National Book Blitz Month Sale on Diversities of Gifts

In celebration of National Book Blitz Month, Amazon.com is running a mind-boggling sale on Diversities of Gifts, Same Spirit. For a limited time only Amazon.com is offering Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit for only $2.41. That's right $2.41! You didn't read a typo. This is not the eBook version, but the paperback version. There is a limited amount left in stock during this special winter offer. The regular price for this book is $16.95. That's a whopping savings of 86%! Get your copy now, before the sale ends! This is an unbeatable deal, that's better than the price if you purchased your copy directly from the author. Click here to order your copy today!

Daily Meditation from Diversities of Gifts

Focus on what you have, instead of what you don't!

- Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit (2009)

Have You Identified Your Gift?

Sometimes the way we are able to retain and think about the things that apply to life and how it affects us, is to write those thoughts down, read over what you wrote, pray about it and allow it to penetrate in your spirit to make positive contributions to life!

How have you identified, defined and understood your purpose, talent and gift responsibility? Is your gift evident in your walk, conversation and servitude? What are you doing on a daily basis to strengthen your gift? How are you sharing your gift with others?

National Poetry Month Poem of the Day: A Flourishing Root System

A Flourishing Root System

What are you grounded in?

What do you feed your soul?

Do you have what it takes to bear good fruit

when the harvest approaches to unfold?

What shows on the outside begins from within

prune to remove the elements that block your growth.

If you feed your spirit with hate

animosity, jealousy, envy and greed

so too shall your soul grow and flourish in these things.

If your spirit is fed with love

sharing, giving, compassion and truth

so too shall your soul be blessed

to grow and flourish in these things.

What you feed yourself with

will be passed on to your offspring

and the legacy continues

growing and flourishing in these things.

From afar

regal and towering

a century year old oak tree stands

swooping branches and sprawling limbs

enduring years of hurricanes, tornados and drought.

What’s the fate of a tree so old

weakening to finally succumb to the elements

yet looking around

at the tender young seedlings underneath

revealing the next generation to carry on.

A seed planted on solid fertile ground

can germinate to shelter, heal or bond.

The tainted seed can debilitate a country

breakup a family

destroy a community

or simply drive you crazy.

A weed will rob nearby energy sources

strengthening its root system

a nuisance multiplying like wild fire

an infestation that needs extermination.

Lack of a good healthy root system

breeds a poison with deadly consequences.

A seed once planted

should not be abandoned

snaking its way in contaminated darkness

give it water and nutrients

fertilize with goodness and understanding

be proud of the abundance that you sow.

“He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
- Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)

This poem was published in the book "Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit" in 2009.

"Facets of Dawn:" A Poem from the book Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

- Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Facets of Dawn

(2006 Grand Prize Winner of the Oneswan Productions

Writing Competition)

Placidly in the call of morning’s innocence

the eastern sun begins to slowly ascend

silence is broken by the stirring of life

familiar sounds declaring night’s impending end.

Flavors of dew sprinkling over the slumbering milieu

delightful aromas permeating fresh air

chromatic mist sparkles like the magic of fairy dust

invigorating zest bursting with psychedelic flair.

A time to pray, reflect and praise

planting, nourishing and reaping

exterminating the weeds of asphyxiation

abundant harvest for sharing not keeping.

Here I am oh gracious and precious LORD

what purpose will you have for me today?

Will it change on tomorrow or remain the same

an assignment too great to ignore or cast away.

Through grace we cannot grow weary

called to do that which is lawfully right

the work of the righteous is not yet finished

dedicated laborers are pleasing in God’s sight.

Time is of the quintessential essence

tides of spiritual vexation are on the rise

beckoning for strength corrupting the enemy’s work

thanksgiving for the ultimate eternal prize.

For the present is past, existing nevermore

look towards the hill, as dusk slowly erases day

a cornucopia of blessings for your faithful work

gratitude that won’t easily fade away.

Celebrating National Poetry Month, we are featuring this poem which appears in the book, Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit by Author Kym Gordon Moore. (2009)

Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry by Author Kym Gordon Moore

Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry is an eclectic full-length collection of poems depicting experiences illustrated through diverse forms of self-expression. Kym Gordon Moore portrays versatility in rhymed and free verse poems that convey stories about people, places, nature, inspiration, cuisine, music, celebrations, epiphanies and inanimate objects. Included in her compilation is a metrical sample of a Pantoum, Limerick, Elegy and Haiku.

Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry contains 81 carefully chosen poems that are significant to the foundation of this collection and easy for readers to identify with. Besieged by segmented poetic elements of flight, your journey through the pages of this book will be entertaining, educational, emotional, nostalgic, stimulating and edifying.

