Reflections
Fri 03/07/2009
“Poverty is the condition of a human being who is deprived of the resources, means, choices and power necessary to acquire and maintain economic self-sufficiency or to facilitate integration and participation in society.”
Whatever we do to provide service or assist people with their basic needs, this quote reminds us that one of the other things we can offer to a person is a sense of "belonging" and of being a worthwhile member of our community
Fri 03/07/2009
Smile Virus
“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”
- Michael Jackson
Fri 26/06/2009
Smile Virus
Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling, too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
when he smiled, I realized I'd passed it on to him!
I thought about that smile and then realized its worth,
a single smile, just like mine, could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected,
let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
-By Russel H. Conwell
Fri 19/06/2009
"Make a gift of your life and lift all mankind by being kind, considerate, forgiving, and compassionate at all times, in all places, and under all conditions, with everyone as well as yourself. This is the greatest gift anyone can give."
-David R. Hawkins
Fri 12/06/2009
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.
Fri 05/06/2009
You cannot face another day?
You’re tired, sad and done?
You’ve lost all hope? Now life for you
Has neither thrill nor fun?
Though cherished dreams of mine are gone,
I bid you, friend, keep on, keep on!
-unknown
Every day we see someone who is discouraged, weary, burdened down with loneliness, friendless, shoulders slumped from carrying their heavy burdens. Their eyes are filled with defeat; despair clouds their face. So what can we do? We can speak a word of encouragement. A word of encouragement is like a seed for once planted it slowly grows and then bursts into hope.
Fri 29/05/2009
Maybe you have other plans. . .
I woke up early today, excited over all
I get to do before the clock strikes midnight.
I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
I am important.
My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy, OR...
I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money, OR...
I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health, OR...
I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up, OR...
I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns, OR...
I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends, OR...
I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work, OR...
I can shout for joy because I have a job to go to.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school, OR...
eagerly open my mind and fill it with new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework, OR...
I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body, and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY my friend, OR...
maybe you have other plans.
- unknown author
Fri 22/05/2009
"Life, love and laughter--what priceless gifts to give our children"
- Phyllis Dryden
Fri 15/05/2009
Joy, until we have felt sorrow;
Faith until we are tested;
Peace, until we are faced with conflict;
Trust, until we are betrayed;
Love until it is lost;
Hope, until we are faced with doubts
Every goodness in life is appreciated that much more when we are keenly aware of how precious it is. We strive to help people through difficulties, let us not confuse the importance of helping, with the hubris of thinking that we know what someone’s life should be – each person has their life to live – each life has infinite potential and a purpose in the grand scheme – let us never pity as this makes it seem that one’s life is pathetic – let us help with the respect that each life naturally deserves as the motivation for acting.
Fri 08/05/2009
- George Washington Carver
Fri 01/05/2009
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
- Dr. Seuss
For those we serve, as well as for ourselves, asking for help is often the hardest part. In taking this step forward, we begin to recognize that the problems we are facing CAN be overcame with the right amount of availability, adaptabilty, flexibity, hospitality, and dignity from another.
Fri 17/04/2009
Happy Earth Day! (April 22, 2009)
Fri 03/04/2009
Everyone has music in them.
Only the talented have the ability,
to share it with the rest of the world.
- unknown source
The people who knock on our doors each day, have "music" in them ... because of your commitment to FAITH IN PEOPLE, they are empowered to reclaim and share this "music" with others.
Fri 27/03/2009
this week's contribution is from Ed Klassen, Good Shepherd Centre
Over the years I have heard stories that may never have gotten much attention because they lacked adventure, action, and romance. These simple stories told of people who took the time to stop and say “thank you” or to simply sit and listen to someone because they cared. Such stories may be simple and often go un-noticed yet for some they are the motivation needed to keep going, to hang in there. As we work in the various centres , our clients, guests or our co-workers are listening to what we say and how we say things. What and how we say things can make our day or really spoil it. Taking the time to drop a kind and considerate word will be often more appreciated and remembered than we might imagine especially in these difficult and challenging days.
Fri 20/03/2009
Thanks to Marg Henderson for this week's message:
The following excerpts are taken from a document entitled « Living Our Mission », authored by Dr Beth Perry, associate professor of nursing and health studies at Athabasca University. I think they aptly apply to our work at Good Shepherd.
Hope at Work
To hope is to believe that somethng good lies ahead. Hope is necessary for good quality of life. The fostering of hope is an essential element of excellent care giving to the sick, including those who are seriously ill or dying and to those in recovery. Caregivers, who seek to keep hope alive, never give up on anyone;they never abandon a person who is in need. This emphasis on hope resonates from the core commitment to the dignity of all persons.
