Merry Christmas: A Reflective Moment!

Farewell Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013

Today we are saying farewell to a global icon who fought for peace, justice and equality. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, former President of South Africa, passed away today at the age of 95. I wrote about him in July when he celebrated his 95th birthday, ironically because my birthday is also in July. He fought a good fight. He is admired by so many around the world. He and his message will not be forgotten! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the citizens of his country who loved, respected and adored him so much!

Tribute written for Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday.
http://www.diversitiesofgifts.blogspot.com/2013/07/saluting-nelson-rolihlahla-mandela.html

Happy Hanukkah!

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

We celebrate Thanksgiving Day with food, fun and family. Yet, today is not the only day to show your thanks and appreciation for your many blessings. Give thanks every day!

Wishing you a safe Thanksgiving Day!

No One Should Go Hungry in This Country

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day on Thursday November 28th. Traditionally, this is a celebratory time of the season where families and friends gather together to partake in a feast and socializing on this day. While we reflect on stories of the first Thanksgiving, let’s be mindful to fast-forward that time to the present: Sharing + Food + Fellowship.

We are highlighting Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Their mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. According to FeedingAmerica.org, hunger in America exists for over 50 million people. That is 1 in 6 of the U.S. population – including more than 1 in 5 children.

On their Hunger & Poverty Statistics page, it lists the hard core facts regarding supplemental poverty measure and food insecurity. There are several ways to get involved: volunteering, becoming an advocate, become a partner and spreading the word through various channels like social media. There are so many things that we should not and cannot take for granted. Wasting food when we have the means is something we must be mindful of, and recognize that unfortunately far too many people do not have the luxury of eating whenever they want to, if at all.

Throughout the year, we must be cognizant of the fact that there are so many people who would love a morsel of what we eat or throw away each day. We may not be able to completely eradicate this hunger problem, but we can do a little something to help ease the painful consequences resulting from hunger.

Saluting Our Veterans on Veterans Day!

Goodbye James Farmer!

So often, we get to a point in our lives when we come to a crossroad of sorts in our day-to-day living that certain events can leave us befuddled. When we see the senseless loss of lives or those suddenly taken from us without warning, it’s a hard pill to swallow. This morning, shortly after everyone got to work, we learned that one of the members of our corporate family passed away last night.

James Farmer, our CFO left us suddenly, unexpectedly and in a state of shock. Although we felt like life itself was momentarily sucked out of us when we read the corporate email from our President, we had to refocus on praying for his family. Loss is something that seems to be all too familiar to us the older we get. Perhaps it’s because it sinks in more than it did when we were younger. Or perhaps it is hitting home more than we realize. Or maybe it’s because of the relationships we build, whether personal or professional, are broken without warning at times.

For a while, we find that we are kinder, more sensitive to the needs of others and even more prayerful than we probably were before coming to work. Yet, at the same time, we feel compassion for the pain that James’ wife, children and the rest of his family are going through right now. We pray that God will grant them continued strength, comfort and healing.

We will always remember his huge smile, how he always dressed professionally and neatly (I never ever saw him without a sharp tie) and his strong work ethic. So long James! We will certainly miss you!