I first fell in love with Maddox when I learned of his existence and viewed his sonogram. And, of course, I think he is the cutest and most adorable grandchild ever to be born! I'd post pictures to prove it, but I am respecting his parents' wishes not to publicly splash his picture across the Internet!
Maddox was due on January 6, but finally made his appearance, after 3 futile attempts to induce labor, via an unplanned c-section yesterday morning (Sunday, January 14). The roads were not great into KC, and I slid through an intersection on a red light while all other cars were fortunately stopped waiting for the light to turn. (For the record, I was going very slow, but ice doesn't care.) I'm certain the intersection was clear of vehicles because God listened to me praying the whole way there!
Maddox continues an uncanny occurrence in our family. There may be 365 days a year, but we seem to like duplicate birthdays. I have 2 nephews born on my paternal grandmother's birthday; a great-nephew born on my sister Lesta's birthday; my son Ryan was born on my sister Bette's birthday, another nephew was born on my paternal great-grandmother's (with whom I share my middle name) birthday; a niece was born on her paternal grandmother's birthday; and Maddox was born on my maternal grandmother's birthday. He missed my father's birthday by one day.
As you might imagine, Maddox is the screen saver on my Samsung tablet and I can't stop looking at him. At 8lbs, 12oz he can easily fill an entire page. He also very much resembles his father's baby pictures so that's another reason to love him even more!
Monday, January 15, 2018
Sunday, December 31, 2017
2018 Happy or Not?
2017 was a banner year for me in many ways: I accomplished most of what I wanted to do like filing the final patent application for a new type of mobility walker; I had no major medical issues; and I lived comfortably without any worry of having enough food or paying my bills. My grateful heart tells me the latter two are the most important. Not every one is that fortunate.
A few years ago I wrote an Internet article for The Humanitarian Examiner-Topeka called "Make a Difference." The theme was always something anyone could do to make this world a better place. (I finally opted for this current blog format because I could make it faith-based.) My New Year's Resolution articles always gave suggestions for positive actions that could change the world for better. Now I have just one.
For two years, I have kept a journal. In it, I try to write daily something I did to make this world a better place. That makes me take positive action to consciously accomplish that as a daily goal. It's the best self-improvement concept I can think to do, and one I'll faithfully implement.
The new year will hold many exciting things for me including a grandson from my older son and daughter-in-law, and the wedding of my youngest son. From life experience, I know those will be the best of 2018. I also know that our lives are what we make them through our choices. Mine is to live my faith as best I can, and that means honoring my New Year's resolution daily.
Happy 2018!
A few years ago I wrote an Internet article for The Humanitarian Examiner-Topeka called "Make a Difference." The theme was always something anyone could do to make this world a better place. (I finally opted for this current blog format because I could make it faith-based.) My New Year's Resolution articles always gave suggestions for positive actions that could change the world for better. Now I have just one.
For two years, I have kept a journal. In it, I try to write daily something I did to make this world a better place. That makes me take positive action to consciously accomplish that as a daily goal. It's the best self-improvement concept I can think to do, and one I'll faithfully implement.
The new year will hold many exciting things for me including a grandson from my older son and daughter-in-law, and the wedding of my youngest son. From life experience, I know those will be the best of 2018. I also know that our lives are what we make them through our choices. Mine is to live my faith as best I can, and that means honoring my New Year's resolution daily.
Happy 2018!
Thursday, December 21, 2017
The Right Time
I did something fun today. It was fun because it wasn't expected and the time was right.
In this season of gifting, it's easy to miss the simple giving that occurs year round. I'm talking about those individuals who do a little extra to make our lives easier, and those who volunteer to do the necessary things that we either can't or prefer not to do. Remembering them at Christmas is perfect.
I set out popcorn bins for the sanitation and recycle crews who make a special effort to collect my refuse nearer to my home instead of at the curb. My mail carrier is also so conscientious that he even caught and redirected a Christmas card sent to my previous home address 10 years ago! These are the obvious people to remember to thank.
But then I began to think about my church and how wonderful and blessed we are to worship there. I took boxes of gourmet chocolates to personally thank each of the five paid staff members, and wrote thank you notes to several of the volunteers who almost should have designated offices because of their countless efforts and time spent at the church.
And then I remembered, too, those who coordinate our pet pantry, organize lectors and ushers, handle the sacristy, head Sunday School education and programs, serve on our outreach and internal committees, assist with church needs, and the list goes on and on. So, I wrote a simple thank you addressed to "All the Volunteers." I asked our Parish Life Administrator to post it on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Christmas is the time to remember when the greatest gift of all was given. What better time to remember and acknowledge those who give of themselves all year? And, of course, the added bonus is that it was fun!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
In this season of gifting, it's easy to miss the simple giving that occurs year round. I'm talking about those individuals who do a little extra to make our lives easier, and those who volunteer to do the necessary things that we either can't or prefer not to do. Remembering them at Christmas is perfect.
