Today, at my son's gym class, I helped another mom calm her 2 year old with some of my son's toys from my car. Little Dylan became facinated with a plastic slinky. When I saw how much he liked it, I told his mom May, keep it. She said NO... I said keep it. She finally agreed and was happy to see her son happy.....PRICELESS!!
2008-11-25 01:40:38
saturday night
jenna distefano, 15, davie, US
me, amber farver, becca bonnet, and greta were at chillis after church celebrating becca's 17th birthday. We noticed the couple in front of us in their young 20's and decides to hit them up with a card and a ten dollar bill to help pay for their dinner. We gave it to the waiter and told her not to tell them who it was. We all watched from the outside of the restaurant...(very noticeable). As the waiter gave the money and the gift of revolution, she of course pointed to us, and they waved and we waved back laughing.
it was great.
also, if you see cards inside of blockbuster movies...my fault!
we should have made a video....oh we will!!!
yayyayayayyyy revolution!
-JENNA DISTEFANO!
2008-11-25 01:21:41
Tonight My Family of Angels Ga
Lynn Goodrich, 38, Calabash, NC, US
There are many who will come across this site and feel very familiar with my story of despair this year. The picture above of my husband and I is from a very happy time in our life, but this year has had more than it's fair share of challenges, trials and tests, and the Lord has seen me through it all. My husband was struck by a drunk driver in 2006, leaving him unable to work with 3 Bulging Discs in his back, in addition to many other injuries and the attorneys were horrible, not following through with his disability (we have finally applied for this on our own at the end of September but it has not been approved yet, and probably won't be for another 3 months), there has been no income on his part since May of 2006. I have buried his Mother, who passed unexpectedly at 53 in 2007, supported her husband who had moved here from England, my Husband and our 3 Girls (16, 14, and 12) all on my own. Challenges in our life have been tremendous and sometimes completely HORRIBLE, however, God saw us through the worst of it. Eventually and more recently and after much prayer, God saw that before my Husband couldn't take it anymore, and was close to taking his own life, that he seek help and was finally diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder after a 3 week hospitalization. He is now in treatment and home is a little calmer and a great deal more blessed. In August, I lost my job as a waitress, at which I was making enough money to support all of us. Barefoot Church has not only been an inspiration, but extremely helpful as well. I finally obtained another job, which was part-time, and three weeks in, began to suffer with a terrible infection. The doctors couldn't figure out immediately where it stemmed from, but I am finally back up and running after four weeks of intensive antibiotic treatments, however, once again- out of work; Not because of missing time, but our company downsized approximately 16 positions from my department, and I was the last one hired on my shift, so first to go. I have a part time home business that has not been fruitful, as of yet 1) because I am new to network marketing and 2) because of having the lack of resources to purchase leads and advertising, am using all of the "free" techniques to drive traffic to my website. (The first "prior to Revolution" Angel, brought me into this business at no cost- God Bless You First Angel). The upside of being involved in this actual business is that the company has hired me to do an additional job for them. This Angel's daughter is my neighbor, and just prior to the Gift Revolution, she quite simply just needed a loaf of bread one night, it was late and her small son suffers with ADHD and slight autism, so she couldn't leave to go out. I took a loaf from my freezer and gave it to her. You may think that's not much to give, but believe me, it was the most wonderful thing to her. I did my heart so much good to know I had done something for her and given it with love- Christian, Brotherly LOVE.
I have not put my story out there for pity, and there are a few of you that know it. As of this evening, I did not know how I was going to keep a roof over my family's head ( I have not yet made any money in the new business and have not worked for 4 weeks). My situation is pretty dire. Car insurance, utilities and rent are due, and I mean November AND December rapidly approaching...And then.....the GIFT REVOLUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tonight, after Service, which was AMAZING by the way- a Special Angel came to me (Actually a Family of Angels)and handed me a Card. My Angel said "The Lord laid it on my heart to give this to you and I just had to do it". My Angel gave me $1000.00 for my Rent for the month of November, knowing that it hasn't been paid yet. I am truly, truly BLESSED.My God put this Person in My Path and Me in Theirs for a reason, and this is not the only one. I broke down, for many reasons, but all tears of joy. Relief. Belief. And KNOWING that the Lord will see to it when you give it all to him, no matter how great or small, always keep it in prayer, and lastly, since I've already probably almost taken up an entire page, please know that I BELIEVE that the receiver is blessed by the Lord and the Giver, but the GIVER is Blessed EVEN MORE, Eternally, for the Gift.
