What Christmas Means

As Clark Griswold mused in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, "Christmas means different things to different people."  I don't think anyone would argue that.

Some people may say Christmas is family gathering, peace on earth (if only for a brief moment), brotherhood, community, love, joy, magical and abundance. Skeptics may call it over-indulgence, commercialized, mythical, greed-driven....well, you get the idea. But what it is really, is the start.

Like it or not, Christmas has its origins in faith, belief and hope. Even our very calendar is based upon the birth of the child in the manger, and our week begins on Sunday, the day of the week Christians believe Jesus' was resurrected. There is more influence too in our daily lives, but suffice it these two things demonstrate how important this one birth was to the world. Unfortunately, it's sometimes easy to forget just how important.

Many of you may know about my children's book that is in the hands of an agent. It is Christmas-themed and blends a little of the secular with the non-secular. (I hope there is a publisher willing to help make this world a little less confusing for children, and enable them to focus on the truths that encompass our humanity.)

As a parent, it was always a bit of a struggle to differentiate Santa from the real celebration which was Jesus' birth. Tell a child Christmas is Jesus' birthday and, of course, they will be excited − any youngster loves a good birthday! But there's more to it than that.

I wrote the book because we need to go one step further in explaining Christmas − we need to explain the significance of Jesus' birth and what it means for us today. There is so much good surrounding this event that even people without faith embrace the best of what it evokes.

So what does Christmas mean to me? It means the start. It's the beginning of learning how we should treat our fellowman, the first tutorial on the meaning of our existence, the beginning of instruction on how to live a better life, and perhaps most importantly, why we Christians believe we will be with loved ones again. 

Whatever Christmas means to you, may you embrace its goodness and share it with the world, and Merry Christmas to all!

My Ode to Christmas Shopping

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am not a poet. But, on occasion, one of the Greek muses selects me to write a poem. (Recently, it was Thalia, muse of comedy and bucolic poetry). With the season upon us, I wrote the following, and just for the record, I am finished shopping!

‘Twas the Day Before Christmas

‘Twas the day before Christmas                                      I searched for some charities

No presents I’ve bought                                                     To give in their honor.

Where did the time go                                                         That’s the best gift of all

That I almost forgot?                                                            I began soon to ponder.

No wrapping or ribbons                                                      Now after the donations

Oh, what should I do?                                                          Were all given as gifts,         

My family expects something                                             I smiled as I realized

And it all must be new!                                                        The meaning of Christmas is 

                                                                                                       this.

Away to my computer                                                         My family was thrilled

I flew like a flash                                                                   And the gifts were just right

For last minute gifts                                                             So I went to bed happy.

Please, system, don’t crash.                                             Merry Christmas to all and a

     peaceful good night!

I’ll order my gifts

And send e-cards their way.

I’ll have to pay extra

But that’s still okay.

Then as I sat there                                                   With apologies to Clement C. Moore

Ready to click enter,                                                           

I paused for a moment

As I turned on my printer.

Are e-cards real gifts

To give from the heart,

Or just an obligation

That somehow did start?

So I reflected a minute

And thought what was right.

With so many in need,

I should be easing their plight.

My recipients don’t need gifts,

But there are others who do.

That should be my focus

And I hope my family’s too.

Blessings Can Be Different

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I think we all tend to view blessings in terms of possessions, abilities and relationships, but I recently experienced a different one − God put me on a path to edit a best seller.

More than a year ago, my son and daughter-in-law told me about a woman in their congregation who was writing a book and needed an editor. "You'll really like Lisa and Keith, Mom," my son said. Lisa and Keith were the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course group leaders/councilors in their church. 

We finally made contact, and I agreed to look at what Lisa had written thus far, and then show her what edits I suggested. It was a time when we both prayed for direction, and we each had a decision to make: Did I want to edit her book, and did she want to work with me?

It was just a short time later that we both felt we needed to work together on bringing this book to fruition. I've always wanted to edit a best seller, and after reading a few chapters, I felt this was probably going to be it. (For several days now, it has been the #1 new release best seller.) It will soon be available in softbound and hardbound versions.

I loved what Lisa wrote, and I loved the potential benefit to readers, hence my note above to buy this book. It can benefit anyone, religious or not, swimming in debt, or even debt-free. 

