Whether You Agree or Not

I received this as an email this morning and thought I’d like to share. I know he is Biblically right and thus I have to agree. My Opinion

This guy was on Dr. Charles Stanley's program "In Touch" as a guest speaker. I almost shouted "HALLELUJAH" when I finished reading. Forward or discard....it's your choice.

Dr. David Barton is more of a historian than a Biblical speaker, but very famous for his knowledge of historical facts as well as Biblical truths.

Dr. David Barton - on Obama

Respect theOffice?

Yes

Respect the Man in the Office?

No, I am sorry to say.

I have noted that many elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, called upon America to unite behind Obama.

Well, I want to make it clear to all who will listen that

I AM NOT uniting behind Obama !

I will respect the Office which he holds, and I will acknowledge his abilities as an orator and wordsmith and pray for him, BUT that is it.

I have begun today to see what I can do to make sure that he is a one-term President!

Why am I doing this?

It is because:

- I do not share Obama's vision or value system for America ;

- I do not share his Abortion beliefs;

- I do not share his radical Marxist's concept of re-distributing wealth;

- I do not share his stated views on raising taxes on those who make $150,000+ (the ceiling has been changed three times since August);

- I do not share his view that America is Arrogant;

- I do not share his view that America is not a Christian Nation;

- I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%;

- I do not share his view of amnesty and giving more to illegal’s than our American Citizens who need help;

- I do not share his views on homosexuality and his definition of marriage;

- I do not share his views that Radical Islam is our friend and Israel is our enemy who should give up any land; - I do not share his spiritual beliefs (at least the ones he has made public);

- I do not share hisbeliefs on how to re-work the healthcare system in America ; - I do not share his Strategic views of the Middle East ; and

- I certainly do not share his plan to sit down with terrorist regimes such as Iran ..

Bottom line: my America is vastly different from Obama's, and I have a higher obligation to my Country and my GOD to do what is Right! For eight (8) years, the Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility but for their celebrity status, have attacked President Bush, his family, and his spiritual beliefs!

They have not moved toward the center in their beliefs and their philosophies, and they never came together nor compromised their personal beliefs for the betterment of our Country!

They have portrayed my America as a land where everything is tolerated except being intolerant! They have been a vocal and irreverent minority for years!

They have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country!

They have made every effort to remove the name of GOD or Jesus Christ from our Society!

They have challenged capital punishment, the right to bear firearms, and the most basic principles of our criminal code!

They have attacked one of the most fundamental of all Freedoms, the right of free speech! Unite behind Obama? Never! ! ! I am sure many of you who read this think that I am going overboard, but I refuse to retreat one more inch in favor of those whom I believe are the embodiment of Evil!

PRESIDENT BUSH made many mistakes during hisPresidency, and I am not sure how history will judge him. However, I believe that he weighed his decisions in light of the long established Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers!!!

Majority rules in America, and I will honor the concept; however, I will fight with all of my power to be a voice in opposition to Obama and his "goals for America." I am going to be a thorn in the side of those who, if left unchecked, will destroy our Country! !

Any more compromise is more defeat!

I pray that the results of this election will wake up many who have sat on the sidelines and allowed the Socialist-Marxist anti-GOD crowd to slowly change so much of what has been good in America!

"Error of Opinion may be tolerated where Reason is left free to combat it." - Thomas Jefferson GOD bless you and GOD bless our Country! ! !

(Please, please, please, pass this on if you agree. If you don’t agree, just delete it.)

Thanks for your time, be safe.

"In GOD We Trust"

Are your pets aren't up on their vaccines or does the cost seems too much with the high cost of paying for both a visit to your vet along with the vaccines which can easily cost $100.00 +. If so then here are a few sites local to the Richmond, Virginia area.

If you are not from around here but have access to a pet lovers site, local SPCA or Humane Society you may want to check those to find a local place that is offering the vaccines in your area. For those local I hope you find this helpful. For those not, I hope this will give you a few ideas how to find a place near to you. Also the American Red Cross offers Pet First Aid Courses.



