I have always been a helper/fixer. I know that I have a gift for creative strategy and seeing through the dark knots of challenges. But the truth is, when it comes to my own family and friends, I also have a real problem with stepping back and trusting their process.

I am a personal coach. So, my job is to trust my clients, listen deeply and hold space for them to have their insights and breakthrough aha moments. Learning to be in the moment with them, at times in the dark, gristly experience of stuckness, and shine the light of faith IN THEM, has been my greatest healing.

You see, it doesn't serve another person when you help them or fix them. Serving is about seeing the wholeness in another person and trusting that they are the authors of their own reality. The greatest gift you can give another person is to see their strengths, listen from your heart and collaborate with them.

When we attempt to fix or help another person, we are relating to them as needy or less than us. We may even take more away from the than we give. But when we serve from our hearts, we are as gifted as the person we are serving. Serving is connection between two equals.

Think back on times you have stepped in and tried to solve another person's problem. Likely, it ended in you feeling good about yourself, them owing you one and perhaps the other person continuing to re create the same problem (sometimes in another form).

Likewise, remember a time when you stood side by side with another person and connected with them through the wholeness of you (all your limitations, experiences and gifts), listened to their feelings and needs and honored their strength.

I bet you felt as much gratitude, or even more, than they did.

So, today, I am reminding myself to channel my impulse to help into solving my own life challenges. And Papa Bear, if you are reading this, I know you can do it! And I am here, loving you and trusting you through it all.

anyone can love someone who loves them. but to show love to someone who you don't even know - who doesn't like you - or is in some way different from who you'd normally approach - to show genuine love to someone like this is honorable. it is what each of us ought to do, with compassion and love. Lord knows i need to more.

i came across this artist, peter nevland, a few weeks ago & his animated nature & humor grabbed my att'n. at 1st, i thought he was this crazy, outspoken shaggy-lookin' guy & almost abandoned. but his content kept me listening...until i appreciated how different he was in his approach to art & poetry. search him on youtube or check out his site. give him a few clicks. you'll see.

meanwhile, here's a cartoon video of a more serious piece he wrote {from experience}, about reaching beyond our comfort zones to just be available for anyone in need. so click below, relax & get uncomfortable.

http://spokengroove.com/index.php?location=george_ani

"You bought which three magazines?"

"Our home is going to be sprayed for pests when?

"Have we even heard of that charity?"

I'm a total wimp when it comes to solicitations.  Even when I find the courage to say no I quickly offer the person a drink of water or a sandwich because I have an enormous case of the guilts after turning them down.  In my mind I picture their starving family--and it is all my fault because I wouldn't buy their product.  It has got to be such a hard way to earn money.  But, I don't really need any more magazine subscriptions.  My lawn has already been aerated.   That box of oranges does look good, but will we eat them all before they go bad?

So, I put up the NO SOLICITING sign hoping it would stop door to door solicitations.  It hasn't.  Do these people not read?  Are they just ignoring it?  It is in plain sight, I don't believe they don't see it.  My home has probably been marked as a place they can at least get a sandwich.  Or worse, they know a sucker lives here.

Earlier this week a very nice college student from some Eastern European country came to the door selling some sort of curriculum based books and software.  She asked if there was a comfortable place we could sit so she could show me her product.  I motioned to the front porch (a baby step for me--don't let them in the house).  As we settled ourselves on the porch stairs I glanced at her back pack and saw a bottle of water and an apple in the front pocket.  Okay, she has food and water.  She doesn't need any from me.  As this nice college student from some Eastern European country started pulling books and software from her backpack a conversation was happening inside my house that I couldn't hear.

Mack to Huh:  "That's the same lady that came here last year."

"It is?"

"Yeah, don't you remember?  She was selling books and stuff and Mom made us sit on the couch and listen to her talk about them forever."

"Well, Mom didn't buy any."

"No, but it took forever."

"I don't want to listen to it."

"Neither do I.  Let's leave."

"We need an excuse to leave.  Let's take the movies back, they're due next week."

As I was sitting on the porch listening to how I could have this wonderful set of books and CD's for only $500.00 my two teenage daughters burst through the front door.  Huh shoved four movies in my face and said, "We need to take the movies back, they're due."  Then they raced down the stairs and jumped into my car.  The windows were down and I could hear them giggling as Huh backed the car out of the driveway.

The nice college student from some Eastern European country asked, "Are those your daughters?"

"Yes.  And they both need cars of their own so they don't keep taking mine."  I motioned to Squid's car parked near the curb.  "My step son is the only one of our kids who has a car.  We have four teenage drivers right now, with a fifth joining the ranks in September.  We need to find cars for all of them because their schedules are all so crazy."

The eyes of the nice college student from some Eastern European country got big and round.

I continued, "The car insurance for all these teen drivers is killing us."

"Oh.  You probably can't afford to buy these books."

"Probably not."

She shook my hand and thanked me for my time and then the nice college student from some Eastern Euroupean country went to sell a set of $500.00 books and CD's to my neighbor.  My daughters had unknowingly helped me.

I think I'll give them a sandwich.

And to put a face to the cause, here's some of the kids she's met there:

Name: Christopher
Nickname: Qicho (key-cho)

I'm praying about how much to give.  I hope you would too!

Friends are important. Do not gossip with them if you can help it, but offer and seek professional help. Strengthen your bond by offering help even when they don't ask for it. This is a simple rule that has been mentioned in several places numerous times and it still is ever-green.

With the economy in recession, people are cutting back on a lot of things. Unnecessary expenses are the first to go and charitable donations are certainly not required spending.

