One of the American Idol contestants sang a song Wednesday night about getting girls and all of that stuff. It was kind of a dirty song and didn't have much of a message. Not very enlightening or entertaining. It was hedonistic.
When questioned about the choice of song, the contestant eagerly admitted that he is looking forward to being on a bus traveling around America with girls in every town. I lost interest in him at that point. He's on a road to nowhere. Maybe kind of like Scared Straight every singer wannabee should spend some time with a touring band and find out what it's really like.
It can't be all that good because established bands don't go on tour very often. And not that many use a bus. What most singer entertainers realize at some point is that a person needs home and family, permanence, putting down roots and all of that. The entertainment business is so frenetic as it is that something needs to make sense, something has to matter long term. It would seem that Harry Connick and Keith Urban have learned that lesson. They are family men.
This young man will find out, but he's the kind that will have to find out the hard way. That's the road he wants to travel.
Life can be full and life can be empty. A classmate of mine passed away in November 2013. We found out when his invitation was returned marked "deceased." That was a shock. He'd never attended even one reunion but his friends missed him and wondered about him. He died alone, estranged from his brother and even in the last years from his mother. He wanted to be left alone apparently. How sad.
The difference between that full life and the empty one isn't easy to describe in the words we have available to us, but the effect is truly awe inspiring. The full life comes to us when we know, love and serve God. That's when all the pieces come together and life makes sense. That's when we learn how to love others and think of them first. That's when we grow in love and charity every single day. That's when we cherish the simplest of things -- a hug from a grandchild. A card. And that's when we cherish family and friends and thank God for them.
The upcoming star on American Idol hasn't learned yet how a busy and immoral life can be empty, monotonous and meaningless. I hope he does learn that lesson.
Light of Christ
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Skipped a Day
Sorry about yesterday. I was just going about my business and not thinking about much of anything -- that's apparent -- and I forgot to post. So apologies to the faithful readers out there.
Today I was supposed to go see my sister in Westlake and we had plans to get lunch and go to Ollie's (good stuff cheap). But last night when we heard the updated weather forecast for our area and also the Cleveland area, it became obvious that today would not be a good day for a visit. The best we could do would be to huddle around the space heater in her kitchen and eat all day.
So we rescheduled. The Cleveland area is due to have colder wind chill temperatures today than we are, so the idea of 15 below zero just wasn't attractive, and added to that there is to be some snow today, but no one seems to know who will get what.
I've been working on some craft projects for two upcoming charity events. One is the school's silent auction and the other is the Altar and Rosary Society's annual card party. We don't attend the school event at Guy's Party Center, but I like to help them out any way I can. The card party is something we all look forward to. It's at the social hall and it includes a nice light dinner and then tables and tables of prizes that we take chances to win. Everyone is in a lighthearted mood because spring is upon us (by that time) and it's a ladies' night out. Although there are a couple of tables of guys who come to play euchre I guess.
When the warmer weather finally comes, people are going to go crazy!! Can you imagine the plant places, the bicycles, the walkers, the joggers, the mowers, the fertilizers, the pressure washers, the painters, the pool preparers, all heading for the outdoors. Lowes will be mobbed. And I promise myself on this day in the presence of the readers of this blog that I WILL sit outside on a chair for at least an hour a day if not longer.
So that's about it. Tuesday afternoon was rough for Ella. She wasn't feeling well at school, likely had a mild seizure there, and so the teacher thought maybe someone should pick her up. That "someone" would be me, but my cell phone wasn't charged up and both my son and daughter-in-law were trying to reach me to tell me to go to the school. I was oblivious to all of it and was on the way to their house to meet the bus. So once Ella got off and the bus driver described that Ella had been talking to a friend the whole way home (which I thought was nice but I couldn't figure out why it was significant), my son got in touch with me. Ella had a little bit of a fever (they have one of those fantastic temperature takers that you just swipe across her forehead and down her cheek) so I gave her some liquid Tylenol as her mom mentioned. And then I just sat by her and we watched some TV while I stroked her back and her legs. By the time her mom got home, she did seem to feel better but the next day complained about her ear. I'm pretty sure she went to the doctor.
So another lesson learned. We never stop needing to learn lessons, do we? I've got the phone charged up now and it will be on my person whenever I am responsible for Ella and Drew and Lauren.
Take care, and stay bundled up. The winds are picking up speed right now as I'm typing this, and the temperatures are dropping. Tonight will be frigid again. Doesn't all of this make you wonder at the folks who call Alaska home?
Today I was supposed to go see my sister in Westlake and we had plans to get lunch and go to Ollie's (good stuff cheap). But last night when we heard the updated weather forecast for our area and also the Cleveland area, it became obvious that today would not be a good day for a visit. The best we could do would be to huddle around the space heater in her kitchen and eat all day.
So we rescheduled. The Cleveland area is due to have colder wind chill temperatures today than we are, so the idea of 15 below zero just wasn't attractive, and added to that there is to be some snow today, but no one seems to know who will get what.
I've been working on some craft projects for two upcoming charity events. One is the school's silent auction and the other is the Altar and Rosary Society's annual card party. We don't attend the school event at Guy's Party Center, but I like to help them out any way I can. The card party is something we all look forward to. It's at the social hall and it includes a nice light dinner and then tables and tables of prizes that we take chances to win. Everyone is in a lighthearted mood because spring is upon us (by that time) and it's a ladies' night out. Although there are a couple of tables of guys who come to play euchre I guess.
When the warmer weather finally comes, people are going to go crazy!! Can you imagine the plant places, the bicycles, the walkers, the joggers, the mowers, the fertilizers, the pressure washers, the painters, the pool preparers, all heading for the outdoors. Lowes will be mobbed. And I promise myself on this day in the presence of the readers of this blog that I WILL sit outside on a chair for at least an hour a day if not longer.
So that's about it. Tuesday afternoon was rough for Ella. She wasn't feeling well at school, likely had a mild seizure there, and so the teacher thought maybe someone should pick her up. That "someone" would be me, but my cell phone wasn't charged up and both my son and daughter-in-law were trying to reach me to tell me to go to the school. I was oblivious to all of it and was on the way to their house to meet the bus. So once Ella got off and the bus driver described that Ella had been talking to a friend the whole way home (which I thought was nice but I couldn't figure out why it was significant), my son got in touch with me. Ella had a little bit of a fever (they have one of those fantastic temperature takers that you just swipe across her forehead and down her cheek) so I gave her some liquid Tylenol as her mom mentioned. And then I just sat by her and we watched some TV while I stroked her back and her legs. By the time her mom got home, she did seem to feel better but the next day complained about her ear. I'm pretty sure she went to the doctor.
So another lesson learned. We never stop needing to learn lessons, do we? I've got the phone charged up now and it will be on my person whenever I am responsible for Ella and Drew and Lauren.
Take care, and stay bundled up. The winds are picking up speed right now as I'm typing this, and the temperatures are dropping. Tonight will be frigid again. Doesn't all of this make you wonder at the folks who call Alaska home?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Polar Vortex
Well, who ever heard of the polar vortex before this year? And apparently, it's back again! So prepare yourself for Thursday night, Friday and some days beyond.
The recipe for potholes is apparently two parts polar vortex, one part rain in between, and one part snow because I've never seen potholes like this year. Yesterday's Canton newspaper echoes that same observation. In the 55th Street area of Canton/Plain Township, there is one that has to be three feet deep. People are driving their cars like those drivers at Monte Carlo. Zigging and sagging all around, and everyone quite tolerant of each other, I might add. Plus, the drivers are going very slow. You have to in order to miss the worst of them. For me the worst time is morning because it's so dark that you can't begin to see them until it is too late.
With our local governments already drained from the cost of buying salt this year, I wonder how long it will take before we can get some patching done, even just cold mix which can be applied now but is only a temporary fix.
And of course, I had no idea it was going to snow last night. The driveway has just enough snow on it this morning to hamper my plans to go to Rite Aid and get more Coldeze lozenges for my husband and maybe for me too. They do help shorten the length of a cold if taken at the first signs of a cold. They aren't cheap though, and I suppose an enterprising person might be able to get the zinc and whatever else is in them and take it in the same dosage for the same result. Thing is, I'm not feeling that enterprising right now.
There are lots of folks who could use prayer at this time. The one I would mention today is Luke from Jackson Township. He was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemotherapy, but the therapy has left him with painful mouth sores. It makes eating and swallowing very painful for him. He is 13 years old. If you have a spare moment or two, say a prayer for Luke, his family and his caregivers. Luke's illness came on very suddenly and he is old enough to know how sick he is. His situation really gets to me.
Well, that's about it this morning. I've got to make the bed and get some chores done, plus venture out into the coldness to get the lozenges, as soon as my husband puts down some salt.
Take care. Bundle up.
The recipe for potholes is apparently two parts polar vortex, one part rain in between, and one part snow because I've never seen potholes like this year. Yesterday's Canton newspaper echoes that same observation. In the 55th Street area of Canton/Plain Township, there is one that has to be three feet deep. People are driving their cars like those drivers at Monte Carlo. Zigging and sagging all around, and everyone quite tolerant of each other, I might add. Plus, the drivers are going very slow. You have to in order to miss the worst of them. For me the worst time is morning because it's so dark that you can't begin to see them until it is too late.
With our local governments already drained from the cost of buying salt this year, I wonder how long it will take before we can get some patching done, even just cold mix which can be applied now but is only a temporary fix.
And of course, I had no idea it was going to snow last night. The driveway has just enough snow on it this morning to hamper my plans to go to Rite Aid and get more Coldeze lozenges for my husband and maybe for me too. They do help shorten the length of a cold if taken at the first signs of a cold. They aren't cheap though, and I suppose an enterprising person might be able to get the zinc and whatever else is in them and take it in the same dosage for the same result. Thing is, I'm not feeling that enterprising right now.
There are lots of folks who could use prayer at this time. The one I would mention today is Luke from Jackson Township. He was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemotherapy, but the therapy has left him with painful mouth sores. It makes eating and swallowing very painful for him. He is 13 years old. If you have a spare moment or two, say a prayer for Luke, his family and his caregivers. Luke's illness came on very suddenly and he is old enough to know how sick he is. His situation really gets to me.
Well, that's about it this morning. I've got to make the bed and get some chores done, plus venture out into the coldness to get the lozenges, as soon as my husband puts down some salt.
