Inexpensive Giving

For those who read this previous blog post you would know that I have been running a program called Shine at the school I work at with the year 7 girls. The program covers three main topics of Worth, Strength and Purpose. 

For one of the strength sessions I made these strength rocks in the above picture for each of the girls to have. The session topic was about resilience and having an ability to bounce back, to draw strength from within to overcome hardships we may face in life. 

Throughout this program I have found that the girls absolutely love getting small gifts ( I mean who doesn't love getting free things?) But more than that, you can see that they are touched by the fact that someone would take the time and spend the money on each of them. They can tell that what we are talking to them about throughout this program are things which we value and believe to be important enough to give them something to remember what we shared. 

If you are in charge of running a program or ever do motivational talks, I would encourage you to take some time to think of what small gift you give to your audience. It doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, the bag of rocks I bought cost $2.50 and I simply used a permanent marker to write words on it. 

It took me no-longer than half and hour, yet I know it left a lasting impact on the lives of the young girls who took one home.

Bucket of Sunshine

Here is an idea I found on none other than Pinterest. 

What better way to brighten someones day than by giving them a box of sunshine? 

I have a friend who has recently gone through a hard time with her son being in hospital and other just "stuff" so I thought she could really use a box of sunshine. However I didn't have a box, but I had a cute yellow polk a dot bucket that I filled with as many "yellow things" I could find:

1/ Twinings Camomile, Honey and Vanilla flavoured tea

2/ Cute -sized can of lift

3/ Yellow candle holders

4/ Olympic coloured tic tacs

5/ A pretty yellow mug

6/ The Natural Confectionery forbidden fruit pack

7/ Caramello Chocolate

+ 

My cute bucket and a note 

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A Bucket of Sunshine

 Is there someone you know who could use a little sunshine in their day?

Thank-You

Saying thank you is something simple, yet makes a profound statement. Society today tends to go with the notion that 'time is money'. With people's lives becoming increasingly busy and full of 'things' to do sometimes it can be like going from obligation to obligation. So when someone takes the time to help you with something that is not part of their job description or a mandatory event I think it's important to let them know you appreciate them. Letting them know you appreciate the time they have taken out of their day or days to help you.

I work at a school as a Chaplain (kind of like a guidance counselor). Recently I organized our school's first whole school event in eight years to celebrate the different cultures we have amongst our student population. It was a crazy busy time and involved crazy amounts of list making, phone calls, meetings, prayer, etc. Throughout this time though, there were some people who really went above and beyond to help me with this event. They supported me in ways that I am ever so-grateful for and could not have done without. So after the event I really wanted to show my appreciation for their time. The above picture is the thank-you gift I gave them which was just a cute little jar which I filled with my favourite tea from Darjeeling, India and tied a bow around. I also wrote personalized notes for each of them. This was a little time consuming, however I love doing this kind of thing.

I believe it is important to show your appreciation to people for things both big and small that they do which is a blessing for you or others. To let them know that you value their contribution, and it does not go unnoticed. To let them know that you value the sacrifice of their time. Never underestimate the importance of saying thank-you.

Who is someone that you could say thank-you to today?

Pinteresting Ideas

I must admit...I am finding myself becoming more and more addicted to Pinterest. It truly is a great way to collate creative ideas under almost every category you could ever think of. I love gaining inspiration from other people's boards and seeing how gifted people are. Why not check out ideas that you could send those serving overseas or just to bless those around you?!

Here are some ideas I love:

A cute way to package small gifts, remember the lighter packages cost less to send too:):

FREE Printables:

Encouraging Cards:

Map Art (great gift for those who call more than one country or state home):

 

A Housewarming Bucket