Life is Good

Woke up this morning with my window open to smell the fragrant aroma from the flowers in the garden below. Not many people know the comfort or beauty that surrounds me. I am thankful. I say a quick prayer that today I can help someone to feel better in some way. The cell phone rings and it is my husband arriving to the parking garage where we engage in small talk, items we will need at the store, and plans we will make for the weekend. Greece is coming soon at the local theatre and we'll probably want to dine at the "Court House" following the stage presentation and musical with friends. Got to remember to give them a call. Sometimes, we make this a group activity at our church. Something to think about.

Made coffee early this morning with our new coffee system. It is so easy. All I need to do is place water in the specified container, decide what flavor of coffee I want from a huge variety, and after placing a prepackaged cup, chose and press one of three size options. Usually in the morning, it is a mug and strong. My friend Linda and I went out for coffee in Connecticut this week where they have a leather sofa which faces beautiful plants just inside the picture window. On the left, there is an antique heavy grinder, which she told me was used to grind coffee in years past. I wish they could see how much easier it is to get a perfect cup of coffee now.

Has modernization really improved our health? Statistics say we are living longer. Inquisitive minds want to know. Longer but are we physically healthier? Could it be that due to available tests we have a marketable answer to all our ailments and a pill for most of our shortcomings. Maybe we are not healthier but are living life longer, and sustaining "suffering," in some cases. (The difference, may be they just didn't know how sick they were because they didn't have anyone to constantly remind of it). I recall my grandparents tell us that the indigestion of a donut was really the heart attack they were unaware of, the fatal one. Yet, I wonder if they suffered from obesity to the degree we now know and its implications. That one factor alone affects negatively many people today in all age categories.

People reading my post already know that we sponsor a feeding program at our church. This community meal has benefited, especially the elderly, of our town and, for the most part it speaks well of the good will and outpouring of our church and its members. Due to its success, we are implementing a plan to increase the number of feeding opportunities in the near future.

With that endeavor, we pose the question, how can we make it better? The church is a place of healing. The outreach is to all and it is our goal to welcome each individual with warmth and provide an answer for what they hunger for. The invitation, like the statue of liberty, says give me your tired and poor. We say give me your "hungry". Some hunger for companionship, some are hungry for a good home-style meal as they no longer can or desire to prepare it for themselves. Sadly, some are too tired, and depressed to even care. Every parish is confronted with its own need depending on who frequents the event. We entertain mostly the elderly, which means that close attention must be given to what type of food is prepared. Fr. Peter is an expert in that department. Believe me, the word is getting out and we have become a very busy and well-run operation.

Our in-house nurse, Linda and I have decided that one way we can make it better is to make available to our "living without" challenged individuals more of the specialties that we are accustomed to preparing. The gluten intolerant, diabetic and those with dietary needs will find a treat that they will be able to ingest without the risk of becoming ill.

Opening the door a little wider, will also open the door to many questions, which we will be prepared to answer by developing a flyer which will help educate those interested in the where, how and why of our speciality. Helpful hints, a few recipes, and lots of funny stories and good humor will delight the reader along with upcoming community tidbits.

It all begins with a "need". Recognizing that there are quite a few people who need a little Lagniappe-- something extra, an unexpected gift, a surprise. Something to lift your spirit. The parish of St. Michael has a reputation for fulfilling "needs" with hospitality and good will. Come and see.

Gold-mine in our back yard

Gold mine is a term used to express something of value, not to be taken literally. Recently, we are tuning in to foods which are valuable to your health and raspberries and their leaves rank up there on the chart of medicinals and antioxidants.

I heard that the leaves can be used in a tea to correct the menses, natures way. Twenty-three years have passed as the so-called picker bushes were cut away in the spring as being non-productive. A few were salvaged here and there for the birds. Its no wonder that I have a bird sanctuary here as the plants that I have all around attract them and are a good food source.

Today, as I strolled past the edge of the wood, I couldn't help but see the abundance of the fruit, not far from the many pears growing on my dwarf pear tree.

I'm still wondering if it is because of the weather we had this season? The weeds have grown up to the tree line. Or, perhaps we see the increase due to the five trees that were cut down in that area, greatly increasing the amount of sun that these bushes have received.

I wanted to pick some, but a quick read suggests that the leaves may be mixed up with poison ivy and it would be pretty hard to tell the difference. Since I am very sensitive to the poisonous plant, I will leave the berries for the birds to feast on.

