Wise Choices

 

"Small steps every day

lead to big changes.”

~ Jasmine

 

 

“Sometimes it ends up

different

and it’s better that way.”

~ Sue May-Dumele

 

 

“Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

 

 

“Do what you can,

with what you’ve got,

where you are.”

~ Theodore Roosevelt

 

 

“The will of God

will not take us

where the grace of God

cannot sustain us.”

~ Billy Graham

 

 

“For anything to be good, truly good,

there must be love in it. Whether the art is

sculpture, farming, teaching, lawmaking, medicine,

music, or raising a child – nothing is what it’s

supposed to be if love is not at the core.”

~ Allen Levi

 

 

“There’s something beautiful

about looking around at your

very ordinary life and thinking,

God, You’ve been so good to me.”

~ Maryanne

 

 “God grant me the serenity

to accept the things

  I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.”

~ Reinhold Niebuhr

 

 

“There is always a reason to

complain and always a reason to

be grateful. They live side by side,

every single day. The one you

feed is the one that grows.”

~ Onome Festus

 

 

                                         “Inclusion isn’t just inviting

someone to sit at your table.

It’s believing they belong there.”

~ Mia Carella

 

 

 

May God give us wisdom to make choices to help us become more like him.

 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

 

Selfless Compassion

 

As Harley Donworth, Finlay Hamilton, Jack Murphy, and Kaden Rocha were walking home from Magna Academy, they noticed 90-year-old Alan Stanyon stranded and not moving on his electric scooter. When the 14-year-olds stopped to check on the older man, they discovered that the battery had lost its charge. Dressed in their uniform suits, the young men pushed the heavy scooter over a mile to Mr. Stanyon’s house. It took over 3o minutes, and much effort, to reach their destination. Alan offered to pay the students, but they refused his offer. They wanted to help because it was needed.

Layla Lester, 5, and her mother were walking through Akron Falls Park, in western New York, when Layla noticed a beautiful princess wearing all white. Being autistic, Layla did not usually approach or speak to people she did not know, but this time she ran to get closer to Cinderella. That day, Olivia Spark was in the park having her bridal portraits taken. Instead of acting inconvenienced, Olivia knelt down, took Layla by the hands, and spent time talking with her. A week later, Olivia went to the park to see Layla again. She had made arrangements for a pumpkin carriage to arrive for a princess photo shoot for Layla. Photographer Nicole Witkins was there, once again, to capture another magical moment.

 

Rick Steves is the host of “Rick Steves’ Europe,” as well as a travel writer. He recently read an article about The Lynwood Hygiene Center in Washington State which provides services for people without a home. Those in need are welcomed to go there for a warm shower, eat a meal, wash and dry their clothes, and visit with a nurse. Recently, word spread that the land was to be sold and the services would end. Although Steves had never been to or seen The Lynwood Hygiene Center in person, he understood the loss it would be for the people who depended on the facility. He contacted the land owner and offered $2.25 million to purchase the property. The bid was accepted. Now there are no more threats to The Lynwood Hygiene Center closing. Mr. Steves read about a problem, knew he had the means to fix it, and did something about it.

 

Using our strength, effort, money, time, and possessions, we all have something to give and do that will help and encourage others.

 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Generous Hearts

Wanting a new bicycle, six-year-old Nawal Victoria Roa had been saving her money and putting it in a piggy bank. Recently, an earthquake struck her city in Colombia killing hundreds of people, injuring thousands, and leaving thousands without their home and belongings. Seeing the suffering, Nawal decided she wanted to give the money she had saved to help others. She carried her piggy bank and gave it to a lady at the relief center. Nawal’s mother said, “I want my daughter to understand that someone else’s needs could be greater than her own wish.”

Dave Whitlow is a father, grandfather, and retired government manager. He spends every Tuesday and Thursday in the neonatal intensive care unit at VCU Children’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, volunteering as a baby cuddler and comforter for the tiny and vulnerable babies. Realizing the importance of human touch, Dave rocks, comforts, and speaks to the babies. Some days he holds as many as eight infants. Before returning a baby to the incubator, Dave softly says, “Grow strong. Grow smart. Grow kind.”

Recently, Mateo Nicasio celebrated his 8th birthday. He was excited about going to Walmart to spend the $23 he received at his party. While at the stoplight, Mateo saw a young mother selling candy for $3. Asking his mom if he could buy some candy, she asked why. He replied, “I want the woman to have enough money to buy milk for her baby.” He gave the young mother $3 for the candy and also gave her the additional $20. Strangers sent money to Mateo to replace what he had given. He decided that he wanted to use the money to help people who need it more than he does.

 

Michael Parziale, from New Jersey, founded Parziale’s U.S.A.R. Drone Team, for the purpose of rescuing lost pets. The team members use thermal-imaging drones which are capable of detecting body heat in the dark. Pets have been located hiding in the woods, in large open spaces, and other places that are difficult to search for on foot, especially at night. So far, the U.S.A.R. Drone Team has reunited over 120 animals with their owners.

 

With generous hearts, may we also find ways to make a difference.

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12