I bought a cross made in El Salvador from Global Village about a month ago and meant to send it to my mom. Today I put it in an envelope with a little note for our pastor at First Presbyterian, since the focus of this season is the cross. Two good deeds done: the gift and purchasing it at Global Village, which helps other countries.
I love sitting at church and listening to the sermon, looking around at the beautiful windows and structure of the building and listening to the choir sing. There is one thing I don't like, I never have, and that is the prayer of confession. To me it's like telling ourselves and a god how much we, excuse my language, suck. I find it horribly depressing and what I find baffling is, doesn't a god that created us want to hear about the good things we're doing? I mean ok, let's not brag and get all self-righteous (but wait, it is church...), but let's talk about some of the ways we're using the gifts we've been given!
So I have chosen not to say the prayer of confession. I listen to others say it, and I feel sad. From now on, during that point of the service, I'm going to think in my head of all the good things people are doing and thank God (again, not sure there is one) for giving us the ability to appreciate the wonderful attributes of others. Sure, I can add to that, "Let me do better..." but that's it, one line, not a whole prayer.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Day 11
I gave 50 cents to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society today, using one of those quarter holders you see at stores, restaurants, etc. It's one of those things I see all the time, but don't pay attention to, until I realize it is 7:00 p.m. and I haven't done my anonymous good deed.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Waiting...
Since we have 3 dogs, Jada's food is kept in the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. It is the only place safe from the dogs. Here is Jada waiting to get in, but as I told Steve, with only 1 bathroom in this house, everyone has to wait their turn.
Day 10
I've been carrying around about $1.60 in credit on a gift card to Cafe Ibis since October. I decided to take it to the Ibis and let the cashier use it toward someone else's purchase. At first the cashier tried to get me to buy some candy, and I gave it a moment's thought, because I wondered if I seemed silly, but after a few seconds, he relented and said he'd use it toward another customer's purchase. As I was leaving he thanked me profusely, which was very nice.
I'm trying to do the good deeds on a shoestring budget and as I hit the 10th day, it's getting harder! I need to be more creative, or perhaps someone else has a blog about things like this and I can steal, er, borrow, their ideas!
I'm trying to do the good deeds on a shoestring budget and as I hit the 10th day, it's getting harder! I need to be more creative, or perhaps someone else has a blog about things like this and I can steal, er, borrow, their ideas!
Day 9
Well, I didn't set out to do any intentional acts of kindness, but I racked my brain and I think I came up with one I did anonymously:
I handle the school newsletter every month, people send the items to me and I compile them. I tend to get frustrated when there are typos in people's submissions and will often leave them, then send them back to be edited by the writer. This month I fixed a typo...seems small right, and maybe even my job, but one can get really frustrated with other people's lack of thoroughness. I find myself getting frustrated quite a bit when I do volunteer activities, especially when people point out ways I could have done it better. This frustration seems to defeat the purpose of volunteering, except that I get the task done, it might just be with resentment.
So, a seemingly small good deed, but a deed nonetheless.
I handle the school newsletter every month, people send the items to me and I compile them. I tend to get frustrated when there are typos in people's submissions and will often leave them, then send them back to be edited by the writer. This month I fixed a typo...seems small right, and maybe even my job, but one can get really frustrated with other people's lack of thoroughness. I find myself getting frustrated quite a bit when I do volunteer activities, especially when people point out ways I could have done it better. This frustration seems to defeat the purpose of volunteering, except that I get the task done, it might just be with resentment.
So, a seemingly small good deed, but a deed nonetheless.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Day 8
While we were out over the weekend, I saw a book for a buck that I thought some friends of ours might like. Tonight, Soph perfected her ding and ditch strategy as we left it for our friends. Ding and ditch, if you don't know, is when you ring someone's doorbell and then run like mad before they catch you!
I jokingly told Steve, with all this giving, we have taught Sophie such an important skill.
I jokingly told Steve, with all this giving, we have taught Sophie such an important skill.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 7
Today I left a note to someone who has been working really hard on a project. I almost signed my name, but didn't!
