EVERYTHING.
And I am humbled to know that I live because he does.
Happy Birthday Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas to all.
Wishing you all the blessings this season brings.
12.25.2010
12.06.2010
Take a Walk in Their Shoes
When I first heard about TOMS shoes and what this company does, I immediately wanted a pair.
With every pair you purchase TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
As of September, TOMS has given away 1,000,000 pairs of shoes to children in 24 countries.
http://www.toms.com/
TOMS was created by Blake Mycoskie. After visiting Argentina in 2006 and discovering that the children had no shoes for their feet, he developed TOMS as a way to help alleviate the problem. How commendable. I admire him for not only seeing a problem, but developing and implementing a solution.
I purchased the limited edition charity: water Earthwise Women's Classic. Not only will a child be receiving a pair of shoes, but this pair also contributes to the building of three new clean water wells in Ethiopia. How great is that. The print on the shoe is the map of Africa and I know I will be wearing these quite often.
With every pair you purchase TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
As of September, TOMS has given away 1,000,000 pairs of shoes to children in 24 countries.
http://www.toms.com/
TOMS was created by Blake Mycoskie. After visiting Argentina in 2006 and discovering that the children had no shoes for their feet, he developed TOMS as a way to help alleviate the problem. How commendable. I admire him for not only seeing a problem, but developing and implementing a solution.
I purchased the limited edition charity: water Earthwise Women's Classic. Not only will a child be receiving a pair of shoes, but this pair also contributes to the building of three new clean water wells in Ethiopia. How great is that. The print on the shoe is the map of Africa and I know I will be wearing these quite often.
12.04.2010
The Other City
The above film premiered Dec 1st on Showtime.
Anyone who knows me knows that the majority of time spent watching tv is spent watching documentaries.
My Husband always tries to persuade me not to watch them so much because he fears that it will affect me too much.
He is right. I am affected. But I like being affected because being affected brings about awareness and awareness leads to change. Im human. And to me there is nothing wrong with being reminded of that. It promotes selflessness.
True, being aware and helping, being selfless, all of these can be achieved without looking at what most would consider "depressing".
But, I just cant help it. They help me to better undertsnad those who differ from me whether it be through race, living situation, culture, etc. By understanding others I feel like it helps me to better understand myself. My purpose even.
Below is a link to the movie. It will affect you more than you know. It tells the story of D.C. and the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is running ramped. It is the side of D.C. that you dont hear about first or often. It is almost as if, when talking about it being the city with the greatest number of cases, you are referring to another city.
http://www.theothercity.com/
Check your local listings.
Anyone who knows me knows that the majority of time spent watching tv is spent watching documentaries.
My Husband always tries to persuade me not to watch them so much because he fears that it will affect me too much.
He is right. I am affected. But I like being affected because being affected brings about awareness and awareness leads to change. Im human. And to me there is nothing wrong with being reminded of that. It promotes selflessness.
True, being aware and helping, being selfless, all of these can be achieved without looking at what most would consider "depressing".
But, I just cant help it. They help me to better undertsnad those who differ from me whether it be through race, living situation, culture, etc. By understanding others I feel like it helps me to better understand myself. My purpose even.
Below is a link to the movie. It will affect you more than you know. It tells the story of D.C. and the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is running ramped. It is the side of D.C. that you dont hear about first or often. It is almost as if, when talking about it being the city with the greatest number of cases, you are referring to another city.
http://www.theothercity.com/
Check your local listings.
12.02.2010
December is....
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
Universal Human Rights Month
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
Hanukkah - December 1 – December 9
Bill of Rights Day – December 15
Christmas Eve – December 24
Christmas – December 25
Day of Goodwill – December 26
Kwanzaa - December 26 – January 1
12.01.2010
December 1 - World AIDS Day
A total of 33 million people now live with HIV/AIDS. Two million of them are under age 15.
Last year 1/2 million babies were bron with HIV.
In 2008, an estimated 2.7 million people were infected with HIV.
Every day, 7,397 people contract HIV – 308 every hour.
In 2008, 2.0 million people died from AIDS.
Worldwide, women make up half of all people living with HIV.
There are approximately, 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S.
An estimated 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the U.S. in 2006.
African Americans accounted for 46% of all new HIV infections diagnosed in 2006, although they only comprise 12% of the population.
As someone who lost a Brother to this epidemic, I urge everyone to educate themselves against prevention. I also please hope that we will not turn our backs on those who have fallen victim to this disease. If you have the virus, dont try and cope alone.My Brother was diagnosed in the hospital a few days before he passed away. His life could have been saved. But as we all know, our biggest lessons come in the form of big sacrifices. He did not die in silence.