Take care. Bundle up.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Dust
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," is a familiar phrase that most of us probably think comes from the Bible, but it is actually an adaptation of a phrase from Genesis appearing in the Book of Common Prayer in the Anglican Church.
It means that we come from dust and to dust we shall return. And what I just wrote should sound somewhat familiar because this is close to what the priest says when you receive the ashes on your forehead on Ash Wednesday.
All of it is a reminder of our own mortality and of the stark difference between being alive and being dead. And this is a very serious issue and one that we need to confront in order to really recognize our need for a close relationship with God. But perhaps we will go into more depth about our mortality a little closer to Ash Wednesday.
However, all of this brings me to a frank discussion of the emerging sunlight this morning that is basking my craft room with beautiful light. Because the light is so splendid that it reveals the dust on the desk, the keyboard, the monitor, and the shelves just above me. I've got work to do.
Today was going to be a bake cookie day, and maybe it still will be, but somewhere in there is also going to be a thoroughly dust the craft room day and a shampoo the carpet in the dining room day. Just sitting here and looking around (which is dangerous), I see a lovely silver frame sitting on the desk with a telltale amount of dust on the top. Where does all of this stuff come from?
I thought maybe we should all be educated on the finer details of dust. It might make us more likely to get rid of it. So here goes -- from someone named lynnorth in 2006 --
"Actually, there are three main components of dust: first, dead skin cells, second, the dried feces and dessicated corpses of dust mites (lovely thought, eh? When people develop a house-dust allergy, this is usually the component they are reacting to), and the last component by volume is tiny fibers shed by clothing -- cotton is bad for this, and jeans are the worst. This is for ordinary house dust. (Incidentally, dust mites are not generally visible, except with a microscope; they are 200-300 microns long, they eat dead skin cells and live in bedding, carpets and soft furnishings. Always. Trust me on this, anything a year old or more has a good population of them.)"
You can follow this train of thought any way you want, but I'm sticking to the tiny fibers shed by clothing myself. I've seen paper mites, so more details about dust mites (like observing them under a microscope) is unnecessary. I get the picture. Time to REALLY dust, not just use my trusty lambs wool handled thingy. Thank you so much, lynnorth. Made my day.
Hope I didn't mess yours up too much!!
Remember that old song, "May the Bird of Paradise fly up your nose?" Yep, there was one. Well, now I'm getting this picture of me dusting and the dust kind of poofing upward and the dust particles going up my nose. Maybe I should get one of those masks to wear. Hmmmm.
I'm going to tell my husband that I should get some hazard pay for dusting. Let's see how that goes over.
Take care, all of you.
It means that we come from dust and to dust we shall return. And what I just wrote should sound somewhat familiar because this is close to what the priest says when you receive the ashes on your forehead on Ash Wednesday.
All of it is a reminder of our own mortality and of the stark difference between being alive and being dead. And this is a very serious issue and one that we need to confront in order to really recognize our need for a close relationship with God. But perhaps we will go into more depth about our mortality a little closer to Ash Wednesday.
However, all of this brings me to a frank discussion of the emerging sunlight this morning that is basking my craft room with beautiful light. Because the light is so splendid that it reveals the dust on the desk, the keyboard, the monitor, and the shelves just above me. I've got work to do.
Today was going to be a bake cookie day, and maybe it still will be, but somewhere in there is also going to be a thoroughly dust the craft room day and a shampoo the carpet in the dining room day. Just sitting here and looking around (which is dangerous), I see a lovely silver frame sitting on the desk with a telltale amount of dust on the top. Where does all of this stuff come from?
I thought maybe we should all be educated on the finer details of dust. It might make us more likely to get rid of it. So here goes -- from someone named lynnorth in 2006 --
"Actually, there are three main components of dust: first, dead skin cells, second, the dried feces and dessicated corpses of dust mites (lovely thought, eh? When people develop a house-dust allergy, this is usually the component they are reacting to), and the last component by volume is tiny fibers shed by clothing -- cotton is bad for this, and jeans are the worst. This is for ordinary house dust. (Incidentally, dust mites are not generally visible, except with a microscope; they are 200-300 microns long, they eat dead skin cells and live in bedding, carpets and soft furnishings. Always. Trust me on this, anything a year old or more has a good population of them.)"
You can follow this train of thought any way you want, but I'm sticking to the tiny fibers shed by clothing myself. I've seen paper mites, so more details about dust mites (like observing them under a microscope) is unnecessary. I get the picture. Time to REALLY dust, not just use my trusty lambs wool handled thingy. Thank you so much, lynnorth. Made my day.
Hope I didn't mess yours up too much!!
Remember that old song, "May the Bird of Paradise fly up your nose?" Yep, there was one. Well, now I'm getting this picture of me dusting and the dust kind of poofing upward and the dust particles going up my nose. Maybe I should get one of those masks to wear. Hmmmm.
I'm going to tell my husband that I should get some hazard pay for dusting. Let's see how that goes over.
Take care, all of you.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Infinity
My brother-in-law bought a beautiful Curtis-Mathes TV set in around 1962. And each night that Ben Casey (a TV show about a doctor with the same name) came on, we'd cluster around the black and white TV for another episode.
At the start of each show, the all-knowing doctor teacher played by Sam Jaffe already at that time old wrote on a blackboard. The symbols he wrote were: Man, woman, birth, death, infinity. I couldn't take my eyes off it, and was especially drawn to the symbol for infinity. Two circles intertwined with one another. A journey, a pathway, a never-ending course.
We humans struggle with the concept of infinity, for everything we know and are familiar with has a beginning and an end, starting with us. And while we come upon that reality at a relatively young age, it is not a welcome concept.
A beloved family pet that had seen many sunrises and sunsets and had slowed down just a little bit at a time until one day the life was gone. That little tree in the backyard that came from a seed and grew strong and straight, that seemed permanent, didn't fare well when the lightning bolt came out of the sky and split it. Beginnings and endings. It's the rhythm of life as we know it.
Yet, we who believe in Jesus Christ celebrate that he overcame death, that he rose and that he is forever. A God who is infinite -- who is and was and always will be. And while we celebrate, I think each and every one of us grapples with the concept of forever. Each one of us tries to imagine a God who always was.
And then the next leap of faith is trying to understand paradise, and wondering at it all. That we are given the chance, the choice, to be with this magnificent Creator forever.
I don't know about you, but a lot of times it just seems that I should be doing a lot more about sharing that message. I want EVERYONE to know God, to love God, and to serve God, so that they can also share heaven. Lent is coming, although this year Easter is late among the possible dates. And this year we celebrate Easter with our Eastern Orthodox brethren.
So what can we do? We can pray! We can be an example. We can make sacrifices for others. We can respect, care for, and assist others. We can let the light of Christ shine through us.
When we read the fairy tales that so often end, "And they lived happily ever after," it is an early reassurance to children that something good will come. Or maybe we just want to reassure ourselves. Isn't life interesting?
Quote for today: Man sees your actions, but God sees your motives.
-Thomas a Kempis
At the start of each show, the all-knowing doctor teacher played by Sam Jaffe already at that time old wrote on a blackboard. The symbols he wrote were: Man, woman, birth, death, infinity. I couldn't take my eyes off it, and was especially drawn to the symbol for infinity. Two circles intertwined with one another. A journey, a pathway, a never-ending course.
We humans struggle with the concept of infinity, for everything we know and are familiar with has a beginning and an end, starting with us. And while we come upon that reality at a relatively young age, it is not a welcome concept.
A beloved family pet that had seen many sunrises and sunsets and had slowed down just a little bit at a time until one day the life was gone. That little tree in the backyard that came from a seed and grew strong and straight, that seemed permanent, didn't fare well when the lightning bolt came out of the sky and split it. Beginnings and endings. It's the rhythm of life as we know it.
Yet, we who believe in Jesus Christ celebrate that he overcame death, that he rose and that he is forever. A God who is infinite -- who is and was and always will be. And while we celebrate, I think each and every one of us grapples with the concept of forever. Each one of us tries to imagine a God who always was.
And then the next leap of faith is trying to understand paradise, and wondering at it all. That we are given the chance, the choice, to be with this magnificent Creator forever.
I don't know about you, but a lot of times it just seems that I should be doing a lot more about sharing that message. I want EVERYONE to know God, to love God, and to serve God, so that they can also share heaven. Lent is coming, although this year Easter is late among the possible dates. And this year we celebrate Easter with our Eastern Orthodox brethren.
So what can we do? We can pray! We can be an example. We can make sacrifices for others. We can respect, care for, and assist others. We can let the light of Christ shine through us.
When we read the fairy tales that so often end, "And they lived happily ever after," it is an early reassurance to children that something good will come. Or maybe we just want to reassure ourselves. Isn't life interesting?
Quote for today: Man sees your actions, but God sees your motives.
-Thomas a Kempis
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Rain in the Forecast
The folks along the Chagrin River and those in Eastlake will be on high alert today. The rain, mixed with warmer temperatures and melting snow, is a perfect formula for flooding. And that calls to mind that there is a new movie out there entitled, "Noah." It's about Noah's Ark, as you might expect.
I haven't heard if the movie is more Hollywood or more faith, but maybe in time we'll get some feedback from the critics. It certainly depicts (from the trailer) how violent the weather was and how violent the people were who wanted at the last minute to be saved.
We're only going to get about a half an inch of rain so it might be okay here if the melting doesn't proceed at a fast clip, but the Cleveland area should get about an inch.
Have you been watching American Idol? They have Randy Jackson involved again this year, but as an advisor and mentor for the competitors. And they have assembled a group of people who know something about style or music arrangement, and even a non-denominational spiritual advisor for the group. That's different. Maybe in his 10 years as an Idol judge, Randy saw the need for something like that. Something to help the young competitors make sense of everything going on around them. And I imagine that a good number of them in the past years went a little south during the competition, overcome by the pressure and the expectations.
One thing that kind of gets to me is how people will drop the word, "God," in their comments before or after singing. Now, maybe it is truly heartfelt and sincere in every sense, and that would be good. But sometimes I get the feeling that it is intentional to get votes from the Christian faithful out there. And that would be wrong. Of course, American Idol isn't the only venue where people use God's name to advance themselves.
