Charity

“Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more. Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”
Marvin J. Ashton

Taken from Lisa Bearnson's Blog

I think this just says so many things.  We make choices each and everyday.  Shouldn't we live with more Charity for each other!

Move Forward

Excerpt from Self Magazine and Ali Edwards Blog!

 Lovely! 

It is your choice!

Happiness

“… I believe this is something all of us can do: Try to be happy within the context of the life we are actually living. Happiness is not a situation to be longed for or a convergence of lucky happenstance. Through the power of our own minds, we can help ourselves. This I believe.”

Excerp from Stacy Julian's Blog.

SMILE

SMILE

A Smile costs nothing, but gives much

It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever

None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it,
and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it

A Smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business,
and is the countersign of friendship

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad,
and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away

Some people are too tired to give you a smile;
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

author unknown

L.O.V.E.

As my children grow and learn and live their lives - we are so often exposed to attitudes and ideas that don't reflect how we want to live our lives.  School has probably been the most difficult area for my children.  So many kids from so many different backgrounds.  So many bad choices made.  Sometimes, our family is exposed to people we are close to making poor decisions.  So heart-breaking!

We are trying to use these moments to teach our children - how we don't want to be.  Temper tamtrums, backtalking or just not showing love to each other.

I saw this on a blog post and it definitely touched me and shows what we are hoping to teach our children.  Sometimes it doesn't seem like nice matters - - but I believe LOVE will win in the end!

LEARN: Knowledge is power and we really want to stress learning all our children can, both temporally and spiritually. By learning we grow: academically, creatively, emotionally, etc.

ENJOY: POSITIVE ATTITUDE and being happy. Life is too good to be sad or hold on to negativity. Hopefully, our children can be a positive influence for others and radiate happiness everywhere they go, enjoying this precious gift we call life and living it to its fullest.

SERVE: Helping others. When we forget about ourselves and try to help however we can, we are happier and also bless others. This incorporates a truly selfless attitude, and also institutes hard work. Serving to the best of our abilities and at every opportunity possible.

RESPECT: Always being kind and respectful. Practing good manners and etiquette. Living with honor. Watching our thoughts, words, dress, and actions. Living appropriately.

 

I just LOVE it!!  I hope to make some sort of sign like this to incorporate into our home as a daily reminder!

 

Everyday - - the choice is ours!!!  Let's choose LOVE!

 

Choices

Everyday we make choices!

Yesterday the weather was warm .......finally!!
We went from 40's to 88!!  HOT!!

The kids have been cooped up all winter!  They needed the fresh air!  They desperately wanted to run through the sprinklers! 

So we got out a sprinkler and let them run through the VERY cold garden hose!  BURR!!

But you know what.......they had a blast!!

Then they went to the sandbox - - and made rivers and waterfalls and mudpies and played and played and played!!!

And......they came in for the night very happy!       AND   very dirty!!

We made the choice to let the kids be kids!

It was GREAT!

Phillippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

The choice is ours to make!