That being said, here are the local sites:



Hanover Humane Society Low-Cost Wellness Clinic
Date: 08/18/2010
Time: 04:00 pm - 06:30 pm
Low-cost Wellness Clinic! For those of us who own animals, it can be an expensive proposition to properly care for our animals. Wellness Clinic is offered to the public at our facility. The intent of our Wellness Clinic is to provide preventative medical care for healthy animals. There is no fee for an office visit! * Clinics are held the first and third Wednesday of each month from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with the clinic closing promptly at 7:00p.m. * Clients must arrive before 6:30pm to ensure they are reviewed by the vet before close of clinic. * All clients are handled on a first-come/first-serve basis--no appointments. You can find more information on our Wellness Clinic Page. Deep appreciation goes to our veterinarian, Dr. Kathryn Hurley, for making this program possible!
Location: Hanover Humane Society
Address:12190 Washington Highway
Ashland, Virginia 23005
Get driving directions »
Website: http://hanoverhumanesociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=18
E-mail: info@hanoverhumanesociety.org




Henrico County Rabies Clinic
Date: 08/07/2010
Time: 08:00 am - 01:00 pm
The Henrico County Division of Police will hold a rabies clinic Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Gate Four of Richmond International Raceway. Shots cost $8, cash only, and include a rabies tag and certificate of inoculation. Dog owners may purchase a 2010 license for $10 with proof of rabies inoculation. Cats and dogs 4 months and older are required to be vaccinated for rabies. Contact Animal Protection at (804) 727-8800 for more information.
Location: Richmond International Raceway - Gate 4
Address:600 East Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23222
Get driving directions »
Phone: (804) 727-8800



American Red Cross Pet First Aid Course
Date: 08/14/2010
Time: 09:00 am - 01:00 pm
Learn how to administer immediate, temporary care that will sustain your pet until you can get to the vet. You'll also learn emergency procedures such as CPR and rescue breathing, and you'll get to take home tips on providing daily care and helping your dog or cat be healthy and happy. Course Fee is $50. *Mention "Richmond Pet Lovers" and get 10% Off when you register by phone at (804) 343-2088!
Location: Robins-Starr Humane Center
Address:2519 Hermitage Road
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Get driving directions »
Website: http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/
E-mail: judyd@usa.redcross.org
Contact name: Deborah Judy
Phone: (804) 343-2088



American Red Cross Pet First Aid Course
Date: 09/14/2010
Time: 06:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Learn how to administer immediate, temporary care that will sustain your pet until you can get to the vet. You'll also learn emergency procedures such as CPR and rescue breathing, and you'll get to take home tips on providing daily care and helping your dog or cat be healthy and happy. Course Fee is $50. *Mention "Richmond Pet Lovers" and get 10% Off when you register by phone at (804) 343-2088!
Location: Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross
Address:420 E. Cary St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Get driving directions »
Website: http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/
E-mail: judyd@usa.redcross.org
Phone: (804) 343-2088




Richmond SPCA Microchip Clinic
Date: 08/16/2010
Time: 04:00 pm - 07:00 pm
Pre-register your pet(s) for the Richmond SPCA's affordable Microchip Clinic on August 16 between 4 and 7 p.m. All chips are only $20 and come with a lifetime registration (no annual renewal fee).
Location: Robin Star Humane Center
Address:2519 Hermitage Road
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Get driving directions »
Website: http://https//www.richmondspca.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=614&srctid=1&erid=1001972
E-mail: khall@richmondspca.org
Phone: 804-521-1302



A FEW MORE THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:



Hanover Humane Society Spay-ghetti Dinner Days
Date: 08/22/2010 - 08/26/2010
Time: 02:00 pm - 09:00 pm
This is an ongoing event benefiting the Hanover Humane Society. The Pasta House in Mechanicsville (8196 Atlee Road) is hosting Spay-ghetti Dinner Days the last week of every month, Sunday-Thursday. Simply place your order after 2 pm, mention the Hanover Humane Society, and the Pasta House will generously donate 20% of the proceeds to support adoption efforts, spay/neuter surgeries, and public education concerning the tragedy of pet overpopulation. No other coupons or specials will apply. Offer valid for dining in or take-out. Contact: Tammy Cheek 798-0806
Location: Pasta House Italian Restaurant
Address:8196 Atlee Road
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116
Get driving directions »
Website: http://www.hanoverhumanesociety.org/
Contact name: Tammy Cheek
Phone: (804) 798-0806



