Pay It

Somewhere in the US, I cannot speak for other countries, someone started the "pay for the coffee of the person in line behind you" trend. Since then, people have paid for meals and drinks to benefit someone else. Others have followed suit but with a twist: just pay for a meal or a drink and when a person needs it, but cannot pay for it, then it is there for him or her to have. It does not need to be the next one in line. 

As I was searching for a "positive headline" to share, I came across "acts of kindness" stories gathered by Reader's Digest. I chose to share the following:

The man at the market

When the supermarket clerk tallied up my groceries, it was $12 over what I had on me. I began to remove items from the bags when another shopper handed me a $20 bill. “Please don’t put yourself out,” I told him. “Let me tell you a story,” he said. “My mother is in the hospital with cancer. I visit her every day and bring her flowers. I went this morning, and she got mad at me for spending my money on more flowers. She demanded that I do something else with that money. So, here, please accept this. It is my mother’s flowers.” —Leslie Wagner, Peel, Arkansas

How would you feel if you were on the receiving end? 
How much more grateful could you feel if you were on the giving end?

I realize that not all of us have the finances to buy meals or drinks for others in need. However, if you are ever in the position to go and buy fast food, a slice of pizza on the go, or drinks, look around you to see if there's anyone in need. 
Or, when you are at the grocery store, if you see someone putting groceries or other necessities back because of lack of funds, consider helping out.
Or, if you have a child in school (and the children in the school have to pay for their breakfast or lunch), consider paying the bill for a child. Although things are changing, I don't know that all schools are already providing free breakfast and lunch for their students. By paying their bill, you would help a family in need. 

By doing these small acts of service, not only will the receiver be blessed, but so will the giver. Just remember the words the Savior spoke, "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Hospitality

If you are a frequent traveler, you are most likely aware that travel plans might need to be changed quickly. Among many possible problems, sometimes the culprit is a mechanical failure and, sometimes, the culprit is the weather. 

In this story, from the Good News Network, ferry passengers were stranded due to weather conditions. They were unable to find shelter, until two kind souls opened their home to them. These people were all strangers to each other. But this did not stop William and Arianna Patterson from welcoming them into their home. The physical accommodations might have not been the best, as many ended up sleeping on the floor, but the atmosphere and the caring these people enjoyed was worth every moment of their adventure.  You can read the complete article, Dock Worker Brings Stranded Ferry Passengers Home: 'You're All Staying at My House Tonight', by clicking on the link.

Would you have done the same, if you had been in William and Arianna's shoes?

This is not the first time that complete strangers opened their homes to stranded passengers. It seems that when things get tough, when situations seem extreme, many individuals find a place in their hearts to help one another. And this kind of behavior brings to mind the following scripture: "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," (Matthew 25:40)

May we all find a way to show caring towards one another. And may we do so without waiting on an emergency situation to arise. 

Different Ways of Serving Others

When we think of service, many times we think of just paid staff whether at home, or restaurants, or companies with a customer service department. 

How many of us think also of unpaid individuals who voluntarily "serve" others for the sake of just helping out? 

Below, you will find links to articles about people who, either in a group or on their own, have served others by taking action. These are what I consider "positive headlines."

From the Good News Network:

1. The Gift of Love: 

Teen Floundering in Foster Care Finally Gets to be a Sister With Real Family for First Time  
Aug 7, 2023

1. The Gift of Nutrition: 

GNN Readers Donate 20,000 Meals to Hungry Kids in Partnership With Nutrition Company 
Aug 6, 2023

1. The Gift of Caring: 

Hero Post Office Worker Saves Senior From Sending Thousands of Dollars to a Scammer 
Aug 6, 2023

1. The Gift of Reading: 

CNN Hero: Man Helps Barbers Fill Their Shops with Books to Help Kids Find Excitement in Reading 
Aug 3, 2023

When one gives to others without expecting anything in return, there is a joy to be found that fills one's heart. 

Acts of service can be done every day. Many times, there is not even the need to spend money. Many times, these acts of service don't need to be big; they just need to be performed: a smile or a hello to someone walking by; a door held for someone, anyone...; picking up something that fell, or was thrown to the ground, and putting it back where it belongs. You get the idea. 

Our act of service might never make the news and be posted somewhere for someone to read, but I assure you that it will be recorded in someone's heart and your day will be better for it. 

After all, as the scriptures say, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Matthew 24:40 (from 20 Bible Verses to Inspire You to Help Others)

So, let's get out there and act, serve, and love. Positive headlines will be written in our hearts and in the hears of those we reach. 

