"One Less Wreath"

Heartworks of Long Valley announces their holiday “One Less Wreath” fundraiser.  Area residents looking for a way to feeling connected to their giving this holiday season may consider purchasing one less wreath, poinsettia, or other decoration and donating the savings to Heartworks of Long Valley.  We are an Acts of Kindness group, a registered non-profit (501)c3, active in our community for over three years. 

Heartworks uses 100% of donations from the public for Acts of Kindness in the community.  Each giving opportunity is carefully considered and personally tailored to meet the person or family’s needs/preferences.

Some examples of the types of gifts we have given:  We have provided a cleaning service for a woman recovering from major surgery, supplied Thanksgiving dinner to a local soldier returning home after injury, provided birthday party gifts and supplies to a 4-yr old dealing with illness, members did an act of kindness in the name of a 12 yr old who died in an accident,  we provided a Movie Night basket to a close knit family in which the mother is dealing with illness, we held a candle vigil in memory of a local 14yr old who lost his life suddenly, and many more.

Heartworks began when our founder, Megan McDowell, was looking for ways to repay kindness shown to her family after she lost her brother-in-law, John Farrell during 9/11.  The outreach to Megan’s sister was overwhelming, life-sustaining and infectious.  Megan began Heartworks in Bernardsville, NJ to reach out to those undergoing loss, trauma or illness.  Presently there are nine Heartworks groups across the US.  Visit www.njheartworks.org for more info about the groups.

If you would like to donate to Heartworks of Long Valley, please send your check, made payable to “Heartworks” to Jennifer DeSimone, 359 Flocktown Rd, Long Valley, NJ  07853.  Please indicate “One Less Wreath” in the memo line.

Heartworks Opportunities to Help

Hello!

Did you know that there are many ways to make our community more loving and special without a huge investment of time or money?  Here are just a few:

KIDS:  Make a card/drawing for Wadie Pie (two yr old Wade is having the 1st of two bone marrow transplants next week.)

EVERYONE:  Lift up Lisa, Liz, Al, Peggy (Cassie's Mom, not Peggy DeLong), the 'Stacey" family, and many others who are dealing with  serious medical issues.  Use meditation, prayer, visualization, light a candle, or whatever method resonates with you. 

ADULTS:  Sponsor the 'Stacey'* Family for a week.  Cost $25.  *Stacey is not their real name.  I chose this name because I don't know the real name and needed something more dignified than "the family" when referring to them.  (It also means "She who will rise again" and that is significant in this situation.) The mother is recovering from major surgery and cannot get to the food bank.  $25 will supply them with perishable food for the week.  We buy milk, bread, eggs, cheese, fruit and veggies every Monday and deliver them to this family.  We thank you for any donations.  Make checks payable to: "Heartworks"  and mail to our Treasurer, Joyce Henion, Somerset Hills Bank, 24 Schooley's Mountain Rd, Long Valley, NJ  07853.  Put "Stacey Family" in the memo line.

You CAN make a difference, despite a hectic schedule, without sacrificing family time or essential resources.  Contact me if you would like to learn more about any of the above opportunities, about Heartworks in general or would like information about our next meeting.  jdesimone27@verizon.net.

Have a great day!

Jen DeSimone

JAM THE VAN Food Drive

Long Valley will JAM THE VAN!!

Join Heartworks of Long Valley on Saturday September 10th any time between 9am and 2pm at the Somerset Hills Bank, 24 Schooley's Mtn Rd as we support our neighbors by collecting non-perishables for the Long Valley Food Pantry.  Drop off your items in the parking lot between 9am and 2pm.

Items the pantry especially needs are:

Coffee
Jams
Canned Fruit
Pasta Sauce
Tuna
Peanut Butter
Paper Products
Dish/Laundry Detergent
Shampoo/Soap/Toothpaste
Pet food/supplies

Thank you for your support! 

RSVP to this event, if you like:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150586318363702

Something Divine

Friday, August 19, 2011

If each human being on this earth contains a piece of divinity, does that change the way we treat others?  If one believes that God, Spirit, Jesus, Life Energy or other named or unnamed entity has a presence in all people, how can we nurture that gift?

