Forget being changed in a month...I think I have been changed in just two weeks since posting this fridge reminder for my family! Somehow the act of giving thanks does increase not only our awareness of abundance but also our awareness of those who need support and kindness. When our hearts are full of thanksgiving we become more sensitive and available to share with those who are emotionally and physically hurting.
"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." (Henri Frederic Amiel) I have witnessed many acts of gratitude the past few weeks. Friends supporting a sister in the loss of her mom; loose change collected to the thousands of dollars for Seeds of Hope; donations to the food pantry; assistance with carpools; meals; volunteering at the book fair and financial support for causes near and as far as the devastating Philippine's typhoon. Recently a couple of friends made me realize how many opportunities exist for showing care and concern within our own community.
A friend from church unexpectedly posted on Facebook that she was organizing meals for a struggling, single mom with two young children. Through www.takethemameal.com she encouraged us to pick a date to share a meal with this family. It didn't have to be fancy...Jimmy John's delivers...just an act of love. I was thankful that Karen shared her idea, as even though I have a willing heart I am sometimes clueless on how, who, or where to begin serving. This website and the use of social media is a modern, convenient method to demonstrate gratitude.
Another friend recently sent an impromptu email invitation to gather at her home to prepare soup baskets. She shared how lately she felt overwhelmed from the demands of work, parenting, and even the loss of their beloved family pet. She continued however that in the midst of her emotional rollercoaster she signed on to Facebook only to be reminded of her blessings...primarily 3 healthy children. In our close-knit community we have a couple of families enduring the heartache of children with cancer. The email described a soup recipe she and her daughter tested from Pinterest--turns out it was delicious and healthy so she bought two large jars to make additional batches for these families. She invited us to her house to assist in the cooking stating, "My house is not clean, my Halloween decorations are still up, and my yard work hasn't been touched. But, I really love you guys and I know you won't care!" So friends gathered together today for her "Soup Kitchen Extravaganza." Because I was under the weather they even delivered this beautiful soup sample to my front door. Thank you sweet friends!
At the end of the month our Home Training Mat classes are donating to a local family, Pastor Cory and his wife Jodi Klepp, and their non-profit organization Raivu for Kids. "Raivu, which we pronounce ray-voo is a Japanese word meaning "to live". Therefore for us, Raivu for Kids means "to live for kids". We have dedicated our lives to serving. Our vision is to equip today's youth with the skills they need to succeed regardless of their challenging situations and instill in them a desire to live their lives to honor God." Please refer to their website at www.raivu.org for more information about their passion for serving, supporting, and providing stable homes for children.
Last week in class I joked about my need to sell the few remaining Home Training Pilates t-shirts before I wear them all! It occurred to me the proceeds from these tshirts should go to our Raivu fund. So for you current students, if you are interested in a brand new (I promise NOT gently used) burn-out Home Training t-shirt they are yours for $20!
Last week in class I joked about my need to sell the few remaining Home Training Pilates t-shirts before I wear them all! It occurred to me the proceeds from these tshirts should go to our Raivu fund. So for you current students, if you are interested in a brand new (I promise NOT gently used) burn-out Home Training t-shirt they are yours for $20!
Thank you for reading!
RSS Feed