Bright Minds, Helping Hands, and Holy Hearts

Spotlight: / Dot Wiggins, Personal Assistant and Multi-talented Professional /

2011-06-14T09:38:00.000-04:00

SPOTLIGHTING: Dot Wiggins, Personal Assistant and Multi-talented Professional

Highly motivated and creative freelancer looking for clients and opportunities. Fairly priced and well valued for the services and products offered.

Search for her on Facebook and see her postings in the Marketplace http://services.facebook.oodle.com/account/listing/active/

Also see her Uniquely Organized and Utilized blog

Call (919) 219-2650 to schedule an appointment to view the "showroom" or for her to come to your space.

Please help spread the word....

Spotlight: Historical Recipes and Sandra Osborne, of Oxford,NC

2011-02-16T19:03:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine, fellow Wife, and Mother,Student of life and higher education; Sandra Osborne of Oxford, NC and her blog and New endeavor "Historical Recipes" is today's Spotlight...

Please visit her blog, Historical Recipes as she has laid out her vision and writes very eloquently what it is she does, knows and wants to expand into. She shares some great recipes, tips and information. Also, look for her, Sandra Osborne on Facebook and connect with her for more information. She and her blog and new endeavor are exactly what Bright Minds Helping Hands and Hearts is all about, and exactly what Cedar Creek Creative Cooperative is trying to collect and promote.

If you are like Sandra and myself or know of someone who is, forward me their contact information, blog or website address and a paragraph or so about them and how you met or know them and I will contact them and compose a spotlight for them :).

Together we can make a difference in our families, neighborhoods, communities, States, and the World.
Utilizing and Sharing what we Know, learn, and possess.

What can you do or share?

SPOTLIGHT: Cedar Creek Creative Cooperative

2011-02-08T12:03:00.001-05:00

Cedar's are so inspirational! I love trees and nature, history, and tracing origins of things. Cedar of Lebanon, is mentioned in the Bible, and I love the "image" and visual definition throughout literature of a Cedar tree being "Trusted, Desired in times of trouble or discomfort, used as a "restoring place of peace and tranquity" as Thomas Cole writes and many have illustrated.

I love how the shape of the Cedar Tree is different that other trees. With their bigger and more substancial trunks with branches far above the ground, this one "branches out from near to the ground, grows and spreads its branches, apparently simultaneously. (Up and out).

Oldest Cedar in Britan.

Thomas Cole's Cedar Grove in Catskill, NY by Jasper C.

Alot of the "spirit and inspiration" comes from my childhood and the way my parents, who were from New York near Catskill, lived and talked about their childhoods' and about my grandparents and other family members. Our family is blue collar with ring around the collar, since many times throughout the years "time and personal comfort and image" was on no concern due to the necessary things that were more pressing. When people were in need that was all that was needed to launch my parents into action. Running through our house seeing if we had the items in our own household and then calling others to collect more items. We never knew we were "low income or lacking things" because my parents carefully choose every sheet and item that came into our home. We did not have fancy or unusable items "collections of items just because they were "valuable" our collectables were things we loved and could display when we weren't playing with them but our home was small and each child had a room mate and therefore had to consider the other. My brother Amasa, was the older of the two brothers and I was the Oldest sister, and the Elder of the clan of 4 children. My Sister Jennifer, was the "shadow" we all had to grow up under. Especially at school, she overcame alot and was "Strange and annoying" with her obcession for homework and always wanting more work. The "baby of the group, James Jr. was such a cute toddler and so moldable (until he became school aged)! but our parents drilled into our heads the power and the NECESSITY of cooperation, mutual partnerships and busy and helpful hands stay out of trouble. We usually involved each other in our "projects" and still do to this day. We consider family when we "come into a good deal or have an extra something, just as Daddy' rule #1~ taught us: "Family comes first and it is better to share an extra than saving it up, as nothing lasts forever". My parents are liking walking talking scripture lessons and neither were ever glued to the book or spent much time in "Bible Study" but prayer was like breathing and that is where I come from.

As I grew up I found applying this philosophy to life and all relationships has both been challenging and somewhat costly but also brought some amazing blessings that would never had come to me, I only received the "diamond in the rough cause I got into something, chipping and chiseling and for the effort I gained assume "pearls of wisdom and a new friend/member of the Bright Minds,Helping Hands, and Hearts group. As we worked and met people through our charitable activities, and civic projects like "Relay for Life" several other opportunities and partners were discovered in the "Business World" and a need for a Professional Organized branch of our like-minded and "big hearts" was developing and has now "Sprouted"

Cedar Creek Creative Cooperative

Draws its name from the inspiration and power of its "branches". Several conversations with impressive people about a shared desire to see a return the "good ole' days" when people helped each other accomplish each other's respective goals. The "community and neighborhood" were tight and loving pockets of people that agreed in principles and methods and invested in each others dreams, homes, and lived together in harmony and prosperity.

Cedar = Longevity and Strength that is symbolic and beloved by local and far away onlookers

Creek = Streams from a larger and Faster body of knowledge and continues to flow and help nuturish and supply those that come to it and "draw" from its flowing, moving waters.

Creative = uses inspiration but is not bound by formal expectations or institutional rules and control. Sometimes brand new images and ideas, other times refreshed or redesigned, but always free moving and available to enhance locations, and those that want to view and participate.

Cooperative = Everyone comes and shares and participates in the members projects, question/answer discussions and assistance requests.

Current Opportunities/Projects:
Completing Crafts and recycle/repurposed items for sale at the Youngsville Flea Mart.

Gardening & Canning/cooking ahead meals

Coupon clipping bingo and swap

Discounts & BOGO sharing and donating to collect items for campaigns.

Book/CD/Games/Movie swap

A,B,C Marketing Parties and Campaigns: Abilities, Artistians, Businesses, Barterer's, Crafters and Consultants sharing and cooperatively marketing opportunities and the products and services they provide.

Are you looking for a Tree to throw a rope in to swing for awhile near the "River of Life"? Our branches are available... Comment below or look for us on Facebook "Cedar Creek Creative Cooperative".

For Hobby and "Just for Fun Because I Can to Necessity to be able to afford the fun

2011-02-03T11:53:00.000-05:00

Now that we have to choose between a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas. Cutting out recreational trips, entertainment and discretionary spending and skill having to get creative in making the ends meet are becoming more and more of a job.

Clipping coupons, shopping around, using Farmer's Market and BJ's, splitting things with friends, bartering, recylcing and repurposing things from yardsales and Thrift stores. Now something to put a little fun back into our lives without disrupting the delicate budget. GROUPON, much like a coupon, you purchase discounts and then let your friends know about the awesome deal, if enough people purchase the great deal you get a reward for starting the savings "party".

Click Here to go to the groupon site and sign up :) and lets start saving together and how easy to organize social outings without alot of effort.
Groupon

Will You Answer the Call to Serve the Families of our Servicemen and Women

2011-02-02T11:25:00.000-05:00

Men and Women join the military to "Answer A Call" of Responsibility and Duty. They sacrafice in many ways and accept huge risks. Their families also sacrafice and have accepted losses and risks. It is not an easy "tour of duty" and there are long lasting effects in numerous areas and that is just for "peace time service". Serving in "Times of Conflict and War" like we have been experiencing since 2000.

