Did you know that February 15-21 is National Random Acts of Kindness week?
Kevin and I were on the receiving end of a special surprise act of sweetness a couple of Christmases ago and boy did it catch us off guard! We were going through a really rough time financially, so we were spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to get money, and get happy. Then, out of nowhere, someone reminded us that true happiness lives in your heart, and that giving opens the way for receiving.
I shared our experience over at Lysa TerKeurst's blog today...
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I'll be back here tomorrow to share some new photos of an inspiring accessory we recently added to our dining room. It's simple, but sweet. Just the way I like 'em!
Happy Tuesday,
Layla
:-)
PS- If you're visiting from Lysa's blog- Welcome!
Here's a couple of links to the posts she mentioned in the beginning of her post: Fireplace Re-do and Mailbox Re-do
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34 comments:
What a wonderful post over at Lysa's blog today! Thanks for the wonderful reminder of the scripture: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you," Luke 6:38.
What a wonderful testimony and blessing you received on Christmas of 08...Thanks for sharing!
"And they make everything from changing your fireplace to installing new mailboxes seem possible."
Lysa said that on her intro to your post. I'm wondering what is she referencing and where can I find it posted on your site. I want to change some things on my fireplace and would love a new mailbox post.
Dear Kevin and Layla,
I am inspired by what you do. And, also, how you share your faith and challenges. Isn't God awesome... I love how we see Him in every day things but also in time such as the one described on Lysa's blog. My husband got laid off 2 years ago and we have three children. We have had time such as you described too but I also am in awe of God's provision upon our lives!
Just read your guest post. Bless your dear, sweet hearts!
Awesome post. You have me crying!
Dear Layla,
Thank you for the beautiful post. You have a way of pleasing our eyes, tickling our funny bone, and touching our hearts.
Deborah
Layla - I like to admire your blog from a far...but today I just have to comment. I read your post on Lysa's blog - and it's fabulous. What a testimony for God - and a great way to live life. The joy you and Kevin have together is apparent in all you do - and I believe totally blessed by God. Thanks so much for sharing - encouragement and joy.
Layla, you and your cutey patoutey husband have such a positive attitude it comes through your blog loud and clear. Thank you for the reminder that as we struggle we are not alone, God is always there to guide us along. He shall provide everything we need. Isn't that the truth.
Congratulations Layla on winning the ticket to Blissdom.
Have a great time!!
Wow, just goes to show you that it is the little things that mean so much. What a nice post. It makes me want to go out and make someone else day.
Thanks for sharing! :)
I am now going to bookmark Lysa's blog.
What a wonderful and touching post over on Lysa's blog. It is so true that by giving we gain so much more in return!
Kat :)
Just wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed your blog! I love you style and mine is much the same. I'd love for you to see my new kitchen reveal on my blog!
Layla, I posted over there on your great story but wanted to come back here and tell you how wonderful it was to read. I have been in the very place you were then, even down to the having the serious conversation about being positive.
I admire you for being able to be so honest about where you've been and where you are now. Reading about your lives here on your own blog, it seems hard to imagine that you and Kevin have ever had a care in the world.
You are such an inspiration with your attitude and your commitment to God. I can only imagine that he smiles down on you each day.
"All things work together for good for those who are called according to his purposes."
Thanks for sharing.
What an amazing story, Layla! It struck a familiar vein in me since me and my husband were in a very similar situation a few years ago. It is amazing and heart-warming to see people who are willing to do a random act of kindness every day. I hope that in the years to come we not only have a week dedicated to doing such act, but that it becomes an every-day custom.
What a beautiful, wonderful post... It's amazing how just a moment of kindness can change your whole perspective. I am so glad that you and your hubby continue to pursue your passion, and that you share your adventures with the rest of us! :) I am continually inspired, not only by the beautiful space that you and K have created, but also by your upbeat attitude - thank you!
What a beautiful, wonderful post... It's amazing how just a moment of kindness can change your whole perspective. I am so glad that you and your hubby continue to pursue your passion, and that you share your adventures with the rest of us! :) I am continually inspired, not only by the beautiful space that you and K have created, but also by your upbeat attitude - thank you!
A random act of kindness indeed. I was really touched by your story Layla. It is a great reminder of how one small act by one single person can have such a powerful and positive effect on another. You and Kevin were at the right place at the right time. There is nothing quite as generous as the kindness of strangers.
oxox
Jennifer
Dear Layla,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. We have been in the same predicament when my husband had his own horse training business. It can be a very terrifying time. I think it humbles you to go through such experiences, and makes your realize how lucky you are to just have a roof over your head. Your story is so inspiring. Really makes you realize what a difference WE can make in someone else's life by being charitable.
