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World View

November 9, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

Our outlook on life can encompass our neighborhood or our world.  The way we look at the world is based on our beliefs and attitudes, and can be influenced by culture, society, religion, or personal experience. A world view impacts how we apply what we know to the larger world around us.  Having a world view often leads to respect for all individuals.

In the words of Mother Teresa — “Look around and you will see your brother and your sister, not only here in the United States, not only in your city or your area, but around the world. Everywhere there are human beings who are hungry, they look to you. There are so many who have nothing to wear and nowhere to love, and they look hopefully to you. Don’t turn your back on the poor.”

World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998 …
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Hats & Mittens

October 25, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

One of my favorite volunteer activities is working on reading skills with Kindergarteners. Today I read the story “The Three Little Kittens” about how they lost their mittens.  Was then fun to surprise everyone with hats and mittens for all.

Last week, a little student asked if I would hold his hand while walking outside to go to recess. Before entering the playground, I showed him how he could put his hands into his pockets to keep them warm.  No more cold hands for Kindergarteners!

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Inspiration

October 21, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

People, places, and things inspire us. Reflecting on the beauty in our world has an amazing impact on our brain and body.

Think about a time when you felt inspired.  Better yet, send an inspiring thought to someone, and imagine their reaction.

 

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The Hurrah Feeling

September 27, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

My friend, Ada, shared how while at the gym she observed a young woman who runs very fast. In a brief conversation, Ada learned that running in the upcoming marathon was something this woman really wanted to do, but simply couldn’t afford it.  A quick call to the owner of a running store resulted in a free marathon entrance.  For Ada, she “liked the hurrah feeling.”

New findings published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology confirm the power of being kind. Researchers found that people who perform a random act of kindness tend to underestimate how much the recipient will appreciate it.  And they believe that may hold many of us back from doing nice things for others more often. One of the study’s authors, Amit Kumar, commented “People tend to think that what they are giving is relatively inconsequential. But recipients are less likely to think along those lines.”…
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Simple Kindness

September 8, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

It’s often the little things that brighten our moments.  We may wonder how a simple nod of the head or a good morning smile could send a message.  But if someone is depressed or even feeling a bit down, that simple gesture can be a reminder that they are valued.

 

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Opportunity To Scatter Kindness

August 16, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

As prices for basic school supplies have greatly increased, we can only imagine the challenge faced by families with many children who all need supplies.  This presents a simple and easy opportunity for us to come to the aid of our neighbors.

Teachers often choose to purchase extra supplies rather than to see a child go without. If asked what is needed, they will quickly provide a short list of things like crayons, pencils, markers, folders, or backpacks which can all be purchased either in-store or online and delivered to a home or school.

Each year I enjoy bringing an assortment of school supplies to Partnership Academy in Richfield, Minnesota where I volunteer to assist a Kindergarten teacher.  The response always makes me smile!

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Summer of Kindness

August 9, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

Before summer ends, add one more random act of kindness to your list of accomplishments.

 

Need ideas?  Here are a few:

  • Leave a thank you note in your mailbox addressed to your mail carrier
  • Take treats to your local fire station
  • Bring a used book to a little free library – littlefreelibrary.org
  • Decorate a paper bag and add a food item or two each time you shop to donate to a local food bank. Find a food shelf near you – /feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx
  • Plant a small tree in honor of someone and plan to visit it when fully grown

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Sandwich Project

July 24, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

A helpful husband and good friend joined me in a fun and easy volunteer activity to prepare 200 sandwiches for urban American Indians in Minneapolis.

The Sandwich Project exists to serve those with food insecurity. Their efforts result in creating healthy and nurturing experiences by providing a basic need — a sandwich for lunch!

 

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Supporting a Grannie

July 12, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

Maria Luisa recycles plastic to survive. She also has chickens and sells their eggs to make money in Puerto Botanico, Paraguay. After becoming a widow, she had to work hard to raise her ten children, most who now live far away. Sometimes neighbors invite her to lunch or dinner when she has nothing to eat. She says she “likes to smile.”

Paraguay holds a special place in my heart because our daughter was born there.  After sponsoring kids for many years, I was interested to recently learn about an Elderly Program. Monthly benefits of food and medicine are given to grannies who are in a poverty situation.  They also receive blankets and coats in winter, a special gift on their birthday, and a Christmas present at the end of the year.

A staff member from the Project for the People of Paraguay visits grannies once each month, spending some time …
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Feed My Starving Children

June 21, 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

One of the organizations my family likes to support with our time and funds is Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). This unique charity believes that hope starts with food. Their process is simple. Donations fund the meal ingredients.  Volunteers hand-pack the nutritious meals which are shipped to food partners across the globe.

In 1993, a team of Cargill food scientists and colleagues from General Mills and Pillsbury created a vitamin-and-mineral fortified rice meal specifically for malnourished children. This is what is now called MannaPack Rice™.  As FMSC’s first and original food formula, it is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates and key nutrients culturally acceptable worldwide for anyone over the age of one.

Every day FMSC food packs are distributed in schools, orphanages, medical clinics and feeding programs in 70 countries around the world. More than 99% of FMSC meals have safely reached their intended destination.

Aracely and her 4-year-old …
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