There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our charitable expenditure excludes them
- CS Lewis
Friday, October 28, 2011
Quote of the Day
"It is well to give when asked but it is better to give unasked, through understanding."
- Kahlil Gibran
- Kahlil Gibran
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
St. Crispian Day
by William Shakespeare
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say, "To-morrow is Saint Crispian."
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say, "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words,
Harry the King, Bedford, and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day."
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say, "To-morrow is Saint Crispian."
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say, "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words,
Harry the King, Bedford, and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day."
The Charge of the Light Brigade
by Alfred Tennyson
Half a league half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred:
'Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns' he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd & thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.
Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turn'd in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army while
All the world wonder'd:
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack & Russian
Reel'd from the sabre-stroke,
Shatter'd & sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse & hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder'd.
Honour the charge they made!
Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
Half a league half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred:
'Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns' he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd & thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.
Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turn'd in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army while
All the world wonder'd:
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack & Russian
Reel'd from the sabre-stroke,
Shatter'd & sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse & hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder'd.
Honour the charge they made!
Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Give More
"No one can settle how much we ought to give. I'm afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare" - CS Lewis
A group of us at my church are currently going through a months-long discussion on giving to others. A week or so ago we busted out a whiteboard and brainstormed every charitable organization that interested someone in the group. The results are below.
My Promise: You are going to see organizations here that you don't care for. That's fine. Keep it to yourself. Really. Deep breaths. You'll be okay.
My Hope: That if you aren't involved with a charity already you will find an organization that really interests you and get involved by giving your time and/or money.
My Request: If you know of a charitable org you want to tell people about - put it in the comments!
BTW: itunes kicked up this song while I was posting this:
http://youtu.be/Hclxep-jZiE
141: http://141eyewear.com
For every pair of 141 Eyewear purchased, we give a new pair of prescription glasses to a person in need. No portions of proceeds. No percentages. You buy, we give. One Four One.
ALSA: http://www.alsa.org/
Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
Angel Tree: http://www.angeltree.org/
Angel Tree is a ministry that reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ. This unique program gives your church an opportunity to share Christ’s love by helping to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the families of prisoners.
Baja Christian Ministries: http://www.bajachristian.org/
Since October 1991, Baja Christian Ministries (BCM) has been serving the spiritual and physical needs of the poor through engaging short-term mission teams in Baja California, Mexico.
Camp Attitude: http://www.campattitude.com
To communicate the importance of honoring people with disabilities and equip individuals, families, and organizations with the proper skill set to care for, evangelize, and disciple people affected by disabilities.
Camp Korey: http://campkorey.org/
Camp Korey’s mission is to honor the courage, strength, and determination of children living with serious and life-altering medical conditions and their families; and to provide them with a safe, friendly, medically sound environment in which to simply have fun and be kids.
Compassion International: http://www.compassion.com/
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
God’s Extended Hand: http://www.godsextendedhand.com/
God's Extended Hand is a place of evangelical ministry aimed at showing the homless population of San Diego the Love of God. We endeavor to do this by providing a gathering place where they can come and experience a sit down restaurant style meal in a peace filled Christ focused environment. All meals and services are offered free and without any charge on a first come first served basis. This is a place where hatred and anger is left outside and the word of God is given with each meal to encourage and offer hope.
Habitat for Humanity: http://www.habitat.org
Habitat for Humanity International is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat and its homeowner families have built or rehabilitated more than 400,000 houses. A nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry, Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build together in partnership.
Healing Waters: http://healingwaters.org/
Healing Waters International is a nonprofit organization providing safe water solutions in communities where poverty is compounded by contaminated water.
Heart to Heart: http://www.heart-2-heart.ca/
Heart 2 Heart is a non-profit resource for abused men and women. It was created with love and love is free . . . always
Hole in the Wall Camps: http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org/
The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is a growing global network of innovative camps and programs that provide life-changing experiences to children with serious medical conditions, always free of charge. Our goal is to extend these experiences to as many children as possible around the world.
Inspiration Through Art: http://www.inspirationthroughart.org/apply/
Inspiration Through Art (Formerly the Littlest Heroes Project) provides the following services; Photo sessions for children infant- 21 who are dealing or have delt with any type of serious illness, children who have been a part of any type of serious illness resulting in illness or disability, photo sessions for families who have lost children within the last 3 years due to a serious accident or illness, organizations or foundations holding events/ fundraisers for a child or for children suffering from serious illnesses, care package send outs, snail mail support letters and cards, bracelet/necklace gifts, mailing lists with specials and discounts for participating families. All of our services are free to the participants as a way of giving back to the smallest of heroes.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: http://www.intervarsity.org/
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is an evangelical campus mission serving students and faculty on college and university campuses nationwide.