The statistics speak for themselves. But our voices should be louder. Don’t stay silent.
http://aids.gov/http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/
http://www.joinred.com/word_aids_day/index.html
HIV/AIDS Facts - http://www.lightforrights.org/aids_facts.php
11.20.2010
Thanksgiving is in less than a week and many of us already know where we will be celebrating, who will be there, and who will be bringing what. Some of us already know what stores we want to go to, no matter how cold it is, to shop in the days after Thanksgiving.
What an exciting time to see family and freinds, to get some rest, and to be reminded of how Blessed we are.
But I cant help but think about those who dont know from where their next meal will come from. Not a week and a half from now, but today.
While we choose to go out in the cold to shop, some dont have a choice about whether or not they want to go out and face the cold. The cold is home.
I pray all the time for God to help them. To be with them. And I know he will. He always is.
I just want to implore everyone to be grateful for the necessities, the little things this holiday season. Water, food, shelter, clothing. And to think about those who find these things out of reach. To pray for those, who due to their circumstances, dont view this as a holiday, but a day to be reminded of those things they lack.
To be reminded of the fact that they are alone.
Circumstances differ. But one thing we all have in common is the fact that we are human.
God felt that we were all deserving of life. And that alone is enough to guarantee us love and compassion.
What am I thankful for?
Every Second of Every Minute of Every Day that the Lord blesses me with.
What an exciting time to see family and freinds, to get some rest, and to be reminded of how Blessed we are.
But I cant help but think about those who dont know from where their next meal will come from. Not a week and a half from now, but today.
While we choose to go out in the cold to shop, some dont have a choice about whether or not they want to go out and face the cold. The cold is home.
I pray all the time for God to help them. To be with them. And I know he will. He always is.
I just want to implore everyone to be grateful for the necessities, the little things this holiday season. Water, food, shelter, clothing. And to think about those who find these things out of reach. To pray for those, who due to their circumstances, dont view this as a holiday, but a day to be reminded of those things they lack.
To be reminded of the fact that they are alone.
Circumstances differ. But one thing we all have in common is the fact that we are human.
God felt that we were all deserving of life. And that alone is enough to guarantee us love and compassion.
What am I thankful for?
Every Second of Every Minute of Every Day that the Lord blesses me with.
11.11.2010
Because of you....
In honour of the Men and Women who risked their lives for the freedoms we have today, I say Thank You and Happy Veteran's Day.
Because of you, I can be Me. Freely.
Because of you, We can be. Completely.
Because of you, Their attempts failed. Repeatedly.
We owe so much too soo many brave, resilient, and honorable individuals. May we never forget what we had to sacrafice as a nation to gain what we have as individuals.
To my Husband, a Navy Veteran, I will always be proud of you.
Because of you, I can be Me. Freely.
Because of you, We can be. Completely.
Because of you, Their attempts failed. Repeatedly.
We owe so much too soo many brave, resilient, and honorable individuals. May we never forget what we had to sacrafice as a nation to gain what we have as individuals.
To my Husband, a Navy Veteran, I will always be proud of you.
11.02.2010
November is....
National American Diabetes Month
National Pancreatic Cancer Month
National Adoption Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Epilepsy Month
National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Alzheimers Awareness Month
National Hospice Month
11.01.2010
Guilty By Association
This past weekend my Sister, Best Friend, and a very good friend of ours, went on a mini getaway. (mini=2 hours away from home..lol).
The night of our arrival we met my good friend's Mother and Cousin (whom we adore) for dinner at Red Lobster.
P (the Cousin) stepped outside briefly and when she came back she stated that there was a homeless man outside asking for food.
Now, before I go on let me state that the reason I really like P is because she not only is the sweetest person, but she and her mom both have non profit organizations. She helps adults who have challenges, but are otherwise independent, but need just a little bit of assistance.
I really admire her for that.
As soon as she said that we all knew we were going to help him. We set aside food in a to-go box. It was a feast fit for a king. lol
Then, the most amazing thing happened. The staff at Red Lobster allowed him to come in and eat his food at a table next to us! I was soo amazed. Now granted he wasnt smelly or dirty or without shoes, but he was still homeless, and that alone turns some people off.
But what really turned us off was when some of the staff repeatedly walked by and stared at him as if they wanted to say something. Like they wanted him to leave.
Turned out P remembered him from her program in the past.
He walked out with us (of course they were not going to let him stay if we were not there) and was in a cheery mood. He was funny.
Such a blessed situation.
I just want to say that I am soo Blessed and happy to be associated with women with big hearts. They did not think twice about helping him. They all have the same spirit of helping when they can. The empathy it takes to remain humble. Thank you God for them.
This also served as a reminder to me that there are decent people in this world. The staff did not have to do what they did. But, because they did, it helped someone and perhaps renewed his faith in this world and his circumstances.
Needless to say, this was such a great start to a great weekend.
The night of our arrival we met my good friend's Mother and Cousin (whom we adore) for dinner at Red Lobster.
