The solution was the wonderful hospitality house that is connected to Spectrum Hospital downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan called the Renucci Hospitality House.   I can’t tell you what a wonderful service this Renucci House offers.  It was built in 1999 and helps to house family members of the hospital’s patients that are in need of having a place close by to sleep and rest.  It was designed to provide comfort and rest for the weary soul.  There is a small healing garden that is darling.  There is a playroom for young siblings or children of the hospital patient.  The staff is wonderful and caring, from the hosts to the cleaning crew.   There is a computer for the patient’s family members to use, a laundry facility, an exercise room…and quiet rooms for relaxing.  The dinning room is open 24-7 and the kitchen is stocked with non-perishable food items for those moments when food or drink is needed.

        The Renucci House was founded by Peter P. Renucci and his wife Patricia Renucci.  Back in 1968 one of their children was born through a premature situation and had to stay in the hospital’s neonatal unit.  This was the basis of their awareness of the need to be close to your loved one who is in crisis.   They helped to fund the Renucci House with a gift of $1.6 million because they wanted to thank the community for what had been done for their family.  This is a gift that keeps on giving with a pay it forward theme that I love.

       The atmosphere is one of love, support and healing.  You feel very comforted if you find yourself in need of the Renucci House.  It goes beyond the staff or the comfortable rooms.  There is a very wonderful program of volunteerism that happens here.  Organizations, churches, families and individuals are encouraged to give of their time, talents, and blessings.  You can volunteer to donate and prepare meals for the families who are staying there.   This is normally a great expense for families who must stay nearby their family members during a hospital stay; it may be an expense the family cannot afford.   Truly, this is a huge blessing and one that shows an important part of caretaking and nurturing of families in crisis. 

         Our family benefitted from several meals that had been prepared and served by some of these volunteers.  It was a service that was provided with joy by the volunteers; and that was a wonderful blessing.  The meals were wonderful from the main dish to the salads, drinks and desserts.  One evening, a church had their youth providing community service help to serve the families of the Renucci House.  It was a group of fifth graders and their mentors.  These people went out of their way to be of service to those who stayed there that evening.  They mingled and interacted with the families and showed great care.   I think it is great that young people are being taught the importance of giving back to a community through volunteering their time, skills and willingness to be of service.  Kudos to those involved.

         Volunteers are encouraged to come and bake in the kitchen homemade baked goods or some other treat.  Put together snacks or care bags for the families.  This also opens the door to have conversations with family members who may need someone to talk to.  Comfort and peace are evident throughout the Renucci House because of the volunteer programs.

        The Renucci House actually operates quite a bit through their volunteer programs…from donated non-perishable food items which stock the kitchen for family members to use when they need it; to volunteers to help pay for the family members stay who can not afford to pay, to help cover the cost of staying in the Renucci House.   This is a big deal if a hospital stay goes on for very long.  Family members may have a hard time paying for their rooms, or much needed items to be able to stay close to their loved ones.   Some volunteers give gift cards to be used at local stores or restaurants in the area.    Perhaps donating a telephone calling card would benefit families who are staying at the Renucci House but have long distance calls to make.   Talk to the manager of the house to see if current magazines can be donated or perhaps you have a nurturing spirit and have time to greet guests or maybe volunteer to help in the library.  Empty nesters  or retirees who find themselves with time on their hands may wish to do something meaningful with all of their spare time.   The Renucci House volunteers provide breakfast and dinners daily…they need a large number of volunteers who are willing to provide this needed service.

       You know, the Renucci House is near to the Lemmen -Holton Cancer Pavilion, the Devos Children’s Hospital, and the Lena Meijer Heart Center; all of these facilities have patients and families.   There is a huge need to support those patients and their families at a time when they are facing some of the biggest battles of their lives.   Often there are so many emotions to deal with such as fear, anxiety, depression, sadness and hope.  The Renucci House provides the basics to allow people to cope with their emotions.   Please, spread the word, volunteer and give help when and where you can.  Having compassion and opening your hearts to opportunities to help is an important part of life…please get involved.   You never know when you or someone you care about may need some of those same things.

        If someone has time or talent to give or just feels moved to donate monitarily to the Renucci House you can contact their house manager at (616) 391-1790.  

 You can view their website here: http://www.spectrum-health.org/renucci .  My family is going to volunteer soon…we may even take our youth group down and prepare a meal for the family members in the near future.  As a family who has benefitted from a stay at the Renucci House recently, I want to say thank you to all of the volunteers, to the staff of the Renucci House and to the Renucci Family themselves for impacting the Grand Rapids community and it’s surrounding area with love, compassion and support.  You are appreciated greatly!

