pause
Christmas Can Change The World. Again.
Thank you to everyone who came together throughout December and early January to help extend the life, hope and love of Christmas to people in our community. Through thousands of Intentional Acts of Christmas, you demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas. Take time now to read what other people have been doing.
Did you receive an Intentional Act of Christmas? Tell us your experience and what it meant to you.
Tell Us What You Did
Use the space below to share your experience through doing an Intentional Act of Christmas. Tell us what activity you chose and how it went. Also, include any reactions of the recipient. We're not asking for stories to brag about Stonecreek Church, but to bring honor and recognition to the greatest Intentional Act of Christmas God gave more than two thousand years ago. If you received an Intentional Act of Christmas card, click here.
What People Have Already Shared...
"My wife and I bought four $25 Wal-Mart gift cards and walked the isles looking for folks who might be blessed by our gift. We headed straight for the toy department and found a couple arguing about the price of a toy and I asked them if I could give them a Christmas gift. They said sure, and I handed them a gift card and the Christmas gift recipient card and said merry Christmas. Then we saw a couple trying to decide if they could afford a bike and I watched. I then said to them merry Christmas and gave them 2 gift cards. I hope they bought the bike. Then finally we saw a couple that looked like they had a lot of children to buy for and gave them the last card. As I gave out the cards my wife watched in tears. It was a very moving experience for her. We are so thankful that we could extend our blessings to others. Thank you Stonecreek for the idea. God Bless."
"We planned as a small group to take snack baskets to local fire departments, hospitals, and healthcare call centers. The baskets were very well received, but I think I enjoyed a more spontaneous act even more. When our group met at a gas station in Buckhead at 9am, many day-laborers had congregated on a busy corner waiting for someone to give them work. It was freezing that morning. One by one, a member of each of our small group couples went inside the gas station and bought some things to help the men keep going. It was so easy to go into the station, explain to the attendant that I wanted to buy 10 cups of coffee, and then allow her to count them out as the men picked them up. When I explained to the men outside that coffee was waiting for them inside, the language barrier was non-existent and they were instantly grateful for that small thing. It was not an anonymous gift, but the men understood along with me that we didn't need to talk about it. I offered, they accepted, we exchanged "Merry Christmas". It made me realize again how easy it is to show compassion and that God has given me so much that I need to share."
"My husband and I have enjoyed this so much. We have been going through a hard time but have not had much to share but it has been so wonderful reaching out in faith to others. This evening we left a $20 tip at a table of a fast food restaurant. The server got it before we got out the door. She caught my arm and asked if it was alright to give me a hug. It was a wonderful experience!"
"My children and I checked periodically on the responses to what great ideas people were coming up with to "be the church". We are so thankful people took the time to help and write about their sharing experiences! We shared baked goods in the community, made breakfasts and lunches for underprivileged families in the community, and left extra tips at several eating establishments. Our perspective changed this season as we looked for more opportunities to help and share. Thanks for the ideas and ways to do more! We have "Paused" and been truly blessed."
"My friend and I talked to my grandfather about a family in need of food. This family was not going to be able to have a Christmas dinner. So we went and made dinner and saw that eventhough were only 15 years old we made an impact on a family's life that would have nothing for Christmas. I have never been happier in my life to see joy on someone elses face!"
"I went to a nursing home and took cookies and gift cards for the staff. We also stopped by tons of rooms to say merry christmas. You should have seen the looks on their faces. It was a great experience... we even sang :D"
"I have a friend who has been out of work since Feb. She is having a difficult time finding a new job. She was pretty down that she didn't have money for little things. My son and I brought her a gift bag with gift cards and a few small presents. She said that it really meant a lot to her."
"This has been the most heart warming experience of my life. Everyday I am looking for a new way to love someone. I have paid for meals of the car behind me in drive thrus. I have picked up checks of others in restaurants and left nice tips. Our family took breakfast to the Canton Police Dept on our Pause Sunday. What I have found is that a project started to help and encourage others has filled my heart up to over flowing. I think this is how Jesus planned for us to act all along. I can't wait to get the new cards...."This is Christ!" This should be a way of life, not a holiday event! I am thankful for a church family that leads us in good directions!!"
