Saving Souls

One moment can change a person’s life forever.  When someone decides to make a difference, one moment can change millions of lives forever.

Take some time today to MEET WAYNE ELSEY and see what we mean.

Soles4Souls is an incredible organization committed to changing the world, one pair of shoes at a time.  They are doing it!  CHECK OUT SOME OF THE RESULTS.  Thank you to Soles4Souls for the inspiration!

There are so many ways to give back the thanks.  HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO HELP.

Living thanks is all about looking around and realizing most of us have so much to be thankful for.  Then we take that thanks and make a choice to give it back and make a difference.  Maybe we will be writing about YOUR choice on a Livethanks post in the future

Greatness

Mario Lemieux is without question the greatest hockey player to ever lace up a pair of skates.  What he does off of the ice is even greater.

Take some time to learn about The Mario Lemieux Foundation and the incredible things they are doing to fight cancer.  The Foundation would also like to hear stories of hope and inspiration and how your experiences, or the experiences of someone close to you, can help others in their fight against cancer.  CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A STORY OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION.  What a great way to give back the thanks!

Thank you to Mario and his foundation for truly making a difference.

Joyful Service

Take a little time today to learn about a group serving the poorest of the poor.

The Missionaries of the Poor are doing amazing things in difficult places and circumstances.  They are dedicated to doing it with “Joyful Service to Christ on the Cross”

Yet again we see an example of a person simply taking a look around, seeing a problem, and deciding to do something about it.  CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW IT ALL STARTED.

Thank you to the Missionaries of the Poor for the inspiration and joyful service!  There are several ways to give back the thanks:

1. They have many immediate needs including deodorant roll-ons, soaps, vitamin C and multivitamins.  CLICK HERE if you can help.

2. Check out their awesome VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

3. They put on some incredible CONCERTS AND SHOWS and have great MUSIC, VIDEOS, and neat stuff FOR KIDS.

4. Last but certainly not least they have a COOL BLOG  and an beautiful RETREAT CENTER

A Great Team

You have probably figured it out by now.  We love sports here at Livethanks.  We love people who do awesome things even more!  When we see those two things come together…you are going to get a Livethanks post.

Today we feature a story about another great  coach who was recognized by the NFL as one of the best high school football coaches in America.  CLICK HERE TO MEET COACH ANDY BONHEYO AND HIS AMAZING TEAM!  Or, you can CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT IT.

Give back the thanks today by thinking about what is possible…even if it seems impossible.

Why Livethanks?

People have asked us why we started Livethanks.  First and foremost, it is NOT ABOUT US.

Livethanks all started when we learned about the incredible story of Robert Rogers and Mighty in The Land Ministries.  CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS AMAZING STORY OF INSPIRATION.

After we saw this, we could not believe that this was the first time we had heard this story!  When you see a something like this, life will never be the same.  Livethanks was started to make sure stories like this are shared.  The inspiration that comes from these stories is life changing.  People need to hear these stories.

Our lives have been changed forever because of the awesome people and organizations on Livethanks.  We thank God for the constant inspiration.  We hope you have the same experience and take the time to share…one thanks at a time.

The poetry of living thanks

In OUR LAST POST, we referenced a book called “Season of Life”.  I checked it out from the library and read it in 2 days.  It is amazing!  I also came across part of a poem in the book that sums up what Livethanks is all about. 

Here it is:

“There is a destiny that makes us brothers:
None goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.”
From the Poem “A Creed” by Edwin Markham

Give back the thanks by sending this to someone who thinks that they are going it alone.

Coach for America

Joe Ehrmann was a defensive lineman in the NFL for 13 years.  He went on to become a high school football coach.  His teams have finished undefeated multiple times and have been ranked nationally.  Parade magazine called him “The Most Important Coach in America” 

What is his secret?

You would not believe me if I told you.  You need to WATCH THIS VIDEO to find out.  It is long, but it is worth every minute.

Give back the thanks by checking out the book written about this amazing coach.  It is called SEASON OF LIFE.  Also, Joe is available for speaking, workshops and seminars.  Tell people about  his site at www.coachforamerica.com.  The world needs more coaches like Joe Ehrmann.

One Special Gift

If I asked you what was the greatest gift a man named Hershey gave to this world…how would you answer?

I bet you said the Hershey Bar, right?  Not even close!

