Grab the Torch© Caught Our Attention

In the midst of some challenging circumstances that we see in the various sectors of our lives, there still remains a constant sense of humanity that resonates beyond our reach. Throughout our communities, worship institutions, educational institutions and social networks, we witness many young people stepping up to the plate, to help those who may be suffering, lonely or less fortunate than they are. We applaud these young people who are not afraid to reach out and use their creative juices to set some profound examples of humanitarianism, hope and encouragement.

One of the organizations that recently caught our attention is Grab the Torch©. According to their website,

Grab The Torch© recognized the importance of preparing the next generation for their upcoming role and responsibility as volunteers, board and committee members and visionaries for the non-profit world long before the current economic crisis. There has never been a more critical time in our history to understand and support philanthropy and the global greater good than right now. The students need an understanding and foundation to prepare themselves for their upcoming role in society. It will be a road map for their future; a tool to guide, not to dictate. The students will take many directions, some following their families, some going 180 degrees due to personal affinities. We will encourage participation on any level. There are endless pieces of the greater good puzzle, each student holds a valuable role for the greater good.

Why not think about hosting a philanthropy camp for the children in your neighborhood, church or school. Be sure to set the example as well, so that our young people can see your convictions in action. The rewards will be greater than you think. For more information about Grab the Torch©, you can check out their website: http://www.grabthetorch.org/index.htm.

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Ten Ideas for Everyday Outreach | Articles | BuildingChurchLeaders.com

I came across this article with some simple tips on easily reaching out to everyday people in a sincere and practical way. I hope you will find these tips helpful, as a reminder to continue practicing a kind, random act of service to others who may really need it just when they least expect it! Have a beautiful and prospersous day everyone!

Ten Ideas for Everyday Outreach
No elaborate planning necessary.
By Dana Wilkerson

1. Pay attention to the people around you in your neighborhood or at work. Send up an arrow prayer as you walk by them.

2. Be mindful of those who serve you—bank tellers, grocery store clerks, fast food workers. Look them in the eye and tell them you appreciate their service.

3. Leave a note of encouragement on a coworker's desk or on the windshield of their car.

4. When you walk past a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up and throw it in a garbage can.

5. When someone says they're having a bad day, stop and ask if you can pray for them right there.

6. At the drive-thru, pay for the meal of the person behind you.

7. Stop and talk with a homeless person. Find out their story.

8. Before leaving a restaurant, jot a thank you note to your server and leave it on the table or call the manager over and explain how much you enjoyed the service.

9. Go out of your way to be friendly to a prickly person.

10. When you're talking with someone, give them the gift of your full attention.

Ten Ideas for Everyday Outreach Articles BuildingChurchLeaders.com

It's In The Valleys I Grow

Are you feeling a little discouraged today? Do you feel like things are just falling apart all around you? Or do you feel like you are smack dab in the middle of a Level 7 tornado and can’t find your way out? Is your money playing that “now you see me, now you don’t” game? Are there people in your life who have a negative or resentful spirit, are non-supportive or those who have disappointed you in one way or another? Are family members or friends acting irrationally and probably borderline psychotic? Are the bills stacking up and you feel like your life is in utter chaos?

Well, let us say this to you: “Be encouraged today, no matter what’s going on.” Step outside of that circle of chaos! Yes, we know that this is easier said than done. No, we do not know what type of circumstances you may be facing at this moment, but rest assure you honestly can’t worry about it. Everyone is going through one adversity or another right now as you are reading this. There is no easy solution or magical formula to overcoming your challenges, but there is one thing that works and it is the gift of prayer. But the key to prayer, is not just engaging in it when you are in dire straits. Do it through the good times and do it with a grateful heart. Worrying will only make you more stressed out and sick. When that happens, then you are faced with another problem…medical bills!

So as we take one day at a time, let’s do it with gratitude, no matter what. This poem, written by Jane Eggleston has been circulating for years now and after rereading it, it reminds you of the strength you get from some of life’s most unpredictable circumstances, in the valleys of your life! If you read it before, it’s good to read again. Be strong and be encouraged!