Today the sacrafices are becoming "LIFE CHANGING' to the entire family. Missing the "childhood and developing stages of children they have not even met. Missing the milestones of their children that we all plan and look forward to, missing the birthdays, anniversaries, promotions at work, awards, of their loves ones. Financial losses, losing their jobs, their spouse being stressed beyond human capabilities "serving the family as Mother and Father" without having a backup, assistance or support. And then we have the "GOLD STAR" families that have given the ultimate sacrafice and have suffered the loss of their service member (and social network). The care packages, letters and momentos stop. Visits, phone calls and offers to help stop if not immediately soon after the funneral, when they should be at the highest frequency.

There are programs and ways to help but they need to be filled with PEOPLE, (Hands and Hearts) and Money for supplies, to help with expenses, Donations of items, scholarships, supplies for businesses, jobs, Friendships that are going to last and close the huge gap that the GOLD Star represents. Not that the support, encouragement and friendships can replace the member they lost, it can help and show them that it was not a gift given to no avail. We remember and continue to appreciate and miss their loved one too. These families are more than just part of our military community, they are part of our communities. They purchase things from businesses, they attend schools and churches, 4H groups, Sports teams. The are part of US and need to know we still care and that we will never forget either.

Will you Answer the Call to the GOLD STAR Families??
http://www.causes.com/causes/467491-united-protectors-of-fallen-soldiers?m=b4aa541e&recruiter_id=18440775

If you blog or have websites.. please post your own "Call TO Support" or Cut and Paste this one. Look for the group on Facebook and make sure to mention this once a week. Together we can glose the gap and Fill our ranks with Caring and Supportive People to show that their sacrafice is not forgotten.

Spotlight On Community Service that is in the "Building and Development Phase"

2011-01-04T12:14:00.001-05:00

Spotlight on a Bright Mind, Helping Hand and Heart I found on Facebook, we have never met, but seems like we should have been related.

Check out this site and see if you can add

Kimberly Webber Young and

Liberty Bell Stables

to your list of "Favorite Charities and Groups to support". If you read the vision and mission and think, "Man I wish something like this were available for....." donate in their honor to make sure someone else does not have to wish anymore, the can just search for Liberty Bell Stables, "where Change is in the Wind"

They are currently "Paving the Way to Hope". click here Pave the way to Hopeto donate and write your name on the wall. Leave a legacy and help a neighbor raise the walls to a beautiful dream and a wonderful community resource.

If you know of other Bright Minds, Helping Hands and Hearts in the Area or that would be a good asset to our Community and are accessible online send me the 5 W & H (Who, What they are, Where, When the opened or are opening, and how you know them, found them ect. and the contact info and I will research it and spot light them if they are interested.

Together we can Light the World and make it "A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE".

Do you have an Open Heart for Young people and an available bed or area in your home? Be A Host for CIEE for 2011-2012 School Year

2010-12-08T18:01:00.002-05:00

Do you have a heart for Teenagers, desiring International experience? Would you like to experience a foreign culture up close and personal? Do you have an extra bed or space to put an extra bed in your warm and friendly home?

If yes, You could be the Host of an International High School Exchange Student with CIEE. We have applicants from various countries Brazil, China, Thailand, South Korea, Mongolia, Germany, Ukraine and many others will be coming in between now and May.

Please go to our website and read about what is necessary for being a Host Family and click on the "Register" next to Host Family.

http://www.ciee.org/highschool/host-families/being-a-host-family.html
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Would you like your High School Student to experience a foreign educational exchange experience in a foreign country? You can find information about this on here also.

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If you have questions or would like assistance in completing your application, or know someone who is interested in hosting call me or email me with the information and I can schedule an appointment to come and meet with you.

Dot Wiggins
Local Coordinator CIEE, Mid Eastern North Carolina
Cell (919) 219-2650
Email dotwigg@gmail.com

Countdown to International Education and Cultural Exchange Fair

2010-11-10T16:22:00.001-05:00

CIEE Families and Students Invite you to join us

2010-09-08T09:01:00.006-04:00

CIEE Host Families and Students of Eastern North Carolina (Triangle area and surrounding areas) are planning a few events and invite you to join us:

Saturday, September 25th 5-9 pm. CIEE meets the Carolina Railhawks in Cary, NC... http://www.carolinarailhawks.com/

We will meet at the stadium at 4:45pm to assemble our group and meet everyone and enter as a group. We will be wearing Navy Blue and Red shirts will be the coordinators. Meet and Greet with the team starts at 5pm, personal pictures are allowed and then the game starts at 7pm. Cost is $7.oo per person. Please RSVP by email dotwigg@gmail.com payment confirms your reservation, send payment by paypal :DOROTHY WIGGINS, (NO CREDIT CARDS!, must use bank account or paypal acct transfer) or mail check to CIEE Railhawks game 120 New Castle Ct, Youngsville, NC 27596 by September 18th!

November 20th International Education Exchange and Cultural Fair and Conference. We are hosting a fair and conference at the Smithfield Agriculture building in Smithfield, NC from 4pm until 7pm. Several exchange students will be performing music, dance, and theater from their countries. Their will be games, displays, food samples, and business opportunities that impact and service the International Community. The world is really alot smaller when we look at all the similarities and technology resources that are available today to bridge the gap. We can easily travel around the world in a day and on this evening the world will be seen in a few hours. Spaces are still available for families/groups/mission trips to showcase their international trips and work abroad, heritage or research projects and for vendors/business/ministries to showcase their opportunities. $20.00 for us to setup tables, include business card ad in our advertisements and program, or $10.00 for space to setup your own tables and for line inclusion in advertisements and program. RSVP your space and needs to dotwigg@gmail.com and confirm with payments through paypal :DOROTHY WIGGINS or mail to International Fair and Conference RSVP 120 New Castle Ct, Youngsville, NC 27596. Deadline is November 1st.

Exchanging can lead to alot of Laughter...

2010-08-14T13:42:00.005-04:00

Part of Hosting an International High school Student is to allow them to show you about them, their culture and abilities. Kwon told us in his application that he loves music, plays in his choir and praise band and church and likes to play piano, guitar, and other musical instruments. So this morning, our 1st real day together as a family, we broke out our keyboard and ask him to play for us. which he eagerly did, and then Chris decided to try it and well hence the laughter! Our keyboard is the full functioning kind and plays itself (halleluah!!) and Chris started pushing the autoplay buttons and many of the songs Kwon knew and he grabbed his Japanese flute and began accompanying Chris and the keyboard. Good times can be so simple and yet yield learning and alot of enjoyment for all.

Enjoy the Show :)!.

The Educated Experienced International Student willing to share his musical abilities.

The musically disadvantaged "Host" Dad attempting to play

Come Meet Kwon from South Korea and consider hosting

2010-08-14T10:50:00.005-04:00

Many of the students have Arrived!!! many are coming in the next few weeks to start they full school year (10 month plan) others will arrive in January for the (5 month plan). Some students will need/request a move and will need new families so finding host families is a year long process. But, there are ways to be involved without being the "HOST" family (where the student lives while being here and attending school). You could have the student visit with you for a weekend or a special event or dinner, or attend a special event or dinner with our group. These students are 15-18 and just like our kids in many ways, they like to play sports (soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball and football) many want to try things they do not get to do in their countries, they play instruments, laugh, joke and love life.

Come and meet Kwonneung "Kwon" for short from South Korea. He is 15 will turn 16 in February. He will be attending Louisburg Highschool and wants to play soccer and basketball. He plays piano, and guitar, japanese drums and other instruments. He is Christian, his mom is a pastor in South Korea. The family he was going to be placed with could not be processed completely in time due to the background checks appeal process that are required with CIEE. Therefore my family is hosting him until we can find a family in the Louisburg area so he can remain in the Louisburg Highschool where is host family had started telling him about and where he and his family had started researching. Call me or email me and we can set up something. He is very anxious to start making friends and meeting kids his age at his school.