As blurbs and endorsements (including one from  Dave Ramsey) rolled in, I truly felt blessed to be a part of this venture, and absolutely thrilled for Lisa. I am truly thankful to God for this path of collaboration, and giving me the abilities to assist Lisa in this project. Yes, I am blessed!

In a Season of Gratitude and Giving...

In a season of gratitude and giving, most of us gathered together yesterday to acknowledge our blessings and reflect on our thankfulness for them. But in the midst of all that, we can't pick up the newspaper, watch TV, or listen to the radio without wondering what's wrong with the world − there is no guessing anymore.

We simply can't escape the bombardment of negativity, even if we try to avoid it. But, I know if we let that negativity into our psyche, we will form opinions that might terribly skew our perception of the world, judge others inappropriately, and even inadvertently transform ourselves into part of the problem. 

Frankly, I don't want want to be like scammers who prey on other people, a cheater or a liar, a person who  practices "me-first" at the expense of others, a vessel of hate who wants to harm people, or someone who forgets how very blessed I am. (This is not to be confused with Luke 18:11 "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector."') I just don't want to be like them, and I pray I never will be (with God's help, of course).

Instead, I want to focus on what's right with the world, and yes, there are a lot of right things; I think people inherently want to do good. But, perhaps, the best news is we DO know how to make this world a better place. 

Like most of us, I love this time of year. It's one of the times when the majority of humanity comes together and recognizes one another as our fellowman. We show what should be our true nature in wanting to help each other, taking care of those in need, binding over common causes, and basically allowing the goodness within us to do what our creator intended us to do.

So, here is my prayer for this upcoming season: I want the capacity to show grace to those who don't deserve it; I want the ability to forgive those who may have no remorse for their wrongs; I want to be more caring and understanding.

In short, I want to be a better person tomorrow than I am today, regardless of the negativity that I so want to avoid. I don't want this because I desire others to think well of me —I want it because that is what God tells me will make the world an even better place, and it starts with each of us.

A Blast from the Past

Several months ago, I wrote about hoping to have a 50th high school reunion. I then commented that I wasn't as much interested in the accomplishments of my classmates as who they are today. I'm happy to say that both of my desires were met this past weekend.

Shortly after my blog post, I received an email about our reunion − indeed, there would be one thanks to three special alumni along with a number of others. Of course, I had to do my part of contributing to the event and promptly volunteered to do a reunion yearbook. Creating and distributing a questionnaire allowed me to ask the obligatory questions like family and past career/jobs, but it also presented the opportunity to ask my fellow alums to describe themselves today. Although there were not as many responses as I had hoped, the book was a hit and very much worth all my time and effort.

I was especially proud of the prevailing attitudes of my former classmates. Many chose altruistic careers, lived adventurous lives, and had impressive accomplishments whether professional or personal, but the true test of knowing who we were came when I asked their philosophy of life, favorite quote, or words they live by.

Perhaps because we are getting older and well past half our life span, most cited living and enjoying the present, and valuing family. Many also indicated their faith as a factor in how they perceive and live in this world. It all made me grateful.

As a person of faith, I don't see most things as coincidences; I see them as blessings or even interruptions in our normal lives that make us pay attention.  Whatever comes our way in the future, the reunion was a small glimpse of what we share on a more global scale − our humanity. That was greatly exemplified by how happy we were to see each other, even those with whom we weren't particularly close to in high school. What was not common to us then, is now.

We are older, and I dare say, better versions of our younger selves. We have learned many of life's lessons, and are keenly aware we are just a small (although important) part of this big, beautiful  world. Yes, it was a blast from the last and I am grateful.

Reflections on the Past Twelve Years

Twelve years ago today, the life I had known for 37 years came abruptly to an end − my husband's physical presence was no longer a part of it. Soon after we began dating in 1969, I knew no matter what the future held, he would always be a part of me. As I reflect on the years since, several things stand out:

• I still grieve and miss Steve every minute of every day, but I've learned that life continues to have good moments
• Loneliness doesn't have the same meaning. I do not get lonely when by myself, but I yearn for Steve's company
• The only real cure for sadness is to concentrate on others and try to make this world a better place, something we all should do
• Writing to Steve on important dates in our lives is cathartic, and I still continue to journal daily
• Writing has been God's gift to me. Although I've always written fairly well, my genre and focus has changed from business and formal to inspirational and warm and fuzzy
• Although there is nothing personal I wouldn't trade to have Steve in my life again, I realize there are  positives which would not have occurred otherwise such as starting a senior social group at my church. (God  really does help us to make lemonade out of lemons)
• My independence has grown. I've always been capable of functioning on my own, but I am capable of more than I might have ever guessed  

Steve always said we made each other better people, and he is still influencing me toward that end. And even though life certainly didn't turn out the way we expected − only one of us to enjoy seeing our sons married and settled in life, and delighting in becoming a grandparent; taking trips in our retirement; and just growing old together − I live somewhat vicariously through others who are lucky to have what we could not. That too is one of those moments that still brings a little unexpected happiness into my life. 