"I have donated whole blood on a regular basis since I was 16 and followed in my father's footsteps donating platelets after he was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer donate. Last year when I was leaving a platelet donation center I was stopped by a cancer patient who thanked me for the blood products that let him spend more time with his wife and family. After 30 years of giving blood I might have met someone who received a bit of me and appreciated the gift. Thus far this Christmas season I have donated platelets 6 times and am scheduled for a 7th next week. I can't attach a card to my donation but I am prayerful that I have been able to give 7 strangers life or extra time on this earth."
"We gave several acts of kindness; one was to pass on a $20 discount card to a lady in line behind me at Dick's Sporting Goods; another was extra tipping; and most meaningful was giving a few Kroger Gift Cards to widowers and the elderly who were in need. I feel these unexpected good deeds meant as much to the recipients as it did to us."
"Earlier this year, on the day my father died, a very kind manager at the hospital cafeteria bought my breakfast, served it to me with a hug and took the time to listen as I cried and told her what my family was facing. Tonight I went to that same hospital cafeteria and paid for the meals of three people as they came through the cashier’s line. Although I tried to remain anonymous, the lady in front of me figured it out and gave me a hug of thanks. Her husband was recovering from knee replacement surgery, and she told me how much the gesture would mean to him. The other two men, who were a little older, didn’t say much but gave me big smiles as they read their cards. I then gave the cashier some money for herself and another card of her own since she had helped me to complete my mission. She, too, gave me a big hug and a smile. Those two hugs and four smiles were worth so much more than the small amount of money I spent. Then, as I was walking back to my car, I held the elevator doors for an older woman who had her hands quite full. She shared with me that her husband was admitted a week ago, then wound up needing emergency surgery and had been in the ICU since Friday. She expressed with words what I could already see on her face – she was exhausted and longing for some much needed rest. I hadn’t planned on doing this, but as I exited the parking lot I gave the attendant some extra money and told him to use it for whomever came through his booth next, until it ran out. I only had one card left, though, so I asked him to give it to the first person he helped. I don’t know who benefitted since no one was behind me at the time, but I prayed all the way down the driveway that the weary woman from the elevator would be one of them."
"I couldnt think of anything that I could do that didnt involve money (since I didn't have any.) What I did was baby-sat my brother's 3 children Sunday morning so that my brother could attend church himself. He works during the week, and his wife works during the weekend. He's been without a second car for some time now and unable to attend church on a regular basis."
"Last week we went to our pediatrician. Our youngest son was sick. Our pediatrician has always brought such joy to our kids. He himself is a father of 6. As he was looking over our son and making him laugh, he took the time to listen to my concerns and share stories of his family. We left the office with our prescriptions. And decided to head to Starbucks to get him a little "THANK YOU". There is a Starbucks on every corner right? Well, not in Cumming it seems. Regardless of where we were heading, with a sick child in tow, we drove through the nearest Starbucks and purchased a gift card, drove back to the pediatrician's office and left it for him. Such a small gift of appreciation for a kind physician.....who helps us take good care of our boys."
"We stopped by our local grocery store to give a hand-made card and gift certificate to our favorite helper. She always helps us bag and load our groceries, but most of all, she smiles and gives hugs to my boys every time they go shopping with me. It is amazing for me to see how God has taken a stranger....and turned it in to such a loving relationship. She is such an amazingly sweet woman."
"Our small group first met for breakfast and then we brought bagels and muffins to our local fire station. The fire fighters were very appreciative and gave us a tour of the trucks and answered our many questions! We then bought hygiene items and stockings with candy in them for a girls' shelter in Cumming. We also bought giftcards for a friend of mine who is a single mother. We all had a wonderful time pausing and being the church! This is what Christmas is all about!"