First, for the purpose of simplifying this blog, let me first presume that you, Dear Reader, hold the belief that there is a divine presence in everyone.  I am not a philosopher, metaphysicist, or theologian so I will not hold the debate over the existence of God, thereby presuming if you are reading the Heartworks blog, you have some belief in a spiritual entity.

So, that being said…is there a responsibility to treat all humans with dignity, respect and honor simply because of the presence of divinity in them?  Funny that I would choose the word “simply” in the previous statement--as if the presence of divinity is a small thing!  How about “solely” because of a divine presence?  It’s a huge realization:  to know that each person, those in our circle of friends and as far as the corners of the Earth have the same gift from above.  Let’s explore what that entails.

The woman behind the counter at the Motor Vehicle Commission who is cold, hurried, and prickly with all her customers contains within her an energy that requires us to be civil despite provocation.

Then there’s the young man in the brightly colored car, thumping the steering wheel to his favorite music who cuts you off to make a sharp turn onto Route 80.  He, too, has been touched by Spirit at the beginning of his existence and deserves respect.

What about your aunt or sister-in-law who manipulates by making a scene whenever she gets the opportunity?  Does she have a piece of divinity buried deep in her soul?

Those who commit crimes like armed robbery, treason, drug smuggling, even murder?  I know this is a stretch, since it’s hard to fathom that those who commit atrocities even have a soul, let alone a soul containing God Himself.

It’s easy to think that those who do us wrong in major and minor ways, like those listed above, have given up their right to dignity and respect in this world.  But can one’s self-worth be given away through one’s actions?  I believe that despite all the stupid, selfish, greedy, ugly things that we humans do, that our Life Energy entitles us to a basic amount of civility.  We do not need to esteem criminals by purchasing their books, electing them to office, or freeing them before justice was served.   However, it is good to remind ourselves that even though the individual is lost, broken and chained, we have the ability to see beyond the hurt.

This is not a failure to hold a person responsible, nor is it an attempt to excuse or pardon bad behavior.  This is simply an argument to see beyond the behavior someone is displaying and realize their value as humans. 

We each play a role in defining our world.  The more we see the powers of the Universe in others, the more we encourage that person to bring forth their divinity.  So what are some ways we can provoke goodness in others?  How do you nurture someone’s potential so that they are closer to reaching it?  We can take the direct route and become a teacher, tutor or counselor.  These roles have the auspicious responsibility of recognizing potential and finding the best way to feed it.  But for those of you not in a position of teaching others in a classroom or therapeutic setting, there are many ways to encourage growth in another person. 

Perhaps you provide an ear to an acquaintance burdened with emotional upheaval.  Maybe you will have an opportunity to encourage a friend to begin a fitness program.  What about greeting a stranger next to you’re in church with a warm “Hello.”?  You may be moved to utter a blessing for the teen that sped past you on Rte 46, in hopes that he safely reaches his destination.  The surly employee at Motor Vehicle may respond pleasantly to your cheery “Hi, how’s it going?”  Perhaps you see a child lacking social skills and you spend extra time showing him kindness and patience.  Maybe the next time your sister-in-law starts some drama, your serene demeanor and a quiet prayer for healing will soften her heart.  Maybe by showing your glorious beautiful heart to the world, others will become unchained, ready to spread goodness in their circle!

All of these are ways that you can encourage another to bring out their divine qualities.  Think of the positive energy of this world if we each spread kindness, compassion and a true love of mankind to every corner!  The transformation will be joyous and blissful.  How will YOU start?

Fears I Used To Have...

Monday, July 25, 2011

“What was that?”  I’d nervously ask my stuffed Pooh bear.  “Did you see that shadow move?”  Pooh just sat there with his bright black plastic eyes looking back at me, helpless to verbalize his reassurance.  I’d clutch him tighter to my nightshirt and pull the sheets up over my head, knowing monsters in the dark couldn’t break through the shield of sheets.  I was 6 or 7 when this drama was a frequent part of my bedtime routine.

Things always looked different in the dark and I’d swear I saw something move in the corner of my sunny yellow bedroom on the second floor.  My parents were still awake downstairs, clanking dishes or putting ice cubes in a glass.  Sometimes if I couldn’t stop my imagination from creating a boogeyman at the foot of my bed, I’d call out to Mom or Dad to flip on the light.  Oh yes, I’d forgotten that I hung my terrycloth robe on the desk chair near the end of the bed.  Now it looked rather harmless and even sad.  Time to get some sleep…

I’ve long since outgrown my fear of the dark and my inability to sleep unless everything in my little bedroom world was just right.  In fact, I’ve probably gone to the opposite extreme:  I can sleep any time and any place these days!  This is good AND bad, since I’ve fallen asleep mid-conversation with my husband, much to his chagrin. 

