Hey! It's Just A Dollar!!

http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/ Say what?!
 Listen to this!! I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful new charity! You're going to love it!
About 2 months ago our friend J.C had mentioned an idea to us (Mikey and me) of starting a non-profit organization in the near future. He said it would be a local charity and be aimed at helping those in financial distress. We of course said that would be awesome and if he needed any help, to just let us know and we'd be more than happy to help. Well, a few weeks later he asked if we'd be interested in being on the board of this charity. We of course said Yes!!  (How exciting!!) . The name of the charity is "give the guy a dollar." And that's basically it. We believe that no one person can help with just $1, but together, our $1 can change a life. We ask for $1 donations (of course any more is definitely accepted) and 100% of that dollar is given to the recipient.We,the board members make absolutely no money! None! Not a single one of us! It is truly a non-profit organization. The board consists of a variety of people with one thing in common. We have a heart for helping those in need.
Now. We feature only 6 recipients a year. They get their picture and bio on the home page of the website (http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/) and they get every single penny we raise! They stay on the website, and receive donations for a total of 12 months!!! The recipient owes us nothing!  How does a person become a recipient you ask?? Well they're nominated. That's all. We decide as a board who to choose based on severity of the situation. It really is awesome!!! We also sale T-Shirts ($15) and Bracelets ($2-$5) and all of that money goes to the recipient as well.
Our first recipient is Shawn Butrum! Shaun's bio and picture is on our website right now (http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/) and he has an amazing story!! I encourage you to go take a look. Shawn's church hosted a rummage sale, spaghetti dinner, and silent auction for him and his family all day Saturday. Give the Guy a Dollar was able to attend and introduce itself to the public eye. It was such a fantastic thing to see so many people pull together for ONE cause. Together with the church we raised over $11,000 for Shawn and his family.... in a single day! That is an awesome act of God, and nothing more! 
If you get a chance, check out the website....and if you feel led, donate a dollar to help "the guy"....and if you know someone in need, whether it be from a natural disaster, a terrible illness, or just an unfortunate turn of events, nominate them. It's so easy and could change that person's life forever!....  Hey, It's just a dollar.
http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/

Thankful Thursday!

Well Hello there! Happy Thursday!  ...and let me warn you. This blog, or post, or whatever you call it, does not have a single word of sarcasm in it!!! Write it down! lol
I'm stealing an idea from Kim (Let it Snow) for my blog today. She does a blog on Thursdays and tells what she's thankful for...be it friends, family, etc. She calls it "Thankful Thursdays".... So here it goes.

Let me say this first. In our Bible study last week, Blake said something and it really stuck with me. It's paraphrased, but you'll get the idea. He said that no matter how busy he was during the day, he always made time for his wife. Regardless. He said if someone asked them to do something (dinner, movie, etc.) and he hadn't really spent quality time with his wife, he would pass on the invite and just sit and soak up his wife's attention. Although that is wonderful, he said he doesn't do that for God...the one who gave him his wife. I know I am guilty of that. I see my husband every day, and even if it is at midnight, I spend time with him, watching tv, talking, just giving him attention (and he does the same). God (or praying) is usually the very first thing we cut out of our day... breakfast or coffee or nap or a shower or the radio..etc. all seem to come BEFORE God and at the end of the day we never find time to give to Him when He is the one who allows us all of these things. Blake said we should all try to cut out time, no matter how busy or hectic to just take time out to thank God for his blessings and just talk to Him.   Makes sense, right? Well it does to me. I have made it a point to say "Thank You" for at least one thing (usually turns into several) each day.  I'm not trying to get all "Holy" on you, but I am very guilty of being selfish and I know I am undeserving of all the wonderful things I have been given. It's just kind of heavy on my heart is all.  Anyway.

Today I am thankful for (among many other things) my health. I went for a run this morning. (basically had to force myself out the door) Running is a great way for me to clear my head and think. I began to get a bit labored after, I don't know, 10 minutes, and here's where the deep thinking came in. I have asthma. It used to be terrible... I mean out of control. Couldn't participate in gym class b/c I would have to use my rescue inhaler several times. I remember in Sunday school when I was about 5 until I was about 15 I would pray "for my asthma". It was a prayer request every single Sunday. It has been about 1,000 times better in the last 4 or 5 years. (thanks to a great doctor and meds.) 

