August 2011-
I am starting a 29-Day Challenge to give one gift each day and see how it affects my life. I have always considered myself a giver, but I feel this challenge will challenge and focus me on giving more. I was inspired by the book 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving can Change your Life. I ran across it 2 years ago in a bookstore in Springfield, MO, and I titled a piece of paper 29 Gifts. I found that same piece of paper the other day, and I saw it as a sign to start the challenge. You can learn more about the book and challenge at http://givingchallenge.ning.com/.

After 1 month of giving, I have continued this challenge in giving and sharing the stories with others. Hope you enjoy reading about my adventures with giving!



Sunday, March 4, 2012

Day 43: Giving Blood

11-29-11
Today my gift was giving blood at the Manhattan Community Blood Drive in honor of Kevin Coffey.  Kevin was a young man who was committed to giving blood and serving others.  He died in a bus accident in the fall of 2010, and his family decided to make an annual blood drive in his honor.  I went and gave blood at the blood drive last year in Kevin's honor.  Before that, I hadn't been giving blood regularly.  Being at the blood drive last year and seeing Kevin's commitment to giving blood really re-inspired my desire to give blood regularly.  This year it was hard to go to this blood drive.  It was different.  I felt very emotional going to it because my brother recently died in a car accident.  People can make an impact long after they are gone.  Their memories and passion for serving others continue to live in our hearts and inspire others.  It's easy to take life for granted, but each day is a gift.  

I recently was looking through my old journals and found I had written this on 9-21-11
"Be the best you.  Give what you have, when you can, with all your heart, for your never know when your last day will be."
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Sunday, January 8, 2012

Day 42: E-mail to Children's Author

11-24-11
Today my gift was sending an e-mail to a Children's author.  As I prepared my thematic unit for class over Thanksgiving, I absolutely fell in love with the book The Curious Garden written by Peter Brown.  It was such a cute story and literally made me laugh out loud at parts.  I really connected with the book and googled the author.  I then decided to write a small note of appreciation to the author Peter Brown.  He was brave enough to share his talent for writing children's literature with the world.  We all share ourselves with the world when we share our talents and special gifts with others.  All too often we don't take the time to express our gratitude and thankfulness for other's gifts.  Sometimes we may feel like our thank yous may be insignificant or we say we are "too busy" to take the time. My e-mail and Peter Brown's response are below.

"We never know how far reaching something we may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow."  – B.J. Palmer


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