NANSENSE

Rub a dub, dub.

2012-02-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

We were expecting guests during the holiday season, so I felt that it was time for me to replace the well-worn and faded bath towels in the hall bathroom. Finding just the right color towels to go with the decor of the room was my goal. Luckily, I found some very pretty ones. They were very soft. And, on top of that, they were really cheap.
After washing and drying the new towels, I used them for the first time. They weren't very fluffy and they didn't dry me off very well. Towels are supposed to dry you off after a shower, I think. These didn't.
So, I washed and dried them again. This time, I didn't use any fabric softener, thinking that might be the problem. They still didn't work very well. I had purchased some really bad towels, and unfortunately, I was stuck with them.
My guests didn't complain about the towels, but I did notice that they all looked a little damp every morning!

Lord, your children make mistakes. Sometimes our choices are wrong. We often choose the easy way or the cheap way. We look for the quick fix and not the long term answer. Help us to make good decisions and help us to remember that you stand with us in all that we do.

You Speaka Spanish?

2012-02-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Every day, I try to improve my knowledge of Spanish......just a word or two. Today, I spent the morning hours attempting to enroll new students at our school. Most of the prospective students were native Spanish speakers. I was able to use words like enscripcion, telophono, direcion, and primero. (enroll, telephone, address, and first)
Believe me, as the morning went on, I was getting pretty proud of myself. Soon, I thought, I'll be fluent in Spanish. No more, habla Espagnol poquito, senora!
Then, it dawned on me that my Spanish knowledge consisted of about 40 nouns, half of which I couldn't spell correctly. My fluency is about that of a two-year old. In order to label myself fluent, I'm going to have to put together, at the very least, a sentence or two. And learn how to spell, on top of that. Fluency requires pronouns, verbs, correct tenses of verbs, adverbs, and adjectives, etc.
Oh, my I have a long way to go.

Oh, Lord. Save us from the sense of false pride that often tends to be our downfall. Keep us aware that by putting our trust in you and your goodness, we will always be served in our times of need.
Open our eyes so that we can see the wonder of your infinite knowledge and make us aware of the inadequacy of our tiny minds. We ask for your guidance.

Gone in a few seconds.......

2012-01-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

I have a one-block friend. She boards the Metro at 10th and Grand, and I disembark the Metro, one block later, at 11th and Grand. Nearly every week-day, we share just one block of travel time.
I've already been riding for 10 minutes, when she boards the #30 bus. Then, I think, she continues her commute along the southerly path of the #30. After that one block along Grand Avenue, I get off the #30, and walk a block West to make a connection with the northbound #142, at 11th and Walnut.
Every afternoon, I look forward to seeing her and I know the bus driver does, too. My friend makes it a point to greet the driver every day with a smile and what seems to be a heartfelt inquiry about the state of his day. That extra bit of personal interaction shows me that my one-block friend is really special.
I'll bet she just makes our driver's day. I know she makes mine.
Then, she sits down and greets me. It's obvious that she is tired. I don't know what she does at her job, but it must be hard work. I always return her greeting and generally we exchange short comments about the weather or how our work days went.
There isn't much time, in one block, to say much.
I don't know her name, but I know that I miss her when she doesn't board at her usual stop.
Maybe, one day soon, I'll just travel along with her in the wrong direction of my commute, just to get to know her a little better. Friendly people are a very special blessing, these days.

Gracious Lord: I want to be a better person. Sometimes it isn't easy to look outside our own worries and problems in order to be a friend and confidant of others. Teach me to be a better friend to all with whom I come in contact. Take away my whining nature and allow me to concentrate on the positive.....at all times.
Come into my life and show me how to see YOU in everyone I meet.
I am so blessed.

"I once was lost......"

2012-01-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

I lost my cell phone. Usually I keep my phone in a red (my signature color) pocket thing around my neck. It's where I also keep my bus pass and a couple of business cards. Being a tad deaf, it's the perfect place (near my heart and good ear) to hear the thing when it rings or shakes or whatever it does.
Well, in a effort to spruce up a bit, I put away the pocket thing and exchanged in for a pretty new necklace. The look was quite stunning.
The phone went in my right front pocket. And, then it was gone.
On the advice of several folks, I tried calling my own number. It went right to voice mail which meant the phone was turned off or the battery was dead. Great. Now what??? Where was that thing???? I needed it.
Four days later, it was time to do the laundry and there was my phone, in the hamper. No, it didn't go through the wash. It was recovered just in time.

God: Thank you for loving us no matter what kind of stupid things we do. We know that you accept us for the crazy creatures that we are. Keep me mindful that the best type of communication is prayer from me to YOU.

Wait a second....

2012-01-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's very dark when I travel to work. Yesterday, I encountered a young African-American man, on a black skateboard, dressed totally in black, traveling toward me, on my right. Needless to say, my heart stopped when I saw him and thankfully, I passed by without hitting him.
That experience made me think about how often we encounter situations that would be life changing.
What if I had hit that young man? Oh my, how lives would have been changed. Think about it. Life is so precious and our plans and aspirations can change in an instant.

Dear God: Has anyone talked to you lately about how challenging life here on earth is? I am in awe of the choices and encounters that we all have, minute by minute.
Thank you for our exciting existance. It's just not possible to be bored here on earth, your glorious creation.
Help me to be ever mindful of my blessings.

Auld Lang Syne?

2011-12-27T03:37:00.000-08:00

Good times past. That's what those words mean. It's Old English or something like that. And, we sing that song in remembrance of the passing year. Oh, and there's a question mark at the end of the line..."Should auld acquaintance be forgot?" The song implies that you shouldn't forget what has past, but we should look forward to the future.
2011 has been a year of mixed blessings, but then what year isn't? We all had our share of good times and not so good times. People died and babies were born. The winter was long and cold and the summer was hot. Daily life went on. We were happy, and we were sad.
Someone asked me recently about the "meaning of life." I suppose everyone has a different idea about why we exist, but I am pretty sure that my purpose in life is to always do my best. I think that's what God wants us to do. Yes, do our best and love God and all of our fellow earthly dwellers (humans and non-humans) maybe with the exception of snakes and spiders.
That's my philosophy and my theology.
Blessings for a great 2012.

God, we thank you for our lives.

"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree"

2011-12-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

I am tempted to do a short dissertation on the prevailing idea that Christians only want to"give to the needy", at Christmastime. But, I won't. Someday, Christians everywhere will realize that God's message of Good Will to Men, is a 12 month lifestyle, and not just a 12/25 thing.
Instead, I want to share another Jolly Holiday observation. I want to tell you all about a small town, near my home. This quaint little town has very unusual holiday decorations.
Along both sides of the one-street. six block long shopping area, participating businesses have all decorated, for public display, very large 7-8 foot evergreen trees. The trees are placed outside the shops. These trees, with their colorful and sometimes whimsical themes, are all chained to the street lamp poles.
Now, I know that the merchants are concerned that someone will steal their festive trees, but the whole effect brings to mind terms like "Hostage Holiday", "Chained Christmas" and "enSlaved Santa". No matter what the caliber of decoration, the trees all appear to be straining to break free from their bondage. The effect is totally bizarre. But, no matter. The city has been doing it for years. It's a tradition.
The idea of having to lock and chain your decorations to prevent theft, goes against the very theme of the season. If someone wants a tree so much that they feel compelled to steal it.......then let them take it. Don't we believe that it is always better to give than receive?

Baby Jesus: How you must laugh at our attempts to celebrate your birthday. This year Christmas even falls on Sunday. The Lord's Day, for Christ's sake, and your churches are scaling down the number of regular Sunday Services! Oh, Lord, help us to remember that You are the real reason for the season.
Have a great birthday, Jesus.

She-ro

2011-12-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

Today's sermon was from the book of Daniel. The pastor spoke of the heroes in the fiery furnace. Hot stuff for a cold December morning. However, my mind was doing a bit of wandering, particularly around the word hero. Because, I am convinced that I met a real "hero" last Sunday.
Last Sunday morning, was a particularly big day at church. A family had four of their children baptized. The four siblings, three boys and a girl, had been adopted into this family, only two weeks before. And, that evening, the whole family went Christmas Caroling with a large group of church folks.
The new Christians were the youngest among us, but they were a sensation at every place we sang. Armed with bells, they provided the backup to some really rousing renditions of "Jingle Bells".

I'm in awe of a mom that would take on four small children and make them part of her existing tribe. She's a real hero.

Everlasting Father: Open our hearts and minds to the possibilities of service all around us. Show us ways to better the lives of all of your children. We thank you for our many blessings.

"a rose by any other name..."

2011-12-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

The word was VEHICLE. Our students were being taught the word "vehicle", and it was a word that needed quite a bit of explanation.
When our English Language Learners encounter a new word, they will ask the meaning of the word and then they want to know other words that have the same meaning. They will keep asking for synonyms, until they find a word that sounds similar to a word they know in their native languages.
With vehicle, I explained that it was a word that I very rarely use. I say car or even automobile more often than vehicle.
Naturally, I have had vehicles on my mind. Tonight on my bus ride home, I turned to look out the left hand windows and in my immediate sight there were many vehicles. First there was the big old bus that I was riding in. Then, there were quite a few cars of many shapes and sizes. They were sharing the road with some trucks and vans. A bit further to my left was a moving freight train, loaded with coal cars. And, then finally I sited a small personal jet airplane taking off from the nearby airport.
We have lots of choices when it comes to selecting a vehicle.

Gracious God. We are often in awe of our abundance and our choices. You have given us so much and yet you ask so little of us. Why is it sometimes so hard to follow your simple directive....to love You and to love our neighbors and ourselves? We are such a selfish bunch of folks. Please, don't give up on us. We want to do better. Guide us and help us to make wise choices.

Suite Life

2011-11-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

In the middle of class today, a cell phone rang. Now, that's not too unusual. Every high school student has a cell phone, and most adults carry cell phones. And, even where I work, which is an institution teaching English to adult immigrants and refugees, most of our students carry cell phones.
Cell phone etiquette is often a topic of discussion here between students and teachers. Periodically a phone will ring and a student will blurt out, "Africa calling. I talk now." The teacher then directs the student out into the hall, to complete the transcontinental connection.
But today, the ringing phone just tickled my funny bone. The ring tone seemed so out of character for the setting. The ring tone was Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies Theme" from "The Nutcracker Suite". The bearer of the cell phone, can speak and understand only a few words of English.
I didn't have a chance to ask her why she had chosen that particular ring tone? Did she just enjoy the music? Was she familiar with "The Nutcracker". Were fairies or dancing toys part of her native culture? I'll probably never know.

Great and all knowing God. You challenge our simple minds with all sorts of conundrums. Life is such a delicious cornucopia of experiences. We thank you for all of our experiences and surprises. Your blessings abound.

In The Eye of the Beholder

2011-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

Photographic images can be deceiving. Every photo, taken of me recently, portrays someone who doesn't resemble the image I have of myself.
Once, perhaps not so long ago, I was a young woman. My hair was dark. I could see without wearing bifocals. My face was unlined. I was actually five foot three. That remains the image I have of myself. But, when I view a current picture of myself.........well, I see someone quite different.
This week, I needed to mail off a recent photo of myself and I just couldn't choose one that I could live with. Every one I found was a photograph of some little old lady!
So, I asked my husband to choose one. I know that our 40 plus years together makes him extremely biased in his view of me, but he understands my issues. I trust him to make me look as good as I possibly can.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
Praise the Lord.

Ask and you shall receive.

2011-11-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I was sincerely blessed yesterday with the gift of 61 bottles of dish soap. Several weeks back, in this blogspot, I explained the need for liquid dish soap at my place of work. Well, lo and behold one of our local churches heard the plea, realized the need and took action.
This amazing congregation (with the help of its very creative pastor) held a Dish Soap Sunday Ingathering. I understand they used some of their pre-teens to demonstrate the sizes and colors of bottles, much to the delight of their Sunday attendees. The congregation was charged! They brought in the bottles. Now, we can supply 61 households (that's probably about 305 people) with a whole lot of clean!
Believe me, this is not a big church. It's not a wealthy church. But, by their actions, they have proved that they are God's Church.

All powerful Lord. We can serve you in so many ways. Allow us to keep our eyes and ears open to your people's many needs. Every one of us has the ability to do mission. Even when we think that we are sorely lacking in our abilities, we can help someone with something. Help us to seek out that need.
We praise your holy name.

Change is......

2011-10-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

I've changed the title of my Blog. I sure hope it hasn't confused my readers and that no one currently following will "un-follow" themselves.
Change is never easy, we are always being told. And, often things never do get changed. Some people have been sitting in the same spot, in the same pew, in the same church, for more than 60 years. I have learned, over the years, that when I visit a new church, it is very important to ask those seated near me, "Am I sitting in your seat? If I am, I'll move."
Believe me, most folks will tell you if you are in their spot. You want them to tell you, or else for the next 55 minutes, someone will be staring at you, willing you to drop dead or something.
However, it occurs to me that if you ALWAYS sit in the same place, you are apt to always see the same view. How enlightening is the back of the same head, every Sunday, for 60 years?
We should put ourselves in another seat, occasionally. That stained glass window could be more beautiful in a different light, or that weird shaped piece of wood, might actually be attractive when viewed from another angle. Putting ourselves in another seat, not only brings the risk of seeing a different view, but it might really change our outlook dramatically.

Good God. Help us to get out of our pews. Things look very different when viewed from the other side of the room. Allow us the flexiblility to change, and to sometimes even enjoy it. We know that you will be there with us every step of the way.
Thank you, God, for our many blessings.

Ain't That Good News?