"We made cupcakes for our neighbor's children. Their parent's are going through a divorce this Christmas. We also made cookies and took them to the fire station and police substation. They loved it, but I think my 3 and 7 year old loved giving the goodies even more. One handed the treats while the other handed the "This is Christmas" card to them. Today we bought the groceries for the gentleman in line behind us. He was digging for his cash and when we took care of it he was extremely grateful and said "I am taking these cakes to my church tonight." We are having so much fun! We can't wait to do something again this week."
"First, we took homemade goodies and a Christmas Card to the elderly neighbors who live directly behind us whom we've never introduced ourselves to in the seven years we've lived in our home. Next we took Monkey Bread and other homemade goodies to the staff at the Hospice Care Home beside our son's school. It was especially sweet when we were leaving and the staff member we had given everthing to went over to the woman in a wheelchair near him and said "look Mama, these people from the church brought some goodies for us." Next we went to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office behind South Forsyth High School to deliver more homemade goodies but were disappointed to find out they were closed on Sunday. No worries though because as we turned around, there was a sheriff waiting in his car who was more than happy to take the goodies inside. Finally we stopped by Starbuck's where our son used a gift card he had received as a gift to pay for the beverage of the next person in the drive through line. Need more cards...giving is fun!!!"
"Every time we drive through downtown Atlanta, we are always so saddened by the number of homless people we see either living under bridges or just roaming the streets with no where to go and nothing to keep them warm. As our intentional act of Christmas, we decided to purchase many hats and gloves as well as go through our closets for blankets and heavy coats and just randomly distribute them to the homeless. We drove downtown and had no problem finding people to hand out hats, gloves blankets and coats to. We also stopped at a Samaritan house on the side of the road and brought in some items. It was neat to see 2 of the men that were given a hat or blanket to have it on as we passed them a while later. Our children really had an eye opening experience to really see that many people have absolutely nothing with no where to go or to have someone take care of them. We don't really know if we made a difference in any of their lives, but pray that someone is a little warmer tonight. We have also decided to make this a family tradition every Christmas. We feel blessed to have the ability and means to help others that are in need."
"What a wonderful day! One of our small group members works for Publix and got a huge amount of baked goods donated for our "Pause" efforts which we delivered throughout our community. First, we went to a nursing home in Canton. In addition to bringing the food, we sang Christmas carols and gave lots of hugs and kisses. The people there were so appreciative! Next, we stopped at the Canton Fire Department and delivered baked goods which put big smiles on their faces. Our next stop was the Holly Springs police department. We stayed there for over an hour and even got a grand tour of the police department. At the end, they took us outside to show us the lights on the cars--the kids loved it! Our final stop was the Holly Springs fire department. The five men in the deparment were thrilled to see all of the baked goods. Then, they took us for a tour of the fire department. They even let the kids sit in the fire truck. This day was such a gift, to be able to thank those who serve us in the community for everthing they do and to minister to the elderly with some songs and affection, all in the name of Jesus. Thank you for providing us with this opportunity. It's been a day our family will never forget!"
"As I was having my hair done this past Friday, my cell phone kept ringing off the hook with friends from Stonecreek stepping up to meet the needs of many of the single moms posted to our Web site. In between calls my stylist said, “hey…wait a minute…is this the pay it forward thing for This is Christmas?” Of course I was shocked that she knew about it because she doesn’t go to Stonecreek. She continued telling me that some of her other clients had been talking about it. As we talked she shared that she really had a heart for single moms because she had been one for so many years. She said that it’s hard to feel pretty when you are pulled in so many directions as a single mom…you kinda forget about yourself. At that moment she offered to supply me with 2 complimentary haircuts for some of the single moms that were nominated on the website. Unbelievable! But wait….there’s more. As we continued our conversation, she told me that one of her clients attends Stonecreek and had talked about how much she loves it. Apparently they had an in-depth conversation where my stylist shared that she had a hard time reading and understanding the Bible. Her client told her that the “paper back” Bibles at Stonecreek were really easy to understand. Love it! Fast forward to Saturday…On Saturday, I stopped by her salon and dropped off a Stonecreek paper back Bible with a “This is Christmas” card. Perhaps what she reads will be the source of hope she needs as she wrestles with the loss of her daughter who committed suicide just a little over a year ago. Hope = Christmas. This is Christmas."
