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.”
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
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…..
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…..
Monday, September 26, 2011
La Heim!
HellHello again-
I love this "cheer," La Heim - to life! What a gift every day is - to share a moment with a friend, take a walk on a beautiful fall day, hold a child, pet a puppy, or give a smile away to someone else. It is the little things in life that can bring such joy, don't you think? I don't know about you but I so tend to complicate life - to get caught up in the stresses of daily living, the horrible news that bombards us every day, and the unimportant things. I so do not want to lose site of the joy of living every day to its fullest, because I am caught up in the mundane.
So I have a question for each of you - what do you do to keep the joy of Life in your everydayness? How do you remember to "take time to smell the roses?" I would love to hear your thoughts. In any case, my thought to you today is -La Heim- enjoy today as you celebrate life!
I love this "cheer," La Heim - to life! What a gift every day is - to share a moment with a friend, take a walk on a beautiful fall day, hold a child, pet a puppy, or give a smile away to someone else. It is the little things in life that can bring such joy, don't you think? I don't know about you but I so tend to complicate life - to get caught up in the stresses of daily living, the horrible news that bombards us every day, and the unimportant things. I so do not want to lose site of the joy of living every day to its fullest, because I am caught up in the mundane.
So I have a question for each of you - what do you do to keep the joy of Life in your everydayness? How do you remember to "take time to smell the roses?" I would love to hear your thoughts. In any case, my thought to you today is -La Heim- enjoy today as you celebrate life!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Choosing Life- A Tribute to Leslie
Good morning-
I woke up this morning, got my coffee, opened my computer, and discovered on Facebook that a precious young woman I know, Leslie, has gone home to be with the Lord. This was sudden, unexpected, one of those shocking moments when the fragility of life hits you square in the eyes, says how could this have happened to one so young, and so filled with joy and life and compassion for others? And our hearts break for the loss of this woman who has touched so many lives, and for the family who is now in mourning.
Every day we have the opportunity to "choose life," and that is exactly what this young woman has done. She ran marathons to raise money for charitable organizations. She poured her life out to and for others, and her joy radiated from very being. Pictures filled with friends and family, and always that smile that would light up even the darkest of days, were shared with her Facebook friends, and when you looked at them, you could not help but smile. She opened herself and her life up to others, she drew you in and made you a part. Hers was a life well lived, for it was rich and full and filled with joy.
We can learn a lot from Leslie about choosing life. One friend pretty much summed up her life: “Our dear, sweet Leslie. The world is a better place because you were in it, and you made me a better person. Thank you for coming into our lives and blessing us with your kindness, love, and gentleness.”
Thank you for blessing our lives, Leslie. May we each “choose life” as well as you have….
I woke up this morning, got my coffee, opened my computer, and discovered on Facebook that a precious young woman I know, Leslie, has gone home to be with the Lord. This was sudden, unexpected, one of those shocking moments when the fragility of life hits you square in the eyes, says how could this have happened to one so young, and so filled with joy and life and compassion for others? And our hearts break for the loss of this woman who has touched so many lives, and for the family who is now in mourning.
Every day we have the opportunity to "choose life," and that is exactly what this young woman has done. She ran marathons to raise money for charitable organizations. She poured her life out to and for others, and her joy radiated from very being. Pictures filled with friends and family, and always that smile that would light up even the darkest of days, were shared with her Facebook friends, and when you looked at them, you could not help but smile. She opened herself and her life up to others, she drew you in and made you a part. Hers was a life well lived, for it was rich and full and filled with joy.
We can learn a lot from Leslie about choosing life. One friend pretty much summed up her life: “Our dear, sweet Leslie. The world is a better place because you were in it, and you made me a better person. Thank you for coming into our lives and blessing us with your kindness, love, and gentleness.”
Thank you for blessing our lives, Leslie. May we each “choose life” as well as you have….
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Kindness - what a wonderful gift!
Hello, my friends! I pray that all is well and that life for you is good.
I have been reflecting this morning on the importance of kindness. Who when they are hurting does not want to talk to a friend whom they know will respond to them kindly, listen tenderly and just be there for you? Acts of kindness can have long-ranging effects, to be sure. Take a minute and think of something that someone did for you that touched your heart at a very hurting time in your life. It may be that you received an unexpected card of encouragement at a time when you needed it, and your spirit of heaviness was lifted a bit. Or perhaps a smile from a stranger when you were down - and you are reminded that though this may be a rough spot, there is still so much beauty around, and kind folks still exist. Or how about the time you moms, who received an extra nice Mother's Day gift, or you fathers who had a nice talk with your kids and you knew the hard work of parenting had paid off.
On the other hand, what about the time YOU have been kind to someone, and the tremendous sense of peace that pervaded your very soul said, "Ah, now that was a good idea," because you know you had brought a smile to someone's face. You may never know the effect that had on the receiving end of your gift to them.
In a world so filled with fear, and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to remember the importance of kindness, be it on either the receiving or the giving end. So I would ask you today, while we are reminded of the scarified offerings that were willingly given on that horrific day, September 11, to think about a little something you can do to make someone's day a little better.