On another note, I was asked today if I was the one who did one of the things I did last week (does that make sense?) and I lied! I said no, even said it was someone else!! Now, I'm not really up on my religious doctrine, but since this is for a religious holiday, I feel I should make the correlation that maybe lying isn't really helping my cause!
On another note, I was asked today if I was the one who did one of the things I did last week (does that make sense?) and I lied! I said no, even said it was someone else!! Now, I'm not really up on my religious doctrine, but since this is for a religious holiday, I feel I should make the correlation that maybe lying isn't really helping my cause!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 6
The opportunity to give anonymously came to me this morning! I received an email from my niece in Pennsylvania, who is participating in a jump rope fundraiser for healthy hearts. When I went to the web site to donate, there was an option to donate anonymously, so that's what I selected. Then I started thinking, 'I hope she doesn't think her aunt in Utah didn't donate!'
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day 5
Today started with, oh, coffee..and then I went to an LDS (Mormon) sacrament meeting as per requested by my friends, Connie and Cameron. Connie and Cameron have come with us to First Presbyterian and although I've been to some other Mormon services, I had not been to their church.
The service was good, speakers talked about self-reliance and food storage. Food storage seems to be a big thing out here, our house even has a canning room and I think a lot of people stock their canning rooms with non-perishable food, up to a year's worth. I'm not sure if it's in preparation for a major disaster or personal struggle, such as the loss of income, but it's not something we've ever gotten into. Our canning room has remained empty and in fact, our realtor told us it was a wine cellar, after she asked if we were from Utah.
So anyway, the service was good, though very somber, but I especially appreciated talking with my friends and another acquaintance in attendance, about Mormonism and other religions after the meeting. I think it's so good to have conversations about perceptions and beliefs and to question why a person believes what they do. I don't see it as offensive, though at first it appears that way, but as an avenue to learn more about people and how they came to have the belief system they have.
I then hurried over to First Presbyterian and had the whole Mormon message of tithing in my brain, so when the offering plate was passed around at First Pres, I dug into my purse and came up with 2 pennies. Literally. I thought of writing a check, but then decided against it, as that giving is not anonymous (my name being on the check and all). I felt kind of silly putting just 2 cents in the plate, I even kind of snuck it in under another person's check, but it's what I had to give at that time.
After the offering I thought about anonymous giving of monetary means. When Soph was in kindergarten in Texas, we received a donation request from her school and it actually listed other families who had given with the amount given. We received this note numerous times. I was so offended that they listed how much people gave that I wanted to contact the organization and request they list our name with a big 0 by it.
I suppose peer pressure does spur some people on to give more than they normally would, but what about those people turned away from giving because they feel their gift is not equal to that of others? Should we be held accountable for our giving, as in the Mormon religion? Is giving of one's time more valuable than giving of one's money? How do we measure the worth of what we give in comparison to all that we are given?
The service was good, speakers talked about self-reliance and food storage. Food storage seems to be a big thing out here, our house even has a canning room and I think a lot of people stock their canning rooms with non-perishable food, up to a year's worth. I'm not sure if it's in preparation for a major disaster or personal struggle, such as the loss of income, but it's not something we've ever gotten into. Our canning room has remained empty and in fact, our realtor told us it was a wine cellar, after she asked if we were from Utah.
So anyway, the service was good, though very somber, but I especially appreciated talking with my friends and another acquaintance in attendance, about Mormonism and other religions after the meeting. I think it's so good to have conversations about perceptions and beliefs and to question why a person believes what they do. I don't see it as offensive, though at first it appears that way, but as an avenue to learn more about people and how they came to have the belief system they have.
I then hurried over to First Presbyterian and had the whole Mormon message of tithing in my brain, so when the offering plate was passed around at First Pres, I dug into my purse and came up with 2 pennies. Literally. I thought of writing a check, but then decided against it, as that giving is not anonymous (my name being on the check and all). I felt kind of silly putting just 2 cents in the plate, I even kind of snuck it in under another person's check, but it's what I had to give at that time.
After the offering I thought about anonymous giving of monetary means. When Soph was in kindergarten in Texas, we received a donation request from her school and it actually listed other families who had given with the amount given. We received this note numerous times. I was so offended that they listed how much people gave that I wanted to contact the organization and request they list our name with a big 0 by it.