"My family and I heard that some 800 families had registered for Christmas assistance through North Fulton Community Charities and that the organization only had enough toys/goods for 200 families. So Saturday evening, we headed to Wal-mart, filled 4 carts with 100 items: balls, bike helmets, barbie dolls, craft kits, trucks, duplo blocks, t-shirts, shave kits, bouncy seats, and umbrella strollers. There were only 3 of us pushing 4 carts, so we attracted lots of attention and a few questions...When we reached the register and got in line, a manager approached and asked us if all 4 carts were ours. When we said, "Yes," she opened a line just for us! After taping "Stonecreek Pause" cards on all 100 items, we dropped them off this morning where volunteers had assembled to set up a sort of store where people can shop for Christmas gifts. It was a humbling experience to realize how little we really give."
"Two Sundays ago at Stonecreek some friends were sharing their ideas around what they were doing for Pause. I happened to mention that a couple of families were gathering at my house to make meals for some single moms in our church. It was our way of honoring them and giving them a much deserved night off. Moments later, one of the couples that heard about this went out to their car and then returned with a check for $300. The wife turned to me and said, “your going to need to buy some groceries.” I was blown away….completely speechless. Then, this past Saturday, I made a Costco run to purchase the groceries for what turned out to be 15 single moms. When the cashier scanned the last item I looked up at the register and it read….$305.89. Perhaps this couple will never know what their money bought. Perhaps that’s because you can’t put a price on the message of hope. Today there were single moms who had lost husbands, jobs, and homes that knew they had not been forgotten. Today these women realized that someone noticed. Today a message of hope was delivered. This is Christmas."
"Our girls were inspired by an idea that was posted to the website. They thought it was a great idea to buy buy hot chocolate for one of the Salvation Army volunteers and they decide to do the same. Wouldn't it be funny if it was the same volunteers that received the hot chocolate and This is Christmas cards? Thanks for sharing your ideas!"
"My daughters and I spent the morning volunteering at the homeless pet shelter. We walked and played with about 20 homeless dogs before they were taken to pet stores for potential adoption. I was told by one of the directors of the program that without our efforts that day the dogs would have spent all day in cages without much exercise or affection. Even though the temperature outside was about 30 degrees (we even saw a few snow flurries), we were left with that warm fuzzy feeling inside after spending our morning with some amazing animals."
"Our family took a trip to the airport to provide gift cards to soldiers arriving or departing for the holidays. It was terrific to see our kids thanking the soldiers for their service to our country and wishing them a Merry Christmas. It really made us reflect on how our gift paled in comparison to the sacrifice they make for our country every day."
"We set three goals: to pay back previous kindness; to help a family in financial need; and to start a monthly tradition of giving. So my daughter and I made cookes and delievered them to the hospital intensive care unit where my husband spent a week a few years prior; to the fire department that put out our attic fire after a lightening strike; and to the police department who keeps my children safe, directing the traffic in front of the schools. Then, we helped buy Santa Claus for a family where both parents lost their jobs. Finally, we contacted an adolescent girls' home and purchased items from its wish list and made a committment to make a monthly contribution to the home. We left 'This is Christmas' cards at every stop. In order to accomplish all of this, it was necessary for my family to forgo many of our normal Christmas traditions, to include the normal gift giving and holiday spending. But, we concluded there was nothing we really needed, only wanted. And, there are too many needy people to warrant spending on ourselves."
