People come into your life for a reason

I believe this to be so true.

I've met many people along my path.

They are a all pieces to my Puzzle of Life without them I would not be who I am today.

'til next time,


-con

A Letter From God To You

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1) 

I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2) 

I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3) 

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31) 

For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27) 

In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28) 

For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28) 

I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5) 

I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12) 

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16) 

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26) 

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) 

I knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13) 

And brought you forth on the day you were born (Psalm 71:6) 

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me (John 8:41-44) 

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16) 

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1) 

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1) 

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11) 

For I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48) 

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17) 

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33) 

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11) 

Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) 

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalms 139:17-18) 

And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17) 

I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40) 

For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5) 

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41) 

And I want to show you great and marvellous things (Jeremiah 33:3) 

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29) 

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4) 

For it is I who gave you those desires (Philippians 2:13)

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20) 

For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) 

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) 

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18) 

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11) 

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4) 

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4) 

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23) 

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26) 

He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3) 

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31) 

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) 

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) 

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10) 

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32) 

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23) 

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39) 

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7) 

I have always been Father, and will always be Father (Ephesians 3:14-15) 

My question is, Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13) 

I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32) 

 Love, Your Dad. Almighty God 

Father's Love Letter 

used by permission: Father Heart Communications 

Copyright 1999-2011,

 www.FathersLoveLetter.com 

'till next time,

- con

Jesus' Love Letter

How are you? I just had to send you this letter to tell you how much I love you and care about you. 

I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day, hoping you would walk and talk with me also. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to rest you. Then I waited, but you never came. O yes, it hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend. I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to touch your brow so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and your face ... 

Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you. You awakened late this morning and rushed off for the day. My tears were in the rain. 

Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times but I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and trees and breathe it in the colours of the flowers. I whisper it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need you could ever have. 

We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know how hard it is on earth. I really know because I was there and I want to help you. My Father wants to help you, too. He's that way, you know. Just call me, ask me, talk to me. It is your decision. I have chosen you and because of this I will wait. Because I love you.

Your Friend,  JESUS

Fun with Serendipity Squares!

15/06/2011 by ukmaryanne

HERE is the article by scrappystickyinkymess

   

For MORE serendipity squares examples do a Google image search - there are so many ideas out there.

'til next time, 


Con

From the Mouth of Babes

 The Lord's Prayer by 2-year Old

 

Here I Am Lord

Sliding Pop-Up Card
Create a card that moves,
pops and stands all at once
with this sliding pop-up technique

splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials
is one of my Favorite Sites
for learning how to make special cards and
other non-cards.

There is usually a YouTube link too.

The tutorials for the Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy characters is at Kim Score's blog under the free tutorials section. 

 

Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy

This is a great project for using your PUNCHES.

Go to Kim's page to see how to you these pieces to create Raggedy Andy!

'til next time, 

Con

I pray that today you will find peace in your heart.

Nutrition and Prayer....

Nutrition and Prayer is something I believe we should all do daily.  Our body is the temple for our Spirit and prayer sustains us like food does.  What a great combination!  I find myself reminding myself of this daily.  I have bad eating habits and I NEED to start some good ones.  I use to work for a food company for almost 10 years.  I understand how to read a label for ingredients and for nutrition.  I also know that food companies are not always ethical either.  I know from experience the simpler and from scratch is the best way to go.  This is the same way with prayer... God isn't looking for grandeur and big fancy words; He just wants to hear from us;)  I am a procrastinator too especially with exercise.  With fibromyalgia, lupus and arthritis some days are a challenge.  I do have  a membership downtown and I've only gone a handful of times; this needs to change too.  I need champions to tell me to get off my fat, lazy .........!!!!  I need you all to be my cheerleaders -  to keep me on my toes. I need to get fit and start feeling better.  I have another grandson coming soon.  So if you can pray for me I would sure appreciate it, thanks......

 

I would like my husband to build  a prayer kneeler for me. I've asked him and he said, "My honey-do list is too long."  Guess I would just have to wait and be patient.  I'm the type of person who can read and pray anytime of the day and anywhere.  Sometimes though... I need to focus more and that is when I would like a kneeler.  I suppose I could purchase an ergonomic fabric knee chair and just use a slanted shelf on the wall to hold my Bible or other books....

How to Make A Wood Movable Home Prayer Kneeler

I have been adding new friends on my Facebook Page - crafters of a types:  Yarn, Bead Jewelry, and of course, Paper-crafting.  It seems a lot of blogs and stores have their own sites now.  I guess you could "blog hop" that way too.  I have eliminated some of my personal acquaintances (just cleaning up who sees what) and now I have more people who don't know me compared to who do!  I eventually will clean up the crafter ones too after I've explored them to see if they are a match for what I am looking for.