****Current Needs**********

Fully willing and committed families that can commit to hosting students is the South Johnston High area (Benson and Four Oaks area) and Rosewood areas. We have had families complete the applications asking to host students, had the students assigned, and make contact with the families and begin preparing to come to their homes and then while the student was in orientation (only 2 days before the student is to arrive to the host families) the families contacted us and expressed a desire to "cancel" their placement. We thankfully have previous host families and "welcoming families" just incase something like this happens but these families are only able to welcome the child from the airport and give them a warm and welcoming place to stay a get use to American living for 2 weeks while we find another premenate family. One family in the Rosewood area, hosted 2 students last year, and have been awesomely supportive to other host families agreed to host one of these students and post poned travel plans and dad had to get comfortable to having a teenage boy in the home with his teenage daughter, but they made the arrangements needed so that they could greet this young man and help him until his new family is found so that he could start school and begin his Journey to learning about America without delay because of circumstances beyond anyones control. Local coordinators cannot express how much we appreciate our host families and especially ones like this family that are there for these students and will make slight compromises and sacrafices for these students.

If you can commit to welcoming these students into your hearts, homes, and families for the remainder of the school year. You provide them a bed (they don't not have to have a separate bedroom if the child is within 5 years of age of them (at least 10) and same sex (no coed) sleeping arrangements. The students usually like sharing a room for the companionship and similarity of home (many have siblings). Meals, (some, because the students like to share their cultures foods and cooking, also if you eat out they have their spending money.) We suggest treating them like you would any visiting family member. As the adults and "Guardians" you would provide supervision and decision making authority of day to day activities to keep the child safe and behaving appropriately and in accordance with rules. You have support and mediation services with your local coordinator and our Team Leader Joy Gorman and if it is above her authority or abilities or you or the student is not happy CIEE also has support staff. In exchange for your willingness to work with the international student and extend your hospitality you receive alot of admiration from the student and their family. Their notes and little gifts also make me cry. You and your family enjoy experiencing and learning a new language, culture and culinary skil while you help the student learn yours by just talking and allowing them to participate in the things you do everyday. Although there is no payment for hosting, you can claim a $50.00 tax credit for each month you host a student.

If you are interested call or email me or check out the website: www.ciee.org/hs/host if you are ready to start your Hosting experience click on the register and complete the application by answering all the questions about yourself, spouse, family, home and typical weekday and weekend routines. We will upload pictures when we come out to meet you if you need assistance with that. But, please confirm background checks on anyone 18 or older living in the home and click the submit button and someone in your area or Joy Gorman will call and schedule an interview. If you have more questions or want to reach her, she is available at (919) 830-9194 or through email aprayerpartner@msn.com

2. I you or anyone you know has laptop computers that the students can purchase for reasonable prices or that can be loaned to them to use please contact me.

3. Kwon was not able to bring his guitar with him and enjoys playing in the praise band at home and another student really wants to learn to play the guitar and kwon could teach him and others to play if they had guitars to use. If you or someone you know has 2 guitars that we can borrow or know of good guitars for a reasonable price please email me or call me.

Hosting Makes the World seem smaller and friendlier

2010-08-04T14:46:00.004-04:00

We are the World and we are similar in alot of ways and hosting and being an exchange student is a great way to see this. And once you see the we are all hoping and trying to make a difference you have relationship and bridges to cross the great divide.

Tis the season of International learning experiences, many students are preparing to come to the US or are here awaiting placement into homes of those willing to share and show the students what America has to offer. The students come to attend school for the school year, participate in clubs and sports, join in on youth groups and other things that teens do. They come from all over the globe, but a large number come from Germany, Russia, Thailand, South Korea, and China. Both boys and girls age 15- 18 apply to the program, submit to testing, SLEP to determine their level of understanding of the English language and they write the most passionate personal letters about themselves, their family and their desire to come to the US.

If you would like more information see the website; www.ciee.org/hs/host or contact me and we can discuss hosting in more detail and complete your application and submit your information for a background check and get the process started to match you with a student.

Dot Wiggins
Local Coordinator in North Carolina
(919) 219-2650
dotwigg@gmail.com

If you are ready to apply, go to the website www.ciee.org/hs/host select "HOST FAMILY" and click "REGISTER" completely fill out the application, making sure to fill all the blanks, for children or retired/unemployed people enter "Student/unemployed/retired in the occupation blank. and confirm all the adults for background checks and I or someone in your area will be in touch. In the blank that asks "How did you hear about the hosting opportunity" please enter Dot Wiggins blog or Facebook.

Please share your hosting experiences here and let us know where you are located, we may plan a trip to visit :). If you are planning "field trips or tours with your students and can include more please let us know too, we might be able to join you.

Happy Hosting.... Lets make the world smaller and more friendly by "Opening our homes and hearts to international students".

Nutrition to include in your day to impact your health

2010-03-28T15:53:00.006-04:00

This is one of the many helpful and insight articles in the REX Cancer Center Cancer Prevention & Detection Tool Kit

10 Super Foods to Include in your Day...........

1. Omega-3 Rich Foods: Dietary omega 3 fatty caids, found in both fish oil and flaxseed, may prohibit the growth of turmors in colonrectal, breast and prostate tissue. In addition, most marine-derived omega 3 fatty acids are also packed with protein, B vitamins, and selenium.

Serving sizes, 3 ounces of fish, 2 teaspoons of flaxseed and 1 ounce of nuts and/or beans.

Sources: wild salmon, tuna, sea bass, oysters, walnuts, soybeans, wheat germ, flaxseed (crushed or pressed)

2. Crucifferous vegetables: THis family of vegetables contains phytochemicals (chemicals found in plants) which help prevent cancer and boost the immune system and, in addition, are loaded with fiber to aid in cardiovascular health.

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Sources: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy, kale

3. Berries
4. Yogurt with Active cultures * to receive the health benefits MUST be active cultures!*
5. Legumes (Beans)
6. Citrus fruits
7. Red and Pink Fruit
8. Tea (Green and Black)
9. Dark Green Leafy and Organge Vegetables
10. Whole grains

Do you see with this is headed, Nature, colors, and healthy choices hold healing powers for many of the illnesses and diseases of man.

For your own copy for the full article and the REX Cancer Center Cancer Prevention & Dection Tool Kit; come to any Bright Minds event or come by our call me and schedule a time to come by our office in Youngsville and pick it up.

Also if you have questions or concerns about your health or Cancer risk factors, see our Friends at Rex Healthcare.

For a general nutritional consultation at any Rex Wellness Center or visit rexhealthcare.com

For more information about other healthcare issues or Cancer Center appointments Check out their website: rexhealth.com/cancer

General Health: Rexhealth.com
or unchealthcare.org

North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Program nccancer.com

American Cancer Society cancer.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov
National Cancer Institute cancer.gov
Smoke Free smokefree.gov

Business Expo-Youngsville, NC

2010-03-10T23:09:00.003-05:00

Local Business Expo

at the Community house across the street from Olde Liberty Golf & Country Club
100 Commonwealth Drive
Youngsville, NC 27596
Direct: (919) 645-9798

http://www.OldeLiberty.com
http://www.OldeLibertyGolf.com

March 20th, Saturday 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Door Prizes, Special offers and deals... Bring a friend and get entered into a drawing for a $25.00 Sheets Gift card.

