This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, November 2023

The Catalyst For Joy

By Dr. Jeff Padgett

I would dare venture to say that you have probably done this sometime throughout your days, whether they are short or quite lengthy. Probably more times than you can remember, you’ve been told to “say thank you,” or, to “be grateful for what you have.”

Most people understand that having an “attitude of gratitude” mindset is a good thing. But how do you take it beyond a thought process in the back of your head and make it a way of living in your daily life?”

Gratitude is the world’s healthiest human emotion. Most people may not realize it, but it will actually increase your immune system when it comes to sickness.

On the flip side of the coin, ungrateful people are typically unhappy people. They never seem to be satisfied or think that they have enough. They are people who have the frame of mind, “When such and such happens, then I’ll be happy.”

But the Bible speaks of the proper approach to gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT).

Gratitude makes all the difference. If you’re feeling down, make a list of 10 things for which you can be grateful. Gratefulness helps to realign your focus away from issues in your life and toward what our God has done, both past and present.

We at PAYH have a host of things for which we are grateful. Our partners, the young men in our care, our staff, Glenda and Stephen… The list goes on and on.

We typically take a great deal for granted. Develop a heart of gratitude and watch your stress level go down, as there is always something for which to be grateful. You’ll be glad you did.

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

Charity Navigator News

Paul Anderson Youth Home is excited to announce that we have received the highest possible rating (4-stars) on Charity Navigator! The nation’s largest and most-respected evaluator of charities, Charity Navigator’s rating is proof that Paul Anderson Youth Home is a well-managed organization with strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency.

We are so grateful to our donors, volunteers, and staff for making this possible. Your support helps us to provide life-changing services to at-risk youth and their families.

Thank you for believing in our mission!

Learn more here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/586041868

2023 Founders Day

PAYH’s 2023 Founder’s Day was one to remember! We began the day with a reflective time of devotion and prayer at the knoll, led by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. This was followed by an afternoon of field games, and a delicious meal in the Jenkins Wheeler Dining Hall. As we remember Paul on what would have been his 91st birthday, we are truly thankful for what he and Glenda continue to do through their legacy to change the lives of these young men.

Giving Tuesday

We at PAYH believe that generosity is uplifting, and it connects us all together. The impact of generosity is a powerful tool in the hands of men and women of all ages. On Tuesday, November 28^th, millions of people will come together and transform their communities for the better. We encourage each of our partners to participate in Giving Tuesday by contributing to the Paul Anderson Youth Home. You can contribute by clicking here. You will be a major part of changing lives for eternity.