? What did you do? How was it received? Feel free to share ideas in the comments. And to join our Small Steps of Kindness Movement - leave a comment HERE, and I'll get you added to our list. During the month of September, we'll rock our world with small acts of love that God can multiply.
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