We still have a few spots unreserved for vendors, business owners or artisians, email your business card information and a description of your business and I will contact you. Flyers will be prepared and circulated with all the participants listed by March 15th. Vendors setup Saturday from 1 until 1:45, doors open at 2pm.

Spread the word.. have your friends bring the flyer or email to enter you into a drawing. We will do these monthly with different businesses and themes, seminars and other fun things so check back often. We are also organizing an Expo for Chesapeake, VA if interested in more information email me...

Together we can make a difference.

Dotwigg@nc.rr.com Subject: Business Expo-Youngsville

An Awesome Local "Bright Mind and Helping Hand and Heart"

2010-03-08T08:19:00.004-05:00

This weekend my family and I volunteered at Basic Needs Ministry Food Pantry, PUBLIC library and thrift store in Garner, NC. This place is amazing and is a stellar example of what Bright Minds, Helping Hands and Hearts want to be, parnter with and help encourage more organizations and individuals to support.

With a little thought alot of effort and heart this group is changing lives in their community, although their service area is limited, it is identified as a high need area and efforts like this have a ripple effect and their benefit can reach far outside the service area with just a little help, encouragement and support.

My husband and I sat inside the computer area and looked up and labeled books for the library that has been organized with mostly DONATED!!! books. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all these books from every genre, Classical Literature, foreign language literature, German, French, Spanish, LOTS of Romance novels, mystery, SCI-FI they have many STAR TREK novels, the Left Behind series. Videos!!! hundreds of them.

My 14 year old son and our 17 year old Exchange student from Thailand were among the OLDEST "youth" volunteers. They carried the boxes of books from storage to us, and from our labeling area to the library shelves. They helped shelve thrift store items, videos, and anything they were asked. These kids who were volunteering were awesome, hardworking for minimum of 4 hour shifts.

If the "heart benefits" were not enough for helping out, this group is part of the "HELPING HANDS NETWORK", "GIVE A DAY GET A DAY AT DISNEY" campaign, where in exchange for a day of service to a registered charity EACH volunteer receives a certificate for a free ticket to a Disney Theme park, approx. at $59-$99.00 value (depending on the park selected, Disney Land or Disney World parks).

They take donations and need volunteers to further their service to the Johnston and Wake County areas. It is a quick hour drive from Franklin county off the beltline (440 to I40, off Hwy 42). See the website for exact address and directions and more details about the work they do. http://www.4042needs.org

Please pray for this group and the coordinator, Ronald Still cw_rls@bellsouth.net

Join them and helpout anyway you can, share their information and get the word out about such a great work being done in our local area that can make a huge difference. We are definitely going back to help out, and have adopted this as "our charitable group to support, encourage and promote". All of donations that use to go to Good Will are now going to them.

If you have clothes, books, videos to be donated call me or drop them by the house and put them in the box on the front porch.

Business Expo in Youngsville, NC has openings

2010-02-28T15:16:00.002-05:00

We are planning a Business Expo on March 20th from 2-6 pm.
utilizing our cooperative efforts and mutual support we can Relationship market each other and reap huge benefits.

If you would like to join us, email me your business card and a description of your business or opportunity, Offer a special or free gift for visiting your table, and donate a door prize. Send invitations to all of your contacts (50 or more).

We will setup on the 20th from 1-1:30 and doors open at 2.

Currently we have:
Posh Salon
Uniquely Organization and Utilized
Gloryware
CIEE Exchange Student Hosting program
Several others have not returned their information yet...

There is room for you to join us, flyers will be ordered and distributed March 15th.

comment below or email dotwigg@nc.rr.com to register. I will send you a confirmation and more details.

Time to plan your garden and to start coops and barter groups

2010-02-16T11:01:00.005-05:00

Bartering is making a comeback, and what better time than Garden planting and harvesting. Do you have room in your yard to expand your garden and allow for more plants to be planted in exchange for help with the garden and a share of the bounty?

We are planning on expanding our garden and begin year-round gardening and container growing tomatoes inside and canning and food savor bagging veggies and meats to preserve them and would love help as I am new and learning and it is more fun to do these tasks with others. Interested? comment below or email me.

Do you have dehydrator, canning supplies, pressure cooker, large pots you are not using that you would loan me, I can store them here in my "closet" on the back of my house.

Do you have tools, books, and other resources that you would loan to someone in exchange for another tool, book, or resource or a service you need?

Would you like to be part of a group who is "available and willing" to share and assist. I have started a database on the yahoo page to sign in your information, what you are offering and what you want/need. Check it out.. pass on the information to others that you know who will join us and make us Bright and Helpful so we can show the Holy Love.

The joy of toiling and nuturing a garden is a great thrill for many and such a relief to budgets and blessing to tables. But, too much of a good thing is a burden and when too much effort to find a good place to give the excess leads to waste of the bounty. Last year, we have jalapeno peppers coming out of ears and unfortunately we have some go to the compost pile, not a complete waste but this year I am hoping to develop a small scale food exchange and get a bartering group going.

If you are interested, comment below with your email address, your location, what vegetables you plant and the other vegetables you eat. When you plant your garden and when you buy your plants.

Inspiring link: http://greenopolis.com/goblog/litegreen/now-time-plan-summer-garden

Relay For Life-Franklin County, NC --New Team:Bright Minds Helping Hands and Hearts

2010-02-09T11:09:00.003-05:00

Bright Minds Helping Hands and Hearts is forming a team for the Relay for Life-Franklin County on April 30, 2010 at Bunn Highschool in Bunn, NC. My husband, 14 year old son and our 17 y.o Thai exchange student are participating. We have room for you and your family and friends will you join us?

Join our group on yahoo or facebook and share your ideas, resources and events and lets make a difference in our community one day at a time..

Click here and register today and start raising money for the Cause. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=619722&fr_id=24607&pg=team

Making The World A Better Place, Starts with Changing U

2010-02-07T15:13:00.005-05:00

This is a post I have on my personal reflective blog, "From the Heart of Praise and Perseverance; http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2010/02/making-things-better-starts-with-change.html

Check it out and lets use this as a launch for the
Month of LOVE! Valentine's Day is February 14th, and Month of Unity, Inclusion and Bonding St. Patrick's Day is March 14th; two holidays with awesome spiritual significance and awesome history that have been turned into holidays people dread for the misbehavior and hype and now is the time to make a difference. Lets start today and Change peoples understanding of the basics of relationships, without understanding the "REAL" meaning of love and what Love is and is not, they cannot understand God's Love, his SON, Christ or how to even see their sin for what it is. It takes one to start and pass on the flame and before long we have a glowing light to shine on the world and show things can be different and that peace and joy are so much better than what this world has to offer.

You can show them the light and to be peaceful and joyful when you are in crisis, ill, and even hurting because you KNOW your not alone, that THE BEST result will occur for YOUR BENEFIT and Death is not feared or dispised, it will be a celebration as "We will have finished our race and we will be in the arms of our Lord and Savior and hear those awesome words, "Good work, my good and faithful servant". That alone makes my heart beat, the dream of seeing my Father's Eyes is what I dream about during the day, and what sustains me.

I KNOW the Truth and that THIS IS THE LIFE HE DESIGNED FOR ME, and I am working to be THANKFUL and to HAVE JOY IN IT, Everyday and to help others find this, if they want it, but if they just need a ride to the store or to the school, then I will do that to as if I was giving Christ a ride, because he says "if you do any of these things to the one who needs it you are doing it as unto me".