P (the Cousin) stepped outside briefly and when she came back she stated that there was a homeless man outside asking for food.
Now, before I go on let me state that the reason I really like P is because she not only is the sweetest person, but she and her mom both have non profit organizations. She helps adults who have challenges, but are otherwise independent, but need just a little bit of assistance.
I really admire her for that.
As soon as she said that we all knew we were going to help him. We set aside food in a to-go box. It was a feast fit for a king. lol
Then, the most amazing thing happened. The staff at Red Lobster allowed him to come in and eat his food at a table next to us! I was soo amazed. Now granted he wasnt smelly or dirty or without shoes, but he was still homeless, and that alone turns some people off.
But what really turned us off was when some of the staff repeatedly walked by and stared at him as if they wanted to say something. Like they wanted him to leave.
Turned out P remembered him from her program in the past.
He walked out with us (of course they were not going to let him stay if we were not there) and was in a cheery mood. He was funny.
Such a blessed situation.
I just want to say that I am soo Blessed and happy to be associated with women with big hearts. They did not think twice about helping him. They all have the same spirit of helping when they can. The empathy it takes to remain humble. Thank you God for them.
This also served as a reminder to me that there are decent people in this world. The staff did not have to do what they did. But, because they did, it helped someone and perhaps renewed his faith in this world and his circumstances.
Needless to say, this was such a great start to a great weekend.
10.17.2010
This Too Shall Pass
The Lord will not put more on us than we can handle.
I truly believe this and this is what go me through the past two weeks.
I was more upset than I thought I would be at my Grandma's Celebration of Life (funeral).
I was quite overwhelmed. I guess it was the sense of finality that day seems to bring.
And although hard on my family, we understand that things happened how God ordered them.
And we understand that the tremendous hurt we feel will get a little easier everyday.
This shock.
This pain.
This regret.
This loneliness.
The Lord will eventually replace all of these feelings with healing and memories that bring laughs and and an even deeper appreciation of a woman that meant soo much to soo many.
Please cherish those you love.
And live a life that will allow you to see them again.
Below is a Peace Lily I was given.
I truly believe this and this is what go me through the past two weeks.
I was more upset than I thought I would be at my Grandma's Celebration of Life (funeral).
I was quite overwhelmed. I guess it was the sense of finality that day seems to bring.
And although hard on my family, we understand that things happened how God ordered them.
And we understand that the tremendous hurt we feel will get a little easier everyday.
This shock.
This pain.
This regret.
This loneliness.
The Lord will eventually replace all of these feelings with healing and memories that bring laughs and and an even deeper appreciation of a woman that meant soo much to soo many.
Please cherish those you love.
And live a life that will allow you to see them again.
Below is a Peace Lily I was given.
 |
10.16.2010
World Food Day - October 16
Today is World Food Day.
It is a worldwide event designed to increase awareness, understanding and informed, year-around action to alleviate hunger.
Please go to the below site to sign the petition to end hunger.
http://www.worldfooddayusa.org/
It is a worldwide event designed to increase awareness, understanding and informed, year-around action to alleviate hunger.
Please go to the below site to sign the petition to end hunger.
http://www.worldfooddayusa.org/
10.10.2010
God's Will
On Friday October 8, 2010, my family said good bye to our Matriarch, My Grandma Ms. Novada Johnson.
As I sit here in your home, I am still in a state of shock. However, I have accepted the fact that what I want does not supercede God's will. He wanted you home.
I am not bitter nor am I mad. You can now run with the other Angels and spread your wings.
I thank God for your 79 years of life and I am thankful everyday that I was able to have a great relationship with you.
You will truly be missed.
I love you.
They love you.
We love you.
Novada Johnson
08/12/31 - 10/08/10
As I sit here in your home, I am still in a state of shock. However, I have accepted the fact that what I want does not supercede God's will. He wanted you home.
I am not bitter nor am I mad. You can now run with the other Angels and spread your wings.
I thank God for your 79 years of life and I am thankful everyday that I was able to have a great relationship with you.
You will truly be missed.
I love you.
They love you.
We love you.
Novada Johnson
08/12/31 - 10/08/10
10.04.2010
Beauty All Around Us
Yesterday I woke to the sun on my face. To see another day. What a good feeling to know you are Blessed. My Husband and I turned off the A/C and opened every window in our house. It felt so good to welcome the cool breeze. I realized how even more Blessed I am. I immediatly felt renewed. I love the way Fall and Spring air smells. Weird, I know.
I didnt leave home all day. I took time to slow down, relax, and catch up on some cartoons (and I am talking about the good cartoons..The Snorks, The Flinstones, lol) and a few movies, love stories. Documentaries are my favorite so I had to watch some of those too.