Invisible Children: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/
Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Koney’s rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity.
Krochet Kids: http://www.krochetkids.org/
To empower people to rise above poverty. To create sustainable economic development programs that support holistic growth of individuals and communities within developing nations.
To inspire the knowledge of a generation about their ability to bring change to a world that is in need.
Life Rolls On: http://www.liferollson.org
Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury and utilizes action sports as a platform to inspire infinite possibilities despite paralysis.
Lions Club: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php
Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And communities get better. That's because we help where help is needed – in our own communities and around the world – with unmatched integrity and energy.
Make a Wish Foundation: http://www.wish.org/
We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Medals for Mettle: http://www.medals4mettle.org/
Runners from around the world give their hard earned medals to Medals4Mettle. Our worldwide network of physicians and volunteers then awards these medals attached to a Medals4Mettle ribbon to children and adults fighting debilitating illnesses who might not be able to run a race, but are in a race of their own just to continue to live their life.
Mercy Ships: http://www.mercyships.org
Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilizing people and resources worldwide, and serving all people without regard for race, gender, or religion.
Models for Christ: http://modelsforchrist.com/
We are a global community of professionals who are seeking to honor God as we navigate the unique opportunities and challenges within the fashion industry.
ONE: http://one.org/
ONE is a grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, by raising public awareness and pressuring political leaders to support smart and effective policies and programs that are saving lives, helping to put kids in school and improving futures.
Plant with Purpose: http://www.plantwithpurpose.org/
Plant With Purpose is a Christian, environmental non-profit organization that transforms lives in rural areas worldwide where poverty is caused by deforestation.
Project Wildlife: http://www.projectwildlife.org/
The mission of Project Wildlife is to improve quality of life for local wildlife and the community as the primary resource for animal rehabilitation and education.
National Capital Lyme Disease Association: http://www.natcaplyme.org/
The National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association strives to improve the quality of life for people suffering from Lyme and other Tick-Borne illnesses by offering support and disseminating information that educates and empowers patients, families, healthcare workers, and the community at large about these diseases.
Not For Sale: http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
Not For Sale equips and mobilizes Smart Activists to re-abolish slavery — in their own backyards and across the globe. Not For Sale believes every individual has a skill they can contribute to fight human trafficking, and together we can end slavery in our lifetime.
Rady Children’s Hospital: http://www.rchsd.org/getinvolved/
On August 19, 1954, Rady Children's officially opened to receive its first 12 patients. Since then, nearly 2 million sick and injured children have been treated here. As San Diego has grown, so has our commitment to offering comprehensive care to our community's children. We are the county's only hospital dedicated solely to pediatrics and the region's designated pediatric trauma center.
Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
The Salvation Army was founded as an evangelical organization dedicated to bringing people into a meaningful relationship with God through Christ.
San Diego Adaptive Sports: http://www.sdasf.org/
The San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with physical disabilities through sports and recreation.
San Diego Blood Bank: http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org/
Saving lives with quality blood services in partnership with the community.
Scottish Rite Center: http://www.scottishritesandiego.org/
In the early 1950s in Colorado, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States initiated a program to help children with speech and language disorders. The results obtained from this program led to the establishment of RiteCare clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities.
Shriner’s Hospitals for Children: http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/
Shriners Hospitals for Children has a mission to: Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment. Provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals. Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families. This mission is carried out without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect, disability, national origin or ability of a patient or family to pay.
Susan G. Komen: http://ww5.komen.org/
As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.
Toms Shoes: http://www.toms.com
With every pair you purchase, Toms will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
Two Degrees Food: http://twodegreesfood.com/
Our mission is to feed 200 million hungry children - one child at a time. For every nutrition bar you buy, we give a nutrition pack to a hungry child.
Vitamin Angels: http://www.vitaminangels.org/home
One in three children worldwide is undernourished. Vitamin Angels reduces child mortality by connecting infants and children under five with vital nutrients.
Wheels to Water: http://www.wheels2water.org/
Wheels 2 Water is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to share the Ocean Experience through Adaptive Surfing and Scuba Diving for everyone with a Spinal Cord Injury.
World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
To raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.
Wycliff Bible Translators: http://www.wycliffe.org/
Wycliffe was founded in 1942 by William Cameron Townsend. A missionary to the Cakchiquel Indians of Guatemala, Townsend caught the vision for translation when Cakchiquel-speaking men expressed their concern that the Bible was not available to them in the language they understood clearly. As a result, Townsend resolved that every man, woman and child should be able to read God’s Word in their own language. Since its inception, Wycliffe has made great progress in Bible translation all around the world. To date, we have played a part in completing more than 700 Scripture translations.