We don't eat the pears either, as they are not sprayed in the Spring. They are perfect and tempting. Ignorance about the natural verses store bought is the difference. So, we let it go to waste while we pay top dollar at the farm stand. Is there something wrong with this picture?

Maybe we just need someone to come in who knows something about fruit in the wild to tell us it is okay to consume.

How did it ever get to this point where in this country, we do not recognize food? Years ago, we had farms and nut trees and wild blueberries, strawberry rhubarb everything and apples everywhere. Our natural food sources are becoming as extinct as our woodlands.

We now get much of our food from other countries or other states. Some people don't even know how to prepare food in its natural state. They rely on frozen dinners and take-out vendors.

Maybe it is time to slow down and reevaluate what we are doing. Maybe you have a gold-mine in your back yard too...

Bravery

We're taught to be tough. Sometimes we appear that way even when we don't feel that way at all. The fact is, that we, for the most part, are very good actors. Only those who know us are not fooled by our expression, voice and by the things we say and do.

When it comes to the pool many are afraid of the water, they are the ones who sit around the pool and do not go in for a dip. We often hide our feelings and find some words hard to express, and that is more prevalent in men than women, young Nate is no different.

On Monday, when he was playing he mentioned that he was going for swimming lessons and quickly added, that he was afraid. That was a brave statement as most will never admit to that. So I said it was okay to feel that way, and as he gets older, he may not always have those feelings, and said that there are others who also are scared of the water. It was brief, and yet something that needed to be said, that took a lot of courage on his part.

The phone rang and on the other end was a proud father of his son, on their way home from the Y, saying that he didn't cry today and didn't seem to be afraid.He jumped right in and began swimming. It was probably the dog paddle. I spoke with Nathan on the phone and he was very proud of his achievement. He also mentioned the reward he was promised.

Several years ago, I took a course that introduced me to a new word. The teacher said it pertained to and worked for all. WIFM--Whats in it for me. It works like a charm, sets a positive picture in setting goals,-- desiring to completion. Everyone wants something bad enough.

Positive reinforcement, a happy and successful goal-setting child with his eye on the prize, and a proud father. All in one day!

All it took was the promise of a root beer. Congrats Nathan, I knew you could do it.

Tare Down that Wall!

Great words at a great time in the history of the world. All because someone saw something different.

The wall I'm talking about today, is the wall of the heart. Every time someone is hurt, they build a wall around them, a protective one. It can become so thick that it discloses the truth about how they really feel. They tend to lash out answers, quickly and sometimes loudly. They are always finding fault with everything. They complain constantly. It leaves you thinking about their coldness. You judge them to be unkind and avoid being with them in order to avoid the lashing, conflict and the lasting feeling of being battered. They freeze you out...

Why do people appear so bitter and unkind? Is it but a refection of the way they have been mistreated? What is the remedy for those brave enough to endure their company? Is that why we are to love our perceived enemy? Often the way people act is a learned behaviour. It is an expected response by someone who had been subjected to hatefulness, and then became its mirrored image. Unknowingly, their actions alienate them from others... and, they continue down the path of loneliness.

Breaking the cycle is like getting out of the boat. Confront it, lovingly. I have always disliked barking dogs (people) with harsh tones, especially people that talk badly about others. Like dogs that bite, I shy away.

Yesterday, something strange happened at coffee hour. Someone offered me a chair as they were leaving, causing me to sit with several people that I usually avoid, as to not cause conflict. After conversing for a short time, I began to see someone beautiful. The wall had been let down exposing a "loving heart". Whether I had misjudged this person to be different or perhaps, there was a metamorphosis I'll never know. But I know that I will not see anything but a loving person when I look at that person in the future. I was wrong. There sat the pearl hidden in a shell, the diamond cut from the mine, and the brightness hidden by a cloud.

Sometimes it is not the other person, maybe the shackles were removed from my own eyes. I think that is how Jesus is. He sees the good in His creations. Love is like that....no matter what you do or are, your still special in the eyes of someone that loves you, because your focus is only on the good in them.

Looking for the good in others isn't always possible through human eyes, but when we ask for the Lord to "Open our eyes through His," we will see what we have not been able to see before, through the eyes of our heart. And through eyes of our heart we will become better human beings and emulators of love.