With all due respect to that delicious chocolate bar, it doesn’t come close to the impact the Milton Hershey School has had on thousands of lives.  Take some time to CLICK HERE AND LEARN ABOUT THIS AMAZING SCHOOL.

Give back the thanks by sharing this story with someone you care about.  Maybe they know someone who can benefit from this wonderful gift?

But, If Not

This post doesn’t need much of an introduction.  Sometimes Living Thanks is about standing up for what you believe in.  Here is someone who understood what that means:

“I say to you, this morning, that if you have never found something so dear and precious to you that you will die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.

You may be 38 years old, as I happen to be, and one day, some great opportunity stands before you and calls upon you to stand for some great principle, some great issue, some great cause. And you refuse to do it because you are afraid.

You refuse to do it because you want to live longer. You’re afraid that you will lose your job, or you are afraid that you will be criticized or that you will lose your popularity, or you’re afraid that somebody will stab or shoot or bomb your house. So you refuse to take a stand.

Well, you may go on and live until you are ninety, but you are just as dead at 38 as you would be at ninety.

And the cessation of breathing in your life is but the belated announcement of an earlier death of the spirit.

You died when you refused to stand up for right.

You died when you refused to stand up for truth.

You died when you refused to stand up for justice.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From the sermon “But, If Not” delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church on November 5, 1967.

Grateful American

We spend a lot of time here at Livethanks thanking our troops.  Their service is what living thanks is all about!

If you have been inspired by one of  THESE STORIES, then it is time to give back the thanks.

GRATEFUL AMERICAN COIN is a great way to show our men and women in the military that we are thankful.  Take some time to SEE THE IMPACT THESE COINS HAVE.

Here is what we plan on doing here at livethanks:   We are going to buy 20 of these coins and keep them with our luggage.  We always see troops in the airport.   This an easy way to show our appreciation for the incredible  sacrifice they make.

We would love to hear your ideas.  HERE ARE SOME OTHER AWESOME STORIES OF WHO PEOPLE USED THE COIN.

Mental Tenacity

Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman was seriously wounded in 2007 after receiving eight gun shot wounds  while in battle with Iraqi insurgents.  If you came and visited him in his hospital room after this, you would find this sign:

Here is what the sign says: "Attention to all who enter here. If you are coming into this room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere. The wounds I received I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love. I am incredibly tough and will make a full recovery. What is full? That is the absolute utmost physically my body has the ability to recover. Then I will push that about 20 percent further through sheer mental tenacity. This room you are about to enter is a room of fun, optimism, and intense rapid regrowth. If you are not prepared for that, go elsewhere. From The Management"

Thank God we have people like Lt. Redman protecting us.   He is an inspiration to us all.  Give back the thanks by checking out WOUNDED WEAR, an incredible organization started by Lt. Redman.  Don’t forget to take a look at the AWESOME GEAR you can buy to support them.  One last thing…say a prayer tonight for all of our soldiers in harm’s way.

www.woundedwear.org

Back To School

James Rosenberg was a mergers and acquisitions attorney when he was mentoring a student at a school for pre-Kindergarten aged physically and mentally delayed children. James was astounded by the lack of resources in the classroom, especially in contrast to the wealth in corporate America that he witnessed in his professional life.  Inspired to “do something,” and with the assistance of law school friend Max Holtzman, James started Adopt-A-Classroom to provide members of the community with an easy way to help teachers. James left his law job in 1998 and has devoted his full time to the mission ever since. (Taken from the Adopt-A-Classroom Website)

The mission is making a huge difference.   CLICK  HERE TO SEE HOW.

Sometimes all it takes is someone to look around, see what’s wrong, and make a commitment to do something.  Thanks to Adopt-A-Classroom for making this commitment!  Give back the thanks today by supporting your teachers.  TAKE SOME TIME TO LEARN MORE  ABOUT WHY THEY NEED OUR HELP.

Loans that Change Lives

 

Take some time today to learn about KIVA.   They are fighting poverty in a way that might surprise you.  They are making small loans to entrepreneurs in some of the poorest places in the world.  And guess what?  It is working! 

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE SOME RESULTS. 

We at Livethanks believe that it is in giving that we truly receive.  Kiva allows you to experience this.  HERE IS HOW IT WORKS.

Thank you to Kiva for the inspiration.  Give back the thanks by MEETING SOME ENTREPRENUERS who are trying to make a better life for them and their family.  Maybe all they need is you?