With the economy slowing and likely in recession, charitable giving will probably slump this year and possibly next. After all, charitable donations are a lagging indicator, says Robert Evans, managing director of EHL Consulting Group, a Philadelphia-based firm that advises nonprofits on fund-raising. "It's a lagging indicator for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that in the minds of some, philanthropy is a luxury. You pay your bills first and then start making charitable gifts."

The data seems to bear Evans out. During the last 40 years, according to data provided by Giving USA, charitable giving fell in real terms (i.e., adjusted for inflation) in years in which the economy was in recession, or in years in which there was a significant stock market dislocation. Giving fell in 1980, 1987, and 1990. The last time the economy contracted was in 2001. That year, according to Giving USA, charitable giving fell 2.3 percent in real terms, after having boomed along with the stock markets and the economy at large in the late 1990s. But while the economy resumed its growth in late 2001, charitable giving slumped in real terms in both 2001 (down 1.4 percent) and 2003 (down 0.2 percent).

Read the full article at Newsweek.com.

Even those who are volunteering time are cutting back, I was reading another article this morning about a man who lives for helping people that had to reduce his volunteering because he could not afford the gas to get there. So what are some ways you can donate your time without leaving home? Here are some suggestions from The Morning News:

Watch your hair grow. Locks of Love takes donated human hair and makes wigs for underprivileged kids suffering from medical hair loss. It works like this: You sit on your bum and grow your hair out until you can cut off at least ten inches. You put it in a ponytail, cut it, then send the ponytail to Locks of Love in an envelope. They send you a thank-you note, and you feel all aw-shucksy inside.

Knit a bear. Teddies for Tragedies sends hand-knitted teddy bears to child victims of tragedy around the world. So far they’ve sent over a thousand bears. You can send them some wool yarn or stuffing and they’ll put it to good use. Or, if you know how to knit, choose one of their patterns, knit up your own bear, and send it in. There are no deadlines or quotas. Besides, why make yet another scarf when you could be making a cuddly teddy bear for a scared little kid?

Send a card. Remember how excited you were to get mail when you were little? Make a Child Smile is a Web site that publishes information about kids with life-threatening illnesses and asks you to send them cards and small gifts. It’s a fun, easy way to lift their spirits while they’re getting through a tough time. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy stickers again.

Write for change. Amnesty International’s Freedom Writers program chooses three human rights cases each month that deserve your attention. The site gives you information and a sample letter with an address. If you support a particular cause, you can print and send the letter that Amnesty provides, or write your own. If you don’t see anything that moves you, check back next month for updates.

Sew a security blanket. Many of us have fond memories of our security blanket; some of us still have it. The aptly named Project Linus gives the same sense of comfort to seriously ill children, or those who’ve experienced trauma. The program provides new, handmade blankets in any style or size. They have patterns available on the site to get you started. Maybe you’re not a whiz with a needle and thread, but we’re talking about small squares of fabric stitched together. I have faith in you.

Stop surfing, start helping. Online Volunteering hooks up ‘virtual volunteers’ with organizations in need of their expertise. If you have access to a computer and the Internet (check … check), and you know something about programming, writing, project management, translation, law, education, or any other area of expertise that works over email, you’re in business. You’ll use your skills to provide online help for your chosen organization. Yet another job you can do in your underwear.

The principles recounted in this essay truly inspired me, and after reading it several times, I resolved to giving more and giving more often.  I would encourage everyone to give it a read and think about ways to help those in need.  (Hey that rhymes.  Sweet.)

Continuing my exploration, I also found at LDS Cooperative a link to Kiva.org, an excellent non-profit, person-to-person microcredit organization.  With my desire to help others rekindled, I signed up (for free of course) and began looking over all of the profiles of people who are looking for a leg up.  I found the experience both humbling and invigorating.

Kiva is a very bare-bones website.  There’s no-over-the-top marketing compelling people to lend, Sally Struthers doesn’t jump out of the screen and cry all over you until you pull your wallet out.  It’s really just a basic interface that lets you make loans from your Paypal account to people all over the world who are trying to build up their businesses – farmers, tailors, merchants, construction workers, mechanics, etc. – each with a very basic profile of their situation and needs.  There’s no return on investment at Kiva, and there’s no guarantee of repayment either (although repayment rates are generally above 99%).  But read Kate’s essay and you will understand that ROI should not be the goal, and that’s fine by me.

So, for family night last week, we sat down with the kids and looked over a huge map of the world.  We talked about living conditions in various places and some of the basic reasons why some countries are very poor.  We then dialed up Kiva and looked over some of the profiles from South America, Africa, East Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, etc..  And when the kids made their choices we marked on the map the countries where our loans were going.  Olivia chose a tailor in Bolivia who needed money to buy a new sewing machine to keep her business running and Audrey chose some ladies in Uganda who want to open a clothing store. 

The lesson was very simple: we should always be looking for opportunities to help others, be they across the world or right next door.  This was a very good experience for all of us and I am looking forward to continuing it for years to come. 

jph3

* FYI – 'Bloggernacle' is a term that refers to the many LDS-themed bloggs out there.  But beware, some are good, some are not.

For those not in the know, Nvidia aquired PhysX developer Ageia back in February, and has successfully integrated PhysX support onto it's latest GT200 core graphics cards, with PhysX support for any Geforce 8-series or above card being released in the next few months.

In response AMD licensed Intel's Havok physics API (yeah, it's complicated) to include Havok acceleration on it's own Radeon graphics cards.