I work from home so my husband can not understand why in the world I would ever want to stay home on the weekend. Some days are just different. I need peace and solitude and sometimes leaving home just does not offer that. Sundays are for rest anyway. Right?
The little things are soo easily missed, but when you recognize them, what joy they bring.
Here is a reminder to take time to enjoy life. Focusing on what is always in front of you will cause you to miss what is going on around you and that is the best part.
I took some random pictures because it is always nice to have a reminder of what God has created.
I didnt leave home all day. I took time to slow down, relax, and catch up on some cartoons (and I am talking about the good cartoons..The Snorks, The Flinstones, lol) and a few movies, love stories. Documentaries are my favorite so I had to watch some of those too.
I work from home so my husband can not understand why in the world I would ever want to stay home on the weekend. Some days are just different. I need peace and solitude and sometimes leaving home just does not offer that. Sundays are for rest anyway. Right?
The little things are soo easily missed, but when you recognize them, what joy they bring.
Here is a reminder to take time to enjoy life. Focusing on what is always in front of you will cause you to miss what is going on around you and that is the best part.
I took some random pictures because it is always nice to have a reminder of what God has created.
+091.jpg) |
| Beauty outside our front door. |
+098.jpg) |
| Beauty in our backyard. |
+099.jpg) |
| Our lime tree. |
+100.jpg) |
| The view from my home office. (literally..can you see the window screen...lol) |
10.02.2010
International Day of Non-Violence - October 2
Culminating on the birthday of Ghandi, the UN declared October 2nd International Non-Violence Day in 2007.
October is...
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
http://ww5.komen.org/
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
World Blindness Awareness Month
http://blindnessawarenessmonth.org/index.asp
http://www.preventblindness.org/
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
http://www.ncadv.org/
Dyslexia Awareness Month
http://www.dyslexiafoundation.org/
http://www.ncld.org/
National Depression Education and Awareness Month
National Down Syndrome Month
http://www.ndss.org/
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2642297/k.5F7C/Spina_Bifida_Association.htm
National SIDS Month
http://www.firstcandle.org/
http://ww5.komen.org/
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
World Blindness Awareness Month
http://blindnessawarenessmonth.org/index.asp
http://www.preventblindness.org/
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
http://www.ncadv.org/
Dyslexia Awareness Month
http://www.dyslexiafoundation.org/
http://www.ncld.org/
National Depression Education and Awareness Month
National Down Syndrome Month
http://www.ndss.org/
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2642297/k.5F7C/Spina_Bifida_Association.htm
National SIDS Month
http://www.firstcandle.org/
9.23.2010
Waiting for "SUPERMAN"
I dont know about you all, but I have always liked going to school. It was more fun than work for me.
To this day I still love school and would go back tomorrow if I could.
We were all told about the importance of school and what it meant to get a "good" education.
But today, the definition on "good" is subjective.
It is defined by the most crucial component.
The Educators. The Supermen and Superwomen who make a difference. Who care. Who shape the futures of our children.
Waiting for "SUPERMAN" takes a look at the state of American education.
Go to the website to pledge to see the film and for each ticket purchased a $15 gift code will be given to donate to a classroom of your choice.
http://film.waitingforsuperman.com/
To this day I still love school and would go back tomorrow if I could.
We were all told about the importance of school and what it meant to get a "good" education.
But today, the definition on "good" is subjective.
It is defined by the most crucial component.
The Educators. The Supermen and Superwomen who make a difference. Who care. Who shape the futures of our children.
Waiting for "SUPERMAN" takes a look at the state of American education.
Go to the website to pledge to see the film and for each ticket purchased a $15 gift code will be given to donate to a classroom of your choice.
http://film.waitingforsuperman.com/
9.12.2010
A Charitable Tale
Saw this story in the news and thought it was so touching.
It is so good to see people helping people in this world.
Enjoy
Police arrest man, then give him bike
From Journalist Andrew Lee
September 11, 2010 7:28 a.m. EDT
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/11/taiwan.poor.bike.thief/index.html?hpt=T2
Taiwan
(CNN) -- Police officers in central Taiwan arrested a man for stealing a bicycle this week and originally planned to lock him up for theft charges.
However, the police later discovered that the man was so poor that they not only did not prosecute him but instead decided to donate a bike to him.
According to police officers in central Taiwan's Chiayi County, the man stole the bicycle from a high school near his home in order to help save his daughter time in walking from her vocational school to the hospital.
His daughter usually walked 10 kilometers (6 miles) to take care of him in the hospital. The man has often been ill and has had to be hospitalized, police said.
Police said that the man originally told his daughter that he had bought the bicycle second-hand.
However, later the former owner of the bike recognized it. Both father and daughter were taken in by the police.
Police officers learned that the man was living in desperate conditions, with no access to water or electricity and was living in an empty shipping container beside a graveyard.