What were your fears as a child?  Getting lost?  Strangers?  Loud noises?  Thunder/lightening?  Snakes?  Big dogs?   Have you outgrown them?  Think about the fears that have replaced those of your youth.

The kinds of fears I’d like to encourage you to overcome are fears are those that limit our ability to show authenticity.  Fears that limit our capacity to reach out and empathize.  Have you ever been rejected when you went out on a limb for someone?  Have you ever embarrassed yourself by taking the first step, only to have the other person distance themselves?  I think we’ve all had a time when we “went for it” and came away with a skinned knee or a bruised heart.  How has this type of experience influenced your interactions in the present?  Do you guard your emotions?  Are you cautious when meeting new people, unsure of whether you should show the real you?  Perhaps you’ve outgrown your fear of the dark, but the fear that replaced it is alive and well.

It is not easy to lay your authentic self out there for new friends/acquaintances.  What if they think I’m too spiritual?  (You know how offensive THAT can be!)  What if they giggle when I talk about helping others?  They might judge me and call me “Goodie Two Shoes”.  What if your authentic self is uncomfortable gossiping about other women in town?  Is that “un-fun” ?  The conversation in your head can go on and on.

As much as I sympathize with the struggles of presenting the same persona to everyone you meet, I wonder what price one pays for burying authenticity?  Fear of rejection and judgment seems to be at the root of social concealment.  We think, “I’ll be more popular and fit in with the xyz crowd, if I talk about jewelry, vacations, country clubs, 2^nd homes and that woman’s indiscretions.”  Perhaps the result is some form of popularity, but it is a false one.  You will never be satisfied with relationships based on what material goods the other person has.  I believe we are searching for connections that are based in truth and depth.

Try taking baby steps in changing long-standing habits.  If you are uncomfortable letting it all out the next time you meet someone, start with comments about activities you value.  Speak about causes you support.  Without becoming an overbearing bore, let the other person see who you really are.  Fear not.  Of course it goes without saying that one needs to respect others and their viewpoints.  There is no value in becoming belligerent when making a case for helping abused animals, for instance.  One need not be offensive when changing the subject from gossip to a favorite eating spot in town.  People with passionate causes can sometimes encounter friction when they are over the top about spreading the word.  This can be avoided by simply being aware of the language you use.  Do not accuse or purposely invoke guilt.  Do not imply complacency when someone seems unmoved.  (They may need time to process what you are saying!) 

The bottom line is this…be prepared for real relationships with incredible people when you open your eyes and heart to being authentic.  Sometimes we don’t even know how special people in our own circle are because we have not let down our walls to let them in.  This type of fear can be overcome and comes with huge rewards. 

Using Your Creativity

Thursday June 30, 2011

Do you consider yourself a creative person?  Usually the answer is “Definitely NOT!” or “Totally!”, nothing in between.  Either you are, or you aren’t, right?  The creative types are musicians, those involved in the theater, sculptors, fine artists, dancers, wood carvers, crafters of all kinds.  Certainly not an individual who works in an office or store, drives children to activities, and puts dinner on the table.  Perhaps you can’t draw a recognizable tree or sing anywhere but in the shower. 

Our minds want us to separate the “typical” creative person from the practical, “get-things-done” person.  They cannot co-exist, nor can they be present in one person.  Think about the people in your life…you can quickly decide if your brother, cousin or father are creative people.  You know your friend who designs her own clothing always thinks outside the box.  Your child’s art teacher who wears wild prints and bright colors is an obvious choice.

But what about other kinds of creativity?  Are there atypical ways of using talents we’ve been given?  I am learning about creativity and the answer is a resounding YES!  Perhaps you’ve always felt you couldn’t draw in the literal sense.  (Sketch a still life that was frame-worthy.)  Perhaps the kids say, “Mom, stop singing, you’re ruining the song!”  Maybe you’d be booted from “So You Think You Can Dance” before the music even starts.  There are many uncommon ways to find creativity in your life.  It only takes a bit of awareness, then development.  