However, an intrepid team of software developers over at NGOHQ.com have been busy porting Nvidia's CUDA based PhysX API to work on AMD Radeon graphics cards, and have now received official support from Nvidia - who is no doubt delighted to see it's API working on a competitor's hardware (as well as seriously threatening Intel's Havok physics system.)

As cheesed off as this might make AMD, which is unsurprisingly not supporting NGOHQ's work, it could certainly be for the betterment of PC gaming as a whole. If both AMD and Nvidia cards support PhysX, it'll remove the difficult choice for developers of which physics API to use in games. We've been growing more and more concerned here at bit-tech at the increasingly fragmented state of the physics and graphics markets, and anything that has the chance to simplify the situation for consumers and developers can only be a good thing.

Still hoping for a unified physics API? Or is it still early days for physics in games? Let us know in the forums.

Here are my goals:

(Note Done Yet)* Unplug what I can when the appliances/electronics are not in use.

I saw on either HGTV or DIY a nifty idea. You take a shoe box with a cover, cut holes in the sides for different cords, place your power strip inside the box (feeding the cord out one of the holes and plugging it in to the outlet), and then feeding into the box the plugs from the appliances/electronics. Plug these into the power strip and cover the box. You can decorate the box before doing this if you would like. The box can be placed anywhere accessible so you can easily turn the power strip on and off, and should not look gaudy.

I suppose that we could also try to attach the power strips to the wall/entertainment center/cabinets. I wonder if this would work, and how. I will have to look into it.

These appliances/electronics use electricity even when they are turned off, so it will save money to use one or more of the techniques above.

My dishwasher is portable, so it is unplugged after each use so that it can be rolled back to its place in the kitchen.

I always keep the small appliances on the counter unplugged when they are not in use.

We do not leave cell phone and other chargers plugged in when not in use.

(Still Have to get into this habit)* The desk top and laptop should be turned off and unplugged when not in use, as long as I will not need them again withing a half-an-hour.

(Good deal for me, not for her. At least she tried)* My daughter and I will be purchasing Diva Cups next week. This will save a lot of money each year that we otherwise would be using to pay for tampons and pads. Though they cost more than I would like, we will recover the cost of them before the first years use is up. We understand how to use them and how to keep them clean, and each one will likely last 10 years. Using the Diva Cups will also enable us to throw less trash into landfills, save money on toilet paper, and not flush tampons into the sewers. Plus, they are healthier for us.

(So far, so good with this one. For both of us.)* Though I am not 100% sure about the Infinity Razor for women, my daughter and I decided that we will each give one a try. Supposedly, these will last many years, and will be replaced free if they do not. This could save quite a bit of money. It could also help our Earth by us not throwing all of the used disposable razors and blades into the landfills.

(Purchased the fabric, but I have to find my pinking shears to cut them out with. Or another good pair of my scissors.)* Less toilet paper goal. This one I will be doing, not my daughter, the daycare children and company. I am going to be doing a sort of trial, using premade cloth wipes instead. This won't even be as bad as changing cloth diapers, as I am not collecting waste, just wiping. Sounds gross, yes. But it will be helpful. I will keep a covered bucket in the bathroom filled half way with water and baking soda for soaking. I will make the cloths myself, and reuse a bucket (instead of throwing it out). If I decide I don't want to continue with this, I don't have to. But, if I decide to keep using theis method, I will be saving more money on toilet paper, and flushing less waste.

(Done)* Household cleaners. I recently found a recipe for for powdered dishwasher detergent. Though I haven't tried it yet, I am planning to soon.  I already use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

(Still Looking)I am still looking for a liquid dish detergent for sink washing. And, I need an environmentally safe, non-toxic substitute for bleach.

I have already made posts for the household cleaners and laundry detergent that I make.

These cleaning products are cheap to make, and are not harmful to the environment.

(Still need to do)* Batteries. The neighbor gave us a small battery charger for AA and AAA batteries. We will have to invest in the rechargeable batteries. I would also like to see if I can find a charger that will take 9-volts, C's and D's as well. If I can, I will give the small charger to someone else who wants to help our Earth. How many time can a rechargeable battery be recharged?

(Hanging when I can, but there has been so much rain. I need to find a permanent inside place for hanging to dry in my too small home.)* I have begun hanging out laundry again, which will help to lower the utility bill for the spring/summer and fall. My goal for next winter is to hang the lighter things to dry somewhere inside the trailer.

(Done, plus I have been using the towels twice)* Saving water. We already wash full loads of laundry, so there will not be much of a change in this area. I am sure that there are some articles of clothing that I can wear more than once before washing. Tops mostly. Maybe pants every so often.  I only use one towel to dry off with, and really prefer to wash it after each use, but I am willing to hang the bath mat rather than washing it each day.

(Doing these most of the time) When I am gardening, I do a few things to help save money and water. First, I dump the dish pan water in the flower gardens. For the herbs, fruits and vegetables, I will use the cold water I run while waiting for the dish water to heat, as well as the cold water from the tub. This year, I plan to put a bucket in the shower to catch water as well. I will place it under the shower head. I will also use the water left in cups, and the water from cooking hard boiled eggs, pasta and vegetables in the gardens.

(Done) We will take shorter showers.  I will teach my daughter and the daycare children to wet their hands and then turn the water off until they are ready to rinse their hands off. And to do that quickly.

I already use the shortest wash cycle in the washing machine, and we do not flush every time we use the toilet. Just for #2's. And I swish the toilet each day so that it doesn't get yucky!

We turn of the water while brushing our teeth.