Chiayi police officers not only did not press charges against the old man but jointly bought a new bike for the girl.
It is so good to see people helping people in this world.
Enjoy
Police arrest man, then give him bike
From Journalist Andrew Lee
September 11, 2010 7:28 a.m. EDT
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/11/taiwan.poor.bike.thief/index.html?hpt=T2
Taiwan
(CNN) -- Police officers in central Taiwan arrested a man for stealing a bicycle this week and originally planned to lock him up for theft charges.
However, the police later discovered that the man was so poor that they not only did not prosecute him but instead decided to donate a bike to him.
According to police officers in central Taiwan's Chiayi County, the man stole the bicycle from a high school near his home in order to help save his daughter time in walking from her vocational school to the hospital.
His daughter usually walked 10 kilometers (6 miles) to take care of him in the hospital. The man has often been ill and has had to be hospitalized, police said.
Police said that the man originally told his daughter that he had bought the bicycle second-hand.
However, later the former owner of the bike recognized it. Both father and daughter were taken in by the police.
Police officers learned that the man was living in desperate conditions, with no access to water or electricity and was living in an empty shipping container beside a graveyard.
Chiayi police officers not only did not press charges against the old man but jointly bought a new bike for the girl.
9.11.2010
9.11
On this day in 2001, America was changed forever.
Lives were lost. Security and peace were questioned.
But, one thing remained and still remains constant and true: the Spirit of a people can not be taken away.
To those who lost their lives, God was ready to see you.
To those who survived, God had a different plan for you.
To those who lost someone they loved or knew, God will not place more on you than you can bear.
To those who participated in the saving of lives and relief efforts, you are Angels on the ground.
To those who lost their lives at war, thank you could never be enough, but I am at a lost for words.
To those who are currently risking their lives fighting a war for my freedom, thank you and may God watch over you.
To those who have loved ones at war, prayer changes things.
This post is in celebration of the Spirit of God that dwells in all of us.
Lives were lost. Security and peace were questioned.
But, one thing remained and still remains constant and true: the Spirit of a people can not be taken away.
To those who lost their lives, God was ready to see you.
To those who survived, God had a different plan for you.
To those who lost someone they loved or knew, God will not place more on you than you can bear.
To those who participated in the saving of lives and relief efforts, you are Angels on the ground.
To those who lost their lives at war, thank you could never be enough, but I am at a lost for words.
To those who are currently risking their lives fighting a war for my freedom, thank you and may God watch over you.
To those who have loved ones at war, prayer changes things.
This post is in celebration of the Spirit of God that dwells in all of us.
9.09.2010
the SPIRIT of giving..
I saw a young lady walking with her newborn baby, who in my estimation looked no older than 2-3 months, strapped to her chest.
It was almost 100 degrees outside. My immediate thought was to offer her a ride.
Oh, but wait. What was I thinking? I must have forgotten I lived on planet Earth.
You cant just offer people assistance, like a ride, these days.
Sad, but true.
Not with the state of the world and the way things are. Even if you have the best of intentions, unfortunately those in this world who have the worse of intentions make it hard to help sometimes.
Its a shame.
But, we have to keep helping those we can, say a prayer for those we can not help, and know that the rest will be taken care of.
Because what I can not do, HE can and will.
It was almost 100 degrees outside. My immediate thought was to offer her a ride.
Oh, but wait. What was I thinking? I must have forgotten I lived on planet Earth.
You cant just offer people assistance, like a ride, these days.
Sad, but true.
Not with the state of the world and the way things are. Even if you have the best of intentions, unfortunately those in this world who have the worse of intentions make it hard to help sometimes.
Its a shame.
But, we have to keep helping those we can, say a prayer for those we can not help, and know that the rest will be taken care of.
Because what I can not do, HE can and will.
9.05.2010
Opportunity Is Always Knocking
A member of my family inspired this post when they told me about a common practice at their place of employment. They work at an apartment community. When individuals get evicted or abandon the apartment they discard all of their belongings left in the apartment.
My concern lies with this. While I understand that the apartment has to be emptied, I dont understand why everything, and I mean everything, is discarded to the trash. Shoes, clothing, furniture, housewares...everything.
You know what I am getting at, right?
Why not call a local charity and have the items picked up?
I posed this question and my family member, I am happy to say, thought this was a great idea.
Hopefully they will begin doing this.
Noone has to go looking for an opportunity to help. Just walk outside your front door and there it is.
Pray. Volunteer. Help someone. Donate.
I know our lives are already busy with a million and one things to do, but with soo much that needs to be done and soo many people who need a helping hand, I am sure that there is something we all can do.
Helping comes in many forms.
