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Friday November 13, 2009

Good News Friday: Rachel Ray Saves Soup Kitchen

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With over 15% of the population unemployed, the folks in Wilmington, Ohio have been hit hard and many of them rely heavily on a local soup kitchen called "Your Father's Kitchen" for their evening meal. Then, hard times hit the soup kitchen, too and just as they were about to shut their doors, an angel appeared.

When celebrity chef, Rachel Ray, heard the soup kitchen was about to close, she decided to lend some helping hands. While on tour with Nick Lachey, Rachel Ray and her entire crew stopped at the Wilmington, Ohio kitchen to not only
help keep their doors open, but to remodel their entire kitchen.

Along with the remodel, the soup kitchen received 
new appliances, a more workable space and enough food to last for a year with the help of Sara Lee!

"Now, says Allen Willoughby, director of the soup kitchen, we'll get their pies and all their breads and bakery goods and meats. It's going to be great." The kitchen feeds up to 500 people a day.

"The town has been devastated, said Rachel Ray. "We want to do something for them that will last much longer than one meal, one day."

If you'd like to help out too, contact Feeding America,or Share Our Strength to find out about local food banks or soup kitchens in your area.

With the holidays approaching, let's see what we can do to share our blessings with those who are in need of our care and support

God Bless you, Rachel Ray and your wonderful crew for your good work.

Peace & Blessings!

Wednesday November 11, 2009

Wednesday's Blessing: For Our Veterans


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Please pause today to remember all those past and present who have fought for our country and freedom.

For Those Who Serve
We ask you, dear Lord
to hold our men and women
in you loving hands
As they travel far from home,
keep them safe in other lands.
They are admired, cherished
and loved, we respectfully say.
Their families, giving and enduring,
so we can live the American way.
We bow our heads,
honor them in prayer,
and ask that You keep them,
Lord, in Your divine care.
For the gift of freedom
is ours today, thanks to
these brave Americans.

~ Catherine Galasso-Vigorito



Friday October 30, 2009

Good News Friday: "Empty Bowls" Events Feed the Hungry

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There is a wonderful "grassroots" movement growing around the country with the mission of feeding the hungry, disadvantaged and homeless and it's called "EMPTY BOWLS."

"EMPTY BOWLS" events are popping up everywhere and we certainly need them. According to the USDA, over 36 million Americans are food insecure...and just do not have enough to eat. Yes, times have been tough but I still believe that this country has enough that no one should be going hungry. We CAN do something about this.

This "grassroots" effort is a great concept that is quickly catching on. It's easy to do, it creates community and feeds people. YOU COULD EVEN START AN "EMPTY BOWLS" EVENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY! How about that!??

Here's how it works:

1. Organize a community meeting in your town or city AND RECRUIT volunteers to help feed the hungry or homeless in your area.

2. Ask local schools to make special bowls in their art classes and local artists to do the same.

3. Once you've collected enough handmade bowls...throw a fundraiser at your local church or community center. Serve soup and bread in the bowls...which people will buy. Then, give the proceeds to your local Food Panty, Soup Kitchen or Homeless Shelter.

4. For information about hosting your own "EMPTY BOWLS EVENT" visit their website.

Empty Bowls is a non-profit organization "dedicated to positive and lasting social change through the arts, education, and projects that build community."

I'm going to challenge our readers to step up and participate. 

I'm planning to host an event in my area around Thanksgiving and I'll report back how it went. You do the same and let me know how it goes. Sound good?

Come on...it'll be fun! Just think of all those sweet bellies we'll be feeding and how good it'll feel to know you did what you could to make a difference.

Peace and Blessings!


Friday October 23, 2009

Good News Friday: 173 Million Unite to End Poverty

A staggering 173 million people joined the United Nations on Wednesday --- breaking the Guinness World Record --- in a stand to end global poverty. In over 3,000 events around the world in 120 countries, people of all races, religions and cultures united in a collective voice to incite the leaders of the world to take action to stamp out global poverty.

