Giving Back

Well dudes & dudettes... it's been a super long time since I've blogged, but I'm back from the dead with a whole lot better outlook on life.  All the remnants of negativity are finally out of my system and I'm just putting the chaos that was the year 2011 in a little bottle on my shelf :)

As I packed up my belongings, ate my favorite AMERICAN foods, gave hugs a little longer than necessary and said my tearful goodbyes for a year, I received the same question a lot.  Well, more of a statement.  "Let me know when you get settled and send me your address so I can send you a package."  People discussing Christmas, birthdays, random occasions. Every year for Christmas I tell my mom that I do not want ANYTHING.  "Give the money you would spend on me to a needy family..." usually I say this is October.  In November it becomes "Give the money you would spend on me to a needy family, butttt because I know YOU want to get me something, I wouldn't mind having (insert random item)."  Then December rolls around and it becomes, "That's great if you bought something for someone else, but maybe we could also get me these adorable boots I saw, ohh and there is this book I want and did you know this movie came out on video finally.." and in the end I have a pretty full Christmas list... but what happened to those original good intentions?  Well this year, I am super far away obviously so wrapping presents under the tree will be difficult soooo here are some things you can do from far away that would mean more to me than any gift.  While Christmas is still far away, I'm going to show my list a little early... If you want to do something for me this year or just want check out a few organizations that are on my heart right now... Here are some ideas. 

1. I found out about PEOPLE WATER from my sick obsession with the Bachelor Franchise... the only good thing to come out of this addiction. At first I was truly in love with Jef with one f from Utah...then Emily picked him so that love was lost for me, but I am still HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE with his company. You can find out about the company and what they stand for at peoplewater.com/. My wish is for you to buy a case of water and take it to either a homeless shelter or to someone sitting on the side of the road anywhere you may be. 
People Water slogan: Drop for Drop

2. I've been obsessed with TOMS since I first heard of the company and have been known to sport the shoes a lot of the time.  I even rock the TOMS logo on my computer. Fancy, huh? You can find the website at http://www.toms.com/ to learn move about the company. My request on this topic is to buy a pair of TOMS and donate them to a homeless person or someone in need.  Then you are getting two gifts instead of one.  You can donate one as well as "Tom". 
TOMS slogan: ONE for ONE

3. Renovation Ministries. I've been on a mission trip every year since I was 12 years old.  Every youth minister/camp pastor/spiritual leader says that we must keep this FIRE FOR GOD alive when we get home.  That we need to take this desire to make a difference, to change the world, to impact these communities, to share God's love into our hometowns.  Ministry starts at home.  Well I'm very proud to say that my youth minister did that.  He created a mission field in the inner-city of Anniston, AL.  My request? Buy a t-shirt at RenovationMinistryStore and you know the drill, donate it :) ---   Super worthy cause. I know first-hand, because I had the luxury of visiting the site one day :)  Mission Statement: We exist to see hearts, lives, and communities restored in Jesus through local and global church partnerships.

4. I attended a non-demoninational church during my last 3 years at UA.  I kept nursery and attended when I wasn't out of town for various reasons... I wasn't a member and I didn't go every Sunday, but I have never felt more at home or more moved by the power of God than I did every time I entered that building.  Tuscaloosa Vineyard is doing big things.  We have a service called the Food Pantry and it is as simple as that.  My wish for this bullet-point is if you head to Tuscaloosa to watch the Tide dominate this season, stop by our church and drop off some non-perishable goods for the Tuscaloosa community. To read more about this ministry and others the church offers and how you can help go to: Ministry to the Poor It would be greatly appreciated :)
Church slogan: A PRETTY GOOD CHURCH ... I know better than that though, it's truly amazing.  If you find the time, stick around for a service. You won't regret it.

5. My friend is doing Teach For America in inner-city New Orleans.  He is having a blast, but also making such a difference on these kids' lives.  I am so incredibly proud of him!  I donated a book to his classroom earlier this year (Hunger Games whoop whoop!) But there is a website you can find all the teachers that need classroom collections and donate copies : donorschoose.org ... what is better than the gift of literacy?  If you get on and his class needs something it is Mr. Collins in New Orleans, and his class for sure is at the top of my list although all will be grateful :)

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As with all Christmas wish lists, I do not expect you to do all or any for that matter, it is just informative :)
If you made it to the end of this post, thank you :)  
I will actually post about my life tomorrow or something this week, but this was just on my heart tonight. 

Love yall!!!!