2011-10-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

WOO HOO, folks. I just celebrated the beginning of my big Anniversary Year. You see, it was five years ago this month that I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. So, now I can begin to count down all sorts of milestones. Five years since the surgeries. Five years since the end of Chemotherapy. Five years since the end of radiation, and on and on. All those months ago, my doctors told us that the five year mark was a big milestone for survivors. At that point, my chances of having a recurrence of cancer are the same as anyone who has not yet had the disease.
I'm feeling really blessed right now. I am thankful to have survived, but my mind is also on those folks, that I have known in the past five years, who battled, with their whole being against cancer, and did not win the war.
It is not possible for us to know why some of us win the battle and some of us do not.
We can only pray for healing. Sometimes that healing occurs in our bodies, and sometimes that healing is of our minds and souls.
I do know, however, that God is with each and every one of us, as we make this journey. Our job is to rely on Him.

Holy Savior. We have so much to be thankful for. Your blessings abound. Guide us as we travel along our roadways. Help us to be ever mindful of the thoughts and feelings of our fellow sojourners. Keep us on the right highway and please remind us to use our turn-signals and to keep our seat belts fastened securely.

Chapter 3

2011-10-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Since the untimely murder of my car, my faithful and loyal spouse has been driving me to and from work. Well, with the price of fuel these days, those unnecessary trips were becoming too costly. So folks, this old lady has become a public transit consumer. I'm riding the city bus!
Oh yes, I have brazenly ridden public transportation in the major cities of the world. But that was a novelty. I was on vacation. Even in Mexico City, this five foot tall Senora stood TALL, standing in the subway beneath the streets of the Zona Rosa and the Zocalo. I have taken the Metro in London, Paris, New York., and D.C. But, in my hometown, I always had a car. I had never ridden a local bus.
Now, after a couple of weeks, I am a veteran commuter. I can handle transfers, all-day passes, and yes, I now even use my Medicare card, which means that I can ride for half price. Being a Senior Citizen is beginning to have a few perks.
Since I take the same bus route at the same time every day, I am beginning to recognize my fellow travelers. There is a kind of camaraderie among bus riders. We are a proud bunch. We are saving fuel, saving the planet and above all, saving money.

Great God. This is an amazing world. Please allow us to continue to experience new things. Keep our minds open to explore what you have created.
We are in awe of your knowledge and we are humbled by our insignificance. Keep us in the palm of your hand.

...of red and gold.

2011-09-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Near the traffic circle, or round-about, that I have written about in a much earlier post, there is a large public wading pool and fountain. All summer long, groups of children and even whole families have cooled off by splashing in the water. We had a very warm July and August, with many 100 + degree days. That water sure looked refreshing to those of us who were just driving past. To the folks actually in the water, it must have been Divine.
All but one of the splashers and waders took advantage of the pool in the hot afternoons and sweltering early evening hours. Just one person was in the pool almost every morning about 7:00 a.m. That one early morning pool user was doing just what you might think. He was taking a bath.
Truly, when I think I have seen everything there is to see, in my work neighborhood, I happen upon something truly strange. This bather was one of the most unusual sites I have seen, to date.
Mr. Bather, as I called him, was really taking his morning bath, complete with soap and towel. Every weekday morning he was there, suds-ing up or toweling off.
I never stopped to talk with him, after all it was none of my business to know why he was bathing in public. Maybe he had no bathtub or shower? Possibly it was the custom to bath publicly in his native country. Maybe he was an exhibitionist? Could it have had anything to do with his religion? Maybe he was just having fun. Who knows?
Now that it is cooler, and the leaves are beginning to turn, he's no longer bathing in the park. I miss him.

Gracious Lord. You must have a great sense of humor. You make me smile. You made us all so different and yet we are all alike. We honor you and are in awe of your total creation.
Bless us and guide us as we go about our daily living.

Soap is Soap, I guess.

2011-09-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I shopped at my local grocery for items to use in the incentive store at work. We stock the store with items our English Language Students are desperate to have. These items are generally hygiene or cleaning products that they cannot purchase with Government Food Stamps.
You see, the regulations for Food Stamps, require persons to use them only for food. Never mind that you have to be clean and smell good, to get a job ....but you can't buy soap! Or, you might want to wash your clothes to look good......but you can't buy detergent. Explain that reasoning, will you?
So, on Sunday, I bought 40 bottles of liquid dish soap, two 24 packs of toilet paper, 6 bottles of shampoo, and a large pack of paper towels.
Dish Soap is our biggest "seller". (Actually, we trade the items for our in-house, printed play money. Students earn the money in their classes.) Immigrants and refugees, apparently wash everything (clothes, bodies, hair, hands, and dishes) in Dish Soap. Dish Soap is cheap and it makes a ton of suds. Lots of folks think that it's the suds that make things clean.
Anyway, we opened our "store" at 8:30 on Tuesday, and by 9:00 everybody in school that morning, had "bought" a bottle of dish soap, along with a few other items.
Believe me, I look at dish soap in a totally new way, now. Dish soap makes a lot of people happy. Donald Trump may be excited over a new office building or a hotel, but I really don't think he's as satisfied as a Somali woman holding a new, full bottle of dish soap. Even Barack Obama could up his poll numbers, if he ran on a platform promising Dish Soap for every family!

Good and giving God. Thank you for all that you have given us. Our blessings are great. Come into our hearts. Make us whole. Show us how to be loving, giving and forgiving children of your Kingdom.

To Me

2011-09-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a milestone birthday. And frankly, I don't feel a day over 35. But the facts and the numbers say that I'm waaaaaay over 35.
Age, you know, is just a number. I have a dear friend, who was recently honored with a Human Rights award. She and two well-known gentleman, from our area, received lots of applause and a nice plaque. The two gentlemen accepted their awards graciously, but spent a great deal of time bemoaning the fact that they were past their prime.........in their 70's and 80's.
My friend was the last to speak. She talked about people who had helped her achieve recognition and how her expertise had been to always work behind the scenes. Then, she mentioned she was 91 and still going strong. Whoopee!
That's the way I want to live my life. Strong and passionate until the very end.

Great and powerful God. Please allow us to be strong and always willing to work for the good of others. Help us to act, not only for our benefit, but to better the lives of all our brothers and sisters.
God, grant us peace and patience.

Please and Thank You

2011-09-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

In the past year, I have learned quite a bit about my fellow human beings from different cultures. Most folks, it seems, do react kindly when kindness is done to them. Somalis will smile when you smile at them. Dominicans and Haitians get a kick out of a good joke, and I am acquainted with a Vietnamese woman who likes to give me hugs.
But, I am amazed at the number of 100% natural Americans who have forgotten the rules of common decency. Some of the people, that I interact with every day, just refuse to say "please" and "thank you". They don't ask. They demand.
That kind of behavior is not nice and I don't appreciate it. My father had a great line that he used to use on me when my manners weren't quite up to his standard. It was "Were you born in a barn? "
Some of the immigrants and refugees that I know, weren't even born under any kind of roof, but their manners are a whole lot better than some of those who were born in an immaculate maternity ward. In fact, you all know of one man, who was born in a stable........

God. I hope people remember to say "thank you" to their creator. I'm thinking that they probably don't. Anyway, thanks a lot. We are blessed.

Chapter Two

2011-08-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

If you were perplexed my tale of "hit and run", wait until you hear Chapter Two.
You might remember that my car was totaled on a Thursday afternoon. On the same street corner as my wreck, on the very next Tuesday morning, I spotted a TV remote truck and police cars.
My first thought was that my poor old Oldsmobile had made the local news. Havalina (the deceased car's name) had maybe become a celebrity, in the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood.
In reality, a violent murder had occurred on the very corner that my car had met her demise. It was a case of domestic violence, and I am sure many lives have been altered by the act of one unhappy person.
Chapter Two made the events of Chapter One seem terribly insignificant. What is one ruined car compared to a human life? Well, you really can't compare them. Tragic.

Lord God. Life is so precious. When we are young we think we are going to live forever. As we age, we realize that we all have such a short time here. Help us to always do right. Help us to show others that we care. Help us to protect those we love. Give us patience.
We honor you and your creations.

Here today, gone by 4:30.

2011-08-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

My car was totaled on Thursday. I parked in my normal spot about 1:30 p.m., and went into the office to finish some paper work. About a quarter after four, I went back outside, intending to drive home. On approaching my vehicle, I noticed a pile of something in the street beside it. As I got closer, I realized the pile was actually the crumpled back end of my car. Someone had hit my fully paid for, rusty, thirteen year old car. Hit it hard enough to knock off quite a bit of metal (it was an old car, folks), and then drive off.
I was immediately very thankful that I was not in the car at the time of the accident. The policeman and the tow guy were very nice. My co-workers helped me gather my belongings and take them back to my office. Scott came over to take me home. All in all, for a car wreck, the whole experience didn't even reach 5 on a scale of one to ten.
But, what kind of person, does damage and then drives off? What prompts a person to leave behind damage that they know they have caused, without so much as a "Hey, I'm sorry."? Maybe the driver was in a stolen car. Maybe he or she didn't have insurance or maybe they had a body or drugs in the back of their car.
So, I'm trying to be forgiving, but the truth we don't have the time or the money to buy another car. However, the bottom line is.......I'm okay and it's just stuff. I'll get over it.

Dear Lord, You spend a lot of time forgiving us. We mess up all the time. You accept our faults and allow us to move on. We should try to be more like you. We need always to forgive(even if we don't want to). Teach us forgiveness.

To Flash or Not to Flash!

2011-08-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last night, I attended a gathering of "grandma-agers". A topic of discussion was the recent flash mobs of teens, creating havoc, at a local shopping area. The newspaper had reported children, as young as eleven, being dropped off by adults and left to roam the area in gangs. The kids were there until the wee hours of the morning. One of them was a recent shooting victim.
As we continued to discuss the situation, we all related how we, as moms, had refused to drop off our pre-teenagers at the Mall. That was way back in the 70s and 80s. Every one of our kids had whined to us that "all the other kids are doing it." Well, each of us had been wise to that trick.
Here is how we solved the issue.
One mom said, "I asked for a list of names", and of course the child couldn't come up with a single one. Another queried, "Where's your money? You can't go unless you're going to buy something." While another said her kid could go, but only by herself, and that she would have to walk!
There, urban parents, that's your solution to roving gangs of pre-teens. Very simple. Keep them home and occupied. Don't contribute to the problem by escorting them to the scene of the crime.
The grandmas have spoken.

Good Lord. Aren't you amazed out how totally clueless your creations are? And, yet you continue to bless all of us. You have given us free will and the brains to figure things out. We should be thankful.
We are smart, but painfully unwise.
Guide us in what we do.

Pie not?

2011-08-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

It's August, and the craft stores are already displaying fall and winter merchandise.
Aisles are bursting with colorful Autumn leaves and artificial Christmas Trees. It seems early, but apparently there are many folks who are happiest when they are in the midst of preparation...of any kind.
So, I offer a few words on pumpkins. Pumpkins are grown everywhere in the world, except Antarctica. They are used for decoration, for eating and for cooking pots.
In America we use them to make pies. More correctly, some of us take a can of pumpkin and add milk, sugar, eggs, and spices to concoct a pie filling. We also need to make or purchase a pastry pie shell and whipped cream, or its substitute, to top-off the cooked pie.
Delicious eating and it's so traditionally American.
But, the appeal of pumpkin pie is limited. Immigrants and refugees really don't like it. Further more, they do not know what to do with numerous cans of pumpkin puree that they are "given" at holiday time.
Think about this. What can a refugee family, from Somalia, do with a can of pumpkin....if they have no eggs, milk, sugar or spices? Right. Not a thing. And, then think about the skill of using an oven. Oh, wow!
So, don't even consider bringing a can of pumpkin to a charitable food drive.
Try beans, corn, rice, canned milk, tuna or macaroni and cheese, instead.

Lord. We sincerely want to help others. But, help us to understand that not everyone thinks and acts like we do. Show us ways to be generous in a common sense way. Help us to appreciate what the needy might really want.
We are truly blessed.

The best laid plans........

2011-08-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Part of my job is planning events where groups of volunteers gather together to wrap holiday packages. The packages are later distributed to needy clients. Therefore, I try to encourage groups to come to our facilities to have wrapping "parties." They come and I agree to provide water and snacks, the gifts, the paper, the scissors, the tape and a place to do it all.
It takes quite a bit of planning. I have to arrange for the items to be brought from storage and for the wrapped items to be returned to storage. The room has to be arranged for the wrapping assembly line, and the groups need to have everything they need, including directions to our building and space for parking.
I've been scheduling the wrappers since February, and I receive calls or emails daily from both church and corporate groups, wanting to come and wrap. Groups have come from Minnesota, Mississippi, Colorado and every part of Kansas and Missouri. I fit them into my Volunteer Calendar, and it's starting to fill up. I have just a few open dates between now and December.
Last week, I was informed that the space we've been using to wrap is no longer available. Well, that was a problem I had not anticipated. So, I arranged for another space, and rescheduled many of the groups. Today, I found out, quite by chance, that now, I could not use that building.
Needless to say, I am frustrated. Really frustrated.
But,as we say in the Midwest....."there you go." Since, I am powerless in this situation, I have to buck up and move to Plan C. Frankly, I don't have a Plan C, but I am sure God will provide.
Life is like that, fellow travelers.

Dear God. You never promised us that our lives would be without trials. Put your arms around us and help us face our problems. We can accomplish anything with your help and guidance.

"Back of my neck is dirty and gritty"

2011-07-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it's really hot. It's late July, and if this city has experienced a hotter summer in recent years, I can't remember it. Everyone is talking about the weather. One Facebook Group, that I belong to, has been responding to a continuing "When is it going to cool down?" thread, for over a week.
In the past two weeks, our home AC AND my car AC have both needed repair work. Thankfully, both of those machines are up and running. Bless the inventors of air conditioning. We do have relief from the blistering sunshine.
And, of course, although we cannot seem to talk of anything else, it's just talk. We can't do a darn thing about the weather. We cannot control the weather.....just the temperature.
So, sit down, relax and cool off, inside. Winter will be here before we know it.

