Thanks alot Gary for doing that for Noah. I have people on facebook who have organized quite a few to send cards to him. One young woman knew of two good schools she said she was contacting to help in seeing little Noah's last wish come true. Plus she said she was letting quite a few good friends know who she was positive would do so as well and get them to help get more and so on. I am happy to say little Noah is going to have his wish come true thanks to some loving and caring people. Myself I found the cutest musical card with Linus from Charlie Brown telling of the first Christmas morning.  Alot of children are referred to the Children's Wish Foundation but Noah was not referred to them.  I believe it was just a comment to a friend who the mother thought could just get some friends to send him cards without realizing someone would do this for him. I believe it will mean alot to the parents as well for so many to reach out to Noah and show they care.  Well thanks a whole lot to anyone else who may have sent a card to little Noah.

Thanks Ariel!  I just mailed a card to Noah.

This is a special request :

Dear Keith, What a great idea. I signed and left a comment. This is something that has bothered me from time to time in the way that I felt bad for disabled people that need the parking spaces. Many have wheelchairs and seriously need the space and even those that don't have a hard enough time getting out and shopping without having to walk a far distance afterwards because they are worn out from shopping with their disability. For example the elderly with disabilities and others too that it takes alot out of them in the way of energy to shop. I know and have know alot of disabled people who feel they can still manage without one even though they are not in good shape to leave the parking spaces for disabled people they feel need it more. I wrote in my connent that people could report it by writing the licence plate down to the mall security if they have the time so people will learn that they shouldn't do that. If they have to answer for it they most likely will not do it again. In Canada where I live it is illegal to park in a disabled parking space unless you have the licence. To make it quicker for everyone to get to the petition I am posting the link here. Have a peaceful and wonderful day, Peace, love and hugs, Ariel

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/i-will-never-park-in-a-disabled-bay-they-need-it-more-than-me

I have started a petition called
"I WILL NOT PARK IN A DISABLE BAY, BECAUSE THEY NEED IT MORE THAN ME"

ITS ON Care2, petitions.

I love Belief.net wonderful site.I agree there are many ways to help others even if you do not have money or whatever.I belong to a site called Myyearbook.com that you can play games or do other stuff to earn what they call $Lunch Money you can donate this to the causes section for every charity you can think of including World Peace.First time I was on I donated over 5 million dollars of lunch money to causes--this time over 2 million so far.Sponsors match what you donate.I am a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse I belong to sites where I post my poetry or talk to these men and women when they need a friend,or advice or where to go for help.I belong to Grassroots.com which is almost like this site for petitions etc.But smiling at someone in a store not walking away from an elderly person who just wants to chat a moment or helping someone with groceries.Random acts of kindness are given back tenfold so why not reach out.God said,"to love unconditionaly," I try my best to remember this.

Inspirational Stories of Acts Of Kindness 

Can small acts of kindness change the world? Beliefnet users share their stories.

Like ripples circling outward in a pond, individual acts of kindness, taken together, can have world-changing effects. We asked Beliefnet users to describe the most profound act of kindness they ever experienced, witnessed--or did for another person. We've gathered some of the most moving ones to inspire us all to do a little something more.

Helping a Homeless Person The one act of kindness that always touches my heart (whether I do it or I see it) is when someone helps out the homeless. I'm not talking about giving money to them either. I'm talking about picking them up and taking them to a shelter, giving them food instead of money on the train...or even talking to someone homeless.

What most people don't understand about the homeless is that they have their pride. A lot of them don't want help. But all of them want to be heard. They want to feel like a human being and sometimes just talking to a homeless person makes a world of difference. I have been witness to a man that would talk to a homeless man for a year...just small talk...but that was enough for the homeless person to be inspired to get up and get himself together.