Holiday Barn Pet Resorts Pet Food Drive
Date: 08/20/2010 - 08/31/2010
Please visit Holiday Barn Pet Resorts to support their pet food drive to help out pets in need. From August 20 to 31, drop off your pet food donation at either Holiday Barn location and earn valuable customer discounts based on how much food you bring! Donated food will benefit the Richmond SPCA and Ring Dog Rescue. Click here for Holiday Barn Pet Resorts hours and directions. About Holiday Barn Pet Resorts: Holiday Barn is truly a premier resort for pets. Guests can enjoy a busy activity schedule filled with play time, walks, swimming (Glen Allen only), Frosty Paw Frozen Treats, delicious room service and spa treatments (baths and trims). In fact, customers frequently comment that their pet is going to have a fancier vacation than they are! Holiday Barn Pet Resorts is a longtime supporter of the Richmond SPCA and we are truly grateful for their loyalty and generosity to the cause of orphaned animals. Location: 3800 Mountain Road, Glen Allen AND 900 Southlake Boulevard, Richmond Contact: 804-672-2200
Location: Holiday Barn Pet Resorts (Both locations)
Address:3800 Mountain Road
Glen Allen, Virginia
Get driving directions »
Phone: 804-672-2200



Richmond SPCA Low-Cost Wellness Clinic
Date: 01/04/2010 - 12/27/2010
Time: 09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Low-Cost Wellness Clinic Recurring event Appointments Required - Call 804-521-1320! *Appointments are required by calling 804-521-1320 or by e-mailing Kate Hall at khall@richmondspca.org. As part of our Project Safety Net, a group of programs designed to improve the lives of pets in our community and keep them in loving homes, the Richmond SPCA provides a low-cost wellness clinic for vaccines and preventative care. Our wellness clinic sees patients every Monday starting October 5, 2009. Wellness clinics take place at the Richmond SPCA's Robins-Starr Humane Center, located at 2519 Hermitage Road. The fee is $20 per animal and includes a wellness exam. Low-cost preventative vaccinations and medications may also be purchased at the time of your appointment (fees listed below). Accepted forms of payment are cash and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover). Payment is due at the time of service. Appointments are required by calling 804-521-1320 or by e-mailing Kate Hall. Eligibility Requirements: * Pet must be spayed or neutered. Documentation of your pet's surgery (receipt or medical record) is required. If your pet is not spayed or neutered and you would like to make an appointment for a free or low-cost surgery through our Smoky's Spay/Neuter clinic, please click here or call 804-521-1300. * Pet owner must be a resident of the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, Goochland County, Hanover County, or Henrico County on government assistance or with a combined household income of less than $30,000 per year. Eligibility documents may include one of the following: W2 Form, 3 recent pay stubs, or proof of government assistance. Low-Cost Preventative Vaccination and Medication Fees: * Rabies vaccine - $8 * Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus test - $17 * Feline Leukemia vaccination (FeLv) - $10 * Feline Distemper vaccine - protects cats against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and Chlamydia - $10 * Canine Distemper vaccine - protects dogs against distemper, adenovirus, parvo, parainfluenza, coronavirus, and leptospirosis - $15 * Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine - $5 * Heartworm test - $10 * Fecal examination - $5 * Microchipping - $20 * Frontline (flea/tick preventative), Interceptor (heartworm preventative) and Iverhart (heartworm preventative) prices are based on the animal’s weight *Appointments are required by calling 804-521-1320 or by e-mailing Kate Hall at khall@richmondspca.org.
Location: Richmond SPCA's Robins-Starr Humane Center
Address:2519 Hermitage Road
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Get driving directions »
E-mail: khall@richmondspca.org
Contact name: Kate Hall
Phone: 804-521-1320

Grooming Your Teen for Independence

The teenage years can feel like a roller coast ride for both parents and
their children. As your teen pursues independence, it’s natural for you to
want to keep him close. Or maybe you worry that she’ll leave the nest
before she’s prepared to fly.

To insure that both you and your teen are confident during this period of
transition, take time now to teach your teen skills that will help him
make good choices, take care of himself, and feel confident when he
enters adulthood.

Independent life skills will be important whether your teen goes off to
college, enters the military, or decides to work full time. Once she leaves
high school she’ll make her own decisions, often with little or no time to
seek your advice.

