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MY MISSION
is to encourage you to live a bold life, establish and accomplish big dreams and challenge you to bless others in everything you do.

© 2020 Stephanie L. Jones, Giving Gal

Dang it! I missed National Smile Day! But that’s

Dang it! I missed National Smile Day! But that’s okay because every day should be National Smile Day! I use to think smiling at strangers was difficult. It means making eye contact with those I didn’t know. What if they didn't smile back? What if they thought I was flirting? But then I realized that none of these "what ifs" mattered. I was making this simple, free gift about me. Putting expectations on how the receiver would react or what they thought. When we add expectations to our gifts, they are no longer gifts. Give and expect nothing, not even a thank you or a returned smile. But you know what? 99% of people smile back. My worries are for nothing, as are most fears in life. Made up and prevent us from not only giving incredible gifts, but pursuing our dreams. I love this pic of me with a dear friend, fellow author, and speaker. Check out her book, Live Life: Be Stronger with God. She never fails to share a smile, bringing joy to everyone she encounters. Giving Challenge: Smile today and make someone’s day!

One of the things I hate about the police wife lif

One of the things I hate about the police wife life is when my husband teaches at the academy and is gone all week. I must put things in perspective as military wives have their spouses deployed for months to years at a time. I don’t know how they do it. I get major anxiety. I hate to be home alone at night. I pretty much barricade every entrance because if someone is going to get in the house, by golly, they are going to make a lot of noise and hopefully that will give a fighting chance to call the cops and defend myself. I stay up as late as possible and get up really early, averaging about three hours of sleep a night and then do a lot of reading, working and cleaning to keep my mind busy. I looked out at the driveway and it’s covered in leaves. For some reason this drives my husband bananas! He’s not worried about me when he’s gone, he’s worried about the leaves piling up in the driveway. He knows I can protect myself but there is nothing stopping those leaves from floating to the ground.😂 I decided to take a break from building a PowerPoint and sweep the driveway. A simple gift I could give to my husband. I grabbed the push broom from the garage, cranked up Tim McGraw and got to work! Grumbling under my breathe I complained how boring sweeping was, how much it sucked and dang...why is it so cold already?! Then I stopped myself, flipped a switch and listed everything good about sweeping leaves: 🚶🏻‍♀️I’d hit my steps for the day. 🍁Instead of sitting inside, I was outside enjoying the beautiful fall day. 🌅 I witnessed an incredible sunset. 💪🏻 I worked up a sweat, and got my workout in, loosening my tight shoulders from sitting at the computer. 🎁 Gift of the day ✅ 😀 When I got back inside I had a boost of energy to get back to work! And look at that driveway! I know it will probably be full again in a couple of days but when my hubby gets home, it will make him smile. So next time you see an opportunity to make your spouse happy, go for it! It just might make you happy also.

My community has grown and I wanted to take a mome

My community has grown and I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. Here’s a little bit about me☺️ I love God. I asked Jesus into my life at age nine and I’ve never questioned his love for me. He is the guide of my life. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. I love giving. I gave a gift every day for 522 days, and it changed my life. I took a break but missed giving and have been giving a gift almost everyday for years. It’s why I’m also known as the Giving Gal. I love speaking. I got the bug in college when I spoke at local churches, sharing experiences from a Honduran mission trip. I haven't shut up since. I love speaking on giving, gratitude, and goals. Last year I got to check giving a TEDx talk off my speaking goal list🤗 I love writing. My writing career started as a grant writer for the Indiana State Police, bringing in million dollars. I learned written words have power and can change lives. I’m an author of two books. The Giving Challenge and The Gratitude Challenge. Check them out😉 Strangely enough, months before my first book released, I discovered I’m dyslexic. I don’t view it as a disability, but a strength. I love law enforcement. In 2000, I showed up at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy to become a State Trooper. After thirteen weeks of grueling training, I was devastated when I failed firearms. I had no plan B, but God had a plan, and three years later, I would marry a fellow recruit. We’ve been married for 17 years! He is my rock and protector and always supports my big dreams. With the failure of washing out of the academy on my back, in 2007, I finally accomplished my goal of becoming a police officer, and I qualified as a distinguished expert with my firearm. Lots of lessons learned in those seven years. I live life intentionally! When I learned to say no and set priorities my life changed. I live each day with intention, aligning to where God is calling me, focusing my time on goals. I not only love dreaming, but I love taking action, making my dreams a reality and helping others to do the same!

Check out episode 7 on my new #podcast, Giving You

Check out episode 7 on my new #podcast, Giving Your Best Life. I share the lessons I learned from a hot yoga class. I would love to hear what you have learned from trying something new.

I love podcast interviews because I never know whe

I love podcast interviews because I never know where the conversation is going to go. I have a soft spot for the law enforcement community and unexpectedly got to talk about that part of my life. And of course we chatted about giving and gratitude. Check out my interview on The Robert Timmons Show!