Love is a decision. That means that you must take the first step.

No Greater Privilege

Father Peter testified today that the name he took when he was ordained into the ministry of Christ was largely because he could identify with this well-known saint, Peter. When you step out of the boat, like Peter did, in today's gospel reading, you do so with nothing but your heart, which directs your action. You respond to the call because you trust.

Strangely, because of my sir name, which means "little Peter," I feel a great attachment to St. Peter, in many ways.

St. Peter served the church of Christ, answering the call to "feed My sheep." Today, father talked about getting out of the boat, as Peter did during a horrific storm to walk toward Jesus.

There is no greater privilege than to serve Christ in His church. Answering the call means that in the darkest of times, such as the world today, it will take courage to step out from your comfort zone and go forward, no matter what travail exists around you.

We are like children, taking our first step in faith. Jesus will direct your every step because He knows we are lacking courage, "all of us." I've always had a fear of water, darkness, and storms. We are not alone in these things and maybe we always will be afraid of the unknown.

But there is no one anywhere that offers us safety through any storm or that stands ready to catch us when we fall, awaiting our circumstance, anytime , anywhere than Jesus. He will sustain us both now and for all eternity.

Listen for His voice, "He says Come!"

Helping Each Other

Today will be a busy day, but before I begin, I wanted to get this post in as I didn't have a chance in the last few days.

On Monday, Nathan came over to stay with grandma and as usual it was a "first" for many things. These are the things I hoped to record before I forget.

One of the firsts was the fact that he can now reach the light and fan combination chain, which is located in the kitchen, and he pulled it on and with a grin, I saw in him the look of achievement. There will be many such moments in Nathan's life.

Grandmother's reinforce. I showed him a trick to get his shoes on the right feet, as he is unsure which sneaker goes on which foot. It was off to the church to water the plants, and that meant taking his little watering can with us. What a pain it is to have to stop and refill, yet he loves helping grandma and we played getting each other wet and teasing each other. I still love to play as much as he does. He rode his new scooter around the place, and I had to teach him to ride on the side of the road in order not to go too fast down the middle. Even though he had his hat on, I could sense his discomfort at thinking that he was going to lose control. I know a lot of men in my life like that. A little coaxing and everything was okay. He likes knowing that someone is by his side.

Nathan still gets apprehensive about certain things, like the bouncy house that was deflated Monday, and enjoyed by many children on Sunday, the day of our festival. He resolved the questioning about not participating by saying he'll do it when he is five. The funny thing is that this is his mindset and he probably will do it then, when he is ready. He kept talking about it though, just like the fans which make a lot of noise. Children have little fears. It is a part of the learning process. Some can be coaxed through, other fears take time, patience and understanding. And, it's okay.

I've seen grown men who are afraid to fly. He helped me to water with the hose, and we examined the produce, calling everything by name, and counting as we deposited the water over each and every plant. (This is a positive reinforcement of numbers). Then, he helped me move the hose around and roll it up. He enjoyed turning the faucet on the barrel off. A man has to do a man's work. We obtained a chair from the open pavilion, and placed a hook on the squirrel proof bird feeder in order to hang it on a more secure branch.

Nate didn't even realize how tired he was only that he had worked up an appetite, so off we went home to grandma's house for lunch. Having enjoyed his lunch, he got vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was an understanding that he had to earn it by being a good listener.

After lunch I allow him to play with his favorite toy planes, and trucks and cars then, it was time for puzzles and books, and creative work. He loves the sticker books with all his favorite trucks, saying if he saves enough money "can I buy all of them?" Learning the value of things takes a long time. But there is a lesson in learning to put money aside in his bank. Money he earns by being grandma's helper.

I noticed that if I initiate the puzzle it makes it fun for him to finish. He learns to feel a sense of accomplishment, and competitiveness, saying I beat you, grandma. That will be the story at every level in his life. Funny, I saw it in the newly married couple at our church the day of our festival. Who can beat and who can be better at...A wise woman learns that if she lets her male competitor win, then she becomes the real winner in the end. A man's ego is tender.

