Tomorrow is Father's Day! We are encouraged to love God, the father of all of us. Children often base their conception of God on the father in their lives. Many fathers are the "behind the scenes" supporter of their wives, children, parents and all kids they come in contact with. A mother is a better mother when she has the support and love of her husband. Male and female children need a male role model. Boys need to have an example of how a husband/father functions to provide for the family physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional needs. Girls need to have a male who values and appreciates her, One day she will know how to recognize her future husband as one who will love her in the best possible way.
Fathers are often physically stronger than other family members and have to be careful to use that strength wisely and with compassion. Good fathers can do no wrong in a child's eyes because this child literally and figuratively, looks up to the loving face of a person they trust.
Happy Father's day to all fathers including mothers who are also serving as a fathers; to adoptive, foster, step-fathers, father figures, and anyone who takes the time to mentor a child. You have a very powerful role in the lives of all children. You are an integral asset to any child who needs guidance and unconditional love. Thank you for all that you do! You are awesome! You are making a difference!
From the Author
Friday, June 16, 2017
Monday, June 12, 2017
Living with Dying, a Terminal Prognosis
"Do not be anxious: go straight on, forgetful of self, letting the spirit of God act instead of your own."
Saint Julie Billiart
At some point in our lives, we may be informed that we have a limited time to live. This is all relative, as we can die at any time, at any moment and without warning. This is very significant and also a source of fear. We may be facing the loss of our own life, or that of someone we love. The fact that life is fragile and unpredictable makes it more precious than all of the money, power, and possessions of this world.
We have choices everyday to make a difference in this world no matter how much time we have been given. This quote sums it up--"do not be anxious: go straight on, forgetful of self." That is much more difficult than it appears. We are directed to "letting the spirit of God act instead of your own."
I have found in my life that every time I try to control my life, everything spins out of control until I realize I have no control, especially about life and death. When I let go of the anxiety and worry about trying to control my life and the lives of others, I find that peace is possible and I am content to let God take "take the wheel."
It is important to make the most of each moment. People who have a terminal diagnosis will confirm that every moment is priceless and a reason for celebration. Without death, we would not appreciate life. Let the spirit of God enter your life and take away your worries!
Saint Julie Billiart
At some point in our lives, we may be informed that we have a limited time to live. This is all relative, as we can die at any time, at any moment and without warning. This is very significant and also a source of fear. We may be facing the loss of our own life, or that of someone we love. The fact that life is fragile and unpredictable makes it more precious than all of the money, power, and possessions of this world.
We have choices everyday to make a difference in this world no matter how much time we have been given. This quote sums it up--"do not be anxious: go straight on, forgetful of self." That is much more difficult than it appears. We are directed to "letting the spirit of God act instead of your own."
I have found in my life that every time I try to control my life, everything spins out of control until I realize I have no control, especially about life and death. When I let go of the anxiety and worry about trying to control my life and the lives of others, I find that peace is possible and I am content to let God take "take the wheel."
It is important to make the most of each moment. People who have a terminal diagnosis will confirm that every moment is priceless and a reason for celebration. Without death, we would not appreciate life. Let the spirit of God enter your life and take away your worries!
Monday, May 29, 2017
Memorial Day
"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"
Maya Angelou
It is a world-wide mandate to remember our warriors who often fought bravely for their country, left their families, homes, loved ones, security, safety, health, safety and lost their lives to confront evil and try to make the world better.
"I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world." President Ronald Reagan
The world is especially horrified at the loss of innocent life as a result of terrorism, no matter what country suffers this onslaught of evil carnage and destruction. All of us are disturbed as we witness individuals and groups who have lost their humanity; hatred, discrimination, anger, violence, and terrorism replace love and respect for each other. I hope that the whole world prays that we can not only identify and stop the terrorists but also try to understand what attracts human beings to this lifestyle. Why would any person choose to live a life of carnage? Is it a loss of hope? Is it a lack of faith? Is it a life that seemingly has no future? Is it because we are creating this environment and allowing it to flourish because we are not meeting the basic needs of all persons?
"Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time, and your government when it deserves it," Mark Twain
Let us hope that all governments deserve the sacrifices of our magnificent men and women who choose to serve in the defense of their country and the world.
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved."
President Franklin D Roosevelt
Maya Angelou
It is a world-wide mandate to remember our warriors who often fought bravely for their country, left their families, homes, loved ones, security, safety, health, safety and lost their lives to confront evil and try to make the world better.
"I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world." President Ronald Reagan
The world is especially horrified at the loss of innocent life as a result of terrorism, no matter what country suffers this onslaught of evil carnage and destruction. All of us are disturbed as we witness individuals and groups who have lost their humanity; hatred, discrimination, anger, violence, and terrorism replace love and respect for each other. I hope that the whole world prays that we can not only identify and stop the terrorists but also try to understand what attracts human beings to this lifestyle. Why would any person choose to live a life of carnage? Is it a loss of hope? Is it a lack of faith? Is it a life that seemingly has no future? Is it because we are creating this environment and allowing it to flourish because we are not meeting the basic needs of all persons?
"Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time, and your government when it deserves it," Mark Twain
Let us hope that all governments deserve the sacrifices of our magnificent men and women who choose to serve in the defense of their country and the world.
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved."
President Franklin D Roosevelt
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Love
"Human love is loving because of something; divine love is loving in spite of everything." As told to Marsha Tibbo
Human love is confusing, exhilarating, disappointing, exciting, and often muddled as we travel our life's journey. Many times, love is hard to understand because our communication is imperfect, we often don't say what we actually feel and feelings are overwhelming. Human love can become exceptional love when we are able to forget ourselves and sacrifice for the good of another. When we can love God and love others as we love ourselves.
Love is not just physical attraction, It transcends to loving the spirit of the person. Many of us, especially as we age, are not physically beautiful. However, our loving spirit can shine through as we experience the beauty of true love. Many couples are blessed with a special love that enables them to see their loved one's shining spirit as they learn and accept each other's perfections and imperfections over time. I met many beautiful people as their bodies and earthly beauty declined. Their inner beauty was magnificent and compelling. I remembered these people in my book because they are etched in my mind forever. It has been a privilege to experience the love of the spirit and realize that it will go on forever.
Human love is confusing, exhilarating, disappointing, exciting, and often muddled as we travel our life's journey. Many times, love is hard to understand because our communication is imperfect, we often don't say what we actually feel and feelings are overwhelming. Human love can become exceptional love when we are able to forget ourselves and sacrifice for the good of another. When we can love God and love others as we love ourselves.
Love is not just physical attraction, It transcends to loving the spirit of the person. Many of us, especially as we age, are not physically beautiful. However, our loving spirit can shine through as we experience the beauty of true love. Many couples are blessed with a special love that enables them to see their loved one's shining spirit as they learn and accept each other's perfections and imperfections over time. I met many beautiful people as their bodies and earthly beauty declined. Their inner beauty was magnificent and compelling. I remembered these people in my book because they are etched in my mind forever. It has been a privilege to experience the love of the spirit and realize that it will go on forever.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Mother's Day
"God couldn't be everywhere so He created Mothers," copied from a church sign.
It is easy to take a mother for granted. She is always there when you are upset, need guidance, need help or need a hug. She may or may not be a blood relative. She is God's arms on earth to bring comfort and love. It is so hard to think of life without our mother if she has to leave us. She is always in our heart, mind and memory.
A mother can make mistakes but she is willing to overlook our mistakes if we overlook hers! She is not always a mover and a shaker, but she is a constant presence in our lives. Often we don't see all of the accomplishments of our mothers because they are primarily our mother. Some mothers are not "motherly" but we know that we are always special to them because we are her children.
If a biological mother is not present physically, emotionally or psychologically it is wonderful when we can find a "stand in" to provide the connections we need.
