I am reading ‘Simplicity Parenting” by Kim John Payne with a generous and wise group of moms this Fall… http://www.simplicityparenting.com/ As I think about the reasons to ‘simplify’ our busy schedules and hectic lives, I am reminded that we are ‘human beings’ not ‘human doings’.

By allowing time and space for ’being’, we allow for our children’s complex individuality to slowly form and develop.  Our character is formed by experinces of life, but also in the quiet moments of reflection, art and music.

I am learning that the pauses in the music of life are just as important as the melody piece. We all need to have a rhythm that allows for pauses, celebrations, togetherness and alone time.

I am simplifying by clearing closets, decluttering open spaces, having a predictable and simple food menu, allowing time in nature,  and spending more time with ‘beautiful’ people and loved ones in my life!

If you wish to learn more, or to join us for future book discussions, send me a note via our Face Book Page: Virtues Connection Portland, Oregon http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1047112221#!/groups/143085841889/ and I will keep you posted!

Love,

Delaram

“Charity is a giving heart, a generous way of viewing others and caring for their needs… It springs from compassion for the suffering of others, even those we don’t know. Charity moves us, and we respond to their needs, giving help and kindness. We make a genuine difference in their lives. When we are charitable, we don’t judge others. We give them the benefit of the doubt. Charity is caring made manifest… Charity creates a circle of love.”

The Practice of Charity: I feel compassion for the suffering of others. I share what I have. I give generously. I withhold judgments. I give others room for mistakes. When I see a need, I take action to help.”

“Affirmation: I am thankful for the gift of Charity. It makes my life a blessing.”

Excerpt from Virtues Reflection Cards, written by Linda Kavelin Popov.

Read all about it at our local Cedar Mill News: Courtesy of Virgina Bruce. http://cedarmill.org/news/1011/Business.html#charity

Personally, I am taking this opportunity during the fall season to slow down, to simplify, to reconnect to what/who is important for me. For example, I am focuding on my commitment to mental and physical and spiritual health, to service in community building , and to deepening my connections with some family and friends.

As I think of the Virtue of Charity, I know the more I give, the more abundant I feel.  I remember that there is truly enough for all of us… To be content and give of our selves, as we are, we find our true joy, keeping moderation and gentleness in mind! Whether it is my Faith, or the School Parent TeacherO, This Fall,  I am truly thankful for the gift of Charity… It makes my life a blessing!

Warmly,

Delaram

Here are a few local resources : Hands On Greater Portland http://www.facebook.com/handsongreaterportland

http://www.handsonportland.org/

From my friend, Liz in a Beaverton School: Let’s not tolerate food waste and hunger in our community!

 Here is an easy opportunity to stop the wasting of food that occurs at the same time people are going hungry right here in the greater Beaverton area.  It’s called Fork It Over.

Here’s how it works:  School cafeteria food, which would otherwise be thrown out, is packaged by nutrition services staff at each school and made ready for delivery to local food pantries.  Fork It Over volunteers pick the food up and make the delivery.  How simple is that?

You can help by transporting food from schools to a food pantry.  Whether you volunteer once a month, or once a week, your help is greatly needed.  The commitment is about an hour of your time and the use of your own vehicle.  To volunteer or ask questions, send an email to forkitoverbsd@gmail.com.  This is one of the easiest volunteer opportunities you will ever have and the impact is huge!

More later!

Virtue  of the Month: Charity! READ All about it at

http://cedarmill.org/news

Dear Friends and Spiritual Virtues Camp Alumni,

You are invited to a Virtues Camp Reunion and Service Project Saturday Oct. 22, 2011 at the Beaverton Baha’i Center (Murray Blvd.) from 3 PM to 6 PM.

This is a whole family event where we will be working on a service project of “Cards for Seniors.”  We will be making cards and writing notes in them for residents at Holy Tree Apartments and Laurel Park at Bethany Village. The children have made cards in past Winter and Summer Camps and the residents love receiving them. We’ll have card making supplies, but if you have some card crafting supplies to share please feel free to bring them. We are happy to document Community Service Hours for students.

We’ll supply pizza and drinks, and families are welcome to bring a salad or dessert to share.

Please RSVP with the number of people planning to attend so that we can plan successfully.

We’re looking forward to a joyful connection with you!

Delaram and Bethany
503-267-0202