Sometimes the hardest thing we face is change. Embracing a new year brings about thoughts of change which is why I want to share one of my favorite quotes. It is from the show Grey's Anatomy.
Monday, December 28, 2009
"A New Year" - by Kristy
2009 is coming to a close and it is time to embrace a new year. 2010 is just around the corner and it's up to you to make it a great year. What are your New Year Resolutions? I'll share mine next week.
Sometimes the hardest thing we face is change. Embracing a new year brings about thoughts of change which is why I want to share one of my favorite quotes. It is from the show Grey's Anatomy.
"Change; we don’t like it, we fear it, but we can't stop it from coming. We either adapt to change or we get left behind. And it hurts to grow, anybody who tells you it does’t is lying. But here's the truth: the more things change, the more they stay the same. And sometimes, oh, sometimes change is good. Oh, sometimes, change is ... everything." - Greys Anatomy
Sometimes the hardest thing we face is change. Embracing a new year brings about thoughts of change which is why I want to share one of my favorite quotes. It is from the show Grey's Anatomy.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
"Dreamin of a White Christmas.." - by Kristy
With much of the east coast being covered in a blizzard last week I thought it would be a good idea to look at the happy side of snow.
While most people dread snow storms, I know I sure do, think back to when you were a kid. Think back to when snow was just the coolest thing. Adults moan and groan when they have to scrap their car in the morning and worry about their morning commute, but children's eyes light up when they see the snow. To them it's a beautiful sight. Snow days, snow men, snow ball fights, snow angels. How about sledding? Hot chocolate? What about skiing and snowboarding? There are endless opportunities for fun.
As adults, if we dig deep, I'm sure we can find the optimistic view of snow.
Here are a couple opinions courtesy of Yahoo! Answers:
Question- "What do you like about snow?"
"Sledding, NO SCHOOL, snowmen, the softness before it turns to ice, slipperyness, going back inside after being cold outside, the way it makes everything look cleaner, the way you can see the snowflakes in the light of the streetlights, and of course snowball fights with sis and friends."
"I find it stimulating. I always feels refreshed whenever I see or walk in snow."
"I love how romantic it can be, especially when you go for walks in it."
Hopefully this post helps remind you that snow isn't terrible & can be a lot of fun. Even if you don't enjoy it, think of the millions of children who find joy playing in it.
While most people dread snow storms, I know I sure do, think back to when you were a kid. Think back to when snow was just the coolest thing. Adults moan and groan when they have to scrap their car in the morning and worry about their morning commute, but children's eyes light up when they see the snow. To them it's a beautiful sight. Snow days, snow men, snow ball fights, snow angels. How about sledding? Hot chocolate? What about skiing and snowboarding? There are endless opportunities for fun.
As adults, if we dig deep, I'm sure we can find the optimistic view of snow.
Question- "What do you like about snow?"
"Sledding, NO SCHOOL, snowmen, the softness before it turns to ice, slipperyness, going back inside after being cold outside, the way it makes everything look cleaner, the way you can see the snowflakes in the light of the streetlights, and of course snowball fights with sis and friends."
"I find it stimulating. I always feels refreshed whenever I see or walk in snow."
"I love how romantic it can be, especially when you go for walks in it."
Hopefully this post helps remind you that snow isn't terrible & can be a lot of fun. Even if you don't enjoy it, think of the millions of children who find joy playing in it.
Friday, December 18, 2009
'Tis the season to give - by Monica
This is the season to give, not to receive, whether taking time out of your day to help a friend in need, putting money in the red metal kettle for the Salvation Army, etc. So many people only focus on their own problems, their own needs. “I can’t help you; I have so much to deal with in my own life that I don’t have time for your problems too”….”Oh, I can’t donate money to your organization; a new DVD comes out today that I just have to buy instead”…these are excuses many people use. Around the world, people live on only one dollar per day. Yet we throw countless dollars to the wind when so many people would give anything for just one. I know many people whose eyes glaze over when hearing about anyone else’s problems but their own. But instead, we should focus on others. Give more instead of take, take, take. So many people are less fortunate than we are. Yet we fail to notice because we’re so focused on ourselves.
Dominic Russo, one of the pastors at Oakland Christian Church, said at church last night that he saw an older man in his early 80’s eating at Max’s ‘n Erma’s this past week. He was all by himself, dressed nicely with his hair slicked back and a napkin stuck in his shirt as he ate his soup and drank his coffee. It was a snowy night, yet he came out by himself to the restaurant. Dominic said the man looked like he wasn’t used to being alone – as if he had recently lost his wife. “I want to pay for his meal,” Dominic’s wife whispered after they both watched the gentleman for several moments in silence. And so they did. They asked their waitress if they could anonymously pay for the man’s dinner.
