Have you ever wondered how you could make a difference in someone’s life? Have you ever had the desire to be a better person, to ‘pay it forward’? Has someone, perhaps a complete stranger, made a difference in your life with a simple act of kindness? We have decided to highlight a man who we have absolutely no connection with, but who has demonstrated first hand these qualities. We thought you would be inspired by him, as we were. Perhaps, you might decide too, to take his approach on doing good deeds. What a difference he has made, and wouldn’t it be a blessing for us to continue in this quest.
Bryan Douglas
On April 3, 2009 Bryan Douglas decided to make a difference. He placed an ad on Craigs List (of all places) asking if anyone needed help. Can you imagine? He had several responses, and after some planning, Bryan set out on a weekend trip to help others. It is as simple as that. He got in his car in Pittsburg, and headed for Chicago, with a list of “to do’s”. Actually, others’ to do’s for which he had volunteered his time. This list varied from the purchase of a battery, to providing a ride, to some sweat labor.
Take a couple of minutes to watch Bryan’s video, it is a rough documentary of his trip, well worth watching! What an incredible example of Keeping It Personal……random acts of kindness!
We challenge you to pay it forward. What can you do, something as simple as providing a ride, or helping with some lawn work…. to make a difference in another’s life? Will you share with us your stories? Maybe how your life was impacted by another’s kindness, or how you have paid it forward? We would like to make this a regular reminder for our fans- as I know I am inspired when I see how a simple action can make such a big difference!
To learn more about Bryan’s mission, to see and hear more about how he’s impacting lives, check out his websites: PghPeopleHelpingPeople.com ~ GiveWithoutRemembering.com ~ twitter.com/Bryan_Douglas_ ~ DoingGoodWorks.org
You may also be interested in reading the book he has written titled, “Doing Good Works”. Here he gives people practical ideas of how to think and act to change the world.
THANK YOU Bryan for taking action with those lingering thoughts; NOT ignoring them. You are an inspiration. You are truly keeping it personal.
I don’t get a chance to spend much time on the internet, but when I do – I have a few favorite sites and blogs I like to catch up on. One of them is Extraordinary-ordinary.com – a blog written by Heather. Leah turned me onto her blog a few months ago after she read her story. Heather and I both have something in common……recovery. With that? I get a “part of her” and I enjoy her writing.
She posted this blog Best books on writing AND photography/photo editing tips – I read it. I appreciated the tips, but what I appreciated the most is the video she shared at the end. Above the embedded video she wrote, “Get ready to shimmy your shoulders…” that intrigued me so I watched it.
My shoulders didn’t shimmy, but it sure did stir up something in my heart. It got me thinking about what I’m doing in my life and with keeping it personal. It was like the questions and statements in the video/song were reading my mind; I’ve asked them OR thought them ALL before.
Then I questioned, is what we are doing a “form” of ART? Writing? Keeping it Personal?
What is ART? That is a word that I would NOT use to describe anything about me! In fact, I would say that I am the LEAST artistic person that I know!! So, like I always do, I asked dictionary.com what the definition was. It says: skill, creativity.
This makes sense to me: The video is ART, the song behind the video is ART, the writer of the song, Tanya Davis, she’s creative and has skill – to me, that is ART.
ME? I’m wrestling with how to describe what I’m doing. Here are my questions/thoughts……….
Just because I like them, does that mean I should I mic them? and see what might unfold? || I think of the significance of my opinions here, is it significant to be giving them? does anybody care? || Just because I’m into this does that mean I should live like it? AND really do I dare? || I can’t always tell if I ought to? || If I make it will someone take it and think that its genuine? Would they be glad that I did because they got something good out of it? || Will they leave me and be any more inspired? || I question the outcome of the outpouring of myself. || If I tell everyone my stories will it keep me healthy and well? || Will it give me purpose? be some sort of service to the world? || Is it worth it? how can I tell? || What am I passing on? || What seeds are being planted? || Can a broken heart make great art? || Experiment. (BUT, what will others think?) || Don’t care much. (BUT, I do!) || My heart is trying to hard to follow you, but I can’t always tell if I ought to.
Check out this video…….
Does is make you want to “shimmy your shoulders”? OR Does it stir something in your heart?
I think that what I’ve decided is that what we are doing is ART.