Kym Gordon Moore, also author of “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit” is an award-winning recipient in poetry contests such as the Edward Davin Vickers Memorial Award and Oneswan Productions Writing Competition. Her poems appeared in Writers Digest Magazine, Poets for Peace: A Collection, Reach of Song, Home for the Holidays and The Blind Man’s Rainbow anthologies. She was selected as one of the contributing authors for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom.

Kym is the co-founder of “Favorite Things for a CAUSE, a member of the American Author’s Association, the North Carolina Writer’s Network, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, American Marketing Association and the Poetry Society of America. She was also selected as one of the U.S. 2012 and 2013 National World Book Night Volunteers for North Carolina. Kym holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, an MBA with a concentration in marketing, certification as an email marketing specialist and certification as a corporate spokesperson. As one of the three 2009 General Mills Feeding Dreams Community Champions for the Charlotte, North Carolina market, Kym was recognized for her volunteerism with the Dove’s Nest, a subsidiary of The Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Kym's book can be purchased at BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com and OutskirtsPress.com. Visit her website www.kymgmoore.com, her blogs http://frombehindthepen.wordpress.com/, http://www.teaandpoetrybookclub.blogspot.com/  and connect with the author through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google +.

Finding a Piece of Paradise Where You Are

Sometimes we become entrapped by the haste that surrounds us daily, whether it involves our jobs, family, extracurricular activities, our human interactions or even while we are at school. We all too often become entrapped by distractions that puts a veil over our physical and spiritual senses, sending us into a state of overwhelm, anxiousness and frustration. This often leads to a myriad of personal health issues, unfortunate experiences and unexpected circumstances.

Regardless of whether you live in the city, suburbs or country it is imperative that in order to maintain some sense of stability and peace within your mind, body and spirit, you must find a designated time and space where you can escape to an environment of tranquility. There is no need in trying to wait until you take a vacation to find your piece of paradise. Whether it is a designated spot on your deck, in your yard, in a quiet nook in your house, a particular place at a nearby park, lake, beach or mountains, just rest assured that if you really want to, you could create a place and space to meditate, pray, relax and release every single day. Where is your favorite place of paradise?

Do We Shut Our Doors of Opportunity?

Door of Opportunity

At times, our haste and complacency causes us to lose our focus and purpose for what God needs for us to do. All too often, people see the greater things they want, yet do not conquer the smaller ones before taking that fateful leap. This causes us to end up diving in head first into a situation where there is no water to soften the collision. We do not heed the warning signs to stop, pray, gather our thoughts and pay attention to how you need to proceed with the task at hand. Instead, we sometimes handle things through emotion, frustration or impatience and fail to learn the important lessons we need to learn, in order to stand firm on a solid foundation.

Sometimes in our thoughtlessness and through our irrational actions, we can burn valuable bridges, underutilize our talents and gifts, or simply close a door of tremendous opportunity. Our impatience, hurriedness, arrogance and attitude will inevitably destroy us if we do not heed the clear warnings that God gives us, simply because we devised an alternative solution to try to force “our way” on others.

Be wise and refuse to allow your gift(s) and talent(s) to be wasted on busyness, foolishness, distractions, carelessness, cockiness or not spending sufficient time with the LORD and immersed in His Word. Where there is interpretation, there is understanding. Where there is understanding, we find knowledge. Where there is knowledge, we find strength. Where there is strength, we find growth. But the utterance of wisdom surpasses them all. Understanding tells you what to do. Wisdom shows you how. (Excerpt from Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit – Free Your Mind chapter)

Are you graciously opening your doors of opportunity? Or are you nailing them shut with your attitude?

Despite Our Differences

“Despite our differences, we serve a specific purpose in this massive puzzle of life. So often, we find ourselves overwhelmed by acts of deception, selfishness, hatred, bigotry, manipulation, sexism, egotism, infidelity, oppression and even self-righteousness that could devastate a family, church, community, city, nation or our global society. Yet, we can continue making a dent into this dysfunctional skyscraper of corruption, by debilitating and dismantling these forces of darkness, through continuing to embrace love and magnify the LORD.”

* Excerpt from Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit
Chapter: Spiritual and Human Enigma
Page 35

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Do You Need Roadside Assistance?

Before we had the convenience of the ever-popular GPS, everyone had to depend on a roadmap to plan the best routes to get to their various out-of-town destinations. I remember hearing several comedians talk about how men would not stop to ask for directions no matter how lost they were. If the wife told her husband to stop and ask for directions, he would adamantly blurt out “I know where I’m going!” Have you heard that one before?

