Moved to action

there are many times where people write about their experiences with a veiled admonishment to perform a certain activity that the writer expects us to undertake.

but oftentimes, when somebody explains their experience it is designed to encourage us to action AND explain the steps they took along the way -- sort of as a guidebook in the event that we are willing to do the same thing(s).

now, most of us don't like being told what to do, expecially if it's from a do-gooder who is touting their own goodness. but there are tons of examples where people simply are moved to action and -- in the event others are interested in the same path -- want to provide information to help others along the same way. this is one such piece:

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100102/ARTICLES/1021001/1101/LIVING?Title=Commentary-Everyone-is-called-to-consider-adoption

this column, by a pastor in SC, will help serve as a guidebook for his hopeful adoption of an orphan. he explains it from a Biblical perspective, and will offer a periodic explanation of how he and his wife work their way through the adoption process. for those of you seeking to adopt, this might offer some guidance.

How Can I Help?

tell me you've never asked this question and i will probably stop associating with you. anybody worth a diddly-dadgum has wondered how they can get more involved in their community and/or participating in a new activity and meeting new people.

heck, most of us LOVE ot kill two birds with one stone, whether it's community theatre or coaching or volunteering at the salvation army. if we love getting out and getting involved, we can also get exercise or learn a new skill. the options are endless, but where to look?

howsabout here?: http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/fun-runs.htm

this site centralizes information if you're interested in extending your exercise activities to the field of volunteerism. it's really cool; you run in these little events, get a great workout in the day of the event and meet new people all in the same process.

single men and women i know begrudge the lack of decent suitors wherever they live, and i have always suggested meeting people while volunteering. the quality of those individuals is usually exemplary, and they have good hearts, too.

so check it out, especially if you are into a new workout kick or just looking to get off your backside and move!

New Year's Resolutions

every year, we expect more of ourselves. sometimes we fail, sometimes we succeed. but it's in the trying that i find joy.

i would much rather set the highest goals for myself and fail than to remain static and boring. i would certainly prefer to increase rather than decrease.

but here are some easy-to-achieve goals for parents of young children that match what i like to set for myself each year. thought you might like to see how similar the average parent's desires are to yours. this is courtesy of the newspaper in galveston.

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=2d81a80ba95ae02f

for the record, my new year's resolution is to update this thing each day and work on my web site and book this year. plus, i am more focused on spanish in 2010. time to get busy!