Saying Goodbye to Old Friends

It's strange to think of  those who own a business as friends, but that's what made Saffees special. Last week, it was announced they were closing all of their stores at the end of the year due to health problems in the family, and no desire by the fourth generation to take over the business.

Businesses come and go, and that's a fact of life, but not many can equal Saffees. For four decades, I have shopped at and loved this store. My husband and I even became friends with members of the third generation when Saffees opened its doors in my city, and before they assumed ownership from their parents. They knew what I liked and how to fit me, but that's not all.

In Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness, I wrote a story relating how they carried on a tradition begun by my husband to always have a gift from Saffees for me under the Christmas tree. They knew how devastated I was at the loss of my husband just a few short months before the holiday, and wanted to make certain that I had a gift from Saffees under my tree at least one more time.

Since then, they've occasionally delivered clothing to my house, and most recently, a selection of "mother of the groom" dresses from which to choose. Three bulging discs prevented my going to the store so Steve, who operates Saffees in Lawrence, picked out five or six formal dresses from another location and had one of their staff bring them to me to try on at home.

All of the gowns would have worked, but there was a stand-out. Since I'd previously done a little panicking and had another dress in reserve, they told me to keep it until I decided if I wanted the extra dress.  No brainier − it was perfect! The dress was gorgeous and I could even wear my lumbar brace underneath without detection. I just needed to justify having a second dress, but this was clearly the one.

My husband could always pick out clothes for me, and so could the owners Steve, his sister Marie and her husband Ronnie. I'm going to miss having people who knew me so well, but most of all, I'm going to miss their caring, and the integrity and personalization with which they operated their business...they were truly friends.

Feeling Like a Modern-Day Job and Homeless

Not to make light of Job's ordeal, but I was beginning to feel a little like a modern-day Job from the Old Testament. While my situation was nothing like his, I did feel a bit challenged.

It all started with 3 bulging discs which worsened to the point I could barely walk, couldn't stand erect, and the pain became enough to send me to the doctors. Yes, as in plural.

Two rounds of epidurals of 4 shots in my lumbar spine (1 to numb and 3 in each disc) and 7 weeks (soon to be 9) of physical therapy at least have me walking again. But then there was another set-back not related to my back issues.

My HOA paints our townhomes every 7 years, and this is my year. We owners are responsible beforehand for any needed maintenance which means repairing any problems with siding or patio fences. My repairs just happened to be extensive this year, but that isn't a real part of my ordeal.

The siding contractor I chose did not do the best job. In fact, the dormer on my home had to be redone upon my insistence − it was awful. Then several other issues arose before I discovered my air conditioner stopped working. Calling a repairman after 5pm didn't fix the problem because we determined a nail behind the new siding punctured the Freon line. 

To make a long story short, a fix the next day didn't work because the puncture created a bigger problem in the coils, meaning an almost $1400 coil replacement or new system (mine was definitely of retirement age although it had been working fine). The contractor was out $650, but after weighing options, it was a no-brainer to replace the AC and furnace together. That was on me, but I couldn't get estimates until Monday and this was late Friday.  

Unlike Job, I was lucky enough to have family and friends who offered me a place to sleep. Unfortunately, all but one had stairs to their extra bedrooms, and my back issues prevented navigating those. 

My younger son and almost daughter-in-law offered me "the mother-in-law suite" at night, and let me hang-out there anytime I couldn't stand doing my necessary things at home where the inside temp reached up to 89 degrees. I felt a bit homeless in having to spend time elsewhere, but I thank God for providing me with a son who had accommodations to meet my needs. And, although I didn't like spending the unplanned extra money for the new system, I at least had it available to do so.