Summer Break is here but I haven’t had much of a ‘break’ in the area of sleeping in. For the last week, for a variety of reasons, I’ve had to get up EARLY; I could REALLY use a morning to wake up without the alarm clock! YAWN!!
I was driving this morning, at 6:30, heading to my chiropractor appointment; drinking my coffee and listening to the radio. I heard the phrase “Live out Loud” – it set my mind racing!! I formed a question in my mind, what does it mean to live out loud? I started brainstorming what it means to ME and jotted down a few of my thoughts in my journal.
Living out loud means………..NOT being ashamed of what others think about where I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had. Being willing to open up and connect with others about life’s struggles. Sharing where my strength and hope comes from; God and a personal relationship with Christ. Striving everyday to be a light in the world and to be helpful to others. Transparency, NO masks and being honest.
THEN I started to wonder how others would answer this? So, I sent out a “quick question” email from my blackberry to some friends, it said this, “Could you take 2 minutes and answer this question quick? What would it mean to you to “live out loud” – can you share your thoughts on living out loud? Do you live out loud? How? Thank you so much for your input! Love, Teri” I LOVE the uniqueness of the responses I got from my friends and family – THANK YOU for contributing, I truly love and appreciate you ALL!! Below are their answers, uncensored……
“Living out loud is extremely rewarding! When one of the kids win an award, I’m the mom Cheering out loud while everyone else claps quietly! When I have accomplished a goal, I’m out there encouraging others that they can do the same thing! As a single mother, I bought my first house, celebrated that in the middle of a company meeting! I made a goal to buy a BMW, it took 5and a half years, but as a single mom, I accomplished that! I lived out load by telling everyone who complimented my materialistic automobile that I had that goal for 5 and a half years, and I did it!!!! I managed a team of 10 salespeople and encouraged them with praise and celebration when they succeeded, loudly! The way I look at the question: do you live out load, I think, YES! I don’t worry about what others think of me…. It’s none of my business! I get up each day to encourage and help mankind! I do it with energy! I do it with a smile! And I do it because I want to!!!!! ~ KP
“Living out loud to me means to be able to share your life’s passions, goals and beliefs with those around you. I am passionate about kids and instilling in them a love for their families and teaching them about their faith. Living out loud means making connections with others that have the same passions as you and being able to learn and grow from each other.” ~ KMP
“Living out Loud….Waking up every morning and watching the sun rise….Listening to the birds…Seeing the beauty in the world God has put before our eyes…Watching the sunsets…Loving with all your heart and like you’re never going to get hurt…Being there with a gentle heart and caring hands for others…Enjoying every moment and making the most out of every opportunity…Listening with your heart…Loving like there’s no tomorrow…Looking for the positive in everything and everyone…ACCEPTANCE…That to me is Living Out Loud.” ~ DN
“I immediately think of the song – “wake the neighbors, get the word out, crank up the music….and shout”. So, I first think of “living out loud” and the message of excitement of having a relationship with the Lord and wanting to shout from the rooftops and share the passion I have for God. I live out “louder” in some areas of my life than others. With some friends/family I speak freely about the love and excitement I have for God. In other areas of life it is more indirect. I try to stand firm in my faith and let the light of God shine out. I think living out loud is living out the Word and what is in your heart and not keeping it inside to yourself. However you can “live out loud” – speaking and sharing the Word, kind actions, patience, tolerance and love.” JE
“Living “Out Loud”. I’ve never thought of it before, but I guess to me it would be living your life as if each day were the most important day. No matter what is on your schedule, you do it to the fullest. Loving life & making the most of it. As a Christian seeing each circumstance or trial as an opportunity to trust the Lord & grow in your faith & finally being ready to share Christ’s love with a testimony or helping hand, taking a stand when you may be the only one “standing” for the truth. Letting your actions, attitudes etc define who you are, with out having to be in your face preachy to someone.” ~ SMF
“Living out loud is about sharing your love of living with others. Don’t let your happiness stay within you give it away to others! When you are loud with your living and loving it is catchy! Let others catch the fever…..live out loud today and every day!” ~ KM
“To live out loud means to me living a life with example. To live life out loud is to be seen by others a way of life that your living. Basically walking the walk and not just talking the talk. That’s how I see it.” ~ RRS
“I think living out loud means to be bold in your faith…people knowing you’re there being the example Christ set for us. Working at getting better at this, but don’t feel like I’m fully “living out loud”.” ~ WL
“Living out loud to me…. what a great question. I guess to me it means sticking to what I believe no matter what! No matter who I am around! I make sure I am who I say I am at all times: I am a daughter to a almighty savior and I try and live every moment for his glory. I am a Christian and a GOD fearing one!!! I want everyone who knows me to know that! I don’t push things on people but I know that everyone who “knows” me, KNOWS this about me. THAT is how I live out loud!!! 
