Strength of The Small Archives – Page 2 of 8

Strength of The Small Inspire Gratitude People

Blessed for Blessing Others

By JM PerezApril 5, 20141 min read1.6K views

Every year, around this time of year, I pray and ask the Almighty God to give me the strength to do what I have to do for myself and Family as well as the strength to bless someone in need. This year my prayers went out to one of our neighbors, an elderly couple, who have so much on their shoulders at the moment.

On Thursday I finally rid my entire property of weeds, for the second time, following last month’s three-day rain storm. This morning we headed over to our neighbors and began cleaning their front yard with the same love and care we did ours. It felt good and we were grateful to be able to gift them part of our time for a task that would give them peace of mind and a beautiful yard until next Winter, when the weeds return.

TODAY will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heals, and not wound. — *Image Source: QuotesPictures.com*

There are many ways to bless others:

Pray for someone
Visit and spend time with someone
Compliment and Express Gratitude
Volunteer your time to a meaningful task
Make time for your loved ones
Donate money to help a cause
Be a good example
Assist someone in need (make dinner, give a ride, babysit, tutor, etc)
Pay something forward and start a positive chain of action
Forgive

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness… all the good things.” ― Maya Angelou

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By JM Perez

Christmas Strength of The Small Family Gratitude

Happy Holidays!

By JM PerezDecember 23, 20131 min read541 views

This year I decided to keep the Christmas Tree decorating simple which meant no ribbons, bows, flowers, beaded garland and no train set up around the tree. I selected just a few of the ornaments and we randomly hung them, placing the vintage Angel Tree Topper at the top of our White Christmas Tree.

I used two different wrapping papers for the gifts as well as tags, to ensure that we each open what belongs to us. I have learned the hard way that my daughter dislike people opening gifts for her (unless she ask for help). I have my Christmas wrapping all set up and now looking forward to watching the joy of my kids faces when they discover what are in those carefully wrapped boxes.

In addition to the large elegant Wreath on the front door, there’s a weather-resistant Winter Garden Flag outside our front door to give our visitors an initial warm welcome.

May your hearts be filled with the Spirit of Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

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By JM Perez

Strength of The Small Inspire Life Lessons Gratitude People

Giving to Heal & Comfort

By JM PerezSeptember 25, 20132 min read524 views

While beautiful, the month of September has been quite rough with tension rising and emotions running wild. Somethings have been out of place and we are working hard at getting them right back on track. Hopefully the month will end just as beautifully has it started and we will all move forward to better things.

I learned just a few days ago of the death of a friend’s Mother. I would have received it sooner had I reminded my Middle and High School mates of my change of e-mail address. I am so thankful at how swiftly some of us react when it comes to assisting one another in times of need. A team on site with the collaboration of those of us who can’t be there, is getting everything ready to physically, emotionally and financially support the grieving family as they deal with their loss. I love giving and I am honored to be part of such a positive group.

Image Source: Trans4Mind.com. — *Image Source: JustMotivated.com.*

Why should you give? For one it’s the right thing to do and it doesn’t cost you much. Give because it will make a difference and because giving is the start of a positive chain of action. What can you give?

Your Money. There are so many good charities out there in need of financial support.
Your Time. Donate your time to the less fortunate, offer to help feed the needy, help rebuild a home, be there for someone in need. Make a difference by volunteering.
Your Material. Donate things you no longer need as long as they’ve been gently used and non-perishable.
Yourself. Donate blood (American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers, Blood Banker). Donate your hair to provide hair replacements/wigs for people who have lost their hair from cancer due to chemotherapy (Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Wigs for Kids, Children with Hair Loss). Think about the possibilities of becoming an organ donor.

“That’s what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.” ― Simone De Beauvoir

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By JM Perez

Scripture Strength of The Small Life Lessons People

Observing & Learning

By JM PerezSeptember 20, 20132 min read815 views

Do you know someone or have you ever had a conversation with someone who believes their way is the only way and who is reluctant to embrace new ideas? Often times, when we witness a wrong being done, our first instinct is to correct it. Mend the pieces and make it whole again. Though we should and must all face consequences for our actions; I find it a little harsh to tell people that they should lie in their bed the same way they made it. I also realize that as hurtful as it might be, it’s necessary.

As I was conversing with an old classmate recently, he asked me as a friend, to tell him what I dislike about him because he can’t have lasting relationships. Well, for one I let him know that in a relationship, no one is 1oo% at fault or innocent. We have to be honest from the start. We need to understand that we are all different and learn to compromise. Never underestimate, belittle anyone or anything. Never guess or assume things. Never speak on behalf of someone unless you can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your statement is true.

You probably know someone or have heard of someone whose drive in life seems to have faded to nothing and they cannot move on either because they don’t know how or they are not ready for the answer. Such individuals have not moved on past a certain point in their Life probably because they have not learned from the experience and thus, cannot absorb and/or retain new information.

After counseling, helping, assisting and going over the same process time and time again with little to no success; we must ask ourselves what is it we are doing? What are our expectations and what are we hoping to accomplish? Perhaps we need some peace of mind knowing that we tried? That we were there? That we did everything we could have done? That we gave everything we could have given? There comes a time too, when we need to let go of others hand and allow them to find themselves in the World because:

“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” ― Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Shambhala Classics).

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By JM Perez

Death Strength of The Small

Bille Mba’a Stephane {Memory of}

By JM PerezMay 4, 20132 min read735 views

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” – Gandhi

This morning I learning of the death of my dear and beloved friend, Stéphane Yves-Alexandre, gone to never return. Gone to the land of immortals, free of pain and prejudices. Your journey has just begun.

Stéphane Yves-Alexandre was an amazing person. He was a good friend to me and he reached out so many times when the World seemed not to pay attention and I thanked him, though I’m not sure I thanked him enough. I Love You, Alex. I will not speak of you in the past because you are ever so present in my heart. You mean so much more and nothing will ever fill the gap.

I join my voice with Angels and a million others to pray for the peaceful rest of your Soul. Thank you for sparing a few minutes of your time to talk to me a couple of months ago. You are a beautiful person, a kindhearted man and we will all miss you. It was a pleasure knowing you and an honor walking the Earth with you. I am praying for the loved ones you left behind, that they may find peace, comfort and strength in the Words of our Almighty God, to deal with challenges ahead.

“Nothing is really lost in the World; everything is preserved.” ― Joan Ambu

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” ― 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

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