Have you ever utilized your abilities to find a creative solution to a dilemma at work?  I bet you’ve come up with an ingenious solution to a squabble between the children!  You have shown innovation while contributing to a committee at school.  By doing something that’s not been done before, however, small it may seem, YOU ARE demonstrating your creative side!  Even if it’s a solution to a laundry issue or canned goods storage…innovation is at work.  Allow yourself to feel satisfaction at the creative solution you have found for your family to get out the door (on the way to the beach, a ball game, or school) in 45 minutes.  A specific need has been met through thinking outside the box.

We all have been given talents—some are blessed with the ability to bring clay to life through sculpture, some move us to tears with their acting abilities, some bring joy through music.  Others demonstrate their uniqueness with an ability to recognize and encourage greatness in others through teaching.  Your creativity could produce a new method of record-keeping at your place of work.  You could provide cost-saving solutions to a production issue during a presentation at work.  Perhaps you see a need in your community and are able to find an innovative way to handle it.  An example is starting a community garden to supplement the non-perishable foods provided by the community food bank.

“One of the creative expressions of a community is caring for others.  When we choose to reach out and meet the needs of others, we provide a valuable opportunity for members of the community to use their gifts, grow spiritually, and connect on a deeper level.”  ~Discovering Joy in Your Creativity

Perhaps your position in sales, office management, teaching, office work doesn’t seem to lend itself to creative thinking.  But I urge you to find ways to bring innovation and freshness to your time at work.  Maybe it can be reflected in your manner of dress, your choice for lunch, a creative way to bring a team together on a project, a change in the presentation of information, a fresh approach to connecting with a customer, or an inspiring object to look at on your desk.

I think a creative soul and the practical mind CAN co-exist!  There is much to be gained by having a balance of practicality and creativity.  The freshness and joy that comes from making a path where there was none before is not necessarily impractical.  There is also much value to utilizing your talent to bring beauty into the world.  Think about ways that you can use your creativity to benefit others, celebrate life and bring joy.

April Meeting--4/27/11

The April meeting of Heartworks of Long Valley is quickly approaching.  If you've never been to Heartworks:  You've got to stop by and see what it is all about!  We're meeting WEDNESDAY, April 27th at 7pm...email me for the location.

We are a group of women who find unique, personal ways to reach out to those around us going through hardship due to death, illness, accident or natural disaster.  You know the feeling you get when you read in the paper or hear through a friend about something traumatic?  "Gosh, that's awful!",  you think.  Then, "But what could I do to help?"  and finally, "Nothing, without feeling like a stalker!"

Heartworks provides an avenue for those open to giving and receiving to contribute to something bigger.  Our efforts are focused and the gift ends up being larger than the sum of all the parts.  Most times when we give a gift, someone in Heartworks knows the individual or family and can guide us as to what would be useful.  For instance, Heartworks member "Stacy" has a friend who just found out she has cervical cancer.  The friend is a mother of two.  Stacy advised the group that her friend's greatest love outside of her family is classical music.  Heartworks decides that we'll give the friend several CD's of classical music, an angel statue, along with a Pillow Pet for each of the young children.  In this example, we may have a sign up sheet for 3 people to get a CD, someone else for the statue and another for the Pillow Pets.

Now when you hear of that traumatic event, Heartworks provides a way for you to become involved, thereby increasing your connection with those around you.  Spiritually it is good to move toward those experiencing loss.  We are not a religious organization, but we have a sense of connection to a Higher Power as we bring hope to those around us.  We aren't striving to remove someone from their situation (find them a job, pay their medical bills, research the best neurosurgeon for their child or locate housing for them.) but we do shine a light during dark times.  We are a sign of faith and hope.

In the coming blogs, I'll tell more about opportunities and the ways Heartworks responds.  Spread the word...tell everyone about Heartworks.  You never know when someone may be open to joining us!  Please comment on this post if you would like more info and/or would like to attend a meeting.

Perceptions

April 4, 2011

Ever drive by a house--big, gorgeous, perfectly manicured, dramatically lit, luxury car in the circular driveway-- and think "Man, they have got it ALL together!"  I have allowed myself from time to time to assume that all must be well in this family's world.  It is so easy, right?  They must have this wonderful life filled with vacations, expensive restaurant dinners, parties with "important people", financial freedom, and on and on.