Paying for one bowl of soup and one cup of coffee. I know I could afford that. And I know many other people could too. We sure spend it on ourselves enough. I’m sure that small act of kindness made that man’s day. How much better of a place this world would be if we looked each day to help someone, to brighten their day, instead of just looking to make ourselves happy.
In Farmington Hills, an anonymous donor put two coins into the red kettle for Salvation Army. But…those two coins…were GOLD! They value in $1,135 EACH! "A real giver doesn't want recognition, they just want to give," said Capt. Sarah Dimaso from the Salvation Army. "They have no motive other than to help somebody else, and that's wonderful." (view complete story)
If you would like to donate to a charity this Christmas season, here's a list of a few charities you could donate to:
Salvation Army
St. Jude's Children Research Hospital
-St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
-The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocesan Council is a major provider of human and disaster relief services, assisting people in crisis who have been victims of fires or floods, lost their job, or oSather urgent situations by providing emergency support. The Society works in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Detroit, networking with 2,000 Vincentian volunteers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, St. Clair and Monroe counties, assisting 30,000 local households annually.
Alex's lemonade stand foundation
-Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) for Childhood Cancer is committed to finding a cure for all children with cancer. The foundation operates on the principle introduced by our founder Alexandra “Alex” Scott - “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation first began in 2000, when a then 4-year-old cancer patient named Alex voiced a simple wish - she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help "her doctors" find a cure for all kids with cancer.
National Hopeline Network
-Its mission the past 11 years has been to offer HOPE and the option to LIVE to those in the deepest emotional pain.
American Heart Association
-Make a general contribution to help fight heart disease and stroke.
Help Against Violent Encounters Now
-HAVEN serves the community through a series of innovative intervention, treatment, prevention and education programs in efforts to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault.
For more organizations, visit charitynavigator.org
Feel free to comment with other charites you would like to recognize.
Dominic Russo, one of the pastors at Oakland Christian Church, said at church last night that he saw an older man in his early 80’s eating at Max’s ‘n Erma’s this past week. He was all by himself, dressed nicely with his hair slicked back and a napkin stuck in his shirt as he ate his soup and drank his coffee. It was a snowy night, yet he came out by himself to the restaurant. Dominic said the man looked like he wasn’t used to being alone – as if he had recently lost his wife. “I want to pay for his meal,” Dominic’s wife whispered after they both watched the gentleman for several moments in silence. And so they did. They asked their waitress if they could anonymously pay for the man’s dinner.
Paying for one bowl of soup and one cup of coffee. I know I could afford that. And I know many other people could too. We sure spend it on ourselves enough. I’m sure that small act of kindness made that man’s day. How much better of a place this world would be if we looked each day to help someone, to brighten their day, instead of just looking to make ourselves happy.
In Farmington Hills, an anonymous donor put two coins into the red kettle for Salvation Army. But…those two coins…were GOLD! They value in $1,135 EACH! "A real giver doesn't want recognition, they just want to give," said Capt. Sarah Dimaso from the Salvation Army. "They have no motive other than to help somebody else, and that's wonderful." (view complete story)
If you would like to donate to a charity this Christmas season, here's a list of a few charities you could donate to:
Salvation Army
St. Jude's Children Research Hospital
-St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
-The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocesan Council is a major provider of human and disaster relief services, assisting people in crisis who have been victims of fires or floods, lost their job, or oSather urgent situations by providing emergency support. The Society works in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Detroit, networking with 2,000 Vincentian volunteers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, St. Clair and Monroe counties, assisting 30,000 local households annually.
Alex's lemonade stand foundation
-Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) for Childhood Cancer is committed to finding a cure for all children with cancer. The foundation operates on the principle introduced by our founder Alexandra “Alex” Scott - “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation first began in 2000, when a then 4-year-old cancer patient named Alex voiced a simple wish - she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help "her doctors" find a cure for all kids with cancer.
National Hopeline Network
-Its mission the past 11 years has been to offer HOPE and the option to LIVE to those in the deepest emotional pain.
American Heart Association
-Make a general contribution to help fight heart disease and stroke.
Help Against Violent Encounters Now
-HAVEN serves the community through a series of innovative intervention, treatment, prevention and education programs in efforts to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault.
For more organizations, visit charitynavigator.org
Feel free to comment with other charites you would like to recognize.