Uplifting

August is the time of year college football players across the country begin the grueling preparation for the upcoming season.  Teams will participate in two, sometimes three practices a day in the brutal summer heat to become better athletes.

These same athletes also are training to become better people by being involved with non-profit organization called UPLIFTING ATHLETES. 

These guys are doing amazing things for RARE DISEASES  through outreach, research,  education, and advocacy.  Take some time today to learn about what some of the best college football teams in the country are doing off the field to make a huge difference by CLICKING HERE.

Thank you Uplifting Athletes for the inspiration. Thank you for showing us the power of giving.  Give back the thanks by TAKING ACTION!  Also, don’t forget to check out some of the very cool GEAR YOU CAN BUY to support their cause.

Livethanks Greatest Hits!

We have a new tab above for you to look at anytime you would like called “Greatest Hits” .

Here we will feature a story you may have missed.  We are so thankful for their inspiration and we never want them to get lost

The definition of a friend

Webster’s Dictionary defines a friend as “one attached to another by affection or esteem.”

Leroy Sutton and Dartanyon Crockett take the definition of friendship to a whole new level. Take some time TO WATCH THEIR STORY AND BE INSPIRED. 

Give back the thanks by sending this story to a friend.

Strong in adversity. Unafraid in danger.

On September 11, 2001,  40 strangers gave their lives to save countless others. Take a moment to MEET THE HEROES OF FLIGHT 93.

We can never truly thank these brave souls for what they did, but we can make sure they are never forgotten.  WATCH WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING TO MAKE SURE OF THIS. 

Sometimes I think about what life would be like without these heroes.   We can all thank God that they were put into our lives.  Learn what  else you can do to honor them by GIVING TO THE FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL.

In the words of President Bush “Let us also remember that the first victory in this war came on a hijacked plane bound for the nation’s capital.  Somehow the brave men and women on Flight 93, knowing they would die, found the courage to use their final moments to save the lives of others . . . Few are called to show the kind of valor seen on Flight 93, or on the field of battle.  Yet all of us do share a calling: Be strong in adversity and unafraid in danger.”

If you can, you can

This is the motto of Clay Dyer.  It sounds simple, but take a little time TO LEARN ABOUT CLAY’S STORY and you will realize why these words provide so much inspiration.

Give back the thanks by sending this story along to somebody who thinks they can’t do something.  Also, learn more about Clay and what he is up to on his OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Field of Dreams

Mike Sherry was inspired.  READ HIS STORY HERE.

Livethanks was started to prove that when people are inspired, they give.  When people give, amazing things happen.  THE MIRACLE LEAGUE is a great example of an amazing thing happening because of one man’s inspiration.

Give back the thanks today by sending this post to someone who my need a miracle in their life.  Also, CHECK OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE A MIRACLE.

Team Work

There is no “I” in “T-E-A-M”.  Great teams are made up of people who are willing to forget about themselves and adopt a higher purpose.

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is all about helping teams adopt that higher purpose.  Take some time to learn about the INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF JACLYN MURPHY.

TEAMS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY  have been inspired by the FOJ Foundation.  The inspiration has led to giving.  These teams are committed to Live!thanks.

Give back the thanks by sharing this story with a team.  Maybe it is your team, maybe it is your children’s team, maybe it just a team you would like to see living thanks.  Also, remember to stay connected to JACLYN’S JOURNEY.   She will always be in our prayers.

Your morning cup of LIVETHANKS

Wow.  CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO OF HOW SOME COFFEE DRINKERS ARE LIVING THANKS.

Give back the thanks by starting a “Pay it Forward” chain of your own!

Compassion

Allow yourself to be inspired.  This is what we try to do here at livethanks.  We believe that inspiration will lead to giving, and when you are giving, you are truly living. 
Emily Blake was inspired at age 12 to do something great. And in her words, “She couldn’t get it out of her mind” .  Take some time today to READ HER STORY.

WATCH AND SEE WHAT THAT INSPIRATION TURNED IN TO!

Each and every one of us have something to be thankful for.  We hope to use that thanks and inspire people to give.  Emily is a great example of the impact you can make when you livethanks.

Give back the thanks by learning more about COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL and the amazing work that they do.

American Tears

Take some time today to get to know an amazing young girl named AMY De SILVA. 

Amy lives with a disorder called CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth), which effects 1 in every 2500 people of all ages.  Although CMT prevents Amy from raising her wrists and fingers, it has not prevented her from using her beautiful singing voice to record a song called “American Tears”for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  She did this when she was 12 years old!

