9 April 2008
Making a Difference
Posted by Terrie Soberg under: General .
There is so much negativity in this world. Unfortunately, in order to accomplish our purposes for this blog, we often have to include news that adds to this negativity so that we can point it out and discuss it. I would prefer to only focus on positive, uplifting things, but that is not possible. However, here is a topic that we can embrace whole-heartedly.
On April 1, 2008, Sharon Anderson wrote of couple of comments that I think are worth addressing:
First:
We can’t change most of the worrisome things that are happening in our country and the world, but while we stay informed, there is something we CAN do. I have a sign by my computer that says, “Do what you can, for those you can, where you are, with what you have.” We can make a difference in our families and with our neighbors and the people we meet and spread some light. We can seek divine guidance for the best way to love and lift others. I’d love to hear a few comments on ways we have made a difference in another’s life, including for example, how we have been successful in sharing the things we read on this great site.
Then she answered her own comment:
I guess I will take my own challenge. Last night I spoke to my brother who after hauling food storage around for 30 years did not take it with him when they made their last move. He and his wife still haven’t replaced it either, so I told him about some of the articles we have been reading here and encouraged him to share this information with their five married children. He said he was convinced he needed to take immediate action and invited me to check back with him in one or two weeks to check on their progess. Spread the word!
I have written this post and added it to our sidebar so that we can have a place to put comments on how we have made a difference in the lives of others, or how others have positively influenced us.
Please share your thoughts, ideas, and stories with us!
12 Comments so far...
Sharon Anderson Says:
9 April 2008 at 9:12 am.
I loved what CindyL said yesterday. “. . . I think even the concern about being a fanatic is based in fear. . . . ‘Fanatic’ is a label that people are so afraid of having. I think we need to stand up with courage and face the truth and speak the truth . . .”
Last night I spent the evening watching a DVD made by a friend who is running against Chris Cannon for the third congressional district in Utah. Joe H. Ferguson (http://votejoenpc.com ) has a fabulous understanding of what has been happening in our country over the last hundred years. He shows how the enemies of our liberty depend on deception. Truth, of course is the answer. Joe has the courage to not only speak the truth, but he is acting on his conviction. To run for Congress against a wealthy incumbent who has the backing of the establishment does take courage and love of country — that public virtue that is described in the first chapters of our book of the month, The Five Thousand Year Leap.
Joe explains how the mainstream media is controlled and encourages us to find alternative sources for our news and information. In keeping with that suggestion, he offers a free copy of The Late Great USA, The Creature from Jekyll Island, or Betrayed by the Bench to anyone who contributes to his campaign.
My next step is to find out who the local state delegates are and let them know about Joe. By the way, the “npc” in “votejoenpc” stands for not politically correct!
Hopefully, we can all do as the Lord has counseled: “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98 verse 10)
Nalvy Says:
9 April 2008 at 11:53 am.
You want uplifting stories? You got one!!!
Well a few months ago I joined the LDS faith and my family was none to happy about it at all. I thought I had lost my family when in fact I was blessed to gain a new one!I am calling the Bischoff Family out on the floor for this one!! They have taken me in (literally) and have treated me as one of their own! I am forever and eternally grateful for the kindness they have shown me.
Whenever I think of people doing charitable acts of their own free will I think of Roy and Joy Bischoff and all of their children.
M.G. Says:
9 April 2008 at 2:06 pm.
I don’t normally toot my own horn but I’ll admit that I’ve done something that is out of character for me since I am a little shy in public. I have signed up to help sign up the elderly and handicapped for voter registration. I’m not sure when it starts but I’m on the list.
Mac Says:
9 April 2008 at 2:10 pm.
I’m impressed everybody. Keep up the good work. Now I have to think of something positive to do.
Stumpy Says:
9 April 2008 at 2:30 pm.
Hell Ill toot my horn jist as loud as I can. Im officially invitin all the folks whore starvin out there ta come on over ta my place and Ill feed ya right up. I gotta whole pot a armadillo soup on the stove jist waitin fer ya. Ill even let ya pet my ass and kick my cat if ya come. Dont feel like y’all need to pull weeds in the garden or nothin. My back aint to sore. Least I can walk today some.
SGS Says:
9 April 2008 at 2:42 pm.
Here is one thing I am trying to make a difference, not counting trying to start my own business which always is a wonderful thing for the society or raising my family. Most, if not all, of the US Congress has their own monthly, or however the frequent is, newsletters. I have signed up to receive newsletter from my Senators and House of Representatives. These four (I’m in Idaho, after all) are very mindful of our busy lives, so they do very well in summarizing up their recent actions and their perspectives on various issues. I have often reply via emails my thoughts or appreciation. This last part is very important. I have always make a point to thank them for doing the right thing, whatever it may be. Sometimes, I may disagree with some of their actions, and that is where I may end up sitting at a computer for quite a while. But other than that, those elected officals, at least need to know that we exist, and that we appreciate their doing things for our sake.
On a more local basis, where the state officials does not serve in their elected positions full time, I found it helpful to join a few state grassroot organizations like Idaho Values Alliance (a state chapter of American Values Alliance). We cannot commit to many areas that concern us, so we need to decide on one or two areas that are of upmost importance for us individually. For me, it is about families. This is all the time I have to keep up with the legislatives. I too take a minute or two telling “thank you” to my local representatives (when they are mentioned in the daily email) or the committee leaders.
This may be a small thing to do, thanking those legislatives when they take actions to strengthen our families (or whatever other areas of concern is for you). But as long as they know they are being “watched”, they will be sure to do the right thing. I know not every one of us come from a conservative state like Idaho. But still, we need to give a minute to share our voice (appreication at least) with those men and women who are making laws daily.
Resident Liberal Says:
9 April 2008 at 2:46 pm.
Sometimes I pop on here just to see if Stumpy has posted. I go to the bottom and look fer…I mean for his name. I don’t think I’ll ever figure him out but I’m going to keep trying.
Joy Bischoff Says:
9 April 2008 at 2:49 pm.
Resident Liberal, don’t encourage that rascal.
Stumpy, bad boy. I have to keep explaining to people since there are new readers all the time, that you are talking about a donkey. Go weed your own garden, you sneaky old coot.
SGS, actually I am very impressed with how involved you are. And as far as it being a small thing to thank the politicians, not in my book. One of the basics in psychology is that if you want to see a certain behavior, then give positive feedback and they are more likely to continue in that positive behavior. Plus, it is just plain nice to do that.
Jan W. Says:
9 April 2008 at 2:51 pm.
Joy, I was just going to tell off Stumpy too. He is a rascal. Kind of funny though.
SGS, that is something we should all do. We make demands but forget to appreciate and thank.
Saddened Says:
9 April 2008 at 3:04 pm.
Nalvy, thank you for sharing what you did. It is a nice thing for us to know. I hope your family’s hearts soften.
Sharon, thank you for starting this off. It is a good idea and makes us feel like actions speak louder than words.
SGS, I will try and follow your example. It is an important thing to do.
M.G., that is impressive you would do that when you are shy. Good for you.
Mac Says:
9 April 2008 at 3:11 pm.
I can’t help it. I like Stumpy. If I was closer to Texas I would probablly drop in for some armadillo soup but I would definitely not pet your donkey. I might even do some weeding but only if the ole guy wasn’t sitting in his rocker with his shot gun looking to harvest some bunnies from the garden.
Ghost Says:
9 April 2008 at 9:06 pm.
This is such a great idea. It will make us feel like we are getting inspired here to make a difference and give us ideas of how to make a difference.
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