Now is the time to teach your teen how to…

• Manage time wisely

• Manage and save
money

• Balance a
checkbook

• Wash laundry

• Honor commitments
and keep promises

• Weigh pros and cons
before making
decisions

• Make excellence a habit

800CHILDREN@pcav.org

Prevent Child Abuse Virginia

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. Too much snow I think. But spring is here with all the beautiful welcoming signs. It’s that certain time of year that seems to give you all the energy that comes forth with all the blooming plants and trees about us. The awesome feeling of opening the windows and letting the pollen blow in and out. :) It just makes one glad to be alive.

That being said I just wanted to pass along a good way to let your imagination run while thinking of cooking all the fresh veggies that are beginning to come in and the best is yet to come. If, you like Thai or other Asian based foods & are not allergic to peanuts.

Go to the International section of your grocery store and buy some Chili Garlic Sauce. Use your favorite peanut butter mix in a fry/stir fry pan over medium heat, add some soy sauce and toss in your favorite veggies and cook. Of course you can add your favorite meat also but adjust the chili sauce to your sensitivity. For me I like mine pretty hot but still want to taste my food. For other variations you can play around with fresh ginger, fish oil and just about anything to your liking. It’s quick and yummy. Enjoy!

FINAL UPDATE: I'm so excited. The final count in pounds on the recycled cards for the ST. JUDES CHILDREN'S RANCH is????? ;))) 43 1/4 lbs!!! Going to post office today to get flat rate boxes. My secret wish was for 30 lbs. EVERYONE PLZ REMEMBER: to save your cards throughout the year and when it's time again in November to get the word out you'll already have a jump start. PLUS: if any of you weren't able to get cards together this year there's always next year..A HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE!Also, It seems that the word is spreading because several other small businesses and woman's organizations have expressed that they want to be included for next year!

YAY!!

HUGS EVERYONE

Inner Smile

Feeling joyful is not necessory for presence, but its one of the most powerful ways to induce it. Joy creates an almost instantaneous sense of expansion-an inner smile that's like a warm bath. Some call this warm bath "flow" or "spirit." Experiencing it connects us to ourselves and to everyone and everything around us

