giving to others Archives

What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power

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May 31, 2010

Service to the country and one another. . .

I have thought a lot about the sacrifices that so many men and women make in service to this country. And men and women have been making these sacrifices for this country since the revolutionary war. If we were to tabulate the number of those who have died, it would be in the millions. And if we added to that number those who had been gravely maimed, coupled with the emotional toll on their family members, the number would be in the tens of millions. Giving a moment of silent prayer and thanks to all of those men and women and their families seems like suc[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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April 11, 2010

Who have you helped recently?

Helping others is one of the greatest opportunities that presents itself. Most of us experience joy when we have been able to ease the journey for some one else. But there does come a time when we have to ask ourselves if we are helping or hindering the journey another person is here to make. I have had to learn this the hard way. I was a master enabler. Perhaps this is a new term for you. It means to help another person "to a fault." I used to easily get emotionally ensnared by others whom I thought couldn't live without my direction, my protection,[...]

Your Experience, Strength and Hope

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April 9, 2010

Being more hopeful is a daily decision, if hope is lacking in your life . . .

Simple things we can do now to change our perceptions and become more hopeful. 1. Ask God for help. 2. Let go! 3. Surrender to God what ever is demanding your attention. 4. Do one thing to inspire joy in some one else’s life every day! And make a note of this in a small note book. 5. Choose kindness in every encounter and feel it change your heart. 6, When feeling hopeless, recall a fond memory and allow it to change your perception. 7. Make a gratitude list to help you recall the good that has already happened. Make this a daily exercise. 8. Praying[...]

Circle of Family and Friends - You and Your Personal Community

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December 10, 2009

The holidays can bring out the best or the worst in us. . .

I have always loved the holidays. I love the sparkling lights, the decorations, the carols and giving gifts to loved ones to let them know they matter to me. I have fond memories of how my family celebrated Christmas. We kids woke up early and hurried downstairs to see the gifts placed under the tree, while my parents sat watching, probably more tired than any thing else, pretending they were seeing what Santa had brought for the very first time. I usually got at least one thing I hoped for which made the day a success. That we had no fireplace, thus no c[...]

Karen's Musings

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November 30, 2009

Tis the season to be jolly. . .

I am not your typical shopper. I don't run to shop the day after Thanksgiving. However, don't get me wrong; I am not above a good bargain. I simply choose to wander the malls, leisurely, until something strikes my fancy. I will pay my visit before the holiday actually arrives, but in the meantime, I do believe there are many additional ways to spread the joy of the season. The first one, and the easiest I might add, is to look into the eyes, often very tired eyes, of the other travelers on my path. Acknowledge them with a smile. Every one is deserv[...]