If You Need To Feel Good, Give.

Now before you jump to conclusions, the purpose of giving is not to make yourself feel good. Although that's a natural, indirect side-effect of giving. What I mean by my title is, sometimes we are going through emotions due to something that happened, or we find ourselves worrying about typical life situations. By giving, not only are we improving something else or making a difference and making us feel better, but our issues could be put into perspective and help us blow past the funk that we're in so we can keep plugging on.

If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you know that we've lost our beloved Stella. We were out of town last weekend when she disappeared. She either ran off to find herself and have a family of her own (unlikely), or was killed by hunters (likely). There were several hunting groups in our area that weekend. Some know she is off-limits, others don't know or don't care. We still hold out hope that she will turn up, but it's been a week with no sign of her anywhere so it's pretty grim.

I have been sitting around feeling sad and angry, wondering what became of my sweet girl. Thinking of all the different scenarios and hoping that she at least was not afraid or didn't see it coming. Or, if she did run off, she is happy and living her best life. I have also been thinking about some way I can help myself move on, though never forgetting her. Allow me to backtrack a little with another issue.

I've been worried about money. Who doesn't worry about money? I'm trying to grow my massage therapy practice in town and it's going a little slower than I'd like. So, naturally I started to worry, wondering if it's ever going to grow and produce what we need. It was really starting to weigh on me and affect my mood. Then I went to a women's conference in Gatlinburg in September. They had some great speakers but there was one in particular who spoke about Compassion International and her experience with sponsoring children.

I was blown away by the story and the videos and the information. Learning of these children and where they live and the dangers they face every day, and then learning what a little bit of money can do for them. Yes. A little bit of money. I started to think about all I had compared to these people, and the LITTLE BIT I'd have to give up in my daily life to help a child receive proper nutrition, an education, and safety from the danger of trafficking. Maybe I can't help two, but I can definitely help one. Skip a meal out per week or month. Cut back on extra groceries or cancel a streaming service. Or two! Something. I can definitely do something.

People like to talk about their "blessings" from God. I don't like that word. I call them my "mercies" from God. He has been so merciful to me in giving me my beautiful cabin on my beautiful land with my animals. We have cars to drive, food to eat, and the ability to make money for our life. I call it being merciful to me because God knows I wouldn't be able to handle the life that these children, and millions of people throughout the world, can handle. That woke me up. Like the ice bucket challenge. So, I signed up to sponsor a child. Her name is Muhawenimana (I call her Muha) and she lives in Uganda.

It hasn't stopped there. I have been trying to support as much as I can when I can. We just attended a fundraiser for a therapeutic equestrian center nearby that works with special needs children and even does the Special Olympics. Tonight we are with veterans at the VFW dinner. I donated sessions and embroidery art to both. So, when those certificates come back, I'll be working for free. Oh well. I can handle it! Monday we are going to a show put on by high school drama students. We don't know any of these kids, but who cares? They deserve support too! And you know the guy standing on the side of road with his cardboard sign? If I have money, he's getting some. Am I worried that he's just going to buy meth or booze, or walk off and get into his Mercedes and drive home (while I'm in our 20 year old vehicle)? Not anymore. It's my job to give, not vet. I can give freely and happily, but it's not my job to worry about what they do with it. It's on them.

I have felt so much better lately since I've decided to give. Not because I think I'm so wonderful, but because I am seeing what it does for people. Muha in Uganda that has opportunities now, and is SAFE. The kids at the equestrian center that can continue their therapy and flourish. The drama kids who get to perform for an audience who cares about what they're trying to do. You really can't put a price on that. I can't say I'll be able to give all the time because I don't know what the financial future holds; but while I can, I will. You don't have to do anything crazy or anything more than you can afford. Start out small. Or volunteer your time! That can move mountains for someone.

So that brings me back to trying to think of a tribute to my Stella, and I've figured it out. The 18th of this month, I'll be in Andrews for its "Holiday on Main" event. Vendors sign up and sell their goods for Christmas while visitors shop, eat food, listen to music, etc. I am going to be there selling my embroidery. I make the cutest embroidered ornaments. I have a pig design that I love. So, I will be selling a special rusty/copper colored pig ornament in Stella's honor. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of this ornament will be donated to a pig rescue. I don't want her loss to have been in vain. This will help me feel better and move on. Rescue to be determined, as I need to locate one, LOL. Gettin' ready to Google. So if you are in the area, come down and buy one for Stella. Or if you're not in the area, maybe you'll consider making a donation to the chosen rescue in Stella's name.

Until next time, God bless you all (or may He be merciful), get yourself a great pair of overalls, and GIVE!

Kara