Repeat of a previous Sunday blog

Yes, another copy of an earlier blog. The message was quickly buried as current information was added. It seems important (to me) to reinforce the reason I do not attend a local church. Click this link to read the blog.

I'd rather have Jesus...

February 1st will be birthday number 102 for George Beverly Shea, composer of the music for this beautiful song.

I’d Rather Have Jesus – The Lyrics

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.

Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
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Lifetime Achievement Award for George Beverly Shea.
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Changing the subject; back to Friday's auction: Two of my purchases were books. I don't spend as much time reading as I ought. Today I want to start Free at Last, Experiencing True Freedom Through Your Identity in Christ by Tony Evans. Information on the back of the dust jacket: "The secret is not in spiritual tricks or religious acts--but in a deeper knowledge of Christ Himself. Christ's resurrection power is available to meet your need and draw you closer to Him, asserts Dr. Tony Evans. If your heart longs to know Him and serve Him, you can experience a deeper relationship with Him.

"Satan loves to coil himself around the minds of Christians, keeping us spiritually off balance and defeated by confusing our identity. But Satan has no authority over us. Christ can live His life through us. We are saved by Christ's life and death. He has lavished His grace on us, and through Him we are victors.

"Are you tired of your attempts at self-sufficiency? Are you tired of being in bondage to your sin? Learn how Christ has set us free at last.

"Galatians 5:1: 'It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.'"
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Personally, I want to Stand Up for Jesus.
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Auction, Fund Raiser

The long-anticipated auction unfolded yesterday. The "silent auction" items were on tables around the main room of the Activity Center. Starting at noon, from the kitchen, food was available: pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, chips, sodas, popcorn--and pie. Lots and lots of pies!!

A few weeks ago I donated a number of things that I haven't used and probably won't use: Solar panel; 12-volt Back seat Heater; Black & Decker Inverter; Car-top Cargo Carrier, etc., etc. I'm really disappointed that bids were so low. In the silent auction, the solar panel sold for $56.; the heater for $10.; Inverter,$25.; cargo carrier, $10.; camp cot, $7.; plastic step stool, $4.

Beginning at 5 o'clock we enjoyed a "singing auctioneer." Singing..., humor..., and awesome sale items kept us on the edge of our seats. I can't begin to list (or remember) all the items but one is memorable: A banana cream pie sold for $220.!! Four day passes to Disney Parks went for three or four times the price at the gate!! Dinner tickets sold for twice the menu price!! But all for a good cause!!

The money is for a water purification system in the Solomon Islands, at one of the Wycliffe Bible translation centers. During the auction, we bought bags of cement, cement blocks, re-bar, etc. At a later date we'll know the total amount generated by this annual event. The goal is $40,000. and many speculated that we exceeded that sum.

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Postscript 1/31/2011: We fell short of the goal; only $32,000+ raised. Praising the Lord for the generosity of many!!

New neighbor

1:30 PM: New neighbor, from Pennsylvania. Because every pull-through, full hook-up site is occupied, we are in the overflow area.

Challenger Explosion

The Challenger explosion has haunted me for 25 years. Today the media is remembering the anniversary of the tragic event. ~~ It affected me personally: I was working at NASA, at Edwards Air Force Base, in Southern California. I was the secretary to the Program Director. The launches had become very commonplace but excitement for NASA employees. The Director's office was full of co-workers watching on NASA closed-circuit TV. I could see the TV from my desk just outside his office. ~~ No, we didn't know the astronauts personally but we [I] felt they were family. We grieved the loss with the families. ~~ It was five or six years before another shuttle (Endeavour) was launched--and landed at Edwards AFB. Many employees (and yours truly) lost their jobs. (I was there to see the safe return of Endeavour.)

I'm living in Florida now--not far from the Kennedy Space Center. A local television station produced a program regarding the Challenger 25th Anniversary. ~~ After several postponements, perhaps I'll see a launch of Discovery from the Wycliffe Associates RV Park.

My Life is But a Weaving

My Life is but a Weaving

My life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors,
He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow,
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.