"We decided to take the kids out to breakfast this morning and asked my wife's parents to join us at IHOP. My wife's grandmother has been very ill and her mother needed a good time away to enjoy the grandkids. We treated them to breakfast and left a Christmas tip for our wonderful server. We were also praying for the opportunity to buy breakfast for strangers who looked in need. About 10 mins before we left the perfect couple walked it and we were able to treat them to a hot delicious breakfast. Praise God for his goodness!"
"So my husband and I were eating dinner at Taco Mac and all of a sudden I thought to myself, I want to buy this family sitting behind my husband dinner. I said to my husband, hey I think we should buy the family behind you dinner...We agreed, I found the manager and took care of it. After it was done and we were leaving, I thought "that was the right thing, right?". Just then one of the other servers working there came up to me and asked "are you guys from a charity or something?". We said no, just "This is Christmas". She then told us about how she was at another restaurant and someone had bought her lunch and how she received a "This is Christmas" card, but she doesn't own a computer so was unable to get online and find out what this was all about. Well, we were able to tell her in person! I walked out thinking....Thank you!!! Our daily reminder that he is working it out!"
"We left a gift on our neighbors front porch, something that they really wanted but couldn't buy for themselves. We attached our "This is Christmas" note and ran home so they wouldn't see us. The excitement in my children is so fantastic!! They are coming up with many great ideas to help others! What an amazing thing!"
"We contacted a local shelter for women and children impacted by domestic violence. We took them a plate of cup cakes earlier in the week to get to know their work and inquire about their needs. We discovered they had a food pantry that did not have a regular or consistent contributor. We decided to do what we had done earlier through The Giving Table Project for this shelter. We had decided on filling two bags... until God took our budget and multiplied it exponentially. We happened upon a Dollar General going out of business that had placed a $0.10 price tag on all items! We were able to purchase over 300 food items for less than the regular cost of our original plan. It was as if God were confirming meeting the need and took what we had and multiplied it. You cannot out-give God!"
"Our family decided on an amount to go towards a Target gift card. Each of my kids contributed from their allowance savings. We had seen an employee working hard at gathering and returning the shopping carts. He was the one we felt God leading us to bless with this Christmas surprise! As we purchased the gift card, we asked the cashier if she knew the name of that employee. She told us... it was Emmanuel. We wrote on the card that his name meant, "God With Us" -- we wished him a merry Christmas and told him we noticed the hard work he was doing and wanted to surprise him. I told him he had a strong name and wished him Merry Christmas. He responded with thanks and a HUGE smile!"
"We got off our donkey on Pause Sunday. My employer gives all employees a $50 dollar gift to Kroger every year at Christmas time. Today we went to Kroger to fill a bag for the needy and picked an elderly lady to be the recipient of the $50 gift card. It was a very moving moment for her and us. She mentioned that her son was going through a divorce and had just recently reconnected with God and was coming home for Christmas. Tears flowed as she said that God had answered her prayers."
"Last night we baked and decorated Christmas cookies for all our neighbors on the street. We all laughed and had fun in the process. Our dogs enjoyed waiting for crumbs and sprinkles on the floor! We look forward to delivering them with a special Christmas message attached to each plate. We are so blessed to live on our street with so many great families around us."
"Our small group took sausage biscuits to two local police stations and one fire department. We thanked them for their service and shared the Christmas spirit!"
"Everyday I pass the school police out in front of school directing traffic. In the pouring rain, cold, or heat, they are out there making sure our children are arriving and departing school safely. One cold rainy day this week I traveled around from school to school at dismissal time to hand each of them some homemade cookies. In each box of cookies I placed a This is Christmas card. Each seemed quite suprised why I was stopping them but all smiled and wished me a Merry Christmas."
"Our family collected over $1000 in cash. With our daughter and her generous friends, we used the money to buy toys, clothes, a bike and gifts for underprivileged families in Atlanta that were the extended family of my daughter's Little Sister. I played Santa (fat cheeks and all) and distributed the presents along with $50 grocery gift cards to the single moms and grandmother raising the families. A young boy read a heartfelt thank you to those who contributed, while my wife had tears in her eyes as he described the positive impact we've had on their lives. During the pause, we made a second trip to deliver a television, beds and mattresses to two of the underpriveleged families. We are truly blessed with a close family, charitable friends, good health and resources, and were pleased to give back and share the gifts given to us by our Holy Father as we begin celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. The Pause was a great idea."