Good God. All kinds of weather makes life so interesting. Some of us like hot weather, others prefer the cold. Your world is amazing. Help me to focus on things that I can change. I need to relax and leave the weather to YOU.

The Question Is???????

2011-07-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity all this week to teach English to some recent immigrants to the United States. Yesterday, we were cruising right along with our lesson, when we reached a major roadblock. Six blank stares...and their under-trained teacher terrified over just what to do next.
Just then, something from back in my grade school days came bubbling up into my small brain. I recalled a teacher saying "all questions begin with the same 5 or 6 words." Could that be true in all languages?
So, we began talking about WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY,and How (much)? My four Spanish speaking students responded immediately. Que, Quien, Cuando, Donde and Porque? The Sudanese(Arabic)student understood and responded accordingly. The Eritrean (some language that begins with a T) student got it, also.
My lesson was successful. What a breakthrough for all seven of us.

All Knowing God. Not a day goes by when we do not experience your help and guidance.
Help us to recognize your presence. You are all-powerful and all-knowing. We are your children and we need your help. We can't do this life on our own. Stand beside us.

Drumthwacket

2011-07-06T02:26:00.000-07:00

It is possible to learn many things from a cross country car trip. Most people prefer to make long trips by airplane these days, but pat-downs and extra baggage costs are not on my list of favorite travel moments.
Traveling by car, offers unique and varied experiences. The brochures at State Highway Rest Stops (well everyone has to rest)fascinate me. I want to look at every one. Those leaflets make me realize that there is still so many things I want to see in this country. And, Rest Stops generally give away maps. Checking out the names of cities and towns, rivers and streams, lakes and colleges can keep me occupied for hours. Did you know that most of our 50 states have a town or city with the name Springfield?
Then, of course, there are the "what the heck was that" moments which always occur on a road trip. Something catches your eye, as you travel past it. And, you wonder if you really saw what you thought you saw.
Driving through Princeton, New Jersey, I saw a sign emblazoned with the word Drumthwacket. What????? I figured it was likely an Indian word. New Jersey has a bunch of those. But, I was stumped. Who or what is a Drumthwacket?
Thanks to the miracle of the Internet, I discovered that Drumthwacket is the residence of New Jersey's Governor. The land was once owned by William Penn, founder of the Pennsylvania Colony. It was also the site of a Revolutionary War Battle. New Jersey purchased it in the 1960's, and after a massive renovation in the 1980's, it became the Governor's Mansion.

Wondrous Lord. I am thankful for this amazing country. I stand in awe of all that you have created. Help me to keep my eyes and heart open to your glorious world.

"to know them is to love them"

2011-06-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I want to talk about pre-teen girls. Some of you are well acquainted with those females. They are those creatures who generally place one hand on one hip and roll their eyes, while asking "Who me?" when they are addressed.
Believe me, as a a Middle School Substitute, I have witnessed enough eye-rolls an attitudes to last a life time. I know their type. I was one.
You know, I generally introduce myself as a former Middle School Teacher. Then I say, don't mess with me, because I can take you down!
This week, however, I was blessed to work with a group of pre-teens from Littleton, Colorado, who made me reassess my opinion of their age group. This group of 15 young women and their leaders came to work at our Mission, and they worked like no other group has!
I was astonished at their work ethic. Wow! They wrapped packages, sorted clothes, filed papers,and made packets better than most adult groups. They would have worked longer, but they wore me out!

God. You are so awesome. I thank you so much for sending me some of the most wonderful young ladies in this universe. I have been so honored to know these young women and their leaders. Bless them. Bless their futures. They are so worthy.

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

2011-06-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

During the past two weeks, I've been on the road. Della Lamb(my 2 foot high papier mache traveling companion)and I have driven all the way out to Hutchinson, Kansas, then to Springfield, Missouri, and then down to Leawood, Kansas.
As we traveled, we found that most mid western folks were very friendly and all but a very few were willing to listen to my spiel about our urban mission here in the heart of Kansas City. Of course, when you greet people with "say hi to my friend Della" and then lead them to a cotton-ball covered statue, it does have a tendency to break the ice or should I say, soften the message!
But, I'm tired. Last night, I slept in my own bed. I fell asleep quickly. Didn't even have to count......you know what. It was great.
Dorothy Gale was right. "There's no place like home."

Lord. I'm so thankful to be home. I'm thankful that I have a home. My prayers go out to those who are searching for a home or need a home. Help all of us remember that we have a safe place with You.

"Live Like You Were Dying"

2011-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

In the past few days,our area has experienced some of the most horrific weather imaginable. Everyone I speak to has personal ties to the numerous tornadoes, windstorms and floods that have hit us so hard this Spring. With our instant media sources we have been bombarded with photos of before and after views of the devastation. We have been talking of nothing else.
Lives have been changed in a matter of seconds. People, their homes, and businesses were fine and then, in the blink of an eye, everything is gone. The stories of loss are so moving. A simple afternoon trip to WalMart, and dozens of lives are lost forever.
Everyone affected by the storms needs our prayers and our support. Lots of churches and organizations are participating in relief projects. We can all join in the effort to help the victims.
And, it might just be a good idea to hug on your own loved ones just a little more. Life is so fragile and precious. We take our blessings for granted.

God. We believe that you are the one constant in our lives. We ask for physical, emotional and spiritual healing for all of your people. Help us to be strong. Help us to be the best that we can be during our time on Earth. Show us how to be a truly loving and thankful people.

A Wrinkle in Time

2011-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Recently, I viewed a picture of myself taken at age 11 or 12. Well, most of us have photos of ourselves at that age, however, I had never seen the particular photo before. I found it in a book published about my hometown. Never even knew that such a photo existed.
Wow! Seeing it brought back some really sweet memories. There I stand, frozen in time, in a glass window front above the main street in my home town. I'm the ninth little Girl Scout from the left, singing Christmas Carols. All of us are in our uniforms. It's a black and white photo (we're talking the nineteen fifties here, after all), but I can recall the green uniforms, green socks and yellow neck scarves.
I remember the names of almost all of my fellow scouts. The point is, I had forgotten all about doing the caroling on Broadway, all those years ago. It was a big deal then, but it had slipped from my memory.

Gracious Lord. In your wisdom, you have made us imperfect. Our memories are selective. We don't like remembering the unhappy pictures. But, sometimes all we can do is remember the sad and bad pictures. We forget about the good pictures. Thank you for helping us, against our natures, to recall the good pictures.

(I'll try to get this photo posted.)

Now you see it........ Now you don't.

2011-05-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I needed to go to a county office on a car licensing issue. The person who waited on me had a BIBLE, visible on his desk. What a great idea! Put your faith right out there for every one to see. This clerk wanted people, that he deals with every day, to know that he is a Christian. We are known by our trappings, for sure.
I once worked for a man (not very long, PTL)who had a calendar of naked women on his desk. It was pretty obvious what kind of creep he was. He made everyone who dealt with him really uncomfortable.
So, look around your workspace. What can your visitors and co-workers determine about you from that desktop, kitchen counter, computer station or whatever you call work?

Good God, thank you for eyes. Sometimes what we are looking for is right there in plain sight. A Bible may be only a collection of papers with words on them. But, to me it's a collection of words and stories that help me make decisions on how to live.
I want people to know Whose I am.
I know that I am far from the best Christian, walking and talking today, but with YOUR help, You can show me how to live.

1, 2, 3, go.......

2011-05-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of counting recently. During a recent "Volunteer Recognition Week", I handed out small beaded ropes to our volunteers. The explanation attached to these small gifts was one that came from one of my many crocheting activity books. Seems like most major religions use beaded objects for prayer count, etc. So, I reasoned why not give these little things out and suggest that my volunteers use them to "count" their blessings.
The volunteers accepted the gifts, and maybe we'll have a few more thankful folk in the world.
I have also been using a counting trick as a means to speed up my "falling asleep" at night. Here's what you do. Pick any large even number. Now concentrate on subtracting three from that number..then three more....etc. It puts me to sleep right away.
Now, maybe this only works for mathematically challenged people. But, I suggest you try it.

God. Our blessings are countless and our worries amount to nothing. Keep our eyes on the future. Looking back does none of us any good. Help us to focus on what is to come. Thank you, God, for your guidance and assurance. Amen.

Where's the blue bird?

2011-04-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Okay. I'm going to risk being called a grouch and a grump, but I've had it with the April Showers. Enough is enough. It's almost May, and we are in severe need of some Spring-like weather. Yesterday, a friend told me that she thought she had moss growing on her north side. It may be July, before my flower beds will be tillable!
It's cold and wet and miserable in most of the country.
My son once told me to quit complaining about the weather. I have a car he said. Leave, if you don't like it here. I've reached the point where if I thought I could....I would. It's time to "get out of Dodge". A warm Caribbean Island sounds great, about now. Honestly, I would settle for stepping out of the shower in the morning and not be freezing cold.

Hey God. My list of "wants" is pretty short, today. I want some sunshine. I'd accept just a couple of hours of warm, dry weather. I don't want to seem ungrateful for all of the wonderful blessings that you have given me. I do appreciate them. But, can we have some nice weather soon? Please.

DYB

2011-04-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

If you have ever had any connection with the Cub Scouts of America, you know DYB. I think I even remember the boys yelling it as a cheer. DYB! DYB! DYB! And,I sincerely believe, that DYB beats all the fancy codes, mottos and mission statements, ever created. It's the greatest.
Last Sunday, at our current church, my husband, aka "the Silver Fox", aka "the traveling choir director" directed three presentations of Vivaldi's "Gloria". He's spent, since January, countless hours coaching, coaxing, plodding and pleading with the Chancel Choir, two vocal soloists, and 10 instrumentalists to DYB. The results were spectacular. Everyone, including the congregation, pastors and musicians were pleased. It was a project well worth the effort.
It's always worth it to DYB. Although, he was told, not too long ago that some Churchy Folk think "sorta good is good enough for God". God expects you to DYB. After all, he gave everything, including his life, for us.
This Holy Week, as we contemplate the sacrifices God made for us, let's try to remember to always "Do Your Best" for Him.

God, we know that you want us to do our best. There just isn't any other way to practice our Faith. Lead us in the way that you would have us go. Teach us to follow where You lead us.
Keep us focused on the Joy of Easter Morning.

"One is silver and the other gold."

2011-04-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Do you know how to make a stranger a friend? The answer couldn't be any easier. You just find some work to do, together.
This past week, I invited "10 Mission Workers from Wichita" (sounds like a sports team, doesn't it?) to come and do some volunteer work, at my place of employment. They came on Thursday, and by Sunday afternoon, when they departed, eleven complete strangers had become eleven fast friends.
A common bond, which in this case was a desire to help those people who truly need assistance, makes for a great connection. My new friends tutored our non-English speaking clients. They copied, pasted, stapled and even wrapped Christmas Presents. Over 400 Christmas Presents!
Well, doing all of that work together became more fun than a barrel of monkeys. We talked and laughed and told stories. We shared our faith and our life experiences.
Monday, I woke up and I found out that in my heart of hearts, I was missing 10 members of my "family".

Lord, you must take real joy in knowing that your children can become friends and sharing companions. How unhappy it must make you to see us become enemies. Show us how to love one another and truly mean it. We really want to please you.

Techno Folly

2011-04-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

I observed a confict today that took 13 emails, over a period of four hours, to resolve. It was a simple issue of conflicting dates and personnel. I wasn't directly involved, but I was copied on all of the transactions. As I went about my work, I kept checking my inbox regularly to see when and if the dispute would be resolved.
With each continuing message, the original issue became muddier and muddier, until, quite frankly, I had pretty much forgotten what the problem had been in the first place. It occurred to me, long before the trail of messages had come to a resolution, that a short phone call could have solved the whole thing in a few minutes.
Technology is a great thing, but I fear that we are losing our sense of perspective and along with that, the ability to think reasonably. We've let our fingers do the walking, when what we need to do is a little more talking.

Most holy and knowledgable God, keep those life lessons coming. There is so much I want to learn. Help me to keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to the pure and right things. Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to listen and learn....from others.

What are you, anyway?

2011-03-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

I recently came across John Wesley's writings on "What are the distinguishing marks of the people called Methodists?" Wesley goes on to list some of the things that make Methodists. One is that Methodists "ARE HAPPY PEOPLE". Oh my goodness. Did John Wesley ever sit in on a Staff-Parish Meeting or a Stewardship Campaign Meeting? How about a budget meeting? Those in attendance are usually some unhappy folks, for sure.
So, what are the distinguishing marks of your faith? How can people tell that you are what you say you are? If you are Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or a male Jew, you would be labeled by your outward appearance. But, Christians don't have a distinguishing outward mark or costume. Do you remember that song..."They will know we are Christians, by our love, by our love."?
Well, I'm going to start smiling more. Wesley says that, "Methodists are happy in God. Perfect love has cast out fear and brings joy." Maybe folks will know that I am a United Methodist by my mark.....er, grin!

Lord, I have nothing to be unhappy about. I am so blessed. I'm clothed. I am not hungry. I have a roof over my head. I'm healthy. Good Golly, I should be happy.
Help me to remember my blessings. Show me how to love more and whine less. Let the light of the Holy Spirit shine through me.

What do you care?

2011-03-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

My friend made an observation yesterday, and it was from a stand point I had never considered. I had always held the position that it was important to "dress for respect." In other words, if you want to be treated with respect, dress in a manner that demands it. Because,if you look like a zero, that's the amount of respect you will get. Zip, nada, zilch.

But, my wise friend had another philosophy. (We were observing some pretty sloppily dressed folk.) She said, "It makes me sad to see the way these folk dress. Do they dress the way they do because the people they deal with are poor and needy? By looking so sloppy, they are showing disrespect to their (students, clients, fellow workers, etc.).
So, I am thinking that I have had it all wrong. My thinking is backward. As usual, it's all about me.

