Act 23

A friend of a friend recently lost her husband in Afghanistan. My friend organized a rotating schedule for bringing meals to the family. Chloe and I brought them lunch today. I got teary on my way to their house. One of the cruelest components of the two wars we’re fighting is the lack of sacrifice from Americans as a whole. There are a small amount of people suffering so everyone else can have a false sense of security. My meal was a small action compared to the sacrifice their family has made and will endure, but hopefully their meals will bring them comfort in knowing they have support from many other military families, both in Washington and around the world.

George Harrison

"When you've seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there."

Act 22

Chloe and I donated a jug of laundry detergent to the women’s shelter in Pierce County. It’s a bit of a drive, but I always feel good bringing them donations. I think they’re often forgotten, and what they’re doing is vital to many of the women and children in our county.

Some people choose to lead their lives with a heart filled with hate. They choose to not take the time to love or learn from those who may be a different gender, race, or age. I can’t change these people. However, I can choose to keep my heart filled with peace, love, and joy. And I can hope that my daughter chooses to live her life with a kind spirit.

Martin Luther King Jr.

"Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict, a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love."

Act 21

Please join me in making a donation to the Red Cross on behalf of the horrific earthquake that has hurt so many in Haiti. I wish I knew how to write eloquently regarding this topic, but I don’t know where to start. The devastating photos are bringing back memories of the tsunami in Southeast Asia. Since I was living in South Korea at the time, I was able to use my summer vacation time and fly to Thailand for nine days to volunteer. That trip changed my life. Even after that horrific event, the people were able to find happiness. They had nothing, but they clung to their family and friends who survived with them. My prayer is that the survivors in Haiti will receive the support and care they need, and in time, they will be able to mend their broken hearts and spirits.

Mother Theresa

Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.

Act 20

I’m sorry for the lack of posts. Chloe was sick, then I was sick, and then I got Chloe sick again with my current sickness. Luckily, I’m well again, and Chloe is slowly getting over this dreadful cold.

Today I decided to buy a four pack of Starbucks frappuccino drinks to keep in the car. I thought they would be perfect for the people I spot on the street from time to time who seem to be down on their luck, yet I drive by empty-handed with nothing to offer. Well what do you know, as I was heading out of the parking lot, I saw a young homeless man with a sign. Normally, he would be the type of guy I would want to judge. He was quite young and looked able bodied. I used to look at these types of guys and assume they were trying to scam people, because I had heard that there are people who can make quite a bit of money off of begging. What a great heart, right? I usually wouldn’t make comments aloud, but I had an ugliness in my heart toward these folks. When I asked the young man if he wanted a coffee, he flashed me a huge grin, and he said God bless you at least three times. As usual, his sincere appreciation for such a small act gave me great joy.

I feel like this blog has helped me to grow in many ways. I know I’m a long way from Act 222, but I feel like I’ve already made permanent changes within my heart and spirit.