yesterday i bought a dozen donuts for my dentist and delivered it to his office in pembroke pines. i also bought a dozen donuts for the lady behind me in the line.
2008-12-25 23:23:40
Close to home....
Randy Manning, 61, Davie, FL, US
I had been asking the Lord to nudge my heart as to how I/we could help someone. On our return from TX for Thanksgiving I called my daughter's home to say we wouldn't make our connecting flight only to find out that her home telephone was temporarily disconnected. After she picked us up from the airport, when we were at home, I asked her about the telephone. She broke down in tears saying that they couldn't pay it for the past three months. It was bundled with their TV and internet(which her husband and she and their oldest daughter needed for work or school. She was too proud to ask for help. She recently had a hysterectomy and hasn't worked. They also have two younger children under 3 1/2. We knew where the need was and paid the bill. They have made some changes to lower the charges for their monthly bill.
Then our son, who has gone through a very expensive divorce this year, and works in the mortgage business reluctantly asked for prayer because the four closings that he was to have in December all were not going to happen. That meant no income, no way to pay child support or alimony. We gifted him an equal amount to what we paid to help his sister.
I know there are many needs out there, but sometimes they are in your own family and it is hard to share those needs.
2008-12-25 21:22:12
Free Ice Cream in Lima Peru
Josue, 32, Lima, PE
Fiorella, Eva, Caleb and i decided to give some free ice cream to some skateboarders at Miraflores Skate Park. It was fun!
2008-12-25 21:08:00
B-Dubs
Shannon , 18, Fort Myers, US
My family and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings when our waitress commented on my wallet. So after our lunch, we left a TGR card and the wallet behind for her.
2008-12-25 15:26:32
The Grape Vine
Morgan Thomas, 18, Plantation, US
My grandmother was visiting from Charleston, South Carolina for Christmas and I wanted to take her out to lunch. Because I had just finished my first semester in college and shopping for Christmas gifts, I was a little low on money. While enjoying a delicious lunch, I couldn’t help but worry that I’d be a little short and really did not want to have to ask my grandmother to help with the bill. When the waitress approached me to say that a kind person had taken care of the bill, it was almost like this person had read my mind. This goes to show that a small, random act of kindness can really make someone’s day. I will gladly pass this good deed along in hopes of brightening a strangers day, as mine was.
2008-12-25 13:46:57
Flamingo's 1-woman gift revolu
Kathy Woeltjen, 60, Fort Lauderdale, Fl, US
Flamingo Road's Lynn Sheppard has truly been a one woman 'gift revolution' in her own right, long before the campaign began and I want to share more than anything she did, the power of what she did! I met her as I had everything taken from me. When I had no kitchen and cooked on a portable 2-burner from Walmart, Lynn had a new stove delivered to our house for Christmas. She made a mortgage payment for me, in attempts to save it. She paid bills on line for us, bought 2 turkeys (for Flamingo's Thanksgiving campaign) one from her and one from us, dropped off publix gift cards, not knowing I had no money for food that week and slipped numerous 20's and 50's into my purse while we were at service, only for me to find them when I needed them most. On a day I was waiting in faith for the Lord to change our dire circumstances, but feeling truly sad about the toll on my physical appearance our struggles was having on me, she showed up at my door with a gift certificate to a beauty parlor. All these things I was going through, and all these needs I never mentioned to her, but she followed the leading of the Lord and through her, countless times He reassured me He was on the job and loved me, and had a bigger purpose to my momentary circumstances.
I volunteer with people who have lost everything and are struggling with all the situations He is walking me through. He is using Lynn to show me the value and power of gifts of kindness received just at the right moment. It shows us He is real. He is with us. He shows us we can go through more than we thought, and with a good attitude and increases our faith in the process. I have been in relationship with the Lord for 30 years and even with a strong experience of 'Him always faithful and coming through and landing in a better place than I started at' somedays are still hard. Lynn's 'gift revolution' is like a second wind just short of the finish line. For those who have no experience with the Lord, it is how He shows up and opens hearts to an invitation of relationship with Him.
When I met Lynn her financial situation as a single mom was more secure and her future looking continually bright. The first time I walked into her beautiful home, the Lord reassured me 'See how I can care for the widow and the orphan?' But like everyone else who's assets were in the stock market, her situation appears to be now very serious. But Lynn has not stopped giving, if anything she's picked up her sharing and all I can offer her in return for all her powerful acts of kindness is the first hand experience of 'giving and it will be given to you' 'when you give to the poor, you lend to God and He will repay'. For 30 years I was a gift revolution and the last 6 years I have found myself in dire need, but the return has continually showed up for me now. I can't say how I have done any of this - only found work 1 year out of the last six, but He has met every need as He instructs me and uses me for those who have nothing. Her gifts are too numerous to recount, but what means the most to me is all her prayers, listening and emotional support she has faithfully offered and never once showed an indication of being inconvenienced. She is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has blessed me with!