       Everyone of us has gifts, talents, finances, possessions, strengths, knowledge or time that we could share with others.  What I love to celebrate and learn about are those who share those blessings with others without thought or expectation of getting something back from that experience of sharing.

        Our society is going through some amazingly challenging times…people are struggling.  We need to be aware of others around us who are in need…those who could use a little pick me up.  It could be a kind word, a nice deed, financial gift, or it could be a sharing of knowledge that could bring a positive change to another.   There is a spiritual attitude that I love, it says this: “Those to whom much is given, much is expected in return”.  I call that an attitude of grattitude; being thankful for all that you have been blessed with and a willingness to share it with others!   I challenge you to find some way to bless others in your daily life.   Consider this a compassionate call to action…what can you give to others with no strings attached?

         Have you ever heard how people answer questions about their life?  Anyone ever said to you…it is just another day?  That my friend, is a life that is un-fulfilled.  That is a person who isn’t engaged with their purpose in life.  Maybe they don’t know that they live and breathe for a reason.  Every person has gifts, ideas, experiences, talents, and knowledge that is meant to move them and others through life in a positive way.  Sitting on those  qualities and hoarding them without using them to improve life is a one way trip to no-where.

          Do you know anyone who has to learn life the hard way?  Are they condemned to experience life through failure?  Or , are they equipped to live and learn from the mistakes and the successes of others…saving themselves time and enabling them to succeed more quickly and efficiently?

           I want to tell you about an opportunity to experience something that has never been done before.  There is going to be a life changing seminar in Long Beach, California Sept 26-28th put on by Brendon Burchard, author, life coach, businessman and motivational speaker.   Brendon wrote the book, Life’s Golden Ticket last year and made a huge impact on those who have read it.  It was published by Harper Collins.  He has put together a program that is going to address personal and professional growth as well as wealth building.  Can you use any help in those areas?

           This is an affordable event.  It is not going to be held in a traditional hotel environment where they present you with recycled information and then grab your money.  This experience is going to include, music, business advice, life changing information on gathering business partners, personal growth experts, the power of impact, and learning how to build upon what you have and the contacts in your life.  If any of this interests you…you may want to click on this link to find out how you can be there to see this extra-ordinary event unfold.  It will make history as it takes place under a big top tent.  Nothing boring here   Here is your link to more information…and some free audio snippets of an interview:  http://www.lifesgoldenticket.com/preview 

            Also at this event, you will see the results of Ken McArthur’s Boot Camp Impact Action Team and what they were able to accomplish in their teamwork by joining together to make a positive impact in an area of life that touches so many.  It is important to support the Impact Action Team and the work that they are doing!  Check out the person that was chosen to receive the benefit of their impact here:  http://speakupsavelives.org/  Meet Deremiah CPE…see how you can help impact the world.

             Find a way to get there…and discover what your purpose in life is; and, how you can nurture that purpose, and allow it to blossom.  You will understand how to take the promise of the seeds in your life and turn them into the amazing life that they were meant to be!  Are you up to the challenge, are you willing to enjoy each day to the fullest, living your life with purpose and clarity, achieving all that you are meant to achieve; and, spreading the message that we are all here to encourage and lift each other up?  Life is too short to spend it wishing for more, accepting less and resenting those who understand how to make things happen in a positive way, Don’t you think so too?  Come on, check it out:  http://www.lifesgoldenticket.com/preview  If you don’t listen to anything else, listen to the last audio…where he talks about his amazing un-precedented money back guarantee!  He sounds pretty confident to me that you will not leave the event un-changed or un-happy!

         He is a New Yorker by birth.  He moved out to California for a long period of time for his career where he built many relationships in show business as well.  He moved back to New York and continued performing on television with his Live with Regis Show  (and Kathie Lee Gifford and now Kelly Ripa).  He has been the host of many shows including several game shows where he is popular with his viewers.

       Over the years we have watched his family grow up as with with his daughter JJ and Joanna.   We’ve seen less of his two children from his first marriage…Amy and Danny.  Now we are getting to see snippets of his new grandson.  Regis’ second wife Joy is a talented woman in her own right.  She has often filled in as a guest host on his shows as well as performed with him in his live performances singing duets with Regis.  He has also authored two books about his life and career.

        When Regis had surgery a year and a half ago to clear out blocked arteries the country was very responsive to his absence and his subsequent return to the show.  It was inspiring to see how many lives he touched by listening to all of his well wishers who called in and faxed the show not to mention all of the celebrity well wishers. 

          Regis has been able to inspire strong relationships with his co-hosts over the years and the age differences never really seem to put up any barriers to the humorous banter that goes back and forth.   The love and mutual respect comes across from each of his former co-hosts; they are loyal to each other and sincere in their appreciation of his talents.  That is a testament to his genuiness as a person.

