The Beautiful White Nativity Scene in the Word, Love!

The night my husband, Steve, and I signed the dotted line to become a part of an amazing company two years ago, I never knew just how much this company would impact our lives.  I never knew how thrilled I would be just to share the concept of this company with people.  I never knew I would grow into a stronger person and a better Christian.  I never knew how many people I could help everyday.  I never thought about the kind of people I would meet and the close relationships I would build.  I am grateful.   

Approximately two weeks ago I shared Team National with a great couple, Darrell and Suzie, who quickly became business partners!  We have spent hours building a business together, growing in personal development, and having a blast!

One morning I received a text from Suzie.  It read, “Joy, Hope, or Love.  Which would you choose?”  I responded, “Love because that includes joy and hope.  What are you doing?”  Suzie replied, “You will see.”  I thought that it was probably a survey or something.  I trusted Suzie would tell me tonight after we shared Team National.  And sure enough she did.  It was unexpected.

“Here is something for you!” Suzie says as she pulls a beautiful gift bag from the back seat of her car and hands it to me.  “Suzie, you do not have to do this!”  I respond.  “I know.”  I begin to open the gift.  It was difficult get the taped bubble wrap undone.  I could see through the bubble wrap that it is a nativity figure.  “Oh, Suzie” It is a beautiful white nativity scene in the middle of the “O” in the word Love.  “It is beautiful!  Did you know that I collect nativity scenes?”  Suzie smiled, shook her head no, and said, “I do, too!”  She then showed me how to turn the lighted star on above the Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  “Oh, I love it.  It is sooo beautiful.  I am going to find the perfect place for it tonight!”  I hugged Suzie and said, “Thank you!”

Walking through the front door of my home holding the “Beautiful White Nativity in the Word, Love, I was overwhelmed with different emotions.  Emotions like hope, joy, and love for my new friend.  At the moment I knelt on the floor by the couch to pray for Darrell and Suzie and to thank God for them.  I asked for God’s blessing in our journey together for we are only beginning. 

I couldn’t wait for Steve and our daughter, Hannah to walk through the back door.  I placed the Beautiful White Nativity in the Word, Love on the mantle above the fireplace.  I was wondering who would notice first.  It was less than five minutes when Hannah exclaimed, “That is really pretty.    Where did you get that?”  Steve said, “Wow.”  I excitedly replied, “Suzie gave it to me!  “Isn’t it beautiful?  And Suzie is such a special person.”

As I admire the nativity I am pondering the events in my Team National life.  You see, God brought this company to Steve and I; it was an answer to prayer.  The Baby Jesus, or rather Jesus answers prayer.  Two years ago Steve and I chose the name, “All You Need Is Love”, for our business, not because we are Beatles fans necessarily.  We chose the name because we love people and we want to help people.  It is also the name of this blog because of the love I have for the people in my life.  The word “love” in the nativity figure, for me, represents the love in the title of our business and my blog.  Do you think this is a coincidence?  I think this happened for a reason. 

 

I am filled with excitement for the blessed journey ahead of us in climbing to the top!  For I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that as the TCB teams continue to have fun sharing Team National our team grows and grows.

Be Thankful

Each year in September I remove from storage my fall decorations.  Replicas of Pilgrims, Indians, and a harvest of food cover the mantle above our fireplace.  About every year a new set of pilgrims and/or Indians are added to my ever growing population.  Pilgrims and Indians represent a time of thankfulness.

As I see those pilgrims and Indians today, I recall my third grade elementary teacher making an assignment for us to write ten blessings we are thankful for in our neatest handwriting. I would have rather colored a turkey.  “Every one of you has something to write on this paper!” the teacher confidently said.  At that time in my life, I took so many aspects of my life for granted that I did not write much on the paper.  As I matured, I realized that I do have a tremendous amount of blessings to thank God for. Now I keep a journal in which I write at least 2-3 times per week.  In these writings I include a blessing count. 