Good God. Thank you for slapping me up the side of the head. I know you want me to think of others. Show me the way to make a difference in your world. Guide me feet, Lord, while I run this race.

Mary and Martha

2011-03-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you about my one and only sibling. My sister (I've referred to her as my "Much Older Sister", since we both passed the half-century mark. After all, I figured someone always has to be older than me!It might as well be her.) My MOS and I have maintained a long-distance relationship since we reached adulthood. After college, she ventured off to teach in California and I remained in the Midwest. Maybe that's what has kept us friendly all of these years?
This week, my MOS has a birthday. I flew out to surprised her for her last big birthday, but for this milestone birthday, she will just have to read about my best wishes for her.
Younger Sisters often admire their older siblings, but I am extremely proud to call my MOS "OUTSTANDING". She is a Loving Wife (actually, anyone would love her Pizza- Cooking, handsome, grocery shopping husband), FANTASTIC Mother (of 3 productive adult children, who actually are on speaking terms with her) and a Dynamic Grandma (of 7 delightful kiddos, who love to be around her and enjoy her company). She was and is an excellent teacher (OMG, she knows more kiddie songs than Barney), and she is also a very caring and faith-filled Christian.
If you have a sister, tell her that you love her today. Right now, don't waste a minute. If you don't have a sister (you're missing a special relationship), but we all have special friends. Tell that person how important he or she is to you.

I love you MOS.

Gracious God. In the middle of our busy lives, it is easy to forget to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. Lord, You never forget to show your love for us.
Thank you for our many blessings.

Lenten Lint

2011-03-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

Different Christian Denominations have different ideas about Lent. I'm okay with that. Disagreement is the reason we have many denominations in the first place. Luther thought the Catholics had it wrong. Wesley thought the Church of England had it wrong. And, on and on and on.
As I child, I tried to give up candy for Lent, and I never succeeded in getting through the 40 days plus weekends, without eating some. Too much of a sweet tooth and chocolate has a powerful pull. Then, as an adult I began to focus on bettering myself and adding something new to my spiritual life, during the Lenten season. I decided it was a much more realistic approach. After all candy isn't good for you in the first place.
Our new place of worship is a "giving up for Lent" type of church. So, I'm keeping my "adding things for Lent" opinion to myself. But, you can rest assured that I will be doing some reading and studying in the next few weeks.....and eating CANDY!!!

Oh Lord. We are preparing. Lent comes every year. Help us to reach our goals to become improved Christians.

Bass Ackwards

2011-03-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

Today my task at work was filing. We had lots of student files to pull, fill with new papers, and refile. For most people it's a very simple and routine job. But for me, it's the most difficult thing I do.
You see, I am alphabetically dyslexic. I don't know if that is a real condition, but it describes my condition perfectly. I have definite alphabet issues.
When I was 2 or 3, and just beginning to talk, my grandfather taught me to recite the alphabet backwards. He thought the two of us were very clever. And, to this day, I can rattle off my z,y,xs as fast as my a,b,cs. People are always amazed at this skill of mine. It makes for great party conversation.
However, my alphabet talent makes me unable to rapidly alphabetize, quickly look up words in the dictionary or encyclopedia. I have real trouble with phone books and most of all filing.
It isn't all my grandfather's fault, although most of it is. I should have told all of those sweet teachers about my issues. Some of them would have probably let me do my papers backward, or taught me some way to get those 26 letters going the right way in my head.
Instead, I have suffered in silence, knowing that I'll never really inherently know if it is pqrstuv or vutsrqp.

God, grant us wisdom and courage. Life seems to be a struggle sometimes. We get caught up in what we can and cannot do and with what we have and haven't got.
Teach us to be more accepting, more patient and more kind with ourselves and others.

K.I.S.S.

2011-02-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

In my workplace the use of Acronyms is rampant. Employees toss them back and forth like baseballs. Unfortunately, being the new kid on the block,I have no idea what the acronyms stand for or what they mean. I am like a alien in a foreign land.
But, this is a good thing. Since my workplace deals with speakers of languages other than English, my ignorance of these specific acronyms makes it easy for me to identify with the students. They can't understand my language, and I can't understand the language of the teachers. We are almost always in a blissful state of total confusion.
However, I have found that a smile, kindness, and a hearty laugh can go a long way in inter-cultural relations. Did you know that the signal for craziness is nearly universal? Just twirl your hand around the side of your head and everyone understands.

Lord of All, help us to focus on the sameness of your great variety of people. We are
alike in so many ways. The differences that we see are in our eyes only.
Help us to celebrate and embrace our fellow life travelers as our brothers and sisters.
We want to follow where you lead us.

BTW....Keep It Saucy Sister

We Have Gas

2011-02-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

I know this is usually an indelicate subject, but I have to let you know that we have gas. A big old gas leak.
Yesterday, our kids came over for a quick visit and they let us know that they smelled gas when they came in the house. So, this morning I called the local gas company and reported the smell. Now, if this happens to you, report it immediately do not wait for 12 hours, because the gas people will come right out. They work weekends. They do not want you to wait to report an odor. In fact they are down right nasty about procrastination.
The gas folks found a leak, right at our door. (Smart children, or at least they have smart noses)The gas investigators turned off our gas service, right away. So tonight we have no heat or hot water.
Next, I followed the advice of the gas people and called a plumber. Who knew gas line repair was done by a plumber?
The plumber told us he will have to redo our entire line from the meter to the furnace. We have "illegal entry", it seems, and we have to get up to code. It will cost a bundle, but it will be finished tomorrow night.
Thankfully, we are having a warmish spell in our otherwise brutal winter.
Oh, well. Sometimes life hands you a bunch of raisins when you are expecting grapes.
We are alive and well and we are not going to be blowing up anytime soon.

Holy God. It is so great to be alive. Our lives have ups and downs and ins and outs, but we know that you are there with us every step of the way. Give us courage and the ability to accept what we cannot change and guide us to make the right choices in our daily decisions.

2011-02-08T04:32:00.000-08:00

The event we attended on Saturday, had an overall theme of "Balls". There were inflated soccer balls, baseballs, big balls and litttle balls. The room was decorated with ball shaped balloons. All of this was in honor of Leo, age one, who says one word....."Ball".
Guests at the party, held at a local pizza parlor, were his mom and dad's friends and assorted relatives. Being the paternal grandma, I knew all of the relatives.
However, it was the parents' friends that held my attention.
Our youngest son's friends, the same rug rats that wrestled in our family room twenty years ago and played monopoly until the wee hours of the morning, came to the party, toting their own little ones. I was fascinated.
A couple of the toddlers were carbon copies of their dads. Another one resembled his grandpa. Some of their personalites were reminiscent of their elders.
What a great time I had. And, what great memories seing those little ones evoked.

Lord God. Life does go on, in spite of us. Little children are so precious. Help us, as adults, to us remember our responsiblities toward them. Remind us to savor each and every minute of a lifetime, because all to soon, those babies become teenagers, then parents of their own babies.
We are blessed.

Happy Trails to You.......

2011-01-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

As I write this, my husband is stuck in Tulsa. This morning he left Kansas City, to travel by plane, to St. Louis. He intended to return home tomorrow, but because all of his meetings were cancelled, he booked the last flight back to Kansas City, this afternoon. Well, our airport was iced in. Closed for the remainder of the night. So, his plane was diverted to Tulsa. A one hour flight became a two hour flight and then became a point of no return.
Life is a lot like that, I think. Our plans become way laid, and we end up somewhere we never intended to be. How many of us planned to be where we are today? (I had briefly planned on becoming a nun, but had settled on the life of a cowgirl......they had the cooler outfits. Nuns didn't wear cowboy boots and leather fringe!)
Life just never works out the way we plan it. I like the phrase, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." Truthfully, just as life has its disappointments, it also has it's mountain top experiences.
But, I have come to this conclusion. No matter what the route, I intend to enjoy the journey.
Oh, and I hope Scott finds his way home,sometime soon. I intend to be like Motel 6, and "leave the light on for him."

Great and all knowing God. You travel with us on this journey of life. Help us to remember that we are all, every last one of us, on the same journey. Allow us to release our burdens to you, and remind us to travel light.

"And the skies are not cloudy all day."

2011-01-24T17:25:00.000-08:00

My home state, Kansas, has a birthday this week. She's 150 years old, which isn't very old, of course, when you compare her to the really old states of New York and Rhode Island. But, believe me, I'm thinking Kansas is pretty darn old, because I remember the big celebration when she turned 100.
Back in 1961, I marched as a high schooler, in a parade to honor the Centennial of the Sunflower State. I remember witnessing the speeches and all of the hoopla. I seem to recall it was quite a big deal. There were time capsules unearthed and new ones buried. New songs were written, played and sung. Streets were renamed or created with the name "Centennial." Our classmate animated a cartoon movie entitled "The Kansas Kitty".
All of that was fifty ago, which is so hard for me to believe.
Time flies. It really does. And, it flies whether or not you are having fun!

"I was born in Kansas. I was bred in Kansas. And when I get married I'll be wed in Kansas. There's a true blue (Crimson and...) guy, who promised he would wait. I'm his Sunflower from the Sunflower State." Rock Chalk, Jayhawk. KU.

Holy Lord. We are truly thankful for whatever time we have. Our blessings are great and our burdens are small. Teach us to use our time wisely. Guide us along a path that will allow us to experience the richness of life and to savor your great universe. We are thankful for our years of life.

Letting go and letting God

2011-01-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

Along about the time your child turns two, you began to realize that you cannot make every decision for for him or her. All through the growing up years, one of the hardest jobs to do, as a parent, is to stop rushing in to try to "save" your kids from making choices that you know are going to be disasterous for them. I'm not saying that you should let your 2 year old ride his bike down the middle of the street (if you can help it). But, when your nine year old insists on wearing his roller blades, indoors and out, on pavement or grass, in sunshine and snow...who is it going to hurt? Only the kid when he falls down, (I did tell him that roller blades were never intended to work on sledding hills coverd with ice, but I knew he was going to try it anyway.) will he know he made the wrong decision.
So, kids, don't be too hard on the old folks. We're not perfect. We have made a lifetime of decisions, good and bad. So, you think it's hard now, chasing after that toddler or teenager, but believe me, you haven't tried anything yet.

God, will you give each of us, no matter what our age or stage in life, the wisdom of silence? Help us to keep our opinions to ourselves, especially if what we say will cause lasting hurt to others. Let us rejoice in the decisions of our children, friends and even those whom we chance to meet.
Remind us that Your wisdom will prevail and that all good things come from You.

Wearin' of the Red

2011-01-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Proper attire for everyone in Kansas City, this past Friday, was bright red. That's the only color for fans of our local National League Football Team. Everybody was wearing red, because, this year, after a very long, win less drought, we are in the post-season playoffs.
Our team has STUNK for a lot of years, so this winning season has everyone stunned. We have cried and whined about how bad the Chiefs are for so long, we are having a hard time believing they can be winners.
The last time the Chiefs won a play-off game was seventeen years ago. This morning, the Kansas City Star ran a picture of a young man, a high school junior, who was born on the day of the last post-season win for K.C. Like I said, we are all having a hard time believing we can win.

Lord, I am not naive enough to think that if we "believe" enough, the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl. But, I do know that all you have required of us, as travelers in this life, is to believe in you.
Sometimes when the "going gets tough", it's hard to keep the faith. We want to give up. Often we put our faith in something or someone else.
But, when we truly believe that you will always be there for us, the "going" gets so much easier. Jesus, you make us winners.

"Boughs of Holly"

2010-12-30T04:52:00.000-08:00

I have a new meditation area. It's my drive between the school on Woodland and the school on St. John. It's become the stretch of commute where I do by best thinking.
Now, I have to be pretty careful about deep ponderings, as I drive this stretch of city streets, because I have to watch out for copper thieves, possible dead bodies, police cars and the dreaded "traffic circle". It's a rough neighborhood, folks.
Anyway, earlier this week, as I drove along the Avenue, I noticed piles of colorful material spread out on several lawns. It took me a minute to realize (no flashing lights or visible crime tape) that they were the deflated remains of Christmas Inflatables. And, a morose sadness overcame me. I almost had to pull over and stop. But, given the wee hour of morning and the desertedness of the street, I sensibly kept on driving.
Anyway, in the daytime, the lighted night-time blow-ups of Santas, Snowmen, and even Nativity Scenes are just piles of sad and limp material. Isn't this the way we often feel when the holidays come to an end?
We've worked days and days on the preparation, the presents, and the food. Then suddenly, it's all done. Stick a fork in it.
Now what? It's back to everyday life. The lights and fans are turned off. We've lost the Christmas Spirit.

Tiny Baby God, help us to keep the Spirit of the Season year round. You don't leave us. Why should we abandon you? Just because the radio ceases to play Christmas music, doesn't mean that the true meaning of Christmas is over.
God, can you remind me, every so often, to "Deck the Halls"? Just a nudge would keep me INFLATED for the next 10 months or so. I am truly blessed.

"Angels we have heard on high..."

2010-12-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, I informed some close girlfriends that I did not believe in angels. Well, they were horrified and they proceeded to relate personal encounters with their "guardian angels". I was more than willing to listen to their stories, but I told them that I just couldn't attribute "godlike...savior like" qualities to anything but God. At the end of the discussion, we agreed to disagree.
In recent weeks, I have decided that angels do exist. According to the original Biblical definition, angels are messengers sent by God to tell mortals things that God wants us to hear. Humans don't really react well to burning bushes or direct words from God's mouth. So, God sends us messengers.
In my opinion, an angel can be anyone. They don't have wings or halos. An angel can be a preacher or a salesclerk or even a grandchild. But, they do bring messages. Often times, the messages are silent or are shown to us by example. But they are there.
Sometimes the message is... wake up and smell the roses! Or, maybe it's.... slow down. Or maybe it's....enjoy today. That message could be....accept. God tells us many things by using his angels.

