“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!