Being Your Brother's Keeper The most profound act of kindness I've ever witnessed is one that I received. I spent many years experiencing the consequences of my own actions. I was an active drug addict, a thief, a liar, and a fool. During this time I caused so many people, which loved me, harm. My family, I'm sure, was affected the most. Due to my choices and my actions, I went to jail, and almost went to prison. The court system gave me one last chance. I was let out on the streets with no where to go, so I turned to my brother. Everyone told him not to trust me; that I would only do what I had always done. My brother said, "He's my brother and I love him...if I don't help him, who will?" Since that day my life has changed. I've been clean off of drugs for 3 years; have an excellent job working with good people, and better relationships with people than I've ever had. That one act of kindness from my brother changed my life. Reassuring a Child

One evening [12 years ago] while at the arcade [playing Mortal Kombat] with a friend I noticed a situation at the baseball simulator....I saw the arcade attendant holding his head and the little boy clearly upset. The boy had accidentally hit the attendant in the head with his swing. As the boy, feeling guilty for causing the attendant pain, began to cry the arcade attendant moved in and gave him a hug as if to say "See, I am okay, don't be upset." Suddenly, decapitating my opponent [in Mortal Kombat] on quarters I stole from my sister did not seem very important.

The attendant was hurt, had every reason to get mad, and could have scolded the child for being so clumsy. But he didn't. Instead, he set his own pain aside to comfort the child without showing any displeasure. It is difficult to describe how much this moment struck me. The arcade looked different and my skin tingled in an unusual way. As I recall it now I struggle to hold back tears. I was thirteen at the time....

It goes to show how much doing the right thing can impact people even if we do not ever see the results of our good will.

 

Even if a person is unable to out to those far reaching areas of the world themselves. When they are able to give just a bit of themselves through donating to charities or being that ear that someone is desperate to have to tell their woes to it's a way of "doing unto others" where are own personal way of expressing our faith isn't important. It's just reaching out that hand of humanity, of course respecting others faith as well, and touching those in need. For whatever that need may be, water, food, shelter or just knowing lthat there is another human being that UNDERSTANDS. Let's not lose sight of the fact that doing unto others entails figuratively putting ourselves in the other's shoes and understanding their perspective.

I couldn't have thought when I wrote the first post under this subject 9 months ago that it would to speak to someone now. Thank you, Caramel for reminding me about it.

Count me in, I'll sign your petition. *hugs*

Thanks for have created this topic, i need ur signatures to support the Survival Internationals`campaign to help the Guarani-Kaiowa tribe from Brazil, they were violently evicted from their ancestral lands by ranchers that want to rize the forest where they live for the cattle bred industry. Please sign it and many thanks for ur time. "The respect of the rights of others is peace" Benito Juárez

I completely agree with Cindy C. There are ways to help others and make a huge impact on their lives even if one is unable to "go out into the world" or donate to charities. The best way, in my opinion, to help others is to offer them love. Through love, all things are possible.

I am the owner of an online group for women and I have discovered that just listening to them, really hearing them, and offering love and support can cause such a beautiful change within their spirits. Interacting with all of them on an almost daily basis has also given me hope for the betterment of society and touched my heart in too many ways to mention. We've all become friends and we help each other on many levels -- even financially. I highly recommend nurturing true friendships. :-)

Wael thank you~  As I said in another topic, I am reading and later maybe I will write, my English is not good enough to talk here.  You are very intersting...

Marie ; )

Carmel, Let me give you my take on your question of whether people in some difficulties themselves i.e. ill health, being very poor or maybe homeless. You give what you are able from your heart. Maybe you have one dollar then you could give ten cents or maybe you are unable physically to volunteer your time to go and do for a charity but maybe you could be a compassionate listener to someone who has no one to talk to. I have a very small and fixed income do to being disabled but I give a dollar or two here or there to those organizations that I feel do good works for people struggling even more than I do. It's kind of like the parable in the bible where the poor widow gave her last "mite" (penny) to charity. And Jesus said her giving of just one penny was really giving more than a rich person giving a thousand dollars. I guess it just really comes down to giving of yourself in some way even if it's just the smallest possible thing. You will be blessed a hundred fold for your generousity.

