“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

Kahlil Gibran

Giving to others is now, officially, linked to longer life. Researchers at the University of Michigan investigated whether providing social support was beneficial to the provider as well as the recipient. So, Stephanie Brown, PhD, of the university's Institute for Social Research, and colleagues followed 423 older couples over a five-year period, as part of larger community-based project studying the changing lives of older couples.

They found that people who reported providing no instrumental or emotional support to others were more than twice as likely to die in the five years as people who helped spouses, friends, relatives and neighbors. Also, the researchers note, giving to a spouse and giving to friends and neighbors were both independently linked with a lower chance of dying.

Double giving does double your fun. It might extend your life. Give on.

It is always a common practice to think on a subject as it is shown. That is why we have many things in mind, which we feel bad or good, I mean we are very much decisive considering the overall shape of the matter. In fact, I believe it is always wise to think different and understand that if something has happened to your life, it is just a fact, perhaps seems impossible. But if it has happened to you or your friend, naturally it must have some valid reason too. Many a times, if we can think different, we can be a peaceful person and shall not gather anger in our heart. This is a pure understanding, I feel. Once you understand the inside story of a fact, naturally you can let the thing go on in its present shape or you may try to rectify it, if you feel it is wrong. But always remember that you must check your authority before commanding to any problem, otherwise you may loose your identity in this small world. I say this world small, because, for every reason there is always a space to survive. So take every odd situation as a challange for you to keep the smile in you and I believe you shall win.

Thank you.

Enjoy this trip.... and it is a trip. That is a drug slogan from an old house music song. One of the things I miss about indulging in illegal substance is the wicked sense of adventure. There were many nights that I embarked on an odd journey through the nocturnal jungle. But not all of my shenanigans were pleasant. In fact, I would say the majority of these situations were downright nasty. Every so often, I did experience better living through chemistry. Or at least a night to remember with an amazing buzz. One evening stands out in my scattered memory. I was drinking this strange brew that we referred to as Crystal Lite. But it was enhanced with an illicit ingredient. I was attending the "rock and roll" night at Limelight called Sanctuary. I had a vague recollection that Missing Persons were scheduled to appear. I was a huge Dale Bozzio fan, but the thought of meeting her in person didn't really phase me. I had had introductions to numerous D-List celebrities at this point. The brief encounters were almost always a disappointment. Pop idols usually have feet of clay. As I was getting ready for my nightlife sojourn, I was becoming increasingly agitated. The amphetamines had hijacked my system and had turned me into a speed demon. But I felt like I was ready to conquer the world! So I don't recall the actual introduction to the new wave diva. But I do have a vivid memory of pouring my heart out to her. I believe our impromptu therapy session lasted hours. I had hit a "rough patch" in my urban life and I found Dale to be a maternal figure. You'd have never guessed it with her outrageous makeup and her flamboyant fashion sense. But she had the persona of a suburban soccer mom! Before I knew it, I was in the fetal position relaying the sorry state of my existence. DB had a soothing presence, and we shared a spontaneous bonding session. In fact, she gave me her home telephone number if I ever needed to talk. Like I said, I probably never would have had this unique "meeting of the minds" without my party favors. Inhibitions were disposed of, along with any shred of self-respect. God only knows what I was babbling about to this punk rock mama. I don't recommend making a fool of yourself in front of an MTV legend. But the bizarre memories of our heart-to-heart will last a lifetime. We did not keep in touch, but I still have her digits in Boston. And I did meet a cute blond twink named Sprite. I guess drugs do bring people together after all. If I didn't have such a low tolerance for pain and suffering, I might indulge again. Hello, hangover! This clip was always Missing Person's best song. You might consider it a serious serenade to selflessness with a dynamic rock production. There was a minor trend of pop songs in the 80's that extolled the virtues of the road less traveled. Altruism was back in style as long as you were dressed to kill. Dale looked drop dead sexy on the single picture sleeve. But she showed true integrity by taking care of a clueless club kid back in 1994. "When the going gets a little bit tough, you've got to give a little bit more!"

Gut check time, I'm taking a step back.  All the emails, the txts, the phone calls, I'm dropping them all.  There is absolutely no need to chase.  There is absolutely no need to care.  It is all pointless and dumb and leads to nowhere.