So, the walk at the mall went well. There were a lot of walkers yesterday!! The attitude was good, cheerful. The painting is moving along. The cutting in at the ceiling level is done now. Of course, this is just one of the rooms. We still have the living room and hall to do. We moved the china hutch with those furniture movers yesterday. If you don't have a set of them, go out and buy one. Buy the one that has a grouping of them too. We have used them a lot and they do save the back. The hard part was getting the hutch onto the mover in the first place, but we managed.
So take care today. My friend who had the bowel perforation came home yesterday, after just eight days in the hospital. What a demonstration of the power of prayer. She is retired now, so she can take the time to rest and heal. This Easter will have special meaning for her, for the time she will be able to spend with her children and 10 grandchildren.
God certainly has blessed her and we thank Him.
I haven't heard if the movie is more Hollywood or more faith, but maybe in time we'll get some feedback from the critics. It certainly depicts (from the trailer) how violent the weather was and how violent the people were who wanted at the last minute to be saved.
We're only going to get about a half an inch of rain so it might be okay here if the melting doesn't proceed at a fast clip, but the Cleveland area should get about an inch.
Have you been watching American Idol? They have Randy Jackson involved again this year, but as an advisor and mentor for the competitors. And they have assembled a group of people who know something about style or music arrangement, and even a non-denominational spiritual advisor for the group. That's different. Maybe in his 10 years as an Idol judge, Randy saw the need for something like that. Something to help the young competitors make sense of everything going on around them. And I imagine that a good number of them in the past years went a little south during the competition, overcome by the pressure and the expectations.
One thing that kind of gets to me is how people will drop the word, "God," in their comments before or after singing. Now, maybe it is truly heartfelt and sincere in every sense, and that would be good. But sometimes I get the feeling that it is intentional to get votes from the Christian faithful out there. And that would be wrong. Of course, American Idol isn't the only venue where people use God's name to advance themselves.
So, the walk at the mall went well. There were a lot of walkers yesterday!! The attitude was good, cheerful. The painting is moving along. The cutting in at the ceiling level is done now. Of course, this is just one of the rooms. We still have the living room and hall to do. We moved the china hutch with those furniture movers yesterday. If you don't have a set of them, go out and buy one. Buy the one that has a grouping of them too. We have used them a lot and they do save the back. The hard part was getting the hutch onto the mover in the first place, but we managed.
So take care today. My friend who had the bowel perforation came home yesterday, after just eight days in the hospital. What a demonstration of the power of prayer. She is retired now, so she can take the time to rest and heal. This Easter will have special meaning for her, for the time she will be able to spend with her children and 10 grandchildren.
God certainly has blessed her and we thank Him.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
The Mall Race
We're off to Belden Village this morning for the daily mall race. Dozens of "seniors" arrive at around 9:00 a.m. to begin their morning trek around every nook and crevice of the aging Belden Village Mall.
There are some people who have real problems with limping and such. I applaud their efforts. It takes much more for them to go on than most. There is a mother and daughter who arrive each day. There is the Queen of the races, a woman in her 50s at least who is in very good shape and pretty much flies by everyone else. And she rather enjoys it, you can tell. That's why I have dubbed her "Queen."
I imagine some of the walkers stay around after their walk and have a cup of coffee in the food court. Some of them are already having that cup of coffee when we arrive for our walk at around 9:15. And then some probably stay and do a little shopping. We've done that too, stopping in at the bath store or maybe Macy's. I got walking with my neighbor, Mary McGrath. She is 75 and quite spry, makes homemade donuts and her famous chicken and noodles. She subscribes to two or three newspapers and reads them well, so she's up on things. We'll have to talk about the Olympics today.
And when I logged in this morning to begin today's post, I saw something remarkable. The temp thing on my home page was reading 43 degrees! Can you believe it? It was maybe 2 the other day. So we're making progress.
The wasps numbers might be down this year and that's okay with me. They are the mud kind, the ones who take mud and build little tootsie rolls on the ceiling of our small porch cover. And they do the same under the railing on the deck. They haven't done it in years, but they've also built tootsie rolls under the deck furniture. One day when I was sitting outside for a bit, I started to notice a gathering of wasps around me. They weren't annoyed much, but I moved anyhow. Upon investigation, I was more or less sitting on their nest.
So -- have a great day, breathe in some fresh air, and imagine the colors of the rainbow that will come upon all of us in just a little while -- and Easter is late this year so that will make it lovely!
Bye for now. God Bless You.
There are some people who have real problems with limping and such. I applaud their efforts. It takes much more for them to go on than most. There is a mother and daughter who arrive each day. There is the Queen of the races, a woman in her 50s at least who is in very good shape and pretty much flies by everyone else. And she rather enjoys it, you can tell. That's why I have dubbed her "Queen."
I imagine some of the walkers stay around after their walk and have a cup of coffee in the food court. Some of them are already having that cup of coffee when we arrive for our walk at around 9:15. And then some probably stay and do a little shopping. We've done that too, stopping in at the bath store or maybe Macy's. I got walking with my neighbor, Mary McGrath. She is 75 and quite spry, makes homemade donuts and her famous chicken and noodles. She subscribes to two or three newspapers and reads them well, so she's up on things. We'll have to talk about the Olympics today.
And when I logged in this morning to begin today's post, I saw something remarkable. The temp thing on my home page was reading 43 degrees! Can you believe it? It was maybe 2 the other day. So we're making progress.
The wasps numbers might be down this year and that's okay with me. They are the mud kind, the ones who take mud and build little tootsie rolls on the ceiling of our small porch cover. And they do the same under the railing on the deck. They haven't done it in years, but they've also built tootsie rolls under the deck furniture. One day when I was sitting outside for a bit, I started to notice a gathering of wasps around me. They weren't annoyed much, but I moved anyhow. Upon investigation, I was more or less sitting on their nest.
So -- have a great day, breathe in some fresh air, and imagine the colors of the rainbow that will come upon all of us in just a little while -- and Easter is late this year so that will make it lovely!
Bye for now. God Bless You.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Schoolhouse Blues
The kids are home again today!! I was supposed to head over to my son's house this morning to get the kids ready for school, but now I'll wait to head out until it is much lighter and brighter AND maybe a snowplow has come by here. We have all day.
The color issue is resolved. The paint store employee added something (maybe a touch of brown) and the color is much improved. So we can commence with the painting project in all swiftness. I feel relieved.
Yesterday we had Chili Day at the College of Business, The University of Akron. I say "we" because I try to attend and help out whenever possible. There were 14 pots of chili made by faculty and staff members, representing all types and styles. There was a bison pot, a vegan pot, a white chili pot, but the winner was an entry entitled, "Traditional and Tangy." The five judges really enjoyed it.
Then it was time to treat the students! They got chili, crackers, cheese, a cookie, and a bottle of water. I heard one guy say to another as they walked off with their food, "This is sick." I guess that means good. A couple of students asked why we were doing it. My answer is, "Because we like you so much." They laughed. Many more said a heartfelt thank-you. It's all worthwhile and maybe around 300+ students got a free lunch.
Chili Day got its start as one of my brainstorms years ago. My best guess is other than last year when they took a break, it's been going on for about 20 years. It's a way to push back against the winter and see that spring is coming. The food is colorful, flavorful, and inviting. The students love getting this little break, this touch of home.
The mood in the upstairs kitchen was happy, and everyone discussed their own brand of chili, what they put in it, how they season it, and how hot is was. The names were fun too. I called mine, "Eat More Chicken Chili," as a kind-of play off of Chick-Fil-A. To me it tasted pretty good, different from my usual type.
Well, folks, now they are starting to compare the winter of 2013-14 with the infamous winter of 1977-78. And that's saying something. We got an unbelievable snowstorm back in 1978 when Greg was two. We lost power at the house for a fairly long amount of time and we were just about ready to give up and go someplace warm when the light going down the stairs to the family room suddenly came on. What a good feeling that was. So if we even come close to tying that winter, it's rather amazing.
Take care, be careful out there. Say a prayer for all of the drivers.
The color issue is resolved. The paint store employee added something (maybe a touch of brown) and the color is much improved. So we can commence with the painting project in all swiftness. I feel relieved.
Yesterday we had Chili Day at the College of Business, The University of Akron. I say "we" because I try to attend and help out whenever possible. There were 14 pots of chili made by faculty and staff members, representing all types and styles. There was a bison pot, a vegan pot, a white chili pot, but the winner was an entry entitled, "Traditional and Tangy." The five judges really enjoyed it.
Then it was time to treat the students! They got chili, crackers, cheese, a cookie, and a bottle of water. I heard one guy say to another as they walked off with their food, "This is sick." I guess that means good. A couple of students asked why we were doing it. My answer is, "Because we like you so much." They laughed. Many more said a heartfelt thank-you. It's all worthwhile and maybe around 300+ students got a free lunch.
Chili Day got its start as one of my brainstorms years ago. My best guess is other than last year when they took a break, it's been going on for about 20 years. It's a way to push back against the winter and see that spring is coming. The food is colorful, flavorful, and inviting. The students love getting this little break, this touch of home.
The mood in the upstairs kitchen was happy, and everyone discussed their own brand of chili, what they put in it, how they season it, and how hot is was. The names were fun too. I called mine, "Eat More Chicken Chili," as a kind-of play off of Chick-Fil-A. To me it tasted pretty good, different from my usual type.
Well, folks, now they are starting to compare the winter of 2013-14 with the infamous winter of 1977-78. And that's saying something. We got an unbelievable snowstorm back in 1978 when Greg was two. We lost power at the house for a fairly long amount of time and we were just about ready to give up and go someplace warm when the light going down the stairs to the family room suddenly came on. What a good feeling that was. So if we even come close to tying that winter, it's rather amazing.
Take care, be careful out there. Say a prayer for all of the drivers.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Brown or Gray
You know those color strips that you get at the paint store? Well, we have one that started a complete color change in the house. At the darkest on the strip, it is a nice, rich brown. At the lightest, it is a creamy color. We picked somewhere in the middle where there would seem to be some green mixed into the paint, but the effect is definitely taupe and it blends beautifully with cream colors.
I like it a lot. It favors the sunlight that comes in through the easterly windows and it is also a hit for the westerly side. We decided to paint the living room/dining room/kitchen/hall in a color off the same strip, but just one shade lighter. I didn't want the house to be too dark because we seem to get less light on the western side.