Monday, December 14, 2009
"Hockeytown Ringing for Charity" - by Kristy
Last Tuesday evening several Detroit Red Wings players were ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at various metro Detroit locations. Many fans came out to support this great cause and get a chance to meet the players.
The participating players this year were: coach Mike Babcock, general manager Ken Holland, players Kirk Maltby, Jonathan Ericsson, Ville Leino, Justin Abdelkader, and Brett Lebda.
In addition to Tuesday night with the players, fans can also donate online and at a handful of home games as well. The team has done this for 3 years in a row and last year raised just over $8.2 million. The overall goal for this year is $8.5 million.
This video shows the heart of Hockeytown; not only the caring team we cheer on but the generosity from the community and fans. Watch:
The participating players this year were: coach Mike Babcock, general manager Ken Holland, players Kirk Maltby, Jonathan Ericsson, Ville Leino, Justin Abdelkader, and Brett Lebda.
In addition to Tuesday night with the players, fans can also donate online and at a handful of home games as well. The team has done this for 3 years in a row and last year raised just over $8.2 million. The overall goal for this year is $8.5 million.
This video shows the heart of Hockeytown; not only the caring team we cheer on but the generosity from the community and fans. Watch:
Friday, December 11, 2009
Home Run - by Monica
Excerpt from Our Daily Bread September - November 2009 Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson
Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit the first home run of her life in a game against Central Washington. But she nearly didn't get credit for it. As she rounded first base in excitement, she missed it! When she wheeled back to correct her mistake, she injured her knee. Crying, she crawled back to the base. By rule, she had to touch all four bases on her own for the home run to count. Her teammates could not assist her in any way.
Then Mallory Holtman, the first basement for the opposing team, spoke up. "Would it be okay if we carried her around?" After conferring, the umpires agreed. So Mallory and another teammate made a chair of their hands and carted Sara around the bases. By the time they were through carrying her, many were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sara was awarded her home run.
Many times we get upset about the selfish people in the world -- the ones who cut us off while driving, knock into us in the grocery store, talk behind our backs, etc. This showed me there are selfless people in the world. This team helped a girl win who wasn't even on their team. So many people don't help out their own friends and family, let alone someone on the opposing team. Don't walk on other people, only caring about yourself. This Christmas season, and all year long, we need to make it our goal to do as Mallory Holtman and her teammates did -- lifting people on our shoulders instead of tearing them down. Sometimes helping someone else succeed means even more than your own accomplishishments.
Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit the first home run of her life in a game against Central Washington. But she nearly didn't get credit for it. As she rounded first base in excitement, she missed it! When she wheeled back to correct her mistake, she injured her knee. Crying, she crawled back to the base. By rule, she had to touch all four bases on her own for the home run to count. Her teammates could not assist her in any way.
Then Mallory Holtman, the first basement for the opposing team, spoke up. "Would it be okay if we carried her around?" After conferring, the umpires agreed. So Mallory and another teammate made a chair of their hands and carted Sara around the bases. By the time they were through carrying her, many were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sara was awarded her home run.
Many times we get upset about the selfish people in the world -- the ones who cut us off while driving, knock into us in the grocery store, talk behind our backs, etc. This showed me there are selfless people in the world. This team helped a girl win who wasn't even on their team. So many people don't help out their own friends and family, let alone someone on the opposing team. Don't walk on other people, only caring about yourself. This Christmas season, and all year long, we need to make it our goal to do as Mallory Holtman and her teammates did -- lifting people on our shoulders instead of tearing them down. Sometimes helping someone else succeed means even more than your own accomplishishments.
Monday, December 7, 2009
"Holiday Spirit" - by Kristy
To start ringing in the holiday spirit, I decided to do a post on a great American holiday tradition. This year thousands of people crowded downtown NYC to watch the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It is a great sight to see: people uniting to watch this beautiful ceremony.
Something you might not know is the history of the infamous tree and its humble beginnings. The tradition dates back to the Depression era days of 1931. A few construction workers had the simple idea to put up a tree on Christmas Eve 1931 and it has turned into a spectacular tradition that means a lot to all of us today.
Take a look at how far this great tradition has come:
to
It's amazing to see how much something can grow over time. Its significance grows each year. It is a wonderful tradition bringing together thousands to view the lighting and thousands more visit it throughout the month of December. It's a very popular tourist attraction. It is just a small way we all unite together during the holidays.