I suppose peer pressure does spur some people on to give more than they normally would, but what about those people turned away from giving because they feel their gift is not equal to that of others? Should we be held accountable for our giving, as in the Mormon religion? Is giving of one's time more valuable than giving of one's money? How do we measure the worth of what we give in comparison to all that we are given?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Day 4
My first attempt was foiled when Soph and I pulled up to the hospital and their gift shop was closed...we were going to buy a baby item and ask them to deliver it to a newborn. I suppose I could have gone elsewhere and purchased something, but I was lazy. The second attempt was to take the remainder on my Ibis gift card and tell them to take the left over amount off someone's tab, but they were also closed!
So, I was still without my good deed and it was getting late. The family decided to go to Village Inn for dessert - I was craving pie - and our server was so fabulous, very upbeat, quick to help us and personable - so when we got home I called the restaurant to pass along our compliments! Hopefully her manager will be told and she'll be told and she'll realize how much a friendly personality is appreciated!
So, I was still without my good deed and it was getting late. The family decided to go to Village Inn for dessert - I was craving pie - and our server was so fabulous, very upbeat, quick to help us and personable - so when we got home I called the restaurant to pass along our compliments! Hopefully her manager will be told and she'll be told and she'll realize how much a friendly personality is appreciated!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 3
Today I dropped off some cookies (again, thank you Einstein Brothers) and a note to some wonderful people who interact with my child on a daily basis. These people take care of Soph's and many other children's emotional, academic and social needs, as well as getting them interested in new things.
So many people contribute to making my child who she is and to all of those who positively affect Sophie, a gigantic thank you!
On another note - I appreciated that the Ash Wednesday Service we attended (with friends Cameron and Emma!) was focused on using this as a time of reflection in a spirit of love. Giving up something for Lent often brings angst (hence my reason for not giving up coffee or chocolate!) and angst can keep us from bringing good to the world! Down with deprivation and up with inspiration!!
So many people contribute to making my child who she is and to all of those who positively affect Sophie, a gigantic thank you!
On another note - I appreciated that the Ash Wednesday Service we attended (with friends Cameron and Emma!) was focused on using this as a time of reflection in a spirit of love. Giving up something for Lent often brings angst (hence my reason for not giving up coffee or chocolate!) and angst can keep us from bringing good to the world! Down with deprivation and up with inspiration!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 2
I got today's idea while reading the local paper. One of the elementary schools in the valley (Sophie's school is in Logan City) is holding a food/cash drive for the local food pantry. I remembered I had $5 in my purse, which probably would've been spent on a coffee drink not needed, so I took a little ride out to North Logan and arrived just as school was dismissed. I saw a group of women standing by the front doors, they appeared teacheresque and indeed, upon inquiry, I found out one was a teacher. I quickly explained what the money was for and left...no fanfare, no explanations, just a quick drop.
I love the opportunities to give at Sophie's school, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone...I have no attachments to the school holding the drive. Lesson learned: look beyond my own activities to find opportunities to give!
Another lesson learned: if a child is lying on the sidewalk and you think, "Aha, this is why I'm here...this child is hurt and needs my immediate attention!" be forewarned...the child is probably intentionally on the sidewalk waiting for their ride. Sheesh.
I love the opportunities to give at Sophie's school, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone...I have no attachments to the school holding the drive. Lesson learned: look beyond my own activities to find opportunities to give!
Another lesson learned: if a child is lying on the sidewalk and you think, "Aha, this is why I'm here...this child is hurt and needs my immediate attention!" be forewarned...the child is probably intentionally on the sidewalk waiting for their ride. Sheesh.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 1
Lent started today and traditionally, people give things up, something about sacrifice..but as I don't really like giving things up, I decided to take something on during Lent. Everyday I will try to do 1 act of kindness anonymously. I will blog about it, which may take away from the anonymity factor, but only if those people read my blog, right?
