Thanks

Easy Way To Express Thanks To American Troops

There are many American troops who will be away from their families, friends and country on Thanksgiving Day. One easy way to show your thanks for their dedication and bravery is by sending an encouraging and thankful text message.

Express your gratitude to the troops for their service by sending a brief message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember in return. I know someone who has already received a response.

Go to the America Supports You website at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil to learn about this and other ways you can support the American troops.

Giving Thanks, Love and Appreciation Is Powerful

Thanks, love and appreciation are powerful words when expressed from the heart.  How many times have you used these words today?

I recently received two thank you notes in the mail on the same day. Both of them were thanking me for the volunteer work I have been doing with the Arthritis Foundation. One of those notes was from a girl that suffers from juvenile arthritis. It was unexpected and really touched me. It also motivated me.

Saying "thank you" is powerful.

I love you noteWhen I'm talking on the phone with my wife or son, I always tell them that I love them at some point during the conversation. If I'm on my cell phone in public during the phone call, heads turn in my direction with a smile when I say those words.

Recently I read a book by Dan Baker, Ph.D. and Cameron Stauth entitled "What Happy People Know: How the New Science of Happiness can Change Your Life for the Better." I highly recommend the book. They discuss love being the opposite of fear. The best way to overcome fear is with love.

Saying "I love you" is powerful.

Several months ago I sent an e-mail to my clients and subscribers entitled "I Appreciate You." I received a larger response to that e-mail than any other before or after it. It obviously struck a positive chord with many readers.

In the same book mentioned above, Baker and Stauth wrote "Appreciation is the highest, purest form of love...Appreciation asks for nothing and gives everything."

Saying "I appreciate you" is powerful.

Share your feeling of thanks, love and appreciation with others through notes, telephone calls and face-to-face conversations. These simple acts of kindness have the potential to change lives and make the world a better place.

Celebrate National Volunteer Week

Volunteers make a positive difference in our lives and communities. They make our world a better place to live. If you are a volunteer, I want to thank you for your unselfish service to others.

Nvw07_logo_100px National Volunteer Week started today. It is a service of the Points of Light Foundation and sponsored by Target.

Be sure you find a special way to thank and recognize the volunteers you know during this week of 15-21 April, 2007. Consider recognizing volunteers:

  • Who are members of your organization or business
  • Who volunteer in support of your organization
  • Who live in your community

If you need some ideas on ways to recognize volunteers, check out the National Volunteer Week toolkit for 2007 at http://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/nvw/tools.cfm.

Is the President’s Volunteer Service Award a Part of Your Volunteer Recognition Program?

Keeping volunteers on your team can be a challenge. You worked hard to recruit them and they are making a difference. Now, you should be doing as much as you can to retain them. One thing you should do is to find opportunities to recognize their efforts.

I recently learned about a volunteer award that you should consider for recognizing your faithful volunteers. What is the award? It is the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

This award has significant meaning. The recipient has to earn the award through volunteering a specific number of hours to community service. The volunteer hours have to be tracked and certified. There are different levels of the award based on the number of hours given. The award is not limited to adults. Children are eligible as well.

For details on presenting the awards or becoming a Certifying Organization, visit presidentialserviceawards.gov. If you are a volunteer, make sure the organizations you support are aware of the award.

My thanks to Kelly Perdew for making me aware of this award. Yes, he was the winner of the second season of "The Apprentice," with Donald Trump. He has also been appointed as a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Reasons to Give in December 2006

There are countless times that you might consider giving to someone. You don't have to look very hard to find one or more reasons every day. Be creative in finding reasons to do something for someone when they won't expect it. Pick one or more of these upcoming observances as reasons to help and surprise others with an act of kindness:

Reasons to Give in November 2006

There are countless times that you might consider giving to someone. You don't have to look very hard to find one or more reasons every day. Be creative in finding reasons to do something for someone when they won't expect it. Pick one or more of these upcoming observances as reasons to help and surprise others with an act of kindness:

Martin Sabel Interview with Roger Carr

Martin Sabel interviewed me about why I started Everyday Giving, what it means to be a philanthropist, and some of the many ways a person or company can give to make a difference.

