How is this possible??

There are few times when I look back and think, " I wish I would have.... "  It is a waste of time, I know that, and yet sometimes I wish I had paid more attention to history, or had taken a couple of courses on U.S. law. Apathy seems to reign supreme these days when it comes to protecting our freedoms and obeying the law. And sadly, it starts at the very top - with President Obama and his band of lawless Chicago thugs. I know of no other President who has so pushed for his own agenda that he will side-step the law, and then when our Congress calls him or his regime out on it, they blame the people who are holding them accountable. How in the world did our government come up with the idea to sell guns in our country to drug lords from Mexico? How is that possible??? And how is it possible that the head of the Department of Justice, for the first time in our history, by a bi-partisan vote, was found in criminal and civil contempt of court, and the president's response is to help him 'cover it up' by exercising executive privilege? And then, even though it was by a bi-partisan vote, the excuse they use is that the Republican’s were on a witch hunt. Really????

The latest of course is the gutting of the welfare reform bill that was crafted again with bi-partisan support and approval under Bill Clinton (hailed as one of the most successful pieces of legislation ever written into law). This law required people on welfare to look for work while being paid by the government. Well without presenting this to Congress for approval or even discussion, the Department of Health and Human Services has said they don't like this so the states should be able to make the determination on whether welfare recipients look for work or not. Again I ask myself - and anyone who will listen- how is this possible???

Our country has never ever been so divided. What once was America is now divided by race and nationality, and a cry for "my rights" rather than "my responsibility." How is it possible that those of us who are working, and are subject to drug testing at any time, are supporting those who are not working and it is just horrible that we would expect those receiving benefits that we are paying for, to be subject to these same rules and regulations? Or how about this one; for as long as I have been voting, I have always shown the poll workers my driver’s license and signed the register. Why is it horrible to expect anyone who is voting to show that they are who they say they are?? How is that possible??? How about the cry for FAIRNESS, for everyone to pay his or her fair share, but yet according to the Center on Budget and Policy, 46% of Americans paid no income tax in 2011.  The top 1% of the wage earners are already paying 37% of all the taxes.  The top 5% pay 57% of all taxes. How is this fair?  And again, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE???   

Well that is the end of my blog entry for today, but I can assure you there will be more to come. I may not be able to do allot of things, but I can do something and for now, this is just the beginning.

A Restful Place

Hello! 

Well, it has been awhile since my last entry.  You see I have been on a journey, a wonderful journey, a new adventure, a journey to find rest for my soul.  And for me, who always has a plan, and who then strives to make sure I achieve that plan, this place of rest is new and I must say, rather wonderful! 

Now when I say rest, I am not talking about sitting all day, watching TV and eating ice cream.  Oh no, this is a much better place than that!  For this is an internal rest, a place where my soul, my most inward part, my very being, is at peace.  It is not striving to know what is coming next, nor how I will make something happen, nor, in my not-so-becoming competitive self, making sure that I am The Best "whatever", comparing myself to others in an array of ways. No it is definitely not that, but it is other than that.  It is higher than that.  And it is infinitely better than that.  It is untouched by others, a place to "hunker down" and have peace even in this midst of chaos.  It is a gift, a blessing, a wonder.  It is the rest that only the Lord can give.

"Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16)"

And so today, as all of the many things that pull at me for my attention and try to ruffle me and tempt me to go back to that stressful place, I will choose another path, the tried and true eternal path, where the good, old way is, and walk in it.  For this is a priceless gift, a hidden treasure, a delight to my very being.  May you have a wonderful, restful day!

'Tis the Season!

Hello my friends!

Today I want to talk about the Christmas Season!  This is my favorite holiday by far.  I love the hustle and bustle at the malls, the sound of the Salvation Army ringing its bells every year, and seeing the decorations at Crocker Park – these are near the top of my favorites list!  I love going for rides at night with my best friend, my husband, and our precious pup, Daisy, to see all of the light displays, and the businesses decorated and doing their best to draw us in to “come see what we have inside!”  I love listening to Christmas carols on the radio, shopping, cooking and watching the Weather Channel to see if we will have a “White Christmas!”  And I love all of the heartwarming Christmas movies – watching them with a box of Kleenex next to me!  And I really don’t even mind as people complain, “this has become such a commercial nightmare” and that we forget about the real “Reason for the Season,” and I don’t believe that Jesus minds either.  And the reason I believe this is because at this time of the year more than at any other time, we take ourselves outside of ourselves, and devote ourselves to thinking of and doing for others.  And to me, in whatever form that takes, the message becomes the action that continues to be – LOVE.

