Today, I’d just like to highlight a few new and fun ways folks are reaching out within this community to make a difference through this Little Things campaign. My heart is forever grateful to and for a pastor who follows the heart of God with such passion, but who encourages the entire church – from young to old – to do it as well. As long as we are breathing, we should be loving God, loving people and making a difference!

Today my husband and I ate at a new restaurant. The individual who helped us asked if we’d dined there, and we let them know that we hadn’t. His service was amazing, and his attention to details was phenomenal. We gave him an initial tip when we ordered and paid for our food – and then at the end of our meal as well. (It’s a place where you pay for the food, then sit down and eat it.) As such, I just took the time to let him know afterwards that we truly appreciated his service, and that he evidently knew and did his job very well. When I gave him the extra tip and explained this Little Things campaign, he just kept on smiling and saying thank you. It was priceless. The owner of this place was watching what was going on and was concerned we’d gone and spoken to him with a complaint. I, then, explained it to her and how amazing the service was, etc. What I learned was that he was not normally “out front” but always in the back and had been given a chance out there today. I’m praying for him, that this entire experience will have lasting effects…and that God is able to work on his heart, and the hearts of his co-workers.

This Little Things giver shared some purchased sweet treats with a random stranger outside Wal-Mart.

Just a little thing, made one guy outside walmart so happy. All that he could say was Thank you God Bless and Merry Christmas as he was blowing us a kiss saying Thank you. Brought tears.

A few more ideas on thinking outside the box with this Little Things campaign.

Truly it is better to give than recieve. Here are just a few ideas if you are thinking about what to do with those little red cards!
* Take treats to a nursing home. Give the staff gift cards for lunch.

*Take some rolls of quarters to a laundry mat to help with the cost of washing clothes.

* Take goodies to a school, business, or firehouse.

* Pass out gift cards when you are out shopping.

* Give an unexpected surprise to someone you have been witnessing to.
These cards can make a difference in someone’s life. Maybe even for eternity!

I’m so proud to be a part of a church with such loving people. The youth have such a heart for God and for people as well. Truly inspiring.

Jaime had just put our “Little Things” card in with our receipt at Applebees when the waitress came over gushing about how the nice kids at the table nearby (Skyline Youth) had left her a note, card, and a very nice tip. She asked if we knew them, and if we did, to tell them thank you very much. We then saw her showing her coworkers the card and telling them all about it. Such a big smile on her face! Great job teens!

This just makes me smile. It’s all about interacting and connecting with people on a personal level. This couple showed love and generosity to some random strangers who I’m sure were blown away and blessed by this. (I know I would be speechless if I were in that situation!)

We were shopping at Target and were at the checkout stand – the cashier almost finished ringing up our purchases – when a young couple plunked down some gift and household items behind ours. I (Tom) asked the man if he would be alright with me paying for his items, and laughingly he said “sure”, but I don’t think he took me seriously. I directed the cashier to add his purchase to mine. Then the man addressed me. “Are you serious?” he asked. I said “Yes, and this isn’t Undercover Boss or anything like that. I’m a member of Skyline Church and I’m just wanting to be generous.” I handed him the “little things” card and added “you can likewise do a random act of kindness for someone else”. The couple was genuinely grateful. I saw a Barbie doll amongst his purchases, and I confessed to the man that I played with my sister’s Barbie when I was about 6 or 7, until I was gifted a more manly toy like GI Joe. He laughed, shook my hand, and said “thanks” about 3 or 4 times. This didn’t break our bank, and was a simple demonstration of kindness for this appreciative couple.

I LOVE this idea. LOVE it! I’m going to have to do something like this. Something so simple, yet will make such an impact – both on the cashier as well as those who receive the blessing. Great idea!

I am not a member of Skyline, I have never attended. However I am friends with Lance on Facebook, and had the pleasure of spending a week at camp with him this summer. This morning, after work on my way home, I drove through a local gas station’s drive thru. I bought my daily soda, which is only a dollar. Handed the Lady working a 10 and told her that I wanted to buy the next 9 sodas that she sold. Not much, but her face was priceless!

It doesn’t always have to be monetary to make a difference. I know that sometimes a simple smile or kind gesture can make a world of difference – and change the entire mood of a day.

Today I saw a small elderly lady struggling to free a shopping cart at Walgreens. I went over and freed the cart for her and wished her a blessed day. Just a little thing

This makes me smile. Sharing love in the form of support and encouragement can go such a long way in ensuring that no one feels alone in this world. Such a kind gesture may bring that temporary peace in the midst of chaos that’s really, and truly needed.

I had a little instant message from a friend at work that I gave a bag of cookies too with a card. She has had a terribly tough year with her husband deployed and some serious family issues. I’ve tried to make a point of checking in on her as she sits in a secluded area at work. She thanked me for supporting her the last 6 months and especially now as she prepares for her husbands return. She said she is stressing out getting ready for the holidays with her family here and trying to get ready for her husband’s return. Brought a tear to my eye.

Sometimes it’s the little things. That’s what this is all about. Sharing love in something small may just have made an impact on her day. We have no idea what was going on in the grouchy cashiers day or life, but what a blessing to just reach out in love and caring enough to not walk away angry after watching someone seemingly angry at the world.

I was at a store when a grouchy lady was ringing up our purchase. I put a card and a quarter on top of a pack of gum near the register. I sure hope she finds it and it makes her day.

This one brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it’s because I’ve had kids, and know what a blessing this is — but I could just envision someone walking upon this and being blessed beyond words. I’m praying that whomever saw it will know how much God loves them through the anonymous act of sharing love in such a practical way.

Free diapers?! Hope this blesses a frazzled mom/ dad tonight!

This “Little Things” campaign has transformed my way of thinking in so many ways. Instead of dwelling as much on things that affect me, health concerns, etc – I find that I am actively thinking on and pondering how I can make a difference next. Seriously, reaching out and being a blessing to another person brings me so much joy and healing.