When it came to writing his letter's, I understood that the motor skills are just developing and to push him to do more than a few would be discouraging. I use words like down this road and circle, following the direction of the arrow and stop. He is very conscientious and by nature careful which means that he does a very good job. We have a drawing board, and when the workbook is put away, I encourage him to use it to demonstrate the letters he learned. When it comes to the capitol "A" I noticed that he draws the letters correctly but has trouble knowing how to angle the lines. I asked him if he knew what a triangle was? He did. Then I showed him the three dot trick. One at the top and two at the bottom. I left the room, and when I came back he had drawn a perfect "A." These sessions are fun and brief and always earn him a favorite snack, a chocolate chip cookie.

This little man is no different than other men, thinking about the reward.

His mind is amazing! He thinks like an engineer. At the pavilion he looked up and saw the "air conditioners" and as a matter of fact, upon entering the car and from his car seat, he said, "grandma turn my air conditioner on." I've owned that car for years and didn't even know we had one back there. And, he knows how it is operated.

He is not allowed to leave toys or shoes or anything else lying around where people can trip over them unexpectedly. He removes them quickly when I remind him, without grumbling. Why, because he is a good listener and that gets him little chocolate bits to either take home or eat on the bench. At grandma's its always about the reward, grandma's little secret in developing good listening skills. I enjoy Nathan so much. He is always so well behaved for me. He brings laughter and joy to my heart. Just hearing the sound of the little boy voice is music to my ears. I am teaching him to sing "You are my Sunshine." That he is, sunshine to us all.

And secret of anticipation works on men of all ages. Something I learned from Bill's grandmother Leona, always give them a treat to take home in a small bag. It makes them feel "special." And aren't we after all, special?

People Types

No we are not all alike. There are people types. I'm the type of person that likes things clean and orderly. For example, clean counters, neat draws, and a place for everything. I do not have to see it to know that I have it. Instant recall, is necessary or for some, labelling to find the item in a moments time. It is called organizational skills. A person who is inclined to be this type, will be driven crazy by lazy people who cannot put things away. If you put things in the same place, you will eventually get to where that item is stored.

People of another type, "the lazy type" will open mail, and drop it on the counter, or perhaps they'll skip the opening process as well. Everything eventually, clothes, books, dishes and soda cans or beer bottles appear everywhere. I wonder, is that to remind them that they ate, or how many they drank, or where something may be. The fact is, they never seem to be able to find anything that they need, despite the fact it is right under their noses.

If you live in a small house, and are untidy, your home soon fills up with empties and is so disorderly that you will not have the energy to keep up with cleaning it.

This should be in a marriage contract. Before you say I do, find out because trivial things such as being "irresponsible" for your things can loudly spell out I don't think so... This type is often irresponsible for paying bills on time, simply because they haven't opened them or they don't know where to find them. The result can lead to frivolous expenditures, late fees and other charges. They'll be constant reminders and other notifications which may affect your credit rating. A knew a lady who replaced what she couldn't find, even though she may have had several of them already.

This type of character literally wants to live in a mess and your moving their things can provoke them to the point of argument. How could you be content living in that manner? It will eventually drive you crazy. Ultimately, you will live a life of picking up after someone else and then, have to tell them where you've put the items. On the other hand, your being a "neat freak" will drive them crazy also.

This does not just happen at home, it also happens in places like church kitchens. I don't know how many times some of us have put things back into their little spaces, only to find them back on counter-tops. Why can't they put them back where they found them?

Maybe it's me. I've trained my children to be tidy, and already that made me a good mother-in-law. I even make it a point to teach my grandson, that no, toys are not to be left all over the house, but to be returned to the room they came from, with a little slack there.

Looking at the room this morning, I can tell he had a great time. I am happy to see all the activity enjoyed by him and I didn't have to fall over all the pieces everywhere. We just close the door until we can get to it.

Everyone should have their own space, provided they keep it and respect the fact that other's do not enjoy viewing their messes, nor do they expect to have to clean up your tracks on the way in and throughout your home.

Who said it is easy to live with other's? The type that likes to not be hassled by their junk and expect other's to want to live in a pig-pen style are made for each other. Often they don't even see it anymore and the first thing that comes out of their mouths is "where is the ...." because they are blinded to it all.....

Maybe it is that you like to spend your life cleaning up after others? I don't. Here's the best one. I have a friend who is constantly picking up after her son and husband on her day off from work. And, they have a nerve to complain when she does not have the time to go out somewhere. Why, she is always cleaning.

I have another friend who says "It'll wait." That's it! They are called procrastinator's...