We did an accent wall between the living room and dining room in the darker shade that we've already used in two bedrooms and it is great. Then we opened up the lighter shade last night and put some up just to see what it would be like. Here's the thing -- it's not too good. For some reason the paint was mixed so that it is definitely more gray than the brownish I was looking for. In fact, where the two colors come together it moves toward hideous!! I'm not upset yet, but we are going back to the paint store today and try to sort it out. They have been really good to us and the quality of the paints is unquestionable. Most times, we can do one coat and it works out well, plus it doesn't drip and there's no drag on the brush or roller. And it's made in America.
Let's see what happens. I hope he can tweak the color a little bit and get it right. Otherwise, in all honesty, I'd pay to have it remixed.
Color is such an amazing thing! When we talk about how color changes things, it sure does. Look at the difference between the sunlight in winter and then when we have leaves out in full glory. Look at how our mood lightens and we get energy again, not only from the sunlight but also because of the color. Here in Ohio, it is curious that so many people devote so much time to growing flowers, flowering trees, and shrubs even though we don't get to see any of it for about six months of the year. And annuals -- these are just the fleeting flowers that we plant just 'cuz, and then we have to watch them freeze!! I remove them usually before the first frost because I hate to see them go that way.
The poets and the writers talk about how the seasons mimic the pattern of our lives -- spring being the time of new birth, of freshness and discovery; summer as the almost frenetic fast-paced rush to get every moment out of it like our teens, twenties and thirties; fall being a slowdown time when we bask in the glow of the warm color palette and reap the harvest, and finally winter, with washed out colors, and the wrinkled tree bark in full view. We don't have to get picky here and select the season that matches our own lives -- actually a lot of it is up to us. The attitude of new birth doesn't have to belong to the young and yet we can learn a lot from those grizzled from a life of experience and hardship.
I'll let you know what happens with the paint.
I like it a lot. It favors the sunlight that comes in through the easterly windows and it is also a hit for the westerly side. We decided to paint the living room/dining room/kitchen/hall in a color off the same strip, but just one shade lighter. I didn't want the house to be too dark because we seem to get less light on the western side.
We did an accent wall between the living room and dining room in the darker shade that we've already used in two bedrooms and it is great. Then we opened up the lighter shade last night and put some up just to see what it would be like. Here's the thing -- it's not too good. For some reason the paint was mixed so that it is definitely more gray than the brownish I was looking for. In fact, where the two colors come together it moves toward hideous!! I'm not upset yet, but we are going back to the paint store today and try to sort it out. They have been really good to us and the quality of the paints is unquestionable. Most times, we can do one coat and it works out well, plus it doesn't drip and there's no drag on the brush or roller. And it's made in America.
Let's see what happens. I hope he can tweak the color a little bit and get it right. Otherwise, in all honesty, I'd pay to have it remixed.
Color is such an amazing thing! When we talk about how color changes things, it sure does. Look at the difference between the sunlight in winter and then when we have leaves out in full glory. Look at how our mood lightens and we get energy again, not only from the sunlight but also because of the color. Here in Ohio, it is curious that so many people devote so much time to growing flowers, flowering trees, and shrubs even though we don't get to see any of it for about six months of the year. And annuals -- these are just the fleeting flowers that we plant just 'cuz, and then we have to watch them freeze!! I remove them usually before the first frost because I hate to see them go that way.
The poets and the writers talk about how the seasons mimic the pattern of our lives -- spring being the time of new birth, of freshness and discovery; summer as the almost frenetic fast-paced rush to get every moment out of it like our teens, twenties and thirties; fall being a slowdown time when we bask in the glow of the warm color palette and reap the harvest, and finally winter, with washed out colors, and the wrinkled tree bark in full view. We don't have to get picky here and select the season that matches our own lives -- actually a lot of it is up to us. The attitude of new birth doesn't have to belong to the young and yet we can learn a lot from those grizzled from a life of experience and hardship.
I'll let you know what happens with the paint.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!! It's not too bad outside, considering what we've had, and there's a light snow making it a sort of pretty morning.
Valentine is one of those words that begs to be mispronounced -- and I think we all know what it is -- Valentime. Little kids do it all the time, but so do adults. It goes right along with Lieberry instead of Library. But my all-time favorite is the guy who said "Swedish" Day instead of Sweetest Day. That's okay -- Sweetest Day is a made-up occasion anyhow.
The one that drives me crazy is February. Who can pronounce that correctly? If there is a correctly. I just make the B silent and go for it -- FebUary.
They had a big news story on last night on what to get and what not to get for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. One guy this morning bought a tiny heart-shaped cake at Lieberman's and was having it iced in a special way. It looked pretty sugary to me. I'm not a fan of sugar icing.
Later today when I get Lauren from school, we're going to stop at Deliciously Different and she's going to pick out some candy and then maybe we'll stop at Keillor's to see if she can find a stuffed animal. Lauren loves animals, and I know she's going to want to stop by Morrison's Pets to see the baby guinea pigs. Mrs. Morrison let her hold them the last time. But as long as Bun-Buns (her rabbit) is around, that's all the pets she's going to have at her house. Bun-Buns is actually Snowball, but Lauren's dad also has a bunch of other names for him that we won't repeat.
Here's something interesting. Sassy, our cat with the constipation problem, has always been skittish. If you approach her, she quickly moves away. You can't just reach down and pet her. If she wanted treats bad enough, she'd let you get closer but that was an uncommon thing. Well, since we've had to "catch" her twice a day to give her medicine, she's kind of loosened up. It's the exact opposite of what I thought she would do. I thought giving her the medicine would make her even more skittish and nervous. Instead, she seems to have calmed down some. This morning and last night, she didn't even bother trying to make a run for it!! She just let me pick her up. Wow. Why didn't I know about this a long time ago? She's seven! We were WAY too nice.
Maybe that same thing applies to people who appear to be a little standoffish. Maybe what we need to do is persevere with them! It's a thought.
So let us enjoy the beautiful red decorations, flowers, hearts, candies, teddy bears or whatever -- and know that spring is definitely on the way.
Valentine is one of those words that begs to be mispronounced -- and I think we all know what it is -- Valentime. Little kids do it all the time, but so do adults. It goes right along with Lieberry instead of Library. But my all-time favorite is the guy who said "Swedish" Day instead of Sweetest Day. That's okay -- Sweetest Day is a made-up occasion anyhow.
The one that drives me crazy is February. Who can pronounce that correctly? If there is a correctly. I just make the B silent and go for it -- FebUary.
They had a big news story on last night on what to get and what not to get for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. One guy this morning bought a tiny heart-shaped cake at Lieberman's and was having it iced in a special way. It looked pretty sugary to me. I'm not a fan of sugar icing.
Later today when I get Lauren from school, we're going to stop at Deliciously Different and she's going to pick out some candy and then maybe we'll stop at Keillor's to see if she can find a stuffed animal. Lauren loves animals, and I know she's going to want to stop by Morrison's Pets to see the baby guinea pigs. Mrs. Morrison let her hold them the last time. But as long as Bun-Buns (her rabbit) is around, that's all the pets she's going to have at her house. Bun-Buns is actually Snowball, but Lauren's dad also has a bunch of other names for him that we won't repeat.
Here's something interesting. Sassy, our cat with the constipation problem, has always been skittish. If you approach her, she quickly moves away. You can't just reach down and pet her. If she wanted treats bad enough, she'd let you get closer but that was an uncommon thing. Well, since we've had to "catch" her twice a day to give her medicine, she's kind of loosened up. It's the exact opposite of what I thought she would do. I thought giving her the medicine would make her even more skittish and nervous. Instead, she seems to have calmed down some. This morning and last night, she didn't even bother trying to make a run for it!! She just let me pick her up. Wow. Why didn't I know about this a long time ago? She's seven! We were WAY too nice.
Maybe that same thing applies to people who appear to be a little standoffish. Maybe what we need to do is persevere with them! It's a thought.
So let us enjoy the beautiful red decorations, flowers, hearts, candies, teddy bears or whatever -- and know that spring is definitely on the way.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Sitting on the Fence
This winter's brute force, severe cold, and unrelenting snowfall has done a number on me. It has made me take stock and store of our lives here in this house that we built and see the writing on the wall. We're getting older, slower, and like most Americans our age have a few "issues." Couple that with a house that was really created for a young family, young parents, and you have a bit of a mess.
My friends tell me pointedly, "You guys need to move." My son, not mincing any words, said, "You're too old to live in that house."
Sometimes you just have to remove all of the emotion and feelings from a situation and look at bare bones. When we built the house, we figured that it being a ranch we could live out our years here with no problem. But the driveway does have a slope to it, and we do live in the woods, so there are "issues" here too. The acre or so that we keep as grass seems to get larger. It was nothing for my husband to juggle what he had to do around here plus work, and it was nothing for me to keep the house fairly neat and orderly and work. But we are now both retired and if we were to move to a house that needs a little less effort, there would be more time to do other things. And certainly for my husband whose health is more precarious than mine, it might give him a little relaxation.
Doesn't it say in the Bible that for everything there is a season? This house was a 27-year season in our lives, and we have absolutely loved it. In early spring before the undergrowth springs up again, I still love to take walks in the back 40. It is so peaceful and beautiful back there, with large trees, shade and stillness. We have witnessed the glory of God in the magnificent sunrises and sunsets so clearly visible from the east and west. We've planted, fertilized and mowed, adding hundreds of plants, trees and shrubs since we moved here.
Honestly, each time I went online to see about going here or there for a vacation, it all seemed so pointless because living here has been a vacation almost every single day. The only thing we are missing is water, although a neighbor's pond is easy to see out our bedroom window. There was never anywhere to escape to, and the inspiration to buy the property came from a vacation in the woods in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland where our family enjoyed a number of great visits.
My husband views my discussion about moving as more or less a criticism of the house, and it is definitely not meant that way. He also has a hard time realizing that he can't do what he used to do so a discussion about a move might make him feel diminished in some way or defeated in another. And then my husband does what he does a lot of times when he feels uneasy -- he gets very crabby. And that definitely doesn't help. Last night, he finally did admit that if we moved, it would make things much easier for him. Touche!!!
