Let’s Catch Up ~Week of March 17, 2025

So, I’d like to catch up a little more often. We’ll get there, though, just like we’ll get to spring. In Michigan, getting there just takes a bit longer.

If you’ve listened to Promise FM for a little bit, you might know one thing about me. If there is one thing I love, it is when people do good things for one another. This week was just loaded with good deeds. I’ve got some of the good news below AND some tips from the week. I hope that they will all be a blessing.

IN GOOD NEWS

Teaching generosity. Kristina, an English teacher, in honor of her sister Katie, encourages her students to do acts of kindness & form connections by gifting them each $20 and requesting they do something kind. The children have gone above and beyond by helping the homeless, providing treats for veterans, creating blankets for animal shelters. Each year the love grows! The goodness has spread so wide that others are donating to continue the blessing!

Link: A lesson in giving

Making a dad cry. Dr. Slaughter took his three children to breakfast. They obviously had a great time and what he expected to be a great bill, BUT someone already picked up the tab! A retired Army medic paid their bill and left this message: “From a dad to a dad. ~ Thank you for being the dad they need you to be regardless of who’s watching. We need more men like you. Thank you for letting us all see your love for them all.”

Link: From a dad to a dad

Follow that God nudge. You never know when God is going to put you in the right place at the right time to help someone else. For Leandro, it started with a grocery delivery. It was about 9 o’clock at night, Leandro expected the owner to answer the door, but they didn’t. Nor did they answer his phone call. He didn't feel right about walking away. Leandro pushed aside some branches and checked the window and saw her was face down on the floor! Leandro called the rescue and got her the help she needed. Thank God for Leandro

Link: Being placed in the right place

Using your blessings to be a blessing. Imagine having the resources to change lives—what would you do? Marcel LeBrun took action, turning his vision into reality. He started with a pledge to build 99 tiny homes for the homeless, and others joined in. Now, there are over 200 homes. They made a difference by creating a community where the homeless not only find shelter but a proper home and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Link: It starts with yes

SOME GOOD TIPS

Shopping route. Have you done this? You are at the check-out line, and remember one more thing you need. Here’s a tip to not buy more things you see on the way: Go where you need through your SAFE aisle. That would be the one that you are rarely tempted by. For me, the baby aisle. For you, it could be the pet food aisle or maybe the paper aisle. Whatever it is, take that route to save yourself from those last-minute temptations.

Thinking of a garden. Gardening is still far away for us in Northern Michigan, but as a full-on novice, I always seek help. My first year with container gardening I discovered some success with starter plants and thought I would do more starters last year. MISTAKE! There are some plants that don’t need a starter and do better from seed. Like carrots…super cheap and effective by seed, beans are another. I will probably do baby tomatoes by the start. I’m staying away from the beefsteaks until I have ground that isn’t covered by giant trees. Here’s an article to help you decide.

Link: Veggies to grow from seed

If you have any tips or tricks for gardening or shopping. Let me know! Email Kelly