Tag Archives: charity

Brad Pitt Seeing Green In New Orleans

The hottie with a hammer is at it again. But, this time Brad Pitt is swinging in New Orleans. The actor stopped by the construction site of his environmentally friendly housing project in the Big Easy on Tuesday, calling the enterprise “a small little victory.” Pitt’s project (it’s actually backed in cooperation with Global Green and the Home Depot Foundation) is designed to help displaced residents affected by Hurricane Katrina. If all goes according to plan, by this time next year, five single-family homes and approximately 18 apartments should be complete, allowing more than 20 families a new place to … Continue reading →

Helping Those Who Don’t Want Help

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It can be so difficult when we try to help someone who doesn’t seem to want real help. So many people want support with the here-and-now but have a hard time focusing on the long term. In situations where people don’t seem to want real assistance, it can be difficult to stay motivated in helping out. For instance, suppose you have a family that is struggling to make ends meet. A single mom, perhaps, working minimum wage. Her primary concern is getting her children fed on a daily basis. In such a state, she has difficulty realizing that it would … Continue reading →

How Do You Know When You’ve Lost the Spirit?

The gift of the Holy Ghost was given to us at confirmation, and we are blessed to have that guidance with us all the time as we strive to live worthily to keep it with us. But, we are told that the Spirit of the Lord cannot be in unclean places, and it can be a challenge to keep ourselves ready to receive the promptings and the constant peace that can be ours. Often we think of losing the Spirit as something that happens after something major, such as a large sin. But as we go about our day and … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Watch With Me

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As I studied the scene of Christ in Gethsemane, I was touched in each version by His plea to the disciples to stay with him. “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death,” He said. “Tarry ye here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38). In the midst of His trials, the Savior desired the companionship of those He loved to walk with Him. When we study the atonement, we often admire how Jesus took all of our sins upon Him. Only He could do it; only He could carry such a load. And yet, although He was divine while His … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: “Whosoever Killeth You…”

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As I reviewed the Gospel Doctrine lesson for this week, the second half of John 16:2 stood out to me. Here, Jesus tells His disciples that “whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” Given that today is the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith, these words took on a special significance to me. Of course, Joseph was not the only person in the restored church who died because of his faith. Early church history is filled with a number of Saints who gave their lives because of their faith. One story that stood out … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Do As I Have Done To You

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In John 13:1-17, the Savior shows His love for His disciples by washing their feet, an act of service. He then teaches them, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” The Lord is teaching His disciples service, yet again. Reading this, it occurred to me that the Savior washed the feet of the disciples just before He left their presence. Logic dictates that He would spend those last few hours reminding them of what was most important – and He taught them again of love and service. He showed them … Continue reading →

A Treat For Missionary Moms

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Over Mother’s Day, my husband’s aunt told me something wonderful that a complete stranger did to serve her. Her second son is on a mission, and so, of course, has been out of touch. However, a bishop’s wife called her up to let her know that her missionary was doing fine. In another ward, a sister (not sure if it was the bishop’s wife again, or just a member) emailed her some pictures. These contacts help to set her mind at ease. As a mom of four young children, I feel like I am constantly worrying. Of course, unlike dh’s … Continue reading →

Scrapbookers Unite For Great Causes

Surrounding the expensive and costly negative outlook, that some people have of scrapbooking, is the much more joyous, memorable accounts of how scrapbooking changes peoples lives for the better. It seems that suddenly, scrapbooking has taken on a whole new dimension. There seems to be an outpouring of charity, as several memory preservers, strive to teach, help and offer support to those that might not otherwise receive it. At charity auctions, I am seeing scrapbooking supplies as items up for bid. At school events, I am seeing requests for scrapbooking supply donations to help make cards, letters and pages for … Continue reading →

Seeing Green

Green palms abound as celebrities and celebrity wannabes dig deep for charities, cars, and court appearances: PAUL NEWMAN The charitable actor is donating $10 million to his alma mater to help start a scholarship fund. Paul Newman says Kenyon College is a place he holds near to his heart. The actor graduated from the private liberal arts school located in central Ohio in 1949 with a degree in drama and economics and now wants to help others further their education there. “My days there were among the happiest and most formative of my life,” Newman said last week. “I believe … Continue reading →

Celebrities Running For A Cause

Actress Hilary Swank laced up her running shoes and hit the road for a good cause yesterday. But, the Oscar winner wasn’t exercising for her own benefit; rather she pounded the pavement to help kick off a round-the-world run to raise awareness about the planet’s 1.1 billion people who lack access to clean drinking water. Blue Planet Run is a charity event in which 20 runners (minus Swank) will log 15,200 miles over 95 days. Each participant will run 10 miles at a time and basically put their lives on hold during the 3-months-plus time period in hopes of bringing … Continue reading →