(Working on this - I do not buy individual drinks to keep in the refrigerator any more)* Plastics. I will try putting the yucky faucet water into a pitcher in the sink, whenever I can't get well water from my mother or sister. I hear that, after leaving the water in the refirgerator over night, the chlorine is supposed to evaporate when you do this. This will not only save money on bottled water, but it will also mean that people will not have to use precious resources to recycle these bottles.

(Purchased some reusable containers for packing lunches) (Re-use aluminum foil) I wash and reuse all plastic baggies that we use. These are great for freezing and for storing foods that you do not want a lot of air getting into. I will not likely stop using these all together, but I will cut down on the need to buy so many.

We have enough reusable water bottles so that we do not have to buy drinks in plastic bottles at the store.

I do have reusable plastic silverware and snack containers for picnics. I am actually purchasing as much of this stuff as possible at yardsales. Saving them from the landfills...(I also have a fabric table cover, napkins and placemats for our picnics, as well as reusable totes and lunch boxes.) I am working on this area.

Less plastic in landfills would be a good thing.

(Worke well)* As for food, I purchased a box of those bags that they are advertising on television. The reusable ones. We waste a lot of our precious food dollars by throwing out things that we do not have time to eat. These bags should help to keep our fruits and vegetables frehs longer.

(Not yet)I would also like those lids that they are advertising. The ones that you press down on to keep foods fresher. They would work nicely for things that we cannot put into the bags.

(Getting better, even took them yard saling and to the farmer's market) Okay. I have to be more disciplined. I have all of these canvas totes for shopping (not just for food), but I need to remember to actually grab them on the way out the door. I cannot keep them in the car, as there is no car. The sad thing is that I have them hanging on a hook near the door, and I still forget them!

(Do this when I can) I want to buy more fresh produce from local farmer's markets and roadside stands. I purchased a bag of potatoes last week from a man who parks over town. I paid only $1.50, and they are so much fresher than what I can get at the grocery store.

(Garden is looking pretty good) I plan to grow as much food as I can on the tiny lot that we live on. Here are some places for affordable seeds:

fedcoseeds.com

superseeds.com

rareseed.com

cheapseeds.com

(Not yet) I will also scavenge the materials to make a few garden beds. And, I will do the same at some point (this year or next) to make cold frames. I will also need a trellis or two. Maybe three or four.

(Have a few books that I purchased second hand. Also, have a few herbs growing in the garden.) I want to learn to grow more herbs. I plan to give dried herbs as gifts to people at the holidays, and sharing with my daughters when they have their own places. Then they won't have to purchase so many herbs themselves. I also want to learn herbalism and home remedies.

I also have to learn to dry and/or freeze the herbs. I only know how to do this with parsley.

(We eatly mostly vegetarian/vegan now) I want to try to eat vegetarian for a week to see if I can take it. If so, we will eat a (mainly) vegetarian diet here, with minimal meats. I will have to learn to cook some new things.

(Not yet) I may not be able to do this this year, but I plan to purchase (hopefully second hand) the supplies necessary for canning and water baths. At the very least, I could be making the following:

apple pie filling

apple crisp filling

applesauce

plumsauce

pumpkin

salsa

pasta sauce

(Doing this. My nephew and I built a compost bin) I also plan to compost so that the food we grow will be more abundant and healthier. I plan to build one or two bins this summer, but will have four or five before I am done. I will place these at the back of the far end of the trailer. They will not be seen from the road, and will prevent the neighbors and their children from walking by my bedroom window. I will be sure to leave enough space to put the banking through in the fall. I will scavenge the materials for this project.

(Not yet) I will drink more tea instead of powdered drinks. This will save money and be healthier.

(Trying to locate the best places. All of a sudden, we're not getting much rain)* I plan to collect water in buckets, to at least water the flowers with. I know that this is not a well thought out idea yet, but it will serve my purpose for now. I do not have a gutter to collect by, so I am counting on the rain itself going into the buckets. I think Mother Nature can handle it. The buckets will be put where they will not be noticed.

Later, I plan to have a more thought out system set up.

* (Done) Electricity will be saved by using the dryer less, (not yet) and by unplugging things. I do use flourescent light bulbs, and (not dome yet) would like to use solar lighting for outside when I have the extra cash. We use natural sunlight as late as possible every day.

* Do you know that many people do not use soap? And, they don't stink! I have also read that many people with skin problems don't use soap, and their skin balances itself so much that they don't have problems with it any more. These people have skin that looks and feels better. (Not a problem going a few days without using soap other than to wash 'important parts', and my skin problems are not as noticable now)

Will I try this? Maybe, but not fully (at first, at least). I have such skin sensitivities, that I think showering without soap may be helpful. However, I think that I will continue to use soap on certain important areas, just in case.

(Not yet, but I did purchase some homemade goatsmilk soap at the farmer's market) At any rate, I do plan to start making my own soaps, even if they are only used on the important areas, as I have sensitivities to store-bought soaps. Oatmeal and goats milk soaps work quite well.

* Now, can someone tell me how a person who does not use deodorant does not have smelly arm pits? I would really like to know. A famous guest on Oprah does not use deodorant, not sure who she was. Julia Roberts? I can't remember. I missed the episode, and would like to know what other things she does, or doesn't do.

* Heating is another area that I am not happy with. I have oil heat. I know that this is not good for the environment, but I cannot afford to switch to anything else. I would never switch to electric because it is just too expensive. Here are some things that I do:

I clean the filter on the furnace door twice a year.

I vacuum out the vents twice a year.

Bank the trailer each fall, plugging in heat tape.

This year, the dryer vent came unhooked, so it was venting under the trailer all winter.

Here is what I plan to do over the next couple of years:

(Not yet) Make/purchase at yardales: draft stoppers and wall and window quilts.