I set out popcorn bins for the sanitation and recycle crews who make a special effort to collect my refuse nearer to my home instead of at the curb. My mail carrier is also so conscientious that he even caught and redirected a Christmas card sent to my previous home address 10 years ago! These are the obvious people to remember to thank.
But then I began to think about my church and how wonderful and blessed we are to worship there. I took boxes of gourmet chocolates to personally thank each of the five paid staff members, and wrote thank you notes to several of the volunteers who almost should have designated offices because of their countless efforts and time spent at the church.
And then I remembered, too, those who coordinate our pet pantry, organize lectors and ushers, handle the sacristy, head Sunday School education and programs, serve on our outreach and internal committees, assist with church needs, and the list goes on and on. So, I wrote a simple thank you addressed to "All the Volunteers." I asked our Parish Life Administrator to post it on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Christmas is the time to remember when the greatest gift of all was given. What better time to remember and acknowledge those who give of themselves all year? And, of course, the added bonus is that it was fun!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
The Real Christmas
Nope, it's not the apocalypse. I'm just writing a second blog in two days because Christmas is in my heart.
I didn't meet my goal to finish shopping for gifts by December 1, but for the most part, my list is complete minus a few little stocking stuffers, and my Christmas baking only has two items to go. But checking off my gift list and baking goodies isn't what put Christmas in my heart.
The real Christmas spirit came to me this year at my final church council meeting on the 27th of November. I completely forgot it was my turn to offer the devotion at the beginning of the meeting so nothing was prepared, but the first thing that popped into my head was, of course, Christmas. (As I warned fellow council members, I'm sharing a brief portion of those thoughts now in this blog.)
I didn't meet my goal to finish shopping for gifts by December 1, but for the most part, my list is complete minus a few little stocking stuffers, and my Christmas baking only has two items to go. But checking off my gift list and baking goodies isn't what put Christmas in my heart.
The real Christmas spirit came to me this year at my final church council meeting on the 27th of November. I completely forgot it was my turn to offer the devotion at the beginning of the meeting so nothing was prepared, but the first thing that popped into my head was, of course, Christmas. (As I warned fellow council members, I'm sharing a brief portion of those thoughts now in this blog.)
Hebrews 10:24 − "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds" is perhaps my favorite Bible verse. To me, it epitomizes what Jesus commanded us to do when he said, "Love one another." − John 13:34 (NIV) Mankind does that no better than at Christmastime.
This is the season when even non-Christians get into the spirit of giving and caring, but we of faith should keep that spirit year round. Showing love to our fellowman, I think, gives us a taste of God's love for us. When we give without restraint, but instead with compassion and the joy of sharing our blessings, we invoke a higher sense. For just a short time, we can feel the power and opportunity to make this world a better place. Wouldn't it be wonderful to keep Christmas in our hearts everyday?
Being Complacent
Our pastor recently gave a sermon on complacency. It's the mindset that allows others to "let somebody else do it." I keep thinking of Revelation 3:16 − "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (NIV) Wow! That means complacency, and its companion apathy, are dangerous.
There is an old saying that "if you want to get something done, ask a busy person to do it." It's true. Busy doers are the ones who get things done. Unlike those who wait for someone else to take responsibility, they adopt the Nike motto and "just do it."
Admittedly, we all are a little guilty of complacency in our lives. Personally, I know there are things I should do, but they just aren't a priority for me due to time, effort, resources or ability. But then there is something about which none of us should be complacent, and that is doing our part to make this world a better place. It can't occur without our being vested and committed.
I've mentioned previously that I keep a journal of what I do each day to make this world a better place − it's my accountability to take responsibility. Some days it's quite impactful, and on others, it's as simple as giving a compliment. It's not so much about the action, but the desire to act in a positive way. None of us knows when our final day on earth will be, and while it's difficult to live every one of them as if it were the last, we need to take responsibility and act to make it count.
Don't expect the church to be there for you if you don't support it. Don't expect peace in the world if you cannot even find it in your own heart. Don't believe that someone else will stand up for justice in your place. Don't think it's up to other people to make the world a better place. Anything worth caring about is worthy of our taking action.
So, with the season of love and caring upon us, we should each ask ourselves: What matters? and What can I do about it? We are more of an answer than we realize.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Being Grateful
I am grateful!
There is much research to support that people who are grateful are happier, healthier, and certainly more easy to be around. If that is true, and I think it is, then I have to say I am most grateful for my faith and my family.
It's pretty obvious why anyone would be grateful for his/her family. Family gives you an important reason to live, and to live generously. Family, in most cases, is our first introduction to love, and makes it easier to understand a loving relationship with God.
