Encouragement is powerful. When we were paying off debt, there were so many times that others stepped into our story and offered a kind word, a meal, or treat for our kids. I’m a firm believer in the power of both word and deed, that you can spread cheer to others in the smallest of ways and be a bright light in the world.

Christmas isn’t the easiest of season for many. In fact, you may be reading this right now and face a host of problems – deep grief, a painful job loss, or a loved ones who are far from home. I’m praying for families who have all of the above in their world right now. Big problems can sometimes paralyze me into doing nothing. However, we all have moments when we feel called to step up, to share love, and to sprinkle joy over those who might feel helpless.

This holiday season, I’m so excited to be participating in the Betty Crocker #SpreadCheer Campaign. It involves so many of my favorite things.

1. Coupons
2. Cookies
3. Covert operations

I really hope that you’ll jump in and join me. Here’s how it works.

Coupons

Begin by printing off coupons good for Betty Crocker cookie mixes. While you’re there check out all of the other adorable FREE printables – gift tags, coloring sheets, cards, and more, too. Our family had a great time hand decorating our #SpreadCheer bags. Plus there are tons of fantastic cookie baking ideas from bakers much more talented than me! You’ll want to check them all out. By the way, the coupon is good for $0.50 off 1 pouch which makes the mixes a pretty sweet deal!

Cookies

Who doesn’t LOVE cookies at Christmastime? I have a particular addiction to all things gingerbread myself right now. Listen, we’re realistic when it comes to cookies. I’m no Martha Stewart and honestly even if I had the skill, we’re so busy bouncing from program to program and event to event that we don’t have time to make gourmet cookies. I love that the directions are so simple on Betty Crocker mixes that my girls can make them on their own with very little supervision now. They may not look magazine, picture perfect (after all, we’ve already established that there’s no such thing as a perfect Christmas in our house twice). but they are baked with love and that’s all that counts. Besides, those that get a little “too” brown on the bottom are the perfect to sample, right?

Covert Operations

I love nothing more than to shock someone with love. To send a text out of the blue to let them know I care, to pop by with a meal, to drop off a card and run . . . this is why what we’re calling Operation #SpreadCheer around here is so much fun. Even if our friends and neighbors don’t know we’re the ones leaving little treat bags behind, we’re happy to bring a smile to their faces and light up their world with joy.

My girls especially wanted to make a bag just for our sweet neighbor Nettie and her daughter Virginia this Christmas. Nettie lost her husband of 69 years Drexel this fall. It was hard for us all, but we know Nettie feels the loss most of all. Sneaking over to leave a little bag at the door, the girls were filled with giggles and the deep fulfillment that serving someone else for no benefit of your own (except for maybe sampling cookies) brings.

To help you #SpreadCheer this holiday season, Betty Crocker and I want to give you $20 to buy some goodies to bake up. Just follow the directions in the Rafflecopter below to enter this limited give away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free on Kindle.  

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