We’re all under pressure at times. We all need someone to share our burdens with, even those who spend a lifetime trying to encourage others. When the added stress of the outside world enters in, we’ve got a recipe for depression, anxiety, feelings of failure and many other mental health issues. There may be times when we simply need to step back and say, “no.” That word itself is a negative and our world wants to believe that everything should have a positive outcome or a win. I’m thinking about the events that led up to yesterday as an amazing athlete decided to say, “no.” The mental stress and pressure was too much for her and she chose to step down from a possible gold medal.
Are we guilty of setting our young people up for this kind of anguish? I’m not sure where the blame lies, but it seems as though our kids don’t really have much time to be kids anymore. When they enter school, the competition begins. Prior to that, it was all about them and now there are others to contend with. Encouraged or pushed to excel has become the norm in this age of the GOAT. When I first heard that term, I thought it was in reference to the sheep and goats mentioned in the Bible. Then I realized that it was an acronym for The Greatest of all Time. Why on earth would we want to put that kind of stress on our children? Well to some folks, competition builds character and winning is everything. While others believe that God is the Greatest of all Time and He has already mapped out our successes and failures.
In the past 20 years we’ve seen an increase in teen suicide. We hear about kids being prescribed anti-depressants so they can cope. At the same time, those kids are being influenced by an ever growing reliance on the internet and social media, rather than actual face to face communication. Do you think they may be connected? They also receive many mixed messages about self-image, sexual preference, gender identity, racism, religion and everything they have thus far believed is being challenged. Who wouldn’t be stressed? It stresses me out to even think about what our youth have on their plates right now.
Some think that clearing the mind of outside influences works, but I’ve tried to escape the daily news and yet unless I become a hermit, that’s not going to happen. Meditation or getting in touch with our inner whatever just exacerbates the problem. We may not like what we discover about ourselves and how is that going to help anyone? The world has many solutions for us. We can try to free our minds with prescription drugs, but then we become reliant on the substance. We can nourish a hobby that keeps our mind occupied with other things. We might talk to a psychiatrist or counselor. As a last resort, we can turn to the only manual for living that contains an answer for every situation – the Word of God – but why should that be a last resort?
God tells us to come to Him when our hearts are troubled. He wants us to rely on Him for comfort, peace and encouragement. He fills our every need. His Word discloses this fact throughout the Old and New Testaments. His love for us endures forever, so we can be confident that He will never forsake us – even when our hearts are hurting.
If you have been encouraged by someone today, thank them and pray for them too. We all need God’s comforting arms wrapped around us – even those whose hearts are overflowing with encouragement.
Time pulls us away from the beauty around us. We’re in a race to beat the clock. Each day becomes a battlefield between our time here , And hope of eternity somewhere else. Our days are numbered. The seconds drop like sand in an hour glass, Swiftly, Instantly, Vicariously, Tumbling through life at an expeditious rate. So fast that we don’t bother to enjoy what’s in the moment. Laughter, tears, times of peace and contentment, Desire, goals, birth and death, Run right past us at lightening speed, As we spend ourselves on the marathon of existence. We need to slow down, Enjoy the world we live in now, Even though it’s not perfect, there is much to enjoy. We have been afforded these years as a time of grace, A time to be refined and perfected for the next place. God is still in control of our future and, He has something amazing planned for each of us, When we take His hand and follow Him. As we wait, be assured that He has our best interests in mind.
Heat is in the danger zone this week in Lake Woebegone. So what does one do when they can’t go outside without dying of heart failure? Television – old movies – old tv shows or THE OLYMPICS. I’ve been tuning in off and on this week, and much like the NFL or NBA or any of the other sporting events, we have a team of “experts” telling us if these amazing athletes are going to fulfill their duty to God and country and bring home a medal for the good old USA.
I am glad this event is finally happening. I’m sad about there not being an audience to cheer these athletes on. I’m sad that the support of their home country is clouded by unpatriotic behavior. I’m also sad that all the things back home are being injected into the world and showing us in a different light this year. We’ve all been subject to a world pandemic. We know what it’s like to have those things we prize taken away for a while. We understand the frustration of everyone involved. Yet so often, when our ambition is put on hold (for our own good) we feel cheated and need to blame someone or something.