During one event, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonu said, "the global economic crisis has claimed at least 50 million jobs this year and up to 100 million more people are expected to fall below the poverty line."

It seems to me that the recession has a way of waking people up to what is going on around them. This year, over 60 million more people showed up to support "Anti-Poverty Day" than attended last year. That's quite a shift...yeah team!

Maybe we're actually getting to the point that we're standing up and saying it's just not okay to give billions of dollars to bail out Wall Street while millions live in poverty and go hungry.

According to the Borgen Project, a Seattle-based non-profit, for 30 billion dollars annually we could end world hunger. Compare that to the bailout of AIG, which cost us 180 billion dollars!

So, I was thinking...since we the people, now own 80% of AIG, perhaps we should mandate that they pick up the part of the hunger tab in lieu of paying those big bonuses?

Now that would be good news...and a little justice served.

All in favor...say I!
 
At least I know where to go to get 173 million votes. Let's thank all of those who are taking a stand!

Here's a great prayer for today:

May God bless us with discomfort
       at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
       so that we may live deep within our hearts.
 
May God bless us with anger
       at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
       so that we may work for economic justice for all people.
 
May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer
       from pain, hunger, homelessness and rejection,
       so that we may reach out our hand to comfort them
       and to turn their pain into joy.
 
And may God bless us with enough foolishness
       to believe that we can make a difference in the world
       so that we can do what others claim cannot be done.
 
(From Education for Justice - www.educationforjustice.org
 
Peace & Blessings!

Monday October 19, 2009

Money Coaching Monday: Credit Card Practices Bankrupting Americans

Before the recession began a little over a year ago, credit card companies were offering some of the most attractive rates and balance transfers ever seen. Many people were using credit cards to not just supplement their lifestyles, but many also began using these offers as a means of financing their businesses.

It made sense to transfer an 8% SBA loan to a 3.99% fixed rate with a credit card company...that's quite a savings. The problem is that apparently these companies can't be trusted and their "lifetime" fixed rate offers were not worth the paper they were printed on.

As we speak, the banks that we bailed out with billions in federal loans, are now rapidly changing the rates and terms of their previous agreements and driving more and more people and small businesses into financial crisis and bankruptcy. Without cause or conscience as to the potential consequences they are creating for their customers. Customers who were paying faithfully and honoring their agreements no less.

That's right...you don't have to have been late, gone over limit, or done anything for that matter for a bank or credit card company to raise your rates, decrease your line of even increase your required minimum payment to twice it's previous amount.

Meanwhile, the new credit card law that Obama signed in May, which was meant to prevent these very practices from occurring, is not effective until July 2010. Effectively, what the government appears to have done is provided a window of opportunity to these companies to do whatever they please. By the time the law is effective, it'll no longer be needed and the damage will be done.

Personally, I think this could become the equivalent of the mortgage industry debacle that began the cycle of this economic meltdown. Millions of Americans have a credit card with a balance. If credit card companies continue with these blatantly abusive practices, the national default rates will increase. And we cannot afford another meltdown.

We greatly need to pass the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights and we need it now. I strongly urge you to contact Congress and your local representatives now. Tell them your stories and how these unethical and unfair credit practices are affecting you, your family and/or your business. Urge them to pass this new law before more Americans are driven into financial crisis and insolvency. Enough is enough.

Peace & Blessings!




Friday October 16, 2009

Wayne Dyer's New Movie "The Shift"

I had a wonderful evening recently that I'd like to share with you. After a long and somewhat grueling day, I sat down in the quiet of my living room and watched Wayne Dyer's wonderful new film, "The Shift" and...

Wednesday October 14, 2009

Prayer for Sedona Sweat Lodge Victims

Today's prayer is dedicated to the victims of the Sedona sweatlodge tragedy and their families. Prayer for Peace Lord, Make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, Let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where...

Tuesday October 13, 2009

How to Spot a Charlatan

I was both saddened and dismayed by the recent deaths and injuries that occurred during self-help "guru" James Arthur Ray's "Spiritual Warrior" retreat in Sedona, Arizona last week. There are so many things about this retreat that are disturbing that...