by: Raphael Cushnir

~~~~~~How Did Jefferson Know~~~~~

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.'

Just a Quick Update

Last week when going to volunteer work at PCAV (prevention of child abuse VA), I had waiting by my desk a large Christmas bag of Holiday cards waiting for me. Not only did PCAV save their's for St. Jude's Children's Ranch, but had sent emails to their affiliates and ask them to do the same. That night when I went through them they weighed in just above five pounds. YAY! And a definite thanks! I called the other Churches and Businesses and was asked to wait until the deadline of February 15th due to the fact that they were still coming in. Also many other individual people/friends have told me they have some also. I am very excited and thankful and very much look forward to the end result. Trust I will keep you posted on the final result. Thanks Everyone!

I'm sure many of you like me, have heard the serenity prayer many times. A friend of mine found this orginial version and I have loved it so that I felt compelled to share it with you.



Serenity Prayer
by Reinhold Niebuhr
(1892-1971)

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Living one day at a time Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen

No one ever went to the grave wishing to have loved less. In the end, it's the people in our lives who matter most. Yet often, out of fear or pain, we don't let them know that. Taking time to do so allows what's truest in our hearts to be acknowledged and celebrated in the Now. by:Raphael Cushnir

An Amazing Operation!

On December 22, 2009 I went to the Richmond Food Bank ( http://www.cvfb.org/ ) and wanted to purchase a couple of cards and see about taking a tour of their operation. I was lucky enough to tag along with a tour that was being given to some local boy scouts. All I can say is that I was totally amazed at what all they do. At one time I thought that they only took care of the Richmond area. Boy was I ever so wrong. Also, now the Richmond Food Bank and Meals on Wheels have combined into one. Meals on Wheels ( http://mowdelivers.com/ ) delivers about 100 meals a day to Seniors and people with disabilities both physical and mental.I understand it takes $5:00 per meal. That’s what they tell you when you purchase any of their cards. But I also know there are many different things that they do and I haven’t visited or toured that area yet. I do know however that the same kitchen is used for both operations. It’s called the Community Kitchen. I wasn’t able to tour that area either but very much look forward to going back to see their processes. All of these combined organizations do a huge amount of recycling and the entire Community Kitchen is completely green.
Our food bank is one of 250 around the country to provide services. There are 25 in Virginia alone.All the Food Banks are a part of the Feeding America program. Ours in Richmond works with and supplies 31 surrounding counties and 5 cities alone. Everything is directly used in Virginia. They use 1000 cans of tuna a day. While tuna, peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned fruit always remain the most needed items. The entire operation is aware and is trying to send more balanced and nutritional and healthy foods to participants and cater to approximately 15 different types of diets daily. The Food Bank goes through an average of 170,000 lbs. of food daily. Nearly all retail grocery stores contribute. Perdue sends many pallets of chicken to help with meeting needs of fresh meats. As of the 22nd they had already given out over 7300 turkeys. Every week a full size tractor and trailer hauls a load of food to Farmville for the many people in need there. I asked how all the area churches played a part and was told that basically they are filling the gaps that are being missed.

To apply for food all one has to do is actually go there and tell of their need and they will receive help. There mission is that no one should go hungry, period. It takes 1 lb. of food to feed on person. Their meals average $1:00 a meal not cooked. They totally survive through donations. The ones that most of us are accustom to, are the canned and non-perishable items. Any money donations they use to purchase other things like meat or perishable items and to pay bills. For example we were allowed to tour the refrigerator and freezer area also. It cost $6000.00 a month alone just to run them. When I visited, the shelves and boxes were full. I was told that in the beginning of November the entire shelves and warehouse were bare. Scouting for food is responsible for supplying most of the food on the shelves. They actually have the boxes marked and the amount would astound anyone that wasn’t familiar with this. On that particular day there was 1.4 million lbs. of food in the warehouse. I can’t imagine going back and seeing the shelves empty. Everything is weighed on arrival. The question was asked that since the economy was so bad were they receiving less food than normal. They say that it is actually balancing itself out because the ones who were able to give large donations before aren’t able to now, but that there are many more people giving smaller donations. So people please don’t think that anything you do is insignificant in any way. The Eagle Scouts have built all the wooden boxes, pull trucks, shelves and other things. One thing I also noticed upon driving up to the main entrance was a large donation drop box that had been donated by Philip Morris. You often hear negative things about the company and I thought it important to include something positive that they also do.
A huge amount of all food distributed goes to feeding children. Our guide explained to the boy scouts that he could take them on any given evening to a chicken restaurant in Richmond and they would see children going through the trash out back looking for partially eaten food because it was better than what they had at home. He also explained that the next time the kids had a snow day or an unscheduled day off of school to be happy as they usually are but in the back of their minds remember that all the children that depend on food from school won’t get to eat that day.

