Intrinsic Value & Center of Love
Human value is not based
On what great things we’ve said or done
Nothing to do with what we’ve accomplished
We all have an intrinsic value
Because we’re creations of a loving Lord
Who died a sacrifice for you and me
And rose to offer life forever
As we accept His gift of love
And follow Him.
The Center of Love
I want His love
To shine through me
A beacon
Drawing those in need
To the safety, security and
Salvation in God’s Son—Christ Jesus!
(c) 1964, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Lawnmowers and life
Wheelchair, my new reality
During the summer months, I often hear the sound of a mower or two. Since we live across the street from Collins Park, if I look out the window, I will see a mower or two keeping the grass mowed. I check because the young man who has tended our lawn during the summer doesn’t always call ahead. Sometimes, the sound of the mower comes from his equipment as he mows and trims.
We’re thankful that a few years ago, our neighbor Rachel, knowing Keith was no longer able to take care of our yard, talked to a father and son who was mowing one of her neighbor’s yards. Turns out, Dad was getting his 13-year-old son started mowing lawns. Gavin began mowing our lawn. He was shy then. Now Gavin is an experienced presence during the summer months and we’re so glad he is still mowing lawns. It has been a delight to watch him grow into a confident young man.
My dad did all our mowing when I was young. When my older sister was able to handle the push lawn mower, which was all we had when I grew up, Dad taught her how to mow. I knew that job would be hers until I was old enough. I didn’t really want to take over on one hand. On the other hand, mowing would mean I’d grown to where Dad would trust me with the job.
In Wyoming, we didn’t have much of a lawn, and much of what passed as lawn dad converted into a garden. The soil was hard as a rock until moisture hit it—and that was seldom. Once rain descended, the soil became muck that sucked like quicksand.
By the time we moved to northern Kansas, I was strong for my age. The parsonage was a working farm maintained by the farmers in the congregation. Much to my delight, it meant we could have animals. One farmer lent us a milk cow. I was able to see the fruition of my dream to have a horse. My younger brother had a pony. We kids raised calves, selling them when they were ready. With the money earned, we opened our own bank accounts. It was a way our folks began to teach us about money.
While Paul and I attended a country school, Karin attended high school in Oberlin. With her involvement in drama and other after-school activities, she often stayed in town with a friend. In Kansas, we had a large yard and unfenced areas that also needed mowing. I knew it wouldn’t be long until Dad would show me how to mow.
By the time it was my turn, I no longer felt very well. Fearing something awful, I tried to hide my aches and pains that made it agony to jump off my horse. Dad did ask me to mow and watched as I tried to force that hand mower through the grass. He saw more than I wanted him too. Mom was noticing things and even my teacher shared concerns with my folks.
Dad took me to a doctor in town. It was then I learned I had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and began a long journey of pain and limitations and dealing with a new reality in my life. Dad also bought a power mower to handle the grass and weeds on the parsonage farm.
Dad actually loved gardening and turning the places we lived, as he was called from one pastorate to another, into welcoming places of nicely mowed grass, gardens, and well-trimmed trees.
I never mowed and it was ten years before I was able to walk again. Mom and Dad never gave up on me. They encouraged me to do all I could do and be all I could be. Most of all they shared their faith and assured me that no matter what, Jesus loved me and had a plan and purpose for my life.
There is nothing wrong with any work. Mowing gets one outside and provides exercise, and for some—income. Today, hearing mowers from the park, from neighbors or from Gavin on our lawn, takes me back, helps me remember, and helps me be thankful that even in the tough times, God doesn’t let go. In my case, it meant it never became my turn to mow.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published Kearney Hub column 8/22/23
https://kearneyhub.com/eedition/page-a4/page_7d3b6c96-c5bb-50e2-abc3-54f1e3ab6dd5.html
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Knowing God's Word?
Numbers 34:12-13 (KJV) the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.
And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:
We often think of the Bible as having only general guidelines. The rest we figure out ourselves. But as this chapter shows, at times, God's Word gets very specific.