Not 'til the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
in the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
in the pattern He has planned.
He knows, He loves, He cares,
nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
who leave the choice with Him.
~Author Unknown

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Postscript 1/25/11, 2:45 PM: Accidents can happen so quickly!! I published the poem at 7. At a little after 12 noon I took a really bad fall as I walked from my office to the cafe. ***It is only by God's grace that I do not have any broken bones!!*** I have skinned knees; the pants I was wearing will go in the rag-bag. I'll probably be stiff and sore for a few days!! I returned home (at noon) and changed my clothes. Back to the office at 1:00 because we were in a "training program" (that I didn't want to miss or interfere with). I'm "home" and I've doctored the knees; I'm drinking some soothing herbal tea and will take a nap. Just keep me in your prayers. Oh, one more request: Keep my little trailer safe. We may have tornadoes in Florida tonight. Strong winds are already buffeting the T@B. I hope and pray that we don't sail away like a kite!! THANKS!!
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Praise report, 1/26/11, 8:15 AM: No damage that I'm aware of in our RV Park. We had very strong winds and heavy rain; I "rode it out" in my trailer!! ~~ I'm getting ready to go to work. Yes, I'm stiff and sore but I'm OK!! I am so grateful that I don't have any broken bones!! Praise the Lord!!
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Postscript, 1/28/2011, 9:30 AM: I lied; I'm not OK. No broken bones but my old body is bruised, stiff and sore. TGIF: I was able to sleep-in because most volunteers don't work on Friday. (I worked the previous two days.) ~~ Psalm 34:1-3, 7-9, 14-22.
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Postscript, 1/30/2011, 12 noon: I'm still stiff and sore (and use a cane to steady myself)!! But I've done all the tasks that need to be done on the weekend: Dump porta-potty, fill water tank, do laundry. Note the three inch tear in the pants I was wearing. I won't subject you to a picture of my knees.
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I have visitors !!

It is such a pleasure to have a brother and sister in-the-Lord visit me!! I was a guest in their yard, in their home (near Shelby, North Carolina), in April 2010. They are a guest in my yard in January 2011.

In earlier blogs, I wrote about my stay with Wayne and Deborah. I also documented my visit with them in November. Click on the links and read about those earlier experiences.

FYI: The Wycliffe RV Park is now full of recreation vehicles (seventy) and volunteers. No full-hookup sites available. Gratefully, there is ample space next to my tiny T@B, and my friends have water and electricity.

Announcement

"This year we will experience four unusual dates....
01/1/11, Jan 01/11/11;
11/1/11, Nov 11/11/11 .........

"NOW go figure this out.... take the last 2 digits of the year you were born plus the age you will be this year and it WILL EQUAL .... 111. Interesting!!"

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I have a passionate dislike for "forwarded messages"!!! However, my three e-mail accounts are flooded with "forwarded" messages from well-meaning friends. I received the preceding yesterday and thought I could build a blog around it.

A more important date is May 21, 2011, Judgment Day!! I've been sharing information about Judgment Day--and the Rapture--but it is falling on deaf ears. The forwarded e-mail messages probably won't cease. Likewise, I'll continue to announce--on this blog--the significance of May 21, 2011.

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A brief message that I encourage you to read.

Information regarding May 21, 2011.

More valuable information.

Check out the videos from eBibleFellowship.

Visit The Latter Rain web site.

Listen to Family Radio on the Internet.

An article about Harold Camping.

From a Fresno, Calif., interview.

Johnny Cash sang God's Gonna Cut You Down -->->->->-> but there is still time to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
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National Hug Day

DID YOU KNOW?National Hug Day or National Hugging Day is an annual holiday occurring on January 21, officially recognized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The holiday was founded on January 21, 1986 in Caro, Michigan, and has since spread to Canada, England, Australia, Germany, Poland and other countries.