Credit history:
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1863633_1809368,00.html
Something you might not know is the history of the infamous tree and its humble beginnings. The tradition dates back to the Depression era days of 1931. A few construction workers had the simple idea to put up a tree on Christmas Eve 1931 and it has turned into a spectacular tradition that means a lot to all of us today.
Take a look at how far this great tradition has come:
to
It's amazing to see how much something can grow over time. Its significance grows each year. It is a wonderful tradition bringing together thousands to view the lighting and thousands more visit it throughout the month of December. It's a very popular tourist attraction. It is just a small way we all unite together during the holidays.
Credit history:
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1863633_1809368,00.html
Friday, December 4, 2009
Have a Little Faith - by Monica
Here is my unedited version of the article I wrote for the Oakland Post (our campus newspaper) Wednesday:
Mitch Albom visits book stores around the Oakland County area
By Monica Drake
I met Mitch Albom on Sunday, November 29 in Royal Oak at a book signing for his latest book “Have a Little Faith.”
“We need more young journalists,” Albom said.
The Barnes and Noble in Royal Oak is one of 13 stops Albom will be making this Christmas season in Michigan alone.
Albom is a journalist and best-selling author who moved to Detroit in 1985. He is a sports journalist for the Detroit Free Press and is known for his witty editorials on Sundays. But what really made Albom famous and a household name was his book “Tuesdays with Morrie,” which is the bestselling memoir of all time.
When Albom arrived to the book signing, he thanked everyone for coming out and announced that any elderly and disabled people were welcome to come to the front of the line. Before others in line could start groaning, Albom reminded the younger and healthier fans that this is what the holiday season is about – letting those less fortunate go ahead of us.
Coincidently, he also teaches this lesson in his latest novel “Have a Little Faith,” which was released in September. “Have a Little Faith” combines the stories of Albert Lewis, Albom’s childhood Jewish rabbi also known as the “Reb,” and Henry Covington, a Christian pastor who changed his life around after his previous drug addiction.
In this book, Albom delves head first into topics that many of us find too uncomfortable to talk about – charity, faith, death and the afterlife.
The book starts out with the question: “Will you do my eulogy?” Albom’s reverend from his youth was suffering from cancer and wanted Albom, who had long since moved away from his hometown, to do his eulogy.
“Picture the man who sends people off to heaven, asking you for his send-off to heaven,” Albom wrote.
As a child, Albom was always afraid of the Reb, who reminded him of a giant. Since his childhood, Albom stopped going to church, but he still revered and mostly feared the Reb. “Have a Little Faith” is about how Albom learned about the Reb as a person instead of an imposing force. He was a man who wore mismatched clothes and sandles with socks, a man who made time for every congregation member, and a man who would rather spend money on others than on himself. In his book, Albom recalls the questions he asked the Reb during his last years. I think these are questions that many of us have pondered within our lives. At least I know I have. Albom asked him questions like: How does love last? How do you prevent being forgotten after death? What makes a person happy? Why do bad things happen to good people? And why do you believe in God when so many people stop believing?
The other half of the book is about Covington. Detroit is Albom’s home, and he wanted to help someone within his own community. Covington’s church, Trumbull Avenue Presbyterian Church, had a hole in the ceiling and no heat. Many homeless Detroiters depended on the church as a place to sleep at night. Albom wanted to help, but it took him a long time to trust Covington instead of concentrating on his past.
“You are not your past,” Covington said in one of his sermons.
One of my favorite quotes in his book is, “[Reb] never, even in private, even in old age, tried to bully another belief, or bad-mouth someone else’s devotion. And I realized I had been a bit of a coward on this whole faith thing. I should have been more proud, less intimidated. I shouldn’t have bitten my tongue. If the only think wrong with Moses is that he’s not yours; if the only thing wrong with Jesus is that he’s not yours; if the only thing wrong with mosques, Lent, chanting, Mecca, Buddha, confession, or reincarnation is that they’re not yours – well, maybe the problem is you.”
It seems that many people in this world today have either been criticized for what they believe in or have criticized others for their beliefs. Albom, instead, researches other religions instead of judging them. He writes about the melting pot of beliefs in the world as a blessing instead of a curse. And this was a very refreshing idea, and something we all should think about. What gives people the right to judge and ridicule other’s beliefs?
Albom still has 11 more stops in his Michigan book tour, so if you missed him in Royal Oak, you still have more chances to meet him and receive his autograph. For more information on Albom, visit www.mitchalbom.com.