All of my life, I have been a "giver", great and small things, whenever I could and now is a time where I cannot do it alone or even at all, right now. The time will come again where I will give again at greater capacity, but my time is a gift I am able to give and my talents when needed-ANYTHING you can GIVE WITH LOVE is a GIFT.
God Bless You My Family of Angels- I Love You with ALL of My Heart and I Always Will. I Thank You and Hope that ONE DAY, you will TRULY know how much this means to me and to My Family.
All of My Love, Lynn, and HERE'S TO THE GIFT REVOLUTION!!!!
2008-11-25 01:08:51
God Is Amazing
Danielle, 34, Southwest Ranches, US
On Sunday night I prayed that God would use me in this Gift Revolution. Not knowing where or how to start--On Monday I received this e-mail
Hi, my name is Shanan, I am 17 yrs. old and live in Vermont. I have been riding since I was 8 yrs. old, and have had a passion since I was little. I just bought my first horse 1 yr. ago, untrained. He is a 6 yr. old 16.3 hh brown TB. I never thought I would buy an untrained horse, but I knew he was the one when I bought him. I had two trainers, and he now has a solid w/t/c, and we have done 18' up to a few 2'6 jumps. I have never shown in my life, and its not only my dream to show. It is my life, and I know a lot of people say its there dream to be a professional, but this is my life, and I have the heart and determination to do whatever it takes to make it. I am the youngest of 6 kids, and always grew up on earning what you want. Well here I am today so far with having bought my horse, and now I work 2 jobs, to support him on my own. I'm extremely proud of how far we have come, our bond is phenomenal, and I know he has a lot of potential as I know, and have been told by some people watching us. I have been told by several trainers I have a natural position, and could go far if I could just get the chance. I have actually watched both you - Danielle, and Jimmy ride at the Vermont Summer festival for the past 3 yrs. I live about 2 minutes down the road from there, so I go quite often during the summer. I always thought it was awesome how you guys have been coming for so many years. I am graduating in June 2009 from Burr and Burton Academy, in manchester which I am sure you have heard of. I was planning on taking a year off and maybe finding a stable to do an apprenticeship at or maybe be lucky to find someone that would help me take off with my showing career I guess you could call it. I am not a girl who is going through a phase or who wants to be famous, I want to make riding my life career, it's all I think about, how I can get started, where to begin.
Anyways, well I was curious how much it is, for your boarding/training, basically everything you guys offer. I know both you, Danielle, and Jimmy travel all year long to compete and that is exactly what I want to do. I am an extremely hard honest worker who needs someone to help to begin my show career like you guys, and I just thought I would ask, if you guys would ever consider taking in someone like me and help get me started with anything and everything in exchange for anything you guys would offer. I am working as hard as I can to even save up just for the show equipment I need which I am far from doing. I just thought I would ask and see if you guys would ever be interested in maybe working some kind of thing out, which I don't even know what it would be, but it is worth a try. I know I have something to show, but I just haven't had the oppurtunity, and thats all I am looking for. I don't have a lot of money, and I may be young but I know in my heart its what I was born to do. Thank you for reading my letter, even if it may not make a lot of sense, I don't know exactly what to say. But, I am willing to do whatever it takes to find that oppurtunity.
Thank you so much,
Shanan
After I was done reading it---all I could think of was the service and how powerful our Lord is. I am so excited that God chose to use me!
2008-11-25 01:01:17
Feeding the Revolution
Mylo & Tiff, 28, Miami Lakes, US
Hello, my name is Mylo Gonzalez. My fiance Tiffany and I attended mass yesterday (Sunday) for the revealing of THE GIFT REVOLUTION and let me tell you that this could have not come at a better time in our lifes.... This is my story!
I got up today with the intention of feeding the revolution! Every Monday I meet with my brothers from EMMAUS (A Catholic/Cristian Fellowship) to pray and worship Jesus Christ and help brothers who struggle in life do to lack of faith in God. I was soOOoo inspired by mass yesterday that I told Tiff to go to Kinkos and make 150 copies of the cards & the Mathew scripture and I handed it out to all 150 men in the meeting. I explained to them what i had witnessed yesterday at church and when in detail to describe what the GIFT REVOLUTION was! My gift to those men was cooking all of them dinner tonight! They are big men, by the way, and I thought I hadnt made enough food but remembering a verse from the bible when Jesus multiplies the loaves made me trust that everyone will eat. Well not only did they eat, some ate 3 times more!!!