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Leo Buscaglia was a well-known educator and I was very familiar with him--and his teachings--when I lived in Southern California. One of his favorite talking points: Hugs for Health. He stated that we need a minimum of fifteen hugs a day "for maintenance." Ideally, we need more than fifteen a day!! I've said--frequently--that I don't get fifteen hugs a year!! (What does that say about my state of health?) If you--like me--are hug deficient, please consider yourself hugged. Pass it around!!

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Postscript: I received an adorable "hug" by e-mail. Thank you!! Check this.

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Torrential rain

Torrential rain in Central Florida right now (10:30 AM). Because it is the Martin Luther King holiday, we are not working. I am in my tiny T@B and the rain is so loud I can't hear Family Radio from my laptop while writing this blog. Amazing!! The weather forecasters have said we desperately need rain because of drought conditions in Central Florida. As dry as the ground is, water is standing over one inch deep around my trailer (no exaggeration)!! If I decide to leave the T@B--and the water has not soaked into the ground--I'll get out rubber boots. My handy-dandy weather station says it is 60 degrees outside ("but feels like 54 degrees") headed for a high of 73 degrees.

This has been a good morning to balance the checkbook against on-line banking. Soon I want to wrap up in a little blanket and continue reading In Step With God (by Dr. Charles Stanley). Not that I "need" a blanket; I think I'll just feel more cozy with it.

Today looks a lot different than Saturday when I took a picture of my site (48 hours ago). See the wind-chimes and other decorations?? My name sign (from Wal-Mart) isn't fancy but lets the other residents know who I am.

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Postscript, 12:20 PM: Noon weather report says we have had one-and-one-half inches of rain "and more to come." We're under a tornado watch until 7:00 PM. I'll turn off the computer to protect it against a (not-so-likely) lightening strike nearby.
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Postscript, 5:05 PM: Two-and-three-tenths (2.3) inches of rain today at the Orlando International Airport (less than ten miles from where I live). Seventeen or eighteen vehicle accidents today due to adverse weather conditions.

What Would Jesus Do ??

I don't claim to be an expert on the subject. However the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" is something I think about daily. You've met people who claim to be "Christians" but they are not a "little Christ." I'll spare you the details of decades-long injustice. I've chosen to draw closer to Jesus and further from the established church.

I did a Google search and found a number of interesting web sites devoted to What Would Jesus Do. The first link spells it out beautifully. Here is a brief quote from the second site I visited: "Why do you wear a WWJD bracelet? Is it because you really want to do what Jesus would do? If so, please keep in mind that doing what Jesus would do may not produce the results you expect. Instead of being looked upon with admiration as someone who is an outstanding example of righteousness, you will, with all certainty, become a pariah and an outcast in this world, especially among your religious friends."

Another excellent commentary.

I'm not alone as I ponder this thought. On the Google search, I found a new web site "under construction" devoted to this topic. I'll have to wait to see their presentation.

One man's response to the question.

There are numerous books regarding What Would Jesus Do?. Also a 2010 movie by that name.

In Step With God

I recommend a book written by Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia. In the Introduction to In Step With God, Dr. Stanley writes: "Many of God's people know about Him, but they do not have a personal relationship with Him. And this is where we face our greatest challenge--knowing God and loving Him above all else. "

Chariots of Fire

When was the last time you watched Chariots of Fire? (I watched recently on the INSP television channel.) In my humble opinion, Eric Liddell was "In Step With God."

Joy to the World !!

Snow in 49 of 50 states !!

Snow in 49 of 50 states.

New England buried again. Snow now on ground in 49 of 50 states.

"There's snow in 49 states right now, covering some 69.4 percent of the contiguous United States. Even Hawaii has snow, though it's on a volcano so it's sort of cheating. Can you guess which state is ruining our perfect record?

Florida! Yes, dumb old Florida is snow-free, making it the New York Giants to the snow's 07-08 New England Patriots. Thirty-two states have winter weather advisories! There's snow in Hawaii (on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa), Texas, California and Louisiana! Every state is pitching in to make this a real American snowpocalypse, and Florida is just sitting it out.

Oh well. Forty-nine out of 50 is still pretty good. And pretty rare. CNN's Angela Fritz calls it "extremely unusual," though since meteorologists don't keep track of awesome statistics like "how many states have snow in them," it's hard to say how unusual."

