In today’s news, France helps World Food Programme address food insufficiency in Malawi, movement in United Kingdom calls for ban on outdoor animal-people meat advertising, United States government geologist estimates Earth’s crust may contain thousands of years’ worth of clean energy source white hydrogen, Australian scientists find way to recycle textile waste into fabric pigment, female veteran with Parkinson’s disease finishes grueling Ironman Triathlon in United States, plant-based exhibition for food service industry held in Brazil, and China shows commitment to migratory bird-persons through recent conservation measures.
Are you considering adopting a canine friend? Or have you done so already? Awesome choice! Training is key, however. Remember, go at your dog's pace and be patient and consistent. Crates can help with managing behavior, but never use them as punishment— that undoes all your hard work in training them. Sometimes crates are handy to avoid chewing, toileting accidents, and other undesirable behaviors, but they should never be used for punishment after an incident. Make the crate a happy place by adding toys or vegan treats, so your furry pal feels good about going in there.
Let’s see what the following joke has in store for us, as we eagerly await its arrival. This one’s called “The Same Outfit.”
Two little kids were talking about Santa in the schoolyard.
“Hey, I was thinking… Do you know why I think Santa has got to be a man?”
“Why?”
“Well, no woman is going to wear the same outfit... year after year after year.”
?!
And now we have a heartline from Ignacio in Madrid, Spain: Nuts of gratitude
In the last earthquake suffered by Morocco, we were a group of volunteers from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association collaborating for the distribution of different supplies such as mattresses, tents, stoves, school supplies, toys, etc. All these materials were acquired thanks to donations from members of the Association and from Supreme Master Ching Hai. This experience was full of many feelings —The destruction caused by the earthquake was something really overwhelming, but there was something that led me to a deep reflection...
After leaving materials in the first village and on the way to the next one, we stopped on the mountain road, because we saw a family: the father, the mother, two girls, and three little lambs. We were surprised to see them on foot and far away from the villages. We got out of the vehicles and gave the girls some toys and vegan candies and a brother disciple gave some money to the father. The reaction of gratitude was spontaneous. The father was carrying Some bags full of nuts and without hesitation gave us part of what he had!
Finding ourselves in a place so devastated, I wondered if these people had a home or not, if they had lost family members, or how far they had walked to collect these nuts. The only thing I could see was their gratitude, and I realized that they were willing to share with us the little they had. Words are poor to convey these feelings. We had gotten out of cars that were probably worth much more than anything they could have and yet they gave us their gratitude and nuts!!!!
The contrast was huge. I understood how grateful we should be for the life we are given, and I wondered if I had gone to help or were they the ones helping us to be more aware and grateful.... We have brought some of those nuts. With another brother disciple, we will plant them. I hope they become beautiful trees and that sometimes we can share their fruits along with this touching story!
Seeing so much pain and suffering in this world, one finds no answer. However, I discovered that in this family, in their humility and in the simple smiles of these girls lies hidden a glimpse of paradise. I pray that humanity awakens and we can let this world be the Paradise that it is meant to be. Thank You, Supreme Master Ching Hai, for this valuable opportunity to collaborate! Ignacio from Madrid, Spain
Noble Ignacio, Thank you for sharing this touching story of kindness with us. Your recounting of your experience has filled us with hope as well. Perhaps when others hear it, their hearts will also be moved and gain a better understanding of the ways in which we all can create profound, uplifting change in the world by choosing positive actions and building a loving and generous atmosphere. May you and the artistic Spanish people find your world transformed into one of lasting peace, Supreme Master TV team
P.S. Master shares Her great wisdom: “Tenderhearted Ignacio, it thrills my heart to see all the growing nut trees, which will tower powerfully to shield you and give you abundant gifts from their loving heart, and from the majestic Earth. Thank you for the touching story. We may have material things, but they are not what makes us happy. This is a terrible illusion that instead binds us to a life with no time and no desire even to connect with God. People who lead simple lives know the eternal Love and compassionate benevolence of the Divine. In Allah they trust, knowing their needs will be met and they are accepting and grateful of what comes their way. My heart goes out to all those who suffer, and I thank you, and others, for carrying out humanitarian work. May you and the enthusiastic Spanish people be blessed to know and share the abundance we hold within our glorious souls. Love you.”
