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  In this podcast episode, I conversed with Nella Juma, the current Program Coordinator of the JW Vines Foundation, a 501c3 organization in Riverside California.   The JW Vines Foundation was founded in 2001 as the philanthropic arm of the James Wesley Vines, Jr. M.D. Medical Society Inc. a component of the National Medical Association.  It's mission is to identify and remedy health care disparities by increasing the number of healthcare professionals who have diverse backgrounds to serve the undeserved and underrepresented communities of color.  The Foundation offers the Elma Vines Summer Academy and the Haiti Medical Mission Trip. Nella stated that the Foundation would like to increase the number of students who participate in the programs and their community contacts by increasing the number of participating physicians.  GUEST: Nella Juma, Program Coordinator of the JW Vines Foundation.  Nella learned how to be in service to others from her mother who always found ways at assist people in need.  Nella wants to be someone who is not just well known, but worth knowing.   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Nella encourages youth to ""   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: The Elma Vines Summer Academy is a 4 to 6 week paid program which allows students to shadow surgeons, general practitioners, pediatricians, and dentists. The students get the unique opportunity of shadowing the various physicians, work with office staff in addition to giving weekly presentations on their findings, creating quite the memorable experiences. Haiti Medical Mission Trip is a one week rigorous yet rewarding opportunity with partner H3 Missions, to assist physicians as they treat patients in various areas in Haiti still affected by the 7.0 earthquake that struck the island in 2010.   YOU CAN REACH JW Vines Foundation Email: office@jwvf.org Phone: 951-888-0611 Website http://www.vinesmedical.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VinesFoundation   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's conversation with Nella.  Do you have a student who might be interested in serving others in the healthcare or mission field?  Please st

  In today's episode I, along with Dylan and Isabelle (my 8-yr-old twins) conversed with Mac and William Winslow of The Food Drive Kid, an organization that is fighting to put an end to world hunger.   During our conversation today, we learned that William was only 6 years old when he told his Dad that he wanted to do something to help the children in his school who didn't have enough food to eat.  Since his initial conversation with his Dad, William has spearheaded several food drives.  Over the past 3 years, William, along with his family and over 150 volunteers have collected over 14,000 pounds of food and over $18,000 to feed the hungry.     GUEST: William Winslow aka "The Food Drive Kid" and his dad, Mac Winslow.  William is in the 4th grade and loves to swim.  William got the name "The Food Drive Kid" when a student at school referred to him as the "Food Drive Kid".   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: William says "" when you are trying to convince someone to help you do something good. He also says that "" in order to help others.  He encourages Isabelle and Dylan to "."   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: 1 out of 4 children in the Raleigh, North Carolina go hungry The Back Pack Buddies program helps to provide food for children who may not have enough food at home.  Everyone can do their small part to help a greater cause Parents can help their children to do great things if they listen to their children and help them find ways to help others Children can accomplish many things if they are willing to sacrifice some of their time to accomplish their goals William and his dad are putting together a toolkit to teach other children how to do similar programs in their communities   YOU CAN REACH THE FOOD DRIVE KID Website http://www.thefooddrivekid.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thefooddrivekid?fref=ts Twitter https://twitter.com/thefooddrivekid   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's conversation with William and his Dad.  Have your children expressed a desire to help others?

In today's podcast episode I encouraged parents and guardians to incorporate small acts of service into their daily lives.  I also discussed the Kids Character Building Club, a new club that I recently started in our town.   During Kids Character Building Club, I will be using the The Character Building Kit from the Steps Program to present the following 20 lessons on good character: Anger and Arguments Be the Best You Can Be Comparing Courage Diligence and Faithfulness Forgiveness Friendship Giving Honesty Kindness Making Decisions Obedience Overcoming Difficulties Patience Perseverance Positive Outlook Power of the Tongue Selfishness/Unselfishness Taking Responsibility Working Together   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's episode.  How do you teach your children to develop quality character?  Do share..... if you don't mind, in the comment section below.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. If you have not already subscribed to the show then please, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until we meet again, go out and be a Service Minded Family!

