Spread the Love

I have a belief that most people harbor a desire to leave a mark in the world, to make a difference. Some people have the circumstances and means to do really huge, great things, like building and funding medical clinics, or schools, or housing programs for those in need. Some people are exceptionally gifted at not only doing good themselves, but at inspiring others to do likewise ( Can you say Oprah's Angel Network?). Wouldn't we all love to be able to do grand things like those?

For most of us, though, the reality of the situation is that we will never do some grandiose thing. Much smaller things are what we have the means to do. It's easy to be tricked into thinking the small things don't mean as much as the big things. Bah!

I am reminded of a story, a thought, and a poem.

A man walked along a beach littered with starfish which were left stranded by the tide. He meandered along stooping frequently to pick up one of the creatures and throw it back out to sea. Another man watched him while he approached from some distance. When the two were near each other the second man asked the first, "Why bother doing that? You can't possibly save them all. There are too many. What difference can your little effort make on a beach so large?"

The first man stooped down to rescue one more. After flinging it to safety he looked into the eyes of his questioner. "It made a difference to that one."


I am only one, but I am one.
I can't do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.


I have wept in the night
With the shortness of sight
That to some other's need made me blind.
But, I have never yet
Felt a tinge a regret
For being a little too kind.


Taking inspiration from some recent experiences, I have decided to make January a month of following the Boy Scout motto of 'Do a Good Turn Daily.' Now, I normally make an effort to be kind to people and be of service to others, so this is not some great I-need-to-overhaul-how-I-live-my-life type of thing. Rather, this is my effort to take the time to notice those who need to be noticed more often, and to do whatever may be within my limited power to encourage or uplift someone else. Following the example of a blog I recently came across, I will be posting daily about my experiences. If you can use a bit of cheer in your day, I invite you to follow along and invite your family and friends to do the same.

I'd love to hear about your own experiences or about things you hear of that others are doing.
Here's to an awesome January.

Also, thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on my 'Share the Bounty' post. There are still three more days to get people to leave comments and up the donation I will make to Heifer International.

So Many Dreams: Share the Bounty

heifer.org So Many Dreams: Share the Bounty

Share the Bounty

This particular post is inspired by Nathan Bransford whose blog is listed in the sidebar. His post today follows my last post nicely. In the midst of counting our blessings and working like busy little elves during this season to bless the lives of those we love, let's not forget that it is very easy to bless the lives of others we don't know who are in need.

Nathan introduced me to an organization called Heifer International (I know, funny name, but impressive organization.) whose worthy goal is to end world hunger. They aim to do this by teaching a man to fish, so to speak. Community involvement, education, and a commitment to "share the offspring of gift animals with others in need" are all a part of their comprehensive program. They are also committed to teaching sustainable agricultural development to those they help. Great stuff.

Following Nathan's lead today I will pledge $.50 per comment left between now and December 31st. (up to $50 - May not seem like much, but it's what I can do right now.)

I have tried to include a link to Heifer International , but am new to this blogging business and am not sure I did it right. If no link appears, please go check them out at heifer.org.

Merry Christmas to all, and while you are enjoying your holiday bounty take a minute to remember those not as fortunate.

Ah, well

December 4, 2009

So after the first post being full of optomism and all that, I must confess I had scheduled a pity party today. It's been a loooong time since I've had one and I thought I was due. Why, I won't mention since we all have our own reasons for planning these lovely affairs.

Apparently, God, Fate, the Universe, whatever name you choose, had other things on today's agenda for me.

Things ganged up on me from the very start of the day. A productive teacher inservice meeting, and adorable baby grandson and his wonderful parents, a phone call from a friend, a lunch invitation from my husband, a stark reminder of how much harder life could be right now, and several other items all foiled my plans. Drat them.

I guess I could reschedule. My only problem is I don't think I'll have time. I'll be too busy counting my blessings.

How about you? Have any blessings you want to count here with us?

And So It Began

November 18, 2009

Don't you just love beginning a new adventure? This blog is mine - my new adventure, that is. The fact that it is my blog is, I really hope, completely obvious.

Let me begin by giving a little background on the title I have chosen. "So Many Dreams" is part of a lyric from the song I remember first capturing my imagination. (Those who know me well will appreciate the significance of the beginning of my love affair with music.) It's from So Many Stars, an old Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 song. Hey, I meant it when I said it was old. Anyway, this blog will be all about the importance and the power of having a dream or dreams, whatever yours may be.

As for me, right now I have a couple of dreams infusing my love of life: graduating (at loooonng last) from BYU, and completing a YA novel I've been working on for about a year and a half now and maybe finding a publisher for it.

By my way of thinking dreams are what make life worth living. They are the essence of hope, without which this life can become pretty dang tiring, oppressive even, at times.

So. Let's hear it for hope. Let's hear it for dreams.

While we're at it, I would love to hear what yours are. Tell me, for what stars are you reaching? Which ones do you already have in your grasp?