Friday, April 19, 2013

Gratitude and Giving Back

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
George Herbert
I haven't turned the television on in weeks.
And don't read the newspaper.
So it wasn't until late Tuesday morning that I learned of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
I will never understand such senseless, evil acts.
Why do some people feel the need to cause such suffering?
Several years ago I bought The Happiness Project but never finished reading it.  At the time, I think it wasn't quite what I expected so I couldn't get into it.
But I've decided to give it another chance. 
In the midst of a crazy world, I think it is best to concentrate on being grateful, happy, positive individuals.
And to use our talents to give back.
My next stash busting project is in support of LILY.
Dianne Jones is a Brit living in Turkey who, along with volunteers, provides knitted (and crocheted) garments and blankets for children in need.
Right now, they are making blankets for Syrian refugees.
I've gone with a granny square since they are quick to make.
The group is asking for only 3 squares, but I plan to work up more than that before mailing them out.
 I hope all is well in your corner of the world.
Have a great day!

38 comments:

Yvonne said...

I'm the same, I don't watch much TV and when I do it's always something horrific happening. Breaks my heart to hear such things happening over and over.
I try to focus on the lovely things, not downplaying the sad things at all, but it's all a way to cope...otherwise I think I would just cry and cry.
I've been busy in the garden, enjoying our wonderful weather.

Cat said...

I too prefer not to watch the news it is so full of negativity though I do watch the little snippets of ads and so feel that it is enough. What happened in Boston is just horrific and senseless I don't understand either. It is so important to try and stay positive and books like the Happiness Project help to keep you thinking on that path. I hope that your weekend is a lovely one. :)

La Tea Dah said...

It's been a tough week. I wish I hadn't turned on the television. :(

I appreciated your post today. The verse at the top was calming and your kitty picture, precious.

kathyinozarks said...

I agree with you, I watch just enough news to stay informed and that's it
I do the same try to turn a negative into a positive. that is so wonderful to be helping the syrian children-hugs

Catherine said...

That's why I try to never watch the news. It seems like if the situation is bad enough, we hear about it anyways. It's all so sad isn't it?

Wishing you lots of happiness for the weekend Tammy!
xo Catherine

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Love the quote you shared and the sweet kitty looking heavenward.

Pretty colors in the square you crocheted. What a nice project you are involved in!

Everydaythings said...

all is well in this corner of the world, sadly not so in others, especially Boston - that has just been horrific!

I like the square and even more so the sentiment behind making it and sending it to for such a worthy cause! I'm still hard at it practising my crochet!

hooksandyarns said...

I don't understand it either - it's terrible what's going on.

Love the colors in your granny square - it looks Springy. :)

Gayle said...

No TV = Less stress these days. As a Christian, I love the scripture that instructs us to think on things that are pure. It's not always easy, but always rewarding.

Susan said...

Hi Tammy...It's true that we must all just concentrate on the immense amount of good there is in the world and on people contributing to others, like yourself!

We can each do our tiny part to make the world a better place. Susan

Betsy said...

Thank you for this post. It reflects my thoughts and feelings to a "T"! Although there is great evil in this world, we can choose to do God's work whiles we're here. And that is why I am involved in so much charity knitting/crocheting. There are many more good people, helping others every day than there are of the other sort. We just don't hear about it. Have a lovely weekend,
Blessings,
Betsy

Linda said...

Hi Tammy,
I love your thoughts and quotes as usual and that photo of your cat is so very beautiful. Love the lighting in it. And of course, I see you're making more wonderful items. Good for you.

I do watch a couple of shows on television once a week, but I hate the news and refuse to watch or read most things, though I did get hooked into reading/watching some about the Boston bombings, though I shouldn't. I just can't. It's not that I don't care because of course I do, it's just that I already know all of these things go on in the world because we live in a fallen place with so much hate, and if I could, I would remove myself from all of it and live in a sweet house way in the woods somewhere or by the sea and barely leave home. Of course, I can't do that, so I try to just focus on mostly happy things and keep going.

Kind regards always,
Linda

Barbina said...

Hi Tammy, those horrible news came to me a bit later too. I´m so sad for all those people, who got hurt there, especially all those children.
I love your square! I will sit down and make a few too. Thanks so much for posting the link!
Many hugs and kisses to you! xxBarbina

Shane Pollard said...

I love your quote today - it makes us think about what we can do for others.

Your beautiful granny squares, crocheted with love will give warmth and comfort and will be gratefully received by the refugess - Bless you dear Tammy.
Hugs
Shane ♥

crafty cat corner said...

