The Puppy Episode

It was twenty years ago today that "The Puppy Episode" of Ellen aired on abc-tv.  It's amazing how much better things have gotten, and it was nice on Friday seeing the kindness shown to Ellen DeGeneres, who not only came out on that program, but also in real life on Oprah Winfrey's talk show.  It is sad though that DeGeneres and episode guest star Laura Dern both faced career backlash for this sitcom moment.  It changed lives though and some say it saved lives.  Still a ways to go.

An exercise for kindness

On Sunday I was thinking about those food drives and saying the should be done all the time (some places actually do) and on Monday I was thinking of all those many random acts of kindness.  Writing this each morning helps me start my day by specifically thinking about being kind.  It seems and exercise in kindness can also be an exercise for kindness.  You can help too by sharing other ideas about how to be kind!

Thinking of Saint Mark

Some churches celebrate the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist. Whenever I think of Saint Mark, I think of a church in Berkeley, CA named for him.  Some of the kindest people I have ever met are there and there is so much love and joy.  I suppose that should be common in churches, but it doesn't seem to be.  Perhaps they are paying good attention to their patron and the One he followed.

All the time

Remember back around Thanksgiving when folks were collecting canned goods or just after that when toy drives were in full swing and collections for warm clothing?  Why don't we do that ALL the time?  There are people in need at any time of the year, not just for a month or two at year's end.  Think about putting aside a couple of food items every single week and donating them to a food bank, church, or other organization that is helping those in need.  Some places will also accept toys and clothing as well.

For the future

The earth has been here a long time and it will be around for a long time to come, BUT will it be able to sustain life?  Will plants and flowers grow and fish swim in the water and birds fly through the air?  Will cows and chickens, dogs and cats, all manner of life, including humans, still roam the planet?  Environmental protection is important for the future.  They earth will be here, but will it be bare?  Thanks up to us!

Elderly best man

Would you want your 90-year-old grandfather to be your best man at your wedding?  Well, a 27-year-old Indiana man did last week!  Pretty cool, huh?  That's a pretty kind act on the part of both of them!  What a great example of love too.

Suicide is not to be cheered

Two days after a murder that the killer recorded on video and posted to Facebook, the killer apparently took his own life. When Whoppi Goldberg made the announcement during her tv program yesterday, the audience applauded, until Whoppi held up her hands and asked for quiet. Last night convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez apparently committed suicide as well and the internet is lit up with comments of happiness at this and even jokes. I don't understand. I seriously don't. Suicide is not to be cheered.  Has all kindness disappeared. ALL life is precious, even the lives of those who do wrong.

Easter over? Nope

We all know there are folks who try to rush Christmas every year, and the same thing is true about Easter.  Just so you know, Easter lasts four times longer!  Yup.  Fifty days!  Don't celebrate Easter?  Nope a problem, but allow those who do, the joy of this annual remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus.

Easter reminder

Christian evangelist Joslin McDowell tells us "No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good."  A good reminder at Eastertime.

Blessed are you

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." -Gospel According to Saint Matthew

chocolate eggs and bunnies

Easter is coming!  When I was little that meant chocolate eggs and bunnies.  Jelly beans too!  Oh I loved the malted milk eggs!  I might not have been very kind back then, because I don't recall sharing very much.  I will share now though.  Just wait until Sunday.

Happy Passover wishes

At sundown tonight, the celebration of Passover begins for our Jewish sisters and brothers.  Wonderful food and customs - explore this tradition, whatever faith you may come from.  I find it quite inspiring.  Chag Pesach Sameach!

Be kind to everyone day

The second Saturday in April is Be Kind To Everyone Day.  Actually, you won't find that on any lists or calendars, but don't you think it should be?  Come to think of it, we could celebrate that every day of the year!

The capacity to forgive

Thinking of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the anniversary of his murder, these words of his come to mind: "We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."

3rd

What's the third way to be kind or they way to be kind to people on the 3rd?  Oh my!  I have said this so many times and it will always be true.  There are endless ways to show kindness and it isn't specific to the day or the hour.  Let's just always care about others!

Surprise dessert

When I'm in a restaurant, I seldom order dessert, especially when I am eating alone, but I recall one time when the waiter approached my table with a beautiful looking orange kanten, telling me the table across the room had sent it.  I glanced over and realized that the couple seated there were people I knew.  How lovely though - a nice surprise dessert!  What a kind thing to do,

who's the fool now?

I remember when All Fool's Day was a time of clever jokes.  We would try to be creative and to actually fool everyone.  These days there are just too many mean-spirited pranks.  In my opinion, that's not fun.  That's a terrible thing to do.  Scaring someone out of their wits isn't very kind or funny.  I think the real fool now is the one who plays evil jokes.