Compassion at Work
In considering the needs of others and responding to them, we are making life better for someone else, but in turn we are also making life better for ourselves. The amazing thing about compassion is that when one acts compassionately, peace comes to both parties, the giver and the one who receives.
Community at Work
The word community usually refers to a way of being together that gives each person involved a sense of belonging. Community is manifest in the touch of human warmth ... that could reach the seemingly unreachable.
Commitment at Work
Exemplary care is provided when care is given and received in a mutually affirming experience. Caring is a two way phenomenon. One human cannot touch another without being touched. Caregivers who are commited to living their missions are open to being changed by patient-caregiver encounters. The lessons they learn from these experiences move them towards being more caring, compassionate persons. Commitment leads to fulfillment.
Fri 30/05/2008
This week's message is courtesy of Sam Cino...
About 2 years ago, Sam Parker and Mac Anderson wrote a book titled 212°: The Extra Degree. This book makes a very powerful point that only one degree can make all the difference in the world………
If you're not familiar, here’s the idea:
At 211 degrees...water is hot.
At 212 degrees...it boils.
And with boiling water, comes steam.
And steam can power a locomotive.
And, it’s that one extra degree that...
Makes all the difference.
So many times in life, it’s that one extra degree of effort that separates the good from the great:
It is “good” to provide a bed and blanket for the night, but it is “great” to provide it with a warm and welcoming gesture, a smile, respect for the dignity of the client;
It is “good” to open the door to service, but it is “great” to provide a friendly, hospitable greeting as one enters;
It is “good” to say we are here for you, but it is “great” to be visibly present and available and readily accessible when needed;
It is “good” to be open 24/7, but it is “great” when we can show flexibility with our own schedules and conflicting priorities to meet the needs of the client;
It is “good” to anticipate and plan for change, but it is “great” to be able to recognize change as it happens and to demonstrate on-the-spot adaptability when it does.
It is that extra degree of effort that makes all the difference in the world for our community and the clients we serve. Who would have ever thought that one extra degree is all it takes to power a locomotive.
It is in the smallest things that we experience most powerful outcomes. It is not the “greatness” of the act, however, that is important, but rather, it is the great love that is put into the act that makes the difference. It was Mother Teresa that left us with her own extra degree of wisdom when she said:
“If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one…… In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love….. We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop”.
Thanks so much for your extra degree of effort that does, in fact, make a difference to all those we are privileged to serve . Without each and every one of you, we would not be able to continue the valuable ministry of Brother Mathias; the ministry that places Faith in People and enhances the quality of life of all those who come to us seeking assistance and support!
Give a great day and have a great day! Thank-you!
How to Install Love - February 14, 2008
A call comes through on the “Good Shepherd Centres” customer service line from a client:
Customer Service Rep:
Yes, Ma'am, how can I help you today?
Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install divine love. Can you guide me through the process?
CS Rep: Yes, I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?
Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready to install now. What do I do first?
CS Rep: The first step is to open your HEART. Have you located your HEART ma'am?
Customer: Yes I have, but there are several other programs running right now. Is it okay to install while they are running?
CS Rep: What programs are running ma'am?
Customer: Let's see, I have PAST-HURT.EXE, LOW-ESTEEM.EXE, GRUDGE.EXE, and RESENTMENT.COM DIVINE LOVE.Com running right now.
CS Rep: No problem. LOVE will gradually erase PAST-HURT.EXE from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory, but it will no longer disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventually overwrite LOW-ESTEEM.EXE with a module of its own called HIGH- ESTEEM.EXE. However, you have to completely turn off GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM. Those programs prevent LOVE from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ma'am?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?
CS Rep: My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invoke FORGIVENESS.EXE. Do this as many times as necessary until GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM have been completely erased.
Customer: Okay, done. LOVE has started installing itself automatically. Is that normal?
CS Rep: Yes. You should receive a message that says it will reinstall for the life of your HEART. Do you see that divine message?
Customer: Yes I do. Is it completely installed?
CS Rep: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Heart's in order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops. I have an error message already. What should I do?
CS Rep: What does the message say?
Customer: It says "ERROR 412 - PROGRAM NOT RUN ON INTERNAL COMPONENTS." What does that mean?
CS Rep: Don't worry ma'am, that's a common problem. It means that the LOVE program is set up to run on external HEARTS but has not yet been run on your HEART. It is one of those complicated programming things, but in non-technical terms it means you have to "LOVE" your own machine before it can "LOVE" others.
Customer: So what should I do?
CS Rep: Can you pull down the directory called "SELF-ACCEPTANCE"?
Customer: Yes, I have it.
CS Rep: Excellent. You're getting good at this.
Visit: http://www.lovethissite.com/installlove/ to read the rest of this story.
