Category: Uncategorized
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The Surprising Instance Where Cash Isn’t King
Two men went fishing at a nearby pond. They brought poles, bait, and supplies to cook their catch over a fire. The first fisherman quickly caught a big, beautiful fish, but the second man went hours without a single bite. Finally, his bobber disappeared. He reeled in a huge fish…only to immediately throw it back.…
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3 Gifts Your Family Will Always Treasure
Michael Johnson had a unique obsession: car keys and key fobs. His passion ran deep and so did his collection. After he passed away, Michael’s parents planned to keep the treasures that brought him so much joy. Then three years – to the day! – after his death, his mom saw a Facebook post from…
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How to Multiply Your Generosity and Your Peace of Mind
One of the things that drew Bill to his retirement community was its commitment to compassionate and holistic care from the moment he moved in until the moment his life would draw to a close. He gave annual gifts toward various projects but wanted to support the organization in an even more meaningful way. A…
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A Lesson Learned Should Be a Lesson Shared
When Kyle Martin learned he was in the running for valedictorian of his graduating class, he decided to go for it. “It felt so good when I heard my name announced for this title. So good—for about 15 seconds,” he said in his graduation speech. “But there must come a 16th second. And in that…
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Is it Time to Expand Your Family Circle?
Children were always important to Alan Naiman. A banker turned social worker, he worked with families in crisis, served as a foster parent, and was the main caregiver for his developmentally disabled brother. When Alan died in 2018, he left $11 million to charities he connected with in those roles, including those that directly meet…
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Top 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Make a Will ( and 3 reasons you should)
So, you don’t have an up-to-date will. It’s no big deal—you’re just one of the 70% of people who don’t have one. And that many people can’t be wrong…right? If you want to ignore the voice in your head—or that well-meaning loved one—urging you to get your will in order, here are 5 dubious reasons…
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3 Ways to Make Your Life Count Today
Moments after take-off from La Guardia Airport on January 15, 2009, a U.S. Airways flight collided with a flock of geese. Both engines lost power, forcing Captain Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III to make an emergency landing . . . in the Hudson River. He told the 150 terrified passengers and five crew members to brace…
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Does Your Legacy Reflect Your Heart?
Reader’s Digest published a list of “The 60 Most Ridiculous Excuses People Actually Used to Get Out of Work.” It includes an employee who called in sick because “bats got in her hair,” another who “broke his arm reaching to grab a falling sandwich,” and one who had to “attend the funeral of his wife’s…
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Finding Hope During the Storms of Life
A remarkable, 150-year-old red oak tree near the entrance of a Michigan university had welcomed visitors for years . . . until one windy day when it crashed to the ground. It was a shock to many, including the grounds director, Charlie Huizinga. But he knew what he would do. “I was making my rounds…
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What Your Adult Children Need from You
Talking about end-of-life plans can be difficult, but those conversations are important. We invite you to read the following letter and consider if your children may feel the same way. Dear Mom and Dad, Throughout our lives, you have given us so much love, support, help, and even discipline. You’ve always been there for us…