For what is love if not taking our eyes off of ourselves and thinking of ways to make another person happy or to meet their need, or to just spend time with them? It is at this time of the year that families get together, healing takes place, and fellowship abounds.  It is at this time of the year that, whether we understand it or believe it or not, we become what the season is all about – “Love one another as I have loved you.” When we give our change or a few dollars to the Salvation Army, it feels good because we know we are doing some small thing to make another person’s life better.  Other displays of love are shown in caroling at nursing homes and hospitals to bring some joy to those who are hurting; making a food basket for those in need so that a family can celebrate the season; and hearing heartwarming stories of love that abound at this time of the year.  And as we think about how to help another or others, it reminds us of how very many things we have to be grateful for in our own lives.  We appreciate the friends and family we are blessed to have in our lives just a little bit more.  And we are thankful for the simple things in our life, like a good meal and a warm home and a few extra days from work to spend with our friends and families.

So I say, Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice!  Go ahead and decorate the Christmas trees! Bake the cookies! Turn up the music and dance, for this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.  And know that somewhere in the hustle and bustle of this very busy time of the year, the real “Reason for the Season” is still at the heart of it all, for the message from the One Who came as a tiny babe, fresh from heaven, and gave His life to save a lost and dying world still resonates and is celebrated throughout the world – that we love one another- and is that not the real “reason for the season?”

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Ode to Uncle John

Hello, Friends!

Today I would like to share a story about a very interesting family member, Uncle John. A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went to visit Uncle John. Now Uncle John is in his late 90's (our best guesstimate is 96), and while we are not sure of his exact age, we do know that he has lived life to the full. I love our visits with Uncle John; he cannot hear much of what we say anymore (we don't take offense that he is ignoring us!) but his eyes still twinkle when he shares pieces of his life story with us. He tells of the days he and a buddy went hunting in a remote location in Alaska, and that the plane that dropped them off would come back in a couple of weeks for them - if they survived! His garage with an attached room - today it would be called his Man cave- is full of all sorts of heads of animals that he has hunted and captured. He handcrafted his own rifles and guns, and made his own bullets. And many an award was given to John.

He tells of his early years, when he left home, at about 14 years, and hitched a ride on a train, and his wanderlust took him many places as he pursued his life as a hobo (please do NOT call him a bum, for hobo's worked for their money, no begging, making enough to tide them over till they hitched a ride to a new and interesting place), and he laughs as he shares his many stories, and we are glued to his every word. At 90, he complained to us at Christmas that he wasn't worth a darn any more, cause when he went hunting he had to come home by noon!  When Uncle John talks about his time in World War II, his eyes cloud over with sadness, and only recently did he share with us that memories of the war still haunt him, as he fulfilled his service to his country.

And as Uncle John shares His stories, he always near the end of our time says, "I have lived a good life, the Lord has been good to me. I have no regrets," and we are enchanted with his humility and gratitude for the life he has chosen to live. But you know what he has said that buried itself so deeply in my heart and soul? He said, "It is a wonderful life, but it takes work. It doesn't just happen, ya know. You have to work at it." So Uncle John, I take your advice, and on days when I feel down or don't feel like doing much, I “do it anyway,” so that I can create another interesting and worthwhile day in the life of ME. And I am grateful to have had you in my life, as an example of the life I want to look back on at 96 years young, and with a twinkle in my eye, say, “I have lived a good life, the Lord has been good to me, and I have no regrets..."

Everyone has a story to tell

Hello, my friends!
 

I was reading a movie review the other day, and I found this quote by Mark Twain: "There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.” No truer words have ever been said. And there is a huge gift, a great story, wrapped up inside of the person right in front of us, if we take a minute to look, a moment to listen.
 
It is likely no coincidence that this quote found me. As I meet people, and listen to them, or am moved by the look in their eyes, I realize that I am not the only one with a history, a life, a story. And while mine is the one most relevant to me, as I listen, I discover that there are many fascinating stories folks have to share. And you know what? They want to share their story! What an honor, what a privilege, what a momentous occasion it is to hear what each person has to say.
 
Some of my favorite stories come from military men and women, for they have led fascinating lives!  They tell us tales of war, of human interest, or of the daily life of a soldier or sailor. Teachers have many wonderful stories of the children, who are learning and growing and becoming individuals. Proud parents love to talk about their kids as though they were the only children in the world, because in their eyes, they are! Widows tell stories of long-ago days, filled with cooking, and mending, and car rides that took days to go the distance that today would take an hour or two. And if we are so blessed, we have friends who want to share the joys and sorrows of their lives with us, because they know we love them and they are safe to share their darkest and most intimate secrets.
 
Of all of God's creation, we are his masterpiece. Just take a minute to imagine that! The God who created the universe we know and beyond, esteems us as His Highest creation! He says that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made!" Did you hear that? Did you take a minute to think about those words, to begin to let them sink in? This is too high for me to grasp, it is beyond my comprehension. And yet that is what He says. And if He says it, then it is.