Many blessings to you and yours-
Deb
I have been reflecting this morning on the importance of kindness. Who when they are hurting does not want to talk to a friend whom they know will respond to them kindly, listen tenderly and just be there for you? Acts of kindness can have long-ranging effects, to be sure. Take a minute and think of something that someone did for you that touched your heart at a very hurting time in your life. It may be that you received an unexpected card of encouragement at a time when you needed it, and your spirit of heaviness was lifted a bit. Or perhaps a smile from a stranger when you were down - and you are reminded that though this may be a rough spot, there is still so much beauty around, and kind folks still exist. Or how about the time you moms, who received an extra nice Mother's Day gift, or you fathers who had a nice talk with your kids and you knew the hard work of parenting had paid off.
On the other hand, what about the time YOU have been kind to someone, and the tremendous sense of peace that pervaded your very soul said, "Ah, now that was a good idea," because you know you had brought a smile to someone's face. You may never know the effect that had on the receiving end of your gift to them.
In a world so filled with fear, and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to remember the importance of kindness, be it on either the receiving or the giving end. So I would ask you today, while we are reminded of the scarified offerings that were willingly given on that horrific day, September 11, to think about a little something you can do to make someone's day a little better.
Many blessings to you and yours-
Deb
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
If you only knew...
Hello again, friends! I am once again sitting in my marshmallow chair, gazing out over our beautiful Lake Erie (who by the way is announcing to us in no uncertain terms, "A storm is coming!") and again reflecting on so many things. My mind wanders to the troubles of our great nation, the uncertainty not just in the United States but worldwide, and I am so very thankful for the peace and security I hold deep within my heart. Why do I have this tremendous sense of peace you might ask? It is because I know the One who Loves me, and Keeps me, and Cherishes me; the One who never leaves me nor forsakes me, the One Who I can ALWAYS count on to be in my corner; the solid Rock on which I stand. And that is the message I long to share, for I believe in my heart and know in my spirit that if only folks knew the Lord that I know, they could not help but want to share in this joy, and peace and great sense of well-being.
"Who do you say that I am?" He asks. I say you are the Joy of all Joys, and the Peace beyond all of our limited understanding. I say that when all else fails and everything falls down around us, there You stand. And I am reminded of the thought that I come back to time and again, and that is that I cannot prove that You are, nor can I touch you in the physical, but this I do know in my innermost being; that my life is so hugely better since I have given it over to Your care, that even if You did not exist, yet would I believe, for my life is abundant and full, and my mind is sound and I am content, that I was lost and now am found. Is that not the most wonderful thing? So these are my thoughts on this lovely afternoon. Thank you again for sharing my thoughts with me...
"Who do you say that I am?" He asks. I say you are the Joy of all Joys, and the Peace beyond all of our limited understanding. I say that when all else fails and everything falls down around us, there You stand. And I am reminded of the thought that I come back to time and again, and that is that I cannot prove that You are, nor can I touch you in the physical, but this I do know in my innermost being; that my life is so hugely better since I have given it over to Your care, that even if You did not exist, yet would I believe, for my life is abundant and full, and my mind is sound and I am content, that I was lost and now am found. Is that not the most wonderful thing? So these are my thoughts on this lovely afternoon. Thank you again for sharing my thoughts with me...
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The American Dream
Hello again! As I was reading the Lorain Morning Journal, my mind wandered to the subject of "The Great American Dream." What an amazing country this is! What a legacy we have, one of courage, and faith and hope. Our rich history includes pioneers who sailed from England to an unknown land to pursue freedom; dreamers who had an idea that created a light bulb, a car, and a cure for polio; and courageous men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. A country that has shared more of its resources - time, talents, and financial assistance- to other countries in need, than any other nation on earth. Doesn't that make everything in you want to rise up and stand tall and shout USA? I know that is what happens to me as I reflect on this great nation of ours.
Like so many others of you, I have come through some very difficult challenges in my life, but with a heart filled with Hope and Dreams, allot of hard work, and above all the Grace and Mercy of a Loving God, I have been able to pursue the kind of life I have always dreamed I would have. And I am humbled, and my heart is filled with gratitude. But my fear is that we are losing sight of the very foundation on which our country was built - the Great American Dream. So what do YOU think? How can we make a difference so that losing the American Dream does not happen? I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks so much for listening, for sharing your thoughts with me, and for allowing me to share my thoughts with you...
Like so many others of you, I have come through some very difficult challenges in my life, but with a heart filled with Hope and Dreams, allot of hard work, and above all the Grace and Mercy of a Loving God, I have been able to pursue the kind of life I have always dreamed I would have. And I am humbled, and my heart is filled with gratitude. But my fear is that we are losing sight of the very foundation on which our country was built - the Great American Dream. So what do YOU think? How can we make a difference so that losing the American Dream does not happen? I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks so much for listening, for sharing your thoughts with me, and for allowing me to share my thoughts with you...
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