Who's in the Kitchen with Uma....

Getting all the ingredients together

Adding the chicken stock

 Adding potatoes

I have been spending time with my Grandson in the kitchen; he likes to help out. The other day we made Bob's Sauerkraut Soup together.  My grandson had a blast!  It is a recipe from my good friend and great cook/baker (as well as our Village's Chief of Police).  It is really good soup!! If you like sauerkraut you need to give it a try.

Bob's Sauerkraut Soup

1 lb smoked Polish Sausage - cut in /12 " pieces (I used smoke kielbasa)
5 medium potatoes - peeled and cubed (I didn't peel mine)
2 medium onions, chopped
2 carrots - cut in 1/4" slices (I used pre-cut fresh carrots)
3 cans (14 1/2 oz) Chicken Broth (I used MSG free, one large boxed fat-free and one large boxed reduced sodium)
1 can (32 oz) Sauerkraut - Rinsed & Drained (I drained mine, but didn't rinse; I prefer Frank's)
1 can (6 oz) Tomato Paste

In a large saucepan or Dutch Oven combine sausage, potatoes, onions, carrots, and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil. Reduce heat - cover and simmer 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Yummy soup!

Add sauerkraut and tomato paste; mix well.  Return to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes longer.

If thinner soup is desired add add additional water or chicken broth.

yields 8 - 10  servings; 2 1/2 quarts



  
Healthy Tip...Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah)

Many people look at Quinoa and confuse it for some sort of grain, but it is actually a seed that originates from the Andes Mountains of South America. Quinoa was grown over 5000 years ago by the Incas people. It was known as the “the mother grain” in their language. It was a such an important part of the Inca culture, that every year the Inca king would plant the first row of Quinoa with a solid gold spade. The entire ancient Inca civilization spanning from the coast of Chile all the way to the snow capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes was fed by this amazing tiny little seed. (I love trivia!)

I have been watching Grain Fusion with Chef Brad.  He has a great series on "super grains" and one of them I just bought and need to use, QUINOA. 

I found this great site by the Quinoa Corporation.  Quinoa comes in white, red, and the most hard to find...black.  Just a few examples of easy quinoa recipes using cooked quinoa: salads, meatloaf/burgers, breakfast cereal, stir fry, stew, and bread. 

Quinoa Nutrition: The most Protein of any grain, great source of vitamins & minerals. Quinoa nutrition has more benefits than most people know about. Other than being a complete protein with nine essential amino acids, it is loaded with calcium, dietary fiber, iron, and phosphorus. Magnesium which is also abundant in Quinoa has been recognized for being beneficial for relaxing blood vessels. Magnesium, along with riboflavin, appears to benefit those who suffer from headaches, even migraines. Manganese joins with copper to form an enzyme which guards against cell damage caused by free radicals.

For more nutritional information go to http://quinoanutrition.info/

Cooking Quinoa: Simple to cook, like rice. Cooked quinoa looks a bit like couscous, but is more substantial and slightly crunchy.    Prep & Cook Time: 5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook time. To Soak or Not to Soak: It usually works well either way. Most quinoa that you buy in stores has been pre-rinsed and dried, but I'm a bit anal, so I soak it 5 minutes just in case, to loosen up any residue of saponin, or dust or chaff that remains. Skip soaking if you like, but always rinse quinoa. 

I purchased a rice cooker awhile back and am going to try to make it in there. all you do is add the grain and water - cover and press start...so simple!  WELL IT WORKED! and the quinoa tasted great and I didn't add any salt or other flavorings.  This way I can use it in a couple of dishes. I am so happy that it turned out. Hopefully tomorrow I can use some of it in a meatloaf.  I was going to do it for tonight's meal but everyone wanted grilled chicken and brats.

 

I thought this quote was just right for me!

'til next time,

Con

He's Alive w/ lyrics

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS AND JUST HAD TO SHARE IT WITH YOU!

HE'S ALIVE and I'M FORGIVEN - HEAVEN'S GATES ARE OPENED WIDE!

WITH LOVE,


CON

From My Heart to Yours

 You (God) satisfy me more than the richest of foods

Psalm 63:5 (NLT)

HEALTH - this is what I need to aim for right now... and I am asking all of you to think of me because I am weak and I love to eat.  I am also an emotional eater and have several foods that I tend to "got to" and I eat late at night.  So please, remember me in your prayers.  I need to lose weight; many pounds!   It will take few years to get them off but I need to accomplish this goal. 