So what did my challenges teach me? It taught me how fortunate I really am. I didn't like the trials, but I discovered I could overcome them. I also gained, through experience, a deeper understanding of what those in need face. Regrettably, they don't have places to go when it's hot or money to make repairs as I did. 

Ultimately, God designed a way to take care of me through it all − family, friends, doctors, physical therapy, and a retirement fund courtesy of my late husband. While I know there are still obstacles to face, I do so knowing I am blessed.

Robocalls, Scams and Email Extortion − Oh, My!

I'm used to getting robo and scam calls which I don't answer − it's easy to tell when they don't leave a message. After a search for the number confirms the not wanted call, I block it or try to do so.

Recently I received a number of calls from "Out of Area" with no number displayed so I could not block it. I finally answered the call to learn it was from "IT Services." My response: "I don't want or need this call. Please (I try to be polite, even if it is a scam) take me off your list." I haven't gotten another call from them.

I'm also used to the emails from some benevolent soul from another country who wants me to share in his/her bounty. All I need to do is share my bank account information and contribute good-faith money. Yeah, I'm really going to do that, just like I'm going to give an unsolicited caller my credit card information to lower my rates!

But the most disturbing scam I've seen is the extortion email. But before I tell you about the one I received (which I think will amuse anyone who knows me), I will explain why it is disturbing. The hacker referenced a decade old password on an old email account. I don't know how they obtained it, and that part is a bit upsetting.

Now to the content of the email, it was a sexploitation extortion/blackmail attempt that claimed to have proof of me watching porn on my computer! The sender stated he would ruin my reputation with the video (showing my embarrassing acts in response which were captured via my web cam) if I didn't send $3600 in bit coin. Two problems with this scenario: I don't visit porn sites (I hope that wasn't a surprise to anyone), and my computer does not have a built in web cam. Nevertheless, I worry about others who may not be savvy to this kind of intrusion, even if they are as innocent as I.

Part of me wanted to respond and express my feelings toward the person who sent the email. (I may try to live by Christian principles, but I am human!) I know the email was foreign-generated, and after reading an article on this same extortion attempt, I'm sure they covered their tracks pretty well.

Still, I immediately contacted my Internet provider and will file a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General and FBI. Even better, I'll go to a higher authority. Matthew 5:44 states: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,..." so I will say a prayer for the penitence of individuals who make a living by hurting their fellowman in addition to all those who have been victimized by them. Scammers certainly don't make the world a better place, but we can.

Life and Regrets

Is it possible to live life without regrets? I hear a few people say that, but it's difficult to think one might not want a do-over on at least a few things. Of course, those without regrets will often add they wouldn't change any mistakes because it's made them who they are today.

For me, two recent events brought into perspective how regrets are different. Regretting what you had no control over is futile; it's what you can do to change what might become a regret that is important.

My friend Diane recently lost her mother, someone whom I also considered a friend. They rode with me on trips to an annual writers convention so I became well acquainted with them outside of monthly meetings. Jean was a lovely lady and very independent despite her children's concern for her health and safety. Diane and I hoped to get the three of us together for lunch, but something also arose − now she is gone. This I regret because we might have gotten together before things interfered.

In talking with my sister in California, she again expressed how much she wished they had sought different medical treatment for my brother-in-law. My response to her was something I've said before: If you prayed about it and asked for healing, then you did what you could, and the direction to do something different would have prevailed. Simply put, if God's plan was to have our husbands live, then nothing we did or didn't do would have affected the outcome...period. Changing what I didn't and couldn't know, I can't regret.


My regrets stem from things I had control over, but hindsight is always 20/20. I think of the times I could have been a little nicer, been a little more generous, showed a little more caring. And I don't mean just for my late husband so I'll continue trying to live my life with as few regrets as I can by being a little kinder, a little more generous, and a little more caring toward everyone. 

Ouch! Maybe I Am a Material Girl

I'd like to think I've come a long way in putting less emphasis on the material world, but there are some things simply too difficult to part with or do without. I'm not talking about designer clothes, granite table tops, or a lavish estate; I thinking about sentimental items.

A few weeks ago, I had to replace a 3-seater swing with a smaller version. I would not have done so, except after 13 years, the mesh attached to the frame came unstitched and there was no way to fix it. You may wonder what's the big deal about replacing an old swing, and how could I be so attached to an object? The answer is simple − my husband.