Ultimately, a trip that would probably take an hour or two, turned into an all day expedition. At some point, you have to stop and ask for roadside assistance. Otherwise, you will find yourself wandering around aimlessly, because you have no idea which way to go and you’re too stubborn to ask for directions. Everyone has a purpose and assignment from God, like road signs along the highway. If we never experienced or prepared for a trip (especially an extended one), then how can we possibly be certified to give roadside assistance to others seeking directions through their journey?

Our support system recycles energy to supply the necessary fuel needed to empower our spirits. We will hit a few potholes every now and then during our journey, but that’s a part of our spiritual growth. Oftentimes, an unexpected dilemma temporarily zaps us of our energy. Study your roadmap (The Holy Bible) and if you run into an unexpected roadblock, be prepared to take a detour. There will always be a plot to ambush you and your mission, but we must remember that God will have a backup plan and an escape route in place when we call on Him. That’s why everyone is equipped with a GPS, not a Global Positioning System, but a God Positioning System. Just pay attention and watch for His “Exit This Way” sign.

(except taken from “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit”)
http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Happy May Day!

Has the May Day celebration become extinct? May 1st is designated as May Day. I do not know if kids still celebrate May Day by wrapping ribbons around the May pole like the one we used to do when I was growing up, but the nostalgia of the event was unforgettable. It also gave us the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather.

The original purpose of May Day, the Maypole and rituals surrounding it was to celebrate the fertility of the new season's crops. Trees are linked to a part of the celebration and have always been symbolic of the great energy and fertility of nature. Some people took the word “fertility” literally and the holiday became a time of reckless sexual behavior. Over time, the emphasis on agriculture in which May Day was initially observed and celebrated, began to diminish rapidly.

In many cultures, May Day is remembered differently and for a variety of reasons. In some countries, it is a national holiday, while others commemorate the day as a celebration of spring, a saint’s feast day, a day for organized labor or used for political protests.

The tradition of celebrating May Day entailed dancing and singing around a maypole that was tied with colorful ribbons or streamers. We celebrated May Day by moving around the pole, holding our end of the colorful streamer and singing. The top of the Maypole was adorned with flowers or some type of decoration indicative of the celebration. Typically a May Queen is chosen and sometimes a May King. Although our reason for celebrating May Day escapes me right now, we were just ecstatic about having a reason to get outside and celebrate the essence of spring.

Happy May Day!

Tea & Poetry Book Club: April is National Poetry Month

Although April is National Poetry Month, we should enjoy the sheer pageantry of words that perform on the pages of many chapbooks and poetry books every day. The Tea & Poetry Book Club encourages you to grab a book of poetry and a cup of tea, and then allow the flavors of the two mediums to transport you to a serene place of enlightenment, enjoyment and education.

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture (poets.org). The Academy of American Poets led this initiative from its inception in 1996 and along the way enlisted a variety of government agencies and officials, educational leaders, publishers, sponsors, poets, and arts organizations to help.

So engage in celebrating the beauty of poetry. Attend a poetry reading, go to the library and check out some books on poetry, go to your neighborhood bookstore and buy a book from your favorite author, organize a group of friends to meet, read and discuss one or a few poems or you can go to this link and subscribe to receiving a Poem-A-Day from the Academy of American Poets http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/345.

Today, I am sipping a cup of Earl Grey Green tea, reading one of my favorite poems “Still I Rise” by my favorite poet, Maya Angelou. Grab yourself a cup of tea and Enjoy!

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

Here's to a cup of tea and a bit of poetry!
http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Tea & Poetry Book Club Celebration



Tea & Poetry Book Club

Who is your favorite poet and what is your favorite poem? As you know, we will celebrate National Poetry Month in April. To me, poetry is the ability to create a literary art form where language makes its unique melody through the aesthetics of words. I always found that regardless of the season, I embrace sipping on a nice cup of one of my favorite flavored hot teas, while reading some poetry. A cup of hot tea and reading your favorite poem are classic traveling companions.

Many individuals, book clubs, libraries and social groups will be celebrating April with a variety of events to embrace and commemorate the fine art of poetry. Throughout the month, I will be highlighting something significant in the world of poetry, whether it’s a book, a poet, an event or a poem.

My Tea & Poetry Book Club Celebration will begin on April 1st. I invite you to share with me the name of your favorite flavor of hot tea, your favorite poet, your favorite poem and your favorite place where you enjoy your delightful cup of tea, when reading your poetry. Stay tuned. There’s more to come from my Tea & Poetry Book Club!

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Ice, Ice Baby!