Anyway, I ran this morning. Back to the subject. I was thinking of how many people would love to walk, much less run, just one time, much less every day. I am incredibly blessed with a healthy heart, lungs, legs, eyesight, arms, ears (I am VERY blessed with ears),  just everything. I am overall healthy. I can do things everyday that a million people only dream of doing. Things that are simple for me. Things like swimming, walking, running, jumping.... Things I take for granted a lot. 

So... Thank you Lord for my Health!! I am so very grateful!!

(and sorry for the rant, it's just what's been on my mind lately)

Everyone have a good and thankful Thursday!!

Happy Monday to Ya!

So. I know it's been a while since my last post (forgive me, a thing called "Life" has gotten in the way a bit!)  :)
There's absolutely no way I could explain all the hectic things that have gone on in the past month...but here's a quick update on the fam.... because I know you're sooo interested!
-First. Mikey and I have joined with a few friends to create a small group. We aren't cool enough to have a name, so we just call it a small group/Bible study type deal. Our schedules are pretty lame and (honestly) do not allow us to go to church... It is nearly impossible with work. And we both LOVE to eat, so we must work. It stinks...but it's what we have to do right now. Anyway, back to the point. Blake Bostick is leading the study. Our study (this 6 weeks) is on a book called "Sacred Marriage." We're on our 5th week. So far it has been great for all of us. I can not describe the feeling I get when I pray with Mikey. (Sounds corny...I know) I feel like I've made my "Dad" proud. You know? We've never prayed together prior to this study. And do NOT judge me for that either!! lol "Betta check yo self before you wreck yo self!!" But seriously. It is awesome.
Moving right along...
-My aunt Rachelle and uncle Donnie were in a bad motorcycle wreck a few weeks ago. Both were airlifted to the Med. Donnie was released the next day with only a broken shoulder blade (or blades...not sure) and fractured wrist. Minimal damage compared to what could've been. Rachelle got to go home Thursday! Whoop! She has 2 broken legs (one was very severely broken), broken ribs, bruises, etc. She won't be able to put pressure on either leg for about 3 months...but Hallelujah she's at home and her family is taking extra-extra good care of her!
-Now. Back to the Aunt Jenn business!! :)
As I announced a couple of months ago, my sister is pregnant and I will be an aunt in February!! She is doing well. I think the morning sickness and summer heat is kicking her butt, but she's hanging in there. She went to the doctor last week and the baby is doing just fine. Heart rate is normal...everything looks good! :) I'm hoping for a Kennedy...she swears it's a Mason. We'll find out in September! AHHHH!! This is so exciting!! I bought her her very first pair of maternity pants (capris).... she's at that stage (13 weeks) where her regular pants are fitting "a little tight" :) I absolutely can not wait until her belly gets big and round!! :) :)
-Now let me say a big CONGRATULATIONS!! to Mrs. Lee Caldwell for winning Republican nominee for the primary election. ( I think that's how you word it ) A lot of people (not us..we only put in one....possibly 2 total hours) put in a lot of hours in this terrible Mississippi summer heat campaigning for her.... and it surely paid off!! So..YAY for Mrs. Lee!!
-We've also been dealing with some 'family' issues... I won't go in to detail..partly because it's very ridiculous and stupid but severe.  (and let me say...this goes back to the title..McCrory by MARRIAGE!!! Hint, Hint!! ) Just keep Mikey's, I mean, Our family in your prayers. It always seems like the ones who give all they have to give to help others always get burned the worse. Everything will be fine...nothing time (or a good butt whoopin') won't heal, but a few family members are having a really tough time dealing with these issues.
-OH!! I started Zumba! I absolutely love it! Went 3 days last week with my girlfriend Danielle, and we looked like crazy fools, but it was sooo fun! I started sweating about 5 minutes in to it, but I will be super hott in about 3 more weeks...or at least I should be! What little butt I have, I feel like it's going to be worked off! Kat (the instructor) has no mercy on us! :) I will leave this class knowing how to belly dance and (white girl) booty dance! So watch out Southaven!! And bless Mikey's heart for having to deal with me.  :)
-Sorry to bore you to death...but that's our last month in a nutshell. I'm still alive and kickin'....lol God help us!
AND let me just say that I am very thankful for my job. I see lots of little blessings and miracles each day I work and it makes me realize how fortunate I am for my health and happiness and family...even though they are...ummm.. uncontrollable. :)
-Everyone have a good week!!