The Giving Challenge - Stephanie L. Jones

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MY MISSION

Empowering women to give their best life through giving to themselves and others, practicing gratitude, and pursuing one good goal, with a foundation of faith.

© 2021 Stephanie L. Jones, Giving Gal

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been six years since

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been six years since I launched The Giving Challenge.

What an incredible day! I remember constantly clicking refresh on my computer to see my little book climb to #1 in three categories and beating out books by C.S. Lewis, Tim Tebow, and Joel Osteen, just to name a few.

That only happened because of all of my great supporters. If you have read, bought, shared, or reviewed the book over the years, thank you!

The original cover was pink with a big teal bow and I love that it looked like a wrapped gift.

I never expected to write a second book, but as the designer was working on the cover for The Gratitude Challenge, we decided to change the colors.

Also, by a small miracle, after I published the first edition, Dave Ramsey, yes the money guru, endorsed the book, so the back cover needed to be updated.

Even after six years, I still get emails and messages about readers favorite stories and gifts they have given because they read the book.

I continue to live out the giving challenge everyday and challenge you to do the same!

Pictures are the gateway to our past. They bubble

Pictures are the gateway to our past. They bubble up cherished memories we’ve long forgotten.

In December 2014, our beloved K-9 Boss received a cancer diagnosis, riddling our world with devastation.

January 2015 was a rough month for Boss. His prize possession, a tennis ball, laid in front of him, with no movement. He’d curl up on his pillow barely getting up to eat or go out to potty. The effects of cancer were heartbreaking. All his life he’d been a worker. He’d served the Indiana State Police as a K-9 officer and loved his job. To see him mope around with no energy was agonizing.

Days before we were to put him down, our friend Julianne, offered a living family photo session.

The day before the photo session we considered canceling because Boss was so lethargic, but on January 19, 2015, it was as if God gave him a final gift, zestfulness. It was just a day, but the old Bossy was back. He was playful, energetic and ran around the house like a wild man.

Julianne came to our home, and instead of the standard posed pictures, she captured how we lived life with Boss. She snapped a multitude of heartfelt photos. Some pictures were humorous, like me sitting on the toilet (lid closed) because he’d often come in the bathroom if the door wasn’t close.

Why these types of photos?

I wanted to remember the little things that use to drive me nuts, but in his last days, I cherished.

Boss passed away four days later on January 23, 2015. Eight years after his death, the portraits of Boss remain one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve received.

Julianne used her talents and gave us a lifetime of memories.

As you go through 2023, think about ways you can use your talent to make a difference in someone’s life. Something you take for granted may be what someone else needs.

In 2016 I wrote a story about a gift I received wh

In 2016 I wrote a story about a gift I received while traveling in Washington DC. I loved it so much, I put it in my first book, The Giving Challenge.

Fast forward, almost three years after publishing the book, I had been on a mission to reconnect with Don, and surprise him with a copy. Finally I made it happen! I wanted to enjoy the moment so I didn’t get it on video (but we snapped a picture) and needless to say, we were both teary eyed.

Here’s the story about a gift I’ll never forget and the day a stranger turned into a friend.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It's amazing what happens when we strike up a conversation with a stranger.

This is Don and he was my driver to the airport. I quickly learned he started his own chauffeur business two years ago and hasn't looked back.

At one point in our conversation he said, "You should write a book!"

I chuckled and said, "I am. It's about giving."

We proceeded to chat on several other topics and when he pulled up to let me out he said, "You know what, I'm not charging you for your ride today. My gift."

I really appreciate this gift and not for the reasons you might think. You see on the way to the airport I realized I didn't have enough cash to pay him. I was praying about the conversation I was going to have with him once I got to the airport. I rehearsed my plan in my head. I would give him my business card, take down his address and promise I'd mail him the money and more for the inconvenience.

I didn't have to have the conversation because God answered my prayer by tugging on the heartstrings of Don.

It’s a gift I’ll never forget and I always look up Don when I’m in DC!

Over the last several years, I’ve jumped on the

Over the last several years, I’ve jumped on the bandwagon of having a word that would be my focus for the upcoming year. Words like intentional, opportunity, and discipline are some of my past words.

I never sought out a word. I prayed, chatted with God, and listened and watched for my word. I’m in awe of how God works when we seek and wait on guidance from Him.

For 2022, I wasn’t sure I would have a word. And then as the days and weeks passed, I repeatedly saw the word SHINE pop up.

Oh, I loved it! As a daily giver, I strive to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of all I meet and shine light into a dark world.

I love that baby Jesus arrived at night. In John 8:12, we learn that Jesus is the light of the world. If we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. Why? Because we will “have the light that leads to life.”

Friends, as you go into this new year, it is my prayer you are able to go out into the world and shine the light of Jesus to everyone who crosses your path.

A simple question you can ask yourself when you take an action, speak a word, or even post on social media is, “Does this shine the light of Jesus?”

May you have a bright shining 2023!

On this day, in 2011, I set out on my giving journ

On this day, in 2011, I set out on my giving journey. Me one person looking for a way to make a difference in one other person’s life every day.

522 days later my first mission ended. Or so I thought.

I took a short break but realized giving changed me. It wasn’t just a habit and no longer a daily goal but a lifestyle.

With the exception of a couple of days, I’ve given a gift every day since that break.

If you accomplish nothing else this year, love God, and love people, and you’ll accomplish more than you imagine. That mission might just change your life like it did mine.

Happy New Year!

Every Christmas Eve after church my family would g

Every Christmas Eve after church my family would go to my grandparents.

I loved that evening as it was full of family, food, and always a surprise gift.

One of our traditions would be for my Pappy to call family members that couldn’t be with us. He’d then pass the phone around and each of us would get to chat and wish them a Merry Christmas.