Being thankful should be an every day habit.  If I were to do the assignment given by my third grade teacher today, it would be difficult to only write ten blessings.  Here is my top ten for 2011:  1) being married to a great guy for 30 wonderful years, 2) having three great kids who are wise and fun to be with, 3) having a wonderful church family who pray for us, 4) God healing Hannah, my youngest daughter, of a severe virus, 5) our Team National Family and coaching from a great friend and business partner, 6) God's protection over Jeff and his cousin, Nick during the tornadoes in Joplin, 7) growing into a stronger person/better Christian (confident, bold, assertive, excited leader), 8) Steve’s Mom and my parents, 9) Jane’s healing from cancer, and 10) God saving Hannah’s friend, Jorden.

God is so good!!! 

Lastly, I am sharing that even when life seems to be a challenge and I have to search for something to be thankful for.  I find something to be thankful for.  These challenges mold us into the vessel God wants us to be, unless we decide to become bitter instead of better.  I love this old hymn written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. and Edwin O. Excell.  This is the first verse and chorus.

Count Your Blessings 

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed.

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your many blessings see what God hath done.

This coming week is Thanksgiving.  Share with me something you are thankful for.  



      

Do The Funky Lady!

Being a parent is a wonderful and blessed experience.  I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be a volunteer in the clubs my children participated in.  During these growing up years, I have developed many treasured friendships.  This experience I am sharing is just one of many great days I spent serving others and having fun!!!

One morning Hannah and I were driving to the 4-H Extension Office to volunteer our services to prepare for an upcoming event.  We turned the volume up on the radio loud and we began singing along with the rock band, Aerosmith.  It was a song from the movie, “Mrs. Doubtfire”, in which we had recently viewed.  “Do the funky lady!” I sang. “Are you for real, Mom?  Those are NOT the words to that song!”, exclaimed Hannah.  “They are, ‘Dude looks like a lady!’” said Hannah as she laughed and laughed.  “Are you serious?  Those words could very well work because Mrs. Doubtfire was quite funky!” and I began laughing at myself.

Smiling, Kim, the 4-H Extension Office Secretary, greeted us with a warm hug as we entered the office!  The three of us were chatting and laughing just catching up on the latest news with our families.  Suddenly, I was curious.  I wondered if Kim saw the movie and heard the song.  I asked, “Did you ever watch the movie, “Mrs. Doubtfire”?”  Kim says, “Why, yes, the boys and I really enjoyed it this past weekend!”  “Hannah and I were listening to the theme song from the movie on the way here.  I thought the words were “Do the funky lady!” I said laughing.  “Oh!  I thought that is what it said, too!” agreed Kim as she shook her head side to side and snapped her fingers.  “What are the words?”  Hannah says, “Dude looks like a lady!” as she shakes her head side to side!  Hannah was probably thinking, “Oh my goodness!  These two Moms are something else!”  All of us broke out laughing again.

When I established this blog last summer, the goal was to keep me accountable in writing my memoirs for my children and to bring joy to my followers.  I spent years just talking about writing my memoirs until one day I made the decision to just do it.  Much to my surprise writing my blog weekly has produced more joy and laughter in my life.  I truly love what I am doing.  Everyday I can’t wait to write the next story and share it.  As I reflect and write my memories on paper, I realize more and more just how much God has blessed my life.  Yakov Smirnoff said “I believe that love and laughter can only happen when one person takes the time to think about what would cause the other person to feel good.”


 

We Choose!

We choose our attitude in life.  We choose to be kind to people.  We choose to be happy for the blessings in life.  We choose to put our trust in Our Lord and Savior, or to doubt Him.  It is easy to choose to be happy, when everything is going our way.  What do we choose when we are faced with a challenge?  Over and over in my life, God allows my faith to be tested in these areas.

 

Recently my youngest daughter, Hannah, spent a few days sick in bed.  Aching in nearly every muscle and joint in her body, she required assistance in walking and turning over in bed.  One day she could not lift her arms to eat; I fed her potato soup and a turkey sandwich that day.  Her blood pressure was as low as 72/44 on the first visit with the doctor.  The doctor, also, ordered many blood tests for lyme disease, some 200 different bacterial infections, cat scratch fever, and auto immune illnesses.   