I am trying to drink more water which I encourage all of you to do too. 
I started at a circuit workout downtown (muscle thereapy fitness if you have a Facebook page).  I've gone 2 days in a row...but have not gone 2 days in a row now; the weather switched and it hurt (Fibromyalgia).  I am feeling better but a snow storm came in this evening and I couldn't get down there tonight.  I need to go tomorrow - this is my goal;) for the weekend and for my emotional/stress I will go to church!  My daughter said she is going so I can ride along.  I am looking forward to attending.

My daughter is a high risk pregnancy and she is expecting a boy in August and she has a 3 year old son who I love to watch.  When he naps - Uma (me) gets to nap too.  I am tired a lot (Lupus, Fibro). So keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I try to move to a healthier me.  Thank you.... 

PS:  for happiness I NEED to organize a craft room and get all my things out and get them in one place so I can play again!  I use to teach classes and make projects for people; I so enjoyed playing with paper and rubber stamps!

True's Gift's From the Heart

ISN'T THIS FUN!  Go to True's Gift's From the Heart to see these projects!


There is a filmstrip of her creations on photobucket - HERE






 
HERE is a site for Inspirational Pictures - Bible Verses on Landscape, Nature and Wildlife pictures.


I did another "blog hop" from a new source - a page I found on Facebook.  There are a lot of people on Facebook who craft and I have included them in my friend section but marked them as craft; not friend or acquaintance (I added craft - it wasn't one of the choices).

I love this monochromatic card by Crafty and Green

I would also like you to check out this monochromatic card by Cheery Lynn Designs. 

I believe using this style takes a lot of forethought.   When was the last time you did a card without color?  Sometimes a monochromatic card (“one color”) or a black & white card is a refreshing change of pace.

SO I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU - MAKE A MONOCHROMATIC CARD;)  and let me see it for I sure do love seeing your art!

WIN  from Extra Tv!!!

HERE to try and win a Win a BlackBerry PlayBook

Now everything that matters to you is just a swipe, slide or touch away with the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. With powerful QNX technology, the PlayBook is ready to work at a moment’s notice. Calendar, contacts and messages apps are built right in -- and new features give you more information about your contacts and the people and companies on your calendar. You can edit files right from your tablet with Documents To Go. There are also hours of entertainment with games, music, apps and more!  “Extra” is giving away a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to five lucky friends. Enter to win!

Read more: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2012/02/win_a_blackberry_playbook.php?adid=030212_newsletter_win_a_blackberry_playbook#ixzz1o246kaPP

BUT HURRY this has a limited time!

DON'T FORGET

MARCH IS NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH!

Get inspired

Throughout March, opportunities abound... through stores, on-line...make and takes, sales... ENJOY! Learn new techniques or do something you haven't done in awhile.  It is so satisfying to see your efforts come to reality.  Make your spirit fulfilled! and don't forget our children.  Teach them and show them for they need to learn crafts.  Let them use their imagination, their hands... ART is so important for all our development!  This WEBSITE has a great explanation of why art is so important for our youth...but I believe it can be applied to our own lives too.

'til next time,


Con

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NAS)

THE PRAYER INSTRUMENTAL

24 Hour Prayer Guide

(Central Christian Church - Beloit, WI)

Scriptures for personal devotion and quiet time:

Ephesians 6:10-20          James 5:12-20
Mark 9:14-29         Acts 4:23-31

Matthew 6:5-13        Romans 8:26-27
Psalm 91         Psalm 139:1-14

Jeremiah 33:2-3         Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:13-19         Psalm 121

Ephesians 1:17-21        Jeremiah 29:11-13
Zephaniah 3:17         Matthew 6:33-34

Please spend time praying for the following:

1. That our Father may grant us personal holiness and character.

- Psalm 139:23-24

2. That our Father would help us understand His Word.

- Proverbs 2:1-5

3. That our Father would help us know the power of His Word.

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

4. That our Father would come against evil in this world and destroy Satan’s
    stronghold in our lives and in the lives of people that we love.

- Ephesians 6:10-20

5. That our Father would allow us to witness the answers to our prayers.

- John 14:12-14

6. That our Father would send His favor upon your lives and the lives of people
    that we love.

 John 15:1-8

7. That our Father would send His favor upon His Church.

- Acts 2:40-47

I enjoy looking through the gallery of Splitcoaststampers.  Today I found the perfect card and blogger to share with you.  Both of these cards were Created by Miss Patter Cross (for Our Daily Bread Designs).  Please take time to read her enlightening blog articles and look at her beautiful cards.  She is a very gifted artist and writer.

