Better Than I Deserve
Sunday evening, along with some of my sorority sisters (Nashville Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau), I volunteered at the Nashville Rescue Mission serving hot meals to those in need. We served somewhere between 300 and 400 men. I enjoyed the opportunity to serve my community and I look forward to making it a regular event.
The men coming through the line were gracious. They all made a point to thank us for being there. Many asked how we were doing. All I could think was, I’m better than I deserve. As I drove home that night, I had to pause and give thanks for the blessings in my life. I was unemployed for 7 months last year, and while it was a very difficult time for my family we were always able to put food on the table.
When was the last time you gave back to your community? How did it make you feel?
“The Situation 2010″ in Franklin, TN
We had a massive snow storm this weekend. Well, massive for Nashville, anyway. Many are referring to it as “The Situation 2010″ (if you knew Nashville weather forecasters you’d know why). At the mere mention of snow, the city shuts down and all the schools are closed. Most of the time we barely get a dusting.
Nashvillest has published some pretty funny posts on the topic. As for the Gentry family, we recorded the “situation” for posterity. For the record, we enjoyed the snow!
(The first part may be a little boring…but it gets good at the end so keep watching!)
Kelly Hancock is Doin’ It Right in Nashville!
Nominated by Kristin Gentry
When I lost my job in January 2009, I was eager to find ways to cut expenses. One day, I came across an article about Kelly and Faithful Provisions by Ms. Cheap in the Tennessean. I immediately signed up for the Grocery 101 class. It was fantastic! I learned a lot and am still implementing new ways to shop more economically. While it is time consuming to cut coupons, match to sale ads and shop 3 (yes, 3!) different stores, it’s rewarding to know you saved 51% on your grocery bill – it’s like a game!
If you live in Middle TN, I encourage you to check out Kelly’s website: www.FaithfulProvisions.com. If you’re looking for ways to save money, this is a great place to start. It takes some time and planning, but you could literally cut your grocery bill in half!
Faithful Provisions Mission Statement:
Founded on the principles of Luke 12:24, Faithful Provisions is dedicated to showing individuals and families how to save money by encouraging, equipping and empowering good stewardship.
You can read Kelly’s story here >>
Improve Yourself Challenge: Week 1 Update
Sooo…..the first week of the challenge is complete and I met about half my goals. What were they? Here’s a reminder:
1. Lose the rest of my baby weight, about 20 lbs (note: my “baby” is now a toddler)
2. Make intentional steps to improve my marriage
3. Get 200 Facebook Fans on MY HANDS ARE CLEAN fan page (“Clean Hands, Healthy Baby!”)
Weight Goal: Week 1 – 2000 calories/day and 15 minutes exercise/day
I think I did pretty well on the calorie limit; most days, I wrote down everything I ate and counted calories, fat, carbs, protein, fiber and Weight Watcher points. And instead of eating 6 cookies at night, I’d only eat 1. :-) The exercise goal is another story; I don’t think I did 15 minutes of continuous exercise even one day last week. I was going to make it all up on Saturday with 2 hours on the Wii, but I was sick and couldn’t. Oh well, there’s always this week!
Marriage Goal
Complete! I read the first 2 chapters of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Facebook Fan Goal
Fans increased slightly on “My Hands Are Clean, Are Yours?” FB page, but I’m still under 100. Williamson AM (local newspaper) wrote a story about me and my “Clean Hands Healthy Baby” signs last week and I did an interview with WKRN News 2 this morning, so I’m well on my way to some great promotion. I also attended the Social Fresh Conference yesterday in Nashville and got some more great ideas for increasing traffic to my FB page and websites.
To keep up with me on Engaged Marriage’s Improve Yourself Challenge, choose “Improve Yourself Challenge” under Categories or click here. Thanks for your support!
Make a Difference Monday: Clean Hands Healthy Baby
Last week, Danielle at Extraordinary Mommy challenged us to do something every week to make a difference. Or to share a company or product that dedicates proceeds to a cause close to their heart. Well, I recently launched a business in which giving back is central to my personal mission to be generous with my time, talent and TREASURE.
I invite you to visit my other website, www.MyHandsAreClean.com, and check out my “Clean Hands Healthy Baby” signs. I pledge to donate 10% of all income generated from the sales of the signs to charity.
In November and December ‘09, I chose Operation Shower as my charity of choice. In January and February ‘10 I will be dedicating my time and treasure to the Nashville Rescue Mission. Not only will I be donating 10% to the Mission, but I will also be volunteering my time there with the Nashville Alumnae Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority (Delta Eta Alumna from Belmont University ‘00).
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
Nashville Rescue Mission: Mission Statement
Following God’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves, the Nashville Rescue Mission seeks to help the hurting of Middle Tennessee by offering food, clothing and shelter to the homeless and recovery programs to those enslaved in life degrading problems. Our goal is to help people know the saving grace of Jesus, and through Him, gain wisdom for living, find fulfillment in life and become a positive part of their community.
Support In Action
It only costs $2.26 to provide a meal to a homeless man, women or child. And that meal has the power to change a life! A person shows up at the Nashville Rescue Mission hungry and searching for a hot nutritious meal, and what they find is the life God had in mind for them in the first place. Once inside our facility, information is presented on the Mission’s life-recovery programs and a path that ultimately leads to a way off the streets. By providing a hot meal for someone in need, your support in action results in another life restored and produces another contributing member of our community.