Young Life: http://www.younglife.org/us
Young Life brings the good news of Jesus Christ into the lives of adolescents with an approach that is respectful of who kids are and hopeful about who they can be.
A group of us at my church are currently going through a months-long discussion on giving to others. A week or so ago we busted out a whiteboard and brainstormed every charitable organization that interested someone in the group. The results are below.
My Promise: You are going to see organizations here that you don't care for. That's fine. Keep it to yourself. Really. Deep breaths. You'll be okay.
My Hope: That if you aren't involved with a charity already you will find an organization that really interests you and get involved by giving your time and/or money.
My Request: If you know of a charitable org you want to tell people about - put it in the comments!
BTW: itunes kicked up this song while I was posting this:
http://youtu.be/Hclxep-jZiE
141: http://141eyewear.com
For every pair of 141 Eyewear purchased, we give a new pair of prescription glasses to a person in need. No portions of proceeds. No percentages. You buy, we give. One Four One.
ALSA: http://www.alsa.org/
Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
Angel Tree: http://www.angeltree.org/
Angel Tree is a ministry that reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ. This unique program gives your church an opportunity to share Christ’s love by helping to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the families of prisoners.
Baja Christian Ministries: http://www.bajachristian.org/
Since October 1991, Baja Christian Ministries (BCM) has been serving the spiritual and physical needs of the poor through engaging short-term mission teams in Baja California, Mexico.
Camp Attitude: http://www.campattitude.com
To communicate the importance of honoring people with disabilities and equip individuals, families, and organizations with the proper skill set to care for, evangelize, and disciple people affected by disabilities.
Camp Korey: http://campkorey.org/
Camp Korey’s mission is to honor the courage, strength, and determination of children living with serious and life-altering medical conditions and their families; and to provide them with a safe, friendly, medically sound environment in which to simply have fun and be kids.
Compassion International: http://www.compassion.com/
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
God’s Extended Hand: http://www.godsextendedhand.com/
God's Extended Hand is a place of evangelical ministry aimed at showing the homless population of San Diego the Love of God. We endeavor to do this by providing a gathering place where they can come and experience a sit down restaurant style meal in a peace filled Christ focused environment. All meals and services are offered free and without any charge on a first come first served basis. This is a place where hatred and anger is left outside and the word of God is given with each meal to encourage and offer hope.
Habitat for Humanity: http://www.habitat.org
Habitat for Humanity International is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat and its homeowner families have built or rehabilitated more than 400,000 houses. A nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry, Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build together in partnership.
Healing Waters: http://healingwaters.org/
Healing Waters International is a nonprofit organization providing safe water solutions in communities where poverty is compounded by contaminated water.
Heart to Heart: http://www.heart-2-heart.ca/
Heart 2 Heart is a non-profit resource for abused men and women. It was created with love and love is free . . . always
Hole in the Wall Camps: http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org/
The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is a growing global network of innovative camps and programs that provide life-changing experiences to children with serious medical conditions, always free of charge. Our goal is to extend these experiences to as many children as possible around the world.
Inspiration Through Art: http://www.inspirationthroughart.org/apply/
Inspiration Through Art (Formerly the Littlest Heroes Project) provides the following services; Photo sessions for children infant- 21 who are dealing or have delt with any type of serious illness, children who have been a part of any type of serious illness resulting in illness or disability, photo sessions for families who have lost children within the last 3 years due to a serious accident or illness, organizations or foundations holding events/ fundraisers for a child or for children suffering from serious illnesses, care package send outs, snail mail support letters and cards, bracelet/necklace gifts, mailing lists with specials and discounts for participating families. All of our services are free to the participants as a way of giving back to the smallest of heroes.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: http://www.intervarsity.org/
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is an evangelical campus mission serving students and faculty on college and university campuses nationwide.
Invisible Children: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/
Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Koney’s rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity.
Krochet Kids: http://www.krochetkids.org/
To empower people to rise above poverty. To create sustainable economic development programs that support holistic growth of individuals and communities within developing nations.
To inspire the knowledge of a generation about their ability to bring change to a world that is in need.
Life Rolls On: http://www.liferollson.org
Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury and utilizes action sports as a platform to inspire infinite possibilities despite paralysis.
Lions Club: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php
Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And communities get better. That's because we help where help is needed – in our own communities and around the world – with unmatched integrity and energy.
Make a Wish Foundation: http://www.wish.org/
We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Medals for Mettle: http://www.medals4mettle.org/
Runners from around the world give their hard earned medals to Medals4Mettle. Our worldwide network of physicians and volunteers then awards these medals attached to a Medals4Mettle ribbon to children and adults fighting debilitating illnesses who might not be able to run a race, but are in a race of their own just to continue to live their life.