It is so weird how I can FEEL when my brain turns to getting.  Get, get, get.  What can I take from someone?  I write girls on the internet, get their phone numbers, make plans... what can I get from them?

Rather, it is ALL about giving.  Life is about giving.  I need to re-find that spot, what can I give to the world, to myself, instead of looking what things I can take.

Non-attachment, non-outcome orientation, being a good and decent human being.  They all lead to a fulfilled life.  Stop trying to get women's fuck, and rather give them the opprotunity to meet and be with a great human being.

I think many questions can be answered when you give people what they're looking for.  People will communicate it all the time, its only a matter if you give it to them.

Let me give a very very practical example of how this happens.  Lets say you're talking to a girl, drop the outcome, just talk to her.  If she lets you know she wants your phone number (subtly or not), then give it to her.  The flipside being, trying to figure out an angle so that you can get her to take your phone number.  See the difference? 

I know, I know what so many guys are scared of, it is normal, I understand, but "what if she doesn't want to get my phone number?"  That is ok.  It really is ok.  There is nothing to be scared of, just remember it doesn't matter.

This is a very subtle and hard mentality to internalize, but I know if I am mindful then I can get it.

and I come running when you want me here
and when you want me to, I disappear

Give Judy my notice

I knew if I made it easy for you
you'd settle for me, yeah eventually
but Judy
I won't be your bitch anymore
and follow you 'round
and hold the door

and I can't do this any longer
the vacuum left is so much stronger

Give Judy my notice
Give Judy my notice

Judy you know I'm not mad anymore
at least most of the time
but that could take a while
I've been living just to see you smile
every once in a while

Tears fall
but that don't mean nothing at all
It's just cause I said it first
yeah, that's why it hurts

And I'm not sorry if you're not sorry
And you're not sorry until I make you

Give Judy my notice
Give Judy my notice
Give Judy my notice
Give Judy my notice
My notice

I've found myself following after God like I never have before. It's crazy how alive the Word of God is and how it speaks to us in such deep ways. God has been bringing several verses to the forefront of my mind and with everything I do, I can't ignore them. God is calling me into a deeper relationship with him for three things:

Give - We all no the basic idea of giving to others, but do we really do it? We like to give to charity and donate money in order to stay detached from the hurting, lonely, and homeless. As Christians, why are we so afraid to get our hands dirty, to meet the people Jesus associated with, and to invite them into our lives, not just for a season, but for all eternity. Why aren't we showing the world the hands and feet of Jesus?

I feel God leading me not only to give away my material possessions but to also give of my time and abilities. He has blessed me with so many gifts and yet I never use them for his glory. It is almost as though I've forgotten that they are gifts in the first place.

Fast - Today, I am fasting in order to grow deeper with God. I'm not just writing this so that I am glorified in the eyes of anyone reading this. This is a new concept to me and it's something I haven't practiced much (if at all) and would love to hear from those who do fast and possibly learn a few things.

This will be a time to earnestly seek after God while my fleshly body has to go without. Joel 2:12

Pray - God wants us to pray without ceasing - with an earnesty and longing for intimacy with Him - it is the very same thing he seeks with us. He longs to reveal to his children the deep mysteries of Himself to those He loves. If we would only take time and pray for revelation, for the spirit to overtake our lives, and to be used for God and His kingdom. God wants us to " render our hearts unto him" Joel 2:13 - to show him how we feel and what we think. He cherishes that.

These three things are what God seeks from us. THe give all we have, fast from the things of this world, and pray with an earnest heart and seek his face, our lives will be forever changed. The fruits of the Spirit will be produced and multiply. From these three simple, yet difficult things, comes sacrifice - Sacrifice of possessions, of time, of physical needs, and of privacy. But in giving out these things, God returns to us even more than we could ever expect. Our God is a giving and faithful God, if only we would be giving and faithful people.

Helen Keller

One of the biggest secrets that really isn't a secret is how active woman business owners have become in networking off line in the real world. Women-centric networking groups outnumber men's groups by a wide margin in our Northern California region and I suspect it to be the case in many parts of the country.

