Did you all have a nice Memorial Day? I hope you remembered the reason for the holiday is not just another excuse for a cookout. It’s to remember in our thoughts and prayers those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this nation, and those families who have given their fathers, sons, mothers, brothers, sisters, and daughters for this high calling.

Flags are flown at half staff on this day in honor of the memory of those whose lives were laid down for freedom. While we all loathe war and the devastation it brings on all countries, there comes a time when free men and women are called upon to step forward and take up arms in defense of their homeland. When you think of the soldiers currently serving on foreign soil, send up a prayer for their safe return. While you’re at it, send up a prayer for the citizens of whatever country they’re in, that they will be able to defend themselves from those who would overpower them and remove their freedoms and human rights.

Technorati Tags: Memorial Day, holiday

Posted: May 26th, 2008 under Politics, Those Who Soar.
Comments: none

Barron Hilton has announce that he will be leaving the bulk of his fortune to charity. According to Fox News, the billionaire will leave the money to a trust which distributes it to places like Mexico and Africa, to help with clean water sources. It is also used for helping the homeless and drug addicted in this country.

To say that this is generous is an understatement. While granddaughters Paris and Nikki will certainly not be poor as a result of this, they won’t be getting what they probably hoped for. However, they are making tidy incomes already in fashion, so it’s not like they’ll be part of the homeless who need help.

I find it refreshing when those who have accumulated so much wealth decide to do worthwhile things with it, don’t you?

Technorati Tags: Hilton, fortune, charity, Paris, Nikki

Posted: December 28th, 2007 under Those Who Soar, Business and finance.
Comments: none

There are many among us, in our communities, who dream of owning their own home. It’s a difficult step for them to take, but not impossible when the people from Habitat for Humanity lend a helping hand. But they can’t do it without your help.

By giving of your time and giving donations, Habitat for Humanity can assist deserving families in attaining their dream of home ownership. Won’t you help, too? It’s really very easy, and since every little bit helps, your small effort combined with that of thousands of others can really make an impact on a family in your community.

I have been so very fortunate to be able to add to my income through PayPerPost, and they are strong supporters of Habitat for Humanity, so I’ve named them as the company I’m donating for. Join MamaBok, myself, and others in giving so families can attain their dreams.

Here are others who have blogged about this cause:

Christmas Spirit
Give the Gift of a Home This Holiday
Tis the Season
Give Thanks Don’t Say It
Thanks PayPerPost
This is the Right Thing To Do
A Home for Everyone
Habitat for Humanity

Clicking the banner will take you to their donation page. You’ll never regret giving, but you may regret hesitating.

Technorati Tags: Habitat for Humanity

Posted: December 22nd, 2007 under Those Who Soar, Outreach.
Comments: 7

The last Bloggers Unite! campaign was against abuse of all kinds. This push is for Acts of Kindness.

This time of the year, our hearts are really tuned in to help others. These acts of kindness, no matter how small we think they are, could change someone’s life. Many churches and businesses have an “Angel Tree” now where you can pick a couple of angels off the tree. These angels will have the information about children, teens, and sometimes whole families who are in need at this time of the year. You may find clothing and shoe sizes, food needs, and even games and toys listed on the angels. Usually, there will be first names, too, so the gift tags can be personalized for the individuals.

Sometimes, a couple of folks will go together and supply a really wonderful Christmas for a whole family from the Angel Tree.

You might also want to be a Secret Santa, and purchase gifts for a child or co-worker whom you know has fallen on hard times. Being a Secret Santa means you never put your name as the giver of the gift, and no one knows you did this act of kindness. But the recipient is enormously blessed without feeling obligated to supply a gift in return.

Right now, I can think of two people who could really use a Secret Santa to brighten their Christmas, so this is what I’ll be doing. One is single, and I’ll be getting a few items for that person. The other has two small children, so I’ll get something for the children.

I’m sure you can th