With a little luck we will read today's post about the recipient of this week's Yellow Envelope Project, reflect on yesterday's post about the White Envelope Project and, before the week is over, come "Full Circle."

Here's how.

The Yellow Envelope Project (YEP) is 100% committed to recognizing everyday citizens who make their corners of the world better, brighter, places to live.  Each week House of Shine readers come together for the name of our (YEP) winner and each agrees to send the winner an anonymous letter of gratitude.  We understand that, giving to others can leave you tired and depleted, so the yellow envelopes are our way of saying "thank you" and "your work matters."  

Yesterday Cheryl told us about the White Envelope Project.  The idea is comparably generous, but with a totally different focus.  The White Envelope Project is one woman's response to an overly-commercialized holiday season.  The idea is to make a donation on behalf of someone you love each year.  Seal a note summarizing your donation and the cause in a white envelope and then  nestle the envelope in your Christmas tree branches (or attach to your menorah).  After all the other gifts are open, let your loved one(s) open the white envelope.

Now for Ryan, the guy who might just pull this whole thing together for us.  First read what his nominator had to say about him:

"Ryan is a very inspiring 24 year old who has started his own non-profit. His mission is to make charity more personal while rebuilding Michigan. The non-profit is called The Live to Give Foundation. He uses social media, videos, photos, and more to make charity come “full circle.” He wants the donors to be able to see the difference that they make. Ryan helps his community to the fullest and is eager to help other young achievers along."

So, Ryan shines.  At the young age of 24 he has figured out a way to make a difference - increase people's willingness to give by helping donors see where their money went and how, specifically, it helped someone else.  For more about Live to Give, visit his site and watch his video.

There is no question he deserves to be this week's recipient of our Yellow Envelope Project.  Most of you already know the basics of how this works.  Write Ryan a short note telling him why you think he shines.  Maybe it is because he is so outwardly focused.  Maybe it's because he has vision and heart.  Maybe it is because he has courage and is trying to be the catalyst for good.  Maybe it's simply because he wants to make Michigan better.  Whatever your reason, write him a short note.

Once done, seal it in a yellow envelope and, in the return address, print the words "Yellow Envelope Project."  It's an anonymous letter of gratitude, so no need for your signature.  Place a stamp on it, address it to the mailing address listed below and commit to putting your note in the mail sometime before next week when we meet again.

One more point.  If you love yesterday's idea of the white envelope, we could bring this whole week "full circle" by enclosing in our yellow envelopes a small check made out to his non-profit, Live to Give Foundation.  Then, seal word of your good deed in a white envelope and nestle it in the branches of your Christmas tree for someone you love.

Full circle.

Big Heart.

Shining off until Monday.