"Asked an organization "what do you need". They said they needed wrapped presents driven to a far away location no one else would drive to. So we are packing up the car with those presents, getting a cup of coffee and snacks hoping the GPS get's us there today. Thanks for putting us on Pause today so we can make the trip!"
"Baking sugar cookies with my children and passing out to our favorite merchants in Alpharetta. Cookies were a bit hard, but the joy in the kids eyes as they handed them over to the merchants was priceless."
"Purchased a wreath from Home Depot last week and the sales woman working the outdoor section was freezing. She had to take off her leather gloves to ring up our purchase. She hoped they would close that department early since it was so cold. I went directly to Target and purchesed her some mittens that were open at the tip so she could leave them on and still work the register. She was so moved insisting I did not have to do that for her. I gave her a hug and a Merry Christmas and she put her new mittens on and watched as I drove away. What a wonderful gift received in giving! That gift brought warmth to us both!"
"Calling every friend and neighbor in I can reach for gently used clothes, coats and toys. I am dropping them off Saturday between 9-12 at North Park Family Center for North Fulton Community Charities and the City of Refuge Shelter. Please consider dropping a bag of items off since a yard sale isout of the question until May and your garage or closet needs the breathing room."
"Today I had the pleasure of sorting toys and clothes for Children's Restoration Network. Wow. What an unbelievable turn out of volunteers. The children's groups had the most fun sorting. I enjoyed helping them place toys in the proper pile. They still need folks who can wrap gifts!!! If you are a fumble fingers with wrapping consider dropping off some wrapping paper and ribbon. I met a new friend too. Although she is unemployed, her excitement to help was incredible. We will be dropping presents off in Cartersville on Sunday...enjoying a long drive with a good cup of cappuccino getting to know one another. God is good...thank you Lord for the opportunity to serve."
"Left extra $20 (after tip) for my server at breakfast this morning. She had shared she was traveling to Chicago for Christmas, so I wrote a note on the This is Christmas card wishing her a Merry Christmas and hoped she could use this little extra gift for her trip."
"Paid the ticket of the guy behind me in the drive-thru line at McDonald's. Left the card with the cashier, and asked him to give him the card and wish him a Merry Christmas! It was fun to give someone a surprise!"
"I went through the toll on GA 400, and even though I have a fast pass, I went through the cashiers lane. I gave the cashier $20, and told her to pay for the next 39 drivers and give them a card. This is Christmas!"
"An acquaintance of mine had the transmission go out on his car; he was going to have the car towed to his home and put on blocks. He didn't have the money to get it fixed. I sent him a check and told him Merry Christmas."
"This week I wanted to challenge myself to do something somewhat significant every day in the spirit of Christmas. On the giving tree at my sons' school all of the angels were taken but as I looked closer, there was one on the very back of the tree, in the dark, tucked into the branches. I snatched it up and was able to buy a basketball for a little boy angel who would have otherwise been forgotten. The next day my girlfriends and I purchased a gas card for one of the single mom's on the "submitted needs" list from our church. Last night I whipped into the assisted living center and delivered warm gingerbread to the night staff. Just a quick "Merry Christmas" and I was out of there! This morning I brought Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee to about 30 day laborers in the worst part of town, who stand all day waiting in the cold for a potential job. There were plenty of smiles, Merry Christmas wishes and HUGS! (I also tipped the Krispy Kreme clerk and surprised her). My next stop was to deliver a pan of baked items to a family in our neighborhood whose lives have been rocked by cancer. Wow! It's only Thursday! This is Christmas!!"