"Should they need help??", of course.

"How much can a person in such difficulties help someone else??", as i mentioned eariler, we do not have to bring harm upon ourselves in doing so (when someone is ill, very poor, .... etc.). Not now, maybe later.

It also depends on us and on our willpower towards this issue, willpower to bypass our difficulties and give up some of our money and materials to the poor, eged, or the ill.

Well-known Charities in town (mine and yours) deal with alot of cases of people in need, and they can provide us a proper advise on many ways to help. to me, they are the best way of practicing our will to take care of the poor and the destitute, alleviate their difficulties, and give them assistance, both material and otherwise.

I do agree with you Wael that we need to help others.   Comforting someone old, giving a box of cereal to the Food Bank out of one's groceries, serving Christmas dinner to the poor as my friend did, passing along one's used clothes etc.

It is sometimes called 'selfless service', others call it giving charity, others call is loving kindness, depending on one's philosophical group.

Still, I have a question for you Wael.   Some of us have suffered ill health, others are very poor, and so on - how much can a person in such difficulties help someone else, and should they need to, in your view?

It is part of human nature to seek the fulfillment of our needs. Some of these needs are material, like food, clothing, and shelter. There are other needs which are intangible, but which are just as important to a balanced existence.

Human beings are social creatures. They need other people. They need meaningful relationships that form bonds of brotherhood between them, In this way, they are encouraged to render assistance to one another and live together in harmony, they are encouraged to solve each other problems, this is a way to soften hearts.

Sometimes a cruel man's hardness melts away when he sees some gentle soul, out of sheer kindness, help him out of his difficulties. There are abundant examples of this in our daily lives, but unfortunately many of us do not take heed. This is one of the reasons why there is so much sorrow in the world.

Helping others is indeed a vast issue.

Yes I agree Wael, safe communities are invaluable.  They go a long way to making life supportable in every way.  I think the best possible Health for one's age is an important part of true wealth.   Having caring relationships is also significant.   Having sufficient financial means for one's needs is necessary too for healthy living, even if it means living simply.   Having at least basic education has value.   As to helping others, I think if one does what one can, that counts .  Mother Theresa said we help others one by one, a little at a time. 

Thank you Marie. you're having an optimistic outlook regarding our Lord.

God hears and answers our prayers. His mercy is truly vast.

God bless us all

Thank you Wael, and evening to you and everyone!!

I read what you said Wael.  From the Heart! I did it all my past, today at age 67 I pray I give all to God cuz I can't make all this work I did physically!!  To give all to God is my daily prayer.

Merci a vou and be bless now and for the year 2009!

Marie *thanks2*

Some say true wealth lies in good health, quality relationships, safe communities and sustainable lifestyles. For some true wealth can be the pursuit of personal happiness.

To me true wealth lies with our appreciation of one another and devotion to making time each and every day to give, share, comfort, strengthen, support, and uplift one another.

Your comment is appreciated Pamylle ...... where do you belive true wealth lies

Thank you Wael and Maggie.

In the times ahead, let us remember where our true wealth lies !

Lovely story ..... and wonderful words Maggie "Look for God in others".

The principle of loving for God’s sake. This is the most important principle that should govern our interpersonal relationships. It ensures that our relationships with other people are not based on personal interests or ulterior motives.

There are numerous rights that people have over one another. These rights help to shape our relationships:

- There is a financial right that we have over one another. Each one of us has the duty of providing financial support to someone who is in need of it. We do not, however, have to bring harm upon ourselves in doing so.

- We must likewise provide food and clothing for those who need it.

- We must also support each other with our physical efforts and our labors. We should always be willing to lend a helping hand and to do something personally for the sake of someone else.

- We must express our feelings of good will to others.

- We must forgive and excuse each other’s mistakes and shortcomings.

