Lewis or Mike?

In my younger days I thought going through any adversity was a result of bad choices.  I was ashamed of any crisis I went through.  This could be true.  We are all only human and make mistakes.  Life is a learning process.  We should all learn from our mistakes.  What I am talking about is life.  Life happens to all of us; life is about how each of us deals with adversity.

There are many recorded lives of people in the Bible.  Daniel, Elijah, Elisha, Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego, Esther, and Paul are examples of people who had great faith and trust in God during their time of crisis.  Each of their lives was recorded for a purpose.  I believe that purpose is to help each of us to understand that everybody is either in a crisis, headed for a crisis, or coming out of a crisis, and has an opportunity to grow into a stronger person and to become a better Christian.

I am describing two different people I have encountered in this world today.  I can describe and share about them because have displayed similar characteristics in my life.  They have been given fictional names, Mike and Lewis.  Mike says, “I do not need anything, and I do not want anymore for me, or my family or friends.”  When Mike faces a storm, large and small, he grumbles, grips, and complains.  “Lord, just take this storm away!  I do not want to deal with the inconvenience.”  Later, when Mike realizes that God isn’t going to take the storm away, he just asks God to help him get through the storm.

Lewis, is grateful to God for meeting all of his needs.  When Lewis, faces a storm, Lewis finds something to be grateful for.  He says, “I know I am growing from this adversity.  I want God to mold me into the person He wants me to be, so that I can help someone else.”    Lewis is going with the storm. He chooses to be happy everyday. 

Someone I admire in the New Testament is Paul.  We read of a storm and shipwreck in Acts 27:13.  It say, “And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.  But not long after, there arose a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. When the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.  And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat; Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quick sands, stake sail, and so were driven.  And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship, and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackle of the ship.  And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest, lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence, Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.  And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.  For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, ‘Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar; and, lo, God hath given thee all them, that sail with thee.’  Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”

I have no idea what it is like to experience such a storm as not seeing the sun nor stars for many days and being tossed on the ocean.  The only comparison I have would be when my family traveled to Fort Jefferson on an Island in the Dry Tortugas.  It was a beautiful day traveling on the Atlantic Ocean, but the Atlantic Ocean is very rough and we were being thrown around.  One passenger was so scared she was hyperventilating.  She had lost her father and she lived life in constant fear.  This was one way for her to face her fears and help her to become stronger mentally.

Through the great storm, Paul trusted God to take care of him. 

We read in Acts 28:1-10 the following.  “And when they were escaped then they knew that the island was called Melita.  And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.  And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.  And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.  And hs shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.  Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly; but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.  In the same quarters where possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.  And it cam to pass, that the father of Publius la sick of a fever and of a bloody flux; to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.  So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.”

I, also, cannot imagine what it would be like to be shipwrecked on a island with people you have never met before.  Are they friendly?  The closest I can relate would be a time Steve and I planned to attend an event in Atlanta, Ga.  Steve had forgotten his dress shirt, so we decided to travel by subway to Five Points in Atlanta.  When we walked off the dark subway to the bright street, we were a minority.  There were people just standing on the street.  I felt out of place.  We pretended to know exactly where we were going.  In a few minutes we found the shirt shop, bought the shirt, and traveled back to our motel.

Paul trusted God, when the viper bit him.  Because of Paul’s great attitude and faith, he suffered no harm and was able to heal many people on the island.

Are we put here on the earth just to enjoy life?  Don’t get me wrong, we are to enjoy life; it is not to be drudgery.  We are no different from Paul.  God had a plan and purpose for Paul.  I do believe that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives.  How many people truly find their God given purpose?  Have you?  I am only now discovering mine. 

Are we a Lewis or a Mike?  Life is a journey filled with choices: we can complain or be thankful, we can be sad or we can be happy, we can have doubts or we can have faith.  Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Doing The Little Things Matter

We are responsible for the choices we make and the actions we take in this life.  These choices and actions seem quite insignificant and inconsequential at times.  People say or think, “This won’t really matter; it will not make any difference in my life or anyone”.  Gravely, people fail to understand that it is the doing of the little things that matter the most.    

