Give 52 Week 25 - Building a Life

Give 52 Week 25
Cheryl Houston 2016

I sent this illustrated quote off to Brian Root. Brian and I have never met in person but through the magic of the internet and social media, I have watched him shine in his part of the world.

Brian works in higher education at the University of Pittsburgh at Greenburgh in Pennsylvania in Housing and Residence Life.

I decided to draw this quote for Brian because I saw it in one of his Instagram photos written on some wood in red marker when they were building a home with Habitat of Humanity and I liked it.

Brian is a positive force in this world and is making a real difference through his job and his contribution to causes like Habitat of Humanity. And isn't this quote so true?

This world is a richer place because of you, Brian! Thank you for giving so much to it and to the people around you.

This is my gift. I give it to you.

Give 52 - Week 6: Funny Friends

Zentangle Flower
Give 52 - Week 6
Cheryl Houston 2015

Confession: I am not a good friend.

What do I mean by that? 

I'm not good at planning events, or gathering people, or even just calling the women I consider to be my friends. In fact, other than the friends I work with, I probably haven't spoken to, texted or emailed many of my friends in a good long while but once I consider you my friend, I pretty much always consider you my friend. No matter how much time has passed.

I met Leah at work. We share a lot of the same 12 year old boy humor. 

One of my favorite stories of Leah is of a time when we working out in the office gym. She was doing side shuffles and she was supposed to put down and pick up a medicine ball at the end of each pass. Our trainer was trying to explain to Leah that she was supposed to pick up a ball every time not just put it down.

As she was shuffling by me she said, "I am picking up a BALL every time!"

I said, "You're not holding a BALL right now."

She looked down and to her surprise- there was no ball in her hands and the three of us busted out in laughter.

"Leah said, 'Balls!'" 

You see? 12 year old boy humor.

Another tidbit about Leah is Leah loves Jesus. And she has a talent for sharing her love for Jesus in way that is respectful and welcoming . I know she did a lot of praying for me when I was busy pushing all-things-God out of my life. She never once preached at me or made me feel offended or put off. She just lovingly talked about how much she loved Jesus.

I hope I can model that attitude and message in my life for others to see. I'm so grateful for the abundant life God has graced me with and people like Leah that He throws in my path. I guess he knows I need them.

I'm so grateful for Leah's love and laughter in my life no matter how many days there are between today and the last day we talked. Here's to good friends and laughter!

This is my gift. I give it to you.

Smile

If you have 

nothing else to give,

give a smile.

Rich or Poor

No one has

ever become

poor by

giving.

             - Anne Frank

Love & Giving

Love grows by giving.

The love we give away 

is the only love we keep.

                                                   -Elbert Hubbard