Some pics.........

Since I didn't post any pics on the previous entry, I wanted to post some! 

Here are some from the weeks events:

My hubby giving blood <3

 Ken donating, feeling pretty good!

 Ready, set, go!

 Theo is all smiles!

  This is Catie BEFORE she donated.......after, she passed out....twice. ;o)

  Wade looking pretty confident!

 

 

 

 

  Katie is a first time donater, but did great!

 Mine and Kevin's battle wounds!

 

I want to give a big thanks to everyone who came out to support this project!  Y'all are amazing! 

 

Blessings,

Kim

It is more blessed...........

Acts 20:35

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

³⁵ In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

I can certainly attest to this scripture. I have been so incredibly blessed by this project!

When God laid this project on my heart, I knew that it would be a life changer, but I didn't realize the magnitude in which it would do so!

We have heard these words for most of our lives.  I have had opportunities to feel exactly how these words can ring true many times, but never as I have over the last few days. 

I have had some truly amazing experiences and am so humbled that God would allow me to participate in His work. 

As to not put the focus on me, I want everyone to remember that I am doing all of this not because I am a great person with a great idea, but I have chosen to be obedient to what the Holy Spirit has led me to do.  All of the ideas, money and opportunities have been orchestrated by God. 

To give a brief rundown on some of the other acts that I have been able to be a part of are:

*Donating 38 canned goods to the Salvation Army church for their food pantry.
*Giving a woman in Winn-Dixie a gift card to help pay for her groceries.  She had her hands full with 3 small children, and seemed like she needed a pick-me-up.
*Going to Starbucks and giving 2 people a gift card.  I loved one of the ladies reactions as I handed it to her, she said, "Are you sure?"  People always think that there is a string attached, and it is so rewarding to give without any expectations behind it!
*Paying for someone behind me in line at Krystal's drive-thru.
*Paying for someone behind me at Burger King
*Doing a gift basket for my oldest daughter's bus driver
*Doing a gift basket for my middle daughter's teacher
*Doing a gift basket for my son's teacher
*Getting a group of people together to donate blood to the Florida Georgia Blood Alliance all together, we had a group of 11 people go to donate in the Orange Park area, and some in the Starke/Gainesville area. 
*Sharing Christ and His love for me.  Letting people know how my life has changed since He took control. 
*Preparing a meal for our Starke Family Group for our Church
*Preparing a meal for our Southside Family Group for our Church
*Preparing a meal for my Pastor and his wife
*Preparing a meal for a family that was introduced by a sweet friend.  During this visit, God was so real and apparent to me.  I believe that we are exactly where we need to be when we need to be there!
*Preparing a meal for a sweet friend that had a rough week.

All of these acts left me feeling so blessed and thankful to be used in the name of God! 

As I was driving the other day, I know that God was speaking to me, telling me that I was not done with this project.  Although I initially thought that it would be a 10 day project, I believe that I will keep it going my whole 38th year!  I have been blessed and can't imagine stopping! I will continue this project at least until December 31! 

Continue to pray for me as I continue to look for ways to minister to others.  People need the Lord and they often need to see the hands and feet of God working in order to believe that there is something that is bigger than themselves. I pray that people see that God loves them and wants to know them more!

Thank you so much for the continued prayers and sweet comments.  I am a blessed woman!

Let me know if you have any ideas for more footprints!

Blessings,
Kim

Day 2 & 3........

It has been an amazing couple of days.  I have been blessed so much! I have been able to complete a few more RAOK, and it just keeps getting better!



On Saturday, I had an opportunity to mark another RAOK of my list.  I wanted to give someone a $38 tip.  I believe that people that serve others in the restaurant industry work hard and rarely receive the tips that they truly deserve.  I didn't stay to see her face when she saw the tip, but I know that I would have been thrilled! She was a great waitress, and I hope that she is able to use the money for whatever she sees a need for.


 I also did another act that didn't cost me anything but time.  I put up shopping carts in the BJ's parking lot.  Seems simple and petty, but I would imagine that for the people who have to gather them up on a normal day, it may have been pretty significant!  

Some of the acts that I wanted to make sure I did was for my church, The Point Community Church .         
I believe that I am a blessed woman and I have the blessing of going to a church that truly cares for people.  The motto of our church is "Mission First, People Always, Ministry Forever."  In order for a church to the way that God intended, people have to step up and be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Everyone is called to use the gifts that God has given them.  As a way to really not put the focus on me in this project, I don't want to specifically name the acts that I have done or will be doing for my church.  I just want people to know that they are capable of the same things as I.  I am not special in any way.  I have just been obedient to God's asking. 

I have a specific date for the blood drive as well.  It is scheduled for Saturday, February 9 from 2-5 pm at my house.  The blood mobile will be in my cul-de-sac.  If you are willing to donate, please leave me a comment or send me a facebook message letting me know. 

I am looking forward to the rest of the week! 

Blessings!

Day #1.............

Wow!

That is what I have to say about today!  I am so humbled by God giving me this idea, and allowing me to be a part of such an amazing experience! 

For my first day of RAOK, I have completed 2 acts. 

My first one was at the car wash.  I was able to pay for a car wash for a gentleman.  Simple, but so gratifying to see the smile on his face as the attendant handed him my card to explain WHY I paid for his car wash. 

 I was so excited that I was able to complete RAOK #1!

I made sure to get some cards made so that everyone that I came into contact with could visit this blog to see the WHAT and WHY behind these acts!  Love the cards!

                                                                       So special!