Living Philippians 4:3-8 is not just a cute saying, it is a lifestyle, and just like cutting calories, exercising, or anything else it takes dedication, commitment, effort and grace, but as with other desires and petitions if we ask for help, He is faithful to give us our hearts desire and help us, He actually carries the burden with us and helps keep us on the path of righteousness.

What is your hearts desire? What are you doing to help? Lets gather together in agreement and get things moving. I would love to hear from you, know about other groups like this one, other events and activities, comment below or email me privately :). Together we can make a difference, for His Glory.

Please Help Noah's Family

2010-01-22T08:03:00.003-05:00

This touched my heart...having been a homeschool family, and having medical bills jepardize our financial standing. The burden and logic of being debt free and taking care of our families at all cost is becoming ever evident as the "RIGHT WAY" to live.

Please read this post, http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ourquiverfull?emc=intellicontact&m=4285816&v=1029465774&l=1 visit this friend of the Estes who posted their efforts to take care of their family, provide income in this crazy economy after having their job ended because a "business decision and being helpless to stop it". Help if you can by purchasing this awesome offer they have put together to benefit others while trying to raise money.

This family is a great example of the spirit and mission of Bright Minds Helping Hands and Hearts.

Please pray for the family and spread this on your blogs and facebook links to help spread the word.

Blessings,
Dot Wiggins

Family Friendly and still entertaining and quality theater

2010-01-18T12:12:00.002-05:00

Are you tired of having to threaten and bribe your family to watch the "Family Friendly" and Inspiring movies? Want to have some quality well made movies that are still "teachable" and show good character traits?

Well here is one organization that is producing these movies regularly and they need support to be able to continue. Featured Films; http://www.familytv.com/Default.aspx?type=Movies&t=201001121200#MovieSearch

Have setup a website to show case their movies, you can order online, findout about what is coming out next and see other resources they offer. Share this with your friends and family, use them for gifts.

Currently they are offering an Economy Package of three movies for $19.95 plus shipping. That is an awesome deal. Check it out. Spread the word and support them however you can. I am trying to pair people who want to see the movies but cannot afford 19.95 right now. If you can put out $5.00, send me a check or paypal the payment and I will add you to the list.

If you find good values like this please email the information and I will be happy to post something on them. These are the kinds of businesses and products I want to see continue and want to help promote.

Can you Host an International High School Exchange Student? YES!!! you CAN!!!!

2009-12-01T10:00:00.003-05:00

International High School students from countries all around the world are looking for safe and welcoming homes to come and stay in for 5 or 10 months while they become part of the family, are emersed in the American culture and English language and attend American high school and learn about out government, civics, personal interactions, academics and extra curricular activites. Many of these students are top performers and this experience is necessary to increase their chances of getting into the "University" {college} in their country. Many countries have such a competitive entrance to be able to attend any quality higher education that the students and their families work to achieve any advantage they can to improve their chances of being selected by a good school so that they are able to obtain a good job. What a refreshing diligence and commitment to hardwork and academic and intelligence achievement, from children.

What is required to be a host?
1. Home (house, apartment, trailer with 2 or more people) that is safe and appropriate for a student. They do not require their own room usually, as long as they will be sharing a room with a sibling 8 or old ( to protect their belongs, sleep and study time). Most students enjoy sharing a room to learn and bond with members better and to have total emersion into the customs and language.

2. Access to transportation. They can use public transportation or you can drive them places. They do have to get to and from school and occasional trips to stores or sites to be able to experience the area. CIEE coordinators are available to help and they schedule "group" events and trips to help provide the students activities.

3. Food. Host families are asked to provide some meals for the student so they experience our cuisine, however they do have spending money and can purchase their lunches and dinners out but making sure they have access to appropriate food is necessary.

4. Allowing them to participate with family activities and trips, they enjoy this and it helps bond with them and helps them experience more language and personal interaction responses in natural settings.

5. Filling out the application and passing the background check. see the website for more information. {If something comes back from distant passed it may not prevent your being able to host, it will be discussed and determined on a per case basis}

What do you get for all this???

1. A detailed profile report with picture of your student, address, email, and phone number so you can make contact and start building a repoure with them. {Not all organizations give this, it is just one of the differences with CIEE}. Information about the parents, the health of the student, any allergies, concerns or dislikes (pets, small children, smoking), academic scores, transcript of their schooling, a letter from the student to their host, a note from the parents, a profile of the country the student is from, information about their town or city and a supportive and resourceful coordinator that is available throughout the process and during the exchange period. A network of mangement within the CIEE organization, including a coordinator in the home country.

2. The experience of seeing your home and property in a different way. Looking at the routine things you do as something much more important or seeing "strange things you do and don't know why" you do them until you try to explain them.

2. Someone who pitches in without demanding allowance or reward. A new sense of your prescence in your home and maybe some much lacking appreciation of the little things that just seem like expected or the normal way moms do things.

3. $50.00/ month of hosting tax credit. see website or your coordinator for more information.

4. Joy of seeing someone learn and do new things for the first time and of helping someone achieve their goals.

5. Your family will learn about another country, its customs, foods, and language. It is great for children to experience first hand how similar people are and to learn by tasting the foods or seeing the pictures of foreign places.

6. Many, many thanks and possible gifts from the student and the parents. A new longterm friendship with someone in a foreign country.

7. A sense of influence on someones life, and a sense of pride when you hear how they are succeeding once they go back to their country. Knowledge that you helped enhance someones learning and development, while just living and doing your normal activities and sharing your home and life with them.

My Story of Host to Coordinator

I was so impressed with the procedures and information provided by CIEE to their host families that I inquired about becoming more involved in helping with the exchange program and my coordinator invited me to join the team as a coordinator. Our exchange student, "Mek", has been an instant joy and such a blessing to our household from the moment he called 2 and 1/2 hours before his arrival time here in North Carolina from Chicago, just to let me know he was on time and looking forward to meeting us. He was so excited that we were coming to meet him at the airport and pick him up to bring him to our home. He was not "expecting" us to come since he had been told we lived a distance from the airport and that the coordinator sometimes picks up the students at the airport and takes them to their host homes.

He was instantly engaged with our family and even played soccer with our son while waiting for dinner his first night, after flying most of day and having jet lag. Every opportunity to experience something new is eagerly embraced and he fearlessly and diligently seeks new opportunities and information at every opportune moment. He is from Thailand, therefore football there, is our soccer, which he had played there many years but he is an avid American football fan and wanted to tryout for the American football team at his school.

We made some calls and he was able to "walk on" and he made it onto the team as a Receiver. Although he only "played" approximately 15 minutes 2 or 3 plays at the very end of 2 different games, but he was so proud and excited to be part of the team. He was a great encourager and very popular on his team. He worked hard to learn and work out like all the other players, while standing on the sidelines for the entire game he was pumped and positive, diligently watching and cheer for his team mates.

It has been 4 months and we are so attached to him we have started bargining with his awesome parents in Thailand to keep him. ha ha.. We have been so impressed with his parents also, they have been warm and friendly and extremely thankful for our willingness to have their son stay with us and learn about America. They sent us awesome gifts and have called us several times, we even skyped once which was truly amazing. We will never be the same, we have been so blessed by this opportunity and are as excited and diligent about our education of Thailand, its customs, culture and language. This has been a great bonding time and a source of alot of laughter in our home, as my husband, who has a very slow southern drawl attempted to pronounce Thai words. Ah... it really is the little things and the simple things of life that make the most laughter.