Now, faith is really quite different in many ways − it gives hope and a peace that "surpasses all understanding." And here is what it does especially for me:
There is much research to support that people who are grateful are happier, healthier, and certainly more easy to be around. If that is true, and I think it is, then I have to say I am most grateful for my faith and my family.
It's pretty obvious why anyone would be grateful for his/her family. Family gives you an important reason to live, and to live generously. Family, in most cases, is our first introduction to love, and makes it easier to understand a loving relationship with God.
Now, faith is really quite different in many ways − it gives hope and a peace that "surpasses all understanding." And here is what it does especially for me:
- Dying isn't as much of an issue anymore. I know where I'm going, and I'm pretty confident in that. It's not because I'm such a great person or do good things (I also do and say some things I wish I didn't), but the confidence comes via grace.
- I don't worry about things on my bucket list I might not get to do. I know that there are things I will still get to do in the afterlife, and they will be so much better.
- I believe I will be with loved ones again, and the ones I currently love on earth will be there too.
- Faith gives me a grateful heart to appreciate my many blessings, and I am an optimist because of it.
- With optimism, God let's me focus on what I can do and not what I can't. He gives me (and all of us) an opportunity to make this world a better place.
- I try to remember my purpose on earth is to care for my fellowman. If I can honor that and make someone's day (or even life) a little better, then I've served my purpose.
- I don't care if I'm famous or leave some lasting legacy with my name attached to it. I'd just love to know that I somehow made this world a little better because I lived.
- I'm not focused on possessions as much as I am experiences, and doing something else with my resources to make things better for others.
- I realize that I'm not the one in charge. I don't decide the outcome on everything, and that makes me very happy. I'd hate to be the one who decides the fate of others, or selfishly makes decisions that benefit only me or those close to me. If I did have that power, I would probably ignore the needs of the rest of the world. Trusting in God's will, rather than mine, gives me peace knowing that good is at work. I don't always agree with what God allows, but I have to trust that He knows best for the world, and ultimately for me.
- Lastly, faith has made me a better person. Trying my best to follow Jesus' teachings has given me a good road to follow. I don't always succeed, but when I fail, I know that at least God understands and still loves who I am.
Monday, October 30, 2017
I Can't Wait
Some people choose Halloween as their favorite holiday. I like Halloween, but by far, Christmas is my favorite. I love buying gifts, the caring attitude of the season, the family time, etc.
Last year I was finished buying gifts in early December and I loved it. The only thing left was to enjoy living in the present to actually enjoy all the activities and events, and buying a few stocking stuffers. I intend to do that again this year.
If a confession were in order, I'd have to say that I've been anticipating Christmas since July when the big shopping channels introduced their Christmas in July sales. And, yes, I've had a steady stream of boxes delivered by UPS and USPS since then with more to come.
The real temptation for me though is not to forget Thanksgiving. I might set up my outside Christmas decorations right after Halloween, but it's due more to whenever the weather is decent. (I learned the hard way that it's difficult to decorate with any kind of flair when you can't feel your fingers.)
As a Lutheran, I observe Advent, the time leading up to the birth of Christ. I try very hard to not let the secular overcome the non-secular even when I'm reading Christmas books, watching Christmas movies, baking goodies, etc. But I'm also determined to devote time to Thanksgiving. It's something I try to do on a daily basis too.
Living life with a grateful heart offers many benefits. Perhaps the most important is contentment with what one has and the desire to share. Knowing that we are blessed, and by whom, translates into the commandment that Jesus gave us to love one another. I like that, and maybe that's one of the reasons why I like Christmas more than Halloween.
Last year I was finished buying gifts in early December and I loved it. The only thing left was to enjoy living in the present to actually enjoy all the activities and events, and buying a few stocking stuffers. I intend to do that again this year.
If a confession were in order, I'd have to say that I've been anticipating Christmas since July when the big shopping channels introduced their Christmas in July sales. And, yes, I've had a steady stream of boxes delivered by UPS and USPS since then with more to come.
The real temptation for me though is not to forget Thanksgiving. I might set up my outside Christmas decorations right after Halloween, but it's due more to whenever the weather is decent. (I learned the hard way that it's difficult to decorate with any kind of flair when you can't feel your fingers.)
As a Lutheran, I observe Advent, the time leading up to the birth of Christ. I try very hard to not let the secular overcome the non-secular even when I'm reading Christmas books, watching Christmas movies, baking goodies, etc. But I'm also determined to devote time to Thanksgiving. It's something I try to do on a daily basis too.
Living life with a grateful heart offers many benefits. Perhaps the most important is contentment with what one has and the desire to share. Knowing that we are blessed, and by whom, translates into the commandment that Jesus gave us to love one another. I like that, and maybe that's one of the reasons why I like Christmas more than Halloween.
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