The Joy of New Citizenship

“We were so happy” is how Thushanth described the feelings his family felt upon arriving in America.  Learning about their journey from Malaysia was an eye-opening experience.  Despite the years it took to become citizens, the message they wish to send is “We are blessed! Others can build a life here by simply being patient and working hard.”

Shortly after their arrival in Minnesota, they brought food to the Arrive Ministries office in thanks for the assistance they received in finding housing, jobs and completing the paperwork to apply for their citizenship. What great examples of scattering kindness!

As an Arrive Ministries media volunteer, I now have a wonderful opportunity to interview refugees and document their stories.

Read full article:  https://arriveministries.org/new-citizenship-home-ownership/

 

 

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Tip for Today

 

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Valentine Challenge

Chocolates?  Special dinner?  A little box of conversation hearts?

We may have received and treasured them all, but what if this Valentine’s Day was the one where you surprised a perfect stranger with a small token of love.

Buy a bag of little chocolate hearts and put a few in your pocket.  Whether you are at school, work, or out on an errand, drop off a heart in a conspicuous place — on a desk or at a restaurant inside the folder when you’ve paid your bill.  Better yet, hand a heart to someone and simply say “Here’s a little treat for you” or “Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!”

In how many places can you scatter some Valentine kindness?

 

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Scatter A Seed

Wild flowers often appear in unlikely places after someone has scattered some seeds. They may never even know they sprouted. Kindness can also grow and multiply from your one tiny seed.

A stranger hears you say hello. So they smile at the next person they pass. That individual decides to take time to stop and chat with their neighbor about a good book they read. Soon the neighborhood is putting up little free libraries in their community.  That’s where a little boy picks up a book about kids living in Africa. He asks his Mom if he can send his allowance to the kids who don’t have books.  Amazed at his generosity, the Mom posts about her son’s initiative, and soon there are many kids in Africa learning to read.

And it all started with a simple “hello.”

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Said A Rich Man

             In a poem about giving, well-known author, Khalil Gibran, stated:

Then said a rich man, “Speak to us of Giving.”
And he answered:
You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

Like kindness, snow brings beauty and peacefulness. It doesn’t discriminate as it covers the world. When scattering kindness, we get the chance to beautify the world around us.

Share some winter kindness. Leave a message in the snow. Drop off some warm socks or scarves at a shelter. Clear the windows on a random car. You get the idea.

No snow in your backyard? Simply scatter some joy.

 

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Candy Canes & Puppy Dogs

Candy canes to share and plush puppies to hug were the highlights of today in kindergarten.

Each Monday and Thursday I have the distinct honor of helping these amazing students learn to read. During our time together, I get to hear their stories, and enjoy some fun times.

Because I believe Christmas is a time for sharing, everyone was given a bag of candy canes and treats which they can share with their family. To brighten their break away from school, a little puppy dog is now in their backpack.

A treasured gift I received today, in addition to many heartfelt hugs, was a framed drawing signed by each kindergartener and a beautiful towel with a beautiful saying.   Many thanks to all the wonderful students and teachers!

 

 

 

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Together we can do great things

It’s that wonderful time of year —  when many folks are feeling overwhelmed!   If we wait for someone to ask how they can help, chances are we might wait forever. Being asked to help sends a strong message about the trust and value you place in someone.

What to ask for?  Maybe time for yourself, entertain the kids, fix dinner, plan the big day, or whatever you need. It costs nothing to ask for advice from a friend.

Go for it!

 

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Giving Thanks!

We never know the impact of our quickly spoken thanks.  Acknowledging the person at the grocery store who just rang up his 300th customer might be an opportunity missed to express gratitude. Yet, he will thank us for just being there.

Adding a couple words beyond ‘thank you’ can be what gets remembered at the end of the day —  “Thanks for your great service.  You are appreciated.”

May gratitude always be on your lips and in your heart.

 

 

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World Kindness Day

Today is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind. The purpose of this day, celebrated on November 13 each year, is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together.

What to do?

Interrupt the ordinary

Think about the people who help you get life done (trash collector, mail delivery person, etc.) Interrupt them with a bottle of sparkling water or candy bar and a “Thanks for what you do.”

Ice cream scattering

While at the grocery store, pick up a box of  ice cream bars and drop them off at a local shelter. All you have to say is “Enjoy!”

A line to say to make someone’s day

“You are really good at what you do!”

Magazines for the homeless

If you enjoy reading, gather your used magazines and take them to a homeless shelter.

Kindness cards

Make up a few …
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Hats & Mittens

Was a fun day for kindergarteners!  A story about three little kittens who lost their mittens captured their attention.  Choosing a new pair of mittens and a warm hat appeared to be even better than snack time.

Several years ago, a little girl told me how cold her hands were at recess. The only solution at that time was to put them in her pockets if she had any.  That got me started on a tradition of providing hats and mittens for kindergarteners each year.  Exciting to see the smallest kindergartener jump for joy when he got to wear his favorite color.

Having the biggest job of all, and needing to supervise 21 lively kindergarteners during recess, their teacher’s new mittens were also warmly received.

 

 

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