Happy birthday, Jesus. Your messengers are all around us. Guide us to be receptive to your messages. We need to listen.

All Wrapped Up

2010-12-17T11:47:00.001-08:00

Operation Santa Claus is a wrap! For four days, our clients picked up their new clothing, Hallmark festooned presents and groceries. Folks along "The Avenue" will have warm and full bodies, thanks to our staff and several hundred volunteers.

Many corporations and individuals contributed money and items to our Holiday Distribution. Nearly 1500 families received the bounty. The outpouring of new toys was amazing. Believe me, I now know how much space 200 Candy Land games, stacked in piles of ten, takes up! And, baby dolls and Barbies by the dozens. Have you even seen a thousand Match Box Cars in one place?

Charity is easy at Christmas, isn't it? We Christians love to give at Christmas time. Sometimes I think that we choose to give to the less fortunate, because it makes the gifts we buy our friends and family seem less extravagant.

Now, don't get me wrong. There is a need for warm clothes and full tummies on December 25th. And, every kid needs some new toys under the tree. But, what about the rest of the year? Please, Christians, don't forget about empty cupboards in February, in April and even in August.

God, you have blessed us with many wonderful things. Our Christmas Celebration at the Kincaid Kastle, will be glorious. Our stockings will be full to the brim. We will be blessed with four generations around our Christmas table, including two new grand babies. We will all eat so much that we'll complain about it.
Your love touches everyone, everywhere. Help us to remember that we need to reach out to touch others, all twelve months of the year.

"Open my eyes, that I might see..."

2010-12-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

For the past week, I have been very busy preparing for the distribution of gifts, groceries, toys, and clothes for Operation Santa Claus. Volunteers and staff, at the Mission, have been caught up in the purchasing and wrapping of 1600 this and 1600 that. We are determined to make sure that we have enough items for every member of our 1600 client families.
We have wrapped 1600 pair of gloves for women, 1600 pair of gloves for men, and the same number of note cards, manicure sets, socks, and calendars. Then we have bagged up sweat shirts and pants, underwear and socks for 3000 kids. A company donated 500 teenager bags.
the numbers are overwhelming. Toy donations are steadily coming in. We have been so busy.
So, I am tired and more than a little testy, after over a week of preparation. My Holiday Sprit is wearing thin.
Then today, I met Phu, a student at a local college who came in to do some "required" volunteer work. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that he worked very hard packing the grocery bags for our clients.
Later, as we rested, I thanked him for coming in today. He said, "I am glad I came in. You know, this means a lot to me. I am an immigrant and we had Christmas, when I was a child, because of a mission just like this."

God, I am so humbled by your goodness. Thank you for putting me in a place where I can meet people like Phu. My blessings are great. Help me to keep my eyes and my heart open.

"To every thing there is a season....."

2010-11-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

Every morning on my way to work, I encounter a "traffic circle". I think another word for this type of configuration is a "round about". Anyway, whatever you choose to call it, it appears to be confusing to most everyone who drives into it.
I can only think of two of these type of traffic patterns in the whole Kansas City area. We mid-westerners, of course, are more accustomed to four-way stops, traffic lights and left-turn arrrows than we are with "traffic circles".
We just don't seem to know how they work! Are you supposed to use your turn signal or not? I tried using mine a couple of times, but it didn't seem to matter. There is absolutely no way to tell the direction an on-coming car will go.
And, it seems that people are confused about how and when to yield. Most of the time I just sit in my lane, until all traffic, in any direction is long gone. I think it's better than getting whacked by the car you thought was going to turn.

Hence that old saying........She who hesitates, doesn't get tossed!

Patient God. We are waiting for you to come this advent season. Good things do come to those who wait. You are so patient with us, as you listen to our wants and hear our demands. Why is it so hard for us to be accepting and patient? Why can't we listen more and talk less?
Guide us and teach us to be the people you truly want us to be.

"WE GATHER TOGETHER"

2010-11-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

Today, my friends and I gave away Thanksgiving Dinner to nearly 1500 families. That's 1500 turkeys, 1500 pies, 1500 dozen eggs, 1500 boxes of margarine, 1500 cans of green beans, 1500 boxes of stuffing and mashed potatoes, 1500 cans of cranberries sauce, and more.
And, you know what? 1500 families may have gotten a couple of bags of groceries, but, my friends and I got much more out of the experience than a traditional holiday meal.
We had the opportunity to see God in the eyes of those families. We saw humbleness, gratitude and joy in the eyes and smiles of those families. We saw dignity and pride, because they will be able to prepare and feed their family and friends in their own homes. For the people who came through our Operation Thanksgiving line today, I am truly grateful.
Okay, I'm exhausted, but I am truly grateful.

"Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise." This is the best holiday of all. Thank you God for being with us through the good and the bad. We are survivors because you stand with us.

A is for ................

2010-11-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a long, long, very long time, since I needed to draw on my Pre-school teaching skills. But, this week I was asked to fill in for an absent day-care worker at the mission.
I was just fine in the "diaper-change" arena. I excelled (this is my opinion, of course) in the "let's share the toys" category. However, I was a little rusty in "finger play and sing-along" instruction.
My first sing-along selection was " The Grand old Duke of York". It used to be so easy to get up and down from those "blessed little folk chairs". OMGolly, that was 40 years ago! Then I struggled through "My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean" (You jump up every time you say a B word).
Okay, Okay, I was panting by then!
My next shot was "finger play". Breathlessly, I attempted those. The kids, all 7 of them, were looking at me rather strangely by then. They were probably thinking, "Who is this crazy old lady, what in the name of Dora is she doing, and why is she bothering us?"
Egad. I could be a great-grandma! When did that happen????

Good God. Thank you for the stages of life. I love being my age. What a joy it is to remember being young and not having to be there any more.
The memories are great. The blessings of age are truly wonderful.

I've been Mugged!!!!!!!

2010-11-12T03:26:00.000-08:00

Don't call the hospital or send flowers. The "Mug" project has been successful.
A couple of months ago, I sent out an email request to my United Methodist Women friends, throughout the state. I asked them to search through their kitchen cabinets, for a few underused coffee mugs. Our clients at the mission like to drink coffee, you see, but the thought and cost of
Styrofoam cups seemed like such a waste. And, everybody could use a little extra space in their cabinets.
"Don't mail them", I said. Just box them up and somehow they will find their way to my door. I was aiming for 200 mugs. Carol brought about sixty, from a gathering in Columbia. Mary brought some from Springfield. Annette collected a bunch from south Kansas City, and Carol, from Kearney, is bringing more by today. I have those 200 mugs. They have come from everywhere.
God works in mysterious ways. All of my contributors have been in mission to those in need of God's goodness.
Thank you all very much.

In this season of Thanksgiving, our emotions run near the surface. We are indeed thankful for our many blessings. We have experienced emotional and physical want, and we know that you can provide us with everything that we truly need.
Dear God, open our eyes and our hearts.

We the people......

2010-11-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I had the opportunity to lead a small class in citizenship. My four students were all women immigrants, coming from 4 different African nations. My task was to instruct them in the "100 questions". My first task was to learn what the "100 questions" actually is or maybe it's are!
Well, it seems in order to become a citizen, one of the requirements is to be able to answer 10 randomly chosen questions from a published list of "100 questions". A prospective citizen must know all 100 questions and answers in order to answer 10. Well, actually you can miss four out of 10, and still pass that part of the test.
So, the questions we covered tonight were: 1) What is the supreme law of the land? 2) What does The Constitution do? 3) What are the first three words of The Constitution?
Do you know the answers to those questions?
My students are eager to learn. They thanked me over and over as they left the room tonight. I am awed by the responsibility.

God of all nations. I wonder if you laugh at our attempts to form a "more perfect union". You have created a perfect universe. It is our arrogance that has messed it up. WE lift you up as our creator and we have been given so much. We honor you and we seek to do your will. Bless us in our humble endeavors.

" And The Word was Made Life"

2010-10-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

This week's sermon was entitled " The Conversion", but up on the requisite (today's society can read, but their hearing is questionable) three video screens was the word "Conversation". Someone had messed up, big time.

The pastor's message was a fine example of touching on tithing (it's that time of year, you know) as the final conversion in a Christian's life. By the way, our current pastor does a great job of delivery and his theology, in my opinion, is right on.

But, one word posted ( center, left and right, in giant letters) throughout the sermon, and another word in the preaching, was confusing. What's was the right word. Was it conversion or conversation?

Here is what I concluded. (Take note of my alliteration skill.) The two common words are not contradictory. They complement each other. As we grow in our Christian life, we choose to hold many conversations with God. We question, we praise, we accept, and we pray. All of these conversations contribute to our personal conversions.

Dear God: Call us into your community of Christ. We are in continual awe of your power and might.
Allow us to cling to you, O Lord, as we constantly struggle through our daily living. You are our salvation and our strength.

Once Upon a Time.......

2010-10-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

Our oldest son came back to Kansas City for his 20th High School Reunion, this past weekend. He was nervous about reuniting with old friends that he hadn't seen, face to face, in 20 years. And,just like mom and dad told him he would, he had a really great time.
Reunions are an interesting concept. We all know that we can't go back 20,30 or even 50 years, to the time when we were young and relatively unblemished by the trials of everyday life. And truthfully, most of us really wouldn't want to revisit that yesteryear. (Just try to name ten truly happy teenagers!) However, we continue to go back to high schools or hometowns, on occassion, perhaps hoping to catch a glimpse of our youth, of the "good old days". But, fun as they are, reunions are over after a day or two, and we must return to the present.

Ageless God. We thank you for the ups and downs of life. We thank you for the experiences, good and bad that have made us what we have become. Because God, you are good and you have been there with us always. You are our constant throughout all of our years. You have blessed us with the past AND the present.

"Yes, indeed"

2010-10-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well, are there any of you out there who still remember Fats? "I'm talkin'", about Fats Domino. You know,the "I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill" guy. He's the singer that Chubby Checker was mocking when he created his stage name. So, it's just like old Fats Domino sang, "I'm walkin', yes indeed, and I'm talking, yes indeed".
Our preacher, Wally, asked us to "walk across the room" and start talking to others about our personal Christian story. I told him that, frankly, the Christians I know often have trouble just changing pews.....let alone walking all the way across the room. It's way too much of a journey. It's just too far to go.
But, my journey or my faith story, is exactly what this blog is. Every week, I write about what I believe and what I think that God is telling me to write about.
Not a day goes by without someone I know telling me their opinion about the state of the economy or what they think of Obama or the Tea Party. Some complete stranger will spout off about Fred Phelps or abortion or "don't ask don't tell", but for some reason, only the real "crazies" will talk about religion or faith.
Scott wrote an email last week telling someone about the scriptures he reads daily, and one of our children called wondering if Dad was getting spiritual advice from some crazy Bible stuff, like from Job or something. Excuse me. Why can't we express our faith without being accused of being looney?
Scott reads scripture. I quote Wesley. It's who we are. We're walking across the room, friends.

Hey, Jesus. You love us and you want us to be faithful. We do it in a lot of different ways. Help us to be true to you always. Lead us in this journey of life.
We are your servants.

"A white sport coat and a ............."

2010-10-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

All of the fountains in Kansas City (we are the City of Fountains, you know) are spouting pink water this month. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I know this is going to sound odd, but believe me, those of us who have been touched by Breast Cancer, don't need any kind of reminder of the disease. We are, to put it mildly, aware that it is out there and we know first hand what the disease can do.
I'm all for awareness, but you are never, ever going to catch me wearing pink. No way, Jose'.
Okay, okay, so pink is the traditional color for girls......baby girls. But, it's a wimpy color. It's soft, pretty and delicate.
Pink is not a color for women who have had chunks cut out of them, and have suffered from radiation burns. Pink is not a color for women who have lost their hair and their dignity, as they bared their chests for dozens of doctors, nurses, and radiologists. And, nausea is never soft and pretty.
Pink is not a color for women who have fought and won the battle against Breast Cancer. It is definitely not the color for women who who have given it their best effort and yet lost, in spite of it all.
So, my friends. Look for me in bright red, green, purple, orange, blue or yellow......or a combination of any of the above. Don't look for me in pink.
I am a survivor.

Holy God. You are our strength and our salvation. You are the one to heal our hearts and minds. Give us courage to face what is to happen. Hold us tightly as we cling to you. Show us the way.

God Will Take Care of You

2010-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

One of my substitute jobs last week was in a local high school, in a classroom of ELL (English Language Learners) students. There were only two sudents in one of the classes and neither of them was too intent on doing the lesson. The younger of the two, a freshman, told me that his friend, a senior girl, was sick. When I asked her what was wrong, she reluctantly told me that she had just been diagnosed with cervical cancer. And, that she was scared.
I told her God had wanted me, a cancer survivor, to be in that classroom today so that I could talk to her. We talked about being strong and how she needed to have a fierce mental attitude in order to fight the disease. I tried to be very positive, but it was obvious that she was a very frightened young lady.
Then, I told her that I would ask all of my friends, everywhere, to pray for her. I said I knew a lot of prayer warriors, in a whole lot of places, who would pray for her, even if they didn't know her. She liked the thought of that and it made her smile.
So, I am asking you to pray for Olga. She needs healing of her body and the strength to fight this battle.

Dear God. Where you lead me, I will follow. Give me the words to help others see your strength and goodness. Grab onto Olga and hold her tight in your healing arms. Give her faith and courage. She's going to need it.