In the last year of his life, it was time for Steve to give up his continuous list of  projects and enjoy what he had done. That included beautiful landscaping in our backyard and an added brick patio at the base of the deck he built years before. The area became a restful place where he could enjoy the outdoors, take a nap, or contemplate what was about to happen. We bought the swing for him.

Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV) states: 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasurers in heaven..."  I understand the difference of what we should treasure, but it's so hard to give up things associated with a loved one.

Memories cannot be taken away unless something like dementia or amnesia occurs, but still I cling to objects which are associated with those memories that keep my husband close. I suppose most of us do something similar as I recall, after our mother's passing, my sister not wanting to throw away any scrap of paper on which our mother had written something. 

Granted, these sentimental items are not associated with greed or envy so I think there is some leniency in applying the aforementioned scripture. But it just shows that some materialism is impossible for most of us.

If You Could Save a Life...

I believe that most of us have felt the ache wondering if a loved one's demise might have been prevented. Sometimes that comes right after the loss, or it might come years down the road when learning of a new treatment. Unfortunately the conclusion is the same...we'll never know.

It's Memorial Day weekend and time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who have gone before us. It's also a good time to think about what is preventable. That does not include the "inevitable," but we still might be able to delay it.

We often hear stories about those who have been helped by a generous donation from a living or deceased organ donor. But what we miss, is putting a face to all those who have perished waiting and hoping in vain that a transplant would save them.

My friend Rosina Houle lost her sister Jessie, who was on a transplant list after her donated kidney from 17 years earlier, failed. Jessie left behind a devoted husband and young daughter. Out of this tragic loss came the creation of an organization to promote living donors − Save a Life, Inc. (SAL). You can learn more about this important mission and how it all began at: Save A Life. 

I also have friends from church who, a decade ago, lost their only son to aplastic anemia (a rare blood disorder) while he waited for a bone marrow donor. He was only 19 years old. 

For the families of Jessie and A.J., the question will always be: What if?

I encourage everyone who can to become a donor, living or upon death. Doing so means indicating this on your driver's license, carrying a donor card, or placing yourself on a donor list, and making certain your family knows your wishes. Regrettably, most if not all, states and medical facilities allow family to override a deceased individual's wishes to donate an organ. In those cases when it has happened, one has to wonder how many people might have otherwise been saved.

So, to honor and remember our loved ones and those who have served us, I hope everyone reading this blog will take action to prevent what is preventable. I have.

Half a Century Reunion

I have not yet heard, but I suspect my fellow alums and I will celebrate our 50th high school reunion sometime this summer. My first thought is, "Egad, we can't be that old!" Almost worse is realizing I've been out of college for 46 years. Where did the time go? I may be 60-something, but I'm still just a kid inside.

At our last reunion 10 years ago, I told my fellow classmates I wanted to be a published author. Been there, done that − I'm still writing and now editing with some nice credits. I also wanted to see my sons settled both professionally and in their personal lives. That too has been accomplished with Chris finding Erin and becoming a quality engineer, and Ryan finding Katie as he transitions over the next couple of years from an emergency department RN to become a Nurse Practioner. This is all especially important to me because I promised my dear, late husband that I would do all I could to encourage our sons to complete their educations and find their way to a good life.

During this last decade, I have also anxiously awaited and hoped to become a grandparent. That's no surprise to anyone who knows me, and this year Chris and Erin blessed me with the cutest little grandson I could ever have imagined. He joins my adorable grand-dog Dan, and cute new grand-puppy Bernard. More things to check off my bucket list.

There are many other little positive endeavors along with some bigger ones for which I await the outcome, but I realize none of this would have been possible without divine inspiration and faith. After losing my soulmate, best friend, and husband before the last high school reunion, I could never have guessed these things might come to pass.

Even with accomplishments since the last get-together, and so many years having come and gone since high school, I'd like to think I've become a better human being. I'd also say most of that is because of my beliefs, and with help from above to make lemonade out of lemons.

While I'm sure we will exchange updates as to what we've been up to for the last 50 years (assuming the reunion actually happens), it's really who we've become that's most important. In another 50 years, most of our names will be forgotten. But real legacies aren't made from the things a person  accomplished from a bucket list, but rather by the person who did something to make a positive difference in whatever they did. It's that legacy my classmates have been working on that I'm eager to know. 

We're Like Modern Bronte Sisters, but Not Jealous!