The Hazelips are Doin’ It Right in Nashville!
Nominated by Kristin Gentry
When I decided to start the “Doin’ It Right” feature on this blog, the first person who came to mind was Michele and her husband Thom. I used to work with Michele, and witnessed their move from their middle class West Nashville home to an old, condemned house in an East Nashville neighborhood riddled with gangs and drugs – and single moms and great kids who really need a kind smile, a helping hand and someone to believe in them. First, it has to be said, they did an amazing job renovating that house. But most importantly, they’ve permanently altered the neighborhood and are making a difference in the lives of numerous people in their community.
Take a few minutes to watch this video. Thom, Michele and their 4 kids are truly “Doin’ It Right”. Thank you, Hazelip Family, for all you do and the inspiration you give to all of us!
Merry Christmas (late)!
So of course, I wanted to post a “Merry Christmas” message BEFORE Christmas, but my in-laws don’t have wireless internet at their home and I was without access for a very long weekend. My husband tried to convince me I could live without it, and of course I did, but boy did I miss my computer and ready online access!
As I said, we spent Christmas in Memphis with my in-laws this year. Somehow, we got to talking one day about our annual trip to Opryland hotel in Nashville to take family Christmas pictures (they went with us last year). Opryland hotel at Christmas is BEAUTIFUL and that’s where Drew and I had our engagement photos taken, so it became family tradition to go back every year to take pictures for our Christmas card.
Anyway, my mother-in-law was recalling what a nightmare it was; spending 4-5 hours at the hotel, walking around, taking pictures, trying to get small children to cooperate… Yes, it is a nightmare and I don’t know why I put myself through it every year. This year was no different, except we didn’t have any family members with us to take the pictures. So we had to rely on kind strangers to help (which added to the anxiety of it all). So I thought it would be funny to post one of the outtakes from our 2009 adventure at Opryland.
Chris Brogan posted a challenge this weekend to post your Christmas pics/video online and then return to his blog and comment with a link. I think I got some pretty good video, so I’m going to post that in the next day or two. And If YOU post any fun pictures or video of your family’s Christmas, please leave a comment here with a link to your site. I’d love to see it!
MERRY (late) CHRISTMAS !!!
STU GRAY is Doin’ It Right in Nashville!
Nominated by Lisa Gray
I had the unique opportunity of having my husband work for me before we really knew each other. Working with my husband first has always given me a different perspective on who he is as a person. “Hard working, dedicated, someone who strives for excellence” came to mind when I thought about “Stu Gray” in the beginning and now he is so much more!
In the past couple of years, God has stretched him in many ways. From being a new dad 4 years ago to working with his own company full time 2 years ago, Stu has really grown into the man he is today.
He is a full time husband, full time dad, full time marriage enthusiast/writer and full time voice-over actor. Whew…makes me tired to think about everything he does!
His passion for what marriage is supposed to be is really a new thing in his life. He is not just passionate about our marriage and wanting the best for our family, but he is truly passionate about learning how to make a marriage everything it can be and then passing that knowledge on to others. He is constantly reading books, blogs, articles on marriage, communication and family to try to learn as much as he can about being a husband, a father and a leader in our community. Stu uses that information to write his blog – www.themarryblogger.com and to write articles for the Nashville Examiner.
On top of all that, Stu is my best friend, my biggest supporter…I feel like I can do anything with him at my side! He has encouraged me in my real estate career, my journey with God and in working towards starting a non-profit. I have never had anyone besides my parents who believed in me more then I believe in myself like Stu does. I count my blessings every day that God brought us together and that we have grown into the couple we are today!
When I look at the relationship that Stu has with our son Dean, I am amazed. In the past two years, Stu has gone from being the dad that only saw Dean in the morning, after work and on the weekends, to a full time dad! It is hard at times, but the payoff is incredible! I can see Stu’s influence in the way Dean learns, his creativity (which has to come from Stu!) and his desire to be the best! I am excited at the idea that Dean will have something so many boys don’t have growing up, a dad who loves God, loves his wife and loves his son more then the status of a job or a big income!
I am blessed to be Stu Gray’s wife and partner on this journey! Thank you for reading about My Incredible Husband!
If you know someone who is “Doin’ It Right” in Nashville, email the story and pictures to Kristin Gentry. Let’s celebrate the amazing things our family, friends and neighbors are doin’ in marriage, family or finance. “Doin’ It Right” in Nashville honors the ordinary doing the extraordinary.
Doin’ It Right
One of my favorite social media experts, Chris Brogan, writes weekly about folks who are “doin’ it right”. I’m going to borrow that idea and spin it in a slightly different direction. Every week, I want to feature a member of the Middle TN community who is “doin’ it right” in marriage, family or finance.
Do you know someone who is “doin’ it right”? Send me an email with the story and a photo.
This is about you, Nashville! Let’s celebrate the amazing things our family, friends and neighbors are doin’ in marriage, family or finance.
Under Construction
Welcome to the *New and Improved* MyDoodleBop.com website! I have copied over all of the blog posts but am still working on the rest of the pages (and graphics and sidebar gadgets). I appreciate your patience during this transition!
This site is going to take on a more “Nashville” bent ~ I plan to focus more on my local community (Middle TN) and the families that make this city so great! More to come…
In the meantime, please be sure to check out my new website, www.MyHandsAreClean.com. Thanks!
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