Mothers can be biological, adoptive, step, or a beautiful woman who steps in to be present for a child. God loves all mothers and takes care of our mothers when we can't.
Mothers have a wonderful example in the mother of Jesus. She suffered and celebrated with him as he went on his daily journey. Our mothers truly are very special people who deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Have fun on Mother's Day!
It is easy to take a mother for granted. She is always there when you are upset, need guidance, need help or need a hug. She may or may not be a blood relative. She is God's arms on earth to bring comfort and love. It is so hard to think of life without our mother if she has to leave us. She is always in our heart, mind and memory.
A mother can make mistakes but she is willing to overlook our mistakes if we overlook hers! She is not always a mover and a shaker, but she is a constant presence in our lives. Often we don't see all of the accomplishments of our mothers because they are primarily our mother. Some mothers are not "motherly" but we know that we are always special to them because we are her children.
If a biological mother is not present physically, emotionally or psychologically it is wonderful when we can find a "stand in" to provide the connections we need.
Mothers can be biological, adoptive, step, or a beautiful woman who steps in to be present for a child. God loves all mothers and takes care of our mothers when we can't.
Mothers have a wonderful example in the mother of Jesus. She suffered and celebrated with him as he went on his daily journey. Our mothers truly are very special people who deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Have fun on Mother's Day!
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Terminal Illness
WATER IN THE GLASS
A well-known proverb states that an optimistic would say a glass is half full, while a pessimist would say it is half empty. What would people of different professions and walks of life say?
The BANKER would say that the glass has just under 50% of its net worth in liquid assets.
The GOVERNMENT would say that the glass is fuller than if the opposition party were in power.
The OPPOSITION would say that it is irrelevant because the present administration has changed the way such volume statistics are collected.
The PHILOSOPHER would say that, if the glass was in the forest and no one was there to see it, would it be half anything?
The PSYCHIATRIST would ask, "What did your mother say about the glass?"
The PHYSICIST would say that the volume of this cylinder is divided into two equal parts; one a colorless, odorless liquid, the other a colorless, odorless gas. Thus the cylinder is neither full nor empty. Rather, each half of the cylinder is full, one with a gas, one with a liquid.
The SEASONED DRINKER would say that the glass doesn't have enough ice in it.
Taken from a church bulletin.
The TERMINALLY ILL person would say that the glass half full or half empty doesn't matter. Life is what we make of it. Quote from Pat Acker
Make your life count everyday as you make a positive, lasting difference in the world!
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Dying and Living
"Hurry up, you're dying." Quote: Megyn Kelly, news anchor
I suppose you have heard the statement, "We are all dying from the day we are born." I guess the focus is on the fragility of life. We have no expiration date on the length of our lives. We can die within seconds, hours, days or years. However, most of us can expect a relatively long life with many choices, with positive and negative experiences. Attitude can help us to survive by living with hope or surviving with depression and sadness. It is not the cards we are dealt in life but how we play them that matters!
I think Megyn wants us to live our lives fully and creatively with courage and focus. We can take whatever time we have to make a difference with others and the world. What we do now can affect the world we leave for our children and grandchildren. We have the choice about our vision for ourselves and the future. Every life is important and meaningful when it is lived fully, purposefully and with integrity!
Life is our adventure!
I suppose you have heard the statement, "We are all dying from the day we are born." I guess the focus is on the fragility of life. We have no expiration date on the length of our lives. We can die within seconds, hours, days or years. However, most of us can expect a relatively long life with many choices, with positive and negative experiences. Attitude can help us to survive by living with hope or surviving with depression and sadness. It is not the cards we are dealt in life but how we play them that matters!
I think Megyn wants us to live our lives fully and creatively with courage and focus. We can take whatever time we have to make a difference with others and the world. What we do now can affect the world we leave for our children and grandchildren. We have the choice about our vision for ourselves and the future. Every life is important and meaningful when it is lived fully, purposefully and with integrity!
Life is our adventure!
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