Thanks you Amy for being an inspiration to all of us, and to our brave men and women oversees.

Give back the thanks and learn more about CMT and the inspirational work of the CMT Association BY WATCHING THIS SHORT VIDEO.  You can also see some awesome ways to help out the CMT Association by visiting the CMTA WEBSITE.

Little Sisters

Do you know who Jeanne Jugan is?  If you said yes…WOW, your are smart. 

Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know who she was.  She founded the Little Sisters of the Poor, and for a while, even the Little Sisters didn’t know who she was!

The whole world is about to know who this amazing woman is because On October 11, 2009 she will be canonized a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI.

Take some time to read THIS AMAZING STORY OF INSPIRATION and learn more about the life of Jeanne Jugan.  Also, read about the LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR and the incredible things they do all over the world.

This soon-to-be Saint reminds us that God has a plan for all of us.  We never know how or when He is going to use us.  Jeanne Jugan accepted her call and she lived thanks!

Give back the thanks today by sending this story to someone who is struggling to find their plan.

Special Forces

Stop what you are doing.  Click HERE AND WATCH THIS STORY.

There are so many things that are “Special” about the story of Keith Zeier.  The next time someone says that young people don’t care anymore, I need you tell them the story of this hero.  We owe that to him.

The cause that Keith supports is the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  This is their mission, taken directly from their website:

Providing college educations to surviving children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations forces who lose their lives in combat or training.

I learned something about this organization that broke my heart…the majority of their donations come from the military.  How can this be!?  We at Livethanks are committed to changing that.  Please do whatever you can to spread the word about Keith Zire and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

After you watch the first video, WATCH THIS ONE and find out how the race went.

We want to leave you with this thought.  Half way through the first video, Keith Zeier says something extraordinary.  He says “I almost feel guilty for the living the life I live.”

This is a young man who signed up to fight for our country at 17, was permanently wounded in combat, told he would walk with a cane for the rest of his life, and then ran in a 100 mile race to honor the soldiers.  The fact that he feels guilty reminds us here at Livethanks about why we do what we do.  We need to be thankful for people like Keith and spread that thanks as much as we can.  They deserve our thanks.

God Bless you Keith.

 

 

Potential NOT Poverty

The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging  is doing all it can to end the cycle of poverty.  This may seem like an impossible goal, but this amazing organization is up to the task.  Click HERE to learn about how they are doing it.

Take a few minutes to read THIS STORY about a couple who decided to Live!Thanks and support The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.  They are changing the world…one thanks at a time!

There are many ways to give back the thanks if you are inspired.  You can MAKE A DONATION or perhaps learn more about BECOMING A SPONSOR.  Either way…you will truly be Living Thanks!

Wounded Warriors

Click HERE to meet some real warriors.

As we prepare to celebrate our country’s birthday, take a moment to remember the price that is paid for freedom.

The Wounded Warrior Project honors and empowers the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us. 

There are so many ways to give back the thanks to this organization.  Learn about how you can get involved with the WWP.

Thank you to the Wounded Warrior Project and to all the soldiers who allow us to celebrate Independence Day each and every year.

The Station

Please take some time to read THE STATION. 

 It may change your life forever.

Give back the thanks by sending it to someone you care about. 

*Used Here by Permission 2009.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand

 

Please take some time today to learn more about Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). She is truly a blessing.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand started as a front yard lemonade stand and turned into a  nationwide fund raising movement to find a cure for childhood cancer.

Give back the thanks by getting involved with this very special organization.  We at Live!Thanks pray for their mission: FIGHTING CHILDHOOD CANCER, ONE CUP AT A TIME.    Please take a moment to learn about the MANY HEROES involved in this fight.  They are such an inspiration to all of us.

Camp Susquehanna

Camp Susquehanna is a place where burn survivors can come together and engage in activities with one another that they would not normally get to do at home. It is a place where everyone can feel like themselves and not have to worry about being judged by others, since everyone looks the same. It is a family of survivors.

The above was taken directly from Camp Susquehanna’s website.  Take some time to check out THIS PAGE and see why this camp is so beneficial to the children, the parents and the volunteers.

The world needs more Camp Susquehannas.  A place were people can just be free to enjoy life. 

