Pass On The Gift

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”  Maya Angelou

 

Heifer International  is an organization that is doing something about world hunger. They aren’t simply handing out food to people who need it. They are providing for families in communities in a way that gives dignity to the people who are blessed with gifts from them. Giving actual animals doesn’t just feed people for one meal or a day, but gives them economic sustainability. The cows, ducks, pigs and goats are the gifts that keep on giving! I contribute to Heifer International. I encourage you to do the same. Or find another organization that is delivering a beat down to world hunger.  Pass on the gift!

Poetry Month

 

“A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.”   Robert Frost

 

 

 

April is National Poetry Month. For those of us who love poems every month is spent in celebration of the beauty that poets bring to our lives. Enjoy and don’t forget your dreams.

Sonnet

by Alice Dunbar-Nelson (1875-1935)

I had no thoughts of violets of late,

The wild, shy kind that spring beneath your feet

In wistful April days, when lovers mate

And wander through fields in raptures sweet,

The thought of  violets meant florists’ shops,

And bows and pins, and perfumed papers fine;

And garish lights, and mincing little fops

And cabarets and songs, and deadening wine.

So far from sweet real things my thoughts had strayed,

I had forgot wide fields, and clear brown streams;

The perfect loveliness that God has made,

Wild violets shy and Heaven-mounting dreams,

And now- unwittingly, you’ve made me dream

Of violets, and my soul’s forgotten dreams.

 

Fresh Air

“Breathless, we flung us on a windy hill, laughed in the sun, and kissed the lovely grass.”             Rupert Brooke

Spending time in the countryside with birds singing, the breeze on your face and a day filled with possibilities- that’s what summers out of school meant to me. Children who live in large cities can experience the same kind of joy with the help of Fresh Air, an organization that makes it possible. Visit their site to find out how you can help make a child grin from ear to ear this summer.

A Fresh Start

“The great gift of Easter is hope- Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in His ultimate triumph, and in His goodness and love, which nothing can shake.”   Basil C. Hume

Spring, renewal and fresh beginnings. Easter means second chances and forgiveness. Let us take this time to forgive old hurts and mend strained relationships. Just remember forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Forgiveness is about letting go and moving forward. It’s more about you than the person you forgive. Have a wonderful Easter and spring!

The History of Easter

Another Example of Yes We Can Spirit

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”  Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Seeing a need and then doing something about it even with the little bit you have takes courage and faith. That is the ultimate “Can Do” spirit and Suezette Steinhardt has plenty of both. She started an organization to help homeless families on a shoestring.  Suezette is helping families find a place to call home. I love stories that encourage us to have courage.