Lisa Notes: Every year needs a story

Every year needs a story

I’ve just started my 49th one.

I first saw the idea on a blog a year or two ago. Before her 60th birthday, the writer wanted to do 60 random acts of kindness. The idea stuck with me.

Could I do this too?

Could I do 50 random acts of kindness before I turn 50?
Fifty grace-filled things outside my normal routine to better someone’s day, somehow?

But instead of random acts, could I take it one level deeper and make them count for the Kingdom?

What about 50 ~~random~~ Kingdom acts of kindness?

I’ve decided to try.

So Tuesday after Jenna and I saw “The Help” (again), I stuck this post-it note on the bathroom mirror at the movie theater. (Operation Beautiful* inspired the idea; Kathryn Stockett inspired the quote—watch it here.)

A small act indeed.

But I pray that somebody washing their hands after seeing the movie will read the note. And maybe smile. And maybe God will get a tiny bit of credit due Him.

I have no idea what story God is going to write with this year of my life. I’ve yet to predict a year’s story right.

But I do know the main character won’t be me. Ultimately all our stories revolve around Him, whether we acknowledge it or not.

I want to live aware of that. Of Him.
I want my story to center around Him.
One act of kindness at a time.

* * *

The Christmas season is a great time for simple acts of kindness. Received any? Given any?

* The mission of Operation Beautiful is
to post anonymous notes in public places
for other women to find.
The point is that WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL.
You are enough... just the way you are!

Comments (24)

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wolfsrosebud 30p · 693 weeks ago

Lovely idea... God bless your humble endeavor.

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Thanks. I was timid to put it out here because I have no idea how hard it might be, and odds are that I won't complete it. But, with great measures of grace, who knows???
My recent post Every year needs a story

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Barbie · 693 weeks ago

Oh what a wonderful idea. I've seen this movie 4 times. And this quote truly inspires me. I am going to look for ways to be intentional in giving kindness away this season.

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Glad someone's seen the movie more than me. :-) I saw it again with my daughter because it was on at the dollar theater. I read the book last year, and then listened to it the audiobook (such great reading!). It definitely inspires me too.

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Amy · 693 weeks ago

Small perhaps, but still a lovely idea. I would have smiled if I saw that in my mirror. :)

Visiting from Faith Jam!
My recent post My Advent Heart

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Good. :-) I hope that someone did.
My recent post Every year needs a story

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flowingfaith 23p · 693 weeks ago

Awesome! Good for you & good for the recipients of your Kingdom acts of kindness. I have yet to predict a year's story. But this much I know: God will be there every step of the way. Happy belated birthday. The world is a better place because of you. Abundant blessings to you throughout the new year!
My recent post Why Christmas Matters?

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Thank you, Mari-Anna.

I love, too, that we can rest in the assurance that He will be with us, regardless of the twists and turns of the story.
My recent post Every year needs a story

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meadows speak · 693 weeks ago

I LOVE this idea of sticking post-it notes as a random act of kindness. You make me see the whole other side to acts of kindness. How words are ACTION too.

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Some of the nicest things ever "done" to me have been spoken words! They count. :-)
My recent post Every year needs a story

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floyd · 693 weeks ago

Good for you. What an excellent idea. It is all about Him, in the good times and the bad, we represent the One who rescued us and owns us. Good stuff.
My recent post CHEAT SHEETS

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

I'll be looking for ideas as the year goes on for simple acts of kindness, so if you get some inspiration, pass it along! :-)
My recent post Every year needs a story

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Positively Alene · 693 weeks ago

This is awesome. Love the ideas and thoughts. Glad I hopped over from Jesus Unwrapped. Blessings.

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Thanks. I look forward to the Jesus Unwrapped series...always great thoughts shared; I need them to help me stay focused.
My recent post Every year needs a story

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barbarah 65p · 693 weeks ago

I think we do need to be purposeful about acts of kindness (myself more than anyone else!!) because if we leave it to randomness, it's less likely to happen. Good goal and focus for the year.
My recent post “You never know what a day will bring forth”

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

One of the problems that I'm sure to face doing this, though, is working around my introversion. ;-) Well, then again, maybe introversion will come in handy in keeping a low profile... ha.
My recent post Every year needs a story

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Caroline · 693 weeks ago

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I love that quote from the book! And LOVE that you stuck it on the bathroom mirror at the theater!

And I love this, Lisa: "I want to live aware of that. Of Him.
I want my story to center around Him.
One act of kindness at a time." Praying this right now for you and me!
My recent post More of Him, Less of me

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Thanks for the prayer, Caroline. You can pray for me anytime. :-)

If you liked the book, you'll probably like the movie too. They stuck much closer to it than I expected. I always like that, being the book snob that I can be. ha.
My recent post Every year needs a story

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Nancy · 693 weeks ago

Loved the book, loved the movie, love what you did! And how did I happen to miss your birthday? Blessings to you in the year ahead, Lisa!
My recent post Why I Want More For Christmas

1 reply · active 693 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 693 weeks ago

Thanks for the blessing, Nancy. We're definitely on the same page with "The Help." :-)

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bev · 692 weeks ago

Maybe instead of thinking of them as Random Acts of Kindness you could think of them as Acts of Random Kindness or ARK's for God. As for me i have about 18 months to my 50th.
Hope you enjoyed your birthday and i will find the book.
My recent post a pause

1 reply · active 692 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 692 weeks ago

ARK also sounds better than KAK (Kingdom Acts of Kindness--that's what I've dubbed them). :-) So you're not far behind me in reaching this milestone birthday!
My recent post NOVEMBER 2011 Posts

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Jennifer · 692 weeks ago

Lisa, great idea! I'm so excited about seeing The Help- I have to do it soon! :) I hope you had a wonderful birthday!
My recent post Illuminate, Loss, and Random Thoughts

1 reply · active 692 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 692 weeks ago

I hope you can find The Help at a cheap theater like I did. :-) You'll love it.
My recent post NOVEMBER 2011 Posts

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