There is a sad, unfortunate, and all-too-common scenario that happens on the street corners of the majority of large cities across the world. The situation is familiar to us all because we each have faced it several times. And while the locations and people may be different, the circumstances are often similar. Usually the setting includes a man or woman who is extremely unkept, smells and looks as though they have not showered for weeks, is often sitting next to the entirety of what they own, and their eyes and hands are outstretched pleading for assistance.

But I have often wondered what is more unfortunate – the awful circumstance of the sad and desperate beggar, whose situation was brought on by poor choices or unavoidable life circumstances; or is it actually found in the judgmental, scared, or selfish throngs of people who carelessly pass by these beggars – who also are human beings? (more…)

Who said service can’t be fun! Play this extremely fun service game as a family, with a youth group or a bunch of teenagers, on that next large group date night, or during your next game night.

Begin by dividing the group into two equal teams, or form teams of 4-5 people each. This service game can be won in various ways: the first team to complete all the activities and makes it back to a central location is the winner; or, the team that completes the most in an hour is the winner. Or, just divide the activities up evenly and each team must complete their tasks, and the first team back wins. But, each task requires either a (more…)

There is a difference between Pleasure and Joy. Pleasure is often temporary, usually results from getting something, and is most commonly motivated by selfish desires. Joy, however, most often comes as the result of unselfish living and giving, is motivated from within, and is certainly much more than mere temporal gratification because it is a feeling rewarded by the actions taken to bless the life of someone else.

And ironically, this joy does not usually come from monumental, recognized, and massively impactful donations or actions; in fact, it is the small, simple, and often unrecognized actions that mean the most, make the largest difference, and produce what is often referred to as ‘true joy.’

Our great challenge, thus, is not necessarily to (more…)

Below are listed 101 of the best community service project ideas. There are multiple project ideas ranging from individual service acts, to family service activities, to large group service projects. Regardless of whether you are looking for ideas of how to start and get involved to make a difference, or you are a regular volunteer – the reality is that we all can do a little more to help those with a lot less. Take the ideas below and implement those that fit your personality, interests, and situation. Be creative and allow these ideas to generate new and even better ideas and service projects that are perhaps applicable to your town and environment. Most importantly however, just do something – serve, volunteer, and make a difference. Have fun and help others in the process! (more…)

Below is part 2 of the Community Service Projects – 101 Ideas article series. Included in part 1 and 2 are 101 of the best community service project ideas. There are multiple project ideas ranging from individual service acts, to family service activities, to large group service projects. Regardless of whether you are looking for ideas of how to start and get involved to make a difference, or you are a regular volunteer – the reality is that we all can do a little more to help those with a lot less. Take the ideas below and implement those that fit your personality, interests, and situation. Be creative and allow these ideas to generate new and even better ideas and service projects that are perhaps applicable to your town and environment. Most importantly however, just do something – serve, volunteer, and make a difference. Have fun and help others in the process! (more…)

The entire purpose of our existence is to learn how to discipline our natural passions and tendencies, and in the process, develop the highest of all attributes – that of charity. Never forget, however, that charity and service are not the same. Charity is a characteristic trait, service is a kind act! And while charity is certainly developed through continual kind acts of service, charity also seeks no reward and is initiated because of unselfishness and love rather than the hope of recognition.

True service and charity are usually not accomplished through great one-time opportunities or philanthropic acts; but they are most often demonstrated best through habits of small, quiet, humble, and unrecognized actions of every day. Albert Einstein perhaps said it best when he penned: “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” This truth explains why happiness is found from (more…)