 “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” ~Anne Bradstreet

Anyone who had a terrifying experience with ice knows just how dangerous walking or driving on it can be. It can be scary, frustrating, inconvenient and sometimes deadly. The first day we had ice this week, we lost our satellite signal. We opted to have our dish located on the ground instead of on the roof, and I am so glad that we made that decision. I carefully walked outside, bundled up with an ice scraper, to see if there was any buildup obstructing the reception of the signal. With each step I took, the ice ahead of me would reveal vein like fractures that would make you think you would fall through the cracks at a given moment. When I finally reached the dish and started chipping the ice off of it, the next thing that happened nearly freaked me out. When the ice I was chipping away hit the ground, it started bouncing like a bunch of marbles someone spilled on the floor. I never experienced anything like that before. Because it was quiet outside, the sounds of the bouncing ice was too hard to ignore. Needless to say, I got back in the house as quickly as I could.

As we are trying to recover from the arctic blast that has laden the southeast with ice-covered snow, it seems like the ground and streets were turned into an ice rink, and regular objects sitting outside have formed some surprising ice sculptures. I was passing by my window this morning looking at how little the snow on our deck melted and noticed that in certain areas the snow-turned ice almost looked like an optical illusion. I would think that because of a brief melting and refreezing point from yesterday, these cute little attention getters resulted from that. However, these small sculptures literally looked like they were suspended in air and defied gravity.

First, the banister on the deck looked as if snow was still pack on it. But, when I looked closer, it appeared as if it was molded into an arch that mimicked the wave of an ocean. Then I noticed something in a small fountain sitting in one corner of my deck, and I cannot for the life of me, even come up with how this piece of ice formed into what I saw. It appeared that it was actually sculpted where parts of it was almost paper thin and the end section that meandered upward was as if something was flinging water up in the air and it immediately did a freeze frame. In case you are wondering if water was flowing through the fountain at that time, it was not. When the temperatures drop as low as they have been, I unplug the fountain, because the tubes will freeze.

I know that I tend to become fascinated by these natural wonders and I am not scientific by any means. But, I am curious about how this unexplained mystery occurred. I wished I had a camera filming this water metamorphosis, because to believe it, is to see it. Despite the dangers of walking or driving on this ice, to watch the prisms of light glistening throughout the ebb and flow of these natural ice sculptures by the sunlight, is truly a breathtaking sight. The only response that I have for this unexplained phenomenon is that God is truly an Awesome and Masterful artist!

 http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Moments to Embrace Natural Wonders

“Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.” ~ George Washington Carver

It’s amazing that as adults we sometimes stop soaking in the excitement of little things that exhilarated us when we were kids. The older I get, I often find myself sitting quietly and taking a moment to absorb the awesome beauty of God’s incredible creation. During the spring and summer, I am constantly sitting outside listening to the birds singing, watching the squirrels run to and fro, and seeing the birth of new shoots of flowers and leaves unfolding everywhere.

I still marvel at the changes in our weather, and although many describe it as bizarre occurrences, I have to sit down and take in the beauty of the moment. When we have rain showers, I sometimes sit by the window and occasionally open it, to watch and listen to the melody of the raindrops. When there is a nice spring breeze outside, I sometimes open my windows to allow the fresh air to float through. In the morning as the sun slowly rises, I get excited watching the sky transform from shades of orange sherbet and lilac into a beautiful blue sky with white, fluffy clouds and think, “Now this is good!”

We know that at any given moment, the more torrential the rain falls, the greater the threat of flooding. We know that the stronger the breeze, the greater the threat of a tornado. We know that the stronger the snowfall, the greater the chance for a blizzard. Although we understand and heed the dangers of the storms, we know at the end of the storm, the sun (Son) always shines with rays of hope!

But this morning, for this moment, as I look outside watching the delicate showers of snowflakes fall, in all of its innocence, majesty, purity and gentleness, I think, “God, you are more awesome than I could ever imagine.” I am grateful, for the opportunity to simply stop, observe and get giddy about seeing and experiencing life, with the type of excitement I remember feeling when I was younger!

If only for a moment, stop and smell the roses, magnolias or gardenias. If only for a moment, stop and listen to the musical composition of the rainfall. If only for a moment, stop and watch the fluidity of the trees dance in the gentle breeze. If only for a moment, stop and watch as the delicate whispers of snowflakes in the crisp winter air begin to layer the ground and trees in a beautiful white blanket of “wow!”. If only for a moment, we will find that the special events of life will turn into minutes, then into hours, then into days and then into years. Finally, you will realize that your one moment of gratitude can turn into a lifetime of unforgettable memories! Enjoy your moment…I certainly am!

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Why is Christmas Time So Stressful?