All staff members within the Good Shepherd are considered “customer service reps,” in that they know exactly how to help clients “install” divine love into their hearts. This “reboots” their HOPE.EXE and allows them face challenges that they thought were lost in the hands of viruses.
“All you need is love.” – The Beatles
Happy Valentine’s Day!
January 25, 2008
“They may see the good you do as self serving,
Continue to do good.
They may see your generosity as grandstanding,
Continue to be generous.
They may see your warm and caring nature as a weakness.
Continue to be warm and caring.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It never was between you them anyway.”
Crackpot
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.
'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'
The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?'
'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'
'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
SO, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the
path!
November 23, 2007
The following is from the Friendship Book of Francis Gay (1991).
In my old Bible there is a picture illustrating Paul’s plea to “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” It shows a line of pilgrims walking along the road, each with a pack on his back, and each supporting the pack on the back of the person in front.
It’s a lovely example of the help we give and receive throughout life – and very often, just at the time we are giving somebody a helping hand with a burden, we find our own being lifted, too”
The above reminds me of the work we do at Good Shepherd, First, we all work together as a team to help those who are in need. Second, what I like about the Good Shepherd is that there is no discrimination against colour, race, creed, culture. I have been here for just over a year now and am impressed with the willingness to accept people for who they are, to reach out to help where help is needed whether it be offering a shelter for the night, food, clothing or simply to lend a listening ear. The folks helped are given not only the daily necessities of life but are often given a word of encouragement. There is satisfaction in seeing someone leave any one of our sites with a smile or even a hearty laugh as they go out to face a new day. The greatest benefit for me is knowing that in some small way I have helped someone .
November 9, 2007
“There is no peace in the world today because
There is no peace in the minds of people”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will inherit the earth”
“World peace can be achieved, revealed, offered and manifested on earth
when in each person
the power of love replaces the love of power”
“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”
“There never was a good war or a bad peace.”
God doesn't make Junk -November 19, 2007
Thanks to Bryan Smith (Barrett Centre) for this week's reflection
We've all heard or seen this statement "God doesn't make Junk"….it may sound trite yet it speaks an important truth. I bet many of you have used it in conversation with clients and colleagues. We have all met folks who appear to be so accustomed to failure….people who sabotage their own success, rather than waiting for what they believe is inevitable. We may even have struggled at some point in our own life with this self-destructive behaviour.
According to Bryan, one of his effective tools to overcome such thinking is his reliance on the power of prayer.
You may know other ways and have been passing them on in your daily work with the many clients you see each day.
The Creator…God…or whatever name you are comfortable with….does not make mistakes…does not make "junk." So as you continue today in the important job of having "Faith in People," please bear in mind that while life may be challenging or even difficult, each person is significant.
November 2, 2007
" An Effort Made For the Happiness of Others Lifts Us Above Ourselves.” Lydia Maria Child
Eva says, "In reading this I am mindful of the many benefits of serving others; one of which is the gift of shifting focus from ourselves to the greater good of the collective. This in turn makes the world a better place for all of us. "
You Are So Blessed
Thanks to Tom Montgomery, Notre Dame School Program, for this week’s inspirational message.
You Are So Blessed
If you woke up this morning, with more health than illness,
You are more blessed than the million who won’t survive the week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture
Or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.
If you are able to practice your personal belief system without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death,
You are more blessed than almost 3 billion people in the world.
If you have food in your frig, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed….many aren’t able to enjoy such pleasures.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over 2 billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
We are BLESSED in ways that we may never know.
BLESSINGS to ALL!!!
ContentThe 20 $ bill ~ Oct0ber 26, 2007
Sometimes we just need to be
reminded!
A well-known speaker
started off his seminar by:
holding up a $20.00
bill. In the room of 200, he asked,
"Who would like this
$20 bill?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this
$20 to one of you
but first, let me
do this.
He
proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.
He then asked, "Who
still wants it?"
Still the hands
were up in the air.
Well, he
replied, "What if I do this?"
And he
dropped it on the ground
and started
to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now, who still wants it?"
Still the hands went into the air.
My friends, we have all learned a
very valuable lesson.
No matter what
I did to the money, you still wanted it
because it did not decrease in value.
It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives,
we are dropped, crumpled, and ground
into the dirt
by the decisions we
m ake and
the circumstances that come
our way.
We feel as though we are
worthless.
But no matter what has
happened or
what will happen, you
will never lose your value.
Dirty or
clean, crumpled or finely creased,
you are still
priceless to those who DO LOVE you.
The worth of our
lives comes not in what we do or who we know,
but by WHO WE ARE and
WHOSE WE ARE.
You are
special
Don't EVER forget it."