The hard part is first letting go and seeing that home is where we are, wherever that happens to be. The other hard part is trying to imagine a move and the exhausting amount of work that would entail. Thinking about all of the address changes that would have to be made. Thinking about memorizing a new phone number (if we venture outside of Canal Fulton) after using the same one for more than 40 years. But as the house cleaning experts and organizers always say, you start with one room at a time. Make the big amount of work manageable by breaking it down into smaller pieces.
That, and making arrangements for the Blackie situation. It might take a little thought. I've been praying that God will tell us when and soon enough that we have the strength and the stamina to do a lot of it ourselves.
God has richly blessed us by allowing us to be here in this place. It has been a season. And now, with His help, we will begin preparing for a change.
If you know anyone who would like to have a wooden highchair for free, I have one. It's in perfect condition. Just let me know at knelsen@uakron.edu.
My friends tell me pointedly, "You guys need to move." My son, not mincing any words, said, "You're too old to live in that house."
Sometimes you just have to remove all of the emotion and feelings from a situation and look at bare bones. When we built the house, we figured that it being a ranch we could live out our years here with no problem. But the driveway does have a slope to it, and we do live in the woods, so there are "issues" here too. The acre or so that we keep as grass seems to get larger. It was nothing for my husband to juggle what he had to do around here plus work, and it was nothing for me to keep the house fairly neat and orderly and work. But we are now both retired and if we were to move to a house that needs a little less effort, there would be more time to do other things. And certainly for my husband whose health is more precarious than mine, it might give him a little relaxation.
Doesn't it say in the Bible that for everything there is a season? This house was a 27-year season in our lives, and we have absolutely loved it. In early spring before the undergrowth springs up again, I still love to take walks in the back 40. It is so peaceful and beautiful back there, with large trees, shade and stillness. We have witnessed the glory of God in the magnificent sunrises and sunsets so clearly visible from the east and west. We've planted, fertilized and mowed, adding hundreds of plants, trees and shrubs since we moved here.
Honestly, each time I went online to see about going here or there for a vacation, it all seemed so pointless because living here has been a vacation almost every single day. The only thing we are missing is water, although a neighbor's pond is easy to see out our bedroom window. There was never anywhere to escape to, and the inspiration to buy the property came from a vacation in the woods in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland where our family enjoyed a number of great visits.
My husband views my discussion about moving as more or less a criticism of the house, and it is definitely not meant that way. He also has a hard time realizing that he can't do what he used to do so a discussion about a move might make him feel diminished in some way or defeated in another. And then my husband does what he does a lot of times when he feels uneasy -- he gets very crabby. And that definitely doesn't help. Last night, he finally did admit that if we moved, it would make things much easier for him. Touche!!!
The hard part is first letting go and seeing that home is where we are, wherever that happens to be. The other hard part is trying to imagine a move and the exhausting amount of work that would entail. Thinking about all of the address changes that would have to be made. Thinking about memorizing a new phone number (if we venture outside of Canal Fulton) after using the same one for more than 40 years. But as the house cleaning experts and organizers always say, you start with one room at a time. Make the big amount of work manageable by breaking it down into smaller pieces.
That, and making arrangements for the Blackie situation. It might take a little thought. I've been praying that God will tell us when and soon enough that we have the strength and the stamina to do a lot of it ourselves.
God has richly blessed us by allowing us to be here in this place. It has been a season. And now, with His help, we will begin preparing for a change.
If you know anyone who would like to have a wooden highchair for free, I have one. It's in perfect condition. Just let me know at knelsen@uakron.edu.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Hang On, Hang On
If you've never heard of the Rhoda Wise house in Canton, Ohio, then let's talk about it today. Although featured on Fox 8 News this week, tonight is the second installment, the Rhoda Wise house has been known to many people for years.
Many years ago, Rhoda Wise was suffering. She'd had a huge tumor removed from her abdomen and wasn't healing from it. She was in pain. The surgery was done at Mercy Medical Center, then Mercy Hospital, and the nuns showed Rhoda how to say a Rosary, and prayed with her. Although at first Rhoda didn't think that much of all of that, in time she had a spiritual awakening, a quickening of the Spirit and her faith grew. One night Jesus came to her and he said he would be back. In one month's time he returned, this time bringing along St. Theresa, the Little Flower. It was St. Theresa who laid her hands on Rhoda's stomach and then told her to take off the bandage. She was healed.
At another time in Rhoda's life, this incident about two years before she died in 1948, Rhoda's ankle was healed completely.
When Mother Angelica was a little girl (Rita Rizzo), she was very sick as well. Her mother took her to the Rhoda Wise house and there she was healed of her infirmity. Rita became a nun and lived at Sancta Clara Monestery on Market and 44th Street in Canton. Later, she moved on and got into spreading the Word through the media, including television, and this is where her fame really grew.
The Rhoda Wise home is being maintained and cared for, and available for those who seek healing. Many have been healed there, and many have left with no healing. But there are different kinds of healing. Physical healing is just one type. I'm convinced that no one goes to the Rhoda Wise house without receiving God's grace and special assistance.
Early investigations are being started in the Diocese of Youngstown to determine if Rhoda Wise was, in fact, a saint. Photographs taken of the home at night show a bright light emanating from the window, something that would not have been available (special effects) at the time the picture was taken. Rhoda experienced a phenomenon that she holds in common with other saints -- she had the stigmata. Her head and hands bled from one to three in the afternoon on First Fridays (the first Friday of the month). There are photographs of Rhoda taken while she was bleeding.
Rhoda's husband built her an altar in the room where Jesus appeared. It remains so to this day. An outdoor shrine is also at the Rhoda Wise home for times when the home is closed, but when someone needs to stop and pray.
Many of the signs show that Rhoda Wise, a simple, poor woman from Canton, Ohio, is indeed a saint.
Stay warm; hang on. We're going to feel much better by the weekend!!! And so will poor Blackie.
Many years ago, Rhoda Wise was suffering. She'd had a huge tumor removed from her abdomen and wasn't healing from it. She was in pain. The surgery was done at Mercy Medical Center, then Mercy Hospital, and the nuns showed Rhoda how to say a Rosary, and prayed with her. Although at first Rhoda didn't think that much of all of that, in time she had a spiritual awakening, a quickening of the Spirit and her faith grew. One night Jesus came to her and he said he would be back. In one month's time he returned, this time bringing along St. Theresa, the Little Flower. It was St. Theresa who laid her hands on Rhoda's stomach and then told her to take off the bandage. She was healed.
At another time in Rhoda's life, this incident about two years before she died in 1948, Rhoda's ankle was healed completely.
When Mother Angelica was a little girl (Rita Rizzo), she was very sick as well. Her mother took her to the Rhoda Wise house and there she was healed of her infirmity. Rita became a nun and lived at Sancta Clara Monestery on Market and 44th Street in Canton. Later, she moved on and got into spreading the Word through the media, including television, and this is where her fame really grew.
The Rhoda Wise home is being maintained and cared for, and available for those who seek healing. Many have been healed there, and many have left with no healing. But there are different kinds of healing. Physical healing is just one type. I'm convinced that no one goes to the Rhoda Wise house without receiving God's grace and special assistance.
Early investigations are being started in the Diocese of Youngstown to determine if Rhoda Wise was, in fact, a saint. Photographs taken of the home at night show a bright light emanating from the window, something that would not have been available (special effects) at the time the picture was taken. Rhoda experienced a phenomenon that she holds in common with other saints -- she had the stigmata. Her head and hands bled from one to three in the afternoon on First Fridays (the first Friday of the month). There are photographs of Rhoda taken while she was bleeding.
Rhoda's husband built her an altar in the room where Jesus appeared. It remains so to this day. An outdoor shrine is also at the Rhoda Wise home for times when the home is closed, but when someone needs to stop and pray.
Many of the signs show that Rhoda Wise, a simple, poor woman from Canton, Ohio, is indeed a saint.
Stay warm; hang on. We're going to feel much better by the weekend!!! And so will poor Blackie.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Olympics -- Eddie the Eagle
The real problem with the Olympics is that these elite athletes make difficult things look really easy!! We were watching the ski jumping the other night and when you see how high the jump is and how far off the ground they are, it is terrifying. But they fly down that hill and push off hard right at the end of the hill -- and then do what man was never made to do -- fly.
The snowboarders are pretty much the same thing. They make it look easy. So they showed this one snowboarder a week or so before the games started and he was going down that ramp thing (like skateboarders do on handrails) and something went horribly wrong. He fell sideways and his right on his rib cage.
Years ago, there was this fellow from the UK who went by the nickname, Eddie the Eagle. Eddie wasn't blessed with the primo talent that the other ski jumpers had, but he gave it his all with gusto. He had a huge personality and everyone was really taken with Eddie. His jumps were sloppy and short. He didn't have good form. He didn't come even close to winning a thing. But he did something for me and for the others watching -- he didn't make it look easy. Now the viewers could respect even more what these amazing people were doing. And this year we have women!!
This is just me talking here but a good while back, I enjoyed watching the games much more. Part of it might have been that the competition was less known to me and I was still learning. Part of it was stellar broadcasting. The producers of the Olympic coverage did a masterful job of mixing actual competition with film and then with the even more interesting background stories. If it was a the Russian weightlifter, then someone traveled to his small Russian village and interviewed him and also some of the townsfolk with interpeter close by. It was great. By the time it was over, you knew something about another part of the world you'd never see, and you knew something about an athletic that you would never meet.
This year there seems to be some controversy about the torch lighter at the games. Her name is Irina Rodnina. When the TV coverage was so excellent, there was a lot said about Irina. Her partner with whom she had done quite well fell in love with another pairs skater and both pairs split up. It was reported at that time that the whole thing was pretty nasty. Rodnina came out triumphant, however, when she was paired with Zaitsev and they ended up beating her former pairs partner in a number of important competitions. She lived in the US for a while, and is now living in the former USSR and a political representative. She was always a fierce competitor and a strong, muscled skater, but I never warmed to her for some reason. I guess she had something on her tweet account that was not flattering to the president and first lady and so much is being made of her being selected to light the torch. She cites free speech. Interesting. WE were the ones with the free speech.
So we'll watch some of the Olympics tonight perhaps, especially the skating if they have some. I still enjoy that a lot, partly because of the wonderful music.
Pray for a friend of mine who is in the hospital with a perforated intestine. She really needs our support.