- We must be faithful in our relationships. Our faithfulness to one another is something that must continue even after a person dies by our keeping up contact with that person’s children and dear ones. Your love for that person was intended for the Hereafter, so if this love ceases when that person dies, then it never really existed.

- We must be easy in our dealings with people and not expect too much from them. It is not good to place burdens on people that will be hard or costly for them. When people deal easily with each other, it increases the love that exists between them.

Sorry! It got cut off.




God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.


Look for God in others.

My dear friend Terry sent this story to me. It truly warmed my heart. There have been times that I have sent what I thought was a simple message to friends, yet many have told me they were having a bad day until they read what I wrote them. This reminds me of that feeling, only on a much grander scale.




One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.


His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.


I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?


He must really be a nerd."


I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.


As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.


They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.


His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him.


He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes


My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.


As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. "


They really should get lives.


" He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"


There was a big smile on his face.


It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.


I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.


As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.


He said he had gone to private school before now.


I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.


We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.


He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.


I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends


He said yes.


We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my    friends thought the same of him.


Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.


I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!


" He just laughed and handed me half the books.


Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.


When we were seniors, we began to think
about college.


Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I
was going to Duke.


I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.


He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.


Kyle was valedictorian of our class.


I teased him all the time about being a nerd.


He had to prepare a speech for graduation.


I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak


Graduation day, I saw Kyle.


He looked great.


He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.


He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.


He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.


Boy, sometimes I was jealous.
!
Today was one of those days.


I could see that he was nervous about his speech.


So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"


He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.


" Thanks," he said.


As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began


"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.


Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...


I am here to tell all of you that being a
friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.


I am going to tell you a story."


I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.


He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.


He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.


He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.


"Thankfully, I was saved.


My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."


I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.


I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.


Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.


Never underestimate the power of your actions.


With one small gesture you can change a person's life.


For better or for worse.


God puts us all in each other's lives to imp

Therefore, respect is the underlying principle for our social existence.

Problems between people are inevitable. However, because people are social creatures, they cannot retreat into seclusion whenever problems arise. It is not always possible simply to avoid a person just because that person has done something wrong or hurt our feelings. People need to be able to live together.

Yes. We need to get to know each other, we must deal with each other on a footing of equality and fairness, guided by our piety.

Problems will take place between people, no matter how sincere we try to be. We make mistakes, and at times that is part of our growth, since we learn from our mistakes. The problem is not that we will fall into disagreements or have disputes. The problem is when we fail to understand how to resolve them. Sometimes, even our most well-meaning attempts to make things better go wrong, and we only manage to exacerbate the situation.

When people live together in harmony, life is beautiful. How good it is when all members of society get along with each other in a spirit of mutual respect and mutual affection. It is a sign of our faith in God when we deal with people in kindness and fellowship.

It is also part of human nature to seek the fulfillment of our needs. Some of these needs are material, like food, clothing, and shelter. There are other needs which are intangible, but which are just as important to a balanced existence. Human beings are social creatures. They need other people. They need meaningful relationships. For social relationships to be healthy and beneficial, they must be based upon personal dignity mutual respect. Problems arise when such respect and dignity are lacking.

Mutual respect does not require a close relationship, since the basis for all human interaction is that of human dignity.

Doing service for humanity is one of the greatest ways we can show our devotion to God. All of the revealed scriptures place great emphasis on helping others. Helping others and solving their problems is not only an important virtue, it is also a profound act of worship. It is a means of righteousness that promotes peace on Earth and allows us to earn God's eternal reward in the Hereafter. God likes it so much when we help others that He forgives us our sins for something as simple as moving some thorns out of the path where people walk. "A man was going on his way when he saw brambles in the path. He moved these out of the way. Allah (God) so esteemed his virtuous act that He granted him forgiveness." [The Prophet (Mohammed)] The value of helping others is a universal truth, because God does not ignore the person who makes sacrifices in the service of fulfilling people's needs. We should try to cultivate the habit of giving service to humanity, seeking only God's pleasure and His reward in the Hereafter. And God knows best.