Oh, give me a home...

There is a very supportive forum regarding T@B teardrop trailers. All the information I need to maintain my little trailer plus periodic rallies to attend. A recent writer was "Yearning for camping weather." Here is the message she posted:

"To the tune of home on the range.

Oh give me a home,
where the snow does not roam,
and I can go camping all day.
Where seldom is heard,
the snow storm word,
and the skies are not cloudy all day.
Home, home in the camp
where the squirrels and the chipmunks do scamp,
where seldom is heard, a white snowy word,
and the skies are so sunny all day.

Yearning to go camping, ready to go cycling too..guess I'll have to do a song about that next."
~~~~~~~~~

My reply:
Come to sunny Central Florida!! The words of the song are true here. I'm actually living "full time" in my T@B. We've had some freezing weather but a little electric heater keeps me warm. On my campsite, I have an armadillo. I haven't seen any squirrels or chipmunks.

Doxology

The episode with the flu bug is behind me but the siege reminds me of months of sickness two years ago. Likewise, at that time, I would lie on my bed and pray that God my Heavenly Father would either call me home to Heaven or restore my health. It started the Summer of 2008 with allergy to a cat. Twenty-three months ago, I spent hours at the computer doing Google searches; I was determined to find a remedy. I documented the search, the results, and my recovery in an article published to the Internet. Read about Acute Ozone Poisoning.

The words of the oft-sung Doxology cross my mind many times a day.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Today I'm singing praises for the safe travels in 2010 (and wonderful experiences)!!!! I'm praising God "from Whom all blessing flow"!! In my own strength, I could **never** have executed the trip through the Northeastern states, and Canada (over 8,000 miles). It's a blessing (a miracle) that I'm involved--and embraced--at Wycliffe Associates and the Wycliffe RV Park.

Just a few of my thoughts on this Lord's Day. Wishing God's blessings to my readers, to my family and friends!! ~~ The news media is full of details regarding the Tragedy in Tucson. I'm mindful that life is precious but can end at a moment's notice. James 5:13-15 ~~ Only One Life ~~
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Postscript: A powerful message, on TV, by Dr. David Jeremiah.

A message in pictures !!

A message in pictures. From an e-mail, from a friend.
(If it doesn't "load" it's because I had to use "trial &
error" in an effort to convert from an e-mail message
to something you could access from my blog. Sorry!!)

Moving day !!

The pictures tell the story. I'm set up on the new site. The WiFi signal is OK; TV reception is satisfactory. I won't have to buy a new fresh water hose; my hose is an exact length. Last picture: The blue hose to the left of the front of the T@B; the electric hook-up; the TV antenna (on the post).

Moving day !!

Postscript (3:00 PM): My campsite from the entrance of the RV Park. Then I turned to the right and took a picture of the Wycliffe Associates building (where I work). Third: From my campsite across to the RV Park Office and "Activity Center." Fourth: From the Office / Activity Center toward the laundry room and the restrooms. (Less than 300 steps, round-trip, to the restrooms / shower.)

Warm fuzzies

I remember an era when we exchanged little cotton-balls with eyes glued on--and we called them "warm fuzzies." Do you remember?? Now that I'm back to work, I'm getting lots of "warm fuzzies" (figuratively speaking) in the form of concern for my well-being. I'm delighted when someone stops by my little office to check on me. I'm taking a few minutes to prepare this---at work---so no picture of a "warm fuzzie" (but click the link to see one). Today I'm a Happy Camper!! ~~  Postscript: Image added at 6:15 (after I returned home).

Not a "Happy Camper" !!

Bad news!! I was just told I'll have to move to a "dry camping" site. Electricity and water nearby. (I have an extra electric cord.  I may have to buy another [longer] water hose.) No cement slab, no access to the sewer.  (I'll have to carry the porta-potty quite a distance to the dump station.  How embarrassing!!)  I'm told "they tried" to allow me to stay on the same site but "tenure talks." I'm the new-kid-on-the-block. Most of the RVers have been coming for many years. Picture on my current site. See water, electricity, and sewer is so convenient.

No procrastination

**IF** I were going to make a resolution, I'd say "No procrastination." With that in mind, it is 9:30 New Year's Day morning as I'm preparing the blog for publication on January 3rd. I plan to be at my desk--at this hour--making calls. The health problem that kept me in my T@B for ten days, a bad memory.

I've been told I can stay on the same RV site. (I'm so glad!!) I'll set up the Add-a-Room and awning. I'll make myself "at home." If there is sufficient work for me, I'll stay at Wycliffe Associates until the Rapture. I've said it before, I'll say it again: Get the details regarding Judgment Day, and the Rapture, at Family Radio or e-Bible Fellowship. May I suggest that you no longer procrastinate?? Will you join me (?) and "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) ~~ See: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Precious Lord Take My Hand