Sometimes, we get a little glimpse of how things should be, and maybe even what they are like in Heaven. For instance, as I've grown older, a deeper appreciation of many things has ensued − I value people and experiences far more than possessions. One such example is the way I relate to my older sister who is also a writer.

Marsha became a writer (and a successful one) many years before I picked up the trade. Among her myriad works, she wrote a humor column for our local paper for many years along with countless historical books, both genres which are not my forte.

I, on the other hand, favor inspirational writing of most any kind. Making it into the Chicken Soup for the Soul Books was my dream come true, and I've been able to repeat the dream for a soon to be fifth  time. During my decade of writing, I've encouraged Marsha to also write something for one of their numerous publications. She finally did and was successful on her first submission. (Of course, that's not unusual for Marsha. Professionals readily recognize her professional work.) 

I can honestly say we support each other 100% in our craft. I was thrilled when her story was accepted in Chicken Soup for tor Soul: My Crazy Family (and no, I wasn't the subject matter). In return, she is also excited every time my work merits acclaim or acknowledgment. We also now often give the other a first look at what we write for any type of submission, although I probably do this far more than she because I will always consider her to be my mentor. Her feedback is spot-on and she is honest. If she tells me something needs to be changed, I value her opinion. If she says something is good, then I'm thrilled.

I suspect that Heaven has the same concept for all competition, and yes, I do hope there is some competition in eternity. That is often how we improve ourselves − seeing someone else accomplish something you want to do is a prime example of "it can be done." I surmise the difference in competition between Heaven and this world is what my sister and I experience in our writing. There is no jealousy for success, only genuine and loving support. And that is Heavenly!

As a final note, this is one piece of work for which my sister didn't get a first look. Surprise and thanks, Marsha!

A Happy Easter and What It Teaches

There is a lot of talk about death surrounding Easter, and the time leading up to it. It's a difficult topic because I imagine there is nothing quite so scary to humanity as the end of being. Of course, for Christians, Easter is a time of joy because it promises the ending to this existence will be followed by a new and better kind of life.

When I was in grade school, we didn't have spring break. Instead, we had Good Friday and the Monday after Easter as holidays. Now, it's difficult to even find stores closed on the actual day of Easter. With so many people afraid to die, it's interesting that little consideration is given to the event that can alleviate that fear, or at least, most of it.

As a child, I couldn't understand why it was called Good Friday because, I surmised, it certainly wasn't good for Jesus! But now I believe two things: 1) If Jesus hadn't died, He could not have risen and there would be no point to Christianity; and 2) Jesus experienced what most of us have in our darkest hours. When He said, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" He wasn't questioning whether there was a God, but maybe only that He could not feel God's presence and wondered why He was still here. (I don't know for sure if that is the case; I'll leave that to the Biblical scholars.) We sometimes feel that way too, and it's our plea to "do something, God!"

Our pastor gave a sermon two weeks ago that included his experience as a former hospice chaplain. Many times, people were ready to die but could not understand why there were still here. His response was provocative − to show others how to die. I'm sure they would have preferred the Charles Dickens's version, "...if they be like to die, then let them do it and decrease the surplus population." Unlike Jesus who commended his spirit to God and then died, it's usually not our choice when that happens. The difference too is that Jesus knew what he was doing and why.

Sunday, I will celebrate Easter and rejoice in its message. I know that faith has made me a better person, not perfect by any means, but better because I've been shown how to live and how to die.

Happy Easter to the World!

Tragedy − Too Close

I heard a number of sirens, but not the gunshot that summoned them less than 30 yards away. Apparently that noise was muffled by my washing machine and dryer.

It's not unusual to occasionally hear the screaming of emergency vehicles on the thoroughfare nearby, even over TV or music. But after ten years, I only notice them if there are many, and Wednesday night, there were. Because the sirens were so incessant, at one point, I went outside to see which direction the vehicles were going. I didn't stay outside long enough to see some of them pull into my own small community of town homes. It was just a short time later that I received a phone call from the wife of the president of our home owner association to alert me, as a Board member, to what happened.

Like all horrific incidents, there is always speculation and misinformation. At first, it was thought a domestic situation resulted in the shooting, and we soon learned a fatality occurred. A few hours later, it was known to be a suicide. All of this occurred so close to my town home that I can easily see the unit from my patio. When the draperies were opened, the multiple and lingering flashing lights confirmed that something bad had, indeed, happened.

