According to a Wall Street Journal article on charitable giving that was published earlier this year, there was an increase in charitable giving in 2010. However, we are still not at the level of giving we [U.S.] were in previous years. There is a definite increase in those who are in need. Those who are usually the ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”givers” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)” have fallen, due to the economy, into the ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”receiver” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)” category. A woman in Warren, Ohio, Ruby Asman summed it up best, ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”I am so thankful,” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)” the 56-year-old woman said. ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”Times are so hard. To go from feast to famine so quickly … it” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”s not easy.” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”. Ruby is not alone. Many of us, who have enjoyed a comfortable middle class existence, are now hovering at poverty level or have even dipped below it. The ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”face” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)” of the destitute person is changing quickly in these current times.

Although we all are facing challenges in our OWN finances and well being, it is even more crucial today to share the blessings we do have. It is even more important now, even if our own cupboards are not as fully stocked as before, to willingly part with canned and dry goods to help out others. Charitable organizations such as The Salvation Army, have seen clothing donations declined by 5 to 10 percent since the recession started, according to Tim Raines, marketing manager for the charity” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”s Northeast region. ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”Instead of donating clothing, more people are wearing it out or selling it at yard sales” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”, he said.

So what does this ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”gloom and doom” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)” message mean to the rest of us? Of course we all know how tough it has been over the past few years. But, until the current economy stabilizes, becoming a ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”person in need” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”is hitting closer and closer to our own homes. This message means that in addition to being thankful for our jobs, our homes, and our families, we should also be thankful that for the ability to give to others. It means that we need to exercise not only our ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”thanksgivings” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)” at the dinner table, but also exercise our ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”giving muscles” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)” to local food and clothing drives and other help initiatives. It is one thing to be thankful for all that we have received over this past year. It is even more important to be thankful for the blessings and help we can actually give to others this holiday season.

” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
Did you enjoy this post? Did it give you some ” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”food for thought” onclick=”return TrackClick(” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”" onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”,” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk” onclick=”return TrackClick(”,’ttp%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F400700_Charities-feel-pinch-in-clothing-donations.html%23ixzz1eUOtHGIk’)”)”? If so, why not subscribe to this blog!? It is easy, just click on the white icon with the wavy lines below RSS icon (wavy lines) to get a regular feed OR click on the mail icon (envelope) below to get blog updates via email.

Midweek Motivational Wednesday December 22, 2010

“Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries.” ~ George Truett

For most of us, birthdays are a time of celebration and reflection. We celebrate the blessing of living to see another year. We reflect on the accomplishments (as well as our perceived failures) we have made. We receive gifts and commemorate the occasion usually with a personalized cake. We spend time with those closest and most important to us to mark the milestone so that it is has a special place in our memories and hearts for years to come. This is quite a lot of “pomp and circumstance”, praise, and celebration for just us mere mortals! So, how much more should we celebrate and praise the being who is, undoubtedly, the GREATEST person to ever walk the earth?

Modern times have caused many to lose sight of HOW to really reflect and celebrate the birthday of Christ. Starting as early as summertime, the main focus of Christmas is the giving and receiving of gifts. Commercialism takes a stronghold on our minds and we anxiously look forward to those Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) sales and the many other sales that follow. Malls are crammed, tensions are high at the airports with hoards of holiday travelers, and kids are eagerly waiting what will be under the Christmas tree. But, what about Christ? Has HE become “lost” in the shuffle?

The old English translation of the word Christmas literally means “The Mass of Christ”. Yet, comparatively speaking, few actually attend church or worship Christ on this very special day. There is little emphasis placed on the gathering together (masses) to give praise, reflect, and celebrate this “one of a kind” birthday. And the real misfortune here is that, for many of the next generations to come, this lack of reverence to Christ himself on HIS birthday will continue.

Of course, we should enjoy the gift giving, family time, food, and music of the season! We should be full of joy and happiness. But, let’s just keep in mind just how important it is to give CLEAR and SPECIFIC reverence to Christ – whether you attend church, pray and worship together as a family at home, or take some time to quietly give thanks and honor – for HIS birth and HIS contribution to our lives today. This applies to both Christians, and, yes, non-Christians, alike. The words of this familiar scripture puts it best: Luke 2:9-14- “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

A VERY Merry Christmas to you all.