          At heart, Regis is a humble person who jokingly refers to himself in third person quite often with statements such as; Regis is here!    He endears himself to our hearts with all of his travel mishaps and weather bad luck.  He jokes about how bad luck things always happen to him….he is “everyman” as he has referred to himself over the years.  This is his true skill…his ability to connect himself on multiple levels to high powered celebrities or the common man. 

         We are proud of you Regis and all that you have accomplished over the years.   Even though I know he wont read this as he claims that he is computer illiterate!  It is hard to imagine a future time without Regis; morning television will never be the same without him.  Kelly Ripa calls Regis the hardest working man on television.  Regis never really seems content to just sit back and enjoy his success.  Let’s hope with all of the industry recognition over the last few years he can find a little time to rest up and put his energy into giving us another 50 years of entertainment.  http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/index.html

        Joan was on a talk show during in Britain when she cursed about a guest host; Russell Crowell, the movie star.  She allegedly said that she thought that her language could be beeped out; but to me that is just disrespectful of her audience.  She did apologize; however, she was asked to leave during a break in the show.

        It just seems to me that an entertainer of her skill could be a little more appropriate in her public appearances.  I think comedians like to do shock comedy…but, to me it is a cheap way to get a laugh…as i said..with her experience and skill; Joan Rivers is capable of so much more than she gives; when , she resorts to those kinds of cheap laughs.

       To know the difference between giving, and enabeling.  Having boundaries on both sides is a tricky thing; so that, one person is not doing all of the giving and inspiring while the other is doing all of the taking.   Having clear boundaries and expectations helps each side to know what is required to maintain that balance.   

          That when when giving and receiving are mixed together it can inspire others when they have the opportunity to do the same.    That is the balance that i am talking about…giving can incorporate time, skill sets, energy, knowledge, or material things.  It isn’t even really that important what you give…what is important, is being aware of the needs of others around you; and, being willing to sacrifice a little of what you have been blessed with to benefit others.   Do you know someone who can benefit from what you have to offer?  I would love to hear about your thoughts on generosity!

        Going back 10 to 15 years he has allegedly falsified documents; and, employed financial scams that have stolen many people’s finances.  He was touted as a musical producer, of genius status, when he created industry buzz behind bands such as N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, and many other “boy” bands in the midst of the frenzy of such musical groups.  At one time, he even developed a television show for ABC called, The Making Of The Band; that show was capitalizing on the hopes and dreams of those with musical talent.

         He based his lavish life-style on money that was allegedly scammed from other “false” businesses that he claimed to own or have invested in.  Some of them never existed.  There were even long-time employees and acquaintances who’s lives were devastated by his actions.  One man even allegedly took his own life when his true financial reality was revealed. 

       Lou evidently had the ability to “motivate or induce” people to invest their hard earned money in his ideas and business plans.  He was very convincing; this had the devastating effect of plunging many people into despair when they discovered that they had nothing to show for their investments.  The ruthlessness here is hard to understand.

        After his financial misdeeds were documented…some other legal and moral allegations came to light.  He took off and disappeared for quite some time out of country; trying to avoid the legal ramifications here in the US.  He was spotted, photographed, subsequently arrested; and, returned to the United States.

       He was quietly accused of “inappropriate” actions with some of those young men in his groups and other potential musical hopefuls.  Unfortunately, Lou Pearlman’s perceived power was intimidating.  He used that to coerce or intimidated people to backdown legally when they would notify him that he was going to be challenged.  At the heighth of his power, he held a lot of sway in the industry;  people did not follow through on legal action out of fear of retaliation personally and professionally. 

        It was alledged that some of those, for whom Lou Pearlman represented or were hopeful of his representation, “allowed” themselves to be used in an inappropriate way in exchange for representation.  Children can not give consent; that is sexual abuse.  Sexual concerns were whispered about in relation to Lou Pearlman and young men. 

          If any of those allegations are true…Mr. Pearlman will have about 25 years to reflect on how his actions have affected those around him during that time in his life when he held all of the power; the balance of power has now shifted.  Hopefully, that will bring some justice to those he has hurt.

         This season was pure joy watching this group of contestants as they competed.  They enjoyed each other and it showed.  Great job everyone.  Next time though, let’s pray that they cut down on how long the finale is.  Three hours of waiting for the results is a bit much!

         It seemed that they couldn’t wait to build them up; and, slyly they WONDERED IF MILEY CYRUS, and others like her, wouldn’t also soon be on the same path to self destruction.  Their headlines screamed a false concern about the future of those in the limelight; would they too end up on drugs/alcohol/addicted to sex, and the partying lifestyle?  Please, it is just a ploy to sell newspapers!

