2010 was a difficult, yet wonderful year for us. We had a baby, grew our business, and overcame some hard times {bells palsy, Stevie’s hospital scare and more}. As we are about to enter into a new and wonderful year I can’t help but reflect on all of the wonderful people who have given to us and who have made it happen. We were blown away by the generosity of our friends, of strangers and family. So I just wanted to do something to commemorate that by paying it forward.
I’m sure that most of you could look back over 2010 and think of someone who really made a difference for you. It could be a family that encouraged you, someone helped you meet your bills, a helping hand …. it could have been anything, but it made 2010 a better year for you.
Are you thinking of that special person or family yet? GOOD! Well…the last giveaway of 2010 is dedicated to paying it forward. In the comment section, nominate that friend/family/stranger that made a difference for you and give a ‘brief’ description of why you’d like them to when this giveaway.
So what will they win? A $100 giftcard to Wal-Mart, Target or Amazon! SWEET! We’ll announce the winner on Monday afternoon!
Happy New Year ….from the Lanning’s to you…from our computer PhotoBooth!
Jeff Joiner My brother, Justin.
Justin had a very busy and exciting year. He got a new job, got married(you guys took the amazing pics), and is now trying to afford a home and a reliable car. His line of work is incredibly unstable right now and I know this would help him out and maybe release a little stress at the end of this year. He is an amazing person and I want what is best for him. You guys are incredible people for doing this giveaway!
Thanks and God bless!
Jeff
Rensche Mari You guys are AMAZING, Happy 2011! Love reading this blog - one of my favourites!
Gaill Semple John and Rhondi Mullins. They are our faithful Small Group leaders, VIP team leaders and all around dedicated Elevators. John has seen his 20 person office downsize to 2--their financial future is uncertain but you would never know it because of their positive attitude and faith that God will provide. $100.00 would be found money for them, and a true blessing.
Rachel Foy Happy New Year! I'd like to enter my husband, Daniel, for the give away. By definition a husband should be a partner. Some one who loves and cherishes and receives the same in kind. However, I see and hear of so many husbands that do not quite live up to that description.
I am a stay-at-home mom and have been for the last 8 years or so. Quite a lot of that time I spent gravely ill with a rare pituitary disorder. I had surgery to correct this problem in 2008 and almost lost my life. Daniel has never once complained about picking up all the slack in the house or caring for our son and daughter.Even now that i have been in remission for a couple years, there are still days when i am not at my best. He will work 12 hour shifts, come home, and do MY chores too. He never asks for anything. Since we are a one income family, there is not often extra money to buy special extras...and if there is, it usually goes to the kids. I would love for him to be able to go and get himself something special that he has wanted JUST FOR HIM. I don't know where I'd be without him.
I am new to your blog and feel kind of silly entering a contest when I have just started following, but, what the heck.
Your photography is lovely, as is your little family. I look forward to following in 2011.
amanda brantley My mom in law...Tonya. She has had a rough year-among other things, she had had health issues, many that the drs. cannot figure out. She is always encouraging me and telling me what a wonderful job I'm doing as a parent. She never complains. She has had hardship after hardship this year-if anyone 'deserves' a break, she does. I couldn't ask for a sweeter mom in law. She is a GEM.
stephanie My mom. She is the most amazing woman that I know. She is super supportive of me and my brothers. She is also the most Amazing Nana in the world. She puts everybody else's needs above her own. Just recently she was diagnosed with skin cancer and has had to have several places removed. This would allow her to buys something for herself.
Patti J I would like to nominate my sweet friend, Kem Watts. Even though she is a little younger than me, she has reached out & encouraged me thru a personal crisis I suffered thru this year.
She is a guidance counselor & very deserving. She is one of the sweetest people I know.
B/T/W, your Stevie is incredibly beautiful & so perfect. Being the mother of a daughter, I know you have found a lifetime of love.
Much love to you guys!
patti <3
Lindsay I would have to say my Mom. My Mom is an amazing woman, she works two full time jobs, takes care of my dad, my grandparents and me. My mom has some serious health issues with her heart and her back, she is unable to do a lot yet she still takes care of all of us. Happy New Year Candice, Daniel, and Stevie!!
