Sunday, December 24, 2006
Generosity: Ailing Santa shares his secret
For 26 years this man, anonymously, has roamed the streets of Kansas and elsewhere in December quietly giving people money, often several $100 bills. So far, he has dispensed more than $1.3 million. He has chosen people — in thrift stores, diners and parking lots — who seem down on their luck.
This year, though, his identity has been revealed. Larry Stewart, 58, has cancer and has given his up anonymity because, he says, a tabloid newspaper was going to reveal his name. He wants others to carry on the acts of random kindness he believes are so important. We're here, he believes, "to help other people out."
His bittersweet life story embodies one kind of generosity that Christmas was once about but too often gets lost. In times gone by, the rich would go out of their way in this season to give to the poor.
Stewart arrived at his idea, and his philosophy, through personal experience. He was a college dropout, briefly homeless and once considered robbery. But every time he hit a low point, someone gave him money, food and hope. That, he says, is why he has devoted his life to returning the favors after becoming wealthy from businesses in cable TV and long-distance phone service.
Larry Stewart is the true face of Christmas 2006.
Let us all keep the real spirit of Christmas :).....
"I Wish u all a Merry Christmas"
Read his story here in this link
Secret Santas Website
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Ten Commandments for Christmas
Ten Commandments for Christmas | |
1. Thou shalt prepare early. Don't wait until the last minute to get into the Christmas spirit.
2. Thou shalt keep Christ at the center of Christmas. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the commercialism of the season. Resolve to read one of the Gospels during December. Mediate upon what it means that Christ came into the world.
3. Thou shalt make Christmas a family time. Do things together: Decorate the tree, play games, bake cookies, shop, write cards, have devotionals, go caroling, attend church together.
4. Thou shalt remember those who are less fortunate. Contribute significantly to an organization serving the needs of others throughout the year. Give a Christmas gift to your church.
5. Thou shalt give thyself with every gift. Put some thought into the gifts you purchase. Give a gift that represents you. If possible, make something instead of buying something.
6. Thou shalt learn to be a good receiver. Many of us have trouble receiving graciously and gracefully.
7. Thou shalt put music into Christmas. Buy several Christmas CD's and play them again and again. Attend church choir cantatas and special Christmas programs. Sing carols with loved ones.
8. Thou shalt slow down. Remember: Christmas is supposed to be a season of peace, not hypertension.
9. Thou shalt remember to worship. The church is the place you are most likely to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
10. Thou shalt receive Christ into thy life. Don't just talk about the Christ of Christmas, receive him into your life as Lord and Savior.
--Author Unknown
I know i am late in posting this ...(commandment 1) :D.. still its worth blogging