Search Results for 'popular' (3486 matches)

Sweet Surprise For A Toll Taker

Yesterday evening was a whirlwind of activity - work, Little League game, cooking dinner, prepping for the next day's classes, and finishing some last minute shopping.  Happy that my family was well-fed and on their way to bed in the evening, I hit the road around 8:30pm.   I was on my way to meet up with "my band" and looked forward to practicing with them.  We are playing at a conference in two weeks time and are trying to pick up a couple of new tunes.  

I was on my way back home around 11pm and while approaching the toll plaza, I suddenly had a "flash" of inspiration.  I knew I didn't have enough cash to pay-it-forward for the next car, but I thought why not make the toll taker smile?  I reached over to the bag of candy I had bought with my groceries, pulled out a fistful of scrumptious peanut butter cups and along with the cash, handed it over to the toll taker.  The look of sheer surprise and happiness on his face was awesome!  His smile stretched from ear to ear as I pulled away.  I'm smiling just thinking of it! :-)

Visit To The Lake

I finally got to go with my son to the lake . I tried to go a couple times when my son has work days off but the weather never worked out. Until I just gave it to god . I just put it in his hands and it was a beautiful day. We were around a nice family and I overheard the mom say to her boys ok now remember its Emily's birthday today that's why were here . I got a nice new foot able raft to take with us and packed lunch for us. By the time we got there it was more humid which is what we wanted so the water was great not to hot or cold just right. We tried out our new raft but it didn't seem to hold us up only when you put weight in the middle on your stomach worked. I thought ... Read Full Story >>

A Craving For Ice Cream

This morning I was running errands and had a sudden urge for an ice cream from McDonald's.   I tried talking myself out of it; I hadn't had lunch yet; I really didn't need it; I already passed McDonald's! But I gave into my craving and turned around.   A homeless man was begging for change at the traffic lights. He looked so tired and defeated. I pulled a couple of dollars out of my wallet and gave them to him. I asked him if he was hungry and he said yes, but that the money I had given him would buy something to eat.   I pulled up to the drive-thru to get my ice cream and decided to go ahead and order him a burger, fries and a coke.    When I handed him the bag I told him I had gotten him some lunch and he stared at me in disbelief. He immediately started ... Read Full Story >>

A Little Boy's Box of Savings

After the tsunami hit India, many people who lived near the coastal areas were severely affected, lost homes, lost many lives.

College girls were asked to collect money from their nighbourhood. So we formed a group and engaged ourselves in collecting money for the tsunami relief fund. In our area, we showed a sign board, which read, "Please help tsunami victims," to the people in neighbourhood and asked for their help. They donated money or dresses or rice or  medicine or anything which has a longer expiry date.

A small boy who was on the way to his school came running to us and asked us to wait there for some time. After 5 minutes he came running to us and handed his small savings box.

It was a plastic box in which there were many coins inside. He said he got that little box from his granny as a birthday gift for saving coins. And he wanted it to be donated for the fund.

Vow! What a big heart!

It was the real greatest offering collected by us.

Thank you sweet heart!

Salvation Army Snail Mail

I recently got some smile cards and was looking forward to doing something great for someone, but I wasn't quite sure what to do.

Then, the other day, I received a random letter in the mail. It was from the Salvation Army.

Inside, there was a blank card. Attached was an invitation to write a note for a homeless or lonely person inside the card. There was a free post envelope to mail it back, as well, and this could all be done anonymously!

It was the perfect opportunity-- I absolutely jumped at the chance to do this! As I wrote the card, I smiled at the thought of its future recipient--whoever he or she is. I thought about how that person might feel when they receive it. I hope they know that someone out there cares about him or her!

I also included a Smile Card before mailing it off! :)

💧 Offer Water On A Hot Day

🥵 Hot and very humid day here in NYC today….offered cold drink of water to gal who delivered our mail 💧 ….I saw her a few doors down when I happened to look out &.called out to her….she came back to our door 👍

Told her how her new hairdo was so pretty & how good she looked too ….I’m not shy about letting someone know 😉

She walked away with a smile on her face 😊

Hope is "the Making of You"

I've had a hard time for a few years now and try to write a little something most days.  All the postings I have made are my writings, so thank you to those of you that have given me such positive feedback.  Thank you for your kindness.

