Tag Archives: Salvation Army

Hold Out A Helping Hand

0
by

helping-hand Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~William James

Do you realize that things you do, even little things that you might think nothing about, resonate with people for a long time? It’s true. We might not see the consequences of our actions immediately.

I wrote a guest post for a friend’s blog sometime this past year. It was about my experience, strength and hope as a woman who loves an alcoholic. I wrote from my heart, but I had no idea it would make a difference. Several months after I wrote it, I got a Facebook message from my friend saying that she still gets people who read that post and sometimes comment on it.

It amazed me, that statement, but what I realized about giving, whether it’s your testimony at a meeting (or on a blog), your time, your money, whatever we give . . . comes back to us ten-fold, in that – well, it makes us feel good. I don’t know the science behind it, and I’m not going to pretend I do, but I know I read somewhere that helping someone else boosts our own moods.

Feeling down this holiday season? Volunteer somewhere. The Salvation Army still needs bell ringers in my area (I did it a couple of times, so I know) and they must need them where you are too. Check HERE to find help on how to be a bell ringer.

Just be kinder, gentler . . . if we look around us, we can find all sorts of ways to help others this season. Know a neighbor who spends the day alone? Invite her to your home for Christmas, or take her a plate to eat. Open doors, smile more, be patient with store clerks and other patrons, and try not to swear in traffic. 😉

Hoping your day is lovely.

Peace out.

 

Getting Into The Spirits–er, Spirit!

3
by

the-christmas_530387355 Have you seen them yet? The Salvation Army bell ringers? They always put me into the Christmas spirit. It seems like, even if I have no money to spare, not even any change at the time, they always greet me with a “Merry Christmas!” and I can’t help but wish them the same. To me, seeing the bell ringers is a sure sign that Christmas is in the air.

If we sit back in our chairs–try it, right now, where you are—and close our eyes, we can think back and remember Christmases from when we were children. There’s the scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies and your mom is calling you to help with the cutouts.

Maybe your family went out to cut down your very own pine for Christmas. The smell of the needles fills the air and stays the whole season through.The lights twinkle and mesmerize.  Your presents seem to suddenly appear under the tree the morning of Christmas, and you’re young enough that you still believe in Santa Claus. They’re opened amid some “ooohs” and “aaahs” before moving onto the next.

You play with your presents while your folks linger a bit over coffee before cleaning up the wrapping paper. Then perhaps there’s a special breakfast and getting dressed up for church, if you’re religious. If not then the cooking for dinner starts straight away, and guests from near and far begin to arrive.

It’s not so hard to get into the Christmas spirit.

Just close your eyes and . . . remember your favorite one, whether you were very small or all grown up.

Peace out.