But we cannot know those specifics or know truth from error if we don't regularly spend time reading, studying and memorizing His Word.
With that as a foundation, we don't have to figure things out on our own for the Holy Spirit within, along with God's Word, will guide--if we ask and if we're willing to follow God's Way.
Have a need? Go to the source: God's Word and prayer.
Proverbs 21:21 He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honour.
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
First I Bow
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My Walk
I walked in Sonshine,
And knew God’s joy inside,
I walked the path of darkness,
Clutched His hand to lead and guide.
I walked a path of sorrow,
And found my Savior ever near.
When I walked through pain and sorrow,
I found Him even here.
During good times and the bad,
Whatever life may bring,
I’ve learned I can depend upon,
My loving Savior, Lord and Friend.
………………..Jesus!
(c) 1994, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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The Quest
In His loving care,
I have come to rest,
Find in sweet communion,
Renewed strength to do my best.
For in my darkest hour,
When I am sore distressed,
I come wounded and discouraged,
To lie on Jesus’ breast.
Only there do I find hope,
Healing peace He manifests,
Find within Christ’s loving embrace,
The ending of my quest.
(C) 1994, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Fireworks, freedom’s fight
July 4th, more than fireworks
After a week of hearing fireworks in the evening, the big night came July 4th when families gathered to watch fireworks shows put on by others or showcasing their own fireworks show for family and friends. Sometime after midnight, Kearney grew quiet. The lights and booms had been lit and used up. Time for everyone to go home.
My question--how many who enjoyed the fireworks shows took any time to consider what the celebration was all about? How many of the younger generations even realized the title for the day is not July 4th but Independence Day? How many understand what America even stands for? Do they realize America stands for personal freedom, freedom to worship, and tolerance of different perspectives?
All of these values are disappearing because we are not sharing with our children and grandchildren the true history of what our founders accomplished in even starting a nation of faith and freedom. Think about it. Those of Jewish heritage are now in danger in their own country--students, professors, employees.
Many on college campuses and other places no longer tolerate anyone with a different opinion or religion. Often the target of such intolerance are Jews, those who value the lives of the unborn, and even parents who seek to speak at School Board meetings because they disagreed with decisions made. How many individuals now remain silent rather than expressing an opinion, fearing reprisal?
Makes me wonder what we even celebrate the 4th of July. If we no longer have the freedom to share our values, opinions, or beliefs in public, if we can be arrested or assaulted for doing so, what makes America different from a dictatorship with overwhelming government control?
I am thankful these problems are not as evident in some parts of the country where citizens do believe in what made America great—a firm commitment to life, to the right to speak, and the right to exercise our faith publicly and in every venue.
For the sake of passing on freedom to our children and grandchildren, let’s understand the truth about America’s history—good and not-so-good, and not try to twist it or discredit it. Once we know, refuse to be silenced and share so our kids and grandkids also will understand the why and how of America’s greatness.
Next year let’s make sure our kids and grandkids learn why we celebrate Independence Day. Let’s explain about those who gave everything, including their lives, so that they could live without constant threats of assault or arrest. Let’s share that we, our kids and grandchildren can truly experience free speech as well as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Kearney Hub Column published 8/8/2024 https://kearneyhub.com/eedition/page-a4/page_da3755cb-5b94-5e0a-a65a-78385cac6968.html
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/29/business/antisemitism-college-harvard-upenn/index.html
https://edworkforce.house.gov/uploadedfiles/keating_testimony_redacted_redacted.pdf
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/pro-life-activist-arrested-by-fbi-acquitted-on-federal-charges/
https://judiciary.house.gov/media/in-the-news/republicans-hold-hearing-doj-targeting-pro-lifers
Some parents have been arrested for even bringing their concerns before school boards. Peaceful pro-lifers have also been arrested. Yet both those who are pro-life and parents have every right to free speech. Yet in today’s America, more and more individuals are being silenced fearing reprisal of one kind or another, even job loss.