Here also is another area that I was definitely not informed on. The inner city schools and the reason they never score as well as the counties school children on SOL test. Part of the Doctorate program for some up and coming doctors were to tour and learn about the Food Bank and its operations. They told a very sad fact how food played into such things. The first meal of the day of a growing child goes to building and forming the organs properly. The second meal of the day goes to the actual weight of the child. The third meal of the day goes to the proper building and formation of the brain. Bottom line, if children aren’t getting properly well balanced meals their bodies can’t form and grow properly. Therefore making it so much harder to compete and compare to other children who have had proper nutritious food.

Another area that I find incredible and should never be allowed in this country. The Food Bank takes a full size tractor and trailer to Ft. Lee every month to help provide 2500 participants with food for the soldiers and their families. There are absolutely no viable excuses for this to even be a need. It’s a total disgrace in my opinion.
Some little known facts are that when Meals on Wheels and the Central Virginia Food Bank combined into one non-profit organization then President George Bush came to our Food Bank in Richmond to see how it was run and that things were going right. Also, Governor McDonald and his family have been volunteers with the food bank for many years. Unlike most politicians they actually work and not just contribute money. The large dinner most Governors have every year and invite political and other society people. McDonald actually holds his for the Eagle Scouts of Virginia. Also, in the Food Bank warehouse there is a separate area that holds USDA products that is purchased and used by the Government for disasters. At any given time the President can call and collect this food. When Katrina hit New Orleans, which is only 600 sq. miles. All 250 Food Banks across the country filled 1500 tractor and trailers full of food and it was sent New Orleans way before FEMA was ever arrived there. That is something that was never publicized.

Upon leaving I ask our guide if anything was being done to provide the needed supplies other than food such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies and hygiene products that are needed on a daily basis also. He told us that it was an area which as of now there was not much was being done in. The Food Bank doesn’t normally handle anything like that but recently some people had been bringing items there and Target has taken an interest and is also bringing items there. He told me that they never refuse anything and they distribute them to the needy also.

In conclusion I would just like to say that please never forget that even something small and seemingly insignificant can make a big difference in someone’s life. Not only during the holidays but this is something that goes on every day and is growing more and more due to our economy and the families trying to survive. Also, my next article I hope to be on what is being done to keep the family pets with the families. To provide food, vaccines and general health care to the animals. Hopefully within the next week or so I will start with the SPCA gathering information that I can provide to you also.

A Reminder: Fronts of Holiday Cards for St. Jude's Ranch for Children

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE! REMEMBER AS MANY GO BACK TO WORK TODAY OR BEGIN TO TAKE DOWN SOME DECORATIONS TO SAVE ALL THE FRONTS OF YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS. ALSOASK THOSE YOU WORK WITH AND AT CHURCH. YOU'LL BE AMAZED AT THE RESPONSES YOU'LL GET. I'VE BEEN MAKING SURE TO PUT A COUPLE OF CARD FACES IN THE BASKETS/BOXES AS I PLACE THEM.. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW MANY POUNDS WE ACTUALLY GET....YAY
Also, remember I'll gladly arrange to pick them up. I have to pick all up no later than February 17th, 2010

Grateful for a Friend Who Gently Reminded Me This Morning How Lucky We Really Are

When you pray,remember all our men & women serving our country.All those who will spend Christmas overseas and away from Family.And remember the families that are here missing & worrying about their husbands,wives,grandchildren,etc over there.Merry Christmas to all..it is getting close.

RESPONSE:

Definitely! I was out the other day at a restaurant and saw one Marine who had been able to come home and be with his family for Chiristmas. He was awed at the food, which was just ok to me. It reminded me how much we take for granted and how many families must be apart for Christmas. A prayer seems both the least I can do and all I can do. Thanks for reminding me Janet! You're always so thoughtful..

I will be going by the Richmond Virginia Food Bank today. My purpose today was to kill two birds with one trip. My gifts to Dr.s, Postman, and Business people this year are going to be donations made in their names along with a card. BUT... That's not my reason for this post. I noticed on the web site while looking for directions that they have a critical need for some certain items. The web site is : http://www.cvfb.org/ If you look on the right side of the page you will see it says items urgently needed. Then you can click on them and they have drop off sites. If you wish to donate items and aren't able to go to one of the drop off sites email me and we can arrange for a place and time that I can pick them up and deliver them. If I/you find out anything further that can help we can make a post.

Things Worth Knowing

PCAV - About Prevent Child Abuse Virginia
www.preventchildabuseva.org
Prevent Child Abuse Virginia (PCAV) is a statewide, private nonprofit organization that strives through advocacy, education, direct services and partnerships to eliminate child abuse and neglect in the Commonwealth. ...

I would encourage everyone to check this organization out. This is where I volunteer and there is a wealth of information there to be learned by everyone. I have been amazed again and again. It can benefit someone like me who has no children of there own to new mothers, fathers, grandparents and the list goes on an on. I... cannot say enough good. They are fairly new to FB so please look over the site and be sure to become a fan. One other thing I would like to point out is that they an organization that helps from a positive encouraging point of view. Enjoy

Another Small Way to Help: St. Jude's Ranch for Children

The children at the ranch use these cards to make "new" cards and other gifts for St. Jude's and a little money for themselves.

Instead of throwing them in the trash or the recycle bins, help the kids out by mailing just the FRONTS (makes shipping a lighter postage).

