Train Up Tuesday: Random Acts of Kindness and Homemade Gift #2

Did you know that November 7th is the beginning of "Random Acts of Kindness" week? You may remember a link to some great RAoK ideas a few weeks ago. Well, I searched on "Pinterest" for some more ideas (unrelated to blogging about it here) and was pleasantly surprised with THIS RAoK Advent idea (Random Acts of Christmas Kindness)! What a GREAT way to "redeem the time" and make the focus of Advent what it was truly intended to be!

I also like the timing of the "RAoK Week" because it leads up to "Veterans Day." Wouldn't it be lovely to take some time THIS week to do some "random acts" for a Veteran you know? Or perhaps you don't personally know a Veteran. Maybe you could keep your eyes peeled when you are in public for some men and women wearing flag pins or hats. You could secretly pay for their meal or coffee and perhaps leave a note of encouragement and thanks to them. Maybe you could do something for the family of a Veteran (those spouses and children have made much sacrifice, as well).

Although (I think) Veterans should often receive "special treatment", I doubt it is as commonplace as it once was. Your children may ask why you are doing it; perhaps the receiver asks as well. Make sure that your children and the Veterans know that it is more than mere appreciation, but that you are a "servant of Christ" and it is your delight to serve or encourage others so that they may see Christ.

What a GREAT opportunity that RAoK Week and Veterans Day affords us this week! Check out randomactsofkindness.org for more ideas!

Homemade Gift (2)
This next gift is so much fun! It's a dress up trunk! Almost every little boy or girl I know would love such a gift. Last year, I collected clothes and costumes for my niece at half price sales at thrift stores and by rummaging through my own unused collection of purses, bags, accessories and jewelry. With the Halloween season behind us, you may be able to score some great steals on costumes. Your imagination is the only limitation! Find either an old suitcase or a rubber storage container. I LOVED seeing my niece's expressions as she discovered all the treasures inside.

Another play on this idea is to make "when I grow up" kits. Maybe you collect things for an original doctor's kit (bandages, cute cold compresses), housewife's cleaning box (empty squirt bottles, aprons, cute rags), or even something imaginative like a "knight's chest" or a "space explorer's backpack". This year, I'm working on a Caboodle's box (does ANYONE remember those?!) filled with real curling and flat irons (with electrical cords removed), hair clips, hair embellishments (maybe I'll find some feathers), and fake make up. I found great inspiration for fake make up that doesn't involve the mess of the play make up. Be sure to check it out on Chasing Cheerios!

Hope this inspires your Advent Season AND your week (You don't have to save RACK for Christmas; make it Random Acts of CHRISTIAN Kindness any day!...Thanks to my friend, Kathy for that one) ;-)

Train Up Tuesday: A Servant's Heart

There is a "theme" that keeps repeating itself around me...in my reading, talks and discussions, and even suggested blogs I receive from friends. It's that of "servanthood".

There is SO much I could write regarding how God is shaping our family in this way. It would take several posts (will this be a part 1 of several? We'll see?). Let's step our toes into the water first. :)

I clearly remember being taught to have a "servant's heart" as a kid in school. I can still remember the tune and most of the words to a song we were all taught (I wish there was a version of kids singing it, because that's how I "hear" it, but this should give you a good idea):



I want to be a servant for Christ and others. I want my boys to become those "servant leaders" I admire. In today's culture, though, opportunities for that are rare and not enticing. I mean, even in the church world, we want to proclaim our efforts and receive accolades (or feel that we have to give them to those who do serve....many who want to do so quietly and NOT receive earthly recognition). How in the world do we train children in a world that loves platforms and fame? I'm finding that it isn't easy, but we CAN be intentional in our efforts. Why a servant's heart? As an opportunity to share the gospel of The ultimate Servant-Leader...not just to be a "pushover or a loser" (thanks, Tim Hawkins):



Let me whet your appetite with a few things that have lit my family's fire. :) First, you can read more about how my family has been challenged and how we are starting (we fondly call it the "garbage game") in my husband's post. Check out this blog that will no doubt give you great ideas for random acts of kindness (a launchpad for serving others).

How are you teaching your children or teens to have a "servant's heart"? What does that look like in day-to-day life and how do you apply it? I'm not asking just to get you thinking....I really want to know your ideas so I can share them and maybe even incorporate them into my own home. :)

Much love,
Ashlie