Words & music by Thomas A. Dorsey

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I’m weak, Lord I’m worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Tournament of Roses Parade

Watching the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena was one of my traditions for decades. Considering the difference in time zones, I didn't get to watch it this morning. When I lived in Southern California I had a variety of stations available. One TV station rebroadcast over and over during the day and evening. By God's grace, I am aware of this year's beautiful Lutheran Hour Float. I Googled information for this blog.

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PASADENA, Calif. —
The 2011 Lutheran Hour float will appear in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif.

St. Luke Lutheran Church members sponsor the float every year. This is the 61st year of participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade by the members of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries. St. Luke Lutheran Church in rural San Jose and its Mens Club also sponsor the Lutheran Hours broadcast at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays on Lincoln station 1370 AM.

This year’s parade theme is “Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories” and theme for the float is “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Members of churches from all over the country journey to Pasadena to be “petal pushers,” who ready the float and at least six other floats for the parade.

The main part of the parade is featured on all major television networks at about 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with the entire parade broadcast on Home & Garden Network.

Copyright 2010 Pekin Daily Times. Some rights reserved
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Through the marvel of WiFi and TV-video, I watched the parade on my little laptop computer, in my tiny T@B teardrop trailer. Twelve hours after the event and three-thousand miles away, I enjoyed the Tournament of Roses Parade. (Thanks KTLA-TV, Los Angeles!!) I've been there, done that!! (Personally attended the Parade.) Thanks for the memory!!
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Happy New Year 2011

A new day; a New Year. ~~ Here's something to think about.
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"Pay it forward" doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as "pay it back," and that's too bad. In a world where it's all about the payback, there may be a way to counter the status quo and send out a different, more caring kind of ripple effect. But how can one person do such a thing? Simple: The next time someone asks what she can do to pay you back, ask her to pay it forward.

Changing the world is no small order, but what if it isn't all that impossible? There are numerous quotes reaffirming the idea that if you want to change the world, you have to start by changing yourself, but what does that mean? Some people get the idea that only a celebrity concert or popular TV show could reach the masses with a positive message. The overwhelming realization that this may never be their reality brings a feeling of resignation; they drop their dreams and go back to life as usual. But what if it is much simpler? What if you really can look inside and affect change? If you are interested in such an idea, this is a great place to start.

Essentially, the concept of "pay it forward" consists of paying someone else (a third party) with a good deed for what another has done for you. When the third party asks how he can pay you back, ask him to help someone else in need, or pay it forward.

This ends up helping a different person every time and keeps the good energy flowing forward, generating more and more good deeds ahead. You may never know how far the chain gets, and how many lives it touches, but as Mother Teresa once said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

Pay It Forward Gains Publicity
It may seem an anonymous deed in the scope of the world, but if you asked each person to help three people for the favor you did them, the numbers would start to multiply exponentially. This was exactly the idea behind Catherine Ryan Hyde's book, Pay It Forward (2000). In her fiction tale, 12-year-old Travis takes his teacher's extra-credit assignment about changing the world to heart.

For his project, Travis devises a plan to do a good deed for three people. In return he requests only that those three people do a good deed for three people. In this way, the people pay the favors forward, requesting those nine people do a good deed for three people each, moving the number to 27. When Trevor and his teacher think about the calculations, they realize that the number gets into the thousands, millions and hopefully, beyond.