Needless to say I struggled with worry and trusting God.  Every time a negative thought entered my mind, I replaced it with a positive thought. I reminded myself that God is in control and loves us more than my mind can ever conceive.

After the first doctor visit, I picked up the antibiotics for Hannah.  Being thankful to have antibiotics for Hannah’s recovery, I met a dear friend in line behind me. She asked, “How are you and your family?”  I shared with her about Hannah’s health situation.  The young lady, a checker, named MacKenzie, listened to the conversation and exclaimed, “I had those same symptoms last summer.  It was really bad, but I got better.  The doctor ran blood tests and could not determine the illness, but I recovered fully.”  In my heart I believed Hannah would recover, but I all the same appreciated those encouraging words.

On another doctor visit Hannah was leaning into me, while I had my arm around her.  I was holding her up so she could walk to the van.  Two young men were standing by a car when one of them said, “Are you having a decent day?”  I said, “What?”  The boy repeated, “Are you having a decent day?”  My first thought was, “Really?  You are kidding?  We are struggling out of the doctor’s office and feeling terrible and you ask a question like that?”  The more appropriate question would have been, “How can we help you?”  Refraining from being sarcastic, I remembered that every day is a gift from God and I wanted to choose to be happy.  I replied kindly, “No, we are having a wonderful day!”  Surprised, the boy said, “Really?  Well, that is good.”

That night I prayed.  Hannah could not lift her arms to feed herself.  As I stood in front of the stove warming a bowl of soup up for Hannah, doubts began creeping in my mind.  Thoughts such as her muscles are breaking down and so forth.  I prayed.  And then the young lady from Smitty’s Grocery appeared in my mind.  MacKenzie survived healthy.  It is viral regardless of the test results that said negative.  Hannah will be healthy, too.  I felt peace.  I believe God puts people in your life for a reason.  MacKenzie was sent from God!  She is a blessing; her story kept me hanging onto the faith.

Late, the next afternoon, I traveled to the doctor’s office to update the doctor on Hannah’s condition and check on the blood tests.  The nurse sate down with me in the waiting room.  I smiled and informed the nurse, “Hannah says her behind is sore.  We are walking more just around the house and I am letting her move as much on her own as possible no matter how much it hurts her.”  Nicole, the nurse, said, “That is perfect!  She must move around or other conditions such as pneumonia could set in.  Most of the test results are returning negative.  Dr. Brus has decided that Hannah has a virus that has really gotten her down.”  “Virus?  That is good news!”, I said with tears in my eyes.  “Yes, it really is!” 

On Friday, Dr. Brus walks in the room and says, “What is this, no wheel chair today?”  We had to use a wheel chair for all the other visits.  We just smile and say you are right.  He then informs us, “Hannah, you are 1 out of 500 people who have these severe flu symptoms!”  Hannah smiles and she replies, “I am a special person!”  “I want to see you next week just to check on your recovery.  You are no longer contagious and you can do what physical activity you feel strong enough to do!”  Those were sweet words and I thanked God as we walked to the van.

Hannah’s condition improved greatly over the next couple of days.  I continued to think about MacKenzie and how she helped me with her story.  I decided to look her up at Smitty’s to thank her.  I found her in the break room.  “MacKenzie, I so appreciate your sharing with me that you had the same condition as Hannah and that I have come personally to tell you thank you.  I want you to know that you are a blessing and a gift.  Your story kept me hanging on to the faith!”  She smiled quietly and sweetly said, “Thank you”.

I do not want to forget the prayers from great friends, who called several times checking on Hannah, and my brothers and sisters at church who prayed and called.  And for Grams whose support and help go beyond saying.  God is so good! 

Armadillos and Thongs?

There are many times I have had the honor and privilege of visiting with friends.  We share ambitions, thoughts, joys, and blessings.  I am thankful for good friends who share hilarious, real life stories with me.  At this moment I am recalling a couple of stories my friend, Tammy Johnson shared with me that make my heart laugh.