       Then last year, when Jaime Lynn Spears announced her pre-marital pregnancy…it was almost with glee, that they had another poster girl to shine the light on.  Now that Jaime Lynn has pulled back out of the glare of the press…Miley Cyrus has been moved to the front of the line for the tick tock of the self- destruction time bomb that the tabloid rags have been trying to promote.

       Last week, there were some photos put online that show Miley in her underwear.  She has apologized for those “inappropriate photos”.  Then today, there were some pictures taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, for the equally famous magazine Vanity Fair, which Miley says, she thought were going to be “artistic” shots.  Even if they would have been purely “artistic” shots….why should a 15 year old be allowed to put it out there for public viewing?  Bad decision…someone should have put an end to the idea before it became reality.  Teens don’t always want to hear advice about what is right and wrong…but, still someone should have pointed out that this was a really, really, bad idea!

         Hello, where were her advisors, the ones from her family or from her show, to guide and protect a barely 15 year old girl from making such a mistake?  Was there no contract that gave her creative control over which pictures would be used; thereby, saving her from what she has allegedly described as “embarassment” over these latest pictures?  I have only seen one…and that picture shows her wrapped in a sheet with a bare back.  If a regular person took this kind of “artistic” shots…because of her age…it could be considered objectionable or suspicious by law enforcement.

        Who in their right mind would promote a 15 year old girl in such photos for a magazine?  What kind of message is that sending?  I mean come on…”artistic” is one thing…but, this is not an adult woman.  I think that there are some adults involved here who could have used better judgement. 

       I know that Miley Cyrus has been upfront about her faith guiding her footsteps. These types of decisions will not only hurt her professionally, but, it can also damage her testimony as a Christian.   No, she is not perfect…none of us are.  We expect her to make mistakes as she grows up just like the rest of us have; however, eyes are watching her.

        However, because she is NOT an adult…it would be wise if her management would make sure that she is better protected from those in the industry who would take advantage of her fame. If her advisors put their stamp of approval on this project…then maybe they need replacing.    After all, they allegedly allowed her to be put in this position by making an error in judgement regarding these photos.

        So, getting there is the key; and, how we accomplish that is important.  We all want to have an impact on the world around us.  We want to be recognized and allowed to use our talents and our skills to influence those around us.  Ken McArthur is such a man.  He is gifted with the personality and the skill set to accomplish great things.  He is also a huge conduit for transferring encouragement to those around him; helping them to become a powerhouse of impact!

         Ken has written a new book on Impact.  He worked with Glenn Dietzel who coached him on writing his book.   Ken is an internet marketer, a motivational speaker, a coaching expert, a leader in many fields; and now, he is an author as well.  Check it out here: http://theimpactfactor.net/?id=35

          Ken has accomplished much by causing his book to become so anticipated that people are pre-ordering it on Amazon.com.   People are hungry to read the accounts of Impact that he has written about.  Ken has an amazing ability to see the potential in an individual; each of us has value to offer.

         Along with Ken’s book on Impact…he has created a FREE MEMBERSHIP SITE WITH HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF AUDIO RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED.   These resources are valuable and may mean incredible things to you personally or professionally.  He has resources on how to make money with a blog, how to create products that sell, how to brand yourself, how to make your book a best seller on Amazon, how to write copy that sells…and the list goes on.  These audios are from experts in their own fields that will help you to be the best you can be. http://theimpactfactor.net/?id=35

          By the way, the first gift that Ken is offering  is a great 48 minute live recording
with Ken and Brendon Burchard worth $97 all by itself, so don’t
wait a second!   Go to the membership site and register:  http://theimpactfactor.net/?id=35. 

           Brendon Burchard is the author of the best selling book, Life’s Golden Ticket.  Brendon is a life coach, national speaker on leadership, and an author.  He works with Fortune 500 companies and non profit organizations as well as corporations.  He is very influential and it is worth spending a few minutes of your time listening to him.

          Access to the resources Ken has provided on his membership site are instant and again THEY DON’T COST A CENT!  All you have to do is go to this link and sign up: http://theimpactfactor.net/?id=35.  

            If you want to change your life and the lives of those around you visit the membership site and register so that you too can have access to these free resources.  Once you register you have access to them as long as you remain a registered member.  You can even eventually make money by referring others; trust me when i say this is going to be HUGE. 

         As you sign up others and they stay a member…everytime they make a purchase it comes back to reward you. 

          So, simply by doing a good deed and passing on the word about Ken’s Impact Membership site and all of the wonderful FREE valuable resources you can earn some extra dough and make people aware of Ken’s new book, “Impact: How to Get
Noticed, Motivate Millions and Make a Difference in a Noisy
World”.  Don’t become left out…sign up for your free membership at: http://theimpactfactor.net/?id=35.