Psalm 100: 1-2

Philanthropy

The meaning of the world philanthropy is "to love people". Like charity, philanthropy is an act of donating money, goods and services, but charity is geared toward the needy. Philanthropy provides a mean of improving the quality of life for all. Philanthropists are usually wealthy and their contributions are often a major source of income for museums, libraries, and institutions of higher learning.

While many people contribute a great deal of time, effort, and money to charitable organizations, they are rarely considered philanthropists. Our efforts alone do not have the same impact. Does that mean they don't need us? That our efforts are wasted?

Absolutely not!

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is every wasted.
~ Aesop

What it Means to be Kind

According to Webster's Dictionary, kindness is the act or state of being kind. It is marked by charitable behavior, a mild disposition, pleasantness, and tenderness toward others.

Kindness is considered one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues. It is in direct opposition to the Deadly Sin Envy.

Envy can slither through the grass unnoticed until it's within striking distance...
Sometimes it builds slowly until one day it overwhelms you...

It's all consuming...

It's a monster.

An act of kindness can keep the monster at bay...

Charity

Charity is another word for almsgiving. It is an act of giving money, goods, or time to the less fortunate.

Charity fulfills a need.

There are many forms of charity but the most common are concerned with providing food and shelter to the poor, sick and disabled. The goal is to give them what they need to survive.
The definition of charity has expanded over the years to include research facilities, animal shelters, and educating the masses. Charity fulfills a need and the need is growing every day.

Say Something Nice

Compliments. It is a simple word and a simple concept, but one that many people have trouble with. They find it difficult to give a compliment and even harder to accept one. Compliments are powerful relationship building tools and that in of itself is an excellent reason to master the skill. But there is a bigger, more compelling reason to offer a compliment, it makes you feel good. You are connecting with another person. Offering a compliment is a simple skill that can change the way you view yourself and the world around you.

Complements strengthen relationships.

Offering a complement boosts your self-esteem.

Offering a complement will make you feel good.

Every time you give a compliment, you are focused on the other person. You are actively looking for positive traits rather than focusing on the negative. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. I agree, yet I don't. If you truly look, you will find something positive to say. Look for ways to boost the spirits of those with whom you meet. Greet people with a smile. Acknowledge them and make their day brighter by saying something nice. Make it a habit and you will see the world in a different light. Develop the skill. Let it spill over into other facets of your life. The cloud of doom will lift. The obstacles that blocked your path yesterday just may become the possibilities of today.

Steps to a Happier Life

1. Live in the present. Anytime you are obsessing about the past or anticipating the future, ask yourself: What’s wrong with now? There are several things you can do to help you focus on the present. Try exercise or join a yoga class. Listen to some music. Attend your son’s basketball game. Cook a special meal for your spouse even though it’s the middle of the week. Stop counting the days left in the work week. Sing in the shower.

2. Take time to be silent. Some people have 90,000 thoughts a day. Such turbulent internal dialogue causes both unhappiness and fatigue. Sit down, close your eyes, and catch your breath. Let your mind be quiet for a few minutes.

3. Let your anger go. Studies show that holding on to grievances can be a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Forgive and forget.

4. Listen to your body. Body wisdom expresses itself through signals of comfort and discomfort. Your body often recognizes a problem before the mind does. Take steps to correct the problem before it becomes insurmountable.

5. Don’t contaminate your body with toxins. What you take in affects your happiness. Eat a healthy diet. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and avoid toxic drinks. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant.

6. Maintain your perspective. Before you confront someone, ask yourself: Is it worth it? Of someone annoys you, imagine our immense universe in all its splendor. Your coworker’s snide remarks are insignificant when compared to that.

Praise

Are Angels Real?

The concept of angels and their existence has been around since mankind developed the ability to reason and wonder. “Why am I here?” “Why is life constantly beating me down?” Many believe that angels appear to help us when times are intense and difficult. It is when we are suffering or depressed that an angel is most likely to appear.

There are many that believe, but more that are skeptical. Do angels exist? Do we have to see them to believe in them? There are superstitions that we swear are fact. We follow little rituals with no proof that they make a difference. We cross our fingers when telling a lie, wish upon a falling star, and credit Lady Luck with happenstance and good fortune, so why is it so hard to believe in angels?

It boils down to one simple word, faith. Faith does not depend on logic or proof. It is the trust we place in another’s ability. We don’t have to see it to believe it exists. I believe in God the Father… I don’t need proof. I need faith.

I believe.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2