Thanks to Camp Susquehanna for the inspiration.  Give back the thanks today by making a donation or by passing on this information to someone who could benefit from this camp.  It could change their life.

Danny’s Promise

Inspiration leads to giving.  Giving leads to living.  This is the message livethanks tries to spread through this blog.

St. Jude Children’s Hospital is an incredible organization that gives care to thousands of children every year. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. All patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family’s ability to pay.

It all started with a prayer to the patron saint of hopeless causes, St. Jude Thaddeus by Danny Thomas.   He asked the saint to “help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.”  The rest of the story is what livethanks is all about.  Click HERE to learn more about Danny’s Promise and see what can happen when someone is inspired to give!

Make sure to give back the thanks with a DONATION, or browse the HOPE GIFT BOOK for some really great gifts.

Thank you Danny Thomas, his family and St. Jude for providing such a wonderful story of inspiration.

Never Quit

Every now and then you come across a story that just screams “LIVETHANKS!!!!!!”

We got one right HERE.

You have to really admire the reason this young man does what he does.  Make sure you read all the way to the end to see what keeps Kevin Laue going.

Give back the thanks today by sending this to a friend. One thanks will lead to another.

Everyone’s Best Friend

Anyone who has a dog understands the unique bond between owner and pet. 

Canine Assistants takes that bond to a whole new level.  Check out THIS VIDEO to see what we mean.

Even dogs know how to livethanks!  Then again, anyone who owns a dog is not surprised.  Give back the thanks by making a donation, sponsoring a canine assistant, or even buying a cool cookbook.

Healing Waters

We would like to honor all of our amazing men and women who serve this country  with today’s post.

Anyone who has been fly fishing knows the peace that comes with being in a stream.   Project Healing Waters is dedicated to bringing that peace to military personnel who have been wounded, injured, or disabled to aid their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and fly tying and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as lifelong recreation.

Take some time to watch this video about this awesome organization by clicking HERE. (you have to watch a 25 second commercial first)

Give back the thanks by making a donation or by buying some cool fly fishing gear from the organizations that support Project Healing Waters.

May God Bless our Veterans in a special way today on Memorial Day.  We can never thank you enough for what you do for us.

To Infinity..and Beyond!

Some of you may recognize that saying from the Toy Story star, Buzz Lightyear.

However, that phrase also is a part of a miraculous, inspiring story about a father and son who never gave up.

Check out the story HERE.

Give back the thanks today by sharing this miracle with someone you know.

Eat n’ Thanks!

One of livethanks favorite establishments has really stepped up to the plate!  

Click HERE to read about how Eat n’ Park has given to a very worthy cause.  A cause we featured on livethanks….The Fallen Heroes Fund.

 

A message among the ruins

On November 14, 1940 the Cathedral in the town of Coventry, England was destroyed by a devastating bombardment by the German Luftwaffe. 

One of the parishioners found two pieces of the roof  that had fallen on the floor in the shape of a cross.  The cross was later placed on the altar along with a message for the world to see.  What do you think they wanted the world to know after their church had been destroyed?  Click HERE to see.

Do Something BIG

Do you ever find yourself saying “I want to make a difference”

Zach Bonner, an 11 year old boy decided he wanted to do something big, and he is making a huge difference.

Click HERE to read his story and learn more about the foundation he started.

Thanks to Zach for the inspiration.  Be sure to check up on Zach’s progress by checking out the ZACH TRACKER.

Give back the thanks by doing something big today.

You Are My Sunshine

Remember that song?  ”You are my sunshine…my only sunshine…you make me happy…when skies are gray”

Yes…just hearing that again has to put a big smile on your face!  

This song has also inspired miracles.  Take some time to read THIS STORY.  It is really much more than a story.  Women’s Day Magazine called it the Miracle of the Song.

We would like to wish all the Mothers a blessed Mother’s Day today.  So many of you have sung this song to your children…I hope you that you how much it means to us.

Give back the thanks today by sharing this miracle with someone you love.

The dad of his child’s dreams

We do not hide the fact that we are Steelers fans here at Livethanks!  Our Coach, Mike Tomlin, has some words of wisdom about what comes first in his life.  Check out this article was on http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/01/fatherhood-come.html

Pay it Forward

THIS STORY speaks for itself.  Make sure you watch the video.

Looks like we are not the only people that understand what it means to livethanks!

What I like about this story is that this Good Samaritan calls it “The best weekend of his life”.

Give back the thanks by Paying it Forward today. In other words…LIVETHANKS!