Thank you for sharing
Maria
Can't wait to see your next post!
Thank you for that wonderful & inspiring post. We too are in a difficult situation, struggling to short sell our home before we lose it.
I also had a Christmas experience as a single mom years ago & know the benefit of giving.
Sometimes when you become overwhelmed, someone sends you a little reminder...thanks again!
If your interested, you can read my true "Christmas Miracle" story here:
(copy & paste link)
http://bowlofinspiration.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-christmas-miracle-true-story.html
Tears streaming down my face! I have experienced the same kind of miracles over and over again from stepping out in faith. Our church had a "Compassion in Action" campaign 2 years ago where we were encouraged to do radom acts of kindness like the one you described in the drive through. OH, I could just run over there and hug your neck!!!
Layla...that is such a wonderful post! I am going to have to remember to do that very same thing sometime. It can be the smallest things that bring the most light into someones life. I have been there...and try to remember it always. Appreciation is at the top of my things-to-remember-in-life-list, and I want it to stay there. THANK YOU for the reminder! ~mary~
What a beautiful post! I love hearing a little about your faith -- about what sustains you. You are a blessing!
Layla,
I was very touched by your story and your outlook on things. I loved learning more about you and hearing your story. I so enjoy your blog! You are doing great work!!
xx-Gina
I just read your post over on Lysa's blog and was really moved. My husband and I have been in similarly financially challenged situations in the past and have clung to the fact that we still have each other. This may sound a bit naff but we are still very happy after being together for 24 years but I feel that what we have been through has strengthened our relationship. I think if life is handed to you on a plate you don't appreciate things as much plus in your case you would never have developed the amazing skills you both have now. I also think that having difficult life experiences can make you a stronger and nicer person.
My father died at age 67 when I was 20 so would be 90 now and had the kind of old values you mention. He would often just stop and say something nice to people. I think he has instilled this in my brother, sister and I and in some ways we are quite old fashioned in our ways. I have a friend who is a single parent to two young children and I really respect her because she struggles to bring them up wanting for nothing but not spoiling them - she has to make lots of sacrifices to do this. She and her daughter have to share a room and I recently offered to paint her bedroom furniture for her as she wanted to replace the furniture which was orangey pine but very solid. I've spend the last week at her house every night after work painting it all. I don't expect any payment for this and am doing it because it makes me feel good to be able to help her. I also know how much I wished someone would help us when we were at our lowest. Without my father's values and my husbands and my previous struggles I probably wouldn't have thought of doing this. I'm glad someone helped you when you needed it! You deserve it! x
PS - sorry for the novel!
OMG, what a touching story. My heart swelled reading it. While I only know you through your blog, I think you and Kevin are the most wonderful, sincere, cutest couple I have ever seen. Love radiates from both of you. Always follow your dreams.
That was truly inspirational. :) We have all been in the financial situation you wrote about and it's a hard place to be, but when God brings you out of that place it's such a miracle. My husband had MAJOR back surgery 17 years ago and we didn't have a job for a year and a half, but we never did without food and our bills were miraculously paid.... God is good. We had so many people "pay it forward" when we were going through that time, it was amazing. We like to do the same for people now....it makes your heart sing to makes some elses day. Thanks so much for your post and the reminder that we can make a difference in someone's life today. :-)
Thank you for your testimony today, it spoke volumes to me. I wrote a little about it on my blog and linked back to you. I hope that is okay, I should have asked first. Please forgive me. next time, I will.
Thanks for your sweet story on Lysa's blog.
You two are special people. You are incredibly talented and so willing to share so much of you with us. You touched a lot of hearts by sharing such a sweet simple way to make someone's day better. Thank you.
Layla, you are such a beautiful story teller. I can see you writing for a magazine or even writing a book (maybe you already do this.) You have a lot of talent and writing is definitely one of them.
Oh I just love that story. My husband & I paid for parking for the car behind us at the beach one day. It is so much fun to do things like that! We giggled all day wondering what they thought.Thanks for sharing!
I couldnt agree with you more! Give and you shall recieve! You both deserve it! Lulu
I can always count on the fact that there's going to be something good here! Thanks for that!
I think it is just beautiful that God uses ordinary things like Krystals to reach us and assure us. I've had my own "Krystals" moments, and it is just amazing that God wants to connect with us in big and small ways. And, isn't He creative, too? :)
Thank you so much for sharing!
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