There are so many things we can volunteer for in our life. There are outreach programs, programs for boys or girls or both, church related things, good causes, at a hospital, and the list goes on. When I believe in whatever I'm volunteering for it can make you feel good. I think most people when they volunteer they do it for selfless reasons. They want to help whether it's the needy, the poor, or maybe a group you're apart of. But are their some that do it just for selfish reasons? I have no … [Read more...]
Money, Time, or Expertise?
Which of these is more important: money, time, or expertise? Well, if we are fortunate enough I'd go with all three. However, most of us aren't or maybe we aren't will to give of one of those listed. For me, I think time is the most valuable. No amount of money in the world can make someone feel better. To have more experience in something might be good but would it really help. However, time, you can always give of your time. Even if it's just five minutes to say a kind word to someone who … [Read more...]
Getting Credit for Good Deeds
Do you like to get credit for the good deeds you do or do you prefer to stay anonymous knowing you did something to someone else? I think most people if they are completely honest with themselves they like to get a little thank your or some form of acknowledgement for something they have done. I think its human nature to want to be recognized for the good things we do. However, have you ever done something where you received no recognition at all because you went out of your way to help someone … [Read more...]
Easing the Pain of Someone Else
Have you ever thought about what your actions or words might do for someone, especially if they are going through something? For me, I've always tried to do what I can to help someone else if possible. We all have our hard times we go through and it's nice to know someone else cares. When Mari was in the hospital, as you can probably imagine, there were lots of tears and heavy hearts with each passing day as we watch our beloved, beautiful daughter slipping before our very eyes. It happened so … [Read more...]
Those Who Gave Their Lives for So Many
Today is a day so many of us remember exactly where we were when we heard about the World Trade Center being hit by airplanes. We had no idea at first that some evil men had hatched this despicable plan to terrorize our nation by flying passenger airliners through buildings. Our lives were rocked to our very core. We sat in front of our TVs transfixed to those two towers just burning with smoke billowing out. And then before our very eyes, Tower 2 comes down with what only seemed like minutes … [Read more...]
Running for office…
No, I'm not running for office but wouldn't it be interesting if I did. It's never been an ambition of mine. First of all, I'd have to get up in front of hundreds of people all the time. No Thank You. Public Speaking has never been my thing. I literally start to shake and my stomachs starts flipping wheelies because I get so nervous. I honestly don't know how the people who do it do do it. Even with my fear of public speaking, I've had something leaning on my heart in the last year or so that, … [Read more...]
What if money were no object
That isn't a hard one. I know there are the typical answers like traveling the world, or buying your dream house or car (or both :) ). But that is more materialistic than what I'd want to do. First, I'd want to start the scholarship program in my daughter's memory. For those of you who don't know me very well, my daughter had severe classic autism. And finding good teachers who not only want to teach but want to teach child with autism and also have the patience to do it at the same time are … [Read more...]
Effortless Giving
When we talk about giving something away, do we do it with a kind, open heart or do we do it because it feels like an obligation or that we have to. Personally, I can't remember the last time where I felt pressured to give a gift. I love walking into a store and seeing something that reminds me of a family member or friend. It's not something overly big or pricy, but it's something I know the recipient will like. I call them "Just because" gifts. And because it's a "just because" I don't expect … [Read more...]
Helping Others
When you help someone else how does that make you feel? For me, I get a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It lets me know I'm doing the right thing. If I were to do something for only self-satisfying reason, there isn't that good feeling that comes with it. You feel kind of icky after it's all said and done and you've had time to think about it. I always think back to Mari and her time in the hospital. On the day the "Doom and Gloom Squad" sat us down one final time to tell us that our beautiful … [Read more...]
Something new…
I'm excited to find something today. There is a blog challenge called NaBloPoMo. The challenge is where you write on a topic for the month every day. This month's topic is serve. What an awesome topic to write about. I plan to get started right away and catch up as it started on September 2. I hope you will stop by every day to see what has been posted and let me know what you think. Looking forward to being apart of this. … [Read more...]