In this episode, I conversed with Dr. Jenny Friedman Founder and Executive Director of the 501 c3 organization, Doing Good Together.   According to their website, Doing Good Together was founded in 2004  "on the belief that when parents engage with their children in community service, they pass along the spirit of giving and goodness to their sons and daughters, strengthen their families, and create a new generation of volunteers, philanthropists, and kind, caring adults.provide tools to both families and organizations to help them raise compassionate, engaged children." Doing Good Together offers resources such as a monthly e-newsletter, family service fairs, Big Hearted Families book club and family service presentations, and workshops to name a few.  Jenny's vision is that families will include acts of kindness as a natural part of their existence and that schools and faith groups everywhere will use the tools that Doing Good Together has developed to positively impact their communities.   GUEST: Jenny Friedman, wife and mother of 3 adult children   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Jenny encourages parents to "Don't sweat the small stuff." She further encourages parents to listen to their children and to treat their children with respect.   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: Families should integrate community service as a part of regular life, not just items that they check off a list Parents should have conversations with their children about service so that it becomes an ongoing topic of conversation for the family When parents engage their families in service, kids grow up to be generous and compassionate adults   YOU CAN REACH WORLD TEACHER AID Email: jenny@doinggoodtogether.org Website http://www.doinggoodtogether.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/doinggoodtogether Twitter  https://twitter.com/doinggoodtgthr   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's conversation with Jenny.  Have you found small ways to get your family engaged in serving others?  Do share..... if you don't mind, in the comment section below.  If you enjo

  In this episode, I conversed with Amy McLaren, a full-time elementary school teacher and Founder of World Teacher Aid.  Amy and her husband Stu started World Teacher Aid approximately 7 years ago to bring education to areas in the world where people need it most by building schools.   Amy's interest in serving others came after spending many years traveling in some of the poorest areas in the world.  In 2008, Amy started a program called "Write to Give" to empower young children in their reading and writing skills and at the same time giving back to students and teachers in Developing Nations.  Amy recently launched the Bee Kind Today Facebook page to encourage families to do small acts of kindness.  Amy's and Stu's vision is to building 1 to 2 sustainable schools a year.    GUEST: Amy McLaren, wife of Stu McLaren and mother of a 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son. WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Amy says to parents when considering doing a project,  She continues, "You've gotta start moving in some direction."    TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: Families benefit when parents include their children in achieving their personal goals Families can find small ways to help people in need Parents should take small steps to accomplish their desired project   YOU CAN REACH WORLD TEACHER AID Email: Amy@WorldTeacherAid.org Website http://worldteacheraid.org  & http://writetogive.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WorldTeacherAid   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's conversation with Amy.  Have you considered starting an organization to help the helpless?  Do share..... if you don't mind, in the comment section below.  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. If you have not already subscribed to the show then please, head on over to iTunes

In today's podcast episode I conversed with Dr. Bryan and Kareen Wilson of Bethesda Medical Mission .  Dr. Wilson is the Co-Director and Chairman of the Board and Kareen is a current Board member of Bethesda Medical Mission.     Bethesda Medical Mission Inc. is a humanitarian group of Christian medical professionals and supporters who offer free medical and dental services in the Greater Harford Connecticut area and in Haiti.  Bethesda Medical Mission is currently supporting an orphanage in Haiti and has a vision to build a clinic and learning facility to support the personal, educational and economical development of Haitians.  Bryan and Kareen demonstrate the principles of service to others as they engage their 2 daughters in service activities.   GUESTS: Dr. Bryan and Kareen Wilson, parents of 2 beautiful daughters.   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Bryan says that, "Life is not all about books, it's not all about school, it's not all about work, it's all about giving and trying to help others become better people."   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: Kids have a different perspective on life than adults and can benefit greatly from becoming involved in service activities International missions trips can be great for families if the trips are organized very well   Families do not need to travel for long distances to serve others, they can do local projects Parents have to priorities service if it is important to them   YOU CAN REACH BETHESDA MEDICAL MISSION Address: 836 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06119 Phone: 860-243-5569 Email: bethesdamedicalmission@gmail.com Website www.bethesdamedicalmission.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BethesdaMedicalMission   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's episode.  Please let me know if your family would like to go on an international mission trip in the comment section below!  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. If you have not already subscribed to the show then please, head on over to

