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<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/99342848@N00/3079882518/" title="2008 Erwin Christmas Parade">

<p>Everyone has a story that can help change the world.</p> <p>This morning I had the privilege of sharing part of my story to a distinguished group of people. It was at an <a href="http://www.arthritis.org" target="_blank">Arthritis Foundation</a> fundraising event called <strong>Commitment to a Cure Breakfast</strong>. I thought you might like to read my speech and learn a little about why Everyday Giving and my volunteer work is so important to me.</p> <blockquote> <p><em><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/99342848@N00/3022734771/" title="Kim">

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<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><a href="http://www.wordle.net" target="_blank">Wordle</a> creates “word clouds” from text that you provide. Greater prominence is given to words that appear more frequently. The image below is a based on the text of the Everyday Giving Blog. I feel great looking at this image with words like <em><strong>Hope</strong></em>, <em><strong>Thanksgiving</strong></em>, and <em><strong>Life</strong></em> popping out at me.</p> <p>But what if an image like this was based our life? What words would be given greater prominence because they appeared more frequently in our thoughts and actions? Would the words be negative and selfish or would they be positive and generous?</p> <p>It is humbling to think about.</p> <p><a title="Wordle: Everyday Giving Blog" href="http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/298396/Everyday_Giving_Blog" target="_blank">

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>As the holidays draw near we should be thankful for the many good things in our lives...a warm place to sleep, food on our tables, the ability to provide for our families and friends that enrich our days. It is sad to think that many people in our country are not as fortunate.</p> <p><a href="http://www.everydaygivingblog.com/WindowsLiveWriter/thanksgiving-cornucopia.jpg">

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Who are the caregivers in your life?&nbsp; Perhaps they need the gift of your encouragement.&nbsp; This is an excellent form of everyday giving.&nbsp; Caregivers carry a unique weight on their shoulders.&nbsp; Plus, November is <strong>National Family Caregivers Month</strong>.&nbsp; How are you going to give encouragement?</p>

<p>There are more than 50 million family caregivers across the country.&nbsp; Help <a href="http://servingstrong.typepad.com/main/2008/11/national-family.html">Serving Strong</a> in joining <a href="http://www.joniandfriends.org/index.php">Joni and Friends</a> give a great round of support &amp; encouragement to these hard workers who are a vital part of our society.</p>

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<p><em>by guest blogger: Scott Couchenour, Certified Life Coach</em></p>

<p><a href="http://www.servingstrong.com">www.servingstrong.com</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.servingstrong.typepad.com">www.servingstrong.typepad.com</a></p></div>
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<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The Chronicle of Philanthropy has assembled a special report on what the two major contenders for the White House think about philanthropy. Go to <a title="John McCain and Barack Obama position on philanthropy" href="http://philanthropy.com/campaign2008" target="_blank">http://philanthropy.com/campaign2008</a> and check it out before you vote tomorrow.</p>

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