It's no secret - I love trees. I am captivated by pictures of tree-lined roads and photos of a single tree standing in the middle of an open field. Anyone who has visited my home knows this because almost every painting that adorns my walls has a tree as the focal point. My late husband, Steve, and I even had a tree on our commute to work that we "mentally" adopted.
My love of these God-given creations began as a child. Under a stately, old Mulberry tree was my favorite place to play. Not only did it shield me from the sun in the summer, but it offered a sweet snack that often stained my hands. Its lower branches were also near to the ground so that I could climb and see the world from a better view. Later, it served as a refuge to animals like a fox and its kits, a visiting fawn, and even ground hogs.
I'm also mesmerized by clouds, observing them from both the ground and from an airplane. It doesn't matter what kind; I love them all. In fact, one of my favorite weather moments is when a hot sunny day turns to gray with a cold front approaching. It threatens a storm, but the anticipation is electric. And who hasn't looked at the soft, billowy clouds and discerned a shape of something familiar?
It's when I take the time to see what God hath made that makes my life one of wonder. It reinforces my faith that there is something more to our existence, and the belief in a creator far greater than I. It's when the world can be seen for its beauty, and not for what frailties we humans encompass.
Strangely enough, I believe humans are God's greatest creation, yet they are often the most difficult to appreciate. Just like trees and clouds, each one is unique, and sometimes that is what we don't appreciate. Prejudice exists because of difference - not just the color of the skin, but ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and age.
But what if every tree and cloud were alike? Would we appreciate them as much? I think not, and that is somewhat of a paradox.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Blessed to Share
Is it really better to give than receive? Absolutely!
As I write this, I am thrilled and excited about two recent shopping experiences. I write not to boast, but to express my joy and to demonstrate how easy and inexpensive it is to make a difference.
On Wednesday, my sister, Marsha, and I went to Kohl's. Anyone who has shopped this department store knows that their sales and clearance prices are legendary, especially if you have their store credit card and a 30% discount coupon. I didn't have anything that I needed, but it was a great opportunity to purchase exceptional deals for those in need. I bought six sweaters and two tops with a gross retail value of $252 for $23.93 including tax. Those will go to Osawatomie State Mental Hospital where my daughter-in-law's father works as an activity supervisor. Many patients arrive with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing and no family to clothe them.
On Thursday night, I had dinner with my closest friends, Darwin and Susan. We planned to shop afterwards. For the past few years, Susan, I, and our friend, Belinda, have pooled our resources to buy two new air conditioners or fans (requested by the agency we chose last year).
We decided to check Home Depot to compare prices with another store I checked on line. We found LG 5000 BTU units for $119. Darwin suggested that we buy three this year and decided to ask for a discount since these were going to a charity. He asked for a manager, and the young lady who helped us made contact via her walkie-talkie. She offered us $100 off the total of three units. Wow! Split three ways, we could donate three air conditioners at a cost to each of us of only $93.13 including tax! I can't wait to hear how much fun Darwin and Susan have when they deliver these to Penn House, especially since the agency was ecstatic about receiving two units. Thank you Home Depot!
Sometimes agencies ask for fans because they are less expensive and they can meet the needs of more people. But fans circulate hot air, and the elderly, those with medical issues, and young children can be very susceptible to heat-related, life-threatening issues. That is why we buy air conditioners. We can't give to everyone in need, but that won't and shouldn't stop us from doing what we can.
It's really that easy to make a difference. We are so blessed to be on the giving rather than receiving end, and sharing our blessings makes this a better world for us and others.
As I write this, I am thrilled and excited about two recent shopping experiences. I write not to boast, but to express my joy and to demonstrate how easy and inexpensive it is to make a difference.
On Wednesday, my sister, Marsha, and I went to Kohl's. Anyone who has shopped this department store knows that their sales and clearance prices are legendary, especially if you have their store credit card and a 30% discount coupon. I didn't have anything that I needed, but it was a great opportunity to purchase exceptional deals for those in need. I bought six sweaters and two tops with a gross retail value of $252 for $23.93 including tax. Those will go to Osawatomie State Mental Hospital where my daughter-in-law's father works as an activity supervisor. Many patients arrive with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing and no family to clothe them.