In today's episode, I discuss how listening to podcasts can help parents in their parenting journey.  In this episode I also share several of the podcasts that I listen to that have enhanced my life. Here are some of the podcasts that I listen to that have enhanced my parenting practice.   Parenting and family: Motivating Mom Podcast with Lisa Druxman God Centered Mom Podcast InspiredToAction.com Podcast Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast   Health and Fitness: The Raw Food Podcast The "Real Dish" with Chef Mareya   Money Management: The Clark Howard Podcast The Dave Ramsey Show   Homeschooling: The Homeschooling.com Podcast Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's episode.  Please let me know some of your favorite podcasts in the comment section below!  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. If you have not already subscribed to the show then please, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until we meet again, go out and be a Service Minded Family!   Photo: bit.ly/1Dn3gwm

      On today's episode I discussed how we can create a family culture of service to others. Why should we engage in serving others?: We should serve others because it: Helps us to be less self-centered and to see the value in others Supports organizations in our communities by decreasing the financial resources needed for them to achieve their mission Helps to uplift our communities Gives our lives meaning Allows us to use our time constructively Teaches team work Teaches responsibility   Where can we volunteer? Local organizations Schools Churches Political Campaigns Hospitals   When can we fit volunteering into our already busy scheduled? Whenever you choose to make the time to  volunteer.   What if there aren't any activities in my area that interest me? Start your own activity as a family   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to today's episode.  Please let me know how your family serves others in the comment section below!  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. If you have not already subscribed to the show then please, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until we meet again, go out and be a Service Minded Family!

In this podcast episode I read a News Release from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics entitled "Volunteering in the United States 2014" that was based on a Current Population Survey that was sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. You can read the entire News Release with all the wonderful statistics at Volunteering in the United States - 2014 Download   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my reading of the report on volunteering.  Please let me know how your family serves others in the comment section below!  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until we meet again, go out and be a Service Minded Family!

In this episode, I conversed with Mac Winslow, Co-Founder and President of Start a Snowball.  Start a Snowball was birthed when William, Mac's older son expressed interest in providing food for schoolmates who did not have food to eat during the Spring break.   Since its beginning, William has organized 3 food drives.  Most recently, William with the help of 150 volunteers collected 9000 lbs of food and $11,000 to help feed hungry children.  Mac and his family would like to help other children start their own projects to help others.  Their goal is to inspire kids to see that they can make a difference and follow their service passion.  Mac has a vision to provide kids with the necessary tools to help them to grow their projects.   GUEST: Mac Winslow, husband to Blythe, dad of 2 sons, William and Alex.   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Mac encourages kids to  He also encourages parents to of helping others.   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: Kids are naturally empathetic and have a great potential for making a positive difference in the lives of others Many parents do not prioritize serving others and therefore their children may not be inclined to serve others Service projects can be very simple and done in the time that they a family has available to them   YOU CAN REACH START A SNOWBALL Email: mac@startasnowball.org Website http://www.startasnowball.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/startasnowball Twitter http://twitter.com/startasnowball   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my chat with Mac.  Please let me know how your family serves others in the comment section below!  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until we meet again, go out and

  I've noticed that my kiddos sometimes attempt to justify their offenses rather than saying "I'm sorry", even when they know that an apology is necessary.  I've discussed this issue with them but could never come to a solid conclusion on the matter.  Over the past several weeks, I've had the opportunity to dig deeper into the topic of forgiveness.  As I reflected on this topic, the following question came to me: Why is it so difficult for my kiddos to say the words "I'm sorry, will you forgive me"? In a blog post "Why is it so hard to say I'm Sorry?" on NBC's Today's Health, Dr. Robi Ludwig writes: Apologizing can make some people feel vulnerable, or feel like they are in danger of losing their power and status. Others simply equate saying "I'm sorry" with admitting they're inadequate or incompetent, which makes admitting mistakes so much harder to do. Some people find saying they’re sorry humiliating. Perhaps they were criticized harshly by parents or other important people while growing up, and as a result avoid admitting mistakes because of the horrible feelings it brings up.   After reading this blog post and the research on forgiveness it became more evident to me that my kids hesitancy in asking for forgiveness came in part from my own hesitancy in asking for their forgiveness in times past and also because they felt like they might lose their overall feelings of power and adequacy.   I realized that in order to effectively teach my kiddos how to ask for forgiveness: I first needed to figure out why it was difficult for me to ask for forgiveness I needed to figure out why I felt inadequate and powerless in situations that required me to ask for forgiveness I needed to create a home environment that allowed my kiddos to feel so accepted that they did not feel like apologizing would be the end of their life as they know it We all needed to become more comfortable with simply saying the words "I'm sorry, will you forgive me" by practicing it even when no offense had occurred. So how do we teach our kiddos how to forgive? In a document "