Here's another...penned a few minutes ago.......

An Encounter With Someone Who Wants To Be Heard

Julie and I went to visit a Teen Challenge bus last night. We were going to see if we could help set up. It was a ram-shackle old thing! A mini-kitchen had been installed in the back and the seats were arranged along the sides so folks could face each other and chat. They set up outside a hostel for homeless young people. They do tea, toast, biscuits for anyone who wants to come in. Some of their clients are simply homeless, some have alcohol, drugs or psychological problems. The theory behind it is that if anyone wants a better life, a way out of their current situation, this organisation will help them. If the person makes a committment to attend church and get their "habits" down to a certain level Teen Challenge will get them into a rehab centre. One of the workers said something that stayed with me. ... Read Full Story >>

Bringing Our Family Together For A Special 60th Birthday

Recently I decided to plan a surprise 60th birthday party for my mother.  I felt bad that my brother would not be there since he is in Texas and it would be too difficult for him to get home for a weekend.  He was fine with it though and just said he wished he could be there.

My uncle called and said that he wanted to bring my mother something for her birthday.  He said he was her brother and didn't care that the invite said no gifts.  He decided that what my mother would like most is to have her whole family togehter. So he decided to fly my brother and his girlfriend home for Easter this year.

My mother has not received this gift since the party is this weekend but I know she is going to be super excited about it as I  am. We didn't think we would see my brother and his girlfriend until  at least the is summer so now I am very excited that I will be seeing him in April.

The world needs more people like my uncle to bring families together.

The Gift of Love, Strength and Endurance from an Amazing Sister

From the Soul Curry Column in the Times of India (April 9, 2010) My mom was nearing 40, my dad a few years older and there were their three lovely children just getting out of their teens — it was picture-perfect, that is, until I decided to come along. She was just 20 when I arrived, but from the moment she put her finger into my little palm, I cottoned on to it and knew I had found a friend. She smothered me with love, sang sweet lullabies, soothed a fevered brow, gently scolded and cajoled me out of the cradle and into the walkie-talkie world. My first words were little songs and bits of nursery rhymes. School was a bit hard, because my parents were always mistaken to be my ‘grandparents’, much to my dismay. But she was there and told me that I was not to worry about what the ... Read Full Story >>

A Lost Kindness Opportunity

So today was a monday Morning and like millions of others,  I left home to get to work. The slight difference today from most Mondays was that I was running half hour late and I was feeling stressed about it. 

Just near a major bridge, a car in front of me broke down and I panicked and shifted gear and went ahead, as I was driving past the car, I noticed it was a lady in the driver's seat and the look in her face was quite helpless. I saw her and yet I did NOT stop.

The 'being late' thing was on mind and the fear that my boss will have a comment or two was in my mind and that made me decide to not help the lady. Now I have reached office and feel so miserable.

I am a person who always helps others and this time I did not.

Should I have stopped to help the lady? While I knew the right thing to do was to help that lady at that time, why did the being late to work created such a havoc for me. 

What should one do when faced with a similar situation next time?

What Nobody Ever Does

Today I got in touch with my go-to I.T. guy. He is part of our Executive Support team at my office. 

I typically instant message him in the office when something has gone wrong, or my boss has locked out his password, or we need some urgent thing fixed. He always springs to action, coming to the rescue and helping us right away. 

Today, I messaged him and said, "Hi! I don't need anything today but wanted to thank you for all you always do." 

He was so happy! He said, "Nobody ever does that!" He said it made his afternoon! 

How long did that take me? No time at all. And it didn't cost a thing! 

Thank yous are free - but they are priceless! Imagine if people you knew just thanked you for the little things in life. You'd be getting such nice messages all day!

Giving my first smile card

Today I received my very first smile cards, and I couldn't wait to share one. I wasn't sure at first what I wanted to do, but I knew that I wanted my first card to accompany a random act of kindness for a stranger.

Since I was meeting my son for coffee at the conclusion of our work days, I put my first card and a bit of money into an envelope, and wrote on the outside "Have a nice day," thinking I could pass it on to one of the coffee shop's employees.

When we arrived, I ordered our coffees and handed the envelope to the woman who greeted us, telling her as I did so that she was doing a great job. Her face lit up with a big smile and she thanked me, though no thanks were needed. I was just glad to see my smile card blossom into the first of many smiles to come.