Funny thing happened after I left church! I received a call from one of the GIFT Crew, HERIZEDES called me from THE KEYS!!! He told me about how the movement has hit the Florida Keys and is working its way up the state! Gods works!!! Amen to that!
We urge you to feel as inspired as we do in feeding the revolution with a good & hearty act of love!
Peace be to all!
CHRIST HAS RISEN!!!!
Mylo & Tiff
2008-11-25 00:21:57
My Gifts
Charlotte McCulty, 69, Pembroke Pines, US
I chose two single Mom's in my neighborhood to start my gift revolution. I went to Publix and bought gift cards and presented them to my "friends" to help out with their Thanksgiving dinner with their children. It was truly awesome to be able to do this and know that it is only the beginning. I am so blessed and just want to share my blessings with others.
2008-11-24 23:44:04
Double Wammy!
Jeremy, 18, Myrtle Beach, SC, US
This is expolding guys! So I went to the drive through at McDonald's so that I could pay for the person behind me and get some cards into their hands. Well, when I got to the window the cashier said, "Sir, someone at the counter inside has decided to pay for your meal," and she handed me the card. Well, that brought a huge smile to my face and as I handed her MY Revolution card and credit card I said, "Well, I'll tell ya what. How about you take my card anyway and pay for the car behind me." She smiled and said, "Gosh! You guys are everywhere aren't you?" Thinking back on this, I should have taken the blessing given to me and used it to pay for the next two cars behind me, but oh well. That just means that I will be back at McDonalds sometime to make up for that! :)
2008-11-24 23:24:33
barefoot church
m & m, 36, NMB, US
A man did the worm at church tonight and had peace signs written all over his head. He won the scavanger hunt at our gift revolution ralley tonight. He won a Starbucks gift card and gave it to me. I will pass it forward Wednesday morning at Starbucks...thanks Jeff! God Bless you all!
2008-11-24 22:59:57
Main Street (Barefoot Church)
Daniel Lynam, 16, North Myrtle Beach , US
So ya today was are big party at the church for the REVOLUTION it was so cool so before the party me and 3 of my friends polled are money together and whent of to do random acts of kindness!! First we went to the BI-LO and gave out $5 bills with cards attached to them. The looks on the peoples faces were so cool it made me feel good. After that we went off to the gas station and gave a man $10 for his gas he said NO!!...... it took us awille to explain to him that this was no joke but a REVOLUTION!!! he took the money and the card still a little unshure of him self but it was fun. I am so glad that i am apart of this REVOLUTION!!
2008-11-24 22:58:38
Pay Parking
Yoel, 21, Miami, US
I'm down in Key West on the Road Trip. Found a parking lot that is $4.00/ hour. I asked the security guard to put a $4.00 credit towards the next persons bill. and give the, a Gift Revolution.com card. He asked if he could keep the change, I hesitated, and he laughed. "I'm just kidding" he replied. Then he said "you want to give me a tip?" I laughed, and said "Yea". I gave him $5.00 and a Gift Revolution card.
We stood at a distance and filmed as the next car arrived.... it was awesome!
2008-11-24 22:58:10
Toll Tale
Brian Vasil, 37, Davie, US
Today...day 2...I drove through a very crowded toll booth and paid for several of the drivers behind me. I handed some cards to the toll taker and she said "Honey, this is amazing!" and then let out a big laugh... You can only imagine what she'll tell her family tonight when she gets home.We've only got 25 days to inspire the world...and I am planning on taking full advantage of every chance I get...
2008-11-24 22:57:07
subway giftcard
Hayley Kennon (:, 15, north myrtle beach, US
there has been a homeless man that has lived by me for a while. my mom and i always talked about giving him a free meal or something. but it took untill this week when i heard about revolution for me to actually do something. we gave him a twenty five dollar gift card to subway which was right down the street. i feel overjoyed that i made a difference in someone life!
2008-11-24 22:54:17
Dunkin Donuts
Michelle, 36, Little River, US
My daughter and I paid for the persons tab behind us in the drive thru this morning. We were disappointed that they only ordered one cup of coffee. It is ok though because we plan to continue to bless others during the gift revolution.