Mitch Albom’s Tour Dates
• Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m. – Costco in Bloomfield
• Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Farmington Hills
• Wednesday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Barnes & Noble in Allen Park
• Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Brighton
• Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. – Sam’s Club in Canton
• Saturday, December 12 at 2 p.m. – Barnes & Noble in Rochester Hills
• Tuesday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Gross Pointe
• Saturday, December 19 at 2 p.m. – Borders Express in Auburn Hills
• Monday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Birmingham
• Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Utica
Mitch Albom visits book stores around the Oakland County area
By Monica Drake
I met Mitch Albom on Sunday, November 29 in Royal Oak at a book signing for his latest book “Have a Little Faith.”
“We need more young journalists,” Albom said.
The Barnes and Noble in Royal Oak is one of 13 stops Albom will be making this Christmas season in Michigan alone.
Albom is a journalist and best-selling author who moved to Detroit in 1985. He is a sports journalist for the Detroit Free Press and is known for his witty editorials on Sundays. But what really made Albom famous and a household name was his book “Tuesdays with Morrie,” which is the bestselling memoir of all time.
When Albom arrived to the book signing, he thanked everyone for coming out and announced that any elderly and disabled people were welcome to come to the front of the line. Before others in line could start groaning, Albom reminded the younger and healthier fans that this is what the holiday season is about – letting those less fortunate go ahead of us.
Coincidently, he also teaches this lesson in his latest novel “Have a Little Faith,” which was released in September. “Have a Little Faith” combines the stories of Albert Lewis, Albom’s childhood Jewish rabbi also known as the “Reb,” and Henry Covington, a Christian pastor who changed his life around after his previous drug addiction.
In this book, Albom delves head first into topics that many of us find too uncomfortable to talk about – charity, faith, death and the afterlife.
The book starts out with the question: “Will you do my eulogy?” Albom’s reverend from his youth was suffering from cancer and wanted Albom, who had long since moved away from his hometown, to do his eulogy.
“Picture the man who sends people off to heaven, asking you for his send-off to heaven,” Albom wrote.
As a child, Albom was always afraid of the Reb, who reminded him of a giant. Since his childhood, Albom stopped going to church, but he still revered and mostly feared the Reb. “Have a Little Faith” is about how Albom learned about the Reb as a person instead of an imposing force. He was a man who wore mismatched clothes and sandles with socks, a man who made time for every congregation member, and a man who would rather spend money on others than on himself. In his book, Albom recalls the questions he asked the Reb during his last years. I think these are questions that many of us have pondered within our lives. At least I know I have. Albom asked him questions like: How does love last? How do you prevent being forgotten after death? What makes a person happy? Why do bad things happen to good people? And why do you believe in God when so many people stop believing?
The other half of the book is about Covington. Detroit is Albom’s home, and he wanted to help someone within his own community. Covington’s church, Trumbull Avenue Presbyterian Church, had a hole in the ceiling and no heat. Many homeless Detroiters depended on the church as a place to sleep at night. Albom wanted to help, but it took him a long time to trust Covington instead of concentrating on his past.
“You are not your past,” Covington said in one of his sermons.
One of my favorite quotes in his book is, “[Reb] never, even in private, even in old age, tried to bully another belief, or bad-mouth someone else’s devotion. And I realized I had been a bit of a coward on this whole faith thing. I should have been more proud, less intimidated. I shouldn’t have bitten my tongue. If the only think wrong with Moses is that he’s not yours; if the only thing wrong with Jesus is that he’s not yours; if the only thing wrong with mosques, Lent, chanting, Mecca, Buddha, confession, or reincarnation is that they’re not yours – well, maybe the problem is you.”
It seems that many people in this world today have either been criticized for what they believe in or have criticized others for their beliefs. Albom, instead, researches other religions instead of judging them. He writes about the melting pot of beliefs in the world as a blessing instead of a curse. And this was a very refreshing idea, and something we all should think about. What gives people the right to judge and ridicule other’s beliefs?
Albom still has 11 more stops in his Michigan book tour, so if you missed him in Royal Oak, you still have more chances to meet him and receive his autograph. For more information on Albom, visit www.mitchalbom.com.
Mitch Albom’s Tour Dates
• Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m. – Costco in Bloomfield
• Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Farmington Hills
• Wednesday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Barnes & Noble in Allen Park
• Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Brighton
• Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. – Sam’s Club in Canton
• Saturday, December 12 at 2 p.m. – Barnes & Noble in Rochester Hills
• Tuesday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Gross Pointe
• Saturday, December 19 at 2 p.m. – Borders Express in Auburn Hills
• Monday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Birmingham
• Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. – Borders in Utica
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