” ~ AK
“Live out loud… Letting my heart be apparent from inside out and my actions following my heart by my matching those actions. Something I am working on daily.” ~DM
WHAT does “living out loud” mean to you? How would YOU answer this question?
I’m sitting in Juvenile Court right now, waiting to testify about a child’s safety. Ultimately this hearing will determine whether or not a patient I was involved in will return to her biological parent or stay in foster care with a hope to be adopted. Big stuff. My role in this is very small. One tiny piece of the puzzle.
I come with a nervous stomach. Anxious. I hate court. Really hate it. I am praying I answer the attorneys’ questions in a way that will help the judge make the best decision for this young lady. There are many attorneys involved in a hearing like this. An attorney for the county. An attorney for the parents. And each of the girls involved have a guardian ad litem, each represented by an attorney. Situations like this become very complicated, and when you really stop to think about it, what an important role each of them play in the future of this young life.
This is a very broken family, parents fighting to maintain custody of their 3rd daughter, having lost custody of their 2 older daughters. Abuse. Drugs. Immorality. Shame. Lies. Regrets. Unfortunately, this describes many of the families with whom I have the opportunity to work.
There have been some delays, (not unusual for court) which has given me some time to visit with the foster mom for these two young ladies (two of the 3 siblings). What an amazing woman. She prefers taking in teenagers, because she says she gets too attached to the younger ones. I kind of laugh at that, as in my opinion she gets just as attached to the teens. She says by the time they are adults, she is ready to let them go. Funny thing though. Two of the many foster children she has cared for over the years are still living in her home, now as adults. (Having made it to college I might add!)
This foster mom has been providing foster care as a single woman, an elementary school counselor- for over 20 years. I asked her how she would define her job description. She said it is to help young men and women adjust to the situations they have come from, and to help them grow into productive adults. Things as simple as hygiene, organization, dress (physical appearance), ethics, morals… Some of these kids come with a lot of work to do. A lot of lies to undo. Other children don’t require quite as much work. One thing is certain. She loves these kids. Unconditionally. Without judgment.
Now my confession. I mentioned there were delays in this proceeding. I became annoyed, impatient that I was sitting in court on my day off, waiting to testify. Thinking of all the things I had waiting for me at home. I have laundry to do, a house to clean, dinner to prepare… Seriously? I know part of the problem is the wall/distance I put up to protect myself from the content, the subject matter of the patients I see. But still. It didn’t take more than a moment after talking with this humble, noble woman to realize that I was being incredibly selfish. What could be more important than this?
Something I have really been convicted of lately is my selfishness. I am learning more and more every day, that life really isn’t about me. This journey I’m on is certainly a process. This foster mom has taught me a huge lesson today. A lesson about sacrifice, unconditional love, selfLESSness. I’m definitely a work in progress. I believe more and more each day, even if it is just with our own family, or perhaps a neighbor or friend, we are ALL called to be more like this woman. Think of the difference we could make if we took action.
I had the priviledge of attending my neice’s confirmation today, and I really do mean priviledge. 13 years ago, I stood by her as she was baptized, and I have been blessed to see her grow into a beautiful young lady. But that story is for another time. What I wanted to talk about was the older woman sitting behind us in church.
She was beautiful, gracious, somewhat robust, and maybe even a little hard of hearing. I am sure she was attending the service for her grand, or even great grandchild. The first song for the praise and worship portion of the service was “How Great Thou Art”. LOVE that song. For me it brings back so many memories of childhood, reminds me of the country church I attended, and even of my own grandparents. Now, I am typically the type to tear up at a time like this. We stop for kleenexes on the way into church, knowing what lies ahead. Seriously. My family surrounding me, a special occasion, and to top it off, a iconic song like “How Great Thou Art.” I was expecting a flood.
To my surprise, this kind woman behind me BELTED out:
“O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder…”
Not quite on tune, I might add.