It was even more unnerving to me for another reason. Just the day before, I was walking my grand-dog and encountered two of the three people living there. It is a rental and on the street separated by our common ground between the homes. We said hello and spoke briefly, not knowing that the next day held such a devastating secret.

Our neighborhood is comprised mostly of live-in owners in addition to some rentals, so we often don't know the names of transient residents, or sometimes even when they move in or out. But the wonderful thing about human nature is compassion, even when you don't really know someone. Whether it is an epic event like 9-11 or a cataclysmic natural disaster, people come together and want to help. And that's just what has happened during the last 48 hours in our small community.

Of course, my first response was to pray for the unfortunate, departed soul, and also for those left behind; that's something I will continue to do for a while. Even so, at the same time, I am also most grateful for what God has instilled in us − the desire to care for one another. Simply put, tragedy often shows us the real reason we are here.

Why We Are Here

I have recently finished reading Dan Brown's book Origin. It asks two questions about our existence: Where did we come from?Where are we going?

The book, like many others by Dan Brown, has had some negative response, especially due to its main character Robert Langdon who is somewhat agnostic. But strangely enough, the character asks the question which all atheists should ask. In  the book, one of Robert Langdon's former students (Edmond) asserts, "...the laws of physics alone can create life."  And then the paragraph continues with "but for Langdon it raised one burning question that he was surprised nobody was asking: If the laws of physics are so powerful that they can create life...who created the laws?!"  Bingo!

We humans abide by a very linear timeline − things are finite in our world and we can't imagine how it all really began. But it did begin somewhere and many of us call that God. He created us and all that is. As I've said before in other blogs, I really don't care how God created everything, I just believe He (and Jesus, John 1:3) did it. 

Now as to the other question (spoiler alert), asking where we are going, it alludes to becoming one with technology. That part is a little more difficult to refute. Already, advances have created bionics and implants that help to assist and regulate our failing bodies. It's also no secret that at some point, earth will become over-populated, long before our sun becomes a supernova. Although these issues are in the future, I am more concerned with the ever-present question and answer of why we are here.

I do believe in science, and I do believe in God, so in the end, the question of our existence isn't really a problem for me; I simply believe we are here to care for our fellowman. And for me, that's what really counts. Oh, one more thing − I'll also keep reading Dan Brown's books for entertainment.

Ups and Downs

Just like the stock market, life has its ups and downs. Fortunately, most of us know how to weather the bad and enjoy the good. Christians, I think, are especially fortunate because we have faith "in our corner" to see us through whatever challenges we face, and grateful hearts for happiness. For me, the past week has held some very happy times, and I am savoring every detail as a blessing.

Last week, I was able to secure a SKYPE call for our Kansas Authors Club district with Amy Newmark, the Executive Editor and co-owner of Chicken Soup for the Soul. It was an incredible opportunity for our group as well as honor that she chose to make contact with us. Amy discussed what they look for in stories for their publication, and answered any questions we had.

Our scheduled 30 minute conversation turned into nearly one hour. During that time, Amy announced one of my stories was already chosen to appear in their annual Christmas book this year (which was a big surprise since they haven't finished accepting entries as yet)! It will be my 5th time in one of their anthologies, and I am excited and humbled with each selection. I know the call encouraged others in our group to make submissions, some for the first time, and it certainly made my day!

And then on Valentine's Day, our singles group from church gathered for lunch at a local restaurant after Ash Wednesday services. At the luncheon, these wonderful ladies gave me a "Grandma Shower" with fun items to keep at my home for when my new little grandson visits. The gifts included anything from toys and books to practical items such as bibs and spoons, photo album, pacifiers,clothing, and a teether-rattle. These friends knew how excited I was to become a grandparent and graciously asked to see photos too! (What grandparent doesn't like to indulge in that?)

In both of the scenarios, the key element was sharing − one shared helpful knowledge including information that elated me, and the other shared in my joy. Both were also great examples of how God sends others our way, whether in times of need or in times of happiness.

As a Stephen Minister in my church, we call ourselves care givers. God is the cure giver who uses us to provide physical presence of His love for the person who is facing a particular life challenge or experience. It is truly a blessing to be a servant in that manner.

So, as I contemplate this past week, I will file it away as one of blessings. I don't know what will follow tomorrow, next week, or next year. But whatever comes, I know there will be others sent by God to cross my path to give comfort or joy, depending upon whatever is my circumstance.