(Not yet) Get register heat blockers

(Not yet) A long-term goal is to replace my windows.

(Not yet) * My nephew and I will be trying to make candles from the stubs of used candles. The plan is to purchase wicks, and scavenge candle holders. I recently received a bunch of holders with mostly used candles. I am using the candles as long as they can still be used, then saving the leftovers and washing the holders. This will be a fun project.

(Haven;t found these items yet, but I am still looking) * Yardsaling is a great adventure. Not only can you purchase things that you need very cheaply, but you can also prevent those items from ending up in landfills.

I plan to look for blankets, quilts, afghans and comforters at yardsales. We are also in need of fluffier pillows again. If I purchase a couple, then I can open the old ones and combine their contents. If I can only find flat pillows, then I can do the same to combine more than one to make fluffier pillows. This can be done by lightly sewing together the tow filling pieces.

There are other things that I will be looking for as well.

(Not yet) * I have to stock up on lamp oil and wicking, as well as get a new one of those globe thingys, for the oild lamps. These will be nice during the winter evenings when we do not need a lot of light.

(Not yet) * I will be re-teaching myself to crochet. I need the simple stitch to finish the scarf that my neighbor started. She gave me the started scarf and yarn before she moved, and a new scarf will come in handy next winter.

(Not yet) * I want to learn to make braided and/or rag rugs.

(Not yet) * I need to make curtains, placemats and cloth napkins.

Here are some things that I do that have less of an impact on my purse and the environment:

~ I purchase a lot, if not most, of the things that we need second hand.

~ I shop resale/consigment/church shops.

~ I shop yard/garage sales.

~ I take what people offer me. If I don't need the items, I pass them along to someone who does.

~ I give things away rather than throw them out. If no one that I know wants them, I put them on my front lawn with a big free sign. Usually things go pretty quickly. I also donate things to charities, and if I leave things by the dumpster someone will usually snatch them up.

I may add more goals to this categorie in the future, and I will post updates as well.

Happing saving and helping!

Shannon

Took a break to get up and dance:

Then got right back to work:

Thanks, kid!

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The couple was very thankful, today was their 58th Year Anniversary of being married.  They have lived at that same house their whole life time!! It was awesome to be able to give back!! I know our teens enjoyed it!!!

Recorded with my mobile phone

When you think about this in terms of the infrastructure of the country itself, you realize that everything in the USA hinges upon people actually having jobs here. You see, if a person doesn't have a job, they aren't going to be consumers. If there are no consumers, businesses will dry up and go out of business for lack of sales.

In America, part of the American Dream has been "upward mobility" -- only? Decisions by crooked CEO's all over this country have absconded either with people's life savings, 401k's, and basically whatever they could. This is WRONG. But nobody has called them on it. I believe John McCain can and will. For one thing, I know he doesn't like the fat cat salaries those CEO's make! Here is an article from the New York Sun, and what he had to say!

"...Something is seriously wrong when the American people are left to bear the consequences of reckless corporate conduct while the offenders themselves are packed off with another $40 million or $50 million for the road," Mr. McCain said in an address here to the National Federation of Independent Business..."

I agree. Everyday when you open up your newspaper, the headlines are all about mass layoffs. This whole country of ours is sliding into a very bad, bad place because of corporate greed! Is it moral, ethical or fair for these fat cats to get away with all that cash and dump the American people as they please? No. John McCain knows that, because he has fantastic values. Ethical values. Moral values. American values.

What he is going to be taking on is the greed and broken infrastructure here on the homefront. That is GREAT! We need that! And he is just the heroic MAVERICK to do it. That is why he says "COUNTRY FIRST" in this ad, just released. Who is going to keep watch over this country of ours? Who except somebody like John McCain?

It isn't McCain's fault that millions of jobs in America have been outsourced. Like say, the making of our American Flags. I read a funny piece in the web yesterday about something he was telling a bunch of factory workers who still MAKE some of our flags right here! The thing is, we should be manufacturing our own damn flag, shouldn't we? And the thing is, just use the AMERICAN FLAG as a metaphor for all the manufacturing that has slipped "elsewhere" (like overseas) of late... and you'll catch my drift ...here is his ad:

When he says "COUNTRY FIRST" I believe him. He means it. He puts others ahead of himself, and he believes in a cause "Greater than Self." This is HEROIC stance of a TRUE LEADER. Another thing about him? He knows how things like fascism or communism can get started. Fascism tends to happen when a country is in a weak place economically. Why somebody has let our country slide into a place where that might happen? I don't know. But, John McCain isn't going to let that happen here. He won't.

For one thing, he has a fantastic businesswoman to help him in Carly Fiorina. That is her forte! Business!

Here is an article from the Christian Science Monitor on her, you can hear her speak on a little video, and she had this to say about John McCain's plans for America:

"...Ms. Fiorina, the former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett Packard, replied, “A focus on job creation. The American dream starts with a job. It is all about growing jobs...”

the article continues,

"...McCain began a speech in Denver on Monday noting that, “More than 400,000 people have lost their jobs since December, and the rate of new job creation has fallen sharply."

Acknowledging that gas and food prices are up dramatically, McCain stressed, “I have a plan to grow this economy, create more and better jobs, and get America moving again...”

How refreshing to hear a candidate like John McCain address this issue! The creation of jobs, and the elimination of people who are "cheating" the American Worker! Who else but he would have that kind of moral stance? NOBODY! That is why he is the best choice for PRESIDENT right now! He has plans, and he isn't afraid to look into the corruption that presently exists. He is just like Robin Hood, and that makes him a HUGE HERO to me. Besides, I bet he's thinking of all those veterans who are going to be coming home too. He won't want to see any men and women who served be homeless afterwards, would he?