2008-12-25 12:54:29
Christmas Dinner
Kristen Iglesias, 17, Pembroke Pines, US
Last night I gave the security guard in my neighborhood a christmas dinner with turkey, ham, pork, rice, stuffing, and green bean casserole. She was surprised to receive it but was very happy. I wanted her to have a christmas dinner even though she had to work and be away from her family. :)
2008-12-25 10:35:02
tough times in MB
Richard Thomas, 45, Myrtle Beach, US
I'm a big Craigs list fan. There is a lot of people asking for help for Christmas this year. Never seen anything like it. There's also a lot of people giving greaf to those that are asking. Now I'm sure that in these times, there are some who would ask when they do not need. But we cannot let the old saying( "one bad apple spoils the bunch" ) hinder the actions of good hearted people. I recently reached out to give things that I have but do not truely need to some of those not afraid to ask. I must say it was more fullfilling than receiving any gift I have ever gotten. This is a revolution well worth getting involved with. I think the title should be what it is, " The human revolution"
2008-12-25 09:31:24
Special People Gifts
Blaine & Linda Ashley, 60, Hollywood, US
My sister & I have enjoyed giving this year & feel so grateful that we are able to share with others. We started with money gifts to the Homeless at intersections, then to hard working waitresses who got very large tips, then we gave Christmas to 2 children who had mattresses for thier bed on the Wish List for Christmas as well as toys. For us this is what we do but to be part of such a big Give is special. Thank God we still can be able to give in the face of the economy & the life theatening disease my sister has. We thank God for every day for all the blessings we have & are able to share.
Love
2 very close Sisters
2008-12-25 08:58:16
Supporting Deployed Airman
Mark Tombley, 37, Kabul, AF
I'd like to say thanks to Ivette, and everyone back at the church for their support while I've been in Afghanistan. I recently heard that a gift was sent to my 2 boys Trevor and Austin in my name because of my situation. I'm constantly on the road here all over NE Afghanistan and I was worried about being able to send them a gift, and my camp is so small we have to convoy to a big base just to get the mail out. I can't tell you how much I really appreciate this, knowing that our country back at home is supporting us like this is truly a blessing, and makes a difference. I've been thru alot on this deployment but the prayers from my family, Melissa, Heather, and everyone else at the church have kept me going. Thanks again, God bless.
2008-12-25 07:04:21
pay it forward!
Jon B, 29, Calabash, NC, US
Last week my girlfriend was buying some needed baby items at the Food Lion. When she approached the checkout counter a woman gave the cashier a gift card for $25 dollars and told said to my girlfriend "merry Christmas" and gave her the card. She gave me the card when i got home and told me the story. My heart instantly filled with an happiness. I felt i needed to keep it going. Today, I got my chance! I was at the same store today (12/24) waiting to checkout when i noticed the woman in fron of me was having a hard time coming up with the money she needed to pay for her items. I told the cashier to give her the $20 back and i looked at the woman and simply said "Merry Christmas". She didn't know what to do or to say. I didn't have the card with me, so i told her to do me one favor..... go to thegiftrevolution.com and you will understand. I hope she comes to the site and read her story. It made me feel really good knowing i brought just a little bit of joy to a complete stranger! Thank you for starting this movement!
2008-12-25 02:33:54
For a man in need
anonymous, 28, Miami, US
I had wanted to do something special to participate in the gift revolution, but I couldn't figure out what I could do. Additionally, my husband and I have had some financial struggles this year and I hadn't been tithing like I should or like I used to. This has been heavy on my heart and I've been feeling very guilty about it especially during the holiday season. So, I made the decision to dedicate at least $100 to God this month. But, I didn't want to just put this money in the offering basket or give it to a random charity. I wanted to give it to where it was most needed. I prayed to God and I asked him to show me where I should give His money. Where is it most needed? Two days before Christmas, I still hadn't figured out what to do and I spoke to my husband telling him that I was feeling down and I wasn't in the Christmas spirit this year. When he asked me what would brighten my mood, I told him that if I gave someone $100 I might feel better. His response was, "It's funny that you say that. A coworker of mine who is a very nice person has been struggling this year and seems to have a lot of problems at home. Just today he asked me if I could lend him $100" I took that as more than coincidence, and as an answer to my prayers. The next day we gave this man $100 in a Christmas card as a gift. I don't know what he did with the money, but I know he really needed it and he was very appreciative. I'm sure that God wanted him to have it. I'm very happy to have been part of giving in this way.
2008-12-25 00:22:44
Christmas dinner
Andres and Carmen Ceron, 62, Lima, PE
We found out about a woman in a wheels chair. Her only one son suffers all the time 'cause he cannot study 'cause he has to work so he can look after her mother for all her needs. We have her adress and right now we're gonna see them and gave them a christmas dinner and share the word of God.
This will continue.