Within a short period of time I was an innocent bystander in the neglect of a couple people not doing a little thing that mattered in two situations.  Hannah and I were traveling to Kansas City for a gymnastics meet.  As were drove through Clinton, I told Hannah that we were going to stop for a bathroom break.  Feeling the pain, I rushed into the women’s restroom.  I peered under the stalls to look for feet.  I saw feet in the first stall, but none in the second.  “Oh, I am so glad I don’t have to wait!” I thought.  I pushed on the door and suddenly a loud screeching scream filled the room.  The scream came from an Asian woman who did not lock the door.  Startled, I jumped and almost did not need to use the restroom anymore!  The Asian woman came out muttering something I could not understand.  I replied, “Sorry, I did not know anyone was in there and the door was unlocked.”  She replied with an accent that “It is okay.”

Another extremely embarrassing unlocked bathroom door incident occurred.  Finishing my lunch at a local restaurant, I informed my friend I was headed to the restroom and would return shortly.  The restroom in this particular restaurant was unisex.  I am not overly thrilled by this, but I would make it work.  I pushed on the door and low and behold there was a man standing there!  I was so very EMBARRASSED.  I wanted to run and hide from the world.  I wanted to rewind the clock and start all over.  When the man came out, I did the only thing I knew and apologized.  He said, “It was my fault for not locking the door!”

Why did these situations happen?  Better yet these situations should not have happened if these two individuals would have done the important little thing such as locking the restroom door which took approximately a tenth or a hundredth of a second.  I wondered, “Were these people so disparate and in a hurry they did not take the personal responsibility to lock the door?  It was seemingly such a minor task to omit, but the results were major, to me.  All of us could have been spared major embarrassment, at least on my part. 

Most of us choose to watch TV everyday.  An insignificant decision many people say, “It is only a TV show.  What will it hurt?”  Let me ask you, “What are you watching and how much are you watching?”  It is estimated that people, ages 12 and older watch around 5 hours of TV per day.  That is 35 hours per week; it is over one day a week wasted in watching other people live their lives.  I can say all this because I have been a TV watcher to some degree.  This could have been time spent with family, helping someone, or reading a quality personal growth book.  Earl Nightingale says that “if you will spend an extra hour each day in study of your chosen field, you will be a national expert in that field in five years or less.”  Isn’t that amazing?  To read one hour everyday is a small decision which produces huge results.  You can learn and go out to make a difference in others lives.

Over the last two years that is exactly what I have been doing.  Instead of watching mindless TV, I have spent an hour a day reading a personal development book, listening to an encouraging CD, and being a part of a personal development group.  I have learned a great deal and I have been applying what I have learned to my life.  During these past two years I have been able to do things I never thought possible. 

Just an hour a day of personal development and building a home business over a period of two years has transformed me into a stronger person and a better Christian.  For instance, I truly understood that everyday is “thanksgiving”.  I began to really be grateful for everything God has given me even when situations in life are challenging.  I developed positive thinking more and more; I began teaching my children this as well.  I set the example.  The change in my behavior shocked my parents, my brother, and others.  My brother informed me, “I do not think it is right to say you feel great, when you are not.”  I asked him, “Why am I not feeling great?  God has blessed me with an awesome family.  The sun is shining today.  I am healthy.  I have a beautiful home.  You tell me is that not enough to be happy about?”  Others would complain and I would step away from the complaining by changing the subject, finding something that could get me off the phone, or just tell them that if it is negative I do not want to hear about it.

Another transformation is that I stopped worrying about what people thought of me.  Previously, I just wanted everyone to like me.  I had become a people pleaser in order to accomplish this.  My people pleasing efforts did not work.  In I Thessalonians 2:4 it says, “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, Which trieth our hearts.” 

One example of my people pleasing adventures is certain friends would ask for my services.  I wanted to please them so much that I would sacrifice family time in order to help!  I even recall saying, “I just want everyone to be happy!”  Thankfully, I came to understand that I should take care of my family first.  Life suddenly became simpler.

Another change I observed in myself was becoming more and more assertive.  Nearing the end of my homeschooling endeavors, I became strong enough to say I will no longer be offering Iowa Basic Skills Testing even though no one is stepping up to continue the testing.  I made a decision that was best for my family.  Our goals were changing and I needed to adjust accordingly.  Without the personal development this decision would have been a challenge.

I have felt much personal freedom in developing these character traits.  I am grateful for all the obstacles I have overcome.  Just think, it was all because of a simple decision to read for an hour a day instead of watching TV.  This is life changing and worth all effort.  I truly believe that doing the small things really do matter.  I will continue doing the small things for I do want to be even stronger and better.            

Cattails!!

You know how it is.  Sometimes in life when you learn the wrong name for an object or a person, it is, then, difficult to replace it with the correct one.  It can be done over time.  This happened to me on a particular occasion only I learned the correct name first and later replaced it with the wrong one accidentally.

