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Archive for January 2, 2012

The Sniper and the Trumpet Song

What has for centuries raised humanity above the beast is not the cudgel but an inward music; the irresistible power of unarmed truth, the powerful attraction of its example. — Boris Pasternak

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Inspiration of the Day:
Two weeks after D-Day, Col. Jack Leroy Tueller’s made a decision to play his trumpet. The last remaining German sniper threatening his unit was so moved that he couldn’t shoot, and surrendered the next morning. By choosing to play “his love song” Jack had sensed the fear and loneliness in that sniper, and had recognized that he too had that within himself. Now 90 years old, in this two minute video, Jack shares his priceless story with us.
http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=16A1D8D:C3009629A010612C0C8EF23F9AD58B84B4B847859706E37D&

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Be The Change:
In your next moment of conflict, whether large or small, turn to your own native expression of beauty.

**Share A Reflection**
http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=16A1D8E:C3009629A010612C0C8EF23F9AD58B84B4B847859706E37D&

Smile Newsletter: Top 10 Kindness Stories of 2011

HelpOthers.org
Jan 1, 2012
“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” — Alan Cohen
Idea of the Week
157.jpgOn Christmas day, my daughter and her boyfriend were both feeling a little sad because they could not afford to buy presents for anyone. Of course, it made no difference to my husband and I. We just wanted to spend time together.

It was afternoon when they were making the three hour drive to our place. Along the way, on the side of the road, in the desert, in the middle of nowhere was a sweet and beautiful animal, a dog. Cars were passing and no one was stopping to help. When they saw that others were not going to stop, the kids turned their car around. They couldn’t bear to leave this dog in need on the side of the road.

They picked her up and brought her to us on Christmas day. She has missed some meals and sure appreciated eating and drinking and resting. She has the sweetest disposition. My husband and I had been wanting to add another dog to our family. We just hadn’t decided what rescue agency to go through yet. Who knows how long she was out there. Looks like she’s been struggling for a while.

My daughter and her boyfriend had no money to buy gifts. But they had hearts big enough to help when no one else would. And with no money and barely the gas to make it to our place, they gave us the most precious gift, a priceless one. We have named her Noel. On Christmas day, my faith in miracles was bolstered in a way that I cannot put in words.

[ share your story >> ]

Stories of the Week
You can also contribute comments on each story!
Top 10 Kindness Stories of 2011 >>
Being the Oldest and the Youngest >>
Three Words of Wisdom: “Don’t We All?” >>
More Stories >>
Comment of the Week
“Seeing kindness, experiencing others kindness, reading about kindness, hearing about kindness all motivate me to be more kind. Although something deeper and greater pushes me to understand the importance of kindness! Something at the very center of my being, that still/quiet place that always there nudges me on my path to give, be kind, share, listen, and understand” — LucyLu
What is a “smile card”? It’s a game of kindness — do something nice for someone and leave a card behind asking them to pay it forward. To date, 991,025 cards have been shipped without any charge.

The ‘Smiles’ newsletter is emailed to 86,680 subscribers with the intent of spreading more smiles in the world. You can unsubscribe anytime.

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