What’s happening in our country right now is a decline in patriotism, to the point of disdain. How we appear to other nations is important in the scheme of things. What do we look like to our neighbors in the world? We’re all faced with challenges each day. We’re running a race to get to the finish line and win the prize, but often the prize is what’s pushing us. Jesus knew what His mission would be when He entered human flesh and became one of us. He knew He had to suffer and die on our behalf. He was the perfect, unblemished lamb called for in Old Testament. He overcame death and won the prize – not for Himself, but for the entire population of humanity. He didn’t have to take on our baggage, but He did, because He loves us. His humility, compassion and love should be an example for all of us.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Are you a winner? If you believe that Jesus is your Redeemer, you definitely are.
Today I’m posting one of my paintings. I love flowers, especially those planted in my garden. In looking at them, you cannot deny the existence of a divine Creator. He not only nurtures the flowers of the fields, but us as well.
You are the Master Gardener, you tend to all my needs, With water you refresh me. With love you plant the seeds. You take away the grip of ugliness and sin, You’ve given me a second chance – a new life to begin. When all the weeds infest me and choke away my life, You lead me on to heaven – away from all this strife. I thank you, Heavenly Father, for all your love and care, Now help me to proclaim you for all the world to share.
The wonder of the trinity is probably one of the most difficult things for us human beings to understand. There are so many things written in God’s Word, that we simply don’t get. The fact that Jesus was fully man yet fully God – the truth of an immaculate conception and virgin birth – the mercy of God extended to those who have betrayed Him – are all concepts that seem totally foreign to us.
I remember wondering how God could hear our words, even though so many were sending out their prayers to Him. I can’t fathom that He is with us in every step of our existence. I don’t comprehend the vastness of His abilities, yet I can see His hand in every part of creation.
Each of the persons of God are individual, yet one. That’s another truth that’s hard to believe. God, the Father is the Creator of all things, yet so is Jesus. Jesus was man and God and still the Creator. The Holy Spirit is the voice of God and through His Word we have contact with Him, but Jesus, the Son and God the Father are also there. Trying to explain this concept is almost like Abbott trying to explain who’s on first to Costello in their old comedy routine. The more explanation, the more the confusion.
So we accept these difficult teachings by faith alone. We can’t begin to explain God. He is way beyond our understanding. To even try is like chasing the wind. This is why He is God and we aren’t. God is so amazing that He took on human form to become one of us. Yet He remained part of the Godhead. He suffered and died as a man, but resurrected Himself to life again to prove His Godhead and deliver His people from the bondage of sin. Because of that resurrection we can be assured that our lives don’t end at death. We will also be resurrected by God. This act of resurrection is the joint venture of the trinity. He resurrected Himself. Only God can do that.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
For the past four years, our granddaughter has shared her love of the theatre by being a mentor in the Penguin Project.® This organization was founded in 2004 by Dr. Andy Morgan to combine his professional expertise with his passion for theater to give children with disabilities an opportunity to experience the performing arts. The project has spread all over the United States and the one location in my state of Minnesota sits in a wonderful performing arts center, Northern Starz in Ramsey, MN. This is the theatre I’ve also been involved with for four years.
There’s something outstanding that happens when this occurs. Children with special needs are being given a chance to shine in a full musical production that shows off their inner actor. The mentors are there to help them with their lines, if necessary, direct them to their spot on stage and be a encouraging support for their penguins. Each one of these kids is unique. Each one brings something magical to the success of a show. Friendships are formed – no one is favored or left out – they all gain by being a part of it.
Our granddaughter will be off to college next month. Because of her compassionate spirit and the experience she has gained through this program, she has as one of her goals to go into special education. She has found her future because of this and even if she changes her mind , she dared to be different in her young life. We’re so proud of her. We’re proud of her accomplishments. We’re also proud that she is willing to put others before herself and give them an opportunity to know the feeling you get when the lights come up and you take center stage.
Not only has she learned some great life lessons, but she’s learned the value of caring about those who would not have this opportunity anywhere else. The devoted staff of the Northern Starz Penguins is also amazing in their time shared with others and for giving us this wonderful venue. Look out world, here they come!
The first post I read this morning was from our dear friend Oneta. She brilliantly told the story of her hilarious events while she was hospitalized a while back. So glad you recovered from the experience, my friend. Everyone should go through a hospital stay, if not for the remedy for a malady, but because it provides us with priceless stories that no one believes. As with most stories, we tend to exaggerate over time and they become embellished with more than truth. Case in point:
In 1973 my husband took a job in Minneapolis. We had a house to sell in Appleton,WI, so I stayed there until everything was in place and ready to go. During that time, my husband began to experience chest pains. He got into a car and drove himself to the nearby police station. Step one of the story is enough to set off a series of funny events. By the time he reached the station his pulse was well over 150. An ambulance was sent. He was set up with an IV and stabilized until he got to the county hospital emergency room. His heart rate continued to rise and he was transferred to a ward with several beds They ranged in the very elderly, to a drug addict or two and an apparent suicide attempt.