On Thursday night, I had dinner with my closest friends, Darwin and Susan. We planned to shop afterwards. For the past few years, Susan, I, and our friend, Belinda, have pooled our resources to buy two new air conditioners or fans (requested by the agency we chose last year).
We decided to check Home Depot to compare prices with another store I checked on line. We found LG 5000 BTU units for $119. Darwin suggested that we buy three this year and decided to ask for a discount since these were going to a charity. He asked for a manager, and the young lady who helped us made contact via her walkie-talkie. She offered us $100 off the total of three units. Wow! Split three ways, we could donate three air conditioners at a cost to each of us of only $93.13 including tax! I can't wait to hear how much fun Darwin and Susan have when they deliver these to Penn House, especially since the agency was ecstatic about receiving two units. Thank you Home Depot!
Sometimes agencies ask for fans because they are less expensive and they can meet the needs of more people. But fans circulate hot air, and the elderly, those with medical issues, and young children can be very susceptible to heat-related, life-threatening issues. That is why we buy air conditioners. We can't give to everyone in need, but that won't and shouldn't stop us from doing what we can.
It's really that easy to make a difference. We are so blessed to be on the giving rather than receiving end, and sharing our blessings makes this a better world for us and others.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Making Opportunities
Recently I was accompanied by a friend to attend a conference in Miami. This particular friend has been the subject of one of my Examiner articles as well as a contributor to my latest book. She has earned my admiration and respect because she doesn't wait for opportunities to do good things - she makes them. And, I was again witness to some of them on this trip.
Our plane to Ft. Lauderdale arrived at the gate, and it was soon announced that there was a mechanical problem with an unknown delay. While I passed the time chatting away with two women lined up in wheelchairs, Belinda realized something the rest of us did not.
During our two hour wait, she watched a number of able-bodied individuals make the trek to the bathroom that was twenty yards or more away, but no one thought about the two elderly ladies in wheelchairs. She quickly hustled to their sides and offered to push them to the restroom. Both readily accepted and were extremely grateful for this kind gesture.
Belinda uses all of her resources (time, money, and effort) in the best possible way - doing whatever she can to help others. Her actions are what we Christians recognize as heeding Luke 12:48 "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded..."
In her years as a landlord, she has never raised the rent on her long-term occupants. She makes purchases that she may not need just because it will help the people who are selling. She routinely buys items for people in need, regardless of whether they are strangers or someone she knows.
When we returned to our home airport after the conference, I was again witness to one of Belinda's kind gestures. As luggage was spewed onto the carousel, she began turning them vertically for easy retrieval. Nothing big, but certainly a nice convenience for anyone trying to retrieve them.
She is an unsung hero who performs these acts because she knows we are on this earth to care for one another. She sets an excellent example and the bar pretty high for the rest of us.
Our plane to Ft. Lauderdale arrived at the gate, and it was soon announced that there was a mechanical problem with an unknown delay. While I passed the time chatting away with two women lined up in wheelchairs, Belinda realized something the rest of us did not.
During our two hour wait, she watched a number of able-bodied individuals make the trek to the bathroom that was twenty yards or more away, but no one thought about the two elderly ladies in wheelchairs. She quickly hustled to their sides and offered to push them to the restroom. Both readily accepted and were extremely grateful for this kind gesture.
Belinda uses all of her resources (time, money, and effort) in the best possible way - doing whatever she can to help others. Her actions are what we Christians recognize as heeding Luke 12:48 "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded..."
In her years as a landlord, she has never raised the rent on her long-term occupants. She makes purchases that she may not need just because it will help the people who are selling. She routinely buys items for people in need, regardless of whether they are strangers or someone she knows.
When we returned to our home airport after the conference, I was again witness to one of Belinda's kind gestures. As luggage was spewed onto the carousel, she began turning them vertically for easy retrieval. Nothing big, but certainly a nice convenience for anyone trying to retrieve them.
