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/
8.29.2010
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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