Here are some suggestions:
Pray for someone
Pull up your favorite charity online and dontae or buy a t-shirt
Buy an extra school supply for your child's class
Put your change into the charity jar at the grocery store
Make cards with your kids for sick children at a local hospital
Participate in a local charity run or walk
Purchase products, that you were already going to buy, that make a contribution to a charitable cause
Volunteer at your child's school
Participate in a charity drive at work
Donate your child's old clothing and shoes to someone in need
Invite someone that may be going through a rough time to your next family get together
Lend a shoulder to cry on
Pack your lunch one day a week and donate that $5
Volunteer at a homeless shelter
Do some shopping at a charitable thrift store
Enjoy time with your family and friends this Labor Day and remember not to take it for granted.
Remember that you are Blessed beyond measure.
My concern lies with this. While I understand that the apartment has to be emptied, I dont understand why everything, and I mean everything, is discarded to the trash. Shoes, clothing, furniture, housewares...everything.
You know what I am getting at, right?
Why not call a local charity and have the items picked up?
I posed this question and my family member, I am happy to say, thought this was a great idea.
Hopefully they will begin doing this.
Noone has to go looking for an opportunity to help. Just walk outside your front door and there it is.
Pray. Volunteer. Help someone. Donate.
I know our lives are already busy with a million and one things to do, but with soo much that needs to be done and soo many people who need a helping hand, I am sure that there is something we all can do.
Helping comes in many forms.
Here are some suggestions:
Pray for someone
Pull up your favorite charity online and dontae or buy a t-shirt
Buy an extra school supply for your child's class
Put your change into the charity jar at the grocery store
Make cards with your kids for sick children at a local hospital
Participate in a local charity run or walk
Purchase products, that you were already going to buy, that make a contribution to a charitable cause
Volunteer at your child's school
Participate in a charity drive at work
Donate your child's old clothing and shoes to someone in need
Invite someone that may be going through a rough time to your next family get together
Lend a shoulder to cry on
Pack your lunch one day a week and donate that $5
Volunteer at a homeless shelter
Do some shopping at a charitable thrift store
Enjoy time with your family and friends this Labor Day and remember not to take it for granted.
Remember that you are Blessed beyond measure.
9.03.2010
Random Thoughts
New additions to Random Thoughts posted.
Thanks for your support and finding me slightly interesting :.)
Thanks for your support and finding me slightly interesting :.)
9.02.2010
September is....
September 10, 2010 - World Suicide Prevention Day
http://www.iasp.info/wspd/
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Month
http://www.recoverymonth.gov/
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/news/events/month.phtm
Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
http://www.curesearch.org/support_curesearch/raise_awareness/index.aspx?id=3742
Im positive I have missed so many. Please let me/us know what else is going on this month and what you are feeling charitable about.
http://www.iasp.info/wspd/
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Month
http://www.recoverymonth.gov/
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/news/events/month.phtm
Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
http://www.curesearch.org/support_curesearch/raise_awareness/index.aspx?id=3742
Im positive I have missed so many. Please let me/us know what else is going on this month and what you are feeling charitable about.
8.29.2010
Where does your heart lie?
I called my Sister today and asked her if she wanted to particpate in the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. It is taking place in September and we will be walking in honour of our Dad who passed away 2 years ago due to congestive heart failure.
Less than 10 minutes later I turned on the tv to a chanel I had never watched before, channel 9412 (who cant find something to watch before you get to a channel as high as 9412..lol). On, was a special titled, Heart Failure: Causes, Treatment.
Ironic. Right?
I watched it. I felt compelled to. I learned so much more about the disease that changed me personally. Forever.
I know now that we wont just be walking for our Dad, but for the millions of people who suffer from heart disease of any kind. For those who have also lost a loved one.
Where does your heart lie?
You dont have to be "personally" affected by something or have gone through something terrible to understand how it affects others. To empathize is to be human.
Make an effort to learn about the plight of others. To become aware of the pain and suffering in this world. It will not only humble you as a person, but it will hopefully motivate you to act. To act on behalf of others.
08/16/2008
We were saddened because you were no longer here, but we rejoiced in knowing that the vacant position in Heaven, that the Lord had waiting, is now occupied.
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
Less than 10 minutes later I turned on the tv to a chanel I had never watched before, channel 9412 (who cant find something to watch before you get to a channel as high as 9412..lol). On, was a special titled, Heart Failure: Causes, Treatment.
Ironic. Right?
I watched it. I felt compelled to. I learned so much more about the disease that changed me personally. Forever.
I know now that we wont just be walking for our Dad, but for the millions of people who suffer from heart disease of any kind. For those who have also lost a loved one.
Where does your heart lie?
You dont have to be "personally" affected by something or have gone through something terrible to understand how it affects others. To empathize is to be human.
Make an effort to learn about the plight of others. To become aware of the pain and suffering in this world. It will not only humble you as a person, but it will hopefully motivate you to act. To act on behalf of others.