Tammy was driving to camp and as she came up the hill she saw a family of armadillos crossing the road.  With no time to stop…her car went bump bum pity bum up the hill.  Tammy was thinking, “I hope that didn’t damage my car!”  After she was at camp for a while the Majerus girls came in to work and said, “You should of seen the road, there was a massacre of armadillos all over!” Tammy said, “Yes, I hit them.  It was awful…bump bum pity bump….”

Throughout my life time I have found that the names of things change and it can be challenging to switch names.  For instance, believe it or not, growing up in the 60’s and 70’s flip flops were called “thongs”. My friends, Tammy and her four children, Sarah, Jacob, Halley, and Russell were selling fireworks to the public for the 4^th of July under a tent.  During the shift change Russell and one of his siblings were headed to the car.  Suddenly, Tammy observed that Russell, age 8, had forgotten his flip flops.  Hurriedly, Tammy picked up the flip flops and yelled,   “Russell, don’t forget your thongs!” as she waved them in the air.  “Here they are!”  Customers and employees looked up and around with questioning and puzzled looks on their faces.  It was as if you could read their thoughts.  “A little boy has thongs?”  “What is Russell doing with thongs?”  Chuckling, Sarah said, “Mom, I think you mean flip flops!

God forbid I would ever be sad.  But if I do feel sad, then I remember all God has blessed me with.  I recall such stories as these two.  You see, God allows us to choose our thoughts everyday.  We write the story of our life.  And I just want to say that the joy and happiness I feel in my heart are because of God’s blessings.  My friend and these stories are just some of His gifts to me. 

October People and Mud Puddles

 Growing up in Polk County 40 years ago, Halloween was much different than it is today.  It was a time to dress in a fun costume just to let people try to guess who you are.  It was about going to friends’ homes to visit and to receive huge amounts of candy that would last for months.  It was communities of families gathering for fellowship. 

In the second grade I attended a rural elementary school in Polk County.  I was a student in Mrs. Cansler’s class.  She taught two grades in the same room; the grades were first and second.  I learned a lot and enjoyed the experience greatly.  That autumn Mrs. Cansler announced that there would be an All School Halloween Party for students (grades 1-6) and their families.  Everyone could dress up in costume, and an award for the best costume would be given.  There would be a hot dog roast, marshmallows could be toasted, and games.

I could not wait.  My mother helped me choose a cat costume complete with tail and whiskers.  My brother chose his, too, which was a pirate.  Later, I heard my parents talking.  My Dad was going to dress up including one of his friends.  He was going to cut the tail off of is horse to use for a wig in his hobo costume.  “Whatever you do, keep this a secret.  We want to surprise everyone!” he told me.  I wanted very much to share my information with a friend at school the next day, but I remain true to my Dad’s wishes.

On the night of the event I saw my Dad and his friend, Clifford come in the front door of the school.  Friends were looking at the two strangers and each other wondering who in the world these two outrageous people could be!?  Whenever anyone approached them they stomped their feet and shook their fists or fingers.  Even though I knew it was my Dad, it still frightened me a little.

Shortly, all the students of Polk School lined up on the stage for people to vote on the best costume for each grade.  It was fun whether you won or not.  The adults lined up and My Dad and Clifford came on the stage.  They would not take off their masks, shaking their fists and stepping away from Mrs. Cansler.  However, she was undaunted and finally yanked their masks off.  The whole room full of people exploded with laughter, as they discovered who the two characters were, and not expecting either to be so outrageous and daring!

After the costume judging, we all proceeded to the bonfire to roast hotdogs and marshmallows.  While eating a couple of boys walked up to several of us younger girl students.  They said, “I bet you are too scared to walk around the music building like we just did!”  My friend, Sharon, exclaimed, “We certainly are not scared of anything!”  She was not going to let any boy outwit or outdo her! 

Several of us began slowly walking around the building which had one dark side on the last corner of the building.  Just as we were rounded the corner those ornery boys jumped out at us.  Being only 7 years old and very naïve, I did not expect the boys to deceive us in that way!  I was startled and the adrenaline kicked in.  I ran ahead of everyone straight to safety, the community of friends, at the bonfire.  There was a huge mud puddle that I forgot about.  I saw it, but could not slow down.  I ran right through it and lost my shoe in the middle of the quagmire!  Yuck!