We embrace this experience as the ultimate stewardship exercise and a truely faith expression. Our family is so blessed with adequate housing, and although not ideal always food supply we have never not had food to choose from, as long as we were willing to cook it. We have income enough to cover expenses and had the room to open our home to help someone. It does not get much better than that, God always equips us to be able to provide anything we are asked to give, we just have to be willing and bold enough to take that step or receive the email or phone call.

Can you open your home and hearts to one of these awesome high school students (15-18 years old) needing a home and a host to help them receive the experience and education they need to be fully equipped for what they are called to do?

Check out the website for more information, and to sign up as host family. www.CIEE.org/highschool

Email me and let me know you signed up, If you are in Franklin County, I will be your coordinator, if you are other counties in North Carolina (Triangle Area) I can team up with your coordinator to help get you ready for your awesome experience and you can talk with Mek and get some pointers of how to welcome your student. If you are outside of the triangle area of North Carolina or in another state I am still interested in teaming up with you and helping in anyway I can.

Welcome to the Proud and Bold Sharing community or CIEE Host Families, and just like a physical family, we help and support each other. Feel free to email or call me, Dot Wiggins, cell phone (919) 219-2650.

WOW.. It has been a year since the first steps to starting this great project

2009-10-20T10:20:00.003-04:00

Well, a year really flies but so much has happened through Bright Minds, Helping Hands, and Holy Hearts
some things are publically celebrated others are privately relished and just known they were done with all the right intentions and all the Glory went to the one that it was owed to, Christ.

We have helped 3 families.
We sponsored fundraisers for Carter Dunbar
We have "sponsored" 2 local businesses
We have collected 2 truck loads of clothes and household items
We donated paper products and cleaning supplies
We donated 12 tolietry bags

We have the yahoo group, facebook group page, this blog and our webpage.

Things are progressing and I am actively promoting and recruiting for new partners, members and for ideas for meetings and seminars.

Some upcoming projects:
Let me know which projects interest you and that you are willing in participating in.

Bulk purchasing and Vegetable co-op
Recyling plastics, cans, printer cartridges
Resource directory
Shopping guide and coupon train
"Tailgating sales
Collaborating nights
Wi-Fi sharing
Group weiner roasts at the Wiggins on Saturday Nights

Post comments below, write on the group page on facebook, send me a message on facebook or email me, dotwigg@nc.rr.com

Also if you have any memorable story or experience from the events of this year and want to share with us, post a comment here or on the facebook group page.

Thank you for making this 2008-2009 service year a fun, helpful and BRIGHT year. Can't wait to see what we can do in the upcoming months.

Register for the First Meeting of Bright Minds, Helping Hands and Hearts

2009-07-29T14:10:00.003-04:00

I have a informational meeting coming together that will be a chance to meet, exchange business cards and information, here from some special speakers, (Bank Rep talking about accounting and financial businesses/craft endeavors, I am going to share some “marketing ideas and organization solutions, and I have a few invites pending). The meeting is being planned for Friday August 7th or August 14th at 7:00 p.m. at The Well Coffee House and Restaurant on Main Street in Wake Forest. To reserve your spot email me dotwigg@nc.rr.com there will be a collection taken at the door for $5.00 per person/family/business. A beverage or food purchase can be made when you come in, just tell them you are with Bright Minds.

Here are a few of the links to the bright Minds webpage and the yahoo group. https://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brightmindshelpinghandsandhearts ; https://18928.edicypages.com/en

I also wanted to share a cool resource I was referred to help me promote my business. Naymz Exchange Network you create your profile, list your information and connect with other business people all over the world. You can connect your resume and other business documents, media clips, websites, blogs ect.

My profile is http://www.naymz.com/search/dorothy/herdman/wiggins/2666242?preview=true

Mark Your Calendars! Fundraiser Flea Market/Opportunity to join us and make $

2009-06-17T10:58:00.003-04:00

Fundraiser Flea Market Booth for Carter Dunbar
Saturday July 11 8 am - 1 pm (setup 7:45- 8:00 am)
The Well Restraunt and Coffee House, Main Street Wake Forest, NC 27587

Register to join us and sell or market your items or services for $5.00 fee and a donation of your choice to Carter's Fund. Call or email Dot Wiggins, (919) 761-8069 dotwigg@nc.rr.com Or Jennifer Friedley, (919) 219-4997; Jenfriedley@yahoo.com

Donate your items for us to sell and benefit the Fund for Carter. Bring your priced, gently used items, crafts, baked goods or bottled waters to the Well parking lot 7:45 am on Saturday July 11 or place them in the cargo area of the truck with the sign "Donations for Carter Dunbar"

Spread the word and come out a see us!

Thank you for coming out and supporting the Dunbars

2009-06-10T20:59:00.004-04:00

THANK YOU!!!!
for coming out to Chick-fil-A in Wake Forest and supporting the Dunbar's. We had an awesome turn out!!! There was about 4-5 deep X 4-5 lines for 2 hours straight. White and blue slips of paper were being proudly waved. The Chick-Fil-A prize wheel was in constant spin at $1.00 a turn. And, most touching complete strangers were making donations after seeing our poster explaining Carter's condition.

Tonight was an awesome example of Love, Friendship and Community coming together to share life experiences. Many were asking about future plans to help the family, at this time we have not scheduled anything but are looking at something the end of August. Please continue to pray for the family and for wisdom for the doctors, and comfort for Carter.

There is a donation account setup at BB & T (these donations are not tax deductible and no 1099 forms or other documentation of your donation is provided by BB & T nor are they responsible for any paperwork they are managing the account only)

For Carter Dunbar
Attn: Candice Whitman
1821 S. Main Street
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Flyer for Fundraiser for Carter Dunbar

2009-05-27T20:42:00.003-04:00

We have received the flyers for the fundraiser and need help distributing them. These flyers need to be presented when the orders are placed that night for us to receive credit. If you would like to help email and hand out flyers please email me at dotwigg@nc.rr.com There are 4 flyers per page, so if everyone prints out 5 sheets and pass them out we will have a great showing that night.

Fundraiser to Help Local Family

2009-05-20T20:11:00.007-04:00

Wednesday June 10th 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Chick-Fil-a Fundraiser to benefit Carter Dunbar, young child coping with a Serious Chronic Illness. At the Wake Forest Chick-Fila-- bring flyer and present it when you place your order. Also the Chick-Fil-A wheel will be there $1.00 a spin for coupons and prizes. Please come out purchase a good meal and support our friend.

Carter is blessed with a loving family, who are very active in Boy Scouts and 4H, various sports, are active in Church and other civic activities.

http://www.histio.org/site/c.kiKTL4PQLvF/b.1764433/k.
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1101/mainpageS1101P0 http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic216.htm

His favorite foods: CHICK-FILA, canned peaches, oatmeal pies, string cheese.

Bright Minds, Helping Hands and Holy Hearts is coordinating this fundraiser with CHICK-FIL-A to help provide relief to the family.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

It is time for a Spring Fling, calling all Bright Minds

2009-03-21T09:48:00.002-04:00

Spring is here, time to renew and bloom!

What better way to do that then a service project?

Spring Fling! of Love

Need people to Fling their talents and expertise into helping with this fair. (Musicians, crafters, bakers, entertainers, helpers, everyone can help!)

We want to have a "fair" with

Activities/Games

Bake Sale

Music

Hot dogs and drinks

A good old fashion community event with everyone invited and everyone working to bless someone.