The snowboarders are pretty much the same thing. They make it look easy. So they showed this one snowboarder a week or so before the games started and he was going down that ramp thing (like skateboarders do on handrails) and something went horribly wrong. He fell sideways and his right on his rib cage.
Years ago, there was this fellow from the UK who went by the nickname, Eddie the Eagle. Eddie wasn't blessed with the primo talent that the other ski jumpers had, but he gave it his all with gusto. He had a huge personality and everyone was really taken with Eddie. His jumps were sloppy and short. He didn't have good form. He didn't come even close to winning a thing. But he did something for me and for the others watching -- he didn't make it look easy. Now the viewers could respect even more what these amazing people were doing. And this year we have women!!
This is just me talking here but a good while back, I enjoyed watching the games much more. Part of it might have been that the competition was less known to me and I was still learning. Part of it was stellar broadcasting. The producers of the Olympic coverage did a masterful job of mixing actual competition with film and then with the even more interesting background stories. If it was a the Russian weightlifter, then someone traveled to his small Russian village and interviewed him and also some of the townsfolk with interpeter close by. It was great. By the time it was over, you knew something about another part of the world you'd never see, and you knew something about an athletic that you would never meet.
This year there seems to be some controversy about the torch lighter at the games. Her name is Irina Rodnina. When the TV coverage was so excellent, there was a lot said about Irina. Her partner with whom she had done quite well fell in love with another pairs skater and both pairs split up. It was reported at that time that the whole thing was pretty nasty. Rodnina came out triumphant, however, when she was paired with Zaitsev and they ended up beating her former pairs partner in a number of important competitions. She lived in the US for a while, and is now living in the former USSR and a political representative. She was always a fierce competitor and a strong, muscled skater, but I never warmed to her for some reason. I guess she had something on her tweet account that was not flattering to the president and first lady and so much is being made of her being selected to light the torch. She cites free speech. Interesting. WE were the ones with the free speech.
So we'll watch some of the Olympics tonight perhaps, especially the skating if they have some. I still enjoy that a lot, partly because of the wonderful music.
Pray for a friend of mine who is in the hospital with a perforated intestine. She really needs our support.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Remembering
Remember that old Western that was popular years ago -- Palladin? I think that's the name. The sub-title was, "Have gun, will travel." He was a bounty collector or some such thing and one of those scary, quiet kinds of people.
Well, for me it is definitely, "Have yarn, will travel." I really enjoy crocheting, learned it when I was in my 20s but my interest in it sat dormant for a long, long time. Retirement was a reactivation of sorts. So today, I need to get my ammo in order to get back on track. More yarn!!
It's time for a trip to Joanne's, my usual favorite place to shop for crafts. I'd like to try Hobby Lobby but just haven't made it there yet. Sometimes I rationalize my trip there because I have good coupons, like 50% off a regularly priced item or how's this? A 20% off coupon for all purchases! That's my favorite. I have one of those today.
Some of the projects I've completed are: loads of baby blankets, afghans, a shower curtain, placemats, dish cloths, pillows, Christmas ornaments, a mermaid tail and top, winter hats, scarves, and the latest thing I'm working on -- crocheted popcorn puffs. They are somewhat tedious so I figured I'd make them now and then when it's time next fall, they will become tree garlands along with red wooden beads. They turn out great from the pictures I saw -- just like cranberries and popcorn!!
How do you know that you've become a full-fledged crafter? When the clerks at Joanne's know you. When they start a conversation with you at the fabric cutting station.
Each day that I pick up my crochet hook and start working on a project, I remember how fortunate I am to have this gift. It reinforces over and over the blessedness of giving.
So -- if you know how to do something but had to kind of "shelve" it for a while, don't despair. Just hang in there and life will give you an opportunity to start again at some point. One thing for sure -- treat your hands with respect. Make sure that when you are keyboarding, for example, that you use the right ergonomic stance. Never bend your wrists while you keyboard. They should be straight. Also respect your neck. Never look up at the monitor. There are some great websites online that will give you the exact proportions for sitting at the computer.
It might sound weird, but years ago after I got a new chair at work, my wrists were starting to bother me. An early sign of Carpal Tunnel trouble. They weren't awful, but it was an indication. So I went online and got the information, turned my chair upside down and adjusted the height of the seat, adjusted the monitor, etc., until it was just right. Within days the wrist ache was gone.
So that's it for today. Time to help my husband get those furniture mover things under the dining room table, because today he is painting the ceiling in the kitchen/dining room. I'll be home from Joanne's in no time to help some more.
Stay warm!!!!
Well, for me it is definitely, "Have yarn, will travel." I really enjoy crocheting, learned it when I was in my 20s but my interest in it sat dormant for a long, long time. Retirement was a reactivation of sorts. So today, I need to get my ammo in order to get back on track. More yarn!!
It's time for a trip to Joanne's, my usual favorite place to shop for crafts. I'd like to try Hobby Lobby but just haven't made it there yet. Sometimes I rationalize my trip there because I have good coupons, like 50% off a regularly priced item or how's this? A 20% off coupon for all purchases! That's my favorite. I have one of those today.
Some of the projects I've completed are: loads of baby blankets, afghans, a shower curtain, placemats, dish cloths, pillows, Christmas ornaments, a mermaid tail and top, winter hats, scarves, and the latest thing I'm working on -- crocheted popcorn puffs. They are somewhat tedious so I figured I'd make them now and then when it's time next fall, they will become tree garlands along with red wooden beads. They turn out great from the pictures I saw -- just like cranberries and popcorn!!
How do you know that you've become a full-fledged crafter? When the clerks at Joanne's know you. When they start a conversation with you at the fabric cutting station.
Each day that I pick up my crochet hook and start working on a project, I remember how fortunate I am to have this gift. It reinforces over and over the blessedness of giving.
So -- if you know how to do something but had to kind of "shelve" it for a while, don't despair. Just hang in there and life will give you an opportunity to start again at some point. One thing for sure -- treat your hands with respect. Make sure that when you are keyboarding, for example, that you use the right ergonomic stance. Never bend your wrists while you keyboard. They should be straight. Also respect your neck. Never look up at the monitor. There are some great websites online that will give you the exact proportions for sitting at the computer.
It might sound weird, but years ago after I got a new chair at work, my wrists were starting to bother me. An early sign of Carpal Tunnel trouble. They weren't awful, but it was an indication. So I went online and got the information, turned my chair upside down and adjusted the height of the seat, adjusted the monitor, etc., until it was just right. Within days the wrist ache was gone.
So that's it for today. Time to help my husband get those furniture mover things under the dining room table, because today he is painting the ceiling in the kitchen/dining room. I'll be home from Joanne's in no time to help some more.
Stay warm!!!!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Warmth
Warmth for me is welcome, but it is also a curse sometimes. I have Reynaud's. Have you heard of it before? My hands and feet have a tendency to be cold and then turn whitish and black/blue. It is a terrible feeling.
Gloves help but if I'm going to be out in the cold for a while, even with the gloves, I use "hotties," those warming things you shake up to use. They are awesome. I can stay outside to shovel snow for a long time with the hotties inside my gloves.
My feet are another story. Once my feet start to get cold, they sweat. The sweat causes them to stay cold and wet and that is miserable!! Cotton socks are the best for me because they wick off any normal moisture. Once my feet are cold, though, I'm either going to need a change of socks or a heavy blanket.
Some people who have Reynaud's really get into trouble because there are two types -- one more annoying than serious and the other serious enough that the blood supply is cut off to the hands/feet and gangrene is a possibility. Thankfully, I have the less serious kind. It runs in families. I have it, my two sisters have it, my niece and nephew have it and so far, that's all that I know of.
Years ago, I just thought that everyone hated buying food from the frozen food section because handling the food actually hurts!! It wasn't until much, much later that I found out that this is yet another symptom of Reynaud's. For example, if I'm making hamburger with refrigerated meat, it physically hurts and the relief comes from running very warm water on my hands.
When I have cold hands or feet, I can help myself by either getting busy and doing something, like running the sweeper, dusting, that kind of thing. OR, I can bundle up on the couch and sit there for a while with hands and feet covered. When I start warming up, that's when Reynaud's is a curse. I always fall asleep!! I hate that. Last night, I thought we were watching the Olympics and then around 9:30 p.m. I woke up and realized that I'd been napping for about 20 minutes. My sister says she does the same thing.
There are a number of great products out there for Reynaud's sufferers. One of them is a pair of heated gloves. They are only $275.00 or something like that. Wow. But I suppose if I spent more time outside, it would be well worth it. As for now, the hotties will help me make due.
So when I always say, "Stay warm," I really mean it.
That's about it today. I have been thinking that since a number of you enjoyed the fiction in the blog some months ago that maybe we could do a Part II of Anna's story. If that idea appeals to you, please let me know at knelsen@uakron.edu. Also, from what I have seen, you can subscribe to the blog which means you get the daily postings without having to log on first.
I think one way I'm going to use the Reynaud's for good is to say a prayer every time my brain is telling me, "Your hands are cold." I can pray for the people on the prayer list or perhaps a special intention.
Gloves help but if I'm going to be out in the cold for a while, even with the gloves, I use "hotties," those warming things you shake up to use. They are awesome. I can stay outside to shovel snow for a long time with the hotties inside my gloves.
My feet are another story. Once my feet start to get cold, they sweat. The sweat causes them to stay cold and wet and that is miserable!! Cotton socks are the best for me because they wick off any normal moisture. Once my feet are cold, though, I'm either going to need a change of socks or a heavy blanket.
Some people who have Reynaud's really get into trouble because there are two types -- one more annoying than serious and the other serious enough that the blood supply is cut off to the hands/feet and gangrene is a possibility. Thankfully, I have the less serious kind. It runs in families. I have it, my two sisters have it, my niece and nephew have it and so far, that's all that I know of.
Years ago, I just thought that everyone hated buying food from the frozen food section because handling the food actually hurts!! It wasn't until much, much later that I found out that this is yet another symptom of Reynaud's. For example, if I'm making hamburger with refrigerated meat, it physically hurts and the relief comes from running very warm water on my hands.
When I have cold hands or feet, I can help myself by either getting busy and doing something, like running the sweeper, dusting, that kind of thing. OR, I can bundle up on the couch and sit there for a while with hands and feet covered. When I start warming up, that's when Reynaud's is a curse. I always fall asleep!! I hate that. Last night, I thought we were watching the Olympics and then around 9:30 p.m. I woke up and realized that I'd been napping for about 20 minutes. My sister says she does the same thing.