"For a Few Dollars More"

2010-09-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

After a full day in the classroom today, I attended a meeting on classroom management. I must admit, I wasn't too excited about going. Usually, these meetings consist of a twenty-something chicky telling me, "Okay, like you guys like really need to like focus on like being positive, like okay????" The last time I went to one of these meetings, the young presenter used the word OKAY, 73 times! That was NOT okay.
But, today, I am actually taking away some positive information and will attempt to use it in the classroom tomorrow.
Two video clips were used, as examples, at the presentation. One was Clint Eastwood, the tough spaghetti western gunfighter and the other was Sheriff Andy's deputy, Barney Fife.
Now, before you call the cops to report Mrs. Kincaid for packing a Colt 45, reflect on this. While Barney was hyper, over bearing, and screechy, Clint was calm, cool, controlled and stated clear choices. Albeit, it was make the right choice or your dead, but the choices were clear.
That's what I want to do. Be calm, cool, in control, and give the kids clear choices.

Understanding God. You really make my day. I think about my blessings and rejoice. Your love surrounds me as I try follow your commandments. Help me to make the right choices as I deal with your children of all ages.

Will You Still Need Me?

2010-09-13T12:12:00.001-07:00

Well , just like the Beatles song, it is for me ....."many years from now". Surely, not. I can't be that old. What's that quote..... age is "truly just a number"? But this birthday, it happens to be a pretty big number. Historical.
Seven of my fellow high school classmates have emailed to wish me a very happy #46! Hysterical.
Reflection isn't my forte. I hate crying over spilled milk. I try to force myself to look forward.
The best is yet to be. Aging sure beats the alternative.
Yesterday, we spent the afternoon, not with "Vera, Chuck and Dave" but with Linnea and Leo. They are mobile now and chewing on everything in sight....even the granddogs! It was really fun.
Grandchildren are one of God's greatest gifts.

Gracious and giving Lord. We thank you for life itself and all of the things that it hands us. Help us to remember that through you, all things are possible. You are good all the time.

Labor Day Lament

2010-09-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't labor much today. Well, I cooked some eggs, loaded the dishwasher and dusted the piano, but that was about it. I like the idea of naming a holiday about something that you don't do on that day.
After all, on Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ. On Memorial Day, we honor the deceased and decorate graves. Independence Day is for celebrating the Fourth of July, 1776. But, on Labor Day, we don't labor.
The concept of Labor Day is unique and quite refreshing, but perhaps we could tweak it a little. I'm going to propose a couple more of these NON-traditional holidays.
How about Politician's Day? That will be the day that no candidate will run an ad or "misspeak" about anyone or anything. The newspapers just wouldn't report on anything political.
Then we could celebrate a Healthy Foods Day. Candy, fried foods, red meat, sugar, chocolate and white bread would be the menu for the day. Oh, and of course we won't be counting calories or cholesterol on Healthy Foods Day
My personal favorite NON-traditional holiday would be Housework Day. On that day, there would be no cooking, no ironing, no dusting, no vacuuming, or yard work. Hooray for Housework Day!

Lord. We are thankful for every day that you have given us. Our blessings are many and our burdens are few.

Et tu, Milano.

2010-08-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. This puppy has just recently learned how to "PUNCH" her very first Time Clock and I've also learned to electronically approve my very own time card.
Now, every morning, when I show up at a school, I sign in on paper (my duty for the past 20 years or so) and then find the school's Time Clock. These Time Clocks are at least "3 G" or maybe even "4 G". Very Hi Tech. We were all required to take a class on how to work the clock properly.
First, I key in my secret code. Then I insert my right index finger into the machine and it reads my fingerprint. Only then can I go to work. The same process is repeated as I leave the building.
When the machine registers my fingerprint, it gives me a score. I am assuming that a perfect score is 100, although my highest has been only 82. That must be passing? I've failed only once, so far, and when that happens the clock instructs you to insert your left index finger.
The time card approval is another process. Since we are just in the third week of school, for the 2010-2011 school year, I've only done it twice. It's harder to explain and I'm not sure I actually know what I'm doing or if I could do it again.

What's the point of this recital? Well, I'm a grandma and I'm still learning new things. I may be a little fuzzy, right now, on the process, but I'm willing to learn. Isn't that great!

Gracious God, Thank you for giving me new challenges. Each new obstacle and new experience makes me grow. It's your version of tough love. Yes, I can do it. But it takes your help and guidance. Lead me Lord. Show me YOUR way.

"You say neether and I say niither."

2010-08-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Controversy seems to have taken over the media. Are you, or are you not, in favor of a Mosque at Ground Zero? How do you feel about the new proposed skyscraper
(eight stories IS a skyscraper in Kansas City)on the Country Club Plaza? Should the Chiefs axe yet another losing coach? How about that Athletic Director Perkins at KU? Should he be fired? Should Fred Phelps be allowed to picket funerals of our Service Men and Women?
I have opinions on all of these subjects. I think I am a pretty passionate individual and I like to voice my opinion. God gave each of us a mind and free will, and like John Wesley, I think reason should play a part in creating our beliefs and making our decisions.
I do not believe in being luke warm.
Do I stick my foot in my mouth? Well, yes I sometimes do. Do I often sound like an idiot? Yep, that happens, too. Are there times when I need to do a bit more research on a subject, before I spout off? You betcha. Am I always right? Well, not all the time.
But, nobody can say I don't care.

Hey, God. Things are a mess down here. We can't seem to get much of anything right.
We need your help. Please, bring a sense of calm and reason to our chaotic lives.
Allow us to find common ground and bring us to a peaceable kingdom. Help us to love and respect one another.

"Call Me MISTER Tibbs"

2010-08-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

Are you a professional? Well, I've had a few experiences lately that have made me wonder about the quality of workers in this nation of ours.
What ever happened to pride in personal appearance? I see teachers and other professionals in tee shirts and ragged jeans, or pants that REALLY need hemming. Now,I know that a teacher doesn't make much money, but I do know that needles and thread are pretty darn(get it????)cheap.
Oh, and has Walmart stopped selling irons and mirrors? The wrinkled look may be in, but I sleep in less wrinkled clothes than what I'm seeing in the classroom these days. Do you teachers have to look like you just woke up, crawled to your car and drove to school?
Come on American Educators. The youth of today deserve better role models than what we are giving them. Casual doesn't mean crummy and dirty. No wonder "respect" is an issue in today's schools.
I expect students to call me, Mrs Kincaid. I am a professional and I always show up looking like one. And, you know what, I get respect.

Powerful God...You cared enough about us to send your very best. We should do our best with what you have given us. Pride in who we are, is not a bad thing. Be with us as we go about our daily lives. Help us to do our best in all that we do.

To read more of my rantings, this week, visit the www.kansascity.com website on Saturday August 21, for my article on the OPED page. Midwest Voices.

"Just Call Out My Name...."

2010-08-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

I saw Carole King and James Taylor, in concert, the other night on TV. Have they had a history together or what? Singing and playing with each other for several decades. Well, when they sang "You've Got A Friend", it brought tears to my eyes.
I am also blessed with some truly wonderful friends. In fact, they are a significant part of my life. I would be lost without them. My Faith sustains me, but my friends give me purpose.
Scott and I have lived all of our adult lives away from our families. Friends have been there for us, whatever the circumstances, when family has not been able to be with us in person.
I'm certainly not the best kind of friend. I don't send many "Get Well" and Birthday Cards. I don't get to the hospital very often to see people. Frankly, I'm a pretty rotten friend. But, to those people who still love and like me, in spite of my short (no jokes here, tall people) comings, I thank you.

Listen God. You have blessed me with some pretty awesome friends. I would not be who I am today without the people you have led into my life. Thank you so much for allowing your good people to influence and guide me.
Help me and guide me to be a better friend. Amen.

"It's too darn hot"

2010-08-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

What can I say about the weather in Missouri? It's hot. It's really hot, and we are in the middle of a heat wave. My deck plants are fried. One of my little dwarf potted pines is bright orange.....cooked to the roots. Our lawn has turned a drab, bi-colored, shade of yellow-brown. It's August, and it's 100 degrees and rising.
One of my favorite pastimes, in the summer months, is complaining about the weather.
Actually, I can complain about the weather any time of year, but I excel at summer griping.
I whine about my deodorant failing and my underpants stinking to my rear end. I gripe about sweat dripping from my brow and my glasses fogging up from the humidity. I have all of the usual hot weather complaints down to an exact science.
But, does all of my whining do any good? Of course not. Middle son, tired of hearing my complaints, once told me...."Mom, you have a car. You could leave."
I guess I could, but where's the fun in that?

All knowing God. I hope you know that our complaining is superficial. We're not ungrateful, we are just natural whiners. We have it so good. It's hot but we have air-conditioned homes and cars. It's dry, but we have running water. We are blessed with so many of your gifts.
Thanks a bunch, God. We really love our lives.

"Fly me to the Moon..."

2010-07-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

My son is a playwright and a musician.His latest play is being presented at the Kansas City Fringe Festival this week. Last night was the opening night and I was in attendance.
The play venue was packed and the play,"Not Just for the Birds" which is geared to children of all ages, was terrific. People laughed. People clapped. It was great. And, I was so proud.
The play, the cast (all local high school students)and my son and daughter-in-law are taking the play to the Scottish Fringe Festival next week.
I am so happy for them.

Hey God, you are terrific. I am so blessed to be the mother of this successful young man. It's so easy for us to dwell on the junk that goes on in our lives and complain to anyone and everyone who will listen.
But, your gifts are many. Our troubles are insignificant and petty, when compared to your blessings. My greatest blessings are my four grown children and their families. God you are so good.

Ch-Ch-Ch-changes

2010-07-19T11:15:00.001-07:00

I'm blogging a day early this week. We've veered off track on our regular routine at the Kincaid Household. My normal day for blogging is Tuesday. Tuesday is also trash day, but I fail to see a correlation between garbage and my writing.
My mother-in-law was the queen of routine. Rosann did everything according to schedule. She had a set routine for what she and Bill ate every day. Saturday was hamburgers, Friday was Pizza, etc. Monday was wash day, Tuesday she ironed. (OMGOODNESS, I don't even know where my iron is...or if I still have one?)
I would like to think that I don't have a schedule. If asked, I would tell you that I'm a non-routine kind of woman. A free spirit! But in reality, I am a schedule follower. My red appointment book has become my second brain. Ask me, and I can tell you what I'm scheduled to do on Thursday October 28th of 2011.
But, this week things are different. I am helping out my daughter-in-law, Jennifer, with the care and keeping of baby Linnea. So, I am staying at their Brookside home for the next couple of days.
This change in routine is indeed a blessing.

Wow, Lord. Babies move really fast these days. And, I want to tell you that being a grandma is the greatest title in the world. Thank you for allowing me to be a grandma. Help me to always be able to "change" my routine enough to allow new experiences and blessings to happen. Change is helping me grow in my theology. Change helps me to let go and let YOU lead.

"Eeee,Iiiii,EEE,Iiiii, Oooo"

2010-07-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Have you visited a Farmers' Market yet this summer? Well, why not? You'll have a great time and you'll get to stock your refrigerator in the process.
The largest Farmers' Market in the Kansas City area is down near the Missouri River, in the River Market Area. The fun time to go is on a Saturday morning, because hundreds of vendors have their vegetables, fruits, handcrafted art objects, home cured meats, and plants for sale. There are even a couple of pasta dealers and a train for the kiddies to ride.
It's great fun and a super place to watch the wildest life of all.....people.
My friend Sue and I had a great time last Saturday. We bought ears of corn, tomatoes, and some freshly ground cheese.

Dear Lord: We live an abundant life. You have blessed us with the best that you have to give. Yet,sometimes we aren't as thankful as we should be. We concentrate on what we don't have, instead of rejoicing in what we do have. Bountiful God, I thank you.

"What's Your Name? Is it Mary or Sue?"

2010-07-06T13:14:00.001-07:00

Because I felt the need to put my rear-end where my mouth is, I spent the morning volunteering in the Adult English Language Learner Program at Della Lamb. Coming off of a big celebratory weekend, "Happy Birthday U.S.A.", this morning was a big smack in my patriotic face!
The 30 women I met this morning,in the beginner class,were thrilled and thankful to be given the opportunity to learn to speak, read, and write English. For two hours, I helped them fill out their enrollment forms. They were struggling to learn what all of us natives have been doing since infancy. Most of the adult students in the classes at the Lamb have not had the opportunity to attend school in their home land. These are adults who cannot, for the most part, read or write in any language.
The adult immigrants and refugees, at the Lamb, speak 40 different languages. I speak English and a teeny weeny bit of French. But, we communicated.
Every woman understands the word BABY. One woman could tell me that she was the mother of twins by holding up two fingers and making a double downward sweeping motion with her hands.
And peanut butter? Who knew Africans eat peanut butter?
I know that I have struggled to understand a smidgen of Spanish, French and German. I cannot conceive what it must be like to be dropped in a country where only my family speaks words that I can understand.

BTW, I am going back tomorrow. I am blessed to be able to volunteer at Della Lamb.

Universal God. I saw You this morning in the eyes of Somali and Sudanese women. You were speaking to me through the Creole words of Flore. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from these eager students. Thank you for the teachers and faithful volunteers who do Your work. You are an awesome God.

What is it?

2010-06-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

Every month, on the back cover of the "Missouri Conservationist Magazine", there is a mystery photo. The caption reads, "What is it?" And,it's usually a creature part...blown up so you can't easily recognize it. Last issue it was a spot on a butterfly. This issue it was the tip of a box turtle's foot.
My question to you this week is, "What is it....that makes you a Christian?"
Is it going to church every Sunday and sitting(God forbid we would change) in the same pew each week? Is it reading Scripture? Is it teaching Sunday School or working in the nursery? Is it showing up to clean the kitchen...after the youth mess it up?
Is it making Jello Salad and yet another green bean casserole for the latest funeral dinner?
Read my list and think about it for a few minutes.
And, now let's make the question a little more difficult. I suggest you avoid the outward signs, like those activities listed above, and turn inward. What is it, inside your being, that makes you a Christian?
I am reminded of a statement that I heard once....."If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

Good God. We say that we are your followers, but who are we really following? Open our eyes that we may truly see who and what it is that leads us. Let us see the Glory in your kingdom. Only then will we be convicted.