Blessings!

Traci

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Most would assume that kids from single parent homes are hardest hit, emotionally, during the Christmas season. However, the Christmas season can be just as hard, if not harder, for the single parent; especially for those who are “new” single parents due to a divorce or a sudden death of a spouse. Instead of laughter and anticipation for the holidays, the single parent can become more like to the proverbial Ebenezer Scrooge character and embody the “bah-humbug” attitude towards the season.

In the case of divorce, the single parent can experience a range of emotions: guilt, anger, and sadness. There is also just the whole “uncomfortable” factor as Christmas is, culturally, a time for the traditional family and friends to gather together and celebrate. Where there is a physical loss of a spouse, the same “traditional” family celebration is now emotionally hard and the adjustment to a new family scenario is a big challenge. And even for those single parents who have not gone through a recent divorce or death of their spouse, the ever-present pressure to fill both the dad and mom role is even more pronounced at holiday time. Instead of basking in the joy and meaning of the holiday, bitterness, stress, and tiredness can oftentimes prevail.

So, how can these pressures and negative emotions be alleviated for the single parent? Well, here is just a short list of some ideas and viewpoints that may make the single parent load a little easier at Christmas AND put the joy BACK into the holiday season:

1) Single parents and their children need reassurance from their extended families and/or friends. Forget about the traditional rituals. Focus on what is more important: We are a family, no matter the size or “shape” it may take. And for you folks out there who are friends of single parents, make it a point to be there for them during the holidays- mentally, emotionally, as well as spending time in person. It will surely make these families feel more “included” in the season.

2) And who says that “traditions” are just reserved for a “Mom-Dad-Sister-Brother” household? In this modern era of families in all sizes and “flavors”, it is time to create your OWN traditions. Maybe you, as a single parent, and your kids(s) will start an annual Christmas vacation ritual. Or, maybe it is a “volunteer to feed the homeless” ritual. Or it can simply be an at home ritual that has significant meaning for you all. No matter what the ritual or custom you start…just start one! It will give you and your kid(s) something special to look forward to at Christmas time.

3) Be true and transparent about your feelings. Most of the time, single parents are putting the needs (mentally and emotionally) of their kids first. While this is important and noble, at the same time, single parents need to deal with their own feelings. This may mean confiding in a close friend to “release” baggage before the holiday season. Realize that you are not alone. Even during the season, maybe you can set time aside some “me” time to reflect, cry, whatever it takes. Where appropriate, share these feelings with your kid(s) while being mindful to never “bad mouth” or “degrade” the other parent. In the long run, your kid(s) will appreciate your honesty and that you included them in your healing process.

4) Budgeting is always a challenge for the single parent, but especially during the holiday season. Start planning your holiday budget in September and/or October. As a matter of fact, I have known of single parents that plan their holiday spending in the summer! Shop as early as possible to catch sales that creep up during the year and definitely take advantage of sales right after Christmas (for next year’s holiday season). These things can take some of the “edge” off when dealing with an already limited budget.

5) Making gifts and presents may sound “cheap”, but it can also be a fun and memorable time spent between single parent and kid(s). You can also mix in “home made” gifts and cards with store bought as well. Get creative and have some fun in the process.

These are just a few ideas and viewpoints that, hopefully, will make the single parent Christmas one that is filled with joy and will take away the “bah-humbugs”.

Until next time…

Traci

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Midweek Motivation Wednesday October 27, 2010

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you…not by demons or by hell” ~ Prince Gautama Siddharta

It is hard to believe that the end of another year is drawing near. The holiday season has begun and most of us are preoccupied with the impending holiday preparations. For those of you who celebrate or participate in Halloween festivities, you are busy planning your costumes and/or enjoying the excitement of your kids as they look forward to trick-or-treating. Folks are watching horror movies and being “happily frightened” by the monsters, ghouls, ghosts, and demons on the screen! 