So today I took the suggestion of my friend, Laura, and I tweaked it a bit. She recommended I pay for the food of someone behind me at a drive thru and I was all set, until Soph said she wanted a bagel and we were at Einstein Brothers and I realized I could pay for someone's food there (this might be hard at some places, but at Einstein's, you order at one station, pay at another, so it was perfect!). I was all set, told the woman who works there what I needed to do and in came a customer. He ordered a muffin. That's it. I wanted to tell him, "No, order more, it's on me!" but of course that would've taken away from the anonymity. So I paid the $2.10 and wondered if I should pay for the next person to make up for the paltry tab of guy #1.
I ended up leaving it as is and realized that it really isn't about the amount we give, it really, really is the gesture. One of my favorite memories is when a student of mine brought me pussy willows months after I casually told my class I liked them. She picked them from her yard that morning and gave them to me. That gesture, 19 years later, still touches me greatly.
If you're reading this, please give me a suggestion...I've got 39 more days to go and I'm looking for creativity!
So today I took the suggestion of my friend, Laura, and I tweaked it a bit. She recommended I pay for the food of someone behind me at a drive thru and I was all set, until Soph said she wanted a bagel and we were at Einstein Brothers and I realized I could pay for someone's food there (this might be hard at some places, but at Einstein's, you order at one station, pay at another, so it was perfect!). I was all set, told the woman who works there what I needed to do and in came a customer. He ordered a muffin. That's it. I wanted to tell him, "No, order more, it's on me!" but of course that would've taken away from the anonymity. So I paid the $2.10 and wondered if I should pay for the next person to make up for the paltry tab of guy #1.
I ended up leaving it as is and realized that it really isn't about the amount we give, it really, really is the gesture. One of my favorite memories is when a student of mine brought me pussy willows months after I casually told my class I liked them. She picked them from her yard that morning and gave them to me. That gesture, 19 years later, still touches me greatly.
If you're reading this, please give me a suggestion...I've got 39 more days to go and I'm looking for creativity!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Home Sick
Thank you to Natalie, for this yummy bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup! She brought it over right at lunch time, with some delicious bread and both the warmth of the soup and the kindness of her gesture made me feel so much better.
I've been sick with a cold for over a week and it is really annoying. On top of that, Steve and I got some news today that...ha, I can't share right now...but makes feeling sick even worse! Oh well.
The news has made me ponder what it is to be home: comfort, family, friends, stability...all those things and more. As a person who has lived in 6 states (Utah twice), it is hard to define where I am from or where my home is, but right now, this is it and I feel incredibly lucky.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Brought Together by a Common Cause
I received very, very sad news over the weekend. A person who was very important during a brief time in my life, passed away, far too young, from pancreatic cancer. He leaves a wife and 2 sons behind and although I hadn't talked to him in 5 years, I smile at the memories of our brief connection.
Dave Johnson was part of our small team that tried to save Family Housing at the University of Michigan. For about a month he, another neighbor and myself stayed up all hours of the night putting together information, emailing residents and basically doing whatever we could to promote and continue the uniqueness of our community. Along with my husband and another great neighbor, John Norton, Dave even spoke in front of the Board of Regents to demonstrate the importance of maintaining our neighborhood.
I only knew Dave for a brief time, but I can say, without a doubt, that he was one of the kindest, most positive people I've ever known. When I checked his Facebook information after hearing of his death, I read that he was agnostic. He and I shared that also - the not knowing. I don't know whether or not Dave knows more about religion now, but I believe that because of the life he lived on earth, he is at peace. Dave brought peace, promoted peace and stood for peace, so he is now comforted by the peace of his actions.
Miss ya Dave. Glad I knew you, glad I was inspired by you and so glad that you, Lisa and I got to share a lot of laughs together.
Dave Johnson was part of our small team that tried to save Family Housing at the University of Michigan. For about a month he, another neighbor and myself stayed up all hours of the night putting together information, emailing residents and basically doing whatever we could to promote and continue the uniqueness of our community. Along with my husband and another great neighbor, John Norton, Dave even spoke in front of the Board of Regents to demonstrate the importance of maintaining our neighborhood.
I only knew Dave for a brief time, but I can say, without a doubt, that he was one of the kindest, most positive people I've ever known. When I checked his Facebook information after hearing of his death, I read that he was agnostic. He and I shared that also - the not knowing. I don't know whether or not Dave knows more about religion now, but I believe that because of the life he lived on earth, he is at peace. Dave brought peace, promoted peace and stood for peace, so he is now comforted by the peace of his actions.