(Every Missourian really should subscribe to the "Missouri Conservationist Magazine". It's available by signing up on line...and it's free. Go to www.missouriconservation.org and fill in the blanks.)

Blow your Horn

2010-06-22T08:50:00.001-07:00

By now, we've all heard that strange humming sound coming out of our televisions, during the coverage of the World Cup. I'm beginning to like those VUVUZELAS. The droning noise of those horns is constant and not nearly as rude as what I used to yell at various Northtown games. You all should know that the North Kansas City High School Athletic Director awarded me a School Letter when our last kid finished his athletic career. 4 Kids, nearly 20 years, numerous contests, and one enthusiastic mom. His sly smile betrayed his mood when he said, "Here's your letter, Mrs. Kincaid. We've never given one to a mom before!" What he really meant was,"Now don't darken our fields again!"

But, what's wrong with tooting your horn? Why aren't you telling the world what you can do? To quote one of my video heroes, Little Neddy Nederlander, "What is it that you are really good at?" (Well, obviously his skill wasn't grammar.)

By golly, if you haven't had to write a personal resume or a biography lately, you ought to sit down and do it right away. After you state who you are and where you currently reside, you are faced with writing about your work history and talents.
Everyone is good at something. Go on, brag a little.

You may be the best John Deere jockey in your neighborhood. Did your kids all graduate from college and haven't spent time in correctional facilities? Good for you! Can you can fry an egg without breaking the yolk? Do you get up every morning with a smile? Wow. You're a success. We've all done something worth tooting our own VUVUZELA about.

WOO HOO God. You don't make junk. You rejoice in our successes and love us when we fail. Keep us on the right path that leads to life everlasting. You are our rock and our shield.

Can you speak English??????

2010-06-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

If you went to,or followed the news from Assembly 2010, you know of the involvement of United Methodist Women in Immigration Issues. Now, I don't want to go into the problems of illegal immigration.Personally, I feel that illegal is illegal.
What I want to write about today is ELL. Teaching English to immigrants who want to learn English in order to become productive CITIZENS of this country.
My grandparents came to this country speaking NO ENGLISH, only German. My grandfather worked hard as a factory laborer, learned English, became a citizen and raised a family with my grandmother. My grandmother never learned to read or write in any language, even though she lived to be over 100.
If she had settled in Kansas City, Missouri, she could have attended English classes at Della Lamb and learned to read and write. Even in 1917!!!!My Gram's long life would have been enhanced by education!
Why am I writing this? Well, state funding for Della Lamb's ELL has been axed. Zap. Gone. Kaput. Nada.
But, we are not crying over what we don't have. We want volunteers, with teaching experience to come forward and keep this great program going.
Contact Judy Akers at Della Lamb.org and offer your services.

O God. We live in a very special country. We love and celebrate our heritage here and we appreciate our diversity. We know that you love us and want us to work for the benefit all of your children.
Give us the strenght to accept the challenges that we face.

A rose by any other name....

2010-06-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I was pretty clever using the title, "Nancy's Notes" for this blog. Wrong! Besides the fact that the other, more famous Northlander, Nancy Kincaid, has a newsletter by that name, there is even a book by that title (yet another Nancy Kincaid is the author). For all I know, there is probably an obscene novel out there with the same title! I had to make the change. What if I ever became the really famous Nancy Kincaid. How would anyone keep us all straight? What about the royalties?

To steal a line from my all time favorite flick,"The Three Amigos", I actually like to think of myself as the INFAMOUS Nancy K. Kincaid. That's MORE than famous, for those of you who may not have memorized the dialogue from that classic movie.

So, this blog is now titled "Nancy Writes". Not an alliteration, but certainly descriptive. My friend Sue has a notebook in which she keeps copies of my essays. Besides being a good friend, she encourages me to keep writing. She's a fan.

God is like that. We are all worthy in His sight. He appreciates our talents and He loves me whether I am famous or infamous.

Lord God. Life takes many turns. We have our ups and downs. Whatever happens in our lives, we should know that YOU will be there for us. YOU will never abandon us.
Help us to see the wisdom in YOUR guidance. Watch over us.

"Put on your high-heeled sneakers....

2010-06-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

...cause we're going out tonight." Old doesn't mean what it used to, people. When you hear that 60 is the new forty, you better believe it! My dear buddy and traveling companion celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday, and she's lookin' good and feelin' good, too! People kept remarking that she must have miscounted, because Dortha Mae Olsen looks 80...not ninety!
Some people do look their age, but won't admit to the real numbers. We saw the movie "Letters to Juliet" this weekend, and Vanessa Redgrave's character is supposed to be 65. Bless her heart, she looks a lot older than that. My "much older sister" is pushing 69 and she looks 20 years younger than Vanessa! Now, Franco Nero on the other hand, he'd look good at any age!
But any age is a good thing. I'd like to quote the venerable, Joann Collins who remarked on Sunday,that "it sure is better to be seen than viewed." Amen, sister.

Great and gracious God. Give us wisdom in our aging. Help us to be accepting of the abilities and infirmities of our aging. Give us a youthful spirit. Amen.

Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun.....

2010-05-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

What a joy it is to live in Missouri, folks! Last week fifty degrees and jacket weather. Today, the temperature is in the 90s. Good thing that we are in the last days of the 2009-2010 School Year. If the shorts on the middle school girls get any shorter, we are going to have to rename that article of clothing!
Students finish up on Friday, the 28th. Grades had to be turned in last Friday.....and the kids all know it. There is no reason for them to behave, no reason to do any work, no reason to even show up. And, can you believe it, more than a few of the teachers are exhibiting the same negative attitude. Why else would I, a lowly substitute, be working clear through to Friday?
Whatever happened to a good work ethic? Say, whatever happened to ethics in general?
Whatever happened to the Cub Scout motto....Do Your Best?
It seems we have to have a tangible and or monetary reason these days to perform and achieve. A "what's in it for me" attitude. So, from now until Friday afternoon, there will be a scant few of us out there doing our jobs so that the youngsters in our schools just might learn something. Maybe the kids will learn that a few of us teachers still operate under the Hallmark motto. (BTW, does Hallmark still have a motto?)

God, we are trying to do what you want us to do. We know that you have sent us your very best.But, sometimes it is so hard to do the right thing. Help us to remember that nothing that we could ever suffer compares to what you gave for us.
We are so very grateful.
Amen.

Red and Yellow, Black and White....

2010-05-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Are you intentional? Well, if you're a United Methodist you are supposed to be. Have you ever heard of the Charter for Racial Justice? It is, of course, an official document of Church Policy. So, if you don't know what I'm talking about when I mention the Charter for Racial Justice, write me a note and I'll send you a brochure. Ignorance is not bliss!
Ms. Mai Gray helped to draft the Charter and although we all mourn the recent loss of Mai, her life's work will continue. The United Methodist Women in Missouri are known all over this country for their Intentional Inclusiveness on the issues of race, age, gender, and ability.
I would like to salute Becky Curry, a MO UMW, for her intentional inclusiveness in breaking a very visible barrier. Hats off to Becky.

God of many colors. Open our hearts and our minds so that we might see beyond skin color, wrinkles, saggy pants, and wheelchairs. We are all precious in your sight. Amen

Young uns.....

2010-05-11T03:50:00.001-07:00

I was recently reminded of my role, as a young mother attending my first United Methodist Women's Events. For the most part, I always felt welcome and the more experienced women were most generally friendly and thrilled that a new generation was interested in Mission. There were times, however, when this young thing was put in her place. Those infamous words of Christian involvement rose up to smack me in the face. "We have always done it that way", can drive away a new recruit faster than a bull whip, ladies!
Words like, "Our funeral dinners always have ham, potato casserole, green beans, and jello salad. (Never mind that people just don't eat like that, anymore.) And, "Jane has been our Treasurer for 25 years.(Have you ever asked anyone else???)
My six foot friend was once told to stand on a stool to stir the gravy at the church stove. Being six feet tall, she didn't need a stool. But, my friend did as her she was told, because her five foot mentor said, "We've always done it that way."
Ladies, change is growth. Get out of your ruts, and embrace the young, and realize there may be more than one way of accomplishing a task.

Gracious God, please show me the way. Help me to realize that I can use some help and that the old ways aren't always the best. I know that you are always with me. Your goodness is my rock.
Amen.

Done Pulled

2010-05-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

I am home from Assembly. I have a new appreciation for the word "Volunteer". Having spent the better part of 4 days registering the 6800 attendees at the 2010 Assembly, I can appreciate the meaning of words like patience, kindness, steadfastness, and yes....,more patience. We women can be a trying bunch to deal with, and yes there were some glitches, but goodness gracious, I had a whale of a good time!
Just seeing old friends like Kathleen, Edie Sunday, and so many others, was great fun. Meeting new people like K.C., Brenda, and Linda Douglas, made the journey worth while.
The women volunteers (and Dennis Young)of the Missouri Conference were outstanding. Paula,Sally and Shari and on and on. WOW. Bishop Schnase made us proud, and the Della Lamb Children's Choir was terrific. The Plenaries were all first class. Yvette was a great MC on Saturday night. Seeing Mrs. May Gray on the stage was inspiring(she remains in our prayers). The Meditation Room was so holy. I could go on and on.
Girls....we pulled up those big girl panties and we dealt with it...Didn't We!

Good God.Some of us were doubting our ability to pull this one off. I don't know why? Because you were there for us. You are always there for us. We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve as a volunteer for you and Mission.

"Blazing Saddles"

2010-04-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

"Ah Ha", you say. "Nancy and her amazing United Methodist Women are off to the Assembly in St. Louis".You're correct. We are gone! We are outa here! And, we will be joined by Bishop Schnase and anybody who is really "anybody" later in the week. 6500 Strong. United Methodism at its finest, friends.
I am reminded of a line from one of my favorite movies. (You all know I am partial to satire.....don't you???) DUH! Hedley Lamar (aka Harvey Korman) had a priceless line in "Blazing Saddles",as he spoke of all of the vile characters that he wanted to enlist in his murderous and infamous (that's "more than famous"...and another movie line in another movie) band of outlaws. He names villains, rapists, thieves, scoundrels, racists, murderers,......and finally Methodists, as those he wants to wreck havoc in his frontier town. Amen, brothers and sisters.
I'm with Hedley Lamar. I want the United Methodists with me.And,I really want the United Methodist Women with me.

Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me and the Missouri Conference UMW, as we journey to St. Louis. Help us to make our denomination strong and help all of us to realize that our commitment to women, youth and children makes our denomination truly special.

Faith, Hope, Love in Action

2010-04-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost here. Assembly in St. Louis, 2010, begins next week. Bonnie Stewart can't believe that I am already packed. Isn't everybody???? The list of agencies to receive Prayer Shawls and Baby Blankets has been sent to New York (Linda Douglas has filled a SEMI with items sent to WD, for this event). Paula has her volunteer list out. Rachel has her socks! What else, girls?
I am reminded of other Assemblies of recent years. The one 20 years ago in Kansas City. Dortha Mae was the Registrar. Cincinnati....singing "Lord, I'm available to you." with Betty Thurston, on a couple of street corners. Orlando....computer failure, and Whitney Houston's mother's Gospel Group. Philly...Marilyn and I in our Uncle Sam Hats touring the city's treasurers, and me experiencing ACELA and the subways. And,our last one in Anaheim.....Onikah(my mini-me)out on her own for the first time. Wonderful memories. I can't wait to make some more.
Just come and have a great time. Enjoy the uplifting music, the spirit filled worship and enjoy St. Louis in the springtime.

Gracious God, be with us as we travel to Assembly. Let us focus on the total experience and help us to cherish the good times. Bless all of the women who will come together in your name for the purpose of Mission to others.
AMEN

April showers bring.......

2010-04-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Grass. I mowed the yard today. Mowing the yard is great exercise and it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Nice straight lines and crisp corners. Organization at it's best. And, unlike the daily dishes, the daily bed making, and nightly dinner, I won't be mowing again for a about a week.
It's about control, I think. I can actually control that yard. And,I can take pleasure in the accomplishment of that task. The rest of my life is more out of control than usual. The upcoming Assembly and other things are weighing heavy on my mind.

Lord, show me a way to let go of my worry. I am so blessed with health and a fine family. My friends are gathered around me. Thank you for my life and remind me that I can do anything with your help.

UMW SUNDAYS...not the week after Easter, PLZ

2010-04-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

I received a call last week that included a request for me to preach yet another UMW Sunday, later this month. I checked my calendar and replied to the caller in the positive. Yes, I would be happy to do your UMW Sunday. It's been my pleasure to give an inspirational Sunday talk, now and then. In my four years as Conference UMW President, my UMW Sunday travels took me from Canton to Sikeston,from Kimberling City to Rockport. In between, I have preached in Harper's Chapel(that's a story for another time), all over in Kansas City, in Columbia, and in St. Louis. I've even done a couple in the state of Kansas. ("I'm a Sunflower from the Sunflower State." you know.)
One thing, however, that I try NOT to do is preach a UMW Sermon on the Sunday after Easter. Come on Pastors. Do you think your old ladies just fell off of the turnip truck? I can just hear your comments now. "We'll give those old biddies the Sunday that is our lowest in attendance. Nobody is going to want to hear what they say anyway. And, while we're at it, I think I'll take that Sunday off. I need to get away. Mission, humbug."
Well, we made our Pledge to Mission, in Missouri, this year. Over $400,000 in Mission Giving. Hey, there are a whole lot of somebodies out there who care what we have to say.
So call on me girlfriends, I'll do your UMW Sundays, but not this week!

