Saturday, August 14, 2010

A quote worth remembering...

"Nothing, can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness."
Tolstoy

Serving with and Inspired by my Kids

My kiddos are 11, 9, 7 and 10 months. This summer I had the chance to take to older three with me to do some service projects and I cannot begin to communicate how rewarding it was or how much of a proud mamma I am.

Two times we took our oldest son to serve lunch to college interns serving through Urban Promise in Camden, NJ (an inner city a hop skip and jump from us and yet so easily ignored by those of us who just drive my on the highways and ignore the pain). Then my husband and I took the big three (along with other members from our church & youth group) to help out at their carnival for the 500 kids that attended the summer camps.

I watched as my kids played games alongside the campers, served them water ice and handed out water bottles on the hot day. I was so proud and grateful to see my children put their faith into action through service. I watched my 9 year old son stike up a conversation with a boy his age like he had known him for years. What a blessing.

Here are some ideas for family service projects:
- sorting at a local food pantry
- distributing food for a food pantry (children may have to be older for this one)
- clean up a local park
- adopt a family for Christmas and have fun buying them gifts
- help your senior neighbor with yard work
- make teddy bears for children in the hospital
- save your pennies and sponsor a child
- collect suitcases or duffle bags for foster children
- donate your toys to foster children
- Call local service organizations and see what you can do

There are tons more, get your kids to help you come with ways to love their neighbor.

he (Jesus) answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind." and, "Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Luke 10:27

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A New Page

I'm finally taking the time and setting up the space to write about my passions, my ponderings, musings and loves and see what develops.

As daily life unravels there are so many things I want to share, from precious moments with my children to the not so precious times to rant, from life's questions and humors to the quiet moments of the soul.

I look forward to seeing what unfolds.