Collecting New or Gently used toys, games.

Bubbles, silly string, Play dough, Silly puddy, bouncey balls, paddle ball games and other small toys and activities (neat and quiet!!).

Gift cards to walmart in any amount

gift certificates to Mr. Mike's or Edward McKay's

gift cards to local restraunts

Items can be dropped off or email me for a pick up on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

If you can help, please comment here! or email me with your talent, donation, name and phone number. As soon as I get a team formed I will send out an email and we can have "Virtual meetings online. If you facebook please let me know, and look for me (Dorothy Wiggins) and send me a friend request.

Let's Have a blast and Spring into love!

Helping those who can't help themselves

2009-01-24T13:34:00.004-05:00

One of the passions and missions of this group is to Advocate, Help, Enpower and Befriend those that need and will accept our efforts as a gift and then when able will join us to "pay ahead" the kindness and bless someone else like they were blessed.

Unborn children are people that need all of these efforts and so are pregnant women. We want to extend a hand of friendship and understanding to them both. We were kicked into high gear with President Obama's Executive order on Friday that both upset us terribly and moved us to action. We are not alone, others are speaking out and trying to get these misinformed facts and personal feelings corrected and replaced with facts and programs and support. A detailed post with links to the articles so you can see them for yourself is over on my personal blog, From The Heart with Praise, Prayer and Perserverance http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2009/01/oh-what-day-big-changesbad-changessad.html

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words and music can speak louder that 300 people, Well this video should do 10 fold!. Check it out. Pass it on and join us in this project to education, inform, inspire and really Change things for the better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyFrGbAvfHc

Happy New!!! Time to get geared up....

2009-01-03T12:55:00.003-05:00

It is hard to believe 2008 is over, but today is January 3, 2009, so it is. 2008 got a late start on being highly productive for me personally, but it is better late then never so, I plan to get things rolling for 2009. Here is a run down of upcoming projects for you to consider supporting, please spread the word. If you have a blog please "tag" this blog or feature us to help reach others that may be interested in participating.

Collecting gently used household items, "Self-help (household management, cooking, parenting, mood control, ect.) Encouraging books, biographies that inspire (Joni Eriksen-Tada, Beth Moore, ect), Devotional books, (Purposeful, useful, inspiring). Call for pickup in Youngsville/Wake Forest/Louisburg or to meet somewhere for other places {Dot Wiggins- 761-8069}

Starting the "Closet of Hope"
Need donations of household items, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates and cups), $10. and $25.00 gift cards, Toiletry items.

Needing "Hostess/Coordinator of teams of comforters and and Encourager's" for hospitality needs that come up (deaths, illnesses, family issues, just needs in general) . If interested email me at dotwigg@nc.rr.com with your name and phone number and email address and I can get you more information and add you to the list.

The last project is kind of a fun, yet need driven thing. "Fun, Popular yet Clean and Purposeful entertainment.

Looking for Christian artists first, but they need to be relevant and interesting. The music beats need to be Fast, Hard Rock and energized. There are good rock songs out there that can provoke good conversation and thinking in those that listen. Music makes suggestions but it cannot be blamed for all the attitudes and bad thinking and behavior, it just encouraged them, but we can change it with positive and encouraging messages. The group that sings "Wake Me Up Inside" Ever... is a good example. There are also some new songs out by Metallica (Sad but True and some others), Linkin Park (Broken, Breaking A Habit..). There are also several Young bands that could be encouraged to write and play music with good lyrics and possibly scriptural references that we could help promote and make popular.

Hoping to locate some of these local bands and organize or help promote concerts and CD distribution/sells.

These are the things we have so far. If you have a up and running project that you support and would like to recommend or have a suggestion for something email me or comment below.

Join in, and help recruit people to join and serve. Together we can make a difference.

Project: Collecting household items and New or gently used gifts for Foster Families

2008-11-22T17:22:00.004-05:00

I just learned about this group and was deeply moved. We want to help them collect items and toys to help the Foster kids. With Christmas coming we also want to collect new or "gently" (like new) unwrapped gifts to help these families with Christmas.

This is an excerpt from an email I received that really brings home the "true situation" these foster families face. I will get a box soon, but for now you can drop off items on my front porch on the bench and I will make sure they get to Louisburg.

If you have any questions or want more information, comment below or email me.

*************************
Helping Hands Forever was established by a Girl Scout troop to provide free items to children in foster care. The financial strain on top of the stress that caring for children that have been psychologically, physically abused, neglected, or are medically fragile causes 40% of foster parents to stop fostering children in the first year. Currently the state board rates (money paid monthly to foster families for children in their care) are: for 0 through 5 years of age $390.00 a month. That figures out to $12.58 a day to supply clothes, over the counter meds., school supplies, haircuts, diapers, furniture, coats, shoes, toys, the gas that is used to drive the children to doctors, family visits, evaluations and also to school for children that need to stay in their present schools because of special needs services that are already in place for them. The list goes on and those of you who have children know how fast children grow out of clothing along with weather changes. It can be budget breaking. For more information on state foster care and board rates go to www.dhhs.state.nc.us . We have recently extended our help to children who are 'aging out' of foster care and are in need of donated furniture and household items. If a foster child turns 18 and is not in school, foster care ends and these children are on their own. The typical 18 year old child finds it hard enough to become independent let alone a child who may have no family member to help them set up a home and get started. We are in urgent need of donations of gently used toys for children for Christmas. We continue to collect donations of furniture to supply foster families with needed beds (especially bunk beds), cribs, dressers, etc.

I want to help people, But...

2008-11-08T12:20:00.004-05:00

Helping people is the noblest of missions, but it is also the mission with the most casualty and injury of its workers. People are messy and unpredictable, but so worth the hassel, at least, God and Christ thinks so. Christ put His life on the Cross for people that were not the nicest, most well behaved and certainly were not appreciative of His sacrafice. But, what a difference that Love made!

I had a conversation with someone I was trying to recruit and this comment kept coming up. I want to help people, but....; and I hold the record for yeah, but statements. At least I did until a good friend stopped me in the middle of a statement and said, commit to something! YES or NO! no but's, no conditions, no explanation (this started a panic attack like you would not believe), but it was absolutely a pivotal point in changing poor decision making skills and controlling the fear.

Commitment is good. Determination is the glue that keeps things together in the storm, and Faith is what keeps you breathing.

Another, silly misconception is "Some people just do not want to be helped". This is a wrong and destructive way to think. People want help, People want God, sometimes they just can't see the way there, and they are afraid of taking things, or assistance because things are bad enough, what if this doesn't work? "I have to give up stuff to get something." "I know where I am at now I will just stay here and suffer instead of changing to an unknown situation and take a chance." They are saying to themselves.

People who are hurting, do not know what they want, they do not really care about the next five minutes or anything for that matter. They just want the pain to stop. All pain is not physical, but it can all cause the same reactions, poor judgement and bad choices, which leads to the bad behavior that is seen or experienced. But, like a small child having a temper tantrum, loosing our cool and abandoning them is not the way to help. The "Truth" is the best medicine, it goes down hard and leaves a sting and a bad taste for a while, but once it is digested, it makes everything better!

Behavior is like a volcano, what you see is the eruption, but the problems and thought processes that caused it have been working under the surface for awhile. Heat rises and rock flies. (modified slightly, but the main idea is borrowed heavily from a sunday school lesson, citation provided on request.)

