the kindness of a stranger

this blogging community is amazing. you probably are already quite familiar with the nielson's story. apparently, there has been a phenomenal support from the blogging world for them....prayers, auctions, news stories, the list goes on. kindness from people that without the internet would otherwise be strangers.

while i may never meet any of this family, i feel such a connection to stephanie. i think of her often & pray for her daily. i printed out a few of her gorgeous photos ( thank you wendy) to carry with me & have in my bible. while i sometimes feel guilty for spending too much time surfing around on blogs, finding their story has given me confirmation that this online world is a good thing. i am honored to be given the privilege just to come along side of some incredible families & their journeys and lift them up with prayers and encouragements.

i am also humbled by many of the friends i've made out here the last year or so. several of you have lifted my spirits on days when i'm down. sweet pixel fairy princess dropped by unannounced one day ---waaaaaaay out of her way, just to bring me a giftbag full of treasures. thank you friend, you are a treasure.

i have met sweet courtney who i will hook up with for lunch in just a little bit.

i've met a couple of young moms who my hubby taught ( just a few) years ago :)

so while i may spend a little too much time on line, i am forever changed and blessed by the kindness of what would otherwise be a stranger & the many wonderful 'you's' out there.

so thank you.

"Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why,

when I am in special need of help,

the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim."

~William Feather ~

also, thank you to my sweet mom for bringing us pot roast, fresh bread & yummy yummy homemade chicken salad while i was a little below the weather this last week.

that same day my awesome journal from rebecca sower arrived. nothing like homemade goodness & an etsy treat to cheer me up!

madison has begun practice for the nutcracker....she will have dance 8 different times in each 6 day cycle ( all before the performance even begins!)....this really excites her but wears me out just thinking about the logistics

we're also knee deep in football season 'round here.
games each friday night & cheerleading competitions on saturday mornings.

emily is loving getting plugged in with the vast amount of youth activities our church holds. we are blessed to attend a church whose heart is to reach the next generation. the programs, the people, the everything is to help these kids get a solid spiritual foundation especially while in middle school.

she was so sweet the other day. she said " mom, i think its a good thing that i'm not busy with alot of extra circulars. that way i can be at church for all the great things there".

preach on emi!

you have a kind heart & you inspire me to be a better person.took these pictures sunday.....this little bit is just growing up way too fast

The smallest act of kindness
is worth more than the grandest intention.
~Oscar Wilde~