I turned around hopping on one foot, stopping my sprint at last.  One of the Dads reached in the puddle and pulled my shoe out and handed it to me.   I put my squishy shoe back on and walked around for it to dry out.  I only laughed at the comical situation and decided to learn from the experience.  Goodness gracious, there will be an opportunity to give those boys a scare of their own in the future.

I am grateful for the camaraderie I felt with fellow classmates, their families and my teachers.  Relationships are what life is all about!  Proverbs 19:24 says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer that a brother.” 

The Balloon Scare

“Are we there yet?  How much longer will we have to ride in this van?”  “Can we get a balloon?”  Stephanie, Christopher, and Hannah impatiently probed Steve and I with questions.   “We are almost there.  Watch for the Missouri State Fair sign!” Steve smiled and answered.  From visiting 4-H exhibits, to watching the Missouri Conservation Department’s huge catfish, are activities we loved for 18 consecutive years.  Even helium balloons possessed much excitement for the whole family one year.

  

As Steve parked the van, Stephanie gasped, “I see the Ferris wheel!  Oh, can we ride the Merry Go Round?”  Christopher cried, “Can we see the horses?”  “Of course we can, but allow me to park the van.”  We quickly applied sunscreen to our faces, arms, and legs, gathered a tote bag with needed items, and hitched a ride on the tram to the front gate.  “Finally we are here!” exclaimed Stephanie.

As we entered the fair grounds, several minutes later, we mapped out our plan in our tour of the exhibits.  We visited 4-H project exhibits, a wild cat show, wild life with the Missouri Conservation Department, a pig race, horse judging, and more.  When we became tired or hungry, we rested and ate.  The Missouri Pork Association Pork Chop Place was a healthy restaurant to eat at.

At one exhibit, individuals gave our children helium balloons.  They carried those balloons tied to their wrists all afternoon.  When the day began to cool off around 7 pm, we purchased tickets for kiddie amusement rides.  The Merry go round, cars, trucks, and a small roller coaster will quite the rave for our children.  It brought so much joy to me to watch their smiling faces as I held their helium balloons.  We could not let them go! 

On the way back to the front gate, we purchase cotton candy to eat on the way home.  We walked the long way back exhausted.  It had been a fantastic day.  After the kids were seat belted in we secured the balloons to a handle on the seat or arm on a seat.  It would be a sad day to lose those balloons.  I looked back at the kids observing dirt, grim, sweat, and stick cotton candy on their hands and faces while they slept.  

Two and a half hours later we parked the van in the driveway.  “We are home now.  It’s time to get up and go to bed.”  I said.  Even though it was approximately midnight to 1 a.m., some took showers before falling into bed.  It felt so good to shower all the day’s dirt away from our bodies.  However, the most important part was to tie the balloons to the chairs by the kitchen table. 

Waking up in the wee hours of the morning, I was thirsty.  I gingerly and quietly slipped out of bed to tip toe to the kitchen leaving the lights off; I did not want to wake anyone up.  Suddenly, I spied what appeared to be two heads of people standing at the table and moving slightly side to side.  I froze and stifled a yell.  I choked back these words, “What do you think you are doing in our home?”  I stood paralyzed!

I stood in place for a few seconds and observed something that indicated these heads were not people.  Standing approximately 5 feet high, these people had no shoulders, arms, torso, legs, and so on.  I recognized and remembered the balloons.  Whew!  I let out a sigh of relief!  At first glance, in the dark the balloons looked so much like people.  I laughed at myself and walked to the refrigerator for my water.  I drank and returned to get some needed sleep, thankful that it was the balloons only, and thankful I did not wake everyone up.

I read in a book, Peace Pilgrim, this statement,  “If you realize how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.”  If we allow our imaginations to play tricks on us, a situation can seem to be fearful.  I could have screamed and frightened every family member.  But when I stopped myself from yelling and remained in control.  I allowed my mind to focus on what was real and I saw the truth.  The balloons were at the kitchen table, not people in the middle of the night.