As the song began, I started to giggle. (Has that ever happened to you? In the most inappropriate times?) I giggle sometimes when I am nervous, and I think that is why I started, hearing this woman sing so loudly, and so terribly off key. But then, I think that giggle turned into a smile when I thought of the depth of life this woman must have experienced. I am sure there have been sorrows, joys, and celebrations not unlike today. But what struck me was her ‘I don’t care what anyone thinks, I am going to belt it out from my toes’ kind of attitude! Love that!
I feel like I am so inhibited at times, feeling like I need to act a certain way, fit the mold so to speak. I wonder what it has taken for her to get to the point of losing all her inhabitions. Insecurities. Is it simply years? Experiences? Time? Or is it a confidence in knowing who you are, or maybe what is important in life? A knowing that you are a child of God and created in His image, so what do you have to hold back?
Whatever it is, I want it. I want her confidence. Her outward expression of praise. Her uninhibited spirit. I feel like I work toward this state of being, yet continually fall short. Maybe it will take a lifetime to get there—- or maybe it is humanly impossible to really achieve this state of mind. But, at least I’m trying. Regardless, I need to remember the extra message I gained from today’s service. Sing it like it matters.
I logged onto my Facebook account and on the right side of my home page under “Suggestions” it said – Farmville Addiction Club – Jane Doe (my friend) is a Fan – Become a Fan. When I saw this, I thought to myself REALLY? Farmville? an addiction?
This intrigued me as I’m very familiar with addiction and how it not only affects the life of the addict, but so many others in the addicts life. So, I decided to do a little research. Here’s what I found.
1. Farmville is a web based game that is played exclusively through Facebook.
2. It was launched in June 2009 by a company called Zynga.
3. Current monthly users are just over 82 MILLION
WOW! Farmville has mushroomed in such a short period of time, I am AMAZED! What a great idea the founder had, I’m sure he and his investors are thrilled with the results of the income this simple game generates. I don’t get news feeds about Farmville on my home page, thanks to the “Hide” option that Facebook offers, but I’m thinking that with all the users out there…….a lot of my “friends” are playing and having fun.
Going back to what prompted me to look into Farmville a little more, I came across this heart breaking post on the internet written by a child:
“My mom’s addicted. It’s not fun. She’s always playing and gets slightly rude about it. She seriously needs help. Farm Ville is ruining my mom and while she spends her time on FARM VILLE she COULD have been helping me write, but she apparently thinks that taking care of a farm on the internet is more important than helping her daughter do the dishes, or help her with homework. There should be a real Farm Ville addict group. I think my mom seriously needs help…”
This is what often happens when people are addicted and can not moderate. They lose sight of things that are REALLY important and lives are affected.
There are so many things in this world that in them selves are just fine. Exercise, Work, A glass of wine, Eating, texting, Playing Cards, Farmville, Shopping, Facebooking etc. Are any of these bad? My answer is NO. BUT, for some, when any of these things are “exercised” too frequently – when someone becomes obsessed – consumed – and starts to re-arrange their life around one or more of these things – my answer would be YES. There is a problem. The problem does NOT lie with the “thing” but the problem, I believe, stems from the inside of the person, an unhealthiness from within. What I’ve found based on my own personal experience is that addictions happen when there is something missing in our lives and we use “things” to fill the void.
I know that we all go through phases or seasons in our lives where we are doing particular things or actives more than “normal” for a specific reason. A few examples are: Working longer hours than normal on a big project to meet an important deadline. Training for a road race which requires several months of focused training to prepare the body for the race so you’re taking more time to run. Maybe you got a new piece of software on your computer and you’re really wanting to learn how to use it effectively so you’re spending more time than usual on your computer. Of course we can all relate to these types of scenarios.
I’m not writing this to condemn or judge what others are doing. I’m simply wanting to prompt you, the reader to ask yourself the simple question, “How am I doing keeping everything in moderation in my life?” If others around you are concerned about recent behaviors, carefully consider why you’re doing what you’re doing. Is this a “season” you’re going through? or are you possibly “escaping” into whatever the thing is to fill a void?
Daily KIP: Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to “fit in” or be like everyone else? Why do we, at times, allow the values or actions of others dictate our behavior and attitudes? Be careful that the values of your friends or those you look up to don’t steer you away from doing the right thing. It is OK to be different and NOT be like everyone else.