His own personal bed sat right next to the rest room which was shared by all. They finally stabilized his heart rate, but felt he needed to be under observation until they discovered what was causing the problem. As he slept quietly, after a very traumatic experience, one of the men, attached to his IV, sauntered over to use the rest room. Instead he climbed into Paul’s bed and finished his quest right there. My husband hit his call button, the man was returned to his own bed and Paul watched as his bed was stripped and remade.
Tucked away again, just as he was about to fall asleep, an elderly gent decided to streak the nurse’s station. I use the term “streak” loosely. Picture Tim Conway as his old man character. They certainly didn’t need television. The entertainment provided was ongoing.
The fellow with the drug problem had enough of this hospital stay and began to pull all the connecting wires and began to bleed all over Paul’s bed. My husband is a very compassionate man, who should’ve been a doctor, so he sat the man down, hit the call button again, and began to administer first aid to the guy who now was spurting blood all over the place. The bed was again remade. The poor fellow went peacefully back to bed and Paul was wide awake. It’s true what they say, “don’t expect hospital life to be like going to a fancy hotel.”
The next morning a team of doctors and interns came to his bedside and talked about him as if he wasn’t there. They all seemed intent on getting to the root of his heart problem. One of the interns began to examine Paul’s neck and noticed some swelling. They did some more testing. The main doctor told the nurse to get in touch with me to let me know I should come right away. Of course Paul overheard this and detached himself from his life support, took a dime out of his trousers and ran to the public telephone to call me and tell me he was OK. My coming from Appleton was hardly an option since I was home with three kids who had the measles and a car that wouldn’t make it beyond our driveway. In the meantime, lights were flashing and sounds blaring as a team of emergency people ran to the ward to find his bed empty. They reattached him and finally he fell asleep, with one eye open.
The next morning the doctor told him that he had an overactive thyroid which caused tachycardia. What first was thought to be a heart problem now had a true diagnosis. It was treated with radiation a week later. That’s a whole continuing story.
Moral of the story, if you have to go to the hospital, make your reservations in advance.
Lord, I ask that you become the center of my life. You give me a reason to get up every day. You motivate me in all my comings and goings. You lift and encourage me when I feel I can’t go on. You strengthen my soul with your Holy Spirit and I am washed clean of all my sins through your Son, Jesus. My days on this earth are numbered. If there is one thing that gives meaning to those days it’s you. Stay with me as I trudge along to the end and may my final legacy describe me as your loved child. AMEN!
The definition of the word, “CONFIDENCE,” includes a feeling or belief which allows for complete faith or trust. To some that means self. To others it might be an idea or philosophy. When you possess confidence, you are sure of what you believe. Nothing can stop you. At least not until you lose your confidence. Being self confident will only last as long as you continue to succeed at what you do. As soon as the bubble bursts, you can immediately fall into a pit of despair. When we place our confidence in others and what they do, we also can be setting ourselves up for failure.
How about the confidence we place in things of this world? When we depend on material items, what happens when those “things” are no longer available? Do we blame the object of our loss? Do we forget that tangible things are only transitory?
Placing our faith – trust – confidence in ourselves seems to be the way of the world. Be all that you can be! Make the most of yourself! Trust in what you can do! Those are all motivational and inspirational words, but they have no real substance. The human race is given to making wrong choices, blaming, shaming, one upping, bullying, not being trustworthy. We are all fallible and flawed. So where should we be placing our confidence?
The Bible has many examples of where our vision should be – where our hope is – where our confidence most surely is.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.“
Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah“
Isaiah 5:21 “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!”
Phillippians 4:12-13 “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
I believe that if we keep it in perspective, knowing that God is our strength and confidence, we can face all kinds of obstacles. When we put ourselves above Him, we’re placing the credit in the wrong place. He is the source of our abilities. He has written a plan for our lives that will follow through until our death. He also provides life eternal for those who place their faith, trust and confidence in HIM!