Go to http://www.EverydayGiving.com/martin_sabel.mp3 to listen to the interview.

The Holiday Season is Almost Here

I couldn't believe it. I was doing some shopping this past weekend and discovered that many of the stores are already putting Christmas items on their shelves! The traditional holiday season is just around the corner. Have you considered who you are going to give to this season? Have you considered what you are going to give?

Consider adding at least one new person to your gift giving list this year. Think about those that you know who have had a rough year or are in need of support. Think about those who have helped you in the past.

Giving can be a way of helping, encouraging and thanking. Make your holiday giving meaningful this year by planning ahead and doing something special for others.

Give the Gift of Reading

Are you looking for a unique gift for someone? Motivational books are a great choice. The Everyday Giving Bookstore is currently offering five best-selling titles for $24.95 (+s/h). You get:

  • The One Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen (Original Retail: $21.00)
  • The Four Elements of Success: A Simple Personality Profile that Will Transform Your Team by Laurie Beth Jones (Original Retail: $22.99)
  • The Heart of a Leader: Insights on the Art of Influence by Ken Blanchard (Original Retail: $14.99)
  • The Journey from Success to Significance: Every Leader's Quest by John C. Maxwell (Original Retail: $14.99)
  • Something to Smile About: Encouragement and Inspiration for Life's UPS and DOWNS by Zig Ziglar (Original Retail: $14.99)

Where else are you going to purchase five great gifts for such a low price? Buy two sets and keep one for your library as well. Hurry, because this September Special will be gone in a few days. Go to http://www.everydaygiving.com/bookstore.htm to get more details.

Reasons to Give in October 2006

Be creative in finding reasons to do something for someone when they won't expect it. Pick one or more of these upcoming observances as reasons to help and surprise others with an act of kindness:

Secret to Purchasing Restaurant Gift Certificates at a Significant Discount

Giving gift certificates for a meal at a great restaurant is a great way to thank or encourage someone. There are people that do things for us everyday. Why not thank them in this unique way? There are also people that each of us know that could use something to build their enthusiasm. Why not personally give them the gift of being served a terrific meal? It is even a great gift idea for celebrating the holidays.

I have done this several times and you should too. However, I am going to let you in on a Big Secret. You don't have to pay full price for restaurant gift certificates! There are many great restaurants that are offering gift certificates at a substantial discount. You don't even have to spend the time traveling to the restaurant to purchase them. They are available to you right from the Internet. Saving time and money, what could be better?

Go to Restaurant.com to purchase your gift certificates. They save you time by making it easy to search for restaurants by locality. They make it even easier by allowing the recipient to pick their own restaurant from the thousands of restaurants listed at the Restaurant.com website.

While you are purchasing the gift certificates for those on your list, don't forget you and your family. It is a great way for you to save money while dining out as well.

Reasons to Give in September 2006

When do you get the most benefit from receiving a card from someone? Is it when you receive one for a major celebration or holiday? Or is it when you receive one that is totally unexpected?

For me, it's when I receive one that is unexpected.

Be creative in finding reasons to do something for someone when they won't expect it. Pick one or more of these upcoming observances as reasons to help and surprise others with an act of kindness:

More Reasons to Give in August 2006

Have you exhausted your brain trying to come up with new reasons to do something for someone?  There are always reasons to do something for someone (if you need an excuse). Take advantage of these upcoming observances for August 2006:

Reasons to Give

Have you exhausted your brain trying to come up with new reasons to do something for someone? There are always reasons to do something for someone (if you need an excuse). Take advantage of these upcoming observances for the remainder of July. Some are serious and some are fun.

The Power of Giving

Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon are graciously giving away an electronic version of their book entitled, "The Power of Giving." Don't let the fact that they are giving this book away convince you that it is not valuable. This is a terrific book full of quality information and I would  encourage you to get a copy. Go to http://www.thepowerofgiving.org to get your copy right now. I initially read the electronic copy and was impressed. I have since purchased a hardcopy of the book that I have been using. Azim and Harvey's goal is to use the book to spread a "giving virus."