She is an unsung hero who performs these acts because she knows we are on this earth to care for one another. She sets an excellent example and the bar pretty high for the rest of us.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
A Grateful American
Recently I was conversing with a gentleman and his wife as
we rode in a shuttle to our hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. I was a bit surprised when
he said he was thrilled to be a part of the U.S. – the greatest country in the
world.
My surprise wasn’t because I disagreed with him, but because
he mentioned becoming a naturalized citizen after living 40 years in England. His
English was impeccable so I surmise that he initially spent his youth as an
inhabitant of a British territory. His ethnicity was also unknown, but it was
obvious that he loved being an American citizen.
His enthusiasm reminded me how much we take things for
granted. Most of us have enough food to eat, clean water, clothing to wear, and
a lifestyle that lets us enjoy leisure time. We complain about politicians, but don’t vote. We grumble
because we can’t afford some of the finer things owned by others. We walk
complacently by homeless people and those in need. We are blessed, but often
reluctant to share with others. We worry about the future while millions worry
just about today.
So this 4th of July, I hope we can each celebrate with
both a grateful and caring heart. We may not be able to solve the world’s
problems or even make a dent in what people need, but we can make a difference
for at least one person.
So as fireworks light up the sky and picnic feasts are
spread, I am going to thank God for timing and location – for less toil than our
ancestors and for being born in the U.S. And then I’m going to do something to
show that gratitude by sharing my blessings. I’m not sure just how yet, but I
know that either the opportunity will come to me or I will make it.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Expectations for Religious Rites
I recently witnessed the baptism of our associate pastor's
baby daughter. It was a joyous occasion for the congregation as well as many
out-of-town family and friends of Pastor Jen and her husband, Chris.
Not all denominations baptize babies or children, but we Lutherans do so as a promise to God to raise the child as a Christian. When the child is older and a young adolescent, he or she takes confirmation classes to accept the Baptism that was performed as an infant.
Grace is an important part of the Christian faith, but as
Pastor Jen once pointed out in her sermon, behavior changes because of it - not
because of having to, but because of wanting to. Would there be a church if it
depended upon the support of those who only attend twice a year or less often?
Would they have a site for baptisms and funerals? That's easy to answer.
Thankfully, there are others who respond to their faith on a
regular basis. They do so out of thanksgiving and a desire to worship God. The
Bible says it is impossible to take one's faith seriously without deeds. James
2:14 "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have
faith but has no deeds?" It's the old "actions speak louder than
words" in practice. Deeds alone might not get you into Heaven, but they are a consequence of receiving grace.
It is not for me to judge those who do not practice their
faith or fulfill their promise of Baptism. I was once one of those" maybe once
or twice a month" attendees when our children were young. But, I’m not really sure why some people find
the ritual important, but the follow-through not.
Personally I don't think God will care if we
participated in a ritual, forwarded an email out of guilt, or professed to have
faith, but I think He will care that we live what we truly believe. No man knows
the heart and mind of God, but I know I feel much better in trying to live my faith.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Words Are a Blessing
I love words, no matter if I write them or read them. They are a blessing and make a difference in my life as well as help me to make a difference in other's lives, too. Words motivate us, entertain us, and make us think.
As an author, I'm given many opportunities to read and review the written works of fellow authors. Lately, it has been my pleasure to read some very wonderful books, and of myriad genre. The reviews I have recently posted on Amazon.com are all five stars. If the book doesn't deserve that rating, I will not post one. Books should enrich your life and those are the ones worth knowing about.
Tracy Million Simmons is a fellow board member of the Kansas Authors Club. She has written an excellent little book called Tiger Hunting. It's entertaining and very imaginative since it takes place in the western part of Kansas.
Dr. Ed Mrkvicka's book, The Sin of Forgiveness, is highly provocative. He makes a compelling argument that forgiving someone who is not repentant is contrary to what the Bibles tells us. Whether you agree or not, it causes us to examine hardcore beliefs and faith which can only help us to grow and become more resolute in what we understand as truth.
