Published: November 03, 2009 10:30 pm         

What we do to make a difference

Do you make a difference? Think about it.

Everywhere we look, in our newspapers, television and billboards, we are reminded to make a difference. Schools turn out to spruce up their playgrounds. Cities have cleanup weeks. People go out of their way to help others and to volunteer, making a difference.

So many people do so much every day of their lives they really don’t need a Make a Difference Day. We have friends just like that. I remember with appreciation when Jim was in the hospital some time back. We had a steady stream of caring people who called on Jim. People came to make sure I ate when I should. People sat quietly with me while I made decisions and thought. Others made light conversation to make time pass faster and to let us know they cared. We told stories and remembered fun times to keep our minds occupied. People are wonderful. I should not be surprised at the people who went out of their way to show kindness and concern because people are just wonderful. We never can thank our friends and family enough for their support, and what a support group we had! They touched our lives.

We attend Central Christian Church. We are steeped in that tradition and love the people there. However, every other year, I have the joy of helping St. Gregory’s Catholic Church prepare for its Quilters Bazaar, which will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the church. It is fun to work with these dedicated ladies, quilting and sewing, making wreaths, dolls, arrangements, bears, table runners and other beautiful things. All proceeds go to worthwhile projects within the community, helping others. I feel honored to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor. At noon, everyone looks forward to delicious steak soup and Helen’s homemade rolls and donated pies. The kitchen is abuzz with baking. I guarantee everyone will have a wonderful time shopping and eating. It sure puts one in the spirit of Christmas. That project surely makes a difference. I guarantee your life will be changed by just looking and enjoying the bazaar. Just like our lives have been changed by preparing it.

The bazaar proceeds go to numerous projects within the community, such as the food bank, Our Daily Bread, hospice and other worthwhile projects. Their help is endless. The work has been tireless since March. The results are far-reaching.

Just working with these fun, sweet ladies has been a pleasure and joy. I have not been able to meet with them as much this year as in the past, but I have done some hand embroidery and quilting at home I hope made a contribution and a difference. Every little bit helps.

Many of the bazaar ladies have spent hours creating quilts, aprons, holiday decorations, furniture, bears, an old restored trunk, floor mats, edible goodies and gifts. The items are heirloom quality and will be cherished for generations. Just looking at their work will put you in the mood for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Again this year, my church will hold Market of Blessings Nov. 14-15. People will donate items to be sold, with proceeds going to worthwhile projects throughout the community and the entire world. In lieu of giving just another tie or pair of socks or something to set around and collect dust, one can make a donation to a charity and give a card to friends and family stating in their honor a donation has been made to support a hospital in Congo or help hospice or 4RKids. It is a worthwhile project and shows concern and compassion to others.

I am grateful I was raised during an era when no one had money but always enough food to eat and some to share. We had clothes to wear, even though they were hand-me-downs, and when we outgrew them, we handed them down again. Everything was appreciated and shared. I guess that is why Make a Difference week means so much to me. I saw firsthand what sharing and doing for others meant.

It was the difference between starvation and life, between sleeping cold or having warmth in a home.

Anyone who was cold was welcome to all the wood they could cut off our farm. No one ever left our home hungry, and usually they had a bundle of bread and goodies to take home. I simply do not know how my parents managed to keep afloat during those hard times, but they never complained and always looked after everyone else less fortunate.

Now it is our turn to help others. What are we doing to make a difference? It doesn’t have to be a national crisis that stirs the desire to help someone. Making a difference reminds me of that old church hymn, “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” The words go something like this, “Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do. Do not wait to shed your light afar. To the many duties every near you now be true, brighten the corner where you are.” It will make a difference in someone’s life. If you want to feel good about others and yourself, do something to make a difference.

Make a difference.

Bake this simple dish and share it with someone.

It is a different way to prepare sweet potatoes for your holiday meals and so colorful.

It is good anytime, especially with pork.



Sweet Potato / Cherry Side Dish



1 large can sweet potatoes, well drained

1 can cherry pie filling

In baking dish combine drained sweet potatoes and cherry pie filling. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

What could be easier than this?

Make a difference in someone’s life. Brighten the corner where you are. It will change you, too.



Send your comments to: Peggy Goodrich, Food For Thought, P.O. Box 1192, Enid, OK 73702.