While Halloween and the preoccupation with costumes, ghosts, and demons come once a year, for many, the presence of “demons” in their lives is a day to day event. While almost all of us are dealing with some sort of “baggage” from the past, there are some who are severely trapped in the negativity, hurt, disappointment, and turmoil of past events.  The loss of a past love causes some to constantly, and unrealistically, compare potential partners to that past romance; the physical and emotional abuse from a parent or spouse has caused many to sabotage their current relationships or avoid getting to close to another person at all out of fear; the past challenge of finding or obtaining work dims the motivation for many to pursue their dreams; and the harsh and discouraging words one heard as a teenager has produced countless adults who lack self confidence and self-esteem, thus, they put up with poor treatment from others. These are just some of the “demons” that we face. There are many, many more. It is time to drive out or scare away those demons once and for all! But, how?

I am a big proponent that we learn from the past, we leave it there, and then we must move forward. Constantly reliving the past means living your life “in reverse”. But, we also must make sure that we actually did “learn” from our past and accept what may have happened to us….no matter how painful or horrible. Only then can we be mentally and emotionally free to move forward.  If not, the demons of your past will continue to haunt you and jeopardize your future. There is no way around it, we must purposely “scare” them away.

Prayer is a great start! Take the hurt, pain, disappointments, and anger to a higher source. Ask for clarity and direction over these. Make this a daily practice. Next, start the work of giving forgiveness (if the source of the demon stems from something someone did to you) or asking for forgiveness (if the turmoil is due to things you did in the past and regret). I know many who never asked for forgiveness nor gave it to those who wronged them. And guess what? They are still dealing with the hurt and pain to this day…it constantly haunts them. Then, we must see this demon as leaving our lives. Actually “see” (or visualize) this issue no longer having a hold on you. Some can imagine literally battling the demon and winning. Others may see it as a conversation where both sides finally come to an agreement. Or it can be just purposely “feeling” as if the demon has left the building! These spiritual tools, when applied daily, can have a huge impact on freeing oneself from the grasp of the past.

And for those who still can not shake the clasp of their past traumas, do not allow shame or the notion of failure to prevent seeking the help professional counselor; someone who can help you get on course mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Oftentimes, just talking openly and candidly to someone can make the HUGE difference in how you overcome the stronghold of your personal demon.

Are you taking charge and actively “scaring away” your demons? Or are you allowing the demon to take up permanent residence in your heart and mind? In most horror movies, the monster or killer usually comes back in the sequel to do more harm and kill more people! The victims rarely seem to figure out just how to conquer this evil entity. Don’t emulate a horror movie in your own life! Use the above to begin the process to live a “demon-free” life.

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci

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Celebrating America's Independence on July 4th

Happy 4th of July to you ALL! Today, Americans are celebrating the 234th birthday of the nation (the day the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776). This is something to be proud of and appreciated. But to be honest, I think most folks are just happy to have an extended weekend and time off from work! 

This notion of independence (and hence the implied notion of “freedom”) got my mental gears turning! While we as a nation are technically “independent” and free, on a personal level, most folks nowadays are not mentally or emotionally “free”. What I mean is, according to recent studies, the depression rates are up (especially amongst teens and young adults under 25 years old). The single parent household has doubled in the last 20 years and that means more financial pressures are placed on parents. Teenage pregnancy has started to rise again. And, of course, we ALL are suffering from the emotional and mental stress of the current recession. Now, I am not trying to rain on your holiday parade by bringing up these morbid (but oh so true) facts. What I am getting at is that it is time for all of us to look within and take some serious inventory on whether or not we are truly “free” in our mindsets and attitudes. If not, how can we ever truly live the kind of life our forefathers envisioned for all men and women when they signed that Declaration of Independence?

Take a minute to ponder this…When they signed that famous document in 1776, they were faced with some of the same issues that we face today: medical issues, wars, poverty, etc. However, their “mindsets” envisioned and accepted a better future for themselves and others. Now imagine if they did not hold on to those positive and forward thinking beliefs? I, personally, am not sure I want to imagine that!

So I challenge all of you (myself included) to declare a “personal” independence day and take time to clean out the old negative and defeating thoughts and attitudes (despite what is going on externally in the world) and begin to work towards the future you want!

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci

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