Mercy Ships: http://www.mercyships.org
Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilizing people and resources worldwide, and serving all people without regard for race, gender, or religion.
Models for Christ: http://modelsforchrist.com/
We are a global community of professionals who are seeking to honor God as we navigate the unique opportunities and challenges within the fashion industry.
ONE: http://one.org/
ONE is a grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, by raising public awareness and pressuring political leaders to support smart and effective policies and programs that are saving lives, helping to put kids in school and improving futures.
Plant with Purpose: http://www.plantwithpurpose.org/
Plant With Purpose is a Christian, environmental non-profit organization that transforms lives in rural areas worldwide where poverty is caused by deforestation.
Project Wildlife: http://www.projectwildlife.org/
The mission of Project Wildlife is to improve quality of life for local wildlife and the community as the primary resource for animal rehabilitation and education.
National Capital Lyme Disease Association: http://www.natcaplyme.org/
The National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association strives to improve the quality of life for people suffering from Lyme and other Tick-Borne illnesses by offering support and disseminating information that educates and empowers patients, families, healthcare workers, and the community at large about these diseases.
Not For Sale: http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
Not For Sale equips and mobilizes Smart Activists to re-abolish slavery — in their own backyards and across the globe. Not For Sale believes every individual has a skill they can contribute to fight human trafficking, and together we can end slavery in our lifetime.
Rady Children’s Hospital: http://www.rchsd.org/getinvolved/
On August 19, 1954, Rady Children's officially opened to receive its first 12 patients. Since then, nearly 2 million sick and injured children have been treated here. As San Diego has grown, so has our commitment to offering comprehensive care to our community's children. We are the county's only hospital dedicated solely to pediatrics and the region's designated pediatric trauma center.
Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
The Salvation Army was founded as an evangelical organization dedicated to bringing people into a meaningful relationship with God through Christ.
San Diego Adaptive Sports: http://www.sdasf.org/
The San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with physical disabilities through sports and recreation.
San Diego Blood Bank: http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org/
Saving lives with quality blood services in partnership with the community.
Scottish Rite Center: http://www.scottishritesandiego.org/
In the early 1950s in Colorado, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States initiated a program to help children with speech and language disorders. The results obtained from this program led to the establishment of RiteCare clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities.
Shriner’s Hospitals for Children: http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/
Shriners Hospitals for Children has a mission to: Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment. Provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals. Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families. This mission is carried out without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect, disability, national origin or ability of a patient or family to pay.
Susan G. Komen: http://ww5.komen.org/
As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.
Toms Shoes: http://www.toms.com
With every pair you purchase, Toms will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
Two Degrees Food: http://twodegreesfood.com/
Our mission is to feed 200 million hungry children - one child at a time. For every nutrition bar you buy, we give a nutrition pack to a hungry child.
Vitamin Angels: http://www.vitaminangels.org/home
One in three children worldwide is undernourished. Vitamin Angels reduces child mortality by connecting infants and children under five with vital nutrients.
Wheels to Water: http://www.wheels2water.org/
Wheels 2 Water is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to share the Ocean Experience through Adaptive Surfing and Scuba Diving for everyone with a Spinal Cord Injury.
World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
To raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.
Wycliff Bible Translators: http://www.wycliffe.org/
Wycliffe was founded in 1942 by William Cameron Townsend. A missionary to the Cakchiquel Indians of Guatemala, Townsend caught the vision for translation when Cakchiquel-speaking men expressed their concern that the Bible was not available to them in the language they understood clearly. As a result, Townsend resolved that every man, woman and child should be able to read God’s Word in their own language. Since its inception, Wycliffe has made great progress in Bible translation all around the world. To date, we have played a part in completing more than 700 Scripture translations.
Young Life: http://www.younglife.org/us
Young Life brings the good news of Jesus Christ into the lives of adolescents with an approach that is respectful of who kids are and hopeful about who they can be.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
In the Olden Days
by Richard Newman
The world held no color but sepia.
Our bedside tables creaked beneath the weight
of daily hardships, buffered only by doilies.
We did without, did things by hand. We got more
snow. Our Mickey Mouse was far from cute.
We specialized in quaint and quirky phrases
like "23 Skidoo." Our songs rang dark
with forced joy and naiveté: "Aint We Got Fun?"
Staring from family photographs, we look
older than we are. Even as children, our faces
are shadowed with doubt and parental disappointment,
as if to say to those looking years from now:
We persist. We persevere. We do this for you.
The world held no color but sepia.
Our bedside tables creaked beneath the weight
of daily hardships, buffered only by doilies.
We did without, did things by hand. We got more
snow. Our Mickey Mouse was far from cute.