Next stop was the Ronald McDonald House.  I have to say that this charity is very near and dear to my heart!  I have personally been blessed by this organization as my children were all born prematurely and we were able to stay at the house.  This is an amazing charity that gives back to the community in so many ways.  It truly is a home away from home for parents and children that need to be ministered to during times of sickness or extended care.  If you do not know about this amazing place, I highly recommend for you to check it out and consider being a volunteer!  What a blessing it is to be around the kids and parents!  Visit their website at: 
Ronald McDonald House-Jacksonville

Tonight, I (along with my daughter, Mackenzie and friend, Catie) was able to cook dinner for about 60 people. These families have been at doctor's visits, or perhaps been at the hospital all day and are able to come to the house and get a home cooked meal every night of the week.  It is through awesome volunteers that this is able to take place.  I know the feeling of having a home cooked meal at my own house, but when you are dealing with an illness of a child, it becomes even more special. 

 Talking with some of the parents and children melts your heart.  What trials some are facing!  I ask those that are reading this to be in prayer for The Ronald McDonald House and all of it's visitors and volunteers.  They also have some pretty amazing staff that works at the House. :o)  I want to give a big thanks to Sandy Asher for helping me to organize and giving me the opportunity to cook.  I also want to say thank you to Carol Harrison for your sweet spirit and kindness as well.  You ladies truly know what it means to have a servant's heart!  Michelle, at the front desk, I wish you the best in your future endeavors......and let me say YOU ROCK!  

What a blessing this first day was!  I cannot wait to watch God work in the next 9 days!  Keep watching for more updates! 

I want to give a special thank you to Mackenzie and Catie.......you are seriously a blessing to me and I wouldn't have been able to do this without you!  I love you both!

Blessings!

So excited...........

I have been so blessed by all of the messages, texts and phone calls that I have received since making the announcement about my project.  Everyone has been so positive and thoughtful! 

I have had quite a few people ask me what they can do to help. 

Here are two ways that I am asking people to help:

1) If you are capable and willing, I would love to have at least 38 people donate blood to the Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance.  I know that some may not be able to for medical reasons or just personal reasons.  I understand that completely!  If you are able to, I would love to have people donate in the name "Thirty-eight footprints left behind". 
I will be getting all of the final details regarding how and when to do this and will be letting everyone know!

2) This has to be the most important one on the list.  This one is the main reason why I am doing this entire project.

I am asking at least 38 people to commit to sharing the Gospel with one person on my birthday, February 7.  I know that I may not be able to reach 38 people myself, so I am asking if 38 people can just share with 1 person on that day.  Once again, please do not feel as if you HAVE to do anything!  If you don't feel led, I just ask that you pray for the project.  If you do know that you can share Jesus with someone on that day, I would love to know!  I am asking those people who are willing, to leave a comment on the blog with your name.  I can't wait to see how God will show up and show off on this day!  This is going to be such an exciting time and I truly am expecting great things! 

Thank you for being so kind and receptive to God's leading in this project! 

Blessings!

You're gonna do.........

What?
That will be the number one question. What  EXACTLY are you doing?

Why?

That will be the another big question. WHY am I doing this?

Well, here are the answers in a nutshell.  Kind of a BIG nutshell, but none-the-less.

You see, I am turning 38!  I usually am not a huge fan of birthdays for myself.  I mean, I am grateful that God has chosen to give me another year to serve Him, but the wrinkles and such......that I can do without!  

This year, I wanted to do something different -- take the focus off of me, and put the focus on Jesus. After all, He is the one who died for me and saved me from an eternity of life without Him.  

So here is the WHAT......

38 Random Acts of Kindness. For my birthday, I want to give to others. I want to bless others when they least expect it. I love giving, and I want to be part of something that is bigger than me. Now, I am not rich....far from it, actually. We live on one income so that I am able to be a stay-at-home mom. I have trusted God to provide everything for this idea -- He gave it to me and birthed it in my heart, so I know it will be taken care of. 

Some of these ideas are small. Some of them are pretty big and will be very exciting to pull off! But, all of them will show people that no matter your circumstances, no matter your financial situation, you can make a difference in someone's life. You can be the change!  

The WHY?

Well, I was thinking about random things about six months ago, and God literally popped this idea into my head. I began to get excited -- I mean, really excited thinking about all the possibilities! My mind is still reeling from everything that is still taking shape with this! God is so good and faithful!  

There are so many people who have lost faith -- lost faith in themselves, humanity and most of all, God. I know that one random act of kindness will not restore all of humanity's faith, but it is a step in the right direction. When we take the focus off of ourselves and put it on others, we are forced to see that our situation might not be as bad as we thought. People are hurting and need Jesus. People need to know that there are others out there who care.  

How many times do we see a situation and think, "Someone should do something about that?" Well, you can be that person. What is stopping you? Your imagination and fears are the only things that are keeping you from making a difference. What if you are the only Jesus that someone ever sees?  

If you have seen the movie "Pay It Forward," then you get the concept: simply do a random act of kindness and ask the person to pay it forward. It really is just that simple. You can do whatever God lays on your heart.  

That is what I am doing. Simple, uncomplicated. I will be keeping a running blog as the days go on about how things are lining up. Some things I am having to set up ahead of time.  My actual birthday is February 7 but my first RAOK (random act of kindness) will be on February 1. I am so excited to give back to this place as they have given so much to me and my family! More details and pics to come! This project is scheduled to go from February 1-10. 

I will be asking some of you to help me out with a few things.  I ask that you pray about these acts and if God lays it on your heart to participate, feel free!  I would love to see how He uses you as well! 

Thank you for checking this out, and if you have stuck with reading it this far, I really appreciate it! I covet your prayers and pray blessings upon you!

Please leave comments below if you have any questions. I can't wait to get started!

Blessings, 
Kim