The best part of being an author is connecting wit

The best part of being an author is connecting with incredible people. Jamie, the owner of, Turn the Page, has been one of my biggest supporters, not just with my books, but she’s invited me to speaker at her church’s Women’s event. Please go like her page, order from her online store, or if you are local, pop in and support her store. It’s my favorite bookstore and I always feel welcome! Thanks Jamie for your friendship and support. I’m proud of you sister!

“When you have an opportunity to make a memory,

“When you have an opportunity to make a memory, take it.” @jesseitzler My hubby is at the police academy and I hate staying home by myself. My dear college friend agreed to come spend the week with me. I found out today the winery down the road does picnics. You order your food, they give you wine, a blanket and a bag and you can set up anywhere on the property. I have so much work from my day job. I have book drafts due. I’m doing a fundraiser radiothon all day tomorrow that I need to prep for. But it’s rare there are blue skies, sunshine, cool temps and no humidity. A perfect night. We had a fabulous conversation and enjoyed stepping away from work to hangout and relax. The work will always be there. Our friends and family won’t. Take time to give yourself, like you give to others.

This past week I celebrated 12 years at Cisco (the

This past week I celebrated 12 years at Cisco (the big tech company, not food). I took time to reflect on how I got there, and at the end of the day, one pivotal decision, led me down the path of where I am today. At the time, when the opportunity opened, each day I found myself velcroing a bulletproof vest around my chest and holstering a gun on my side. My days as a police officer seem so far away, almost like they never happened. I wasn't seeking a new job or career. I'd spent seven years chasing down the dream of being a police officer. But sometimes God opens a door at unexpected times. I remember making a pros and cons list. So many fears swirled in my head about leaving the comforts of law enforcement to go work in an industry where I had zero experience. Doubts and fear crept in and just as I was on the verge of closing the door, I had a heart to heart conversation with my shift partner. Long story short, I realized the fear and doubt I felt, had nothing to do with the new job. I was overwhelmed with the thought of letting down my current employer. What would people think of me? How disappointed would they be that they invested a lot of time and money into my training and I chose to walk away. This revelation was powerful. At the end of the day, I needed to follow the path I thought God was leading me down and do what was best, in the long run, for my family. I took a step of faith, and after thirteen interviews, I landed a new job. Was it the right decision, only time would tell, but after twelve years, I can now look back and say with 100% certainty, God had a plan. But it required me moving forward into an uncharted territory. I wonder where my life would be if I hadn't taken that step of faith? Only God knows. Is there an opportunity that you are facing, but the step of faith seems scary? Is there a door that has opened, but you are hesitant to walk through? Here's my suggestion, don't focus on the what-ifs and the twelve steps ahead. Focus on getting through the first door and keep moving through the doors as long as they stay open. Pray, and seek God's will for your life and he'll lead you down unexpected paths.

Usually, I’m sharing a book with you that I love

Usually, I’m sharing a book with you that I love, but have no relationship with the author. This week, I’m sharing the new release of JoyKeeper, by my friend Suzie Eller. Suzie had a year of unthinkable heartbreak, more than one family should bear, and through it, all, even on her knees weeping, she found a way to discover joy. If life is throwing more at you than you can handle, JoyKeeper might be the book that helps you through this difficult time you are experiencing.

What a fun day of giving! I FINALLY got to go to

What a fun day of giving! I FINALLY got to go to the community foundation for a meeting. Just seeing the staff made my day. And then bonus! I forgot I had bid and won several silent auction items to support @gotrofnwi. I always talk about giving and expect nothing in return, but silent auctions are a win/win! And who could turn down a basket of my favorite peanut butter and chocolate! And then school supplies! I love school supplies! And even though I don’t have children, there are lots of needs in my community and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to give school supplies. I spent time at Staples and I felt like a child picking out sparkly pencils and colorful notebooks. With a little time left I swung by First Fruit Gives to drop off the supplies. What an amazing grassroots nonprofit. Thanks @cisco for Time2Give. Here’s to Living the Giving Challenge

Monday I celebrated my 43rd birthday. There were

Monday I celebrated my 43rd birthday. There were no big parties or piles of gifts. Thanks @cisco for giving me my birthday off. I spent the day filling up my cup. And I couldn’t have a perfect day without a cupcake and a book. Blue Shoe by Anne Lamott was an interesting read. Not my favorite book by Lamott but I appreciated how she gave light to the daily struggles of life, many deal with, such as mental health, divorce, caring for an aging parent, purpose, tragedy, and love. Two questions for you. How do you celebrate your birthday and do you quit books that you don’t enjoy? Inquiring minds want to know.

We’ve done life together since kindergarten. He

We’ve done life together since kindergarten. He took me to my first concert, @mwsmithofficial and I think we’ve been to a 100 others since, most recently @lionelrichie. Which was incredible! Through life’s ups and downs,no matter where we are, he is always a text or a phone call away. He’s struggled with addiction, but I’m in so proud that he gets up fighting every day. He shares his story to help and inspire others. Today I’m grateful for one of the best friends a gal could have. Happy Birthday Eric! May the Lord flow blessings and opportunities your way in the year to come. Who are you grateful for today?

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