"My husband and I had breakfast at Waffle House and paid for the two tables next to us. We overheard one of the waitresses sharing that they are all expected to work a double shift on Christmas Day. She has children who are 3 and 7. We hoped to encourage her and our really sweet waitress as well, so we left cards and large tips for all three waitresses working that day. It was so fun! I hope it made their day a little brighter and that they know we appreciate them. I also left a card and very large tip for my shuttle driver at the airport as I walked away. I wish I could have seen what his expression was when he read the card! Can't wait until Sunday when we take Christmas to the fire station down the street with our small group! This is so much fun!"
"My family and I went big on a Sunday breakfast. After our own debating, we asked a manager to pick a table for us to pick up the check. He picked a couple with a young baby. It was great watching the manager try to figure a table out and show the card to at least three other staff. We also gave 100%+ to the waitress of that table and tipped our own waitress over 100% of our own bill. My next idea is to tuck some money and a card under an item at the grocery store. I have always enjoyed finding money where I didn't expect to and hope someone gets the same thrill."
"This morning I made the dreaded Christmas post office visit. I had five boxes I was carrying to ship. The line was long, as expected. As I was waiting, I started to think how nice it would be to give someone "the gift" of going to the front of the line. I made a mental plan that when I got to the front of the line, I would switch with the person last in line. When the time came, I got my card ready and looked at the back of the line. The man who was at the end looked very grumpy and not approachable. I almost didn't do it...but I felt compelled to approach him anyway. I said, "I'm next in line and I'd like to switch with you as an act of Christmas" and I handed him my card. He looked at me with disgust and said "What are you doing that for? That's just weird!" He grabbed my card and headed to the front without another word. (I'm sure he was thinking, if this girl is dumb enough to give up her spot, I'll take it.) I felt defeated, and, to be honest, a bit embarrassed, but I grabbed my boxes and headed to the back of the line. The man who was originally in front of me spotted me as he was leaving. He asked me what I was doing at the back of the line. When I told him, his face lit up and he said "Wow" a couple of times. Then the guy who had just entered behind me smiled and simply said "Stonecreek." I felt a little better at that point that God would use my actions to impact others. Finally, the recipient of my trade went by me as he left. He held up the card with a smile and said, "I guess it's my turn to spread this now." I said, "yes, Merry Christmas.""
"One Act of Chrsitmas is I paid for the order of the person behind me at Starbucks drive thru- the person attneding the window thought that was awesome. Next, someone at the VA hospital let me skip going to the end of the valet parking line (probably an hour wait) and jump in front of him; my Act of Christmas was I gave him tip money to pay the valet attendant when he left the hospital. Another Act of Christmas was tipping my VA valet attendant heavily; his job is not easy parking hundreds of cars and helping those veterans into the hospital each day. Lastly (for now) another Act of Chrsitmas was I tipped my waitress at Taco Mac 100%; hopefully that made her day! The real joy out of all this is simply telling people that Stonecreek is taking a day off from services to perform Intentional Acts of Chrsitmas; the surprised look on people's faces is priceless and everyone finds the idea to be great and a little contagious."
"Three times now, I've left a "This is Christmas" card and a small gift card with the sales person at a store as I was leaving. They always look so suspicious when I say, "This is for you." Of course, I never stick around to see how they look after they open the gift. I'm on my way...."
"I paid for the car behind me in the drive-thru line. It was a thrilling feeling! The biggest surprise was how much it touched the staff working the drive thru window. I believe this project will be very contagious!!"
"The kids and I went to O'Charley's after service. We were sat near a young couple with their newborn baby. I asked my kids if we should pick up their tab, because being young, married and with a little baby is hard. The waiter was more than glad to do it annousmously. He told us he went to school with the young couple and they were nice people. When the young mother opened her bill holder and saw the card she was very shocked and was trying to figure out where her bill was. Then she read the card. They seemed pleasantly surprised. It was a good experience and good for the kids to see what true Christmas giving is about. Then we talked about other ideas of how we could give the other cards out. My kids were so excited they picked up several. They came up with some great ideas. Thanks for giving us this idea to share with others. It is great!"
