The Mace Cake

Years ago, a woman used to bring this most delicious mace cake to my church.  I don't remember how popular it was with others, but whenever I saw it, I just had to have a slice!  Years later, at another church in another city, I mentioned this to a lady who was planning coffee hour refreshments.  She had never heard of a mace cake, but she very kindly looked it up and presented one for church the next Sunday.  It was delicious!  That was her first mace cake, but not her last.  She didn't have to make one at all, but she did.  That's kindness.

only treats

If you will be going out trick-or-treating this weekend, may there only be treats for you and if folks should come to your door, be kind.

Humility

Here are some very wise words from C. S. Lewis:  "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less."

over five years!

Wow!  I just realized I have been writing this for over five years!  I'm amazed.  (It's been thirteen years that I have been writing another blog).  I thank you for reading my words here.  You are very kind.  I hope this has helped me become a bit more kind.

wise words from Jesse Jackson

Listen to these words from the Reverend Jesse Jackson who said, "Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up."

together

 I am convinced that together we can all help make the world a better place.

Make me a list

Every now and then I have given a list in this space of some random acts of kindness.  For folks who are trying to become more kind and to do nice things, I think that can be a good starting point (although it isn't about just being kind sometimes).  Can you think of some random kind acts though?  I'd love to see ideas from someone else.  Let's think about it.

not even a tuna sandwich

There is nothing better than kindness, not even a tuna sandwich.  Seriously.  Being kind makes you feel good.  Having kind people around you is pretty wonderful too.

someone said

Yesterday someone said to me "Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them." My response to them was "huh?"  (Was I kind)?

rise above

It has been said "Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Don’t let your challenges hold you back.  Rise above and remember that anything is possible."  I don't know who said that, but it certainly is true.

center of attention

Do we do kind things so that people will like us or so we will get attention?  I hope not!  Being kind is part of who we are.  It comes naturally.  No special reward is necessary.  Nobody needs to give us credit for our kind acts.  Truly kind people don't need to be the center of attention.  

without them knowing

Real generosity is doing something nice for somebody without them knowing! What a great feeling to see their happiness and joy.

words from Dr Brothers

Psychologist, columnist, and tv personality Dr Joyce Brothers always had wonderful things to say.  Remember her?  Dr Brothers once said "Love comes when manipulation stops, when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable."

technology

Technology has given us many advantages, but sometimes I think we have gotten too reliant on it.  Yesterday my phone and internet went out.  Yes, I know you can connect with your cell phone, but I'm not very good at it.  I don't even like texting.  (Hard to believe, huh)?  Anyway, my phone and internet came back on again, only to go out last night.  This morning, when I wanted to post here, I couldn't (at least not the usual way).  It's back again and so here am I with apologies for being tardy.  Please be kind.

make a difference

How will YOU impact someone's life today?

Think about it. Make a difference!

actions

Your words will lose value if your actions don’t match.  Don't just say you care about people.  Show it!  It's has been said many times that actions speak louder than words.

No money involved

Here are examples of some random acts of kindness. Tell your parents or your children why you love them. Make a point of finding the name of a supermarket or drugstore employee and then praise him or her through that company’s corporate office. As you go about your day, pick up trash. When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile. Just a few ideas.  There are many more of course.  One cool thing is none of these involve money.  You can be kind without spending a dime!

your thoughts

For five years I have been writing encouraging words here each morning, urging us all to be more kind.  I have no idea if I have been at all successful.  I think it has made me more aware, and hopefully more kind as well.  I'd really appreciate your thoughts though.  Why are you reading this?  Have you ever told others about this blog?  Do you have some suggestions you would share with us?  How can we all be more kind?

why not

In all seriousness I must ask:  can anyone give me a good reason not to be kind?  It would seem to be so very obvious that kindness is the only way, so why not?

how do you spell kindness

It is probably a little different for each of us (and there is no right or wrong answer), but how do you spell kindness? H-O-M-E-M-A-D-E-S-O-U-P. Oh my!

love what you do

Don't waste your life trying to impress other people.  Do those things you love and love those things you do.

day by day

Take life day by day and be grateful for all the little things. Don’t get stressed over those things that you can’t control.

Be one

The world is filled with nice people. Some days it might be harder to find them, but if you can’t find one, then be one!

what you do for others

The wonderful entertainer Danny Thomas once said "Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself.  It's what you do for others."

From Ms Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey once said "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."  True words!

for one’s community

In her many years, Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said a lot of important things, but one that stands out for me is this quote, that I believe is so very true: "To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you, that’s what I think a meaningful life is. One lives not just for oneself but for one’s community."

like a wildfire

The wonderful Whoopi Goldberg once said "When you are kind to someone in trouble, you hope they'll remember and be kind to someone else. And it'll become like a wildfire."

universal language

Kindness is the universal language that blind people can see and the deaf can hear.  We can all relate to kindness!

Kindness during pandemic

These past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic have not been fun.  We have dealt with sickness and death, and we have seen people lost their jobs and their homes.  I think right now it is more important than ever to show our concern for others.  Reach out.  Be a friend.  Let people know that you care.  We will get through this and kindness from all of us will help!

some kind things we can do

Open the door for another person. Leave an extra-large tip for your server.  Treat someone to fresh fruit. Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving. Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier.  Sing at a nursing home. Give another driver your parking spot.  Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person. 

Treat people with kindness

Treat people with kindness. Behind every face there is a story that could use a little more love. You can be the supplier.