Count your blessings,
not your problems.
The Rope of Hope~ March 5 , 2007
Most of us are familiar with the meaning of the phrase “I’m at the end of my rope.”
Many of us have at one time or other experienced the feelings expressed in this statement. When we are literally at the end of a rope, we often tie a knot in the rope and hold on.
For a moment, let’s think of the knot in the rope as HOPE.
Every day, as we carry out the work of the Good Shepherd,
by making ourselves available to others,
by flexing to accommodate the unplanned,
by adapting to new circumstances that arise
by extending welcome and acceptance to all and
by showing respect for life at all stages . . .
as we extend “love unlimited” to all those we serve,
do we think of ourselves as throwing out countless ropes, each having as its knot
the gift of hope?
Thanks to Marg Henderson for this week's inspiration...
Make a Difference~February 19 , 2007
Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer he called out,"Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean." "I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die." "But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!" The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."
Each and everyone of you is like that young man at the beach -- you make a difference every single day, in the lives of those seeking shelter, comfort and care. Through your availability, adaptability, flexibility, hospitality and dignity -- take the time to reflect and feel great about the amazing things you are making happen for those in our community who come to you in times of need.
You Raise Me Up~ February 2 , 2007
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up . . . To more than I can be.
Josh Groban
Reflection~ Your Raise me Up
An open door
Eye contact
A sincere smile
A hand that bids “enter”
The welcome
You raise me up
Words of encouragement
A hot meal
A warm shower
A clean bed
A change of clothing
A place to stay
. . . A temporary address
. . . A home but not a home
. . . The response
. . . You raise me up
· Feelings of hope and purpose identified
· Security is experienced
· Healing begins
· Dignity and self worth valued
. . . The impact
. . . You raise me up
· A building – house or home . . . the place
· Caring and responsive management, staff and volunteers
· Understanding and supportive benefactors
· Responsible and responsive government
. . . The way
. . . You raise me up
· Availability, hospitality, flexibility, adaptability, and respect for life continues to give meaning and purpose to
the welcome
the response
the impact
the way
From 1951 ‘till 1990 Mathias Barrett was
the welcome and
the response
witnessed the impact and
stimulated the way
· His dream, his vision, his willingness to march to the sound of a different drummer
· His humanity and personality
· His ability to believe in people and to stand shoulder to shoulder with men, women, and children identified “as different” has enabled, inspired, and enthused others to march to the sound of that different drummer.
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary,
When troubles come and my heart burdened be,
Then, I am still and wait here in silence
Until you come and sit a while with me.
Today we recognize you, the staff, who because of ideals believe that individually and collectively you (we) can help:
Raise them up
· So that they can stand again on mountains
· Can again walk on stormy seas
Your commitment and service allows others the opportunity to
RISE UP !
Reflection by Brother Justin
Something to ponder...January 12 , 2007
"You will find that charity is a heavy burden to carry;
Heavier than the kettle of soup and basket of bread.
But you must your gentleness and your smile keep.
Giving soup and bread isn't all that the rich can do.
The poor are your masters, terribly sensitive:
exacting as you will see.
But the uglier and dirtier they are, the more unjust and bitter, the more you must give them your love.
It's only because of your love - only your love -
that the poor will forgive you
the bread you give them."
~ St. Vincent de Paul
The Work of Christmas January 1 , 2007
When the song of angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the brothers,
to make music in the heart.
~ Howard Thurman
Angels Without a Face~December, 2006
I thought I saw an angel once
She fluttered in my space
Her arms were flowing, her wings were glowing
Yet she didn’t have a face
It must have been a dream I had
When I woke from a cold dark place
To the warmth of the glowing angel’s hair
An angel without a face
Without her eyes, she saw me rise
From my cardboard-bedded place
Without her lips, she smiled and quipped
Yet she didn’t have a face
Without her ears, she heard my fears
And listened with a caring pace
Without her nose, she smelled my woes
Even though she had no face
I had wished this cherubim would stay
But one day she left without a trace
I then hoped to recognize this friend one day
Though she didn’t have a face
I am poor and hungry, sick and lame
I am beaten and in despair
No home nor clothing warm enough
I needed a place where people care
As the days went by and the nights grew cold
Came Christmas time again
When the lonely are among the young and old
And among women, kids and men
But the miracle of Good Shepherd lay
In the guidance given others
By the faceless angels who lead the way
To the doors of the Little Brothers
I arrived at the steps of a shelter where
I was met with a warm embrace
Where I felt at home in the foreign air
Cause my angel now had a face.
I was clothed and fed and felt all right,
And as I retired in the dorm’s protection
I glanced at the mirror to say good-night
And saw the angel,
There too,
In my own reflection.
~ Sam Cino 2006
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