Update

Hey Guys!! I know I have been just terrible about posting during the past month. I am no longer going to delay the inevitable....a short break in blogging. In order to simplify things during this busy season and to stay sane and joyful, I am going to take a break from posting for the next two weeks. Check back after the first of the year and you will see a whole new, consistent posting me (hopefully...it will definitely make it to the New Year's resolution list :)!

In the meantime, Enjoy this wonderful holiday season with your family.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Annie---5 months

Bath Time Hairdo's

MAX AS THE JOKER:

JACK AS CINDY LOU WHO ( from THE GRINCH)

Jack Favorite bath time hairdo:

Promised Tips

A few tips for those of you who may feel like money is too tight to be a part of The Gift Revolution:

1. Cut down on the "little" luxuries you may take for granted. Better to grab a Starbucks or Jamba Juice half as often, but be able to bless someone else with one when we do.

2. Remember...money is not the only way to bless. What would you ask for if someone said they wanted to bless you? Would it be money? OK maybe, but not always. If you are in the same boat as me, it might be something like free childcare, a clean car or house, Christmas decorations put up outside, a cooked meal, an encouraging word to keep going even when aliens have invaded your kids, a compliment (for example, "You look great...even though you have spit up on your shoulder, toilet paper hanging from your boot, and roots as black as Cuban coffee. Tell me, Holly, how do you do it all?")

Here's an example: On Thanksgiving, one of our friends held Annie for us and his kids entertained our boys while Chris and I ate, and I really think it was the first meal in a very long time that I have (1) eaten without a kid on my lap (2) actually tasted. It was a huge blessing. To bless someone does not have to include money.

One more: A friend text me today that she was sending me a high five...no money involved, but it made me smile right in the middle of cleaning up spilled spaghettios.

3. Cheat and skip a few things this year so you can be a part of this Revolution.

One thing we are skipping is Christmas cards. Chris and I decided we would rather put Gift Revolution cards in people's hands with a small blessing than one with a picture of our family on it. Small thing, but a way for us to cut back.

Where can you cheat this year so you can bless someone else?

4. Trust God. Make a choice to believe the truth...that your Father owns it all, and can He lavish you tomorrow with a million bucks if He decides to. He wants us to bless others in His Name. He will fund you with the resources you need to make His Name great. Believe that...and pray for strength to walk in that belief even when you don't feel it....or when it looks like there is too much month and too little money. Our employers, our investments, our savings are not the sources of our income...they are just a tunnel by which God provides for us. He has lots of tunnels...don't get hung up on which ones He is going to use to provide for you. Just trust...and leave that to Him to figure out...He can handle it.

5. Finally, remember that you cannot out-give God. For Chris and I, when money gets tight, and we seem to come up empty handed (no pun intended :) with ideas on how to make immediate extra income, we do the only thing we know to do based on this verse....We increase our giving. Invest more in the eternal, and sit back and watch God work in your present. His word will prove true.

Don't let anything stop you from joining the Revolution with us!

Let me know of any ideas/tips you may have.

Join the Revolution!

Our family has had a blast being a part of The Gift Revolution. We are so excited for this opportunity to participate in something so fresh and life changing. What a great time to just focus on others...I for one am glad to get my mind off politics, the crashing economy, our financial pressures and instead focus on giving to others, changing the way people think, and inspiring the world.

Here are a few of the things that Chris and I have been able to do so far (nothing to creative...yet):
(We always leave TGR card so hopefully they will check out the website there we know they will be pointed to Jesus.)

• left extra tips for waitresses
• paid for a haircut and tip for someone
• bought someone's coffee
• helped a friend in need who needed childcare
• helped a church member pay the difference she was short on her bills this month
• ran in 2 races on TGR team and had the boys pass out candy canes and say "Merry Christmas" to those at the race.
• gave breakfast to the early birds on Black Friday as they were waiting in line at Target and Best Buy (we were up at 3am...I cannot believe people get up that early to shop!!) We had so much fun. Everyone was shocked that we were feeding them for free. To top it all off, one of the guys in our group had the idea that once the store opened we should go back and clean up the trash everyone left behind as they stood in line waiting for hours. The managers were so thankful and surprised...It was great. Except, for the fact that I stuck my hand in someone's half eaten bowl of soup..I'm not just talking about my fingers either...it was a full covering of the entire hand. Disgusting. Every time I think about it, I wash my hands again or grab some sanitizer. I have gone through 2 bottles of hand sanitizer since then and still feel gross. :)

I want to encourage you all to check out the website and jump on board with us if you haven't already. I promise you will be blessed immensely and you will enjoy this Christmas season more than ever before. We ARE going to change the world, and we don't want anyone to miss out!!

Tomorrow (hopefully), I am going to post a few suggestions for those of you who feel like money is too tight to join us or who are stressing because you want to be a part, but feel like you have nothing to give.

Until then, remember what Paul said and be encouraged:

1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own.

2 Corinthians 8:1-3

Fashionista Friend

OK, in follow-up to my shopping finds post, I thought I would send you to my friend's blog. she is a true fashion expert, and she has posted some great fall fashions for those of us who need a little assistance. Check it out, and I swear, if it is on her blog, it's in style (sorry, Paige, but she does have skinny jeans on there!)

I really think she must look at me all the time and think, "Good try, Holly, but not quite." :) Keep posting tips, Heather....I'm a good pupil...I'll get better.

Gift Revolution

Hey Guys, I don't have much time at all, but if you read this today, you totally have to check out my church's internet campus at 5:00pm tonight. We just had the best weekend service EVER and they are going to do it one last time online at 5:00. YOU HAVE TO SEE IT.......I promise you won't want to miss it...it was the best church service I have ever been to!! CHECK IT OUT!

If you read this after 5:00 today, check out thegiftrevolution.com for a glimpse of what's being launched at here in South Florida and at many other churches around the world!!