  This podcast episode was a reading of one of my past blog posts that you can read here. Marriage requires a daily commitment to put your partner's needs before yours, a dedication to investing the time that is necessary to resolve conflicts and a willingness to extend forgiveness to each other when conflicts arise. In a study of couples in Great Britain and the United States, researchers on forgiveness in marriage concluded that:  The capacity to seek and grant forgiveness is one of the most important factors contributing to marital longevity and marital satisfaction. Husbands’ forgiveness predicted wives’ current reports of poorer conflict resolution. In contrast, wives’ forgiveness predicted husbands’ current reports of better conflict resolution.* It appears that wives’ forgiveness of husband transgressions is particularly important for conflict resolution in marriage both in the short term and over time.*   *Forgiveness: A Sampling of Research Results was originally published by the American Psychological Association Washington, DC: Office of International Affairs in 2006 and reprinted in 2008. Given the results of this research, it seems like our marriages will thrive when we forgive each other and disintegrate when we don't. Several years ago, my husband and I read the book "Love & Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.   This books was fittingly subtitled "The Love She most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs" because Dr. Eggerichs believes that love and respect are the essential needs of wives and husbands, respectively.   In his chapter on Forgiveness, Dr. Eggerichs says the following about forgiveness. It is easier to forgive when you let go of the belief that your spouse intended evil* When you forgive him for being unloving, you give up your right to hold a grudge and be disrespectful in return* By forgiving you gain strength and freedom* Forgiveness comes when we see our own unrighteousness* Nothing is easier than judging, nothing is harder than forgiving* *Love and Respect published by Integrity Publishers Bentwood, TN in 2

  Forgiveness is essential to the life of a family because sometimes our words and actions can hurt our family members.   It's difficult to maintain healthy relationships when our family members feel hostile to each other for intentional and unintentional hurts.  If we want to maintain healthy family relationships, then we should take the time to seek each others forgiveness and we must be willing to forgive the person who has wronged us.   So what does my family gain from forgiving each other or being forgiven?  According to a research paper titled Forgiveness: A Sampling of Research Results, forgiveness: aids psychological healing through positive changes * improves physical and mental health* restores a victim’s sense of personal power* helps bring about reconciliation between the offended and offender* promotes hope for the resolution of real-world intergroup conflicts* *Forgiveness: A Sampling of Research Results was originally published by the American Psychological Association Washington, DC: Office of International Affairs in 2006 and reprinted in 2008.   So does this mean that giving and receiving forgiveness should be a vital part of my interactions with my kiddos?   Absolutely! We all want the best for our families and are doing our best to raise our children to be loving to others.  We teach our kiddos that they should not hold grudges against others, but I suspect that many of us have never presented the benefits of possessing a forgiving spirit to our kiddos. Given the tremendous benefits of forgiving others, let's take a different approach to the topic of forgiveness.  Instead of just telling our kiddos that holding a grudge against someone is not good, how about we start discussing the benefits of forgiving?   Let's discuss how we have hurt each other and then ask for each other's forgiveness. Finally, let's endeavor to create homes where forgiveness is given liberally so that our kiddos can learn how to give and receive forgiveness.   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to this podcast episode.  Please let me know how you are teaching your children to be forgiving in the

In this episode, I conversed with Brad Formsma, Author of "I like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life." and creator of the I Like Giving website.  Brad learned about generosity through observing his grandfather who found ways to be generous throughout his life. I Like Giving exists to inspire the world to live generously through stories. In his book "I like giving...." , Brad discusses the science of giving, why we give and how we can integrate giving into the family and community.  He encourages parents to read stories of generosity to their children to inspire them to be generous. I Like Giving works with individuals, churches and organizations to inspire generosity in unique ways.   GUEST: Brad Formsma, husband to Laura, dad of 3 children, author, and Founder of I Like Giving.   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Brads encourages parents to    TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: When kids observe generosity in their lives, they develop the habit of being generous Parents can use the stories featured in the book "I like Giving" to encourage their children to be generous Fear, debt and doing things out of a sense of obligation / duty can prevent us from taking the steps to living a generous life Generous people progressively become more generous so integrate generosity into your lives   YOU CAN REACH I LIKE GIVING Email: brad1@ilikegiving.com Website http://www.ilikegiving.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ILikeGiving Twitter https://twitter.com/ilikegiving     THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my chat with Brad.  Please let me know how you are teaching your children to be generous in the comment section below!  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until