But I have to stop myself and consciously allow reality back into this fantasy.  It is, after all, a fantasy that my mind has created to make me feel small, insignificant and not good enough.  If your eyes are open to life as it IS and not as you conceive that it is, you will realize that every person who walks this earth has a struggle of some sort.

This levels the playing field.  This dramatically changes EVERYTHING!  I no longer can hear through a friend of someone who has lost a parent, child or sibling and feel nothing.  I can't walk away from someone near me who is helping her child get through treatment for cancer.

The struggles, heartache, indecision, pain, isolation and hurt feelings that come with life events are universal.  We all feel them at one time or another.  That family in the gorgeous house deals with just as many divorces, illnesses, strained relationships, abusive situations and car accidents as anyone else. 

Anyone who says..."No, I've always felt like I belonged, never felt alone or hurt." is lying. (perhaps even to themselves.)  Each person, when dealing with events that life gives them, has at one time or another, felt alone, unloved, hurt.  Even if you married the first person you ever loved.  Even if you are blessed to have both parents alive today.  Even if you've been blessed with good health, never been abused, have exceptional children, wear a size 2, got into the best university, or were captain of the cheerleading squad!

Yes, everyone on this earth has felt the way I felt when I walked into Steigel Elementary School in the second grade, knowing no one, feeling like I just wanted to go back to my old town and school or crawl in a hole.  You know that twisting feeling in your stomach?  You know those racing thoughts--"Where's the nearest exit?"  "Why did I wear this dumb outfit?"  "Why is my dang hair sticking out on the side?"  "Why won't someone other than the teacher talk to me?"

And then it happens...Jen Rosenberry approaches and says "We have the same name."  The conversation goes on from there, other kids realize I don't carry a deadly disease and they talk to me too.  My day got better.  Reality as I knew it changed because someone made a decision to reach out when it was just as easy to walk away.  I realize I am significant and good enough.  (And maybe my outfit isn't so dumb)

So next time I drive by the mini-mansion that belongs on the cover of House Beautiful magazine, I will bless them as I remember they struggle with the same feelings and life events I am or will or have already dealt with.

Snow in Northwest NJ

March 21, 2011

Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it...huge wet flakes!  "It can't be covering the ground." I thought.  Then I got closer to the window and saw the street covered by a few inches of the white stuff and lots more coming down!  Yes, it is March in Long Valley.  I've seen more than a handful of "surprise" snows in March and dare-I-say April in my years of living here.  Yet I never expect it.

Life throws us curveballs every once in a while.  What "surprise" has left you breathless, reeling, or shocked recently?  One thing I try to do when dealing with not-so-welcome life events is to remember what brings me comfort.  What do you like to do when you have a few spare moments or few spare dollars?  Reading?  Enjoying a latte?  Taking a walk?  Chatting with a friend?  Treating yourself to an ice cream snack? For me...I love going to my favorite craft store to browse the aisles and think of all the things I could make with these yummy supplies.  I leave feeling inspired and motivated.

You already know what brings comfort to your life...you naturally reach out for it when feeling despair or frustration.  Perhaps your children bring a balance that keeps things in perspective.  Maybe talking with your mother always brings you back to center.  Do you listen to inspirational tapes or smooth jazz?

Whether we are 5 or 50, there's a place in our lives for a "lovey".  It's the person, place or thing that brings you back.  My daughter's lovey is a pink blanket that is no longer anywhere near pink, nor would most people call it a blanket!  (It's pretty shredded.)  But she loves it and it brings her back to a place of comfort.  Identify your lovey and have it ready for those times when the rollercoaster heads south or the sky drops 4 inches of wet snow on your daffodils.

Waves of Emotion

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The devastation...the lives lost...the impending danger of nuclear disaster.  It is nearly too much to take in.  The natural disaster of an earthquake and tsunami in Japan touches all of us around the world.  Do you find yourself unable to turn off the news?  OR  do you find yourself avoiding the news altogether?  And then there's the parental challenge of explaining it to our children who may fear the worst, internalize it, have nightmares or act out. 

It is during times like these that we humans feel powerless.  We are jolted into remembering that we live on this planet, but do not control it.  We can choose to pretend there isn't suffering.  (It doesn't go away, by the way, just because we don't acknowledge it!)  We can, on the other hand, become consumed by images of waves and fail to live the life before us.