Important Note

You do not have to limit your networking to industry specific organizations or groups. Stretch out and aim to meet community leaders, political leaders, and other top notch organizations in your area

The following is a list of women-centric networking groups who support women business owners, provide fantastic exposure, great connectivity, and resources:

1.National Assoc. of Women Business Owners: NAWBO is a national organization with pull

2.Women's Council of Realtors: WCR has many fantastic industry specific resources

3.Women in Consulting: WIC provides a great measuring stick for fee structuring, training, and resources

4. Schiff Hardin Networking Group: SH LLP is a regional organization with power

5. Webgrrls International: Webgrrls has 100 chapters around the country

6. American Business Women's Assoc: ABWA is a stalwart in networking

7. American Assoc of University Women: a great chance to reconnect with alumni

8. Commercial Real Estate Women: CREW is another solid choice

9. National Assoc For Female Executives: NAFE is anther source of powerful executive women

10. Women in Housing and Finance: WHF is another source of partnership opportunities

More resources go to this link for 29 more organizations

I'll be 21 this year and before this year is out, its going to be some changes. I've been saying it and saying but I've been avoiding it. Well thats about to stop too; in an instant. Its time I get in school and get a job. Cleveland may be a terrible and horrible place to live but all the jobs aren't gone yet. I seriously need to get up off my ass and do something about my situation. I have a promising future and who ever is along side me, I want them to be proud of me. Not some chick who just laid on her ass all her life.

Being sick though and tired most of the time has done something to my mind. Its like when I'm not here in hell, I'm fine, I'm not sick. Yea, I get a few back pains that can jerk some tears out of me every now and then but other than that, I'm healthy as hell and I can go to sleep without taking all that damn medicine. It may seem awkward and all but thats the truth. This house is a plague that look like its only affecting me. Maybe because I'm not giving into the life my grandmother, sisters, brother, and my mom is living. Its like the house know in my heart I'm going to be happy and live a life and leave away from here and not look back.

Its like I'm refusing to listen to my psychiatrist. She keeps telling me to leave. But where to? Where can I go? I need/want my own place badly. I had one and because I'm a strong kind-hearted person I moved back in here all cause my grandmother said so. Well okay then, you asked me to move back in but I'm made to pay rent when the others who have a job doesn't? I mind as well stayed at the place I had and just come visit her but I didn't think of it that way. It was wonderful having my own shit.

The only thing I was missing though, was someone to call mine. But thats a different blog for a different day.

-N-

In the real estate niche, the majority of Realtors point to the same "differentiating factors" when attempting to create a perception of a unfair advantage. Some Realtors claim their experience and customer service are "unfair advantages" over their competition. Yet the fact remains that there are thousands of Realtors with great experience and superior customer service.

"Unfair Advantage #1: Writing"

Creating a writing platform within your business is a major "unfair advantage" when you consider the number of Realtors who do not consistently utilize this strategy. Separate yourself and your business by creating all of the following tools:

1. Blog- The most powerful writing tool for your "next generation" marketing campaign, lead generation, SEO tool, and exposure is the blog. Whether you like the idea or not, blogs are here to stay. First adopters will reap the search engine optimization benefits while those Realtors that refuse to blog will be left off line in world this online. Eventually you will immerse yourself in Web 2.0 "social networking" via Digg, Reddit, delicious, stumbleupon, twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, friendfeed, and other social bookmarking or sharing sites

2. Freelance Contributor- Hone your writing skills first by practicing on your blog. Then contact your local newspapers, trade association, affiliates, community groups, rotaries, Kiwanis Clubs, investment clubs, church groups, and any other local organizations and offer to do a guest column

3. Newsletter- Create a newsletter for delivery EVERY OTHER week (no more-no less). Ask for permission (permission marketing) to deliver your newsletter via email to your list (those who have opted in to be on your list of course)

Tone for your newsletter is simple-valuable free information on a continuous basis asking for NOTHING in return from your readers. Write short succinct articles (2-4 paragraphs) like Top 10 lists, how to guides, tips, or resource listings

Proof This Works

You need not go any further than the following list of blogger-Realtors/affiliates for the reasons why you should be creating a writing platform within your business. Most of these people have either written or stated that blogging (writing) has changed their life and their business in such positive and profound ways.