Those dog days of summer, when the heat will not allow you to do anything physical except get into a hammock and sleep the day away. That is of course unless you’re a human – a woman with few motor skills – normally uncoordinated – OLD.
My kids are always looking for suggestions on what to get their dad for Father’s Day. This year, I thought I had an answer and advised them that a hammock might be just the perfect gift. Then I started to think about it. The only likely place we could put a hammock would be on the side of the house under the spreading black walnut tree. Thinking further, I had images of him trying to get some rest in that hanging recliner, as hard shelled walnuts fell onto various parts of his body. Then I had another thought. How would he get into that contraption in the first place? Speaking from my own experience, even as a younger person, I had trouble getting in and out of a hammock.
We still have that old hammock. It was crafted out of rope, twisted and woven together to create a “comfortable” and “safe” feeling once you’re in it. I don’t really know why we still have that thing. It’s moldy, holey and tattered. I guess Paul thinks he can make something out of it – some day – added to the pile of other things that he’s going to make into something else some day. I, on the other hand, would quickly dispose of something in that condition, but I don’t always see art in everything.
After thinking it over, I called the kids and told them to can the idea of buying a hammock. I think they already assumed I was suggesting something that might put their dad in the hospital.
So, today as you think about getting into the hammock – think twice. You never know who has been sleeping there before you. You might physically injure yourself getting in or out. You will undoubtedly never restore the hammock and make it into something else. Most likely your wife will throw it away before you have the chance. Just hope that you’re not in it when she does.
This gallery is the result of a mural painted in the parking garage of the Farmstead – a senior living facility. It’s built on an old farm site that includes a round barn, which Paul has already painted many times. This was done in the heat of summer two years ago.
The old barn stood strong for ages, with nary a bruise to its sides,
Through storms, hard times, through births and deaths, her sturdy timbers survived,
If a structure contains strong bones, it always can be restored,
When those who chose to rebuild it, have faith which can’t be ignored,
The heart to bring back her glory, offers sweat and blood and tears,
The result outshines the labor, providing many more years,
Its function may change with the times, but still it remains the same,
A strong, old barn with newfound dreams, new life it will now inflame,
We can reap such restoration, when faith is built on the Rock,
That strongest of all foundations stays active around the clock.
eWe who blog everyday are wordsmiths, but are we really? Choosing the right word to inspire, encourage, motivate or persuade takes some time. Take the word “WALK” for example.. We can trudge plaintively through a a garden with a sense of self pity. We can stroll eagerly through the same garden with a sense of joy. We can also trudge through the untillable land surrounding that garden. We can crawl desperately through a desert or hike a mountain path. We might even dawdle, creep or tiptoe when we don’t want to be seen. There are so many words that come off of one simple on like walk. Walking the plank certainly gives a different image than walking to your first date or down the aisle. You certainly wouldn’t sprint or bounce your way down death row. A Thesaurus can come in handy, but we still must be careful in choosing the right words for the right purpose.
As writers, poets, educators, novelists we have an obligation to be purveyors of those right words. We have the ability to change opinions, to lift people out of depression, make a difference in how the world thinks, teach, inspire and spur to action. We also have the ability to offend, anger or incite others with those words. It’s also our duty to research our opinions and be able to back them up with fact.
Communication is taking a hit right now. We’ve been isolated for a long time so that could explain it, but even prior to pandemic, we were falling away from talking face to face. Even the art of letter writing has died over the years. I used to write long letters, but since I can rarely read my own handwriting, I can’t expect others to do so. Instead I communicate like many others do today – through social media, email and texting.
The Bible has a lot to say about the words we use.
Proverbs18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Matthew 12:37 “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
James 1:26 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
When you begin your posts each day, think about how your words will be accepted, not because of the comments or status you will achieve, but how you can help someone through a difficult time, by using words you carefully select.
I know I worked way too hard when I was in the actual work force. I had my own children’s theatre for ten years and was in charge of most of it. I had a few faithful parents who helped me tremendously, but many of the necessary jobs were my responsibility. I wrote the plays, I directed them, I made the costumes, I took care of scheduling, rehearsals and rearranging dates. Retirement didn’t look too bad by the time I turned 74. It’s hard to stop when you’re on a roll, but I knew the time had come and I welcomed it.
Things were quiet for about nine months. I enjoyed my newfound freedom, but boredom was setting in. The theatre bug was calling.