Allison I would have to say that my parents continue to make a difference in my life each and every day. Growing up, they always managed to make every dream I had possible come true. Whether it was my Dad redesigning my entire bedroom as a surprise to while I was out of town or whether it was flying with me to Los Angeles to meet my favorite actress my senior year, I can say without a doubt my parents are my best friends. Now, as I'm a sophomore in college, my parents are going through a tough time, but they would never let me know just how hard it is for them to make ends meet. My mom was in the hospital 4 times in the span of a year and now that those bills are coming around, even just a Wal-Mart giftcard would help to make the bills easier to pay. I can't think of anyone more deserving in my life than the two of them. Thank you guys for the opportunity to truly make a difference in their lives. Happy new year to you and your family. :)
Shelby Tavern Early in 2010 my husband and I made a big decision to move 600 miles back to my home town. This move was very hard on both of us and there's no way we could have done with without my parents help. They came to Austin and helped us drive all our belongs back to Amarillo, helped us look at over 60 houses and finally pick the perfect one, and allowed us to live with them for two weeks during our renovations. They never had a bad thing to say about helping us renovate our house. They were always coming by first thing in the morning, bringing us "housewarming" gifts that we were having to skip on because of finances (aka patio doors, new fans, etc), and they always had a smile on their face! Our move was the best thing that has ever happened to Matt and I and it is solely because of the love and support for my parents. I believe they truly deserve a little pay it forward gift in return! :) Thanks for this great opportunity! Shelby
TheFatBoy02 I would like to nominate my friend Amanda Barnes.She is the single parent of eight year old boy. I know that this would help her out a lot. She has been sick off and on and also going back and forth to the doctor. So because of that, she lost her job. Despite all of that, she is still trying to help everyone else that she can. Take care and God Bless you for doing something like this.. Happy New Year
Amy Woodcock There is a wonderful family at our church that we met when we began meeting at their house for small group. During this past year his company was bought out and he was forced to find another position that is now 100% commission. His wife had to go back to work part time to help cover expenses. Throughout this year they have continued to trust in the Lord and give of their time and home to serve others. This gift would be a wonderful blessing and encouragement for them to continue to put their faith and future in the hands of the Lord. Thanks and congrats on your success in 2010!
Rebecca Gilmer Franklin My mom...Mae Gilmer :) My husband and I also started our own business this year and my parents, especially my mom have been extremely supportive. She has helped us with bills, loans, starting and expanding our business, advertising for new customers and the most important she has been encouraging when we've wanted to give up. She is the best mom, grandmother, business partner and friend we could ever ask for.
elizabeth The amazing person that made a difference in our lives in 2010 was my Mom, Karen. My mom is the most servant minded person you will ever meet. She always puts everyone else's needs before her own regardless of resources or finances without question. My mom has made a difference in mine and Adam's lives by showing us how to be faithful in the little things to be able to see the full abundance of all God has promised us.
Deb What a sweet gesture! Happy New Year!
Psss...Candice...love your hair!
Anonymous One reason I nominate my mom is because she would pick all of the other nominees before her. And, I can't blame her because all are deserving nominees; I don't envy you having to choose one!
For my mom, though, I've tried to think of an analogy to describe her to you. The best I can do (the science geek that I am ) is to liken her & our relationship to the Whirlpool Galaxy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Messier51_sRGB.jpg
Our journey has been liking it's curving arms, wanderings of bright moments that shine like the brightest stars & dark, dusty areas that we would rather forget but continued to grow from. In all of this, my mom is like the nucleus of the Galaxy, the gravity of her love & grace in part holding together lives that sometimes seemed to spiral out of control, but in whole actually grew into something beautiful according to God's plan. I came to the recent realization that I am almost the exact same age my mom was when my dad passed away & I am unable to figure out how she raised two teenagers & managed a household on her own. But, this Galaxy gives us a hint. It is theorized that there is a black hole in the center and the surrounding dust creates something that looks like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:M51_whirlpool_galaxy_black_hole.jpg
And in that I am reminded of my mom's character & how she has been able to do what she does. When the dust swirled & she took in what life dealt her, what was & still is is the Cross of Christ. That is what covers her, what she reflects, & what makes her beautiful is this vast universe God created. (Phil 2:15-16)
Rachel S. what a lovely idea! Looking forward to reading about the winning story!
Sandy (King) Martin I would like to nominate my mom and stepdad. Our family was devastated at the news of my mom's breast cancer in September. The remainder of 2010 has been heavy with lymph node surgery (finding the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes) and four chemo treatments. My mom's spirit in all this has been phenomenal. Her "fighter" faith has not only helped her through this but has also given me along with my sisters a picture of what a true "Woman of Faith" looks like. I praise God for a mother who continues to laugh in the face of adversity reminding this cancer how big her God is. Praise God she took her last treatment last week. Now we are facing more blood work and then a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This would be a phenomenal opportunity for my mom to be blessed for her "fighter" spirit as we head into this next chapter of our lives. Bless you!