And We Just Call Them Animals

Sometimes, I feel ashamed of being human. We look at the other types of animals (after all, we are part of the animal kingdom ourselves) and we consider them subpar. We think that they are not capable of emotions, love, anger, or what have you. Yet, animals have feelings too. And many times, they behave better towards members of the same species (and sometimes of different species) than we do.

Point in case, this article about four chimpanzees rescued from a circus who, when finally rescued and placed at a sanctuary, embraced one another:

"Footage shows the four chimps joyously coming together with hugs and grooming sessions in the quarantine area, where they will remain in quarantine for two months before integrating into one of the sanctuary’s 12 chimp islands that in total span 150 acres."

They were happy to be together and safe. Oh, how I wish I could have been there in person. I love people, but I love animals even more. They teach us so much and if someone were to tell me I behave like an animal, it would be an honor. 

You can read the whole article on the Good News Network.

I wish all to behave a little more like animals. 

Friendship Over Victory

 I was watching the news last night and they ran a story about two young women who were competing for the national title and a go to the European finals in fencing.
Gaia was winning 12 to 9 against Emilia. As Gaia backed up, she fell and hurt her ankle. Emilia could have gone for the win but, with only a few seconds left, she realized that Gaia would have not been able to keep going and defend herself. So, Emilia decided to do what she thought was only fair: let the time run out and allow Gaia to keep her winning score. 

Emilia could have won the national title and go on to compete in the European finals. She chose friendship over victory. In a world where many are thinking of themselves, Emilia showed us integrity, compassion, and love. 

Below is the translated article from Quotidiano Nazionale.

Fencing, when friendship counts more than victory. A story of fair play and emotion
Gaia gets hurt in the final one step away from the Italian title, her rival Emilia does not attack her and gives up beating her: "Today she taught me a lot". And she bursts into tears

Vercelli, 16 April 2023 – There are golden defeats, gestures that are worth more than an Olympic medal because they remain in the heart forever. Like what the young swordswoman Emilia Rossati, from Ferrara, did yesterday: in the final for the Italian championship under 23 in Vercelli the national title and also a pass for the European Championships was played against her friend and rival Gaia Traditi, from Rome.
At one point Gaia slips and hurts her ankle. The first to help her is Emilia, then the doctors arrive. There are 17 seconds left in the match and Gaia is ahead 12-9 in the score. The blow is painful, Gaia is already in tears when she takes off her mask and receives first aid.
They put her back on her feet, but obviously she is not able to defend herself: she barely stands up. At that point Emilia decides in a moment to give up shooting, moves away from the opponent and lets the time pass, scoring the most winning of defeats. "I made this decision in agreement with my coach", says Emilia, "it was the right thing to do, I would do it a thousand more times".
Afterwards, tears flow with emotion, because Gaia is the first to understand the greatness of the gesture of fair play of the sporting rival: "Today this girl taught me that friendship is worth more than a victory". Not only to you, Gaia, not only to you.

I have to admit that this article (just like the TV news last night) brought tears to my eyes and a renewed sense of hope. 

BlinkNow

 As I was searching for something good to share, I came upon an article written at the beginning of the COVID pandemic last year, 2020. One click led to another, and another, and... I ended up on the BlinkNow webpage. Below is the beginning of their story, taken directly from their website:

OUR   STORY

Our journey starts on a dry riverbed in the foothills of the Himalayas, where one young woman decided to help one young girl, hoping to make one small difference. In the blink of an eye – and with a lot of hard work from a lot of people – that hope turned into a home, a school, and a community dedicated to building a world where children are safe, educated, and loved.

To read the rest of their story and the changes they are bringing about, please click on BlinkNow. The work they are doing is incredible. We can help their work in various ways, and we don't have to leave home either.

If, however, this is not your cup of tea, look around you and find ways to touch the lives of those in your vicinity: hold a door, smile to a stranger, sincerely compliment a friend or coworker, help carry/load groceries. The possibilities are endless. Yes, some people may look at you in disbelief and, perhaps, concerned that you might have ulterior motives. Do good anyway. You never know the ripple effect a random act of kindness might have.

From CNN/MSN

Today's positive news comes from CNN posted on MSN.

This news is about a high school senior who is planning to donate the money he saved up for college to another high school senior.

You may wonder why he wants to give away his money...
The reason behind his decision is a full ride scholarship to the college of his choice. He has the first year covered and, if he qualifies, he will be receiving this scholarship the following three years. 
With the price of college these days, this is a very sweet deal.

Kudos to him for earning the scholarship and double kudos for deciding to turn his savings over to another student. 

You can read more about this student on the MSN page. 

Alena Analeigh

You might ask, "Who is Alena Analeigh?"

Alena is a wonderful 12 year old girl from Texas who just graduated from high school. Yes, you read that correctly: she graduated from high school at 12 years of age. She is planning to attend online classes at the Arizona State University with the goal of achieving a double major in chemistry and a branch of space science. 

