Yesterday, I received a CD of the rocket launch last year that carried a portion of my husband's ashes into space. It is difficult to believe the anniversary of that spectacular moment was May 22.
While I did not cry during the actual event as I expected to do, I made up for it last night while watching and remembering the culmination of a promise. Steve always loved anything related to space, and I was able to tell him my plans to send a portion of his ashes into "the final frontier." After waiting more than five years, I finally saw that come to fruition.
Shortly after watching the video, I received a call from my "grandchild of the heart." We are not related by blood or legally, but by love, and I have been close to him and his family since he was 2 years old. He told me his grandfather had just passed away after a difficult battle with cancer. Because Nick often accompanied Jose and his sister, Sara, to my house every Christmas Eve, I can keenly feel their family's loss - he was a good man to know.
Watching the video and hearing of Nick's passing reminded me that it is often the memories that cause us the greatest pain when we lose someone. We grieve that there will be no more memories to make, and it will be some time before we are able to push away all of the bad and remember the good things that we shared. That is one reason I recommend in my, book Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place, that a personal note always be written with any sympathy card that just expresses the wish that memories will comfort the grieving.
Before Nick passed on, I was able to give the family a booklet that gives answers to many of faith's greatest questions. They are questions derived from the book, Heaven, which I have shared with many others. The author, Reverend Randy Alcorn, spent decades researching what the Bible says about Heaven (more than you think), and it answered exactly what I wanted to know. No, you don't sprout wings while drifting on a cloud and playing a harp, but you do have much to occupy your time.
I often joke that people want to go to Heaven because they know how bad Hell is, but the fact is we are often taught more about Hell than Heaven. Regardless of what your faith tells you about these two options, it's comforting to know more about where we hope and expect to spend eternity. And the best part is we will no longer need memories.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Surprises, surprises, surprises
As a subscriber to a number of writer newsletters, I recently learned that you can set Google alerts. For me, I chose Inspiration, Make a Difference, my name and the names of my books. These alerts have brought some very surprising and interesting results.
For instance, I discovered that Canada is offering money to senior citizens to use to make a difference. I've also clicked on links to read heartwarming stories of others who have done some remarkable things. And the best part is that these individuals range from the very young to the very old.
Just recently, two first graders enlisted the help of neighbors to raise funds for the victims of the Moore, OK tornado. Check out: Not too young to make a difference. But, there are many other everyday occurrences that many of us might not otherwise notice.
My sister, niece, and 11 year old great-niece (Sydney) recently visited over the holiday. On Friday, the four of us ventured to place flowers on the graves of my parents after making a brief stop by the Dollar Tree for some faux flowers to supplement the real ones. While there, Sydney insisted on gathering her own tribute for the great-grandparents she never knew. Later, watching her lovingly place those by the tombstone was approbation that no matter the age, anyone can do something good in this world.
No, she didn't feed the hungry, find a cure for cancer, or write a check to her favorite charity. But she did take time to show respect, not just to my parents, but to spend time reading the epitaphs of others in the cemetery. She demonstrated caring and compassion. And that does make this world a better place for all of us.
For instance, I discovered that Canada is offering money to senior citizens to use to make a difference. I've also clicked on links to read heartwarming stories of others who have done some remarkable things. And the best part is that these individuals range from the very young to the very old.
Just recently, two first graders enlisted the help of neighbors to raise funds for the victims of the Moore, OK tornado. Check out: Not too young to make a difference. But, there are many other everyday occurrences that many of us might not otherwise notice.
My sister, niece, and 11 year old great-niece (Sydney) recently visited over the holiday. On Friday, the four of us ventured to place flowers on the graves of my parents after making a brief stop by the Dollar Tree for some faux flowers to supplement the real ones. While there, Sydney insisted on gathering her own tribute for the great-grandparents she never knew. Later, watching her lovingly place those by the tombstone was approbation that no matter the age, anyone can do something good in this world.
No, she didn't feed the hungry, find a cure for cancer, or write a check to her favorite charity. But she did take time to show respect, not just to my parents, but to spend time reading the epitaphs of others in the cemetery. She demonstrated caring and compassion. And that does make this world a better place for all of us.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Help Me to Spread This Blog
Authors always want their works to be read, especially if there is a message they wish to impart. Count me among the guilty parties! (Be sure to read the last part of this post for a special incentive to help me spread readership of this blog).
My latest book is based upon Hebrews 10:24: "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds." I loved writing it more than anything I've ever been blessed to write. Why? Because it's my forte: Inspiration!
It was so much fun to discover the great many positive things others do or have done that can be repeated by any of us. And, it was especially exciting to discover that every good deed I ever thought of could be found in the Bible. I'm not a zealot, but I have a strong faith which I hope is exemplified by the way I live. I'm definitely flawed to be sure, but I try, and hopefully that is what others see.
Now to the incentive: To the first 10 readers of this post who acquire five new individuals to subscribe to this blog (it's FREE), I'll send you an autographed copy of Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place. Just access my webpage at: www.vickijulian.com and click on "Contact the Author" located at the bottom left, and send to me the last names of those who have signed up because of your referral. (Don't worry, their information is secure and they won't be contacted).
Let's make this world a better place!