This why the Combination of Mind, Body and Spirit is so important. It is the way God designed us, and is the main emphasis of the "whole person treatment" which is proving to be the most effect across the disciplines of medicine. Hence, our design for this group, it not only makes us a complete service resource but also allows members to contribute their strengths and develop those things that they are not as strong in, but what makes us different from other groups is our Inner strength, which comes from our Lord and Savior. "When we are weakest, He is strong" "Our strength comes from Him" that is why we can serve, even in difficult personal times, to difficult people, during crisis events. He is our Strength, we do it because He did it for us, and the ones we are serving are His too.

Think back to a time when you were not the most lovable, most cooperative, most godly behaving person (Be Honest, it has happened, you are human!). Did everyone bail on you? (If they did, sorry, but that does not mean they were working with God and acting appropriately.) We are called to a higher way of thinking, loving and doing, we are CHRISTians, our model is Christ, He never stopped teaching, loving, praying for His people. Even on the cross, bearing our sins, He prayed for us and interceded for us to the Father asking for him to forgive us. Can we bear alittle bad attitude, ungreatfulness, greed, anger? Can we take alittle mistreating, unfair accusations, and mistreatment for their souls sake. Are we willing to minister to their hearts, are we strong enough and determined to assist people back to their relationship with Christ?

When times get tough, troubles, illness, relationships crumble who do we drop first? Christ, who do we stop talking to? What is the first place we stay away from? In problem solving alot of times you reverse the order, trace your steps back to where things were wrong, and do the opposite. When things are tough, we need to talk to God more, Pray more, He needs to have our attention, our Hearts need to be opened, our Minds need to focus and we need to HEAR him so He can comfort us like no one else can. He can heal us like nothing else can. Faith in Him brings the results. Where their is no faith, there is fear, where the is fear, there is pain. To give them faith, show them Love.

We want to help people get the best answers, and the best assistance, we need to take the to Jesus, but that requires patience, love, longsuffering, and PRAYER, lots of heart felt, down on your knees, tear felt prayer for God to move in us, through us, around us, under us, and over us. Light us up like CHRISTmas lights!!! Christ is here, we just need to LIGHT the way so that others can see Him and recognize it is Him. They need it, but may not realize what they are looking at.

SHINE ON! Light the way, LOVE, ENCOURAGE, PRAY!!! Be willing to be used, (for His glory).
A life could be eternally impacted...by the actions you take and choices you make.

Financial Wisdom and What God says about Finances

2008-11-03T14:27:00.007-05:00

One of the many things people disagree on is God's purpose for our financial prosperity and How God says we are to handle finances. There are many theories, and theologies and opinions of which I will let you research and discern for yourself. Here is a reliable Christian Resource and what they have interpreted from Scripture.

Read, discern, learn, understand, apply. Acts 17:11 tells us to Study to show ourselves approved. or in the American Standard it is worded "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.

Check out this resource and relatedother articles
(click on "God's financial purpose" from this link)
http://www.makingmoneywork.us/mmwfreedownloadsamples.htm

What are we going to do??? "Love them Like Jesus"

2008-11-02T10:32:00.003-05:00

I was returning some emails and received this question after explaining the vision and purpose of the group, website and blog. "So, what are you all trying to do with all of this"???? I thought about it and tried to explain again.. and then I thought I need a simple few word explaination and I was listing to my playlist player on my personal blog (www.fromtheheart.blogspot.com ) and thought, well I will explain it with a song.

The first song playing is the answer. "Love Them Like Jesus". Listen to the words.
and the second song "IF we are the body" says the reason why we need one more group, to do this instead of just joining others (which we did try to do) but, feel there is something missing and that the access and "feel" of our group can enhance others but yet reach those that are too hurt, too embarassed, too .... to reach out. We will see them and love them where they are. We will be partnering with other groups and helping to utilize services, and resources that are already operational. Encouragement during the hardtimes and during times of low spirit or anger, disobedience is very much needed. Sharing the Truth and witnessing about Christ can still be done during these times but, care for the person needs to take place first. This is usually the perfect time for sharing the "Testimony" on why God is important to your life, What God has done for you, how you KNOW!!! God can help the situation, that there is hope even in the face of the tragedy, terrible legal trouble, family breakup, whatever the storm, God Can and Will guide them through it.

The other songs on the playlist player are very encouraging and inspiring and have special messages too.

Keep the questions and information coming...

Resources, Knowledge, Information, Supportive People are PRICELESS

2008-10-31T11:08:00.004-04:00

One of the most covetted things (In my opinion) are Resources (opportunities), Knowledge, Information, and supportive people. WHEN!!! (not if, because they do and will) problems, challenges, needs come up these things are what you begin searching for, praying for, and wanting more than anything. What if you could click on one website, or one blog and get everything you wanted and a whole lot more. If you had a place to go to ask questions, request a hand with something, request a referral of a reputiable and trusted provider of services, find places to help others. Well, Welcome to Bright Minds, Helping Hands, and Holy Hearts.

The strength and benefit this group has to offer are the amazing, talented and knowledgible members (YOU!!!). And the spirit of the group is share what you can, what you know, interesting topics, and articles, your talents, your "helping hands" in projects that come up, your encouragement and support, your testimony, your faith. In return everyone else will be doing the same thing. It is amazing and simple priceless to receive these things in a moment of need. Sometimes you are able to find these things on your own, but some people need or would like a little companionship, and help during these times, so that is what we want to start providing.

Click on the comment button below this post, and provide any information you have found useful, websites, community agencies or groups, discount stores, sources of good, reputiable, and helpful information on any and all topics. Special skills you have, your talent, ect. The comments will be moderated and I will create postings in catergories.

If you are looking for information or a specific resource (ie, food at good prices, co-op's ect) then post those requests too.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Helping the Poor- Biblical Perspective-Theological Discussion

2008-10-29T22:23:00.001-04:00

The great debate should we help? How much should we help? Which ones should we help? For how long should we help?

Some think that if people do not work they should not receive. But I say, How do you know they did not work? maybe it is just not enough, and isn't that judging? Sometimes bad and costly things happen that we are just not financially prepared for. Today I need help, tomorrow I can help someone else out, isn't that how the "Community" works. It use to work that way, but corruption, deceit and selfishness crept in like the "theif in the night" as the Bible warns and destroyed trust and love for each other and now everyone thinks everyone else is cheating and just wanting something for nothing. We need to get back to the jolly, helpful, sharing community.

Christ said, that "whatever you do not do for those with the least, you did not do for me". And if we love how can we let people need the basics and have extra and not give???? That is just me.
I was searching the internet for a good answer and found this article

"A Theological Discusssion About Helping The Poor", by Robert Carillo

http://www.icochotnews.com/?q=node/680

It is very good, lots of scripture references and good commentary explanations.

What do you think? Do you know of food ministries around town? Would you want to be involved in helping with food related needs? Do you have any practical suggestions for those needing help with obtaining, preparing, storing, utilizing food they are not used to eating, (ie: deer meat or odd cuts of meat like neck bones, ect).?

Welcome

2008-10-29T21:20:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Bright Minds, Helping Hands, and Holy Hearts main operation center.

We are just getting things rolling, recruiting member, collecting resources, Talented, Gifted, and Skilled people in all areas.

If you are interested in joining:
Click on our facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30883609290&ref=ts
our website at http://18928.edicypages.com/en OR
Email me at dotwigg@nc.rr.com, with your Name, and a description, any links to resources you have, suggestions, ect.

Or Comment on this post.

Looking forward to working with you to make our community unified.