Do It Anyway

                   The words below are reportedly written on the walls of Mother Theresa’s home for children in Calcutta, India.  This pretty much sums up the heart and soul of livethanks. 

                   People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.

            If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.

            If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.

           If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

            What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

            If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

            The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

         Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.

         In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

-this version is credited to Mother Teresa

All-Time Winner

Do you know which NCAA Men’s Basketball Coach has the most wins in history?  I bet 9 out of 10 people get it wrong.

The correct answer is Don Meyer from Northern State University! 

However, Don Meyer is not just a winner on the court…he is a true winner in life.  His inspirational story is a lesson in passion and perseverance.   Click HERE to see the story.

Thank you to Coach Meyer for yet another example of how to livethanks.  Give back the thanks by not taking life for granted today.

One for One

Maybe if the business world started to “livethanks”, the economy would turn around? That is obviously what we believe here at livethanks and we found a company that is doing it!

Check out TOMS shoes.  This company  definitely has a “livethanks” business model.  For every pair of shoes you buy, they give a pair of shoes to a child in need.  What a great concept!  TOMS calls this the “One for One Movement”.  Click HERE to learn more about it.

Thanks to TOMS for showing the world that you can be a profitable business and truly make an impact on society at the same time.  Give back the thanks by getting a new pair of kicks for the summer…a child in need will thank you for it.  Now that is living thanks!

Fallen Heroes

Three Pittsburgh Police Officers were killed in the line of duty on April 4, 2009. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of these brave souls.

Take time today to think about how important the Police are in our lives. They serve and protect and ask for nothing in return.

We can all give to the Pittsburgh Fallen Heroes Fund as a way to honor these men and the ultimate sacrifice they gave to keep us safe.

Donations earmarked for the “Pittsburgh Fallen Heroes Fund” can be sent to the following address:

Pittsburgh Fallen Heroes Fund
Greater Pittsburgh Police Federal Credit Union
1338 Chartiers Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
For more information, call the Greater Pittsburgh Police FCU at 412-922-4800 or log on to www.pittsburghpolicefop.com or www.pittsburghpolicefcu.com

Too busy?

This story got a hold of us here at livethanks.

Do you ever feel like life is “too busy” to reach out to someone?  The current economy, the pressures of raising a family, the mounting responsibilities at work are all good reasons to feel “too busy”.

Super Bowl winning coach, Tony Dungy teaches us a lesson that we should never be “too busy” to reach out a hand to someone in need.  It is amazing  what a simple act of kindness can do for everyone involved.

Thanks to Coach Dungy and Rick Reilly, who wrote the original column on the story.

Give back the thanks today by getting in touch with that person you have been “too busy” to contact.  Also, check out All Pro Dad.

Investment Returns

What is an investor to do?   Where can we go to get a decent return on our investment?  We at livethanks have an investment tip for you…

Investing in the future of a child always leads to positive return!

Here is a chance to get in on this great investment idea.

At Donorschoose.org it is very simple.  Teachers ask, you choose, students learn.  When you help these children, you will get much more than you give.

Click here to learn more about how this project was started and how it is making a huge difference.

Thanks to Donorschoose.org for reminding us that even in difficult times, we still can get a great return on investing in education!  Give back the thanks by learning how thier program works.

Josuha’s Vineyard

If you want to see a story about love, perseverance, and just plain making a huge difference…please check out the Joshua’s Vineyard Website.  Make sure you watch the video on the homepage.  This story was featured on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover.   Click here to read about their amazing story.

Please take some time to give back the thanks to this wonderful family who are truly dedicated to making the world a better place.

Thanks to the Martinez family for the inspiration!

And the Oscar goes to….

Get aboard the SMILE TRAIN everyone!

The 2008 Oscar for Best Documentary Short went to a film called, “Smile Pinki:  A Real World Fairy Tale”  Click here to watch the trailer.

This is a story about one of more than 530,000 children who have received free cleft surgery thanks to Smile Train. 

There is no question that this film will put a smile on your face.  We want to thank The Smile Train for putting smiles on the faces of these precious children all over the world.

Take some time to explore the Smile Train website to see what they do.  Don’t forget to give back the thanks!

Sportsmanship

I love stories that need no introduction.

The world could learn a lot from this inspiring act of sportsmanship.

Thanks to these young men for doing the right thing! 

Let’s honor them and livethanks today:)