1. Brian Brady www.mortgageratesreport.com
2. Tom Royce http://therealestatebloggers.com
3. Ardel's www.searchingseattleblog.com/
4. Athol Kay's http://reagentinct.com/about-page/
5. Marlow Harris http://360digest.com/
6. John Harper's http://www.theharperteam.com/blog
7. Teresa Boardman http://www.stpaulrealestateblog.com/
8. Dustin and the gang at http://www.raincityguide.com/about/
9. Joshua Dorkin http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/contributors/
10. Kevin Boer http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/

11. And me dean http://deansguide.wordpress.com and innerarchitect.com

It's so positive other than some of the verses, but the message totally relates to anyone who has been knocked down but NOT out. Here's a thought- check it:

What if RIGHT NOW you were done? What if right now God said "Okay time's up" and that was it? Would you be satisfied with how you ended? Would you regret where it all ended? Or would you just be glad it's over? These are the questions that we should ask ourselves when we feel like quitting. (or at least I think they are good ones)

I don't know about everyone else out there but if today was the day I would say that I don't like where it all ended. I mean it was good while it lasted but I really want to end on with a bang. I want to progress in so many areas of life...for instance- Today I made a decision about a sport that has had my interest for some time now "rock climbing". I have been climbing now for more than 10 yrs. and still just at a beginner to intermediate level. I met an eighteen year old kid the other day that is darn near professional. He has no idea about how our paths crossing really blessed my life. He also has no clue that though I never saw him climb he inspired me to be better.

It's funny how being around a person or group of people can have a lasting effect on you. Take for instance the people I work with lately. I don't know what kind of lasting effect I will have on them (i hope a good one) but each one of them has effected me in some sort of way. Maybe this is why Paul says to us to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Quite possibly the long term effects that it might have on us. Nevertheless these "pals" of mine at work have gotten me back out there into the mountains again. I'm hiking, climbing, fishing, swimming and talking amongst dreaming about more progressive and challenging outdoor activities. It's like a cool refreshing after a seemingly long dry spell. Ya know?

People come and people go but one thing that stays is YOU. You are not going anywhere. That may not have come out exactly how I imagined, but still it's true. You will always be you. People change, you may change, circumstances, problems, scenery, etc. will all change but YOU will still be you even if YOU is different six months from now than the YOU that you are today. Make sense?

With all of this changing and rearranging that you do, one thing is for sure- YOU will have to always live with yourself. I made a decision recently and it may be something that you would want to consider...I decided once again that no matter what happens and no matter what life throws at me, I'm no quitter. I may get knocked down a time or two but I will never count myself out. Others may have counted you out over the years but you and I cannot afford to count ourselves out. It's like Pastor Tommy Barnette says, "It's okay to quit a thousand times a day, as long as you restart before the day is over." Sometimes it can get so tough that it becomes seemingly impossible to continue where you are at. That's okay, maybe you don't need to. Maybe it's time to put your hands to something new. Maybe it's time to take the plunge and put yourself out there for new adventures. Only you can decide that.

As for me, I am entering new phases of my life. It's shaky at times, I'll give you that, but even with the unknowing on the outside I have a knowing on the inside that it can only work out for me. That's my faith but not only that it's my confession. Maybe that should be your confession, that everything's gonna work out fine. Nothing can stop me from succeeding. Nothing can shake me loose from my dreams. And I'm never gonna quit. These are not just words of encouragement, these are lifelines.

Do you have a lifeline? You may be wondering what one is. There are so many out there, no matter where you currently find yourself. I was thinking today about...what if I were so bad off that I truly did not know what to do, where to go, had no money, no friends, no support, no family, no church, no nothing??? I came to a conclusion...I would have to stop and since there would be no real options to consider, I would take a few days off- from whatever it was that I was doing. I would take some time away from it all. Maybe get a sleeping bag and head for the woods for a few days. I would get a pad and a pen and I would begin to write down anything that brings me joy. I would write down the things in life that have been truly a blessing. Maybe the names of people who have blessed me. I would also make a list of things that I want to do in the future that would bless me. I would have some small goals in mind and then also some bigger ones.