Because of ecards they're not receiving what they used to. They are accepting used, all-occaision cards from November 15, 2009 to February 28, 2010.

St.Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder, NV 89005

877-977-SJRC (7552) http://stjudesranch.org/help_card.php

IF: we could find a way for ones to gather them from different places I could arrange to pick them up and mail them in a flat rate postage box. We could ask our churches, offices, organization or print this out and have your children to take it to their classes and then arrange for me to meet and pick them up and I’ll pay the shipping. If you should decide to ship them on your own ask the post office to weigh them. Wouldn't it be awesome to see how many pounds we actually shipped?

A Phrase I Heard that Still Lingers in my Mind.

We Can’t Help That Something From Our Past Has Effected Us. But it Doesn’t Have to Define Who We Are.

Most of my time on the computer today has been spent gathering more information on how things work throughout the counties. Reluctantly, I haven't made it out of Hanover yet. I spent a fair amount of time talking with Lynn Saunders who heads up MCEF(Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Function). Their program is multifaceted and does a lot of good work. One big question I had was how were people getting the information that this was available. Sometimes people will call a church needing help and will be referred to them, through congregations of the churches themselves and also they get a large amount of referrals through the Social Services. Their web site is : http://www.mcefva.org/

It seems that nothing is set up for pets. Occassionally people will just bring in pet food and when someone says that they need it, it's then given away. I have been given other web sites but before I post them I would like to sort through them to make sure they may help.

My intention is to continue exploring the different venues in all surrounding counties to gather information and post on here. The more information we have the more ideas will come of the best way to go with whatever we choose to do.

Important Information: Some people have been holding parties and just asking their guests to bring an item. Which could be anything from toy, article of clothing, canned goods, pet food etc. Parties don't have to be just for the Holidays and the items can be anything you want people to bring. Don't forget SuperBowl Parties. Basically anything anytime of year. The crowd doesn't have to be large. Any amount helps.

**Lynn Saunders (MCEF) told me to be sure to let people know that she has a huge amount of coats if anyone knows where there is a need. Also there is likely to be a large surplus of toys but she won't receive them until tomorrow.

** Am posting another reciept from the very first batch of food bought.

PEOPLE GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS/IDEAS....nothing is ever insignificant!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Reciepts of Two Donations Bought at Wal-Mart

Sorry that the images aren't layed out the best. I'm learning too. Please be Patient.. LOL.. All suggestions greatly and gladly excepted ;)

Remember you can click on the images to make them larger/

Thanks EVERYONE!!

Some Thoughts to Begin With

I believe that there is a new society of people/families who have been effected by the economy. These people aren't homeless/yet but seriously need help with food, clothing, and pet care/food and there are so many other things such as basic utilities and cleaning supplies, etc.I think there is a brand new "middle class" of people all around us who are defining a brand new version of being poor. It may or may not have touched you yet but in this economy I believe that it's seriously lurking to touch all of us at some degree. The stresses are horrendous. Domestic Violence is way up. I think that on the outside looking in people look normal but the choices and decisions that are becoming part of everyday life are worst than any have had to make before.

That being said, I think a lot of us have also had to cut back on many of the things that we've come to take for granted that before was just there. My personal thoughts on this are that if I have learned to live comfortably without even one small thing or even several things. Why not take that and pass it along to helping others in our own and surrounding communities. I don't think anyone in today's middle class world is so secure that they honestly believe it can't happen to them anymore. It takes such a small amount from each person to add up to a lot to really make a difference in many peoples lives. I believe this should also be an ongoing thing, not just during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Holidays. We really have nothing to loose but as mankind loving mankind there is everything to be gained over time. Who knows? If only a few have been helped was it not worth it. Then what have we honestly lost?

So far we have made two fairly large contributions, and have basically been able to do this anonymously. Both contributions thus far have been delivered to Atlee Community Church and little elves have not disclosed where the food came from but heard people saying how much food it was and how much it was really needed. YAY!!I would love any input anyone could offer on ways to do this on an ongoing basis.

As there are so many areas in need. It's something that continues to tug at me. The middle class is the largest sector of the population. Think of all the various professions and abilities that lie within us. Not just the middle class but any human being could volunteer a small amount of time from any profession or ability that we have and when you add them all up doing just a small amount of time. Its huge how much can be done. Any reduced prices that come from any producer of goods, medicines or anything that people and even for the family pets has the potential to do a great amount of good.

This is just a beginning and an opening topic to see where we can go. Also, what I am trying to figure out are ways that we can all do this and know that it’s all honest and every bit of everything is going to the people that need the food and many other things.With all that, then let’s get going… It was published on Face Book the other day that if the number of people on FB were a country, we would be the fourth largest in the world. Oh, one last thing you may find interesting, look up the definition of the word “PEOPLE” and then look up the Thesaurus. You may be as surprised as I was.