Dear Lord, we make our prayers and ask You to answer them. We forget that You are calling us to do Your will. Help us to really listen to Your requests and help us to be "doers of your word and not hearers only." Amen

One Month to Go

2010-03-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

We are down to the last 30 Days before the Quandrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women in St. Louis. I wish I could say that all of the plans are made and that I feel settled about the event. But, I can't.
Plans from New York have changed and changed and changed. WE,the able volunteers, seem as clueless as we were a year ago. I keep telling myself not to worry. The professionals,on the East Coast, have been pulling these events off for decades now.
They should know what they are doing. Right?
Well, I can't help but worry. What if no one comes? What if I drop dead tomorrow? What if the hotels are bad? What if Marilyn leaves me stranded on I-70. What if it rains? What if the bakery forgets to bake the communion bread? What if? What if?
I get worked up about this stuff......usually in the middle of the night. Then I feel bad the next day.
Jesus has told us that worrying doesn't help. He is going to take care of all this stuff that I worry about. My mother used to tell me that "it isn't going to make any difference 100 years from now!" I am the quintessential "ye of little faith"

"Trust and Obey, for there's no other way,to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." Travel with me to St. Louis, Jesus. I need you.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-03-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

March in Missouri, and there is snow as far as the eye can see. It's everywhere. eight inches in the Northland, this weekend. Go figure. Must be Global Warming,oops I mean Climate Change. I went to a meeting this weekend that cautioned me about my Carbon Footprint. Guess I will have to quit breathing and quit growing any plants. Carbon emissions you know!
Anyway, the snowfall was quite a surprise. I understand that the older we get, the less we are to enjoy surprises. I think the opposite may be true. My children have all known, in advance, the gender of their children. They can make more decorating plans that way! And, everyone tries to make plans as far in advance as they can, these days. Plans for summer vacations are made in January. Plans for Christmas are made in July. When we want to visit anyone, we have to call way ahead to make sure they can see us. Holy Cow, what ever happened to spontaneity?
So, go on.....surprise me. I'll love it. What can it hurt?

Kind and loving Lord. Keep my life fresh and new. Help me to be eager to meet the challenges of everyday life. Lord, I am available to you.

Once was Lost, but now......

2010-03-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I found Jesus. Yes, I had lost him. The 20 foot tall metal Jesus statue that was standing on the west side of I35 between Kansas City and Liberty has been located.
The owners of Jesus,the statue, knew where he was all along, but I didn't have a clue. I'm happy to have found him once again.
The statue was commissioned, I was told, for an event held several years ago at Arrowhead Stadium. Jesus was made for a giant gathering of Roman Catholics, organized for a particular cause. The statue is of the "sacred heart type" and created quite a spectacle from its pedestal along I35. The owner placed it there temporarily, until a permanent place could be constructed. Then it disappeared. No sign. No indication of where he went. I was baffled.
But, I found him. Jesus is now overlooking a small pond just south of the intersection of Parvin Road and the I29-I35 Split, in Kansas City North. It is the centerpiece for a new development of senior housing, which will include Stations of the Cross and a crucifix garden.
In my opinion, the statue leaves a lot to be desired. In other words, I think it is artistically ugly and slightly off putting.On its temporary base it leaned too far forward and looked off balance. And, frankly, yet another long haired, white-man Jesus representation, offends the realist in me. But,I sincerely support and praise the owner's conviction to have his faith represented for all of us to see.
So, I am happy to announce that Jesus has reappeared.

Dear Lord, many of us profess to be your children. It's too bad that more of us don't actually follow you and act like Christians. Help me to be more outwardly Christian, today and everyday. Help me to get my faith right out there!

We are marching in the light of God....

2010-03-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

The 38th Annual Missouri UMW Legislative Event was this past week. "What?"you say. You mean you didn't know that the UMW (those crazy little old irrelevant ladies) had a Legislative Event? "Did it involve a bake sale?"you ask?????
Actually, the First Lady of Missouri was in attendance and a Missouri Supreme Court Justice was our keynote speaker. We were stylin', readers. And, our "Breakfast with the Legislature" was well attended. Congratulations,event committee, for a job well done. Can't wait for #39.
I have just been told by yet another preacher that United Methodist Women might not be in the future of a certain brand new United Methodist Church. I'm beginning to think this is a broken record. People,UMW is the best and of course the most "road tested" of all women's ministries. Lord, the General Church has just given Mission Agencies BACK to UMW, because they couldn't do it right. Local Churches, get with the program.
Get a clue, Missouri Pastors. If you want a mission effort in your congregation,not just a bunch of "vacationers" with hammers and nails, get your women involved in UMW. We have the resources, the history, the numbers and the passion to get it done.
So, do you really want to know what I think about congregations without UMW? Read your Discipline, pastors.
Okay, I know I am preaching to the choir, here. You all know where my passion lies.

Fairest Lord Jesus, you know that we work for better lives for all of your children. Be with us as we strive to improve the lives of the "least" in our world. These things we ask in your name. Amen.

When I'm Sixty-Four....to SMK

2010-02-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

In 1963, I fell in love with Paul McCartney. He wasn't "Sir Paul" back then. He was a famous young man appearing on my parents 21' RCA Victor console, and I was a 16 year old girl screeching at his image.
In 1964, I fell in love with Scott Kincaid. He wasn't on my TV screen, he was in my geometry class in high school. Regardless of his lack of celebrity, he made my heart flutter.
Now, 45 years later, my husband and I are living the Beatles' lyrics, "When I'm Sixty Four". It is actually "many years from now". And yes, we are still sending each other Valentines, having birthday parties and an occasional bottle of wine. Grandchildren "Vera, Chuck and Dave" have appeared in the form of Nina, Alex and Sophia, plus a couple more. Over the years, we have had to "scrimp and save".
Much has been written about young love. It is fresh, hot and romantic. Everything is new and exciting. Growing old together is the furthest thing from young lovers' minds.
We have attended several weddings lately. As I sit there watching the young brides, I hope and pray that their unions will be as firm and lasting as mine. Realistically, I have become skeptical. Most of our young relatives have changed relationships so often that I no longer enter their names and addresses permanently, in ink, in my address book. I write them in pencil.
These days "mine forever more" doesn't seem to mean much. Mine until someone better comes along, or mine until the going gets too tough, seems to ring truer.
There is a statue on the Country Club Plaza on another "Sir", Sir Winston Churchill and his wife, that is called "Married Love". It depicts the old guy and his equally mature spouse. You can tell they've been through a lot. When you look at her you get the feeling that she has probably "knit a sweater (or two) by the fireside" and we know he led Great Britain, through WW II. But, they certainly appear to be content and comfortable, sitting there side by side.
Mature love is like a soft old sweatshirt. It's comfortable and wearable. Couples that stay together while surviving childbirth, Little League, teenage angst, and ever widening waist lines, deserve our admiration. So when my "lights have gone", I'm going to count on my spouse of 44 years to "mend my fuse". Yes, I'll "still need" you. Yes, I'll "still feed" you, when you're sixty-four.
Happy 64th Birthday,sweetheart.

"Oh the weather outside is frightful...."

2010-02-22T07:10:00.001-08:00

Well, not really. Last night it certainly was. Yesterday morning it was. But, now the sun is making the ice and snow glisten. PTL.
I am up to my chin in Prayer Shawls and baby blankets. Women's Division is planning a huge display of these handcrafted items at the April Assembly in St. Louis. The powers that be (Women's Division, in NYC) want me to locate places to distribute the amassed articles in Missouri. I'm creating a list. Could be that there will be up to 10,000 items.Let me know if I can add your non-profit or Church to the list.
A couple of years ago, when I was in the throws of chemotherapy and couldn't hold my head up off the couch, I received several prayer shawls. My friend, 'nother Nancy, sent me one. I received a beautiful pink one, and the ladies at Liberty UMC, gave me a handcrafted quilt. Each one is a treasure. The prayers and love sent to me, through those items, were a big factor in my recovery.
At our last church home, there were several of us who regularly hand knitted or crocheted shawls for the congregation's needs. If you have the skills, it's a blessing to be a part of a Prayer Shawl Ministry.
We never know how we will touch others. Prayer is powerful and God is good.

"Blessed be the name...."

2010-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Scott and I have a new grandson. His given name, Leo, was kept a secret until his birth last Wednesday. I have never known anyone named Leo, but I think it is just the greatest guy name ever.
What is a name anyway? In biblical times, your name was more than what you were called. It was your word, your being, your soul, your truth. That's why when you envoked a curse in God's name, it was a sin.
I don't imagine that we think about the importance of names these days. I mean, Nancy is a pretty lame moniker, but my much older sister, a first grader when I was born, wanted to name me Jane, for goodness sake. Both of those names just smack of the nineteen forties!
Well, believe me when I tell you that I run across the strangest names when I call the roll at school. In the last month I have had a "Jza" and a "Pashantz" (Pronounced Ja sha, and Patience). I think their parents were just thinking unusual.......not profoundness, don't you? Then just last week I heard of a "I'munique". (would I blog a lie???? For Real.)
All knowing Lord. You know each of us by our given name. We know that we are all are unique in your eyes. We are all your children. You believe in our abilities. Help us to do honor to our names by our actions and thoughts. We ask these things in the name of Jesus.

"In the Spring there is a flower....."

2010-02-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

Shirley Warner died yesterday. She was a vibrant and faithful servant of the Lord.
As Conference UMW Vice President, during the earliest years of the Missouri Conference, Shirley created memorable Annual Meetings in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield. Her sudden death is so shocking, to those of us her knew her, because she was always such a aware and put-together lady. No one could describe Shirley as anything other than a LADY. We are going to miss our friend.
And, winter continues in Kansas City. More snow.....but there is sunshine and a hint of warmer days to come.
Thank you God, for the seasons. Thank you for the gift of friendship. It is sad when a friend dies, but it would be sadder yet to have missed that friendship altogether.
We are blessed for having known Shirley.

PTL and other musings

2010-02-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

Scott and I attended yet another UMC on Sunday. Eleven o'clock worship at Platte Woods is the best "Blended Service" we have attended. Their music includes a small back-up band, an organist and a traditional choir with director and piano accompaniment. They presented several styles of music for the congregation to sing, including a praise number and 2 traditional hymns. We enjoyed the music very much. The sermon theme was on outreach to others who might possibly be seeking a Christian Home at Platte Woods. Could that be us?
Today, we were visited by Brent Worley and given a welcome bag from the Church. Fast response. I think that is Radical Hospitality, a la Schnase.
Saturday, the Singing Sewer Man took me to a sing-along for Kansas Arts in Prison. I had a terrific time singing along with about 250 other folk including, the East Hill Singers from Lansing Prison. Mostly we sang traditional choral arrangements of well-known choral pieces. However, the directors threw in a couple of old-time hymns, which were sung straight from the heart by all of the singers.
Surely, voices raised in Praise to the Lord, brings a smile to God's face.

"If I could save time in a bottle"

2010-01-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday! Do you know where my week went? I sure don't. It's been one of those weeks when Monday was only a couple of hours ago and now it's already Thursday.
I think all of us have periods like that when time passes so quickly. Our infant grandbaby is almost 6 weeks old. My own children are all adults. I'm an old lady!It's 2010, for Pete's Sake. When did that happen?
God must really get a laugh when He hears us say that we don't have time to accomplish what we want to do. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. We have all the time that there is! It's how we choose to use that time that should concerned us. Most of us just don't use our time wisely.
Here's another thought. Life is not a race. The one who gets to the end the fastest doesn't win.He just dies quicker.
Lord, let me enjoy some quality time with you and with others. Life is so short.Help me to live it right. Amen.

Yellow Brick Road

2010-01-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

It's finally done. I clicked the button! Yes, my first article is on the way to the Midwest Voices Column in the Kansas City Star. After careful consideration, I have written about "Kids Today". You all know that I have been a Substitute Teacher for many years.
It's important to write about what you actually know about. That's kind of a "no-brainer". But, I was so stressed about my topic that I nearly came unglued. the first two articles of the series were written about Health Care Issues and our Military Presence in Foreign Countries. Really heady stuff. So, no wonder I was freaked out.
Thankfully, I came to my senses. Well, actually Scott, daughter Amy, friend Yvette and my P.E.O. sisters calmed me down and reminded me that "Kids" are what I know. Write about what you know, woman, they told me! The article will appear next Saturday, January 23rd. Let me know what you think, or better yet, comment on the Star's Midwest Voices Blog.
And speaking of "what I know", I know that God is present in our lives and that we are His children. Trusting God to lead us down the right path, will surely be our salvation.

"Lead me Lord..."

2010-01-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you. Thank you very much. I have a new job.The Kansas City Star Editorial Staff has chosen me as one of the 2010 Midwest Voices Contributors. It seems that they actually believed the hype, in my application, about my ability to opine on anything and everything.
Normally, and this will come as no surprise to my friends and followers, I can expound on any topic. Not that it always make sense. Ranting and raving are special characteristics of mine. And, you all know that I am quite a character. But, your bloggette is experiencing a teeny bit of writer's block, regarding this new assignment.
The creative juices are still flowing, mind you. Because on Saturday, my friend, Sue, called to congratulate me, A.K.A. EHN (Earnest Hemmingway of the Northland), about my new role. She happened to mention that I was scheduled to do tomorrow's P.E.O. program. Yikes! Thirty women waiting to be entertained! Well,it only took me about an hour to come up with a slightly amusing essay to read to them. After all, these ladies have all been couped up for a couple of weeks, and it will be their first time out to socialize. Bless their hearts, they'll laugh at anything.
So, back to my writing assignment. What do I have to say that will hold the interest of Star readers? I am going to do some praying about this one, folks. God got me here and I believe that He will lead me in the right direction.
This morning Scott announced that God will help us find a new church home. We know He will lead us. And, I know that he will lead me to find the right words for my story.
Ladies and gentlemen, Nancy has left the building.