This job he wants to take on in Washington is huge! But, with all his experience, he's the man to do it. America knows that, don't we?

Now, I read a little something the other day on Kerry, saying McCain was all wrong. Funny, they were both Vietnam Veterans, weren't they? Hmmm.

The more I reflected on that, I wondered if this had something to do with ETHANOL. Then I wondered if this was one of those PORKY types of deals, my personal MAVERICK Candidate can't stand! You know, I sense something porky and cornpone going on with this deal, no? Here is the story off the NYT, don't miss it!

It's all about the corn, no? The CORN, except, McCain has other ways of getting us fuel that are healthier, like Sugarcane...is this why Iowa was so behind guess who? Hmm....

But, back to McCain and those jobs of his. Let's go see what he has to say over at his place!

He has a TON of Plans! And, he has thought this out pretty carefully as well. In fact, he already has plans for displaced workers -- he is a maverick! An American maverick with cowboy style values! Umm, hmm...

Check this part out! Instant Relief for all the "little people" of the country!

McCain Economic Plan

Immediate Help for American Families

"...Across America, families are facing economic challenges. Gas prices are rising, mortgages are threatened, and thousands have lost their jobs. Now is the time to act and John McCain has outlined several near-term, tangible plans to address some of the challenges confronting Americans today..."

Look at this part!

Helping Americans Confront Higher Living Costs:

John McCain Will Help Americans Hurting From High Gasoline And Food Costs. Americans need relief right now from high gas prices. John McCain will act immediately to reduce the pain of high gas prices.

John McCain Believes We Should Institute A Summer Gas Tax Holiday. Hard-working American families are suffering from higher gasoline prices. John McCain calls on Congress to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

John McCain Will Stop Filling The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) To Reduce Demand. International demand for oil is bolstered by federal purchases for the SPR. There is no reason to fill it when oil is so expensive; the overall SPR is of adequate size, and when it places further upward pressure on prices.

John McCain Will End Policies That Contribute To Higher Transportation And Food Costs. Ethanol subsidies, tariff barriers and sugar quotas drive up food prices and hurt Americans. However, we cannot take the wrong direction and cut off trade for American goods.

Helping Americans With The Housing Crisis:

John McCain Is Proposing A New "HOME Plan" To Provide Robust, Timely And Targeted Help To Those Hurt By The Housing Crisis. Under his HOME Plan, every deserving American family or homeowner will be afforded the opportunity to trade a burdensome mortgage for a manageable loan that reflects their home's market value.

Eligibility: Holders of a non-conventional mortgage taken after 2005 who live in their home (primary residence only); can prove creditworthiness at the time of the original loan; are either delinquent, in arrears on payments, facing a reset or otherwise demonstrate that they will be unable to continue to meet their mortgage obligations; and can meet the terms of a new 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on the existing home.

How It Works: An individual picks up a form at any Post Office and apply for a HOME loan. The FHA HOME Office certifies that the individual is qualified and contacts the individual's mortgage servicer. The mortgage servicer writes down and retires the existing loan, which is replaced by an FHA guaranteed HOME loan from a lender...

Bolstering Job Security and Assisting Displaced Workers

Reforming The Unemployment Insurance (UI) System:

John McCain Believes We Should Have A Single, Seamless Approach To Job Transition Assistance. The UI system must be more effective in helping those who have lost a job. John McCain will modernize and transform our current programs by consolidating redundant federal programs, strengthening community colleges and technical training and giving displaced workers more choices to find their way back to productive and prosperous lives.

John McCain Will Reform The UI System So That A Portion Of Each Worker's Unemployment Insurance Tax Is Deposited Into A Lost Earnings Buffer Account (LEB). If an individual becomes unemployed, the LEB may be used to cover needed expenses, with a backstop of traditional UI if the account is exhausted before 26 weeks. Workers will have an incentive to preserve their LEB by getting back to work quickly, and may be eligible for a re-employment bonus if they get a new job quickly. The LEB will be portable, and upon retirement, the property of the worker.

John McCain Will Reform Training Programs To Provide Quick Assistance To Workers Seeking New Skills. Workers will have access to a flexible training account that permits them to pay for training at a community college and use leftover funds to keep their health insurance.

John McCain Will Provide Special, Targeted Assistance For Older Workers. Because training is often inefficient for older workers, those 55 years of age and older who have built up an LEB will be eligible for a Lost Earnings Supplement. The supplement of up to 50 percent of their earnings loss (up to a maximum of $10,000) for two years will be rewarded for those who find work inside 26 weeks.

You go and click on those headlines and see for yourself! If you click on them you'll go right over to his place and you can see his whole set of plans. They are very comprehensive. This is a HUGE JOB, trying to put this country back in order. I HAVE TOTAL TRUST IN JOHN McCAIN! It's because of this kind of leadership!

Here is a sweet little story you can read from The Rocky Mountain News. You know, John McCain, in my opinion is about to put the GOOD into the letters GOP! And you are hearing an ex-Democrat say this! Now that I think about it, maybe GOP could stand for GOOD for OUR PEOPLE! That would be how our hero is thinking, as he travels and sees the whole country...

I absolutely see him as a Humphrey Bogart, in a set of Fedoras, Panama hats and a stylish Trench coat touring this country in a Corvette. He's just like that, and totally an AMERICAN GOOD GUY!

When he says "COUNTRY FIRST" he means it!