08/16/2008
We were saddened because you were no longer here, but we rejoiced in knowing that the vacant position in Heaven, that the Lord had waiting, is now occupied.
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
8.24.2010
Gifts That Matter
Each year we all complain about the amount we spend on gifts during the holiday season.
That time of year will be here again before you know it and we will probably repeat that cycle again.
I have decided that this year will be different and I have already started.I began with a cause that I have been supporting and donating to for a few years:
http://www.joinred.com/splash.htm
I purchased all the men and boys in my life (NIKE) RED Laces. 50% was donated to the Global Fund that helps fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.
(FYI - NIKE now has a shoe that can be personalized and funds donated under this program)
Instead of giving them a toy or money for their birthdays, I decided to give my nephews gifts that really matter.
They both received (RED) Converse shoes. They were able to design them and personalize them with their names under the Make Mine (RED) program. 15% of the net retail sales of this shoe was given to the Global Fund to fights AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Now my sister and niece want a pair for their birthdays. Next year!
When you are helping others it makes it easy to give. Remember to always explain the significance of the purchase so that the recipient is reminded of the good a simple purchase can do and is inspired to do the same.
So, look up your favorite charity or a cause you are passionate about and make an effort to give gifts that really matter this year.
That time of year will be here again before you know it and we will probably repeat that cycle again.
I have decided that this year will be different and I have already started.I began with a cause that I have been supporting and donating to for a few years:
http://www.joinred.com/splash.htm
I purchased all the men and boys in my life (NIKE) RED Laces. 50% was donated to the Global Fund that helps fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.
(FYI - NIKE now has a shoe that can be personalized and funds donated under this program)
Instead of giving them a toy or money for their birthdays, I decided to give my nephews gifts that really matter.
They both received (RED) Converse shoes. They were able to design them and personalize them with their names under the Make Mine (RED) program. 15% of the net retail sales of this shoe was given to the Global Fund to fights AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Now my sister and niece want a pair for their birthdays. Next year!
When you are helping others it makes it easy to give. Remember to always explain the significance of the purchase so that the recipient is reminded of the good a simple purchase can do and is inspired to do the same.
So, look up your favorite charity or a cause you are passionate about and make an effort to give gifts that really matter this year.
8.23.2010
Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County
I watched the above titled HBO documentary Saturday afternoon.
It told the story of several kids and their families in Orange County, California. The one thing they have in common is that their current residence is a motel room. Yes, I said motel, not hotel.
The motels are located within blocks of Disneyland and serve as a haven for drugs and violence where the children see police cars, gangs, and experience death first hand.
Their parents work, but do not make enough to rent a home or apartment.
The children are able to attend school and receive two meals per day through the generosity of The Hope School, a school for homeless children.
This was truly an inspirational story that reminded me of the side of this world that exists in our own backyards.
As our own children go back to school, their stories should serve as a reminder of how Blessed we truly are.
To get more info on Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County please visit:
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/homeless-the-motel-kids-of-orange-county/index.html#/documentaries/homeless-the-motel-kids-of-orange-county
To learn more or to donate to the Project Hope School please visit:
ww.projecthopeschool.org
It told the story of several kids and their families in Orange County, California. The one thing they have in common is that their current residence is a motel room. Yes, I said motel, not hotel.
The motels are located within blocks of Disneyland and serve as a haven for drugs and violence where the children see police cars, gangs, and experience death first hand.
Their parents work, but do not make enough to rent a home or apartment.
The children are able to attend school and receive two meals per day through the generosity of The Hope School, a school for homeless children.
This was truly an inspirational story that reminded me of the side of this world that exists in our own backyards.
As our own children go back to school, their stories should serve as a reminder of how Blessed we truly are.
To get more info on Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County please visit:
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/homeless-the-motel-kids-of-orange-county/index.html#/documentaries/homeless-the-motel-kids-of-orange-county
To learn more or to donate to the Project Hope School please visit:
ww.projecthopeschool.org
8.22.2010
What Really Matters
In my neck of the woods, the first day of school starts tomorrow. I can remember at that age being jumpy the night before. Not being able to sleep. And most of all so excited about wearing that new outfit. Nothing has changed. All of the children in my life are so excited about the first day because they just can not wait to wear their new clothes.
That first day of school outfit has been planned down to the socks and underwear. lol
All color coordinated.
Now dont get me wrong. Im a firm believer that if you feel as if you look good it manifests itself into a positive attitude. It makes you feel your best; as if you can concur the world.
But, we must not forget what really matters. What really matters is that we are Blessed. That we live in a country where an education is free. Where modern conveniences make it easy for us to get to and from school with everything we need to be productive.