After really pondering these things I would then take some time to express on paper the thanks that I want to give to those people who gave to me. Quite possibly and most likely I would want to send out of the blue thank you notes to them as a gift. It may not seem much, but think for a moment about how it feels to get a personal note from someone you care about and also how it feels to be thanked. Sometimes it's the greatest gift you can give. The Bible says that your gift will make room for you. I believe that whole-heartedly.

There have been times that seemed so low and bare that mind brain was telling me that it could not get any worse than it is right now. I met somebody who told me about what I just described to you about writing things down and taking time to reflect. It taught me the greatest lesson in life that no matter what I still have something to give. Luke 6:38 promises that when you give it shall be given unto you. This is a great "secret" (not really a secret) that can pull you out when you are stuck. Try it on!

PJ

Just a reminder that all funds have to be in place by August 1st, so that we can get a green light on this project. If you've been holding off until the last minute, the next few weeks would be it! Just click on over to the donate info on this site, and share some hope!!

A huge  thank you to those of you who have partnered with us in this project - we are stoked, and I am already beginning to dream big for next year!

Life goes on for ex-Leaf Tucker
AHL action returning to Mile One this preseason

Run to your local dollar store and pick up some inexpensive cards that are blank on the inside. Once a month, or week, or daily (if you have the time and gumption), write a note to someone. I'm starting with people in my office - people that I either don't know that well, or people who appear to need a little day brightener.

The card will say something like "hello" and wishes them a little bit of happiness. I thought a cool message would be:

Here's a wish that you make someone smile today,
and that someone does the same for you!

Make it more "selfless" by not signing your name, just sign the card "Just cuz…" and leave it on a co-worker's desk.

With the economy in recession, people are cutting back on a lot of things. Unnecessary expenses are the first to go and charitable donations are certainly not required spending.

With the economy slowing and likely in recession, charitable giving will probably slump this year and possibly next. After all, charitable donations are a lagging indicator, says Robert Evans, managing director of EHL Consulting Group, a Philadelphia-based firm that advises nonprofits on fund-raising. "It's a lagging indicator for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that in the minds of some, philanthropy is a luxury. You pay your bills first and then start making charitable gifts."

The data seems to bear Evans out. During the last 40 years, according to data provided by Giving USA, charitable giving fell in real terms (i.e., adjusted for inflation) in years in which the economy was in recession, or in years in which there was a significant stock market dislocation. Giving fell in 1980, 1987, and 1990. The last time the economy contracted was in 2001. That year, according to Giving USA, charitable giving fell 2.3 percent in real terms, after having boomed along with the stock markets and the economy at large in the late 1990s. But while the economy resumed its growth in late 2001, charitable giving slumped in real terms in both 2001 (down 1.4 percent) and 2003 (down 0.2 percent).

Read the full article at Newsweek.com.

Even those who are volunteering time are cutting back, I was reading another article this morning about a man who lives for helping people that had to reduce his volunteering because he could not afford the gas to get there. So what are some ways you can donate your time without leaving home? Here are some suggestions from The Morning News:

Watch your hair grow. Locks of Love takes donated human hair and makes wigs for underprivileged kids suffering from medical hair loss. It works like this: You sit on your bum and grow your hair out until you can cut off at least ten inches. You put it in a ponytail, cut it, then send the ponytail to Locks of Love in an envelope. They send you a thank-you note, and you feel all aw-shucksy inside.

Knit a bear. Teddies for Tragedies sends hand-knitted teddy bears to child victims of tragedy around the world. So far they’ve sent over a thousand bears. You can send them some wool yarn or stuffing and they’ll put it to good use. Or, if you know how to knit, choose one of their patterns, knit up your own bear, and send it in. There are no deadlines or quotas. Besides, why make yet another scarf when you could be making a cuddly teddy bear for a scared little kid?

Send a card. Remember how excited you were to get mail when you were little? Make a Child Smile is a Web site that publishes information about kids with life-threatening illnesses and asks you to send them cards and small gifts. It’s a fun, easy way to lift their spirits while they’re getting through a tough time. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy stickers again.