How about a middle ground?  How about seeing what is going on in the world, our country, New Jersey and our household with realistic eyes that are compassionate and filled with faith and hope?  By not turning away, we honor those in the tragic circumstances by acknowledging  their humanity.  By not becoming obsessed with watching the aftermath,  we express our faith in goodness and light.

There are many ways to help...not only with a monetary donation to a reputable service organization, but also by being fully present in our own lives.  How does this affect someone across the globe?  By living our own lives as consciously and graciously as possible, we promote positivity in the world. 

Try dedicating your daily household activities to those left homeless in Japan.  Do your job with exra focus and perseverance as a way to lift up those working to avert the nuclear meltdown in Japan.  Be extra patient with our demanding children as a gift to the littlest homeless in Japan.  Help someone you don't know as a prayer to bring the nations together in humanitarian relief.  Be gentle with yourself, as a spiritual present to those caring for physical needs in Japan.

We can send love and light outward.  Our goodness and kindness will ripple across all boundaries.  We can positively affect our fellow human beings with our energy which will go forth into the universe.  We are not powerless human beings.  In fact, we are just beginning to realize the power we have within.

Meeting this Thursday

Today is the second day of  Random Acts of Kindness Week.  Seems appropriate for me to give some suggestions for Random Acts for this week.  How about smiling at a stranger or two today?  Why not let someone else have the close parking spot?  Send uplifting thoughts and positive energy to someone going through a dark time.  Give your children's outgrown clothing to a friend with younger children.  How about deliberately replacing judgment with acceptance when you're tempted to find fault today?  (Tough, but good for the soul.)

This Thursday 2/17/11 is our Monthly Meeting.  It's at 7 p.m. at a member's home.  If you are interested in learning more about Heartworks, this is a great way.  Don't miss the Heartworks experience.  Leave a comment if you would like info about the location.  This month we are asking everyone to wear VERY COMFORTABLE CLOTHES.  We are so beyond this need to impress everyone.  Plus it'll shave a half hour off prep time, to just leave the house as you are.  Plus you'll be all comfy and ready to feel the love at our meeting.  Hey, maybe next month we'll have everyone bring Snuggies and blankets!  (Just an idea.)

Hope you all had a Valentine's Day filled with authenticity and generosity.  May you always be surrounded by those who love you back.

Will I see YOU on Thursday?

What is Heartworks?

February 1, 2011
Welcome to the Heartworks of Long Valley blog!  I'm Jen D. and I love telling people about Heartworks.  We are a nonprofit Acts of Kindness group.  We focus on three key principles:  Receiving with grace, Giving with an open heart and living with Gratitude.  We meet once a month at a member's house and figure out unique, personal ways to reach out to those around us going through difficult times due to illness, trauma, grief or other life circumstance.  Not only do we extend love and light to those in our community, but we nurture ourselves at each meeting too.

How did we start?  Well, Heartworks' founder, Megan McDowell of Bernardsville, lost her brother-in-law, John Farrell, during the tragedy of 9/11.  She witnessed firsthand the kindness of family, friends and total strangers in those difficult weeks and months following John's death.  She wanted to find a way to do something kind for others, as was done for her.  Do you remember the feeling of openness that pervaded our community immediately after 9/11?  You may have had a conversation in the grocery line, or talked to a co-worker whom you didn't really know.  Emotional barriers came down and we opened our hearts.  That is just the experience that Heartworks seeks to inspire for all of us to this day!

Currently there are six chapters of Heartworks on the East Coast, ranging from Florida to Vermont.  Each group works independently to spread light in their part of the world, through gifts of goods, services etc.

Heartworks of Long Valley began in September of 2008.  We have been blessed to have many families allow us into their experience.  It is an honor to be able to share in the smallest way, in the "realness" of a moment with a local family. 

Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about this group.  We are open to woman of all ages and welcome new members.  Afraid of over-committing?  Did you know that almost all the women in the group are mothers, with full- or part-time jobs?  The beauty of Heartworks is that YOU pick and choose when you wish to participate in helping an individual or family.  There are also many non-financial ways to lift someone up too -- signing cards of encouragement, saying a prayer, attending a meeting.

Hope to hear from you!