Night Before Christmas

A different perspective of how it really was the night

 before Christ was born!

Giving Back Year Round

If you want to pay it forward and live in Southeast Tennessee consider donating and/or volunteering at The Caring Place. On their website their philosophy is summed up with on sentence-a scripture that reads: "Let all you do be done in love."- 1 Corinthians 16:14. It's a place that helps those in need by providing clothing and also food from volunteer maintained gardens. There are social workers on site to evaluate social needs such as improved living conditions and immediate health concerns.

This facility also has a school sack lunch program that provides nutritious lunches to those children that would otherwise go without. This ensures more focus and concentration throughout the day and in turn, better learning for all kids!

The Caring Place takes donations of money (and accept paypal), clothing and/or time. If you want to learn more about this amazing place of hope read more at http://thecaringplaceonline.org/.

Donations are tax deductible and information is available through the site and in person at the location.

If you want to do something that matters and help others contact The Caring Place at (423) 472-4414

In The Mood For Christmas Music!

Just hit play and listen as you go about your day! 

Take time to meditate on what the season is really about!

Praise and be Thankful! Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving in Action: Be Grateful

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (1 Timothy 4:4-5 and Colossians 3:15)

Be thankful for EVERYTHING you'd rather not be without. Let us as Americans never lose sight of the fact that most of our 'problems' are 1st world inconveniences in comparison to the struggles and suffering of others. Be grateful for what and who you have in your life and show it by letting loved ones know they're loved and giving to others. Pay it forward!

A Graceful Life

A young man of 17 years old learns he is dying of terminal cancer.

 What he does next teaches others how to live!

Zach's Story

Clouds by Zach Sobiech Performed by Various Artists

Lessons of Real Love & Devotion

The 16th Century philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes stated that all animals (referring to those outside the human race) were automatas (red-blooded machines without thoughts or emotions). Many have held onto that belief throughout time. Even in today's society, many usually think of love, compassion and devotion as acts of human kindness-the love you see in families or in a marriage (if priorities are in right order) and sometimes possibly a random act of kindness from one stranger to another.

Below are pictures and links to articles telling stories of true love in deed from animals! It's good to have positive role models and sometimes the best role models are our four-footed (feathered or oceanic) friends!

Jeffrey and Jermaine are beautiful examples! These two are brothers and Jeffrey is blind. Because of the love Jermaine has for him, he trained himself to be his seeing eye dog never leaving his side and even touching while they sleep to let him know he's always there!



http://theilovedogssite.com/the-story-behind-this-photo-will-leave-you-spechless/?utm_content=img-group&utm_source=FB_AllDogPages&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=SpeechlessPhoto_11-15-13


Rats have long been test subjects of science. Below you will find that compassion doesn't escape them either! Without any promise of reward and no incentive but to relieve their fellow rodents distress, they learn how to work the mechanics of a trap door.

In another study that was conducted in 1958, hungry rats were given access to food. All they had to do was pull a lever that sent an electric shock to their litter mate. They wouldn't do it! They chose hunger over hurting their fellow rat!



http://freefromharm.org/farm-animal-intelligence/rats-not-only-show-compassion-but-arguably-more-than-some-humans-in-unprecedented-new-uofc-study/

http://www.livescience.com/24800-animals-emotions-morality.html

Elephants are the largest creatures on land. They also have some of the most respectful rituals for a fallen member of their herd. Also, just as a human visits a grave site of a loved one, so do elephants visit the bones of a deceased herd member for years to come. We have tomb stones and grave markers whereas elephants just REMEMBER!



http://www.livescience.com/24800-animals-emotions-morality.html

Dolphins have been known to help others outside their own pod and even their own species! Several stories report humans being rescued from shark attack and stranded whales being guided back to sea-all by dolphins!



http://www.livescience.com/24800-animals-emotions-morality.html

Here, a bird shows love and compassion for his mate.



Dogs show love and heal wounds like no other!