If you have a family member or family that can’t make it home for Christmas, call them today.

Who will you call?

Trooper Scott Patrick was shot and killed on Decem

Trooper Scott Patrick was shot and killed on December 22, 2003 at approximately 4:30 am when dispatched to assist a stranded motorist at the Grant Street exit of Interstate 80/94 in Gary in Lake County.

Upon his arrival, Trooper Patrick saw the vehicle parked with two flat tires (unaware the vehicle had been stolen the previous week) and observed a man walking up the nearby exit ramp. When Trooper Patrick approached to offer help, the suspect pulled a handgun and opened fire.

Despite being shot above his bullet-resistant vest, once in the neck, Trooper Patrick was able to radio for assistance and return fire. He died less than a half-hour later while in surgery at Northlake Methodist Hospital.

The suspect then hid behind the double set of tires of a flatbed trailer that had stopped at the scene. An assisting trooper arrived and was directed to where the suspect was hiding, who then fled on foot and jumped into the cab of another semitrailer. The suspect attempted to put the vehicle into gear and, after making threatening gestures toward the trooper, was shot multiple times but survived.

At the time of the incident, the suspect was on parole for selling crack cocaine near a school and although being sentenced to two years in prison, had been released after 90 days. The suspect was arrested and convicted of murder and auto theft. In July 2006, the suspect was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Indiana Supreme Court, in June 2008, affirmed both the conviction and sentence of the offender.

Trooper Patrick had served with the Indiana State Police for nearly 3½ years and was assigned to the Lowell post. He was survived by his wife, a son who was born six months after his death, parents, a sister and two brothers.

In 2006, State Road 10 between Wheatfield and DeMotte in Jasper County was dedicated the Trooper Scott A. Patrick Memorial Highway in his honor.

This evening at 10:00 while you're snuggled in you

This evening at 10:00 while you're snuggled in your warm home, a group of police officers, friends, and family of Trooper Scott Patrick will surround his grave, remembering his last 10-41 (on-duty).

December 21st, the day before Scott was killed in the line of duty always gets to me. I guess there is a reason it's the darkest day of the year.

This time in 2003 Scott was still alive.

He was still able to hug and kiss his pregnant wife.

He didn't know this would be his last shift.

That he wouldn't get to celebrate Christmas with his family.

He'd leave for work on this evening, go 10-41 at 10:00p.m. and never return home. Those thoughts haunt me.

So much hope on 12-21-2003, and that hope to be shattered hours later in the early morning of 12-22-2003.

As we pull into the cemetery, I’m remind of when I was in college, one of my friend's mom passed away unexpectedly. I talked to his father months later and he said “people surround you when the tragedy happens and they are at the funeral and then they go on with their lives and you are there to live with the pain and hurt day in and day out. People forget, and I am still suffering.”

Those words have always stuck with me and I have tried really hard to stay in touch with Scott’s family so they know, I remember, I still hurt and he won’t be forgotten. It’s why for 18 years, my husband and I have showed up for his family on this cold, dark night.

As I have stated many times before, say thank you to a police officer for the job they do. 99% of officers are the “good guys” sacrificing their lives on a daily basis for our safety.

So tonight, as you prepare for bed, say a prayer for the men and women in law enforcement and say a prayer for the families and friends who find themselves surrounding a grave of a hero who never returned home.

A week ago, I was spending time with friends parti

A week ago, I was spending time with friends participating in our annual baking day.

For three days we made made memories, laughed and worked hard to give all the sweet treats away, and bring smiles to many faces.

Sometime this weekend, or even in the coming week if you are off work, have a family baking day.

One of my favorite memories, as a child, is baking cookies and then delivering them to shut-ins and the elderly.

What’s your favorite sweet treat to make and give away?

In November 2020, I found myself perched in a tree

In November 2020, I found myself perched in a treehouse surrounded by a lagoon and 35 wooded acres with a gate at the property’s entrance to keep out unwanted looky-loos.

I had booked the trip with excitement. A vacation like none I’d ever embarked on. The Instagram photos by celebrities, pictures in magazines, and the backdrop for TV shows boasted dreamy, cozy elegance with a flair for adventure. Within hours, I realized the difference between reality and a snapshot on social media.

Fear gripped me at every angle. The darkness came early in the day and lasted into the morning hours. I shivered, bundled in my coat, gloves, and toboggan because I couldn’t figure out how to work the fireplace. I had visions of gas seeping out of the fireplace and blowing up the treehouse.

Alone, with no one to turn to, I sought comfort and courage through prayer and reading the Bible.

Did you know the Bible mentions being afraid 365 times? Even as we read through the Christmas story, fear is present.

Do you remember what the angel told Mary? “Don’t be afraid, Mary.” (Luke 1:30)

Or what about Matthew 1:20? As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”

Do you remember how the shepherds felt when an angel appeared to them while they guarded their sheep? They were terrified. But again, the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid.” (Luke 2:10)

If we look back to John the Baptist’s birth, his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave a prophecy in Luke 1:67 to 79. Verse 74 stuck out to me. “We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear.”

Wow!

There are so many times in the Christmas story when if one person would have allowed fear to stop them, the entire story as we know it would be changed. And yet, every time, they moved through fear and God protected them and provided what they needed.

(finish the story in comments)

Uncommon Christmas is on Kindle for $.99. My gift

Uncommon Christmas is on Kindle for $.99. My gift to you this Christmas season!

Who’s your favorite charity? Give them a donat

Who’s your favorite charity?

Give them a donation today.

Any amount will do!

I love supporting Lessons with Love and all our beautiful children in Malawi. Their Christmas tree is made of bananas!

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