We specialized in quaint and quirky phrases
like "23 Skidoo." Our songs rang dark
with forced joy and naiveté: "Aint We Got Fun?"
Staring from family photographs, we look
older than we are. Even as children, our faces
are shadowed with doubt and parental disappointment,
as if to say to those looking years from now:
We persist. We persevere. We do this for you.
Quote of the Day
"Love is not blind -- It sees more and not less, but because it sees more it is willing to see less."
- Bill Wilson
- Bill Wilson
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Awesome
Patrick is the first person who told us about Life Rolls On. And we are VERY grateful!:
http://vimeo.com/21044816
LRO Ambassador Patrick Ivison: Born Different 2 from Life Rolls On on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/21044816
"Mad Man" Mark
Annie spent the day shredding the waves in La Jolla with "Mad Man" Mark Thornton today. He graciously lent Annie his board (wave-ski):
http://vimeo.com/28835705
The Long Way Out from Cody Caldwell on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/28835705
Quote of the Day
Humans are amphibians-half spirit/half animal. As spirits they belong to the eternal world. As animals they inhabit time
- CS Lewis
- CS Lewis
Friday, October 21, 2011
Life Rolls On
For some reason, I can't embed this video - but it is worth your time!
http://vimeo.com/30918014
http://vimeo.com/30918014
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Bus Boy
by George Bilgere
O teenage bus boy of the summer dusk!
Lugging your gray tub of swill,
bathed in slop and ooze and bits of spaghetti
in the alley behind the Applebee's—
hate me if you will,
as I pass by in my tennis shorts and Obama t-shirt
with a vibrant, dark-haired woman,
on my way to watch game three
of the NBA finals at our local microbrewery.
Hate me, but you cannot know
that I once labored as you do now, at a Big Boy
in Riverside, California, elbow deep
in the very same lumpish goop and ooze.
Like you, I was of the slime of alleys,
of the same immemorial cigarette butts
and rotting cottage cheese.
And like you,
I dreamed of a certain waitress,
and of driving a fork into the forehead
of the night manager,
and of spitting in the soup
of plump, complacent, well-dressed diners
who snapped their fingers at me.
But most of all I dreamed of being clean,
and cool, and never, ever again
slogging through the world's filth and stink,
which is something I have achieved,
as must be perfectly obvious to you.
O teenage bus boy of the summer dusk!
Lugging your gray tub of swill,
bathed in slop and ooze and bits of spaghetti
in the alley behind the Applebee's—
hate me if you will,
as I pass by in my tennis shorts and Obama t-shirt
with a vibrant, dark-haired woman,
on my way to watch game three
of the NBA finals at our local microbrewery.
Hate me, but you cannot know
that I once labored as you do now, at a Big Boy
in Riverside, California, elbow deep
in the very same lumpish goop and ooze.
Like you, I was of the slime of alleys,
of the same immemorial cigarette butts
and rotting cottage cheese.
And like you,
I dreamed of a certain waitress,
and of driving a fork into the forehead
of the night manager,
and of spitting in the soup
of plump, complacent, well-dressed diners
who snapped their fingers at me.
But most of all I dreamed of being clean,
and cool, and never, ever again
slogging through the world's filth and stink,
which is something I have achieved,
as must be perfectly obvious to you.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see Life with a clearer view again."
- Alex Tan
- Alex Tan
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Fall Discoveries
We trekked to the local Punkin' Patch this past weekend and learned a number of lessons:
1) Nobody rides ponies anymore, why should I have to?
2) Baby goats are kinda cool
3) No baby chickens should be cooped up! SOLIDARITY!
4) Baby bunnies SUCK! (actually, this is one more indication that daddy may have won the progeny prize: Not a son, not a daughter, but a daughter who acts like a son!)
More fall goodness to follow . . . .
1) Nobody rides ponies anymore, why should I have to?
2) Baby goats are kinda cool
3) No baby chickens should be cooped up! SOLIDARITY!
4) Baby bunnies SUCK! (actually, this is one more indication that daddy may have won the progeny prize: Not a son, not a daughter, but a daughter who acts like a son!)
More fall goodness to follow . . . .
From Out the Cave
by Joyce Sutphen
When you have been
at war with yourself
for so many years that
you have forgotten why,
when you have been driving
for hours and only
gradually begin to realize
that you have lost the way,
when you have cut
hastily into the fabric,
when you have signed
papers in distraction,
when it has been centuries
since you watched the sun set
or the rain fall, and the clouds,
drifting overhead, pass as flat
as anything on a postcard;
when, in the midst of these
everyday nightmares, you
understand that you could
wake up,
you could turn
and go back
to the last thing you
remember doing
with your whole heart:
that passionate kiss,
the brilliant drop of love
rolling along the tongue of a green leaf,
then you wake,
you stumble from your cave,
blinking in the sun,
naming every shadow
as it slips.