Write for change. Amnesty International’s Freedom Writers program chooses three human rights cases each month that deserve your attention. The site gives you information and a sample letter with an address. If you support a particular cause, you can print and send the letter that Amnesty provides, or write your own. If you don’t see anything that moves you, check back next month for updates.

Sew a security blanket. Many of us have fond memories of our security blanket; some of us still have it. The aptly named Project Linus gives the same sense of comfort to seriously ill children, or those who’ve experienced trauma. The program provides new, handmade blankets in any style or size. They have patterns available on the site to get you started. Maybe you’re not a whiz with a needle and thread, but we’re talking about small squares of fabric stitched together. I have faith in you.

Stop surfing, start helping. Online Volunteering hooks up ‘virtual volunteers’ with organizations in need of their expertise. If you have access to a computer and the Internet (check … check), and you know something about programming, writing, project management, translation, law, education, or any other area of expertise that works over email, you’re in business. You’ll use your skills to provide online help for your chosen organization. Yet another job you can do in your underwear.

the first time i heard about it was years ago from mac powell himself, lead singer of third day (who just landed a gig on 'the tonight show with jay leno', on july 29th! -mark your calendars!!). it happened to be about when i remember praying, 'enlarge my territories!' from the 'prayer of jabez'. well, we finally got to trusting God enough to supply us the funds to support this cause, & it turned out to be pretty darn easy. we don't even miss the $32...in fact, God has been really rewarding our efforts to give, in ways we never thought he would! i'm not kiddin'. we've seen major increase. you test it out & see for yourself! here's all we did:

i just sat at the computer w/braylon, & together we picked a child his exact age. i signed up (choosing auto-withdrawal). soon we got a welcome packet w/the basics, wrote our 1st letter including a picture of braylon & a picture he colored for his new friend, & ba-da-bing! a few weeks later, how special did my little boy feel when opening a great lil surprise in the mail - his first letter back (translated from spanish by a tutor) & a picture drawn by his sponsored kid/penpal! it's been wonderful.

today we get to send him a birthday package (we were able to choose a boy whose 6th birthday is the same week as braylon's!) ~ 'jhonatan' will be opening up a gift: spiderman stickers & a card game to go with bray's hand-written birthday wishes & verse. i am so thankful for this new way to share w/my kiddo how compassion & perspective can change lives.

Next time you're driving home from the supermarket, and you pass that gas station that is swarming with a bunch of teens with signs that read "Car Wash!" -- why not stop and support them.

Many schools have gone through major budget cuts in the last several years, and one way to raise money for school activities is through bake sales, car washes, and other sales-type events.

Support a school in your area, even though you may not have kids going to that school.

Do it just cuz.

Suzanne's column got me thinking about acts of kindness. For me, my acts of kindness towards friends and family come in the form of cards. Every once in a while I send out cards to various friends and family, just to say Hi and that I was thinking about them. I try hard to keep in touch and extend my hand of friendship, because those people are very dear to me and no matter how much time has lapsed, they will always be dear to me. The giving and sending of cards or letters via snail mail, regardless of the holiday or occasion, has been on my heart for many years. Unfortunately, it seems our society has forgotten how special and how big an impact the simple act of sending a card can be.

Since the implementation of the internet, we have lost the art of personable contact. We only have time for email - and even then we have reduced ourselves to shorthand and fragmented sentences. Where has the time gone? There is nothing quite so touching as seeing a friends' handwriting on a card. Simply seeing that handwriting says to the recipient, "I care enough about you that I took the time to do this". So often these days we are too busy to even eat a decent meal. Who in their right mind has the time to go to the store and buy a card? Nevermind make your own - there's no way! We have lost the importance of PEOPLE. There is nothing more important than caring for your neighbor, your friend and especially your family. Three simple words - each one syllable, 4 letters or less - can reduce even the thickest brick walls to dust. "I love you" or "I miss you" have a tremendous impact, if we would only make the effort.

I am not writing about this to guilt you into buying my handmade cards (though I wouldn't say no if you wanted to!). No, I am writing this because it is dear to my heart. I understand our busy lives - believe me - and I can even understand not knowing what to say or how to say it. Those who don't feel they have the creativity or tools to create their own cards - I can understand that, too. With each of these excuses, though, I also have a rebuttal and a solution.