“Let’s go to Sonic for lunch!  Please!” plead Stephanie.  “Okay, let’s go!” agreed Steve.  Sonic has always been a favorite.  We especially enjoy their fountain drinks.  My family of five was sitting in our 1984 blue Oldsmobile one cold spring day at lunch.  Steve and I were sitting in the front with our three children in the back.  The approximate ages were eight, five, and two.  We were munching on cheeseburgers and corn dogs, when Stephanie, our oldest daughter, made a comparison.  “Dad and Mom, corn dogs look like the cattails at the pond.”  Steve replied, “Well, yes, I guess they do!”

We had been studying different plants.  Many times we would walk around our property looking at wild flowers, tree leaves, and so forth.  Stephanie was intrigued with cattails.  They are a unique looking tall plant with the tips brown and soft.  She had learned that American Indians prepare bread by grinding up the roots; and she wanted to do the same just to try it.

There were numerous times we would dine at Sonic.  Stephanie now insisted calling a corn dog by her new name, cattails.  When I placed the order I would just remember to say corn dog.  It was no problem until one particular lunch time.  Four people were informing me what they wanted to eat at the same time.  “I want a cheeseburger with a Dr. Pepper, I want a fish sandwich with a Coke, I want a Sonic Wacky Pack with a Strawberry Limeade, and I want two corn dogs!” my sweet and starving family aggressively placed their order with me.  “Wait a minute, slow down!” I said.  Have you ever tried to take so many orders all at the same time without getting confused?

I pushed the red button on the order screen.  “Good afternoon.  Welcome to Sonic.  May I take your order?” asked the Sonic Drive Inn worker.  “Yes, please, I want a cheeseburger without onions and with ketchup, mustard, and mayo.  Next I want a cheeseburger with onion minus the mayonnaise.  Next I would like two wacky packs.  And lastly I would like two cattails with a Strawberry Lemonade!”  Steve and the kids were laughing and laughing.  “Please everyone hold it down so I can hear.” I said.

 

“Maim, we don’t have cattails here!” replied the Sonic Drive Inn worker.  I was silent for a few seconds thinking, “Oh, that is what all the hysteria was about!  Did I actually say cattails without realizing it?  This cannot be happening, but yes it was!”  My family roared in laughter.  Ignoring my ornery family and my embarrassment I said, “Sir, I’m sorry.  I mean to say that I would like 2 corn dogs please.”  The gentleman repeated my order and the cost.  “Thank you for dining with us!”  I turned around to look intently at my family.  “You are all a lot of help!”   We all laughed together. After all, it was hilarious!

As I continue to write and post my stories, I realize that God has blessed my life with many fun-filled and joyous moments even though they are at my expense some of the time.  Just about the time I think I have exhausted my memory of stories to share with you, a ton of stories flood my mind like a wave on the ocean along the beach.  Someone once said, “We do not remember days.  We remember moments in our lives.”  A life filled with hundreds and thousands of blessed moments. 

How about you?  Do you have a special fun-filled moment you would like to share with?  I would love to hear from you! 

An Inspiring 4-H Evening!

An inspiring evening progressed as two local authors, Clarabell Moses and Jessica Wyantt, shared their writing experiences with Rocket 4-H members at their regular monthly meeting.    

Clarabell Moses shared with the group her inspiration in writing.  Moses said, “Many evenings my husband shared with me stories of his childhood while I recorded them.”  This became her first published book titled, Thomas Moore of Cub Creek and later a fictional book titled, Trudy’s Story.

Jessica Wyantt published her first book called, Whirlwind.  She informed the group that she started writing when her baby was sick with acid reflux.  “I remember rocking and soothing my baby off and on all night and day while writing on the computer at the same time.”  It was a challenging time and writing helped her push through while helping her son.

4-Hers asked several questions; such as how were you able to get your books published?  Each chose a different route.  One chose to self publish and have a relative to edit her writings while the other author chose to hire a company who did all the editing for her, gave her bookmarks, introduced to bookstores, etc…

Each author agreed that writing is fun and takes them to places they have never been.  One does not need a college degree; just a passion to write and to connect with people.

Rocket 4-H wishes to thank these two wonderful ladies for taking time out of their evening to inspire and to encourage.

Random Acts of Kindnesses

It seems all too often we live in a self-centered world; it is a world where people only think of themselves.  How will this benefit me?  How will this help me?  How long will this take of my time?  How much will I have to go out of my way to complete this task?  Is it my responsibility to take care of this situation?  I am glad to share that our world is not completely filled with people devoid of compassion to a greater or lesser degree, but there are people who genuinely care for others and sacrifice for the betterment of others.  Whether it is a random, unexpected act or a well thought out plan of kindness can fill my heart with joy, love, patience, and faith.