                                                          This picture is from her FB page

Since she was a little girl, she dreamed of working for NASA as an engineer. NASA has already contacted her, although no details are available at this time, and Alena is hoping to be working for them, once she has graduated from college at age 16. 

What makes her so special is not only marked by how smart she is but also by, among other things, how she unselfishly thinks of others. She has "launched the Brown Stem Girl website to encourage other girls with similar interests to focus on fields from which they’d been historically excluded." (from Good News Network) 

I invite you to click on the Good News Network link and read more about her. 

She truly is an amazing and inspiring young woman and I can't wait to see where life will take her.

If you do a Google search for her, you will see that she has Facebook and Instagram accounts, YouTube videos, and other articles covering her story. You will not regret learning more about Alena Analeigh and being inspired by her actions and feats!

The Power of Yet

 I would like to think of  "The Power of Yet" as the good news for today.

I know I have been silent for quite a few years. Teaching full time (versus being a paraprofessional) has surely taken up all my spare time. However, this hiatus has not been in vain. For example, one of the things I have learned about is "The Power of Yet!"

What is the power of yet? It is a great way to turn a negative thought into a positive statement.
Let me demonstrate!

I love bread. I really do.... however, I am a terrible bread baker. I am capable of burning even the frozen rolls that you buy at the store and all they need is cook time in the oven. 

Picture taken from Being Ron

Now, I can say "I cannot bake bread" and feel miserable about it OR I can say "I cannot bake bread, yet!"

What is the difference?
The first statement is a negative one. Who wants to keep on trying after this kind of thinking?
The second statement is a positive one as I am just reminding myself that I can learn and I can become a good bread baker. I am just showing kindness towards myself and allowing myself time to learn. 

This power of yet can be applied not just on ourselves, but also for those around us: "he/she does not (fill in the blank), yet!

Such a short word with such a powerful impact. It can help us be more patient with ourselves and others. It teaches us to keep on trying as the time will come that we will succeed. It is a word that gives hope, looks into the future, and encourages us to endure. 

I believe that allowing the word "yet" in our lives is awesome news. What do you think?

Picture taken from SCAS Connections

Money Raised

Employees of a hospital in a small Georgia town were able to raise a considerable amount of money to be donated to several charities.

Through Giving Heart Campaign, the employees raised $150,000 that was then distributed among 46 nonprofit organizations. The article explains that "For more than 25 years, Redmond employees have celebrated a month-long campaign of charitable giving during the month of October."

Way to go Redmond employees. Keep up your great work. Your generosity will go a long way to help the people in your community.

Sierra's Scarves

It is always tragic to lose a loved one.
However, how inspiring, peaceful, and comforting it is to remember the loved one by establishing an organization to help others.

Sierra's Scarves is a community organization which collects scarves, hats, and gloves and gives them to people who need them.
It was started in memory of Sierra Gabrels who passed away in October 2013.

With the large donation they received today, they will be able to help many keep warmer than they would be otherwise.

Thank you for your service to others!

Even Dogs Need Our Help

I am an animal lover, especially when it comes to cats, dogs, horses, and any other domesticated animal.

This story is about a dog that was abused and left for dead. Someone found him and he is now getting better thanks to the efforts of those who found him and contacted the rescue organization.

Why do I consider this good news? Because it is nice to know that there are people out there willing to give of their time and resources to help the helpless, without expecting anything in return. 

It is good news because if you stop and help an animal in distress, you are most likely going to stop and help a human in need. 

And this, my friends, is all this life is about: helping one another without expecting anything in return.

A Waitress Doodled on the Receipt... A Heartwarming Story!

I opened my Facebook feed and the first story I saw was that of a waitress doing a good deed that was repaid with an even bigger one. It was a nice change from this morning's articles and posts.
When I clicked on the link and looked at the date, it said August 16, 2015. It is old news to some, but it was new news to me so I have decided to share it on this blog. After all, I did say in a previous post that I would post when I came across one :)

This story is as good for your soul as chicken soup is good for your body and I hope it will bring a ray of sunshine to your day.

There are still good people out there.

Keeping the Sanity

Many things have happened that have taken me away from blogging.
To keep my sanity, I have decided to start posting again.

Let me start with the words to a song I have learned working with young children at the church I attend:

"Now we have a world where people are confused.
If you don't believe it, go and watch the news..."

I know I feel confused and heartbroken every time I read the newspaper or even look through my Facebook feeds. Not a day goes by that I don't shed a tear because of the multiple postings of horror stories from around the world. If you follow the news (local, national, and international), you know what they are. No races, genders, and religions are exempt.