It's In The Valleys I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,

Full of sorrow, trouble and woe

It's then I have to remember

That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountaintop

And never experienced pain,

I would never appreciate God's love

And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn

And my growth is very slow,

Sometimes I need the mountain tops,

But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand

Why things happen as they do,

But I am very sure of one thing.

My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing

When I picture Christ on the cross

He went through the valley of death;

His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining

When I'm feeling so very low.

Just give me a gentle reminder

That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord

And use my life each day

To share your love with others

And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord

For this one thing I know

The mountain tops are glorious

But it's in the valleys I grow!

(This poem was written by Jane Eggleston who currently lives in Virginia. Her son Jeff states, "She is a wonderful person, loves Jesus and has been the best mother anyone could ever ask for." What a fitting tribute to any mother.)

NON-PROFITS: It isn’t too early to think about your end-of-the-year fundraising

As you strengthen your relationship with your organization’s supporters, emphasizing those tax deductions can be especially appealing to your donors. Tax breaks are major influencers to your supporters. Charitable donations are tax-deductible expenses and must be itemized. If your donors have any questions about filling out a Form 1040 Schedule A, advise them to consult with their tax preparer on claiming their deductions and the percentage limits on their particular overall tax deductions. Such limits include:

· Generally, you can deduct cash contributions in full up to 50% of your adjusted gross income.
· Generally, you can deduct property contributions in full up to 30% of your adjusted gross income.
· Generally, you can deduct contributions of appreciated capital gains assets in full up to 20% of your adjusted gross income.

The excess of these limits on Charitable contributions can possibly be carried over for a maximum of five years. Individuals still need to consult their tax preparers regarding their particular situation. Here is a great article published by Network for Good entitled “Holidays in July: Get a Jump on End-of-the-Year Fundraising” by Rebecca Higman and Julie Stofer, that lists some great tips on kicking off your holiday fundraising right now. http://www.fundraising123.org/article/holidays-july-get-jump-end-year-fundraising

www.kymgmoore.com

My Challenge To You On This 2010 Independence Day!

As we embark on this traditional day in July when we celebrate our independence, let’s take a brief trip down memory lane about the real story behind our 4th of July celebration.

Independence Day, or the 4th of July as we refer to it here in the United States, is a federal holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced that the 13 American Colonies (Maine - then part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Georgia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island), were no longer a part of the British Empire and are now independent states.

There is so much to be proud of in this great country of ours and we must be ever so mindful to never take our freedom, which so many fought and died for, for granted. With that in mind, it is very painful to realize that so many Americans do not know some of the basic allegiances and tributes to our country. On this day, if you do not know any of the following, I urge all of you to learn these and many other historical facts that shaped the United States into the great country it is today.

Pledge of Allegience (an oath of loyalty to the national flag and the republic of the United States of America, originally composed by Francis Bellamy in 1892. It should be recited while standing at attention with the right hand over the heart; military personnel must salute.) http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm.

My Country Tis of Thee (Song) http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh697.sht.

Oh Beautiful (Song) http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/b/obfsskis.htm.

The Star Spangled Banner (Song) http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/lyrics/spangle.htm.

How can we expect others to respect our country if we don’t know it’s history and respect it ourselves! So today, empower yourself! Stand tall and be proud!

May God continue to strengthen us as a united people and may we continue to pray for the truths that united us as a Christian-founded nation, based on strong Biblical principles that we need to get back on track with today! God bless all of you!

HAPPY 4th of JULY Everyone!

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Free Nonprofit 911 Training Sessions!

Sign Up Now for These FREE Nonprofit 911 Training Sessions

Date/Time
Training
Registration

Tuesday, July 13
1 pm ET
Join Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, authors of The Networked Nonprofit for a discussion of How to Use Social Media to Accomplish More with Less
Call includes a book giveaway
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Tuesday, July 20
1 pm ET
The Upside of Irrationality
Are your donors as rational as you think they are?
with Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational and The Upside of Irrationality
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For more information about the services, seminars and other non-profit helpmates from Network for Good, check out their website: http://www1.networkforgood.org/.