
87. Lighting Up Lives with Christmas Joy with Tom & Kathryn Raper
11/17/24 • 38 min
Tom and Kathryn have turned their love for Christmas into a heartwarming ministry that lights up not just their home but the entire community. Over eighteen years, their festive display has grown into a spectacle spanning two acres with half a million lights. Initially a personal venture, it quickly became a beloved community tradition, offering joy when it was needed most, like during the pandemic. They share how their creative endeavor continues to evolve, capturing the essence of the Christmas spirit and the pure joy it brings to countless visitors.
What started with a few simple twinkles has blossomed into a grand charitable initiative. The pandemic inspired Tom and Kathryn to harness the goodwill of their visitors for a greater cause—supporting local food banks. Each year, this effort yields thousands of pounds of food and significant cash donations, underscoring the powerful impact of community generosity. Their story highlights the seamless blend of holiday cheer and heartfelt giving, demonstrating how even the smallest donations contribute to a larger mission of support and faith.
Beyond the lights and donations lies a deeper message about human connection and kindness. Tom and Kathryn’s journey shows how sharing your passions can touch lives in unexpected ways. Their story reminds us that joy, gratitude, time, and the power of a simple smile can transform lives. Join us in this celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of kindness, as we discover the many ways we can bless others this Christmas season.
See the light display yourself🎄
https://christmasshowtimes.com/
575 N White Tail Dr Franktown, CO 80116
Watch Ordinary People Extraordinary Things on YouTube 🎥 @GenNancy
https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory
https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/
X: @storiesextra
Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things
Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views of OPET.
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life.
We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.
Tom and Kathryn have turned their love for Christmas into a heartwarming ministry that lights up not just their home but the entire community. Over eighteen years, their festive display has grown into a spectacle spanning two acres with half a million lights. Initially a personal venture, it quickly became a beloved community tradition, offering joy when it was needed most, like during the pandemic. They share how their creative endeavor continues to evolve, capturing the essence of the Christmas spirit and the pure joy it brings to countless visitors.
What started with a few simple twinkles has blossomed into a grand charitable initiative. The pandemic inspired Tom and Kathryn to harness the goodwill of their visitors for a greater cause—supporting local food banks. Each year, this effort yields thousands of pounds of food and significant cash donations, underscoring the powerful impact of community generosity. Their story highlights the seamless blend of holiday cheer and heartfelt giving, demonstrating how even the smallest donations contribute to a larger mission of support and faith.
Beyond the lights and donations lies a deeper message about human connection and kindness. Tom and Kathryn’s journey shows how sharing your passions can touch lives in unexpected ways. Their story reminds us that joy, gratitude, time, and the power of a simple smile can transform lives. Join us in this celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of kindness, as we discover the many ways we can bless others this Christmas season.
See the light display yourself🎄
https://christmasshowtimes.com/
575 N White Tail Dr Franktown, CO 80116
Watch Ordinary People Extraordinary Things on YouTube 🎥 @GenNancy
https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory
https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/
X: @storiesextra
Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things
Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views of OPET.
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life.
We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.
Previous Episode

86. Thriving not Surviving with Kay Jenner
Join us in celebrating the three-year anniversary of "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things" as we welcome back our very first guest, Kay. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience as she shares her evolution from enduring a painful divorce to achieving remarkable personal and professional growth. Kay's journey over the past three years highlights her pursuit of financial independence, career advancement, and spiritual well-being, offering hope and inspiration to all who face similar challenges.
Explore the profound theme of friendship and self-discovery in this enlightening episode. We discuss the importance of overcoming codependency and recognizing one's inherent worth without relying on external validation. This journey of self-growth emphasizes the significance of faith and introspection while also cherishing genuine friendships that support authenticity.
“I am enough, because I am a daughter of God.”
Finally, embrace kindness as a guiding principle throughout life's journey. By surrounding ourselves with friends who offer diverse perspectives, we enrich our lives and cultivate gratitude. Reflecting on personal experiences, we uncover the joy and beauty present in daily life, choosing happiness over resentment. As the episode concludes, we express gratitude to our listeners and tease an exciting upcoming episode featuring an extraordinary Christmas lights mission. Join us for more inspiring stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things.
You can listen to our very 1st episode with Kay:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882033/episodes/9503309
https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory
https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/
X: @storiesextra
Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things
Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views of OPET.
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life.
We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.
Next Episode

88. Lauren Burns’ Extraordinary Rescue from Jordan and Healing Journey
Today, we welcome Lauren to Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, where she shares her gripping story of resilience and faith. At just seven years old, her world changed dramatically when her father kidnapped her to Jordan, sparking a courageous rescue mission that would later inspire a movie.
Join us as we recount the tense and emotional operation led by a team of former military personnel. This heart-pounding chapter of her life involved navigating cultural barriers, time-sensitive planning, and a daring border crossing that underscored the power of a mother's unwavering love and faith.
Lauren’s journey did not end with her dramatic rescue. She opens up about the healing process that followed, addressing the complex feelings of navigating a relationship with her father and finding solace in her faith community. With her mother as a steadfast support, Lauren's path to forgiveness and redemption serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of faith. We invite you to listen, reflect, and draw inspiration from this remarkable story of courage and hope.
🎥Watch the whole interview:
https://youtu.be/CpUo2z1Az_I
Connect with Lauren @ https://www.laurenburns.net/
https://generationstogenerations.com/podcast
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/ordinarypeoplestory
https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeopleextraordinary/
X: @storiesextra
Any advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Ordinary People Extraordinary Things
Stories shared by guests may not always be shared views of OPET.
Being a guest does not mean OPET approves of every decision or action in the guests' life.
We all have a story, all of us, share your story. You don't have to have the perfect answer or the perfect life - share what Jesus is doing in your life. This is an easy, real way to witness & share your testimony.
Ordinary People Extraordinary Things - 87. Lighting Up Lives with Christmas Joy with Tom & Kathryn Raper
Transcript
Welcome to Ordinary People , Extraordinary Things . I'm your host , Nancy Bruchier . I get to talk to ordinary people about real hope , so I'm so glad that you're here . We have over 10,000 downloads , and I want to tell you about a place that maybe you haven't watched , and I did say watched Ordinary People , Extraordinary Things . Check out our YouTube channel . It's at JenNancy G-
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