2008-11-24 22:54:10
Pay Parking
Yoel, 21, Miami, US
I'm down in Key West on the Road Trip. Found a parking lot that is $4.00/ hour. I asked the security guard to put a $4.00 credit towards the next persons bill. and give the, a Gift Revolution.com card. He asked if he could keep the change, I hesitated, and he laughed. "I'm just kidding" he replied. Then he said "you want to give me a tip?" I laughed, and said "Yea". I gave him $5.00 and a Gift Revolution card.
We stood at a distance and filmed as the next car arrived.... it was awesome!
2008-11-24 22:52:24
Toy's R Us
Kristin, 39, Davie, US
Took my 2 children to Toy's R Us tonight for them to buy Star Wars men with THEIR own money. I felt God's nudge while waiting for them to pay and purchased a $10.00 gift card. I was the last person in line, so I walked to the video game department and saw a little girl with her mom and gave her the gift card with the TGR card and told her to check it out. They said thank you very much. It was a great feeling.
Can't wait to give out another card.
2008-11-24 22:06:38
SuperTarget Blessings
Heather, 26, Davie, FL, US
Today I was *super* excited to start the revolution after watching Pastor Brian's videoblog encouraging us to do at least one random act of kindness a day for the next 25 days. Then tonight Julie and I were shopping at the SuperTarget for thanksgiving fixin's and I knew this would be my chance to change the world, I just wasnt sure how... At the checkout our cashier had turned off his checkout light so I was bummed that I wouldnt be able to give a gift to the next person in line, so I said a quick prayer to God that if someone actually came to the line I would give them 10 dollars for their purchase. The next thing I know I look up from paying and there is a woman behind us with a toy and a few food items. I was eccstatic! I gave the cashier the ten and the card and told her Merry Christmas and God bless. She just looked at me in awe....it was amazing. My heart is overjoyed and I pray it blessed her as much as it did me!!!
2008-11-24 21:24:09
Kroger
Melanie, 35, Bowling Green, KY, US
I went to Kroger to pick up a few groceries after work. I paid for a $10 gift card with my purchase and asked the clerk to give it to a specific person in line that the Lord laid on my heart. I asked that she please give her the gift card and a GiftRevolution card, but to please not tell her who had given the gift. As I loaded my groceries in my car, I saw her leaving the grocery, child in tow, tears running down her face. I felt like a million bucks. My God is SO good. I have made a pact with myself to do this EVERYDAY til Christmas.
2008-11-24 21:02:07
Crepe
Rachel, 32, Ft. Lauderdale, US
A very nice man gave me the gift revolution card after he gave me a free dessert crepe. I had just eaten lunch at the crepe store and wanted something sweet but the crepes are very expensive so I didn't want to buy a whole other crepe. That's when this man gave me the card and told me to check this site out on line...now I need to do an act of kindess with the card.
2008-11-24 20:26:02
The cat's out of the bag
Ann Somrah, 30, Miami Beach, US
I invited my family and friends to the unwrapping of theGiftRevolution.com in lieu of my big 30 birthday gifts this year. I prepared gifts for each of them as a thank you for attending and gave it to them after the service. This was the beginning...
Next, I went to Outback to pick up dinner and I, thankfully, had one gift left over from the service. I gave it to the waitress. She was soo surprised. I didn't stick around to see her reaction. I'm hoping she's on here posting her story...
2008-11-24 20:04:44
Smiles!
Kathy, 58, Longs, US
Two stories in one here.. first:My grandson took the dollar from Clay and gave it to a friend in class to buy juice, he was so proud of himself, and so am I. second: This afternoon after work, while shopping for our Thanksgiving dinner, my grandson and I encountered a small, elderly lady with beautiful white hair. She spoke to me as we went down the aisle saying she couldn't find the almond bark. I helped her find it, and she took it in her hand and looked at the price, and put it back in it's place on the shelf. As she walked away after telling us she had wanted to make candy, I knew it would be a wonderful lesson and lots of fun to buy the bark and give it to her as a gift. We went to the check out with our groceries, and our gift, hoping we could find the lady who wanted to make candy. My grandson spotted her way at the back of the store. We gave her the present and a gift Revolution card, and she said: Oh, you didn't have to do that! I said, I know... Happy Thanksgiving! It made me feel great to start my Revolution - hard to explain to a seven year old why being happy makes someone cry though..