 

A Dollar Can Make a Difference

I was in the lobby of my doctor's office waiting for my appointment. As I was sitting there, an elderly couple came in. The gentleman had trouble breathing and looked as if he was in poor health. As they were checking in at the front desk, I overheard the receptionist say that they were on Medicaid and had an outstanding balance of $1.50. The woman only had 50 cents.

The woman and her husband both looked upset and embarassed. The receptionist said that the balance would need to be paid before they could see the doctor. I was sitting far away from the front desk so I walked up and said that I would pay the remaining  $1.00. They were so thankful and gave me many blesssings.

I always thought $1.00 wasn't enough to help anyone, but I was reminded that day that $1.00 really can make a difference!

Helping Two Bright Young People On Job Offers

Two young people - one with a post-graduation from a reputed school, another with a good credential are struggling to land a job offer, in different countries. I have referred them to potential companies that might reach out to them. Hoping they will secure a dream job and wishing them a bright career.

An Unexpected Gift of Spices from Grenada

Our office's cleaning lady went through a lot of difficulties last year.  At one point, she had even been hospitalized two times.  So prior to Christmas, I bought her a box of cookies covered with chocolate, which I left on my desk with a note for her.  The next day, I got a thank you note from her.  A couple weeks later, I left her some specialty candies with a little note, and the next day, I got another thank you note from her.  Afterward, we continued to go through these routines a few times.  Over the past month, she took vacation to go back home to Grenada.  Two weeks ago, I took my own vacation and just returned to work yesterday.  As I was walking up the stairs feeling kind of sleepy and stressed because I knew I was going to be swamped with work, I walked to my desk and ... Read Full Story >>

Remembering Not To Hold Back

I was new at church and I knew nobody. I felt lonely the first time.  After heading back home I just said to myself that I was never going there again. Another situation came up and I had to go back to that "unfriendly" church again. I was quite disturbed that night, thinking how it was going to be.

Then I thought, ''Why am I complaining now? Why didn't I make a friendly gesture? Why was I holding back?"  

The next day at the church, I smiled at every possible person I met there. To my surprise, I was showered with smiles and blessings. I gave that wonderful smile and got back too many to take home.

A Party and an Opportunity to be Generous

We usually have a Christmas get together right before the holidays for our friends, family and neighbors.  Instead of folks bringing gifts or food for us we usually ask for some item for someone in need.  Usually something like hats/gloves/scarves for senior citizens, food donations for a family in hard times, toys/stuffed animals for local charity.  It always is fun and everyone has a good time sharing.  This past Christmas, on the day of my party I was very sick and ended up in the hospital so sadly I had to cancel the party.  Since everyone was disappointed I decided to have it around Valentine's day instead.  We asked for adult socks for a non-profit which helps families in need, they said they have lots of children's socks but people forget the teenagers and adults.  I also asked for reading glasses for our local library so those who need glasses or forget ... Read Full Story >>

An Opportunity to Give

After many months of illness, the resulting financial troubles and the love and generosity of dear friends, family members and even strangers that helped me and my children through those difficult times, my life regained balance. On a trip to the grocery store I spotted  a young couple hitchhiking with two puppies. They were obviously tired and discouraged and had made a sign, which simply read, "Just Food." Praying that they would stay, I hurried into the grocery store and bought a bag full of  nutritious foods, puppy chow for the dogs along with items I needed. To my relief they were still there when I came out. I drove up beside them and the young man approached at my beckoning him. I handed him the bag full of groceries, saying, "this is for you..." then the bag of chow, "this is for your puppies", and then a ten dollar bill, "And here's ... Read Full Story >>

My Savior Angel

A year ago, I was a mess!    I was going through one of those phases that every teenager goes through in high school. I had made some new friends who were part of the popular gang of our school. Hanging out with them made me overconfident and feel like I could treat other people in whatever way I wanted.   Also, under the influence of these people, I would make up these unbelievably silly lies to cover up for all my mistakes. And, as you probably know, one lie leads to another and then another, and it keeps going on.    Among my new friends there was one girl who was very kind, compassionate and down to earth. She wouldn't judge people on their looks or their crowd. Since we had friends in common and went to the same classes we ended up hanging out a lot.    I remember being extremely surprised at her honesty. And ... Read Full Story >>