There are a number of great products out there for Reynaud's sufferers. One of them is a pair of heated gloves. They are only $275.00 or something like that. Wow. But I suppose if I spent more time outside, it would be well worth it. As for now, the hotties will help me make due.
So when I always say, "Stay warm," I really mean it.
That's about it today. I have been thinking that since a number of you enjoyed the fiction in the blog some months ago that maybe we could do a Part II of Anna's story. If that idea appeals to you, please let me know at knelsen@uakron.edu. Also, from what I have seen, you can subscribe to the blog which means you get the daily postings without having to log on first.
I think one way I'm going to use the Reynaud's for good is to say a prayer every time my brain is telling me, "Your hands are cold." I can pray for the people on the prayer list or perhaps a special intention.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Pets
I read a story the other day about a pet adoption place. The woman who works there said that watching the pets and the people who come in to adopt them is fascinating. She cited one instance where a black cat sat away from everyone and did not interact with even one person who came through the doors. Then one day, it happened. A little girl came in and the cat came alive!! The cat wouldn't leave her alone. The little girl put down a deposit on the cat, and that's where the story ends so far as we know. We can only hope that these two "meant-to-bes" became pet and owner.
The top-rated ad in the recent Super Bowl game, the lab puppy and the Clydesdale, was another such example of the amazing interaction between not only pets and people but pets and pets. The Clydesdales might be working animals but as the symbol of Anheuser-Busch they are pets as well. All the puppy wanted was to be with the horses, and especially the one horse. They had a bond.
This is the way it should be for us and God. Nothing can separate us from God when we love Him. When we pray, when we meditate, when we read the Word, we are like the lab puppy running toward God and God welcomes us each time. Because each time we choose to pray, to meditate, to read -- re recommit ourselves.
It never gets old. It is never trite. Our relationship with God has the true meaning of our lives.
Somewhere in the bible it days, "I will call upon the name of the Lord." For me it means that in all instances, in all troubles, in all sorrows, the FIRST thing I should think of doing is to call for God. For we are His sheep; he is our shepherd.
In Romans 10:13 it says, "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Powerful stuff, isn't it?
---
So are you going to follow the Olympics? The situation in Sochi doesn't sound very good. Apparently, some of the hotels weren't finished yet and don't have, for instance, light bulbs in the sockets or running water. Now they are talking about suicide bombers on airplanes. I think that perhaps we should pray for all of the athletes and the visitors, the journalists, because I'm not all that sure they are safe.
The top-rated ad in the recent Super Bowl game, the lab puppy and the Clydesdale, was another such example of the amazing interaction between not only pets and people but pets and pets. The Clydesdales might be working animals but as the symbol of Anheuser-Busch they are pets as well. All the puppy wanted was to be with the horses, and especially the one horse. They had a bond.
This is the way it should be for us and God. Nothing can separate us from God when we love Him. When we pray, when we meditate, when we read the Word, we are like the lab puppy running toward God and God welcomes us each time. Because each time we choose to pray, to meditate, to read -- re recommit ourselves.
It never gets old. It is never trite. Our relationship with God has the true meaning of our lives.
Somewhere in the bible it days, "I will call upon the name of the Lord." For me it means that in all instances, in all troubles, in all sorrows, the FIRST thing I should think of doing is to call for God. For we are His sheep; he is our shepherd.
In Romans 10:13 it says, "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Powerful stuff, isn't it?
---
So are you going to follow the Olympics? The situation in Sochi doesn't sound very good. Apparently, some of the hotels weren't finished yet and don't have, for instance, light bulbs in the sockets or running water. Now they are talking about suicide bombers on airplanes. I think that perhaps we should pray for all of the athletes and the visitors, the journalists, because I'm not all that sure they are safe.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Freezing Rain
Whenever we have winter storms, freezing rain, and low temperatures, I always think about the movie, "Dr. Zhivago." It's due for re-release one of these days, especially since its 50th anniversary will be in 2015.
The story is about the approaching World War I and the Russian civil war between the Bolsheviks and the Proletariat. The Bolsheviks were the struggling class and the Proletariat were the upper class Russians, the rich. It begins in about 1913 and continues to the emergence of Joseph Stalin.
It is the story of an ill-fated love between Yuri and Lara. At one point in the story, with all of the upheaval, war, and social change, Yuri escapes to a beautiful rural home in Varykino, now encased in ice. There are many, many pictures on the internet of this amazing sight. He writes poetry about Lara which eventually is published and makes him very famous, but he ends up a lonely man.
The reason why the movie is worth watching is because it brings history to life. It makes you feel the terror of the people on both sides of the economic spectrum, of the evil and conniving that always goes on, and of the complex nature of the Russian society. It also makes you feel the weight of the government's power on the lives of the people. At one point when Yuri returns from a long stint as a battlefield doctor, his home has been divided into tenements. His family is eventually forced to flee Russia altogether.
The characters in the story have to fight so hard to stay alive, to find lost family members, to persevere against all manner of oppression.
The movie's soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, and goes right along with those images of Varykino.
When you finish watching the movie, you have such an appreciation for the freedom we have here.
The original story upon which the movie is based was written by Boris Pasternak who himself was persecuted for his writing.
So -- no school today in our area. Blizzard Bags aren't going to cut it, are they? The kids are bored!! It is really difficult for working parents, too, to figure out how they are going to manage. Maybe some enterprising person could come up with a Blizzard Bag for parents to purchase for their kids, based on age and gender. There could be some games, prizes, toys, arts and crafts, and all of that, but it would all be a surprise until it is opened on a day when school is called off!! For summer it could be a Vacation Bag for a rainy day. The contents of the bags should be interesting and should keep children busy for hours. Not a bad idea, huh?
Well, please take care today. As they said on TV yesterday quite often, stay home unless you absolutely HAVE to go somewhere. With that extra quiet time, take a moment to pray, to meditate, to read just a little bit of one of the psalms.
The story is about the approaching World War I and the Russian civil war between the Bolsheviks and the Proletariat. The Bolsheviks were the struggling class and the Proletariat were the upper class Russians, the rich. It begins in about 1913 and continues to the emergence of Joseph Stalin.
It is the story of an ill-fated love between Yuri and Lara. At one point in the story, with all of the upheaval, war, and social change, Yuri escapes to a beautiful rural home in Varykino, now encased in ice. There are many, many pictures on the internet of this amazing sight. He writes poetry about Lara which eventually is published and makes him very famous, but he ends up a lonely man.
The reason why the movie is worth watching is because it brings history to life. It makes you feel the terror of the people on both sides of the economic spectrum, of the evil and conniving that always goes on, and of the complex nature of the Russian society. It also makes you feel the weight of the government's power on the lives of the people. At one point when Yuri returns from a long stint as a battlefield doctor, his home has been divided into tenements. His family is eventually forced to flee Russia altogether.
The characters in the story have to fight so hard to stay alive, to find lost family members, to persevere against all manner of oppression.
The movie's soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, and goes right along with those images of Varykino.
When you finish watching the movie, you have such an appreciation for the freedom we have here.
The original story upon which the movie is based was written by Boris Pasternak who himself was persecuted for his writing.
So -- no school today in our area. Blizzard Bags aren't going to cut it, are they? The kids are bored!! It is really difficult for working parents, too, to figure out how they are going to manage. Maybe some enterprising person could come up with a Blizzard Bag for parents to purchase for their kids, based on age and gender. There could be some games, prizes, toys, arts and crafts, and all of that, but it would all be a surprise until it is opened on a day when school is called off!! For summer it could be a Vacation Bag for a rainy day. The contents of the bags should be interesting and should keep children busy for hours. Not a bad idea, huh?
Well, please take care today. As they said on TV yesterday quite often, stay home unless you absolutely HAVE to go somewhere. With that extra quiet time, take a moment to pray, to meditate, to read just a little bit of one of the psalms.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Angels - Part II
By the way, before I start today's posting, I've been meaning to tell you that the upstairs computer now works so that I can write in comfort and warmth at any time during the day or evening. And by the way, it apparently fixed itself. Really? Thank you, God.
Angels --
Angels, says an online source called Catholic Online, are pure, intelligent spirits created by God to be ministers of His will. The word ANGEL means "messenger" in both Greek and Hebrew. One of the prophets named himself Malachi because "malak" means messenger in Hebrew and he considered himself to be a messenger of God as well.
Angels are often depicted in art as a human form, sometimes with wings. It is believed that angels protect and guide us humans as part of what they do. Angels are a spiritual form between us and God -- it says in the Bible that we were created "a little less than the angels."
Angels sing, because we hear about the "choirs of angels."
When Jesus was in the garden during the agony before his crucifixion, an angel comforted Him. Should not the Lord send His angels to earth to comfort us as well? The angels were the ones who rolled back the stone covering the tomb where Jesus was laid. They must have considerable strength!! We are reminded in one section of the Bible that we may entertain angels unawares, suggesting that angels can be here on earth with us in a variety of situations that may seem very ordinary.
Father Kevin said something very interesting in church this past Sunday. He talked about coincidence and when coincidence isn't coincidence any longer, but rather a message for us from God. He experienced this kind of thing when he was being called to the priesthood. People making a comment to him, writing him a note, that kind of thing.
One day when I was leaving work, I crossed the street and was thinking at the time that my choice of shoes was the wrong one for the icy conditions on the sidewalk by the parking deck. I was worried about falling. A man dressed in a suit coming from the other direction and appearing as though he was heading off to class saw me and asked, "Do you need any help?" I told him, "I think I'll be all right if I just take my time and go slow." He responded to that, "I'll pray for you." Isn't that strange but wonderful? It hit me hard, because I KNEW (just like Father Kevin did) that this message wasn't just from the man; it was from God to tell me I was not alone.
Another time when I was walking to Children's Hospital from work to see Ella who was there because of her seizures, a woman wearing a head covering was coming the other way. I stepped off to the side to allow her to pass across the narrow walkway first. As she went by, she looked directly at me and told me that she would pray for me. It touched me deeply.