Triple the Scraps

 

Challenge Word #25: Yield

 

Hymn Challenge #1: Amazing Grace

If you want to get social with "Splitcoaststampers" 
you can locate them on Face Book.too;)

'til next time,

Con

Happy New Year to all my friends - May God Bless You Richly!

 

Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.

- Sydney Smith

Hello everyone!
The countdown begins to 2012...

"Prayers and blessings to start off the New Year. Thoughts and words to remember what is  important in our walk with God, in our life and relationships."

NEW YEAR WISHES

The following "YouTube" dance done by "Carlton" always makes me smile so I pray that you too will find it uplifting. We can all do this on our last day of 2011 or the first day of 2012. Wouldn't that be fun! Just click on the YouTube and it will take you to the original site;)

Carlton Dance On Soul Train

from the Fresh Prince of Bela-ire (TV show)

I haven't been writing (naughty of me) but we have been on holiday for the last month. We got home just before Christmas and found out that (unfortunately) a small little visitor had invaded our home. Don't fear he no longer "lives" here;) But I did have a lot to clean up...and then we had Christmas dinner at our house.

On vacation I was looking at the small little shells on the beach when I stumbled upon a rubber-stamp!  I believe this is a good sign...that I need to start utilizing what I have in storage and put it all into good use! and for a good purpose!!

I found a "foam" rubber-stamp on South Padre Island, TX.  It was a sure sign from God;)

My dream this year is to organize or at least get started and get enough done that someone would notice! I dream of getting my paper-crafting organized too. Its everywhere! My husband threw some of it in the attic (I wasn't happy about this); he doesn't understand that it needs to be stored near acid free products and then there is the issue of hot/cold temperatures. Ugh.. It's going to be "One Step at a Time!"

My grandson turned three this December and what a joy he is. I enjoyed seeing our beautiful country but was extremely happy to get home to see my family!  We traveled about 5000 miles - I wish I had some time to go up North to see my parents and my brother and sister's family before it snows.

I did loose some weight prior to vacation...45 lbs!!!  but when you travel by car and stay at hotels one tends to eat too much or the wrong things.  I've gained back 20 lbs already (including Christmas foods).  I need to get back on the "diet" challenge again.  I'll need your thoughts and prayers because I have a hard time loosing weight. I tend to be an emotional eater. Thank you all for your prayers!

A Poem For The Dream Doer

It is the day after Christmas and all round the world
People’s plans for the next year are getting a little absurd.
I’m going lose weight, improve my financial position
Have better relationships or just make better decisions

And while those all sound great and desire to be better is noble
Such statements typically ring empty; New Year’s resolutions a foible
Point A to Point B is not achieved by our desire or dreams
But by the plan and the action and diligent follow thru it seems

I’m not saying do not dream. Dream big and aim high
but you must do quite a bit more or those dreams will shrivel and die
But some feet on your goals; take the time to plan and prep
Write down those dreams and some intermediate steps

Surround yourself with the “dreamers who do”
Perhaps a mentor who has done it and believes you can too
Someone who pushes you forward, they might be a bit of a pain
because they won’t stand for excuses or let your lose sight of your plan

Silence the critic, the skeptic, and those who foster despair
Those content to believe that opportunity is not there
And remember the wise words, paraphrased so they fit
Those who believe it can’t be done, stay out of the way of us doing it!

- Matthew Moran, December 26, 2011

HAS ANYONE DONE ANY CRAFT PROJECTS LATELY?

 I would love to see them!

 From Lisa's Creative Corner Blog-site

I like the simplicity of this card.  It is very clean and elegant. I like how the letters are popped up so you can see shadows.  Isn't that bow cute!  Please visit Lisa's blog by clicking on the above name or on the card.  Lisa has great samples and ideas... many templates and tutorials too!  Please give Lisa a big HI and let her know that she is doing a great job...

Lisa, "Here’s to a clean and simple New Year!"

Prayers and blessings are just one way to bring in the New Year with gratitude and love.

'til next time,

Con

I Am the New Year

I am the new year.

I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

(Bible Illustrator)

 Blessings for the New Year

I choose to initiate God’s promises and blessings for my life in the New Year by declaring them as true. He is the “God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were” (Romans 4:17, NIV). The power in a blessing is in speaking it! Because I believe that God has more wonderful things planned for me than I can even imagine (Ephesians 3:20) for the coming year, today I declare that:

I am blessed with God’s divine purpose and perfect plan for my life. I am blessed with gifts, God-given abilities and guidance. I am blessed with strength of character, self-determination and self-control. I am blessed with family and friends, faith and freedom. I am blessed with health, happiness, favor and fulfillment. I am blessed with promotion, protection, prosperity and provision. I am blessed with spirit of obedience, supernatural success and a positive outlook on life. I am blessed with a fresh start and a new outlook on life, beginning today.