Friday October 9, 2009

Good News Friday: Superheroes Anonymous

Apparently "Superheroes" are not just for the movies or comic books anymore. Motivated by difficult economic times, high crime and homelessness, a new movement of real life "Superheroes" has sprung up across the country. Real life "Superheroes"....for real? Yep, and...

Wednesday October 7, 2009

The Baucus Plan: Health Care Reform Basics

A group of centrist Democrats wrote a letter to Baucus and Reid (heading up the Senate Finance Committee's Healh Care Reform Plan), requesting additional time and transparency for all parties to have more time to evaluate and weigh in on...

Tuesday October 6, 2009

The Obama Plan: Health Care Reform Basics

As the health care reform debate continues and a Senate vote approaches, I thought this would be a good time to become more aware of the issues and to take some last minute action. So, here's some information you might...

Friday October 2, 2009

Good News Friday: No Impact Man Makes a Big Impact

One day New York history writer, Colin Beavan, found himself unable to write about the past any longer because he was simply too worried about the future. He was so concerned about global warming that he decided to start an...

Thursday October 1, 2009

Support for Earthquake and Tsunami Victims

As someone who's life has been devastated by an earthquake, I can tell you there is nothing more terrifying. Consequently, I have a great deal of sensitivity and compassion to all of those who have been impacted by the recent...

Friday September 25, 2009

Good News Friday: Uniting to Fight Global Poverty

Welcome to Good News Friday! We've all had a long year of bad news on just about every front and I think it's time to start focusing and sharing what's happening all around us that is GOOD, POSITIVE AND LIFE-AFFIRMING!...

Thursday September 17, 2009

Brianna Karp: From Homeless to Hopeful

I was really moved and impressed by a recent CNN report about 24-year-old Brianna Karp who was homeless and living in an RV following the loss of her job, which inevitably led her to run out of money. The RV...

Tuesday September 15, 2009

Money Prayer for Our Financial Prayer Circle

Please join us in prayer for all those in need of financial support. Thank you! Here's this week's requests from our Financial Prayer Circle:I am asking for prayers for my Dear Life Mate Richard who works so hard but still...

Tuesday September 8, 2009

Obama's Speech to Students: A Powerful Message

I was deeply moved by President Obama's speech to students today. I know if I had heard this speech when I was in high school, it would have had an enormous impact on my life. Because not unlike many of...

Thursday September 3, 2009

Health Care Reform: Finger Pointing Can be Hazardous

As Organizing for America's Big Blue Bus trekked around the country this week following the kick-off of an 11-city tour, rallies in support of Health Care reform began organizing all across the country. In the Bay area, where I live,...

Saturday August 29, 2009

Health Care Reform: Time to Review Our Options

Since we will all be personally and financially impacted by whatever comes to pass relative to  Health Care Reform, I thought I'd attempt to offer some guidance around the various (and often complex) proposals that are being promoted on Capitol...

Wednesday August 26, 2009

Ted Kennedy: Last in a Legacy of Knights

Today was a sad day for all Americans who now stand as witness to the end of a family legacy of almost mythic proportion: The Kennedy Brotherhood. With Ted Kennedy's passing today we will most certainly experience a great loss...

Friday August 7, 2009

Money Problems: Where There's Help There's Hope

As our economic problems continue to grow, so too, do the number of people who are experiencing financial difficulties. Unfortunately, many  people are unable to cope with these challenges and often do not know where to turn for help. When...

Monday August 3, 2009

Money Coaching Monday: "Recession Angels"

In times like this recession, it can be difficult to see and hear the good that is happening all around us. One great new movement that's taking place and worthy of paying attention to is called the "People's Stimulus Package." ...

Tuesday July 28, 2009

How to Become a "Recession Angel"

In times like this recession, it can be difficult to see and hear the good that is happening all around us. One great new movement that's taking place and worthy of paying attention to is called the "People's Stimulus Package." ...