Interviews Available at Everyday Giving Radio

I am excited to announce an additional way to learn about giving back that we have started here at Everyday Giving. We have just launched Everyday Giving Radio! You will be able to listen to interviews of people making a difference. it is my hope that by listening to these interviews, you will:

  • support the wonderful efforts being discussed
  • learn that "everyday" people can do extraordinary things
  • be challenged to come up with unique ideas for giving
  • learn ways to overcome any challenges you might face
  • be inspired to take action on your ideas for giving
We already have a couple of great interviews ready for you to listen to.
  • One interview is with a terrific lady I met at Book Expo America this month. Cindy Katz has started a company called Plant A Tree USA. She has a very big goal to benefit the world that she is pursuing. She has already made significant progress towards meeting that goal.
  • The second interview is with a young boy and his mother. Cole Hodges and Joan Crown are the co-founders of Donate Your Birthday. Cole has been donating his birthday since he was five years old. Cole and his mom have now set up a nonprofit organization to encourage others to do the same.
Check out the interviews at http://www.everydaygivingradio.com. Be sure to leave a comment on the website to let me know your thoughts on the interviews. I am also interested in knowing what you liked, what I can improve on, and topics you would like covered in future interviews.
Note: If you prefer to download the mp3 files of the interviews to your portable mp3 player, like I do, it will be easier to sign up for the Everyday Giving Radio podcast at http://feeds.feedburner.com/EverydayGivingRadio.

Mother's Day Special

Mother's Day is on May 14th. Do you have a gift in mind this year that really tells her how special she is and how much she means to you?

At the Everyday Giving Bookstore we have selected three inspirational books especially for her that she will appreciate and treasure for $14.95 (list price $39.92). If she doesn't live near you, have the books shipped directly to her.

Visit the Everyday Giving Bookstore at http://www.everydaygiving.com/bookstore to take advantage of this limited-time Mother's Day Special. Warm her heart through your thoughtful gift.

Gracious Giving Pod Started Today!

Check out the new Gracious Giving discussion board at http://pods.zaadz.com/gracious_giving. It is another great way for people to inspire each other to give and share ideas on ways to give. An increase in all forms of giving will result in a better world.

Add Significance to Your New Year's Resolutions

by Roger Carr

The start of a new year is traditionally a time to reflect on the previous year. It is also a time to establish new resolutions. Popular resolutions include losing weight, getting more fit, getting out of debt, and making more money.

Giving to others tends to be forgotten when creating resolutions. However, their impact on you and others can be more significant than pursuing the more common resolutions.

What are some resolutions related to giving that you can consider as you pursue your own? Consider the following examples:

  • Increase your financial giving to church and charities.
  • Increase your time donated to important causes.
  • Write and send an encouraging note at least weekly.
  • Smile and greet the first people you meet every morning.
  • Perform an act of kindness at least weekly.
  • Search the house for unused, unneeded items and donate them for others to use.
  • Increase the number of people you share your faith with.
  • Donate your blood multiple times during the year.
  • Determine your life purpose.

Your list needs to be unique to you. Use the above items only as a starting point in determining your own.

Be sure to set resolutions for yourself for the upcoming year that will help make a difference in the world. It will provide a special significance throughout the new year as you fulfill these important resolutions.

© 2005 Roger B. Carr

To learn more ways to give, go to http://www.everydaygiving.com/ezine.htm and sign up for the free Everyday Giving ezine. Be a philanthropist by giving everyday to others. Roger Carr is the founder of Everyday Giving. His life purpose is to help people help others.

7 Unique Ways To Make Someone Smile

by Roger Carr

Do you want to put a smile on someone's face?  Maybe make their day a little bit brighter?  It doesn't have to take much time or money on your part.  In fact, many things can be done as a part of your normal routine and cost little or nothing.  You won't know how many people are encouraged by your kindness because smiles are contagious. Try out one or more of these 7 ways today to put smiles on their faces.