When you have been
at war with yourself
for so many years that
you have forgotten why,
when you have been driving
for hours and only
gradually begin to realize
that you have lost the way,
when you have cut
hastily into the fabric,
when you have signed
papers in distraction,
when it has been centuries
since you watched the sun set
or the rain fall, and the clouds,
drifting overhead, pass as flat
as anything on a postcard;
when, in the midst of these
everyday nightmares, you
understand that you could
wake up,
you could turn
and go back
to the last thing you
remember doing
with your whole heart:
that passionate kiss,
the brilliant drop of love
rolling along the tongue of a green leaf,
then you wake,
you stumble from your cave,
blinking in the sun,
naming every shadow
as it slips.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Quote of the Day
"I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness."
- Mother Teresa
- Mother Teresa
Quote of the Day
"The supreme happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved -- loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."
- Victor Hugo
- Victor Hugo
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Problem
by George Bilgere
Jerry is at his usual table this morning
with his cup of coffee and his laptop,
working on his science fiction/fantasy novel.
In every café in America
men and women are hard at work
on their science fiction/fantasy novels.
Perhaps you are one of them. If so,
I salute you; it's a very competitive field.
Forty years, says Jerry, I sold life insurance.
Now I can do what I really want to do.
The planet where his story takes place
has three suns, and the problem he's working on
is how do the aliens there tell time.
I suggest having everyone wear three watches,
which Jerry doesn't think is funny.
This is a serious novel, he's taking it seriously,
and he's wants to get everything just right.
Forty years I sold life insurance, he says.
Now I can do what I really want to do.
Jerry is at his usual table this morning
with his cup of coffee and his laptop,
working on his science fiction/fantasy novel.
In every café in America
men and women are hard at work
on their science fiction/fantasy novels.
Perhaps you are one of them. If so,
I salute you; it's a very competitive field.
Forty years, says Jerry, I sold life insurance.
Now I can do what I really want to do.
The planet where his story takes place
has three suns, and the problem he's working on
is how do the aliens there tell time.
I suggest having everyone wear three watches,
which Jerry doesn't think is funny.
This is a serious novel, he's taking it seriously,
and he's wants to get everything just right.
Forty years I sold life insurance, he says.
Now I can do what I really want to do.
Friday, October 14, 2011
She Fights For Her Life
I was reminded of this video today.
Aside from the whole thing being BEAUTIFUL, it reminds me that there are actually people amongst us for whom getting dressed and going out are DEATH-DEFYING events (I have no idea if this is what the artist intended).
We tend to pooh-pooh people with anxiety disorders as "soft", "weak" or "quitters" let me tell you, they are anything but weak and they are certainly not quitters. Take all the anxiety you feel in a typical day and double it - triple it - quadruple it and on and on and on. When was the last time you were convinced that walking out your door would kill you - yet you did it anyway?
http://youtu.be/2_HXUhShhmY
And She fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
As she goes in a store
With a thought she has caught
By a thread
She pays for the bread
And She goes...
Nobody knows
Aside from the whole thing being BEAUTIFUL, it reminds me that there are actually people amongst us for whom getting dressed and going out are DEATH-DEFYING events (I have no idea if this is what the artist intended).
We tend to pooh-pooh people with anxiety disorders as "soft", "weak" or "quitters" let me tell you, they are anything but weak and they are certainly not quitters. Take all the anxiety you feel in a typical day and double it - triple it - quadruple it and on and on and on. When was the last time you were convinced that walking out your door would kill you - yet you did it anyway?
http://youtu.be/2_HXUhShhmY
And She fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
As she goes in a store
With a thought she has caught
By a thread
She pays for the bread
And She goes...
Nobody knows
Drinkin' Wiiiiine in the Alley . . . .
I have done some wine tasting in Napa more than once. I love the fancy-schmancy of the locations so long as it is paired with down-to-earth sommaliers.
I have also been wine tasting in the Temecula Valley more than once - fancy-schmancy is not usually on the menu but I love it all the same because you get the sense that these are hard-working middle-class folks.
And then there is wine tasting in Julian. Strictly mom and pop. Heck, you are happy if they have their pants ON let alone "schmancy". We are talking boot-leg wineries here . . . This is a photo of the outside of one of the tasting rooms in Julian (one of the nicer ones) and I love it.
I have also been wine tasting in the Temecula Valley more than once - fancy-schmancy is not usually on the menu but I love it all the same because you get the sense that these are hard-working middle-class folks.