Friday July 17, 2009

Steve McNair: Where There's No Will, There's No Way

It's tragic enough that Steve McNair died a violent death at such a young age, but even sadder yet that he died without a will or proper estate planning, which will greatly impact his wife and children. It's amazing...

Thursday July 16, 2009

Making Friends with Money

I've been noticing lately how many people seem to have an angry or unhappy relationship with money. This is understandable given the recession, but it's unfortunate because money can be a really good friend and resource that can assist us...

Saturday July 4, 2009

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Happy 4th of July Everyone! As you celebrate our Independence Day, I ask you to take a minute to reflect upon what our Forefathers meant when they wrote "The Declaration of Independence." Their words are deeply profound and worth remembering...

Wednesday July 1, 2009

Wednesday's Blessing: Farewell, Michael Jackson

Today's blessing is dedicated to Michael Jackson. Farewell, Michael...may you finally rest in  peace.Into the Mist and MysteryAs rain falls on the forest ground, As rivers run 'til the sea is found, As grasses grow and birds abound, Our dear...

Monday June 29, 2009

Money Coaching Monday: The Dark Side of Money

When the morning news announced that Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison today, I found myself wanting to do the "happy dance." But I didn't...simply because that first wave of elation quickly subsided into sadness.  No, I'm...

Friday June 26, 2009

Michael Jackson: A Reminder of What Money Can't Buy

I find it sad that Michael Jackson, the king of pop, died this week and most of the news surrounding his death is about his financial life...how much his estate dropped in value, speculation of his net worth, how much...

Monday June 15, 2009

Money Coaching Monday: Congratulations Graduates...Welcome to Life 101!

(Note: Today's blog is dedicated to my goddaughter, Alexandra McGrath, who graduated.from UCSB yesterday. I love you, Alex!) Congratulations to the Class of 2009 college graduates! This is an extraordinary time that is rich with newly acquired wisdom and knowledge...

Tuesday May 26, 2009

Sonia Sotomayor: From the Projects to the Supreme Court

Wow...the news just came in that President Barack Obama has nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor for appointment to the Supreme Court. Perhaps the tides are beginning to turn again and there is hope once more for greater equality and justice in...

Friday May 8, 2009

Inexpensive Ways to Appreciate Mom

When I was a little girl, it went without saying that my father and my sisters would somehow find a way to buy my mother a bottle of Chanel No.5 for Mother's Day. It was a tradition. Some years it...

Thursday May 7, 2009

Prescription for Mothers Coping with Financial Challenges

Many of our readers are women and mothers who are experiencing a great deal of stress during this economic crisis. As a mother myself, I know just how hard it can be to carry the weight of managing family finances,...

Tuesday April 14, 2009

Ten Tips for Improving Tax Day

Normal 0 Let's face it...April 15th is not exactly one of our favorite date's on the calendar. In fact, it can be downright stressful and turn an otherwise good day into little more than a grouchy irritation to be...

Tuesday March 24, 2009

Child Abuse Rises During Financial Crisis and Stress

One of the most painful side-effects of financial hardship is the rise of child abuse and neglect. As families struggle with day-to-day survival issues and mounting financial pressures, some parents can be pushed over the edge and end up taking...

Thursday March 19, 2009

History Lessons: Learning from the Past

"Challenging economic times can yield great advancements and ultimately unleash new, innovative thinking."  ~ Ruppert MurdochHistory is such a powerful teacher. Given our current financial crisis, perhaps it is time to reflect on the past to learn how those before...

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Prayers for Jobs and Money


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About Your Daily Spiritual Stimulus

Financial crisis blogger Deborah Price is devoted to offering hope and support during these difficult times. As a former financial adviser and pioneer in the field of money coaching, she has spent 25 years helping people deal with financial stress from a spiritual, emotional and practical perspective. She is the author of Money Magic: Unleashing Your Potential for Wealth and Prosperity.

Read Deborah's full biography.

You can find out more about Deborah at her website The Money Coaching Institute and Money Therapy.

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