Love in Action

The other night while watching the news, I found myself feeling discouraged. Let me share just a few words that stood out to me: scandal, oppose, protestors, layoffs, torture, executions, crime, bad economy.... I could go on and on, but you've all watched the news before. You know what I'm talking about. There is a lot of negative. It got me feeling discouraged and anxious about the future. Then I realized..... there are so many good things I can do.

With that simple thought, my feeling of discouragement was replaced with excitement over a few ideas I have to help others. And I'm petitioning for your help! Let me start by introducing you to my friend Shellie's son, Dallyn....

I was going to describe him, but I think the pictures do a much better job than any words I could come up with. I will tell you, though, that he is 8-years-old. He is a lover of life and illuminates the room when he walks in.

Dallyn is scheduled for his 2nd open-heart surgery in January. His 1st surgery very nearly took his life and left him in the ICU for over a month. Needless to say, his mom is not excited at the thought of this surgery.

I am asking any of you who are willing, to send a little something for Dallyn or his family to help encourage and help them through this. I'm not asking for any grand gesture, but something small... a card made by your kids, a note to Shellie, a teddy bear your children don't play with anymore..... just anything you can give to help them. If you're interested, just leave a comment on this post and I will reply with information of where you can send your gift to Dallyn.

In this life we cannot do great things.

We can only do small things with great love.

--Mother Teresa

I would also like to ask any of you who are interested to join the spirit jumpers cause. This was a cause and idea created by Meaghan at I Kicked Cancer's Ass. She herself is going through significant cancer treatment right now, but is focusing on helping others. That is amazing.

I have been on both side of the spirit jumpers cause. I was able to help someone who is battling cancer, and felt the benefits of service in doing so. I also know that someone who was participating in Meaghan's cause was able to send something to Jack, my husband's uncle. Jack was recently told he has 3-6 months to live due to liver cancer and other complications. The gift that was given to him will lift him, but will remain after he passes to lift his wife and childlren. It is not about the gift, but about the feeling of love, charity, and hope that accompanied it.

If you would like to join the spirit jumpers, click here to find out how.

If you know of anyone who could use an outpouring of love because of struggles in their life, please let me know. I will do what I can do and try to get others to help as well. It is my hope that we can all feel the spirit of charity, whether you get involved in one of these ideas, or participate elsewhere. It is, after all, the season to give.

Here's to a better tomorrow for so many,