In this episode, I conversed with Brooke Hill, Co-Founder of The Philanthropy Project.  Brooke and her husband and Co-Founder Kevin started this project because they wanted to empower their daughter Riley to take action and make a difference by providing a framework for her to change the world. The mission of The Philanthropy Project is to encourage and empower youth (ages kindergarten through college) to take action, increase awareness and raise money for causes that inspire them.  Brooke, Kevin and Riley are currently raising funds for the The Riley Harper School Project on behalf of Riley. Current programs offered by the Philanthropy Project include Campaigns for a Cause, 30 Day Philanthropy Challenge, Summer of Service and Donate Your Day. Upcoming programs include Project Mentors and a Resource Library. Kevin and Brooke are currently working with schools to create a service-focused curriculum.     GUEST: Brooke Hill, wife to Kevin, Mom to 1 yr-old Riley and co-Founder of The Philanthropy Project   VISION:  Brooke's vision is that the Philanthropy Project will become a repository of stories of service to inspire others to serve. She envisions that the site will provide the tools and resources that will allow youth to create a culture of service.   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Brooke encourages parents to and consider forgoing presents at their next birthday party.   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: Setting aside time for family is very important Families can incorporate service into their vacations Parental modeling of service in the home is fundamental to creating service-minded children The earlier service is implemented the more likely your children will want to serve others   YOU CAN REACH THE PHILANTHROPY PROJECT Email: brooke@philanthropyproject.com Website www.philanthropyproject.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thephilanthropyproject Twitter https://twitter.com/philanthropro     THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my chat with Brooke.  Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section b

  In this podcast episode I talked about a post entitled "Are you a dream maker or a dream taker?"  that I made on my website some time ago.  Read the entire post "Are you a dream maker or a dream taker?"   I tell my kiddos that they can accomplish anything that they desire if they create a goal, work towards the goal and find the right people and resources to assist them in achieving their goal.  But even though I tell my kiddos this time after time, I still have to constantly tell myself that my role as their mother is to nurture their vision, even if it is not my vision.   Here are some practical steps to help you become a "dream making" parent. Believe that your child's dream can be realized with the proper guidance Listen closely to which dreams consistently come up in his/her conversation Visit your local library to learn about people who had similar dreams and how they were able to achieve it Help your child to create a plan to reach his / her dream Discuss what areas of education may prepare him / her to achieve the dream Do something small to start your child's journey to achieving the dream.   Websites mentioned: http://www.khanacademy.orghttp://www.discoveryeducation.com       I'd love to hear how you're helping your kiddos to reach their dreams.  Please leave a comment below or send me an email.   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen in to today's podcast episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined

In this episode, I conversed with Nyron McLean, Founder of H3Missions, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving the lives of the undeserved in Haiti, by empowering communities through sustainable healthcare, education and social services.   Nyron started H3Missions as a way to provide care to the people who were affected by the massive earthquake in Haiti in 2010 which killed more than 230,000 people.  Since its inception 5 years ago, Nyron has organized 18 mission trips to Haiti to provide medical, dental, nursing, and surgical care.  Through the financial support of caring individuals and the efforts of volunteers, H3Missions has made a significant impact on the lives of Haitians.     GUEST: Nyron McLean, husband to a beautiful wife, dad to two beautiful daughters, and Founder of H3Missions   VISION:  Nyron's vision is to acquire 50-100 acres of land to build an orphanage, a medical and dental clinic and a school.  Nyron would also like to utilize the land to raise crops and teach animal husbandry to community members so that they can become self-sustaining.     WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Nyron says to parents who are considering volunteering  Let's talk and see how we can work around the problems."   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: We don't need to have a special skill to serve others, just a willingness to serve Sometimes we choose to make excuses rather than taking the steps to help others Families can support H3Missions by raising funds to support the organization's mission   YOU CAN REACH H3Missions Website: http://h3missions.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/H3Missions Email: nyron@h3missions.org Office: (951) 534-4634 / Cell: (714) 720-9354     THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my chat with Nyron.  Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! I have many great episodes ahead! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe

  In this episode, I conversed with Ashley Manuel an Australian elementary school physical education coordinator and the Founder of the Growing with Gratitude Program which will soon be launched in Australia and in China. The Growing with Gratitude Program aims to help teachers, students and families easily develop the habits of gratitude, kindness and mindfulness that have been identified as the stepping stones to greater happiness and success. Ashley desires to plant the seeds of happiness during the primary years, cultivate the skills during primary school then harvest the benefits through high school and adulthood.   GUEST: Ashley Manuel, Founder of the Growing with Gratitude Program   VISION:  Ashley envisions that children will use the tools and knowledge gained through the Growing with Gratitude Program to become grateful adults who are in service to others.      WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Ashley encourages parents to   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: Service starts in the home through doing household chores Children can teach the act of service to their parents Having an attitude of gratefulness improves academic results and social relationship    YOU CAN REACH ASHLEY Website: http://www.growingwithgratitude.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growwithgratitude Twitter: https://twitter.com/grow_gratitude Email: info@growingwithgratitude.com.au   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my chat with Ashley.  Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! I have many great episodes ahead! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below.  Join my email list to receive useful information to help your family become of service to others. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us

In this episode, I conversed with Theresa Warren, Executive Director of Alice's Place an Empowerment Center, an organization dedicated to providing a wide array of services to victims of Domestic Violence in the Winslow Arizona community.   Alice's Place seeks to promote individual empowerment by providing safe, confidential choices and culturally sensitive support to victims and survivors of domestic violence through advocacy, shelter, education and resources.   GUEST: Theresa Warren, Executive Director of Alice's Place and Empowerment Center   VISION:  Theresa desires to provide additional services to clients who have been victims of sexual assault. in the community and in the local prison.   WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Theresa encourages people to ", and whatever it is you're passionate about, you can't help but succeed within that."   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: Children are affected by domestic violence even if the parents try to shelter them from it Continuous childhood trauma impacts the brain development to of children and results in  The entire family needs to heal from the effects of domestic violence   YOU CAN REACH ALICE'S PLACE Website: http://alicesplaceshelter.org  Local Number: 928-289-3003  Toll Free Phone: 888-531-7233   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my chat with Theresa.  Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! I have many great episodes ahead! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below.  Join my email list to receive useful information to help your family become of service to others. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until we meet again, go out and be a Service Minded Family!

In this episode, I conversed with Walter "Chick" and his wife Barbara McGill.  Chick and Barbara spent several years serving others in Rwanda and Uganda are dedicated to the education and health of the East African people. They aim to provide high-quality free education in fields such as technology, English, health, and hygiene.   Chick is currently walking from the East Coast of the United States to the West Coast followed by his wife in the "Pace car".  When I met the McGills, Chick had already walked for 187 days and was looking forward to reaching his destination of California.  He is the first person and Veteran in history to make a "national prayer walk" from coast to coast, praying for each community along the walk route, including daily prayers for the nation.   GUEST: Walter "Chick" and Barbara McGill of the TransAmerican Crosswalk   VISION:  Chick hopes to see more families get involved in miniature prayer walks in their community.     WORDS OF INSPIRATION: If you want to succeed in life, help other people succeed - Chick McGill   TODAY'S EPISODE WILL REVEAL THAT: We need to create strong family structures Our children will learn what love is when we demonstrate service to others We can be more effective in serving others when we know what love is We form a bigger community when families start serving others   YOU CAN REACH THE MCGILL'S Website: http://walkingcoast2coast.com Phone: 800 754-8021   THANKS A BUNCH! Thanks guys for taking the time to listen to my chat with Chick and Barbara.  Our chat was a big longer than usual but sometimes you meet interesting people with interesting experiences and time just flies by. Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! I have many great episodes ahead! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons below. Lest I forget, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.  While you're there, please give us a starred review if you feel inclined to. Thanks again for joining me and until we meet again, go out and be a Service Minded Family!