Scalpel in the Sun is Dr. Rene Chang's account of his days as a surgeon in Saudi Arabia in the 70s and early 80s. Not only does he treat the reader to a different culture, but throws in some easy to understand medical knowledge as well.
J.J. Hibbert has written Unconventional, a novel that resonates with his fellow authors, but is worth reading by others as well. It's about a struggling young author who overcomes odds to write and make his first novel a success. It's a good read for the triumph of the spirit.
Mary Queen of France: The Story of the Youngest Sister of King Henry VIII by Jean Plaidy (alias Victoria Holt) is an excellent historical novel. There is something to be learned about one of England's most famous kings as well as the unfortunate obligations to which even the elite must succumb.
Frank McCourt's, Angela's Ashes, is a memoir that will touch the hearts of those who have compassion for their fellowman. He deftly illustrates the poverty in both Ireland and the U.S. before WWII with his heart-wrenching depiction of life as a child growing up in those circumstances
Song of Achilles (P.S.) by Madeline Miller uses information from The Odyssey and The Iliad as well as other books of that time to offer another interesting account of the Trojan War. As with most books, there are some surprises that conflict with Hollywood's version.
These are just a few of my favorite recent books, but I hope they will give you some options that you might not have previously considered. Reading something out of the norm enriches us and exposes us to the uncommon. If you like one or more of these books, I encourage you to contact any of the present-day authors if a way of doing so is given. Nothing is as gratifying to an author than to know they have made a difference through words, whether that is to make you think or simply give you pleasure. Now is your turn to reciprocate.
As an author, I'm given many opportunities to read and review the written works of fellow authors. Lately, it has been my pleasure to read some very wonderful books, and of myriad genre. The reviews I have recently posted on Amazon.com are all five stars. If the book doesn't deserve that rating, I will not post one. Books should enrich your life and those are the ones worth knowing about.
Tracy Million Simmons is a fellow board member of the Kansas Authors Club. She has written an excellent little book called Tiger Hunting. It's entertaining and very imaginative since it takes place in the western part of Kansas.
Dr. Ed Mrkvicka's book, The Sin of Forgiveness, is highly provocative. He makes a compelling argument that forgiving someone who is not repentant is contrary to what the Bibles tells us. Whether you agree or not, it causes us to examine hardcore beliefs and faith which can only help us to grow and become more resolute in what we understand as truth.
Scalpel in the Sun is Dr. Rene Chang's account of his days as a surgeon in Saudi Arabia in the 70s and early 80s. Not only does he treat the reader to a different culture, but throws in some easy to understand medical knowledge as well.
J.J. Hibbert has written Unconventional, a novel that resonates with his fellow authors, but is worth reading by others as well. It's about a struggling young author who overcomes odds to write and make his first novel a success. It's a good read for the triumph of the spirit.
Mary Queen of France: The Story of the Youngest Sister of King Henry VIII by Jean Plaidy (alias Victoria Holt) is an excellent historical novel. There is something to be learned about one of England's most famous kings as well as the unfortunate obligations to which even the elite must succumb.
Frank McCourt's, Angela's Ashes, is a memoir that will touch the hearts of those who have compassion for their fellowman. He deftly illustrates the poverty in both Ireland and the U.S. before WWII with his heart-wrenching depiction of life as a child growing up in those circumstances
Song of Achilles (P.S.) by Madeline Miller uses information from The Odyssey and The Iliad as well as other books of that time to offer another interesting account of the Trojan War. As with most books, there are some surprises that conflict with Hollywood's version.
These are just a few of my favorite recent books, but I hope they will give you some options that you might not have previously considered. Reading something out of the norm enriches us and exposes us to the uncommon. If you like one or more of these books, I encourage you to contact any of the present-day authors if a way of doing so is given. Nothing is as gratifying to an author than to know they have made a difference through words, whether that is to make you think or simply give you pleasure. Now is your turn to reciprocate.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Memories
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.
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.
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