And then there is wine tasting in Julian. Strictly mom and pop. Heck, you are happy if they have their pants ON let alone "schmancy". We are talking boot-leg wineries here . . . This is a photo of the outside of one of the tasting rooms in Julian (one of the nicer ones) and I love it.
Quote of the Day
"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?"
— Sai Baba
— Sai Baba
Quote of the Day
God's love is not wearied by our sins & is relentless in its determination that we be cured at whatever cost to us or Him
- CS Lewis
- CS Lewis
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fruit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
- Galatians 5:22-23a
- Galatians 5:22-23a
When in the Soul of the Serene Disciple
by Thomas Merton
When in the soul of the serene disciple
With no more Fathers to imitate
Poverty is a success,
It is a small thing to say the roof is gone:
He has not even a house.
Stars, as well as friends,
Are angry with the noble ruin.
Saints depart in several directions.
Be still:
There is no longer any need of comment.
It was a lucky wind
That blew away his halo with his cares,
A lucky sea that drowned his reputation.
Here you will find
Neither a proverb nor a memorandum.
There are no ways,
No methods to admire
Where poverty is no achievement.
His God lives in his emptiness like an affliction.
What choice remains?
Well, to be ordinary is not a choice:
It is the usual freedom
Of men without visions.
When in the soul of the serene disciple
With no more Fathers to imitate
Poverty is a success,
It is a small thing to say the roof is gone:
He has not even a house.
Stars, as well as friends,
Are angry with the noble ruin.
Saints depart in several directions.
Be still:
There is no longer any need of comment.
It was a lucky wind
That blew away his halo with his cares,
A lucky sea that drowned his reputation.
Here you will find
Neither a proverb nor a memorandum.
There are no ways,
No methods to admire
Where poverty is no achievement.
His God lives in his emptiness like an affliction.
What choice remains?
Well, to be ordinary is not a choice:
It is the usual freedom
Of men without visions.
Falling Upward
This book rocked my world. Or more precisely, my world has been rocked and this book made some sense of it all. I buy books on Kindle these days for economy and ease of use but a couple times a year I read a book that is so important I must have it on my shelf. I ordered the hard copy of this one before I was done with the Kindle version.
So what's it about and what makes it so great? The author explores what he calls the "second half of life" not second-half in terms of years but second-half in terms of maturity and (to use a term that makes me uncomfortable) enlightenment.
To sum it all up (an impossible task), the first half of life is all about labels and categories (Conservative, Liberal, Hippie, Punk, Slut, Prude, Jock, Nerd, Rich, Poor etc). The first half of life is all about image, posing and posturing. For those who reach the second half (and not all do), the labels fall away. There is no more labels because there is no more ego. There is only compassion, love and truth.
So how do we get to this second half of life? Unfortunately, it is usually through incredible suffering. We build this false persona all our lives and it takes a tremendous blow to knock it down.
The author is far more liberal than I and I will say that on my first read, I would guess 3% of what he said is questionable to me. The other 97% accurately describe my rocked world.
This book is not for everyone but if you have suffered to the point where you feel that your whole world was torn apart leaving you to ask, "I am not who I was. Who am I now?" And you are feeling like all the old labels you have relied upon are no longer helpful, this may be for you.
Disclaimer: It is a Christian book written by a catholic priest however he readily acknowledges that other faiths just flat-out do some things better and so I think the book works for non-Christians as well.
I can count on one hand the number of books in my life I have read, and then picked up and turned to page one to read again. This is one of them.
Now if you will excuse me, I have some reading to do . . .
So what's it about and what makes it so great? The author explores what he calls the "second half of life" not second-half in terms of years but second-half in terms of maturity and (to use a term that makes me uncomfortable) enlightenment.
To sum it all up (an impossible task), the first half of life is all about labels and categories (Conservative, Liberal, Hippie, Punk, Slut, Prude, Jock, Nerd, Rich, Poor etc). The first half of life is all about image, posing and posturing. For those who reach the second half (and not all do), the labels fall away. There is no more labels because there is no more ego. There is only compassion, love and truth.
So how do we get to this second half of life? Unfortunately, it is usually through incredible suffering. We build this false persona all our lives and it takes a tremendous blow to knock it down.
The author is far more liberal than I and I will say that on my first read, I would guess 3% of what he said is questionable to me. The other 97% accurately describe my rocked world.
This book is not for everyone but if you have suffered to the point where you feel that your whole world was torn apart leaving you to ask, "I am not who I was. Who am I now?" And you are feeling like all the old labels you have relied upon are no longer helpful, this may be for you.
Disclaimer: It is a Christian book written by a catholic priest however he readily acknowledges that other faiths just flat-out do some things better and so I think the book works for non-Christians as well.