1. Write an encouraging note to others that have encouraged you or that need encouragement. Handwritten notes that are given to encourage, not just for thanking someone for a gift, are rare. That makes handwritten notes even more special. Start a new practice of sitting down and writing an encouraging note on a regular basis. You just might start an epidemic!

2. Take a friend out to lunch or invite her to your home for a meal.  You will get to know each other even better than you do right now. If you feel like being more adventurous, throw a party for several of your friends and put smiles on a multitude of faces.

3. Give someone an inspirational book to read. You will feel good doing it, reading the book will change the person, and they will think of you every time they read it.

4. Ask a friend or relative if you can take care of their kid(s) for a day or evening. If you have been a parent, you know the value of being able to have a few hours of "adult time" without worrying about the children. Don't wait to be asked to baby-sit when it is required. Offer to do it at a time when the parent can do something fun and relaxing.

5. Deliver a meal to someone you know that is sick or having a rough time. We have all been sick and know the last thing you want to do is be out of bed. There are also times when life is tough and it is hard to do all of the daily chores. You can be a tremendous help by providing a meal that can be enjoyed.

6. Volunteer time to supporting your local church or charity.  Every minute you dedicate to a church or charity will cause many smiles.  You will put a smile on the face of each leader just for helping without being asked.  You will also be putting smiles on the faces of those that are being helped through the organization.

7. Thank everyone that supports you throughout the day.  The list of those that you come in contact with is endless.  Remember family and friends, secretaries, co-workers, teachers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, store employees, janitors, gas station attendants, those that deliver your mail and newspaper, and servers at restaurants.

I know this is a list of 7 ways to put a smile on someone's face, but there is one more way that can't be ignored. Reveal a genuine smile to everyone you meet. You will experience how easy it is to get others to smile!

© 2005 Roger B. Carr

To learn more ways to give, sign up for the free Everyday Giving ezine at http://www.everydaygiving.com/ezine.htm.

When Do You Give Thanks?

Thanksgiving Day in the United States takes place this month on November 24. In many parts of the world, a day is celebrated sometime during the year to remind us to give thanks to those around us and to God for what we have. However, we should live every day as a day of thanksgiving. We shouldn't require a special day to remind us to give thanks. It should be something we continually think about. The article "When Do You Give Thanks?" at http://www.everydaygiving.com/ezine/13NOV05.html discusses being thankful throughout the year.

While you are thinking about being thankful, I have a request. I want to hear from you. I would like to add your testimonial to the Everyday Giving website and other promotional materials. You can provide your testimonial in one of two ways. First, you can call us toll free at (877)429-2666 and leave your testimonial by voice. Second, you can send your testimonial via email to testimonial@everydaygiving.com. Regardless of the method you use, please leave the following information:

  • Your name, including correct spelling if leaving a voice message (I will use your first name and initial of your last name unless you instruct otherwise)
  • Website or email address you would like to be associated with your name (optional)
  • Contact information to use in case I need to contact you regarding the testimonial (It will not be used for any other purpose)
  • Your testimonial on what Everyday Giving has done for you
  • Thank you in advance for supporting Everyday Giving. It continues to be a pleasure to provide "giving" information and ideas to you.

    Little Things Do Make A Difference

    There are many ways we can have a positive influence on others. Many of those ways that have the strongest impact do not take a significant amount of time and money. I have been influenced by people that cared about me. I am sure they didn't know the impact they would have on me at the time.

    Read about my experiences in the article at http://www.everydaygiving.com/ezine/11AUG05.html. It may give you some ideas on things you could be doing to make this a better world each day.

    The Power of Notes

    Something as simple as writing a few sentences can have a positive impact on people. I carry a box of note cards in my car and briefcase so I always have the ability to write a note. Read the article at http://www.everydaygiving.com/ezine/29JUN05.html and get motivated to write a few notes yourself to people that you care about. It will change you as well.

    The President gave a speech last night. He encouraged everyone to visit the website http://americasupportsyou.mil. The website allows you to send a message of support to our military men and women. You can also find out about a variety of ways to get involved and show your support for our Troops.

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