Every year I watch television shows and read articles giving tips on how to avoid being stressed out during the Christmas holiday season. Yes, this is a very busy time of the year, especially in retail. For years, the topic continues to address practical ways to de-stress yourself during the holidays. This opinion piece will not give you a step-by-step list of things to do in order to avoid getting stressed out during the Christmas season. In fact, if we are still discussing this, then we just aren’t getting it.

Somehow, we have gotten wrapped up and trapped into the commercialism of what we made Christmas to be. Our focus is diverted from the true reason why we commemorate such a monumental Holy holiday. When I watch people camp outside of stores in the early morning hours of Black Friday for advertised door busters, and in some situations, a few people start fighting over a sale item, I wonder if it is really worth it. Honestly, I do not think it is.

I celebrate Christmas throughout the year and not just in that 24-hour time span on December 25th. Every day I give praise and commemorate the birth and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Every day, I try to practice peace on earth and goodwill towards everyone with diligence. When I want to buy a gift for someone, I do not need to wait for a special occasion to do so.

During Christmas, we see tons of reenactments of the manger scene. That scene should be indelibly imprinted in our minds, hearts and behavior. If it is, we will truly understand the concept of humbleness and live each day in the spirit of Christmas. When you see a manger scene, is there something about that scene that makes you stressed? I do not know about you, but for me I am reminded that it is not about me, but “for” me. The calm of this scene makes me realize that we are serving a greater purpose than the typical stressed induced frenzy we get trapped into during this time of the year.

There are some gifts I would really like to receive for Christmas, but money can’t buy them. The jovialness and love I received from family and friends who have passed away cannot be wrapped in a cute little package and tucked under the Christmas tree. I miss my mother dearly, and I remember how she painstakingly decorated the Christmas tree every year, as if she was competing in a contest. I hold on to those wonderful memories of my mother and other close family members and friends who are gone. Since it’s impossible to have them here for Christmas, they are wrapped in a spectacular gift box in my memory. As I look at those family members and friends I love dearly who are still here, I cherish their priceless love.

So when we sing, “Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining…” try looking up from time to time at night and see that the stars continue to shine brightly. Try not to be hellacious throughout the year and make the peace that we sing about on Christmas, be our mantra every day. Why is Christmas time so stressful? It isn’t. We allow the nonessentials to induce stress. If we could embrace every day with that Christmas spirit we lovingly capture during this time of the year, then we would not have to worry about being stressed out at all.

Merry Christmas! Be safe out there and celebrate responsibly.

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Rising From the Ashes of 9/11

As we remember the events of September 11, 2001, I hope that as a nation of resilient people, we are stronger, wiser and more unified than we have been. Monumental disasters always test the human spirit and although we don’t forget, we move forward with courage, important lessons that we learned and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

In light of the extremist ramblings from a few citizens in this country, as well as around the world, we must remember that the events that took place on 9/11 didn’t kill us, but made us stronger. We must be mindful not to clump everyone from a particular race, religion, creed, culture or socioeconomic status in one category, due to these particular extremists, because that will continue to be the kindling that reignites the inferno. Other horrific terroristic attacks that took place on our soil, by our own citizens, brought us together to the table of peace as we transcended the brutality. The 1995 Oklahoma City Bombings, the 1921 Black Wall Street Massacre, the countless nationwide school and college shootings, or the daily criminal elements preying on the innocent, are just a few.

“The LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.” Genesis 4:10-11 (New International Version)

We will always find that diabolical element in all sectors of our local, national and global communities, but that doesn’t mean that the people of those communities embrace the extremists among their own. We must understand that many of these masterminds of evil may not be caught, yet their deeds will catch up with them. We must also realize that if we were to assassinate the leaders of radicalism, there are still the “seeds” they planted, continuing to germinate and spread like a weed that we have to contend with. But let us not walk around in fear or as prisoners of our emotions. Neither let us get trigger-happy, nor crucify the innocent as a form of retaliation, because it will only make matters worse. In order to be healed, we must understand with our hearts.

So on this day, we won’t cast aside the importance or side-effects of our memories. But, let us not get trapped in the abyss of hatred, bitterness and depression in spite of our hurt and woundedness. We won’t forget those lives that were lost, or the people never found, because just like the twin towers, they will always be landmarks in our hearts. Although we wish we could, we can’t go back and rewrite the past, but we will celebrate our gift of life, freedom, equality and hopefully wisdom! We strive for world peace, but we must first start with charity in our own homes, communities, municipalities, schools, businesses and worship institutions, before it can resonate internationally.

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." -Colossians 3:13-15 (King James Version)

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