I can count on one hand the number of books in my life I have read, and then picked up and turned to page one to read again. This is one of them.
Now if you will excuse me, I have some reading to do . . .
Something About It . . .
A recent trip to Julian led to some unplanned wine tasting at a mom-and-pop winery we stumbled upon. The place was definitely rustic and we stood amongst the wine vats as we sampled their fair. This is taken from just inside their doorway. There's something about this picture that I really like but I can't put my finger on it . . .
Bookmobile
by Joyce Sutphen
I spend part of my childhood waiting
for the Sterns County Bookmobile.
When it comes to town, it makes a
U-turn in front of the grade school and
glides into its place under the elms.
It is a natural wonder of late
afternoon. I try to imagine Dante,
William Faulkner, and Emily Dickinson
traveling down a double lane highway
together, country-western on the radio.
Even when it arrives, I have to wait.
The librarian is busy, getting out
the inky pad and the lined cards.
I pace back and forth in the line,
hungry for the fresh bread of the page,
because I need something that will tell me
what I am; I want to catch a book,
clear as a one-way ticket, to Paris,
to London, to anywhere.
I spend part of my childhood waiting
for the Sterns County Bookmobile.
When it comes to town, it makes a
U-turn in front of the grade school and
glides into its place under the elms.
It is a natural wonder of late
afternoon. I try to imagine Dante,
William Faulkner, and Emily Dickinson
traveling down a double lane highway
together, country-western on the radio.
Even when it arrives, I have to wait.
The librarian is busy, getting out
the inky pad and the lined cards.
I pace back and forth in the line,
hungry for the fresh bread of the page,
because I need something that will tell me
what I am; I want to catch a book,
clear as a one-way ticket, to Paris,
to London, to anywhere.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Quote of the Day
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you
- CS Lewis
- CS Lewis
Monday, October 10, 2011
Lost Childhood
by David Ignatow
How was it possible, I a father
yet a child of my father? I
grew panicky and thought
of running away but knew
I would be scorned for it
by my father. I stood
and listened to myself
being called Dad.
How ridiculous it sounded,
but in front of me, asking
for attention—how could I,
a child, ignore this child's plea?
I lifted him into my arms
and hugged him as I would have
wanted my father to hug me,
and it was as though satisfying
my own lost childhood.
How was it possible, I a father
yet a child of my father? I
grew panicky and thought
of running away but knew
I would be scorned for it
by my father. I stood
and listened to myself
being called Dad.
How ridiculous it sounded,
but in front of me, asking
for attention—how could I,
a child, ignore this child's plea?
I lifted him into my arms
and hugged him as I would have
wanted my father to hug me,
and it was as though satisfying
my own lost childhood.
Friday, October 7, 2011
This Book Just Might Make You Smarter
My good friend, Dean Nelson, along with one of my science vs faith heroes, Karl Giberson has come out with a new book on John Polkinghorne. If you aren't familiar with the name, John Polkinghorne is considered one of the smartest minds in the world of physics alive today. He is also an Anglican Priest.
I know Dean personally, I know Karl through his previous work and I can't wait to get to know John Polkinghorne through this latest book. I don't even have to read it to recommend it.
For a taste, check out this USA Today article by Dean on Polkinghorne.
Buy the book. It just might make you smarter.
I know Dean personally, I know Karl through his previous work and I can't wait to get to know John Polkinghorne through this latest book. I don't even have to read it to recommend it.
For a taste, check out this USA Today article by Dean on Polkinghorne.
Buy the book. It just might make you smarter.
Quote of the Day
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
- Mother Teresa
- Mother Teresa
Quote of the Day
"If you have no character to lose, people will have no faith in you"
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Mahatma Gandhi
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Recently Read
Creating a lifestyle of generosity is more than just behavioral modifications; it is seeing the world differently every day. When we are able to change our paradigm and see each moment and aspect of our life as an opportunity to be generous, we open ourselves up to experience the rich rewards that occur through sustained giving. Sacred giving can occur in the mundane grocery-store moments of everyday life, not just in those headline-grabbing, once-in-a-lifetime major financial gifts.
- Giving - The Sacred Art: Creating a Lifestyle of Generosity by Lauren Tyler Wright
- Giving - The Sacred Art: Creating a Lifestyle of Generosity by Lauren Tyler Wright
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength"
- St. Francis de Sales
- St. Francis de Sales
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, October 3, 2011
Punkins!
Me and Cousin Ava on the Pumpkin wagon
Whew! These Pumpkins are exhausting!
What??! A Pumpkin HOUSE??!!
Chilaxin' in da P-House
Whew! These Pumpkins are exhausting!
What??! A Pumpkin HOUSE??!!
Chilaxin' in da P-House
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)