Kymm McLean I would have to say my mom. Her husband became an invalid a week ago due to a fall/stroke. He is in the hospital and she rarely leaves his side. She cleans, bathes, shaves and feeds him. She has a bad back but she sleeps in a chair so he isn't alone at night. She's exhausted but refuses to allow poor care by the hospital staff. I think she deserves a little something special : )
Heather You guys are so sweet!
I would enter my friend Lauren. When we moved this July with a 3 month old baby, it was really hard on me....emotionally. She came to my rescue and was my emotional support for weeks while I adjusted to all the changes. She was just a superb friend when I needed someone the most! She's a stay at home mom and she doesn't get much time or money to herself so I think she deserves a little shopping spree. :)
Lindsay Smith I'm going to have to go with the masses here and hi-light my Momma :-) She's been through a lot in life from moving around a lot when she was young, to a strong and lasting struggle with infertility, to the joys of adopting 2 children, to the loss of my dads job, and going back to work full-time for the first time in 25 years. My husband and I seem to be following right along in their footsteps and she has been an unwavering, unconditional source of support for me through it all. Her heart for her family is emmense but she still knows how to let me cry and be sad, but manages to keep me grounded on God's Word and plan for my life. She's my hero and I don't know who I would be today in my walk with the Lord or in my family if it wasn't for her.
Danielle I hope it's not too late to post! My friend Alison-actually her whole family-deserve some love! They have been there for me in so many ways. When I had emergency surgery they showed me amazing love. They gave me a place to stay, food when I could afford it because of medical bills, they told me and made me feel pretty even when I was bandaged and bruised. They all were there just to sit with me, let me cry if I needed to, let me freak out about money, work or relationships, and most importantly play Wii or anything silly that let us all laugh. While things have gotten better for me-they were there to celebrate with me as I got married, had a baby and enjoy the blessings God has given me- they are now hurting. Just 3 weeks ago Bob, the father, passed away from a year struggle with cancer. My friend Alsion not only moved back home but she began working overnight- giving up her dream job of teaching Theater Tech at a Performing Arts High School- so she could take care of her father. She fed him (just like she did me) she took him for walks or to dr appointment/chemo, she helped her Mom (Anne) financially, emmotionally, physically and Spiritually. While I can still play Wii, share my precious baby with them , pray with them and just be with them-I still feel like it isn't enough. I don't think anything is enough other than the fact that they showed Gods love to me and it has touched me forever. I would be truly happy if I could show that same love back to them or to someone else in the future.
Jennifer M I would like to nominate Tasha Richman. This fall I made the move from NC to DC and Tasha was always there to lift me up when I was discouraged about finding a job and moving. She was a friend of a friend of a friend (so I technically did not know her), yet when I reached out for help in finding a job up here she was more than willing to forward me openings & network for me. Now that I have a job & have moved to DC she still is there to support me as I begin to plan my wedding. Tasha told me in the beginning that the only thing she asked of me is to pay it forward when someone reached out to me for help. It is because of people like Tasha that others can live their dreams.
Wish you three a wonderful 2011!
Ashley Gillett The person that made a difference in 2010 for me was my best friend and fiance Dameian. He's been there for me for the past 7 years through emotional breakdowns, new jobs, job hunting, and so much more. After moving to Charlotte in '07 and not being able to find a job, I was beyond hopeless. Dameian bought us a new camera for the holidays and I started messing around with it. A few months later, I decided I'd try my hand at being a photographer.
Dameian never doubted me and constantly encouraged me. He even built me a kick ass website and then built me another one after I got tired of the first. Once I decided to offer weddings, he said that he'd carry my gear all day long. :) Simple, but so perfect.
I love him so much and I'm thankful for him every day.
Abigail Reimer Tanner Julie Mallery Simpson is an unassuming, quiet woman with a passionate heart for Jesus, her husband, and photography. Our friendship has rooted deeply over 17 years and it is now that I see the very special treasure of sharing so much of our lives together. While struggling with discouragement, 60 hr. workweeks, and near homelessness, she was my cheerleader and truth-teller. And then I got engaged. I was so humbled because of all the planning she did with me and for me and her genuine mutual JOY! She spent money she probably didn't have to make sure that this season of my life was the best celebration of my life. Julie and her husband have been called to adopt a little boy from Uganda and I would be overjoyed for her to win this gift card to set up little Malachi with some clothes and toys. She has given so much to me - loyalty, hope, truth, friendship, love - that this would be one small way I could tangibly give back. Thank you for serving me, Julls. I love you!
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