We must also remember that there are children who can only dream of going to school. Children that have to work instead just to be able to have a meal for the day. Children who can not go to school beacuse it is too expensive. Children who can go to school, but who must walk distances we could never walk in conditions that we probably would not be able to withstand. And children who have to go to school with no shoes on their feet or clothes on their backs.
We must always remember what really matters. That we are Blessed.
That first day of school outfit has been planned down to the socks and underwear. lol
All color coordinated.
Now dont get me wrong. Im a firm believer that if you feel as if you look good it manifests itself into a positive attitude. It makes you feel your best; as if you can concur the world.
But, we must not forget what really matters. What really matters is that we are Blessed. That we live in a country where an education is free. Where modern conveniences make it easy for us to get to and from school with everything we need to be productive.
We must also remember that there are children who can only dream of going to school. Children that have to work instead just to be able to have a meal for the day. Children who can not go to school beacuse it is too expensive. Children who can go to school, but who must walk distances we could never walk in conditions that we probably would not be able to withstand. And children who have to go to school with no shoes on their feet or clothes on their backs.
We must always remember what really matters. That we are Blessed.
8.20.2010
Jumping
I had to jump today.
When it is a stranger I am more sympathetic to their situation.
But, I find that if it is a family member or friend, my attitude is quite opposite. I am indifferent.
I think this is beacuse I want them to do better. Not so that I wont have to be bothered, but so that they can be better for themselves.
I sometimes feel that the help they ask for is not help at all. That they should reserve having to ask for this until it is a true true emergency. Not because they failed to do something.
Am I wrong?
When it is a stranger I am more sympathetic to their situation.
But, I find that if it is a family member or friend, my attitude is quite opposite. I am indifferent.
I think this is beacuse I want them to do better. Not so that I wont have to be bothered, but so that they can be better for themselves.
I sometimes feel that the help they ask for is not help at all. That they should reserve having to ask for this until it is a true true emergency. Not because they failed to do something.
Am I wrong?
8.19.2010
Definition of Charity
Charity
1 : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
2 a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need b : an institution engaged in relief of the poor c : public provision for the relief of the needy
3 a : a gift for public benevolent purposes b : an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift
4 : lenient judgment of others
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity
My deifinition of charity is simple. It is giving. Period.
Whether that is giving of your time, money, knowledge, skill, a room in your home, food, clothing, advice, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or an infinite number of other things, its all about doing what you can, with what you have, from where you are.
It doesnt matter who the recipient is as long as you are giving of yourself to the best of your ability.
That is all that matters.
What is your definition of charity?
1 : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
2 a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need b : an institution engaged in relief of the poor c : public provision for the relief of the needy
3 a : a gift for public benevolent purposes b : an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift
4 : lenient judgment of others
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity
My deifinition of charity is simple. It is giving. Period.
Whether that is giving of your time, money, knowledge, skill, a room in your home, food, clothing, advice, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or an infinite number of other things, its all about doing what you can, with what you have, from where you are.
It doesnt matter who the recipient is as long as you are giving of yourself to the best of your ability.
That is all that matters.
What is your definition of charity?
The Balancing Act
As someone who has more than enough, I still struggle with doing the right thing...and yet I still find myself in line with another clothing item that will probably still have the tag on it 6 months from now. Why is it easier to be selfish than to help? I ask myself this quite often when I am reminded that my ability to give in to "me" has overshadows my ability to help "her, him, them, you". So many others on this side of the equation, but yet the only person that has been benefiting lately is you know who.
I find myself wondering where time goes. I then realize that when I subtract the number of hours I work, add to that my attempt to make time for family and friends, not to mention myself, and multiply that by the time it takes to do the everyday stuff, I am left with a number that does not make any sense.
I cant pretend that I dont know why. The equation is one sided.
In my efforts to not be hard on myself, I try and remember this:
Do what you can, with what you have, from where you are.
I feel like I do this daily.
Im not here to list what I do or what I have done, the point is that I feel that it is simply not been enough lately. Now that I have recognized the issue, I am on a course to fix it. That doesnt mean that I have to cut myself completely out of the picture. Afterall, if I am not happy how can I work toward making someone else happy.
Thus, I find myself in the Balancing Act.
I find myself wondering where time goes. I then realize that when I subtract the number of hours I work, add to that my attempt to make time for family and friends, not to mention myself, and multiply that by the time it takes to do the everyday stuff, I am left with a number that does not make any sense.
I cant pretend that I dont know why. The equation is one sided.
In my efforts to not be hard on myself, I try and remember this:
Do what you can, with what you have, from where you are.
I feel like I do this daily.
Im not here to list what I do or what I have done, the point is that I feel that it is simply not been enough lately. Now that I have recognized the issue, I am on a course to fix it. That doesnt mean that I have to cut myself completely out of the picture. Afterall, if I am not happy how can I work toward making someone else happy.
Thus, I find myself in the Balancing Act.
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