My latest book is based upon Hebrews 10:24: "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds." I loved writing it more than anything I've ever been blessed to write. Why? Because it's my forte: Inspiration!
It was so much fun to discover the great many positive things others do or have done that can be repeated by any of us. And, it was especially exciting to discover that every good deed I ever thought of could be found in the Bible. I'm not a zealot, but I have a strong faith which I hope is exemplified by the way I live. I'm definitely flawed to be sure, but I try, and hopefully that is what others see.
Now to the incentive: To the first 10 readers of this post who acquire five new individuals to subscribe to this blog (it's FREE), I'll send you an autographed copy of Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place. Just access my webpage at: www.vickijulian.com and click on "Contact the Author" located at the bottom left, and send to me the last names of those who have signed up because of your referral. (Don't worry, their information is secure and they won't be contacted).
Let's make this world a better place!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Charitable Giving
Returning to our car after enjoying a Mother's Day dinner at a downtown restaurant yesterday, my two sons and I encountered a man who was obviously homeless. He was seated near one of the parking meters and across from an eatery with outside tables.
As we passed him, he asked, "Can you spare some small change?" It would have been easy to ignore him as so many other passersby were doing, After all, didn't the city install depositories downtown where people could give money for people like this man? The homeless aren't supposed to solicit alms anymore. But his gentle inquiry and humble nature caused me to flashback to another time.
Many years ago, I was dropping mail off inside the main post office on a very cold winter evening, and sitting just below the mail drop, was a homeless woman. She stared straight ahead, completely unaffected by my presence, and with all her worldly belongings strewn about. It was obvious that this was her respite from the cold.
I wanted to hand her money so that maybe she could find some creature comfort nearby in the form of a warm drink or food, but I didn't know how to do that without, perhaps, offending her. So what did I do? Nothing! and it has haunted me since then. I looked for her thereafter every time I had to drop off mail. I never saw her again and the opportunity to help was gone.
So, when someone asks me for money, I try to find a way to help. It might surprise others to know that in the Bible, Matthew 5:42 states: "Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." There are many other passages related to judgment, and it is clear that some things are left to God, not us.
When you know that someone is in need, regardless of whether you think they are deserving, I find it to be an opportunity to share many blessings. If I don't want to give money, I can find out if hunger is an issue and then buy something for the person to eat. I can buy a bus pass, I can direct someone to where they can find the assistance they need. I can acknowledge want.
Yes, I had quite a bit of change which I readily handed over to the man who asked. As I placed it into his dirty looking hands, he thanked me. It was really I who should say thanks to God because I was on the giving end and not the receiving.
As we passed him, he asked, "Can you spare some small change?" It would have been easy to ignore him as so many other passersby were doing, After all, didn't the city install depositories downtown where people could give money for people like this man? The homeless aren't supposed to solicit alms anymore. But his gentle inquiry and humble nature caused me to flashback to another time.
Many years ago, I was dropping mail off inside the main post office on a very cold winter evening, and sitting just below the mail drop, was a homeless woman. She stared straight ahead, completely unaffected by my presence, and with all her worldly belongings strewn about. It was obvious that this was her respite from the cold.
I wanted to hand her money so that maybe she could find some creature comfort nearby in the form of a warm drink or food, but I didn't know how to do that without, perhaps, offending her. So what did I do? Nothing! and it has haunted me since then. I looked for her thereafter every time I had to drop off mail. I never saw her again and the opportunity to help was gone.
So, when someone asks me for money, I try to find a way to help. It might surprise others to know that in the Bible, Matthew 5:42 states: "Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." There are many other passages related to judgment, and it is clear that some things are left to God, not us.
When you know that someone is in need, regardless of whether you think they are deserving, I find it to be an opportunity to share many blessings. If I don't want to give money, I can find out if hunger is an issue and then buy something for the person to eat. I can buy a bus pass, I can direct someone to where they can find the assistance they need. I can acknowledge want.
Yes, I had quite a bit of change which I readily handed over to the man who asked. As I placed it into his dirty looking hands, he thanked me. It was really I who should say thanks to God because I was on the giving end and not the receiving.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
There isn't any question in my mind as to why we are here. I think our purpose in life is simple - we are here to care for each other. Anyone who reads this blog will discover that my intent is to inspire others to do just that.
Please note that I'm going to base my words on Biblical wisdom because I am a Christian, BUT I think it is within everyone's power and responsibility to make this world a better place. So, whatever your belief, if you seriously want to make a positive difference and learn some wonderful ways to better the lives of others as well as yourself, then follow this blog. Together we'll discover great ideas for random acts of kindness, what you can do for your fellowman in special circumstances, and be inspired by the stories of others.
Feel free to share your own bits of wisdom in caring for your fellowman. I personally love Hebrews 10:24: "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds." Let the journey begin!
Please note that I'm going to base my words on Biblical wisdom because I am a Christian, BUT I think it is within everyone's power and responsibility to make this world a better place. So, whatever your belief, if you seriously want to make a positive difference and learn some wonderful ways to better the lives of others as well as yourself, then follow this blog. Together we'll discover great ideas for random acts of kindness, what you can do for your fellowman in special circumstances, and be inspired by the stories of others.
Feel free to share your own bits of wisdom in caring for your fellowman. I personally love Hebrews 10:24: "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds." Let the journey begin!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)