loving others

Loving Others: Our Healthcare Workers

January 13, 2021 Kimmy

Being any type of healthcare worker is hard right now and with the continuing and rising numbers of Covid cases (at least locally) our healthcare professionals are exhausted and worn down and so are their families. I’ve seen it in their social media posts. I’ve read it in article after article. A few of my healthcare friends have even told me directly.

So, How can we love them and serve them well through this time? How can we love their families too?

Here are a few simple ways to love and serve our healthcare friends and their families:

1. Pray for them by name and let them know! Many are feeling isolated and frustrated and a simple text reminding them that they are prayed for, could be the boost that they need as they begin their shift or end out a hard day. What about their spouse? Pray for them too and text and let them know! Thank them for the wonderful job they are doing.

2. Leave a surprise for them! Bake cookies or a yummy treat that you know they will love. Grab a gift card to a fun restaurant or coffee shop and have your kiddos draw them a picture or write them a card. Drop it off at their home or leave it for them at their office, if allowed. A little “sursy” goes a long way to lift spirits and bring a smile.

3. Love and serve their family too. Grab a restaurant gift card big enough to serve their family. Prepare a meal that they can enjoy together. Put together a fun game night box or movie night box for their family to enjoy. Families of our healthcare workers are so loved too!

4. Do your part to stay healthy! If we all do our part, many of our friends in healthcare will feel valued and loved and seen. I’m pretty sure that they don’t want to see us in their ER or their exam room right now, so let’s work hard on our end to not make that happen.

What ideas do you have to say thank you to your healthcare friends and family? How can you share the love of Jesus with some of our favorite people?

Mission Ideas

A Little Bucket of Sunshine

March 23, 2020 Kimmy

I think we can all agree that life has just been weird lately. For us, we are all able to be home and I’m so very thankful for that. I know lots of friends who are still having to go into work though. And some of my sweet friends are even having to work full days and come home to lead their little ones in school work after a long day at their office. I know the days have been long and hard for many!

I know you have friends that are in that same boat too. A little basket of sunshine is an easy way to encourage another friend in this different season of being disconnected from one another physically. And my prayer is that they will be reminded that they are loved and that this is just a season (hopefully short!).

It’s really simple – grab a yellow bucket or basket and fill it with all things yellow! Some of the items I found to put in my bucket were a yellow bottle of bubbles, a yellow candle (that smells amazing!), a Little Miss Sunshine book, and yellow bags of some yummy candy and snacks. I added a little personal note too, reminding them that they are loved and prayed for!

Now I can’t wait to surprise a friend with a little bit of “sun” on this hard gray day…
How are you loving and encouraging others during this time?
Hop over to Instagram and tag @onmissionmoms to share your ideas!

Mission Ideas

Service Idea: Blessing Bottles

March 11, 2020 Kimmy

Several years ago, my hubby and I were so blessed to start and lead a homeless ministry at our local church. Although we no longer lead this amazing ministry, our homeless friends are not far from our minds and our prayers. We pass them on the streets and still see them stopping in at our church and my girls (and I) always love to say hey and hear how they are doing.

There are so many ways to serve and love our homeless friends but a pretty simple way is through Blessing Bags. We’ve gathered with other mamas and friends a couple times to assemble the bags and have encouraged our little ones to see our friends and to love them too.

For how to pack a blessing bag, check out our Pinterest board for ideas or some of our past events here.

I recently came across another version of a blessing bag, a blessing bottle. And I think it’s pretty brilliant. I also really love all the B’s here… haha

A blessing bottle is basically the same thing as the bag except all squeezed into a bottle. Some of the items we put into our bottle included a washcloth, granola bar, chapstick, toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo and razor. We of course always add a little card that gives info about Refuge, our homeless ministry at First Baptist Spartanburg and a little hand written note or picture.

I love the bottle idea for a couple reasons:

1. They can take it with them anywhere and fill it up with water throughout the day. Most places (around here) will let them grab some water either from a drink machine or water fountain. As the weather gets warmer, water is always important.

2. It cuts down on waste (hopefully). Waste from the bag and waste of cups that they may use one time and throw down. Hopefully with a bottle they can reuse for a little while.