Hi Tammy
I also do not read newspapers and hardly ever listen to the news. Maybe I'm an ostrich who buries her head in the sand but I'd rather not hear it all.
I have a book I constantly refer to called 'End the Struggle and Dance with Life' most pages have something to give me positive thoughts.
I shall be making some squares to send out to Turkey, thanks for drawing my attention to this.
Just love that rascal Jingles in the first picture.
Have a lovely peaceful weekend
Hugs
Briony
xxxx

Pearlin J said...

I also have not watched Tv in ages .its really sad n mindless ,what happened in Boston. I'm sure the lovely work you do will bring comfort to a lot of people.Ive never done charity crochet except for the one we did inKuwait forKTAA

Pearlin J said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pearlin J said...

Thank you for the reminder for a grateful heart Tammy.wish you all the best

Createology said...

There is too much sadness in our world and I am not able to comprehend humans hurting other humans senselessly. May you crochet those granny squares with a grateful heart for all we do have and hope it transforms others to also be grateful. Blessings Dear...

Our Neck of the Woods said...

I've heard of that book but haven't read it yet. Sounds like a good read though. I normally don't watch the news, but when something bad happens it's like I can't turn it off.

Mereknits said...

Tammy, you always inspire me, with your words and kind actions. You are wonderful.
Hugs,
Meredith

Mistea said...

Beautiful. Love your granny square in its sunshiny colours. Enjoy your weekend.

Anonymous said...

I love making things for others who need them. It puts a special light on the act of creating. One that is bond with love and generosity.
I agree with you whole heartedly. Now is the time to focus on love and gratitude and appreciation and happiness. All the things that will bring balance back to a world that has tilted a bit off its axes. We can do it. We out number them.
XO~
Dawn

Sheila Rumney said...

I too hate to watch the news. Love your granny square. It was my beloved Grandma's favorite stitch too. What a wonderful thing to give back to others. It makes this world a more beautiful place.

Have a great weekend.

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm having a hard time with the senseless tragedy of Boston and Texas. I just don't get it. Thanks for the pretty moon shot. ((hugs)), Teresa

Becca said...

Hi Tammy! I love that last shot...is that a dusty sky? Looks cool though! Hope you have a lovely weekend, and that photo of Jingles is darling!

Melissa said...

Such an inspirational post and very thought provoking. Its so terrible what is going on in the world and I always admire your drive and pure determination to make this world a better place by spreading your kindness. God bless you my friend.

linda said...

I'm so pleased you are making squares for the Syrian refugees as well Tammy, my heart breaks for the whole terrible situation, I have many friends still trapped in Syria along with a son-in-law who can't get a visa to get out and join my daughter here in England.
The squares are great stash-busters too :)

Poppy said...

Hi Tammy,

It has definitely been a very trying week for the American people, and everyone really, around the world. Senseless acts of terror have taken centre stage, on television and computer screens, and the images are horrifying and unbelievable. It is difficult to stay positive sometimes, but we go on, life forces us to, and we pray for those families and friends, who are in great pain.

Poppy

Grammy Braxton said...

Thank you, Tammy, for this post. This senseless bombing is another in a long line of things I don't understand. But I truly appreciate the information about the squares. I will be making some to send to Turkey this weekend. It helps my soul and my mind to help others and you gave me the perfect outlet.

Hugs,
Sharon

glor said...

I have to say that I've been glued (when I can) to the news this past week. So much heartache in this world, praying that peace comes. The book sounds interesting, looking forward to what you think. The square is beautiful. How lovely what you are doing. Blessings to you Tammy. Your sweetness makes the world a better place.

Sharon said...

I also don't watch telly news but keep informed. The best thing I heard about all this is " when something bad happens, focus on the helpers"
gentlestitches.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Your thoughts are deep and sincere and one can only hope that there will be a final judge to all those that cause such suffering. There has to be a heaven as so many of us have no decent chance in this life...
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy,

So tragic the things that are happening in the world and so often I don't read the paper or listen to the news.
I love the project you are working on and yes, we do need to be grateful and happy and give back to those that need help.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend
hugs
Carolyn

Hindustanka said...

Everyone was speaking of these events, everyone was shocked and all couldn't understand why this happens...
I also thought that keeping ourselves positive and involved in good projects will help us and the world a little.
You are doing a great work for Syrian kids...they will feel love and care!
your cat is cute and always makes lovely poses for photos.

Lyn said...

My mother in law refuses to watch the news or read it. I think sometimes it can depress you so much. But there are many good things going on in the world that we must focus on these.
X

Melanie said...

I rarely watch TV either, Tammy. And never the news; it's too depressing. The only newspaper I read is the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune. Otherwise, if something major or important has happened in the world, I'll usually see it online - and inevitably, someone will post about it on Facebook.

Sarah said...

I just bought a faux stained glass piece that says "oh thou who has given us so very much, grant us one thing more a grateful heart." I was so thriledl when I found your blog and saw the poet and the actual poem it came from! So cool!

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