And a Little Love Party it was!

Pillows 8-17-13What better way to spend an afternoon than focusing on love – of the random act of kindness variety? Apparently 15 women and two little girls thought no better way, when they decided to spend part of their Saturday writing love letters for More Love Letters and sewing little pillows of love to be given to strangers they will probably never even meet!
40 letters and 38 pillows = 78 bits of love on the way!!
Letters 8-17-13

What makes a person want to spend their time in this way? I think it comes from the most beautiful (and speaking for myself, the tiniest) place in the human heart – unselfishness. Nothing in it for me. Just giving a little time to do something that’s easy for me to do.

But the thing is, you can’t out-give God.

You give a little time for someone else and he gives you a sense of joy and wholeness and purpose that just cannot be found in pursuit of the “me” things. Whaaat??? God’s economy is different. The world says “Look out for number one”, “If you don’t watch out for yourself, no one else will”. The world says “take”. God says “The last will be first”, “I will strengthen and protect you”. God says “Give and it will be given to you…in abundance!”. No wheeling or dealing required or permitted. You give, God out-gives you. It’s a weird cycle, isn’t it? You give; trying to be unselfish, not wanting anything for yourself and BAM – you get rewarded. Then, out of gratitude, you give more and you get rewarded more. You really cannot out-give God…but He sure makes it fun to try!

Until next time – 1Corinthians 16:14 – Do everything in love!

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Covert Valentines

Talking to strangers is something that is completely outside of my comfort zone. So when I agreed to help my mom deliver hearts on Valentine’s Day – I was planning on leaving them anonymously, none of this talking to people business. By 2:30pm I had yet to leave a single heart, so I headed over to Starbucks to handle my covert Valentine’s mission. I left a heart a shelf next to some pound coffee bags and proceeded to get in line. While waiting to place my order, I started thinking about giving one of them to the barista. Bravery mounting, I grabbed another heart and handed her the pillow after I paid. She was so appreciative and had a huge smile on her face. I felt a rush of joy, it was so fun to do something nice for a complete stranger.

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After Starbucks, I headed to the drive-thru ATM to leave another heart. I decided I might as well get $20 while I was there. As I was driving out of the parking lot, I saw a struggling family sitting beneath a tree. The dad was holding a sign that said, “Lost job, no money for rent”. The mom was sitting on the grass with her two small children. I heard God whisper to me, “Give them a heart, and the $20.” I pulled over, rolled down the window and happily handed them over to the family. He looked me straight in the eye with a big smile and said, “God bless you.” Again, I had a complete feeling of selfless joy.

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I loved being a part of sending 100 hearts into the world! Everyone deserves to feel love on Valentine’s Day, no matter their relationship status.

XOXO, Nicole

To see comments from recipients, check out our Pillow Talk page.