After the popularity of her book, Hyde started the Pay It Forward Foundation to help teach children, adults and educators how they can help change the world. Sound like too little of an idea to have worldwide appeal? Hardly. That same year the book was made into a movie, and the Warner Brother's film, Pay It Forward, starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment was released to audiences worldwide.

Paying It Forward, From the Past
Hyde wasn't the first person to create the concept, however. The idea was used as early as 1784 by Benjamin Franklin. In one of his letters to editor and historian Benjamin Webb, dated April 22, he wrote: "I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you […] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with an opportunity."

The idea appears again in Robert A. Heinlein's science-fiction book Between Planets (1951); he is largely credited for coining the term. In the story, protagonist Don accepts a much-needed favor (credit) from a banker and says, "I'll pay it back, first chance." The banker responds, "Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it."

Just as Hyde's book inspired a social movement, so did Heinlein's. The author was said to practice the pay-it-forward philosophy and was honored with the formation of a humanitarian organization, The Heinlein Society, which was founded by his wife Virginia to "pay forward" the legacy of the writer to others.

People Paying It Forward
How can you get in the game? Try practicing the pay-it-forward philosophy in your own life. Still not sure how to do it? These resources may help motivate you:
* PayItForwardFoundation.org is the website started by author Catherine Ryan Hyde and the Pay It Forward Foundation. Here you will find classroom resources, tips for starting your own pay-it-forward revolution, bumper stickers, wristbands and links to other informative do-good websites.

If you are a teacher, use these resources to start a yearly pay-it-forward project in your classroom. Perhaps it will catch on to the whole school, community and who knows, maybe some future teachers in your class may take the project to their own students some day. You can then post your stories on PayItForwardMovement.org to share with the world. Now that is truly a good chain to create!

You don't have to be a teacher to touch lives—start your own pay it forward group with friends, family members and the children in your life. There are no specific rules to follow; the key is to get started.

* The Residence Hall Association of Syracuse University started a Pay It Forward Campaign to help increase community service efforts on and off campus. Can you take this to your school or your child's? Are you an alumna or alumnus who can suggest a pay-it-forward program to your former alma mater?

* The ever-charitable Oprah Winfrey started a Pay It Forward Challenge in 2006, giving audience members $1,000 and a camcorder to record how they used the money for acts of kindness. Could this help generate ideas for your own family or community?

What's Important to You?
The act of paying it forward is about much more than a book or movie; at the end of the day, it's about being nice. Winn Claybaugh, the founder of Paul Mitchell The School and author of Be Nice (Or Else!) says that being nice is not a trait passed on genetically. "Being nice is an ongoing, lifelong course," Claybaugh wrote. "You never get to stop learning what it means and what it takes to be nice, but it's well worth the effort because being nice can bring you rewards you never imagined."

By now we have all learned that along with spiritual significance, there are also obvious health benefits to being nice. More than that, it gives us a feeling of happiness when we know we've done something good for another. This feeling cannot be matched or sustained by the accumulation of any material possession; it comes solely from the free act of goodwill and love. At the end of your life, will you reflect upon the number of dollars you accrued, or the number of lives you touched? Will you be remembered as a person who kept score, or paid it forward?

Hyde's message is an example of how one person can end up touching thousands, even millions of people without being rich, famous, educated, or popular. "I didn't write the novel expecting social movement," writes Hyde on PayItForwardFoundation.org, "but [it's] certainly been exciting to watch it grow." If her story is any example to the rest of us, perhaps paying it forward ends up "paying it back" more than we truly realize.

This is copied from Pay It Forward And Change The World.

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Lorraine sends very best wishes for a healthy, Happy New Year!! As a volunteer at Wycliffe Associates, I hope to "pay it forward" for the multitude of kind deeds from a myriad of family, friends and acquaintances.