I have found that I am infinitely happier in my life when I don't listen to it. I stay very informed about the news of the day especially as it can affect my little corner of the world but apart from that I could care less.
I do however, love to hear real-life stories of triumph, perserverance and personal sacrifice for the greater good. Those stories that lift you up and make you proud to be in my case an American but in yours wherever you call home. The stories that renew your faith in your god, country and fellow man. The ones that bring a smile to your face later that day, week or month. Those are the ones that we don't hear enough about and this is my small effort to change that.......
Feel good stories abound this time of year....as many are overcome with the spirit of the season. Helping those truly in need is not only important now but at all times of the year. So many get caught up in the everyday grind and forget these things...myself included.
In our home, I teach my kids that Christmas does not have anything to do with how many presents they can unwrap...but Christ's birth. At such a young age the presents mean a lot to them but they still remember. :-)
Read this short story from the Joplin Globe......
'Santa Claus’ donates $100,000 to Joplin Salvation ArmyWhat an amazing person to give in such a substantial way. Every time I hear a story like this it makes me feel good for days and I'll bet you think of it too the next time you pass a Salvation Army red kettle.
By Emily Younker
news@joplinglobe.com The Joplin Globe Tue Dec 14, 2010, 07:47 PM CST
JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Salvation Army has once again gotten an early Christmas gift from “Santa Claus.”
Five checks totaling $100,000 were dropped into the Salvation Army’s red kettle at Walgreens, 20th and Main streets, sometime between 5 and 9 p.m. Monday, Capt. Jason Poff said.
“They were folded and hidden within dollar bills,” he said. “Really, it feels surprising, shocking, amazing all at the same time when you open up a bucket and $20,000 checks start falling out.”
This is at least the fifth consecutive year in which the local organization has received a substantial anonymous donation, in the form of Commerce Bank cashier’s checks with the remitter identified as “Santa Claus.” Over the past five Christmas seasons, the local Salvation Army has reaped $350,000 in checks from the anonymous Santa.
The checks put the group about $20,000 away from this year’s Red Kettle Campaign goal of $230,000, Poff said.
Poff said he would like to thank both the donor as well as the daily Secret Santas who contribute their spare change to the red kettles.
“Obviously the amount of trust they put in us with that kind of gift is overwhelming,” he said.
Sometimes I feel bad when I pass by a kettle and don't make a donation...either because I don't have any cash on me....or I just don't have it. But I try to remember....and you should too.....helping those in need is not just about giving money. You can help those in need by giving your time....and not even have to leave your neighborhood or go far from your home. There is most definitely someone living very close to you that
could use your help for a couple of afternoons a month.....an elderly couple, a young mother or a disabled veteran to name a few.....Get to know your neighbors.
What are some of your uplifting holiday stories??..............
1 comment:
I cry every time I hear an inspirational story like this. Thank you for sharing :D
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