"REFORM, PROSPERITY, PEACE"

I've been raving about this new job: eight weeks have gone by since I started working in spiritual care at a hospice. Four days each week I can't wait to get to work and often stay past my allotted time. I feel blessed to be of service; and dumbfounded, as in: Who? Me?

Occasional I'm reluctant to visit a new patient. It's knowing that whoever is waiting on the other side of the door will soon be dead. Thus the hesitation. My heart resists to become intimate, knowing the relationship will be brief and choppy. Then there's my ego's anxiety about being well-received by patients and family and whether I can be of some use to them. Also the fear of having to face my own woundedness. All this requires further investigation! (For previous posts in the latter, type "woundedness" in the SEARCH box above right.)

"Caring for one another, we sometimes glimpse an essential quality of our being, "write Ram Dass and Paul Gorman. At times we find that our helping is "self-conscious, half-hearted, begrudging. How much are we willing to give, and what are we holding on to? ... We need to go deep beneath the surface before we encounter our ambivalence. We note the interplay of generosity and resistance, self-sacrifice and self-protectiveness. What do we hear as we imagine the mind wrestling with the impulses of the heart?"

source: Dass, R. & Gorman, P. (1985). How can I help? New York: Knopf, p.8. image: www.noahidenations.com

When the business got into trouble, being in-debt, he would drink a lot. He wasn't a drunk by any means, but because he worried over the business a lot, he'd drink. When he died, his demise was due to liver damage and kidney damage. However, liver damage turned out to be hereditary. His mother AND father died from it, his brother died in the 1970s due to it, and one of his brothers -- who's living today -- passed away from it.

What he taught me was indelible, however. He was a man of God; he advocated kindness, respect, self-respect, generosity, and hard work. He would often tell me that nobody gets truly anywhere in life without working hard. He valued education. He was a math whiz. But the one thing that stands out the most that he taught me -- besides working hard -- was to never drink. The years before he died, he told me to stay away -- COMPLETELY -- from drugs and alcohol. And I've did that -- because of my father's wisdom, I've made a vow to myself, and posthumously to him, that I will never consume any drugs or alcohol.

Every day he would tell my mother and I that he loved us. He appreciated us more than many appreciate their families. During the last few months of his life, when he was sick (and none of us knew how sick, not even him), he would will himself out of bed to play a few games of the video game Madden NFL with me.

In November 2001, my father and I was going to a pro wrestling show. We had two extra tickets, and my Dad was going to sell them. While there were many people selling tickets, my Dad passed up on several opportunities. While looking around, he spotted a man and his son. My father walked up to them and asked, "Need tickets?" and handed them over the two extra tickets at no charge.

During Christmas 2001, I was sick with a cold. So on Christmas Eve, while I was lying asleep (this was at around 8:30/9:00 at night), starting to wake up, my Dad said, "Go ahead and open your XBOX." I did, and we played the video game NFL Fever. This was significant because he was spontaneous in his actions, and while I was sick, he made me feel better by giving me a pleasant surprise.

One day, in November 2003 (a month before he passed), it was freezing cold, snowing. We were in the Wal-Mart parking lot getting ready to leave when we seen a family in their van about 25 feet away from us. People were walking by them, staring at them. Their van had broken down. And while others were walking by, staring at the people who were in anything but an unfortunate situation, my Dad got out of the van, and stood in the freezing cold while helping the people get their car started.

[This is going to show up on http://ForBetterLife.org pretty soon.]

I found myself confused and more than a little pissed when I went to his website and found, front and center, a banner on "Tips to keep your pets healthy this summer" with a cute little doggie on it. Are dogs pets or livestock to you, Rep. Hershey? I hope you re-adjust your wit.

Ammendment A08348 seemingly references an anti-puppy mill billboard put up by Main Line Rescue on how the size of their cage is equitable to the size of a dishwasher.

Living in the heart area of this issue, Art Hershey's response shows exactly why basic standard of animal care needs to be passed into law since he apparently takes the entire concept of respect to animals as a joke and is just playing with our tax dollars.

Way to go, Art for being a shining example of why other people need to step in and stop your district from abusing animals, instead of you taking responsibility for their welfare as you should.

For more information:
'PA Bill in Danger' article

PA Puppy Mill Watch for latest updates

Main Line Rescue, Puppy Mills and Oprah

Oprah and Lisa Ling Investigate the Hidden World of Puppy Mills

Info Related to Puppy Mills - PA Cash Crop

They really need temporary (very temporary for the kittens, anyway)
foster mommy and daddies.... For example: If you pick baby kittens to
care for, it's simply one extra room in your house or one wire cage
somewhere safe so they can grow old enough to be adopted.

I never knew about fostering animals before I moved to Philly and
that's why I share this.

It's hard to contemplate fostering but knowing you are making a short
term accommodation while helping one or more animal live to get to
it's forever home while at the same time getting so many personal
rewards: affection, exercise, community and more - I more than think
its win-win, I really do know it is.

Thanks

Below is the email I received from the PAWS mailing list:

__________

This is an urgent plea for your help. PAWS is taking in well over 100
animals every single day -- too many to house, and too many to save on
our own. There are many ways you can help:

Please rescue us!Foster kittens: PAWS has more kittens than space.
Yesterday alone, we had 28 litters of kittens by 10 am and were able
to get only four out into foster care. More are coming in all the
time, so every hour is critical. We are especially full with sweet,
wonderfull momma cats that have nursing litters, as well as orphaned
newborns that need to be bottle fed and young orphan kittens who are
eating on their own. They urgently need foster care in order to
survive. Foster care provides a safe place for them to grow to an
adoptable age and find good adoptive homes, and frees up much needed
space at the shelter for other needy animals. If you have a spare room
in your house please consider helping us get these adorable babies and
their mommas out!