Andres and Carmen Ceron
Lima - Peru
2008-12-24 23:46:26
'Twas the Night Before Christm
Lynn Goodrich, 38, Calabash, NC, US
And all I truly NEEDED for my "personal" use was an every day winter coat. I have a fancy, "Dry Clean Only" coat that was given to me by a friend some years ago, but a few weeks ago, as I was leaving Church, someone (ANOTHER Christmas Angel) from Our Church, noticed me from my first posting on TGR. She said my story just made her CRY and that she has been PRAYING for me and My Family EVERY DAY. Last week when we were leaving Church, She approached me once again and asked me if I needed a Coat for Winter. At first I declined. She said, "It would be PERFECT for you" and that God had put it upon her heart when she was trying to think of who would need it, and that it was ME. Tonight, at Christmas Eve Service at Barefoot, I received My Winter Coat. Thank You, My Angel, Thank You SO MUCH, and you know what?? It IS PERFECT!!
For those of you who have become familiar with our family situation and have gotten involved in one way or another and for those of you who have added us to you Prayers, we Cannot Thank You ENOUGH. God IS Good. We love you all.
In God's Love And Grace,
Lynn Goodrich and the Goodrich Family.
JESUS IS THE GREATEST GIFT~ Happy Birthday J.C.!
And Merry Christmas to You All.....
And to All, A GOOD NIGHT.
2008-12-24 23:36:19
A Paycheck!
Anonomous, 18, , US
I am not the richest person in the world, and i love getting paid.. however this last paycheck I was going to received I decided it was better to give it to someone else so I asked my boss to give it to this other girl I work with. It wasn't much but i truly just felt called to give it away. God's awesome, and when you simply listen to him it is one of the greatest feelings ever.
2008-12-24 23:19:59
A Giftcard
Felicia, 18, Myrtle Beach, US
I was working at Old Navy at the cash register on CHristmas Eve. I was exhausted and every customer seemed to blend together. A man purchased a gift card and then decided to purchase another. I thought that he just suddenly remembereda last minute gift. However, instead he wrote Merry Christmas on it & thegiftrevolution.com. He told me it was for me and to visit the website. I was shocked and excited. When i got homne from work I was really curious about what the website was all about so I visited it. I thought it was really cool. By this man giving me a simple gift it brightened up my whole day it also made me realize how much i truly have to be grateful for everyday.
2008-12-24 22:59:12
The guitar
tyler, 15, miami, US
Ive been saving for a very long time for a guitar .Ive been working for some time with jeff on the parking team .Last sunday morning i was working when jeff came to me with a guitar and a gift revolution card . Christmas came early for me this year .Ive opened all my christmas gifts already but the guitar is still the best gift ive gotten this Christmas.
2008-12-24 21:47:25
Work
Craig, 18, Weston, US
I woke up at 630am to work at McDonalds from 7-4 today on Christmas Eve and wasnt suprised to find out that most of my coworkers called in "sick" today which left me doing twice the work and it didnt help that today was the bussiest day at McDonalds EVER!! Then in the midst of the crazy day a man handed me something after i handed him his food a gift revolution card with a dollar taped to it i know a dollar isnt much but it made my day and i would like to say thank you very much kind sir
2008-12-24 21:21:34
A "Memorial Gift" this time fo
Tony Kluz, 51, Tampa, US
Well, Christmas Eve and today was our last lunch for the lunch bunch from work before Christmas! We went later than normal and actually barely made it as they were going to close at 3 PM! When the check came, I grabbed it, paid for all 4 of us, talked to them about The Gift Revolution, and gave the waitress a $50 tip for Christmas. My Mother passed away on Christmas Day when I was just 8 years old and I always try to brighten someone else's Christmas as I had such a sad memory for mine growing up. :( Peace out!
2008-12-24 21:16:39
Donate DVD & Snack-TGR!
"The Encourageanaire" Acts 6:3, 39, Aventura, US
Happy Christ's Birthday to Everyone! Only 1 Day left before the 25 Days is up for us to inspire the world. I was at Blockbuster Video last night and saw a perfect moment to plant a longterm seed for The Gift Revolution. Blockbuster was giving customers a chance to donate a movie & popcorn to the Miami Children's Hospital so I participated and made sure they included to tape a TGR card on the front of my donated video, "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2". Now this will be a gift that will help bring lots of smiles, laughter, and joy to those who watch it during their stay at the Miami Children's Hospital for this Christmas season and endless ones to come.
Thanks again for this wonderful God Idea of "The Gift Revolution which stretches us to not only think of others but also realize and implement random acts of kindness. This reveals to ourselves and our generation how special and creative we can be in making a significant difference in the lives we encounter and embrace for The Gift Revolution. The world will be forever changed to a more joyful, hopeful and thoughtful vision that we can come together when the going gets tough and persevere!!!!!
"Freely ye have received, freely you give"-Matthew 10:8