Miss ya Dave. Glad I knew you, glad I was inspired by you and so glad that you, Lisa and I got to share a lot of laughs together.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Certainty
First, this is the view we had on our walk today. Pretty amazing and one of the reasons we returned to Utah. Unfortunately, Cache Valley often has the worst air quality in the country during the winter, due to trapped pollution, but days like this: sunny and crisp, reinvigorate my spirit!
I was asked to write something for a pamphlet First Presbyterian is putting together for Lent. It can be of a spiritual practice, an account of one's relationship with Jesus or when one felt a prayer was answered.
I wrote what I feel, which doesn't fit the mold of Christianity, but it is of what I am certain:
I believe, if there is a god, that god is so far beyond our comprehension that we can only understand the very beginnings of its existence. It is not our job on earth to figure out what happens after we die. We do not know who is given grace. We are not to judge who is right or wrong in their practices of worship. We are here to love one another and to show that love through acts of kindness. Whether there is a god or not will not take away from the kindness we can bestow upon others. If there is a god, surely our kindness makes god happy. If there is not a god, we are still better people for giving of ourselves to others.
The religious services I have visited often contain language that speaks to a certainty in an afterlife, a specific savior or even a believe that the organization is true. I cannot imagine speaking those words with conviction. Just the idea of a higher being baffles me and if there is one, I do not think I can speculate as to a plan or agenda that this higher being has without lessening the magnitude of their abilities.
For instance, I often hear people say that we will know the truth when we die. Really? What if we thought that before and this is what happened after we died? What if that is just something we say to make death less fearful? Why do we need to assume there is something after this? Why would God decide that that is the point in which we will reach enlightenment? I'm just not convinced it's that simple.
So for now my certainty lies in something that is hard enough for me to follow: being kind to everyone. EVERYONE! Just a second ago I was short with Sophie and I'm writing about kindness, so obviously it is an ongoing struggle, but I would assume that persons from all religions would agree that a god worth worshipping is a god who promotes kindness to all.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Converted?
The family has now been attending First Presbyterian consistently for about 3 months and a turning point was when Sophie was asked to light the candles last week and she did it, like a pro! I've been feeling like it gives Sophie something to hold on to, something to expect and something for which she can always use as a base when and if she wants.
I was raised Methodist and Presbyterian - not very different from one another, and was baptized, but never confirmed. I have no idea if I'll ever officially join a church, but I can see us attending First Pres for quite awhile.
My problem is, I'm not a Christian and I just cannot envision myself ever fully believing that Jesus Christ is the savior. As I've written (I think) before, I find it egotistical to think one religion has it right and all others are missing this very huge component. There are so many people doing wonderful things from all belief structures and what I can say I do believe is that each person is deserving of eternal happiness, not that I am even sure there is a place such as heaven that offers eternal happiness. I do not think there is a hell nor satan and I do not like the prayer in which we all are suppose to speak of what sinful creatures we are. I'd rather focus on the positive!
So we'll keep going to First Pres and enjoy the community and message and see what develops. Oh, and it gives Soph some time to catch up on her reading or yes...her DS playing, as she did yesterday.
I was raised Methodist and Presbyterian - not very different from one another, and was baptized, but never confirmed. I have no idea if I'll ever officially join a church, but I can see us attending First Pres for quite awhile.
My problem is, I'm not a Christian and I just cannot envision myself ever fully believing that Jesus Christ is the savior. As I've written (I think) before, I find it egotistical to think one religion has it right and all others are missing this very huge component. There are so many people doing wonderful things from all belief structures and what I can say I do believe is that each person is deserving of eternal happiness, not that I am even sure there is a place such as heaven that offers eternal happiness. I do not think there is a hell nor satan and I do not like the prayer in which we all are suppose to speak of what sinful creatures we are. I'd rather focus on the positive!
So we'll keep going to First Pres and enjoy the community and message and see what develops. Oh, and it gives Soph some time to catch up on her reading or yes...her DS playing, as she did yesterday.
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