Foster a dog: The shelter is packed with dogs -- large and small,
young and old -- who are desperately waiting for a chance at life. We
cannot house them all, and more are coming in all the time --
approximately 35-40 each and every day. By taking one home
temporarily, you give them the chance at life they deserve and make
room at the shelter for another whose life depends on us having the
space.

I need you! Please rescue me!IF YOU CAN FOSTER AN ANIMAL: Come to the
shelter (111 W. Hunting Park Avenue) immediately. A staff person or
foster care volunteer will be thrilled to help you find the right
animal(s) for you to take into safety. Foster care hours are 11 am to
6 pm every day of the week. To make special arrangements to come at
another time of day, please email Natalie at Natalie@phillypaws.org
(please email only as a last resort; Natalie is inundated. It is best
to just come directly to the shelter.)

Directions to the shelter are available here:
http://www.phillypaws.org/hours_directions.cfm

More information about foster care is available here:
http://www.phillypaws.org/foster_parenting_faq.cfm

Please, Would you help?

The majority of the kids love to play on the Internet.  The library has eight computers that are connected to the Internet and it's a constant challenge to get all the kids a spot to play.  They love the games!  Today they are also using the computer lab which is packed full of computers and more than half are being used right now.

I'm really enjoying building relationships with the kids.  When I walked in today I gave out three high fives to new buddies of mine.  They are great kids and full of life.  They are a true joy for me when I'm around them and they are teaching me how to smile, have fun, and act like a kid again.

This is such a fun experience for me and I'm confident if more people had the chance to experience this they'd want to find a way to be involved on a permanent basis.

My challenge to all of you today is to continue to find ways where you can be involved in a child's life.  There are so many children in our world who need an adult who cares about them, loves them, and will work with them to help them grow, mature and learn.  I guarantee you'll end up learning more from them then they will from you and it will be so rewarding for both of you.

Now I know that - at least when it comes to problems about your life, emotions, relationships... - most people don't want advice. Even when they ask for it. They only ask in order to get you to listen to them talking about the problem. I'm not criticising here, I think most people when they think they need advice, they really just need to talk and be listened to.

Which makes it tough when what you really want to do is give advice. Giving advice makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Needed. Appreciated. Good. Wise. Few things in life make you feel this good.

It's just important to remember that, most of the time, the person who came to you with a problem doesn't really want your advice. They are going to figure it out on their own. They may act to fix the problem or they may decide to hold on to the problem.

Hold on to a problem? Why would someone do that? Don't we all want to get rid of problems?

Well, no. I don't believe that. I used to, then I saw that so many people have the same problem for years. Often things they could actually fix if they really tried. But they don't. Maybe the problem is useful to them. Maybe it defines who they are or their role in the family. Or it helps them get regular love and attention. Or they can't imagine - or even fear - life without the problem. Generally, if the benefits to them of the problem outweigh the benefits of ridding themselves of the problem, they will hold on to the problem rather than try to fix it.

Although that won't usually stop them complaining about it, or even asking for advice about it.

So for the best of all worlds, go ahead, give your advice. But don't insist. And DO NOT expect that the other person will act on it. Or even listen. They don't want your advice, they just want to talk.

The only exception to the "they don't want advice" rule is when the problem is purely functional. Like, "where can I get a lawnmower repaired" or "when's the best time to go downtown to avoid traffic." Then, sit back, enjoy the ride and give advice to your heart's content.

Although chances are they still won't follow your advice. They'll do it their way.

And finally, if you've read this far, thank you for listening.

It has seemed like a long road and it has taken a ton of hard work, but in less than a year, we've completed a process that takes some people years to finally achieve.  I'm very proud of all the people who have supported us along the way, through their financial giving and many, many, prayers.

This means so much to our organization.  We can now officially receive funds that are tax deductible and those who contribute can receive a deduction for their donation.  We're ready now to start applying for grants, and corporate funding.  Sky's the limit for our organization and the kids we serve will reap the benefits.

So, today I say thanks to all of you who have hung with us during this past year.  Thanks for helping us see a dream turn into a reality.  Thanks for your prayers and for your encouraging support.  Thanks for your advice and direction and thank you for caring enough about the oppressed and marginalized of this world, to help our organization get to a place where we can truly serve our community.

We're moving forward and great things are coming for Retread.  I'm so excited and can't wait to share with you all God has in store for us.

First, I have to show a photo of the VBS (vacation bible school) performance. Mine is the only boy on the front row! He practiced his dance moves all week, but when it came down to perform for church this Sunday, he chickened out. Oh, well. I was just so excited to see him do this! Did I say he was on the front row? I still can't believe it. He is getting a little more brave each day. (Although 10 minutes before this photo, a teacher had to pry him off my leg to get him to sit with his group. Ugh!) 

If you didn't see my previous post, the final amount the VBS kids raised for providing clean water to our friends in Nigeria was close to $7,000!! Isn't that amazing? Our church will use this money to build a well and buy more purification systems. 

So while our kids were saving people in Africa... I'm happy to say that I did go to an upscale shop for some design inspiration. (Seems sort of silly after writing about sick children in Africa!) But it was fun:-) Especially for someone who never goes shopping without someone whining or clinging to my leg!

Bright jewel toned colors are still hot, along with greens, animal print and purple. As usual, I was drawn to the animal prints. Check out these shoes ladies! 

If you see wall art or a web site I design with purple snake skin in the background, you'll know where I got the inspiration. Yes... shoes!