So during this wonderful Thanksgiving season, take some time to listen to those around you; look for the twinkle in the old man's eyes, or see the wonder of a new mom as she experiences the miracle of the birth of her child, or even the person who seems slow, and dull, and shy, for all of these folks have wonderful stories to tell. And when you take a few minutes to listen to them, you will grow, and you will learn something, something of value, something of importance, something that may change your life forever. Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving, everyone.

A Condition of the Heart

Hello, fellow bloggers!

I pray this finds you healthy and wealthy and wise - and if not all that, then at minimum, filled with joy!

As I observe the unrest which abounds in our nation today, and hear the rhetoric that pits one person against another, I am saddened and dismayed. Those of us who have been blessed to live in such an amazing country as the United States seem to have lost so much of the very principles of our founding fathers (and if you don’t believe this is an amazing country, leave it for awhile, and likely when you return it will be with a sense of gratitude that runs deeper than you ever imagined). Our history is rich with stories of those who sacrificed to give us a “better life.” These stories included immigrants who came here via Ellis Island, who worked hard to become proud citizens of our great nation (sweet land of liberty). Men and women who gave their lives to form unions that protected young children from working in sweat factories, with long hours, no breaks and little pay. Families who stayed together through thick and thin, because they made a commitment and kept it, regardless of how they felt. (Remember, One Nation, Under God, Indivisible…) Everyday people who went to church, raised their children to be respectful, and reinforced the importance of morals and values that were the foundation of the land that I love. I can't help wonder, what those folks would say were they to revisit America today. My expectation is that they would be shocked, disheartened and dismayed.

Today, stories of corporate greed abound, and there is a lot of truth to these stories. But honestly, this type of greed has always been and always will be. But today, I see another form of greed growing in our midst, and it is every bit as ugly. That greed is the one that says, “I am entitled to ….” Really? And how is that so and how did this happen? My grandpa, whose body was riddled with arthritis, climbed down the front porch steps on his hands and knees to go to work, and he would not consider staying home because he had a family to take care of. My parents worked and paid for hospitalization and they paid for doctor’s visits. My parents, and I for that matter, worked at not very glamorous jobs to provide for our families, and we were grateful for the opportunity. We were thankful for the health to be able to work. My husband and I have been grateful for the opportunity to go to college, to earn our degrees and have a better life and we never once considered not paying our student loan money back.

OK, now wait a minute – I think I may have heard a few words in this last paragraph that may hint at what has changed. Did I hear the words THANKFUL and GRATEFUL? And how about OPPORTUNITY and COMMITMENT? Hmmm, could these words, perhaps foreign to our culture today, be a huge hint as to what has changed? And where have these changes taken place? I believe what has changed is the condition of our hearts. Greed and a sense of “I deserve” whatever – fill in the blanks – have permeated and changed the face of our country, and not for the better. And each of us is missing out because of it. There is a tremendous sense of fulfillment to know that, at the end of the day, we have done our part, worked hard and earned our way. Or to dream of and plan for our heart’s desire and then see it manifested in our lives.

So if we choose to, how can we correct this unhealthy direction, this condition of the heart? I say, do not look around and try to figure out what is wrong with those around us and what they did or didn’t do for us, but rather, the best thing we can do is look to ourselves and to our own hearts; to be thankful and work hard and look for the opportunites that abound. Because if we don't, unrest will increase, and as the eloquent Pogo once said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Too Blessed to Be Stressed!

Hello!
It is Sunday evening, the end of a beautiful weekend in the Cleveland area. The weekend has consisted of two magnificent fall days, when the leaves on the trees are changing to shades of red and orange and gold, and the sky is that breathtaking shade of blue that we only see in autumn. And the sun - so high in the sky and so full and golden and bright in the day, turns the evening sky into a panorama of colors that range from shades of purple and pink and orange to deep, dark shades of blue!
There are always so many things that "need to be done," and it would have been quite easy to spend precious time tending to those "important tasks." But I am so glad I chose to enjoy the beauty that surrounds me, rather than to do all of those “necessary things.” So instead of stressing to “get stuff done,” I spent my time having dinner with a dear young couple who are celebrating their newly announced engagement! I spent time with my husband, my best friend, just enjoying his company! He and I took long drives, looking at the changing colors, and embracing the beauty that surrounds us. We took time to be thankful for the amazing life we have been so blessed to share for many years. These are the lasting things, the important things, the eternal things, the "making memories" things in life.
You know I could have chosen to tend to all of those stressful, seemingly important tasks, and I would be perhaps a little better prepared for the week ahead. But you know what? This week will come and go with its many things that need to be done, but I am happy with my choice, for I now have memories that I will cherish and carry with me forever…..