I am looking forward to the new thing God will do in my life this year. I choose to let go of the past and get excited about my future because I am blessed!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Joel Osteen

Contact of Northern Illinois

My brother-in-law, Ted, is a volunteer at this wonderful place...

CONTACT of NORTHERN ILLINOIS!

 

http://www.nicontact.org/index.html





CONTACT of Northern Illinois is a 24 hour a day 7 days a week Helpline, that has been serving our area for the past 28 years.  CONTACT of Northern Illinois is one of over 48 centers accredited by Contact Teleministries, USA.

FACEBOOK PAGE

Do you have comments or questions on the organization? Would you like to become a volunteer or sign up for an upcoming event? Please get in touch! Just e-mail:  help@nicontact.org If you would like to become a line volunteer, please fill out the application and send it in by e-mail or regular mail, and the staff at Contact will be in touch with you soon. Volunteer Application Or you can reach them: Contact of Northern Illinois P.O. Box 83 Freeport, IL 61032 Or you can call the helpline at  815-233-4357 or 1-888-463-6260

If you would like to help CONTACT out, they have compiled a Wish List of items needed in order to continue to be a productive ministry. Any assistance with these item will be most appreciated. Wish List Ink for Printers Paper (White and Colored) Comfortable Desk Chairs Laptop Power Point Projector File Cabinets  (4 drawer) 1" 3 Ring Binders Office supplies Microwave Recliner Portable Fan Portable Heater Coat Tree Storage Boxes Camcorder Gas Cards Incentives (Gift Cards) in $5.00 increments for volunteer recognition



Your Name Is Volunteer

Written and submitted by Nancy Jo Grim
RSVP Director, May 20, 2005

Your Name Is Volunteer

Your name is love, because you showed me love and compassion when I needed it the most.

Your name is patience, because you took time to listen to me when my stories were long and my heart was heavy.

Your name is kindness, because you used your healing hands to touch my pain and guide me when I was lost.

Your name is mentor, because you taught me the lessons that life cannot teach so soon.

Your name is a volunteer, you are love, patience, kindness, a mentor and so much more…

We celebrate you the volunteer. 

Secret (Volunteer) Service
Submitted by Elizabeth Ellis

How to make an impact today!

Open a door for someone
Pick up a piece of paper left on the street
Say "Good Morning" to someone you don't know
Plug someone else's meter
Say "thank you" to the mailman
Give the next person in line at the grocery store your leftover coupons
Keep shoveling snow after your sidewalk ends
Truly listen to someone
Say "good job" for a job well done
Recycle
Donate your used clothes and toys
Make a cake for your fellow employees for no reason
Join a committee
Let someone else go first in line
Give your used magazines away
Note good service on your waiter's ticket
Send a hand written note of thanks to a volunteer for no particular reason
Say "Have a great evening" to the night watchperson
Switch seats with someone on the plane if they've been separated by a family member or friend
Print on both sides of the page
Pretend your Monday at work is a Friday!
Refer a potential volunteer to another agency who might better fulfill a volunteer's interests and passion
Mentor a new volunteer coordinator
Bring your receptionist a treat just because
Wave to children on the bus
Walk, take the bus or ride your bike to work
Learn about a new organization and how they engage volunteers and community
Put flowers on your desk
Don't "almost" make a difference, do something today!

Explore The Wonder

by Sandy Cavinee

The mystery of God's creation unfolds along our way.
Never fully revealed to us, just pieces every day.
The earth, the sky, the oceans hold their secrets but show to man- How
beautiful and mighty are God's works and plan.
The greatest gift He gave us-to share as here we dwell, are people just like you who know love so well.
And as we "explore the wonder" of what volunteering means, the WONDER is your service-you are the greatest theme!
(Sandy Cavinee wrote this several years ago and it was made into bookmarks for Volunteer Week- theme was "Explore The Wonder-Volunteer).

To Our Volunteers
by Lisa Ellinwood

V is for the Very special people that you are
O is for the Overwhelming support & compassion you offer others during their time of need
L is for the Little things you do that make such a difference in someone's life
U is for the Unspoken words that sometimes mean just as much
N is for the Need you fill when others aren't able
T is for the Time you give of yourselves on top of your own busy schedules
E is for the Emotional support you continually give
E is also for the Endless energy you all seem to possess
R is for the Responsibility you have taken on & never once complained S is for the Smiles you bring to patients & families by just being you

Luke 6:35 ESV     But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

 

'til next time,

Con