There are two types of kind acts; these acts are either random and spur of the moment or planned with much thought supporting the gift.  It would probably be safe to say that we have all waited in line at the grocery store behind someone who had a cart load of groceries, when we held a mere two or three items.  Mostly I wait patiently for my turn.  However, there is the rare individual who observes my small amount of items and says to me.  “Please go on ahead of me.  You just have a couple of items.”  Or, while waiting on a busy downtown street with cars bumper to bumper one car stops and waves for you to pull out in front of them.  The consideration is awesome and appreciated.

I sweet memory I recall is my youngest daughter, Hannah, receiving this random act of kindness a few years ago.  Hannah tells the story.

“A stranger gave me an unexpected kindness at the Missouri State Fair.  My friends and I were standing in line, figuring how many tickets each person would need for the Tilt-A-Whirl, and wishing tickets did not cost so much.  Suddenly, a stranger walked up to us and said, “I bought too many unlimited ride wristbands.  Do you guys want one?”  We thanked the stranger and took one.  As the stranger walked away, he said, “Have fun!”  We stood there in awe that a complete stranger would be so generous.  There are still good people in the world like the man at the Missouri State Fair.”

Sometimes kindnesses are planned and well thought out.  My Aunt Emma Lou, my Dad’s sister, loved to sew.  In fact just about any type of needlework was her passion.  One of the ways she demonstrated her love for anyone was to make them something pretty.  Being a needlework fan myself, I totally relate and I understand just how much time and energy goes into any project she produced.  Before she passed on she made me a lop-eared stuffed bunny rabbit. I had always wanted one.  She, also, made a counted cross-stitch picture that served as a housewarming gift.  I consider these to be heirlooms; the bunny sits on the cedar chest and the counted cross-stitch picture hangs on the wall.  Aunt Emma Lou made Stephanie, my oldest daughter, a beautiful dress when she was a year old. 

Growing up I recall my mother volunteering to be elementary school room mother a couple of times.  These took time and effort on her part to prepare food and plan games for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter Parties for 25 students.  I remember homemade cupcakes with orange icing for Halloween; Christmas Tree, star, and angel sugar cookies for Christmas; heart-shaped sugar cookies with red icing for Valentines Day, and a variety of store bought Easter candy in beautiful decorated baskets.  I felt special when the teacher introduced my mother.  The students thanked my mother for the goodies and activities and the teacher thanked my mother for her help and generosity.  She demonstrated just how much she cared for me and my classmates.  Being a mother I understand more fully how much she sacrificed.

Another cherished memory of kindness is when Steve and I were moving back to Springfield, Missouri.  Steve was graduating from pharmacy at University of Missouri Kansas City, MO (UMKC) and I had been employed at Kansas University Medical Center as a junior research assistant.  Dr. Anderson, head of research, asked, “Why are you leaving?  Is there anything that you are unhappy with?  Do we need to increase your salary?  We do not want to lose you!”  I replied, “NO, no, everything is great.  (Well, extra money is always nice.)  It is just like I told you during my interview with you that Steve and I would be moving back to Springfield after two years.”  “Oh, yes, I remember, but I wanted to confirm your reasons for leaving.” spoke Dr. Anderson.  On my last day of work Dr. Anderson bought a 6 foot long submarine sandwich and all the trimmings to express their joy in being apart of the research team and to express blessings for a bright future.  This kindness made me feel very special.  In fact all members of the team were very kind to me.

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As I share these memories with you, many more appear from the depths of my mind.  Vivid pictures of friends and loved ones flash before me and I must share them with you on this blog.  I remember the love and joy I felt in these kind memories.  I felt joy that someone thought of me.  I felt the love the person must have had for me and I felt love toward the person bestowing the kindness.       

Because I have been blessed so greatly, I am passing the blessings forward, be it small or great.   I am finding ways everyday to bestow kindness on the people I encounter.  Such as sharing a smile, opening the door for someone with their arms full, offering encouraging words, saying “thank you”, taking the time to visit with someone, just anything to make someone’s day brighter.  Andy Andrews said In The Butterfly Effect, that we “have been created in order that we might make a difference.”  We have within us “the power to change the world.”  Who knows how you can change someone’s life just by being kind?

Would you share how someone blessed you with kindness and how has it changed your life?