The Faithfulness of Friends and the Kindness of a Stranger...

During the "Getting Started" Meeting that I attended several months ago, the lady leading said that along our journey we would witness many acts of human kindness.  That we would see the world in a different way, especially during the 3-Day walk.  During the 3 days we would live in a world of kindness, hope, encouragment, and love.  A world that we would never want to leave.  A world we think could not exist during this day.   I am overwhelmed by those who have already contributed to helping me fund my walk and the love and support that I have felt from many.  The kind words that have been spoken honoring my Mother.  She is definantly a special lady to me and she has touched so many throughout her life.  

A couple of weeks ago, Mom was at Wal-Mart.  There was a lady putting her groceries in the trunk of her car.  Mom noticed that she had a 3-Day sticker on the back of her car.  Well, like any good mother, she of course is worried about me.  How are you going to walk 60 miles in 3 days?  So, she decides to go back and ask the lady if she had participated in the walk and some questions about it.  Mom and the lady shared storys and she of course gave Mom some encouraging words about me participating in the walk.  The lady took my name and that same night, made a donation to my walk.  She had partcipated and she knows what I am going through to do this for my mother.  She didn't even leave her name on my donation wall.  Instead, in the name slot she wrote "Have fun and good luck!"  The kindness of a stranger...I don't know her, but she still wanted to help!  She didn't want recognition, she just believed in the cause.  I did learn that her name is Emilee.  Emilee, thank you for being a blessing and caring.  Your story and donation touched my heart and showed me that human kindness really does exist today.

My chorus is singing a song called "Think On These Things."  A song by the wonderful creators of Music K-8 Magazine (Teresa Jennings).  I would like to share with you the lyrics to this song.

When you open up your eyes, and take in the world around you, is it good or bad in ev’rything you see?  We can fill our minds with light.  We can turn away from darkness, and think about the wonder of all things.

Like love for each other, my sister, my brother.  On mercy, on peace and unity.  More joy and less sorrow, bright hope for tomorrow.  On goodness, on truth and purity.  Think on these things.

There is beauty in this life.  There is charity and honor.  And we don’t even have to look that far.  It’s in the faithfulness of friends, or the kindness of a stranger.  All these seeds are planted in our hearts.

Like love for each other, my sister, my brother.  On mercy, on peace and unity.  More joy and less sorrow, bright hope for tomorrow.  On goodness, on truth and purity.  Think on these things.

My favorite part of this song is the second verse.  Life is beautiful and to find this beauty we don't need to look any farther than God, our family, and our friends.  "It's in the faithfulness of friends, or the kindness of a stranger.  All these seeds are planted in our hearts."

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament.  Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Faithfulness of Friends...

Today, my friend Emily Schneider had a Premier Jewelry Party for me.  She donated 25% of what was sold to help fund my walk.  I am so thankful for my friends who pre-ordered, showed up to the party, and those that are planning on post-ordering this week.  Thank you for believing in the cause and me!  Thank you, Emily for donating your time and money to support me.  I am so glad that we are friends.  Emily's jewelry is beautiful!  If you want to have your own Premier Show, I would be happy to let Emily know.  Thank you to my teacher friends - Carol Osborn, Tina Hendrix, Stephanie Kazar, Corey Barnwell, and Angie Craver (and Angie's sister-in-law, who I just met for the first time) for your support.  Also, my favorite Covington photographer, Wendi Stewart.  If you are in the market for a photographer that is unique, look no farther than Wendi Stewart Photography.  Last but not least, Eva Bone, good friend and awesome musician!  Wesley has been taking piano lessons from Miss Eva for 3 years and Graham has attended several Kindermusik class with her.  If you would like information on Kindermusik or piano lessons, let me know!

When signing up for this walk, I was so scared about raising the money.  Today, I am once again reminded that God is faithful. 

"But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him."  Lamentations 3:21-24

In my fundraising account I am already over the $1000 mark.  Not including the money from the Premier Show and some that my Mother has collected.  I have still yet to send out my letters/emails asking for donations.  I have faith that God will supply and continue to carry me through this journey.

Thanks to my most recent donors...

Ginger Pitts, a sweet lady that goes to my parents church, my home church.  Thanks, Miss Ginger for your contribution, support, and prayers!

Roselene Jenkins, a sweet lady in my Mother's Women to Women Breast Cancer Support Group.  Roselene, thank you for your support.  I will walk in honor of you too!

Betty Sauls, my grandmother also made a generous donation.  She is another reason that I walk.  Breast Cancer has touched my family twice.  Not only is my mother a survivor, but my Grandmother has fought and continues to fight this terrible disease.  Thank you, Mawmaw!  I love you and you are always in my prayers!  

I walk in the hope that a cure will be found so that others do not have to face what Mom and Mawmaw have gone through. 

The photo to the right is of me and Mawmaw on her birthday last year. 

Thanks again everyone for your support and prayers!

"For Your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in Your faithfulness."  Psalm 26:3