"I have no time" Margaret Cho said that "if we have the opportunity to be generous with our hearts, ourselves, we have no idea the debth of love's reach". These days, simply giving up some of our valuable time to someone else is phenomenal. And yet, while your time may be limited, you still obviously have time to surf the internet for a while. You probably even have time to sit down and watch your favorite television show or go to a bar or club in the evenings or on weekends to unwind from a long week. You have time to shop, time to eat, time to shower, time to sleep. Truly all it takes is about 3 minutes to sign a card and address it. 5 minutes if you put an extra note on the card. You can buy the card while you are grocery shopping these days, or online while you are checking your email. Albert Schweitzer, a French philosopher and physician said "You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it".

If it seems silly to go out to get just one card every time someone has a birthday, or loses a family member, or is having a baby then I would suggest you stock up on cards. Many places these days are selling packs of cards that have a variety of occasions and greetings. Sign it and address it while you are watching tv, checking your email, or eating dinner. The post office these days has automatic postage so you don't have to wait in line to get one stamp from cranky postal workers. Soon I will be putting together card sets - with boxes so you can have a place to put your cards until the urge arises to send one out - with a variety of occasions and themes for anything you might want to send a card for.

"I have no idea what to send" Understandable. There are tons of designs, colors, themes, poems, greetings, occasions out there for cards - and tons more personalities for each person in your life. How do you choose the perfect card? Seneca, a Roman philosopher, politician and dramatist said "The spirit in which a thing is given determines that in which the debt is acknowledged; it's the intention, not the face-value of the gift, that is weighed". You may not have a creative bone in your body, but if you simply think about the person - think on why you want to send this card to them, then think on what you would want/need to hear if you were in their shoes - you will find the right thing to send. Like Seneca stated so eloquently, it isn't the face-value of what we give, in other words it's not how much money we spent or how big it is, it's the intention and spirit in which it is given. It's the thought that counts, in other words. If you have an idea of what you want, but can't find it, create it! If you can't create it - find someone who can. I love doing custom projects all the time and if you want to send someone a card, but can't find what you are looking for, talk to me - we'll find it.

If you twist Seneca's statement around by just a couple words - "the spirit in which a thing is NOT given determines that in which the debt is acknowledged. It is the intention - no the face-value of the gift that is weighed". In other words, not giving the gift, exusing your self from giving the gift makes the recipient (or not as the case may be) feel that much worse.

My father passed away suddenly two days after Christmas this year. As a life-changing event, all of my friends and family were notified. In response, I received 2 cards - one from a friend and one from my husbands' boss, 2 phone calls - one from my cousin and one from my sister-in-law, and I can count on one hand the number of emails I received. I'm not saying this to make anyone feel guilty or defensive or make this into a pity party by any means. Only to say, I know the full impact of NOT doing the thing. The negative impact of NOT doing something as simple as sending a card, especially with something major like a death in the family, a baby, purchasing a house, is more damaging than anyone can know unless they have been there. My healing process has been dramatically effected by my experiences this year. And while I do not hold any grudges against any of my friends and family, I have an increased longing to express and give what I can of myself.

And I urge you too, faithful readers, if you know someone who is grieving, going through a rough time, in need of some encouragement, or if someone has been on your mind for a while, send them a quick card just to say you were thinking of them, or your heart is with them, or simply that you miss them. You have no idea the impact of that simple gesture. Pubilius Syrus (100BC) said it perfectly: "A gift in season is a double favor to the needy".

My gifts and passions lie with my cards (and albums) so that is what I have to give. My husband made the comment to me today that I ought to put my postage where my mouth is, so to speak. So I am putting a challenge to myself - because I don't want anyone to feel what I have felt - to set aside any inhibitions or fears and give of myself what I have. Sir Winston Churchill said "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give".

"Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends."

Dear Faithful Christian,

I do not know what difficulties and challenges you face.  Nor will I pretend to understand what you've been going through.  But I offer you this small reminder from our Lord and Savior who loves you.  Stay strong and remember that you are not alone.  God is always with you; and there is at least one person out there who's thinking about you.  I pray the Lord will bring you His everlasting comfort and joy in this difficult time.

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