Yet, I know that among all races, genders, and religions there are good people. There are individuals who do their best to succor those in need of succor, to comfort those in need of comfort, to feed those in need of food, to pray with those and for those in need of prayers, and the list could go on.

I want to focus on these people, the good people.

Long ago, I started this blog because I wanted to bring a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Unfortunately, I let the cloudiness get thicker and thicker. Now I have to break through. If I want to keep my sanity, I need to detach myself from this negativity and look for the positive once again.

I am grateful to a friend who posted this on Facebook late last night:

"You have a choice. You can wring your hands and be consumed with concern for the future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil..." - Richard G. Scott

Let us all follow the counsel of the Lord. Whatever you call your God, look to Him for guidance and direction. Look to Him for comfort and peace. Look to Him for ways to bring a ray of sunshine to someone else.

Make it a goal to do a good deed daily. I know I have given this challenge before. I am renewing this challenge. I firmly believe that if we daily do a good deed, whether it be visiting someone who is sick or playing with a furry creature confined in a cage at your local pound, you will feel better, the person or animal on the receiving end will feel better and may be, one by one, we can change our community.

We cannot change the world unless we change ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Let's look for a ray of sunshine and let's be a ray of sunshine as well.

Update

It has been five months since the last time I posted something.
Good things have happened in the world; I just did not have the time to report them.

I have decided that, due to life's demands, I will still post, but only when the news article is right there in front of me. I will not be searching for good news. I will be sharing if something good happens in my community, county, state, nation, or anywhere else in the world when I stumble across it. It may be as simple as something that I have noticed, even though it did not make the headlines.

In the meantime, make your day a bit brighter by looking for good news in your community, county, state, or nation. There is still good in the world today. We just need to be more observant.

Until the next time, I wish you a day filled with joy and positive thoughts. If you feel that there is never anything good in your area, make the effort to be the good news. Help someone in need, read to an elderly in a nursing home, share a meal with someone who has none. Good things can happen and they can begin with you!

105 and Still Going

This is a video and I so hope the link will work for you as well.

A 105 years old woman has been practicing throwing the first pitch at a baseball game for months. How great is this? Her talk is clear and her desire to keep on moving is strong. Her real passion is painting and she loves to dance.

She has no advice for any of us on how to make it that far, but she did say that she tries to enjoy every day.

What a remarkable woman!

Compassionate Paws at Work

I love dogs. They respond so well to us humans and, many times, to other animals as well.

Some dogs are not treated well and they become aggressive, out of fear, as an auto-protect mechanism. However, give me a dog who has known love and he will love you back in an instant.

This story is about a dog, Gryphon, who visits schools and works with children who struggle with socialization or with reading. These children love the dog and are benefiting from his visits because the dog loves them unconditionally; he does not judge them for their awkwardness or their stumbling through words.

What a great way to help children improve their social and/or reading skills!

New Jobs

Some good news from Tennessee... The German automaker, Volkswagen, has plans to open up 2000 jobs at its plant in Chattanooga for the building of their new SUV.

With the economic crisis the U.S. has experienced in the past couple of years, this kind of article brings a breath of fresh air and, hopefully, a new lease on life for about 2000 workers.

For some, this might be the employment opportunity after months of inactivity. For others, it might be an upward move. As they change jobs, their previous spot will be filled by someone else who might have fallen under the grip of unemployment. Either way, it should be a great situation for all involved.

May we have many more of these events happening all across the U.S. Heaven only knows how bad we need jobs!

Heart Attack

I call it "Heart Attack"

It is the activity that delivers paper hearts to unsuspecting recipients, generally people we know who could use an uplifting moment. These hearts are taped on doors or "planted" in the front yard. The message is the same "we love you and we are here for you."

These two Murray girls, took this activity and went the extra mile, delivering hearts even to people they did not know. Their goal? Bring smiles to the people's faces.

As long as the world has caring youth like these and others, it will be all right!

Returning Home

I like to read these kind of news.

65 soldiers deployed to Afghanistan have now returned to their home in Mustang, OK. A ceremony was held to welcome them home. 

It is extremely great news that they made it home and it is very nice to see support from the family members and other locals. We have heard of too many stories of soldiers being scoffed at upon their return from the war. 

These soldiers have given of their time and many made the ultimate sacrifice to bring peace. Some may argue that butting into another country's affairs is not our business. Whether I agree with it or not, these soldiers were following orders. They were doing what they were told to do. Pretty much like we do what our boss tells us to do in our comfy (or may be not so comfy) daily job in our own town.

Let's resolve to be supportive of our soldiers. No matter what our political views are, what our opinions about the current wars and state of affairs of the world are, what our beliefs are, these soldiers deserve our respect and support.