Things were quiet for about nine months. I enjoyed my newfound freedom, but boredom was setting in. The theatre bug was calling. That was five years ago. I’m now fully involved in a senior program which seems to be blossoming into something that could keep me busy for a long time. The group created by myself and two other women will be going public in the next month. The “Jewels of deNial” had our first live performance last month and will again perform in August. Plans are being explored to take our show on the road and present to Senior health care centers and other senior audiences. It’s in the form of a radio show, which most of our audiences can relate to. We also have created the scripts ourselves, based on our own life experiences.
When people ask me how I like retirement, I tell them that I’m getting almost as busy as I was before I retired. My body isn’t getting any younger, but I’m not dead yet and it isn’t really up to me to make that decision. So every day is a blessing. When you retire, remember that. The fact that God has given us another day means that He still has something of value for us to contribute to others. Being busy keeps your mind active and gives you purpose no matter what you do.
Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”
Some days become so diluted with every facet of living, that we forget what it all means. God allows us to sweep away the cobwebs of confusion and clear our vision with the simplicity of His Holy Word. When we allow His Spirit to work in us, it’s no longer difficult to understand. His Word is truth – pure and simple. Our task is simply to believe it. It isn’t complicated!
God’s design is so amazing. Just take a moment to feast your eyes on a tree. The trunk is so sturdy it can support the weight of all the branches, the leaves and every living thing that inhabits it. The branches have a weathered look, but come to life in the spring as new growth appears. The leaves are a masterpiece of design. Every line, shape and pattern define them as unique and individual. Look at it closely and notices how the veins resemble our own veins, carry the lifeblood to every other part. God gives us so much beauty to enjoy every day. We simply need to look for it.
A tree stands firmly in the ground, though ancient yet unworthy,
Its life has spanned a hundred years, its limbs cried out for mercy,
The sun has withered, burnt and scorched, the wind has taken its toll,
The snow filled skies and frosty air are God’s quality control.
In spring new life will come again as leaves bud forth in glory,
A canopy of green appears creating a new story,
In fall the tree must undergo another painful trimming,
As leaves of crimson, gold and rust upon the ground are swimming.
Someone once wisely said, “Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds.” Every day we hear about how our privacy is being invaded. The internet, the IRS and identity theft are all tools whereby the bad guys can get into our lives and disrupt them. The means whereby these acts of invasion are creeping into our lives are insidious and frightening. A whole new industry is opening up to protect us from these evil doers, but how do we really arm ourselves against the dangers of this world?
Lord, I need you in every area of my life. I can’t get up or lay down without your constant protection. You deliver me from evil every hour of every day. Help me to cope with the fears that infect our world and give me the confidence of your guiding hand in all things. Thank you for the security of your strong and loving arms.
If God can touch a single tree and nourish every seed, If He can fill the land with flowers and satisfy each need, If He can turn the leaves to gold, If He can bring new life from old, He certainly can save our souls from death and bitter pain, And give us life with hope and peace, He’ll lift us up again, He’ll take us home to heaven when life’s last breath is sighed, He’ll give us life eternal and with us He’ll abide.
Lots of people look at age as a sign of weakness, deterioration and imminent death. Some cultures place age in a special place because of the wisdom a person has acquired in his life. In America, we tend to admire young, healthy and strong people or those with perfect teeth, faces and general good looks. We’re attracted to those with great personalities or a good sense of humor, to the achievers in the world.
Unfortunately as we get old, our value sometimes is lessened because we don’t look the same or sound the same. We become crankier. We have less patience. We wonder how the world ever got the way it did. In a way, we’ve become our grandparents. I am so glad that God doesn’t look at us any differently when we age. He only looks at our hearts and sees what Jesus has done to take away our ugliness. As we grow older, we should never stop growing in the Lord. His Word is a constant treasure of comfort, peace, knowledge and wisdom.
Thank you, Lord for looking beyond my sagging body, my impatience, my weaknesses, my sinful heart. Your vision is perfect and because of what Jesus did, I can come before you in confidence. I know that my Redeemer lives and someday I will join Him in a special place of honor in your kingdom.
As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
Life is a patchwork of moments — laughter, solitude, everyday joys, and quiet aches. Through scribbled stories, I explore travels both far and inward, from sunrise over unfamiliar streets to the comfort of home. This is life as I see it, captured in ink and memory. Stick around; let's wander together.
God's amazing grace removes walls and replaces those barriers with Jesus, freedom from sin's consequences, freedom to forgive, and freedom to love unconditionally.
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