Another time I was having the absolute worst day. I can't remember what happened, but I was really in the dumps about something pertaining to one of my sons. Instead of taking the elevator, I usually used the stairs in Leigh Hall where the College of Business offices were, and I was doing just that when I passed by a student. I was still feeling really sad when he said out of the blue with no warning that I should have a good day. And he said this with such hope and such confidence, despite the kind of impression I must have made. Again, in my heart of hearts, I knew that this young man's encounter with me was no coincidence, that God was trying to tell me that He would dry my tears and that everything would be better.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and the person said something that you weren't expecting whatsoever? Something perfect. Something that seemed absolutely targeted to you!!
One day a student came to my office to get into a summer class. As I processed her request, she started telling me about her struggles and how much she liked summer classes because they were only five weeks long, versus the 15 weeks of the usual semester. She said that at around the 10th week in the usual semester, she'd start to lose focus and concentration and her grades were affected by this.
As she continued to talk and I listened intently to everything she said, I got the most intense feeling about her. The more she talked, the more she sounded as though ADD might be the problem. I'm not a trained therapist or a doctor, and I wasn't sure if I should say something to her, but I was being prodded by God to tell her what I thought.
She said, "Oh, my goodness. It's so strange that you would mention that because my sister has been telling me that she thinks I should find out about ADD." I told her to feel free to stop by and visit again and let me know how she did.
A couple of years later, a professor from Accountancy came to see me. We were acquaintances but not what you call the best of friends. She was bringing me some good news.
"Did you talk to (let's call her Jean) Jean a while back?" And I said that I did.
She told me with all seriousness, "Well, you should know that you are the reason that she graduated."
Wow. Honestly, if that is the case, it was worth spending 23 years at The University of Akron to do just that one thing. I'm so glad that I listened to God telling me to say something and not let her leave the room until I did. For this woman, obtaining her degree was going to open doors and would impact the rest of her life.
Don't forget about your guardian angel. This is hardly a childhood gift but one that goes throughout our entire lives. If we heed the warnings that God gives us through the angel or through messages he sends us through others, it will help us make better choices throughout our lives.
If you know an angel story, feel free to share it. No names necessary.
Angels --
Angels, says an online source called Catholic Online, are pure, intelligent spirits created by God to be ministers of His will. The word ANGEL means "messenger" in both Greek and Hebrew. One of the prophets named himself Malachi because "malak" means messenger in Hebrew and he considered himself to be a messenger of God as well.
Angels are often depicted in art as a human form, sometimes with wings. It is believed that angels protect and guide us humans as part of what they do. Angels are a spiritual form between us and God -- it says in the Bible that we were created "a little less than the angels."
Angels sing, because we hear about the "choirs of angels."
When Jesus was in the garden during the agony before his crucifixion, an angel comforted Him. Should not the Lord send His angels to earth to comfort us as well? The angels were the ones who rolled back the stone covering the tomb where Jesus was laid. They must have considerable strength!! We are reminded in one section of the Bible that we may entertain angels unawares, suggesting that angels can be here on earth with us in a variety of situations that may seem very ordinary.
Father Kevin said something very interesting in church this past Sunday. He talked about coincidence and when coincidence isn't coincidence any longer, but rather a message for us from God. He experienced this kind of thing when he was being called to the priesthood. People making a comment to him, writing him a note, that kind of thing.
One day when I was leaving work, I crossed the street and was thinking at the time that my choice of shoes was the wrong one for the icy conditions on the sidewalk by the parking deck. I was worried about falling. A man dressed in a suit coming from the other direction and appearing as though he was heading off to class saw me and asked, "Do you need any help?" I told him, "I think I'll be all right if I just take my time and go slow." He responded to that, "I'll pray for you." Isn't that strange but wonderful? It hit me hard, because I KNEW (just like Father Kevin did) that this message wasn't just from the man; it was from God to tell me I was not alone.
Another time when I was walking to Children's Hospital from work to see Ella who was there because of her seizures, a woman wearing a head covering was coming the other way. I stepped off to the side to allow her to pass across the narrow walkway first. As she went by, she looked directly at me and told me that she would pray for me. It touched me deeply.
Another time I was having the absolute worst day. I can't remember what happened, but I was really in the dumps about something pertaining to one of my sons. Instead of taking the elevator, I usually used the stairs in Leigh Hall where the College of Business offices were, and I was doing just that when I passed by a student. I was still feeling really sad when he said out of the blue with no warning that I should have a good day. And he said this with such hope and such confidence, despite the kind of impression I must have made. Again, in my heart of hearts, I knew that this young man's encounter with me was no coincidence, that God was trying to tell me that He would dry my tears and that everything would be better.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone and the person said something that you weren't expecting whatsoever? Something perfect. Something that seemed absolutely targeted to you!!
One day a student came to my office to get into a summer class. As I processed her request, she started telling me about her struggles and how much she liked summer classes because they were only five weeks long, versus the 15 weeks of the usual semester. She said that at around the 10th week in the usual semester, she'd start to lose focus and concentration and her grades were affected by this.
As she continued to talk and I listened intently to everything she said, I got the most intense feeling about her. The more she talked, the more she sounded as though ADD might be the problem. I'm not a trained therapist or a doctor, and I wasn't sure if I should say something to her, but I was being prodded by God to tell her what I thought.
She said, "Oh, my goodness. It's so strange that you would mention that because my sister has been telling me that she thinks I should find out about ADD." I told her to feel free to stop by and visit again and let me know how she did.
A couple of years later, a professor from Accountancy came to see me. We were acquaintances but not what you call the best of friends. She was bringing me some good news.
"Did you talk to (let's call her Jean) Jean a while back?" And I said that I did.
She told me with all seriousness, "Well, you should know that you are the reason that she graduated."
Wow. Honestly, if that is the case, it was worth spending 23 years at The University of Akron to do just that one thing. I'm so glad that I listened to God telling me to say something and not let her leave the room until I did. For this woman, obtaining her degree was going to open doors and would impact the rest of her life.
Don't forget about your guardian angel. This is hardly a childhood gift but one that goes throughout our entire lives. If we heed the warnings that God gives us through the angel or through messages he sends us through others, it will help us make better choices throughout our lives.
If you know an angel story, feel free to share it. No names necessary.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Angels Among Us
We know from the Bible that there are special creations of God -- angels. We know that it was an angel that went to Mary to announce that she had been chosen by God to bear His son. And that is just one of many, many references to angels.
There is a hierarchy of angels, in fact: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
They are in order of their influence and importance.
When my sons were in their teen years and driving, there is just nothing that can compare to the worry a parent experiences when they are out at night. I'd lie there in bed just hoping to see the headlights come down to the end of the street, and the whole while I'd be praying, "Angels, angels, angels." I would ask my own Guardian Angel to go be with them, to get them safely home. One night when my oldest son was out with friends, the phone rang. My heart about stopped!! It was my son calling to tell me that he had seen a man shot at a teen dance club in the Belden Village area and that the gunman's friends came out as the teens spilled out of the club into the parking lot, and continued to terrorize kids. My son was only a few feet away from the actual shooting. The bouncer later recovered from his wound, but many teens who were there that night felt terror, sheer terror.
Angels, angels, angels. Some of us are familiar with the powerful prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel.
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, oh prince of the Heavenly Host,
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl around the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
And what is this battle mentioned in the prayer? It is the battle that we wage against evil, the battle that is waged for every soul.
When I was a little child, I discovered the Prayer to St. Michael in my First Communion prayer book and immediately was taken by it. I memorized it. Its words reminded me of a hymn that my neighbor friend had taught me -- Onward Christian Soldiers. It begins, "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching onto war."
There is surely a battle going on. Look at what our youth are facing in terms of temptation from the world. The statistics show that youth are taking heroin. Guns, stealing, depression. Domestic violence, irresponsible parents, the whole works. Facing all of this, we might think that all we can do is throw up our hands in frustration and defeat! But not so -- the power of prayer is capable of changing hearts, of healing a broken land.
Father Kevin says that if you ever enter into a church and you are all alone, and you feel that kind of hushed, quiet sense of the holy place, it is because angels are all about.
There are a number of good books that have been written about angels. It might be worth a read.
Your guardian angel has been with you since you were born, yet another link between you and God. I believe my guardian angel's name is Marta, and sometimes I just forgot all about her. It is wonderful that she doesn't forget about me. Maybe this topic is worth staying on for another day. Let's look at angels again on Tuesday.
God Bless You.
There is a hierarchy of angels, in fact: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
They are in order of their influence and importance.
When my sons were in their teen years and driving, there is just nothing that can compare to the worry a parent experiences when they are out at night. I'd lie there in bed just hoping to see the headlights come down to the end of the street, and the whole while I'd be praying, "Angels, angels, angels." I would ask my own Guardian Angel to go be with them, to get them safely home. One night when my oldest son was out with friends, the phone rang. My heart about stopped!! It was my son calling to tell me that he had seen a man shot at a teen dance club in the Belden Village area and that the gunman's friends came out as the teens spilled out of the club into the parking lot, and continued to terrorize kids. My son was only a few feet away from the actual shooting. The bouncer later recovered from his wound, but many teens who were there that night felt terror, sheer terror.
Angels, angels, angels. Some of us are familiar with the powerful prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel.
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, oh prince of the Heavenly Host,
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl around the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
And what is this battle mentioned in the prayer? It is the battle that we wage against evil, the battle that is waged for every soul.
When I was a little child, I discovered the Prayer to St. Michael in my First Communion prayer book and immediately was taken by it. I memorized it. Its words reminded me of a hymn that my neighbor friend had taught me -- Onward Christian Soldiers. It begins, "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching onto war."
There is surely a battle going on. Look at what our youth are facing in terms of temptation from the world. The statistics show that youth are taking heroin. Guns, stealing, depression. Domestic violence, irresponsible parents, the whole works. Facing all of this, we might think that all we can do is throw up our hands in frustration and defeat! But not so -- the power of prayer is capable of changing hearts, of healing a broken land.
Father Kevin says that if you ever enter into a church and you are all alone, and you feel that kind of hushed, quiet sense of the holy place, it is because angels are all about.
There are a number of good books that have been written about angels. It might be worth a read.
Your guardian angel has been with you since you were born, yet another link between you and God. I believe my guardian angel's name is Marta, and sometimes I just forgot all about her. It is wonderful that she doesn't forget about me. Maybe this topic is worth staying on for another day. Let's look at angels again on Tuesday.
God Bless You.
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