The Healthy Heart
Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Quite simply, what we believe, how we live out our faith, affects our health.
If I allow God to forgive my past, He fills me with His love, peace, and hope. As I walk with Him, I learn to trust Him with today and tomorrow. Living my faith lowers stress, gives me hope, and motivates me to live life to the fullest.
Jesus is the key to health--mind, soul, and body-- because He created us. He has a vested interest in keeping us healthy.
All He asks is for us to follow His plan of wholeness in Him.
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
First I Bow
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Light the sky
Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash
Light the sky
Rejoice, shout for joy, dance
The Lord is risen! He is real!
He cares for me and you
No time for long faces
Tears He’ll wipe away
As we give our lives into His keeping
Living in the joy of His presence
Each and every day
(c) 2016, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Living for Jesus
When I live for Jesus
He becomes my Sonshine,
He fills my heart with joy.
Making my life bright.
When I live for Jesus
Through the darkest night,
He guides me along life’s path,
Wrapping me in heaven’s light.
So I will live for Jesus,
Knowing He’s the only way.
He’s the answer for all my problems
For Jesus lives in me today.
(c) 1994. 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel free to pass on
Finding peace…and love
Control
Giving Jesus Christ
Full control within,
I find,
Peace and joy and life.
In Him.
To Know Peace & Love
Hand in hand
I walk with Him
Secure in His
Abiding love
And peace
Within.
(c) 1994, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Problem with Facebook
computerglenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash
Those of us who use Facebook, know much of what passes as communication isn’t true communication at all. We start or pass on stories that touch the heart, information that may or may not be true, jokes, political jabs and wise quotes that may or not originate from celebrities, politicians or historical figures, etc. Sometimes we post information seeking to change someone’s opinion. Sometimes we seek to pass on something that we feel is important or that touched our own hearts. Sometimes what is passed on is inspirational such as a Scripture passage. Sometimes we simply want to make someone laugh. Few posts share the reality in our lives as we do with face-to-face friends.
Many sayings or graphics are harmless like those that countdown to Spring or Christmas. Others border on bullying as they contain subtle threats to those who hold a differing political view. Others make fun or call certain individuals or groups names. Others include profanity. I refuse to go to these negative places. Threats, profanity, name calling will have me unfollowing you. No one has to put up with negative posts, It is a matter of settings. Check those series of dots/periods in the upper right-hand corner.
Some of the posts that bother me are those that overall share something with which I agree, but end with, a subtle threat--if you don’t pass them on then such and such may happen. Other “friends” seek to make you feel bad if you refuse to cut and paste on your page something they’ve posted. Many on Facebook do not realize those with hundreds of friends may not even see the post. I don’t give into this, which is another form of manipulation. If I did, that’s all I’d accomplish with my limited time on Facebook.
Another problem is truth. Just because it is on Facebook, doesn’t make it true. Often we see posts of quotes from famous people—celebrities, presidents like Abraham Lincoln, or other contemporary or historical figures. I’m not talking about those who put something in the mouths of these individuals that is obviously untrue such as Lincoln commenting on environmentally friendly cars. These usually have a humorous intent.
I’m talking about using well-known individuals to pass on some sort of wisdom, judgment or information that, it turns out if checked, was never said by the individual. The use of the image and name of these persons is for the express purpose of giving the passage more credibility. In effect—it is fraud. It is so easy to simply pass these on without checking to verify. It takes a bit more time than simply clicking, but if you value truth, verifying the truth of a post is worth the effort. Yes, even I’ve been caught in this one. Sometimes the finger click is faster than the brain.
Facebook is a way to connect with friends and family. It should be more than simply passing on something passed on to you. Because of Facebook, I’ve reconnected with childhood and high school friends. I’ve also been able to share some of my poems and articles. I’ve been alerted to special events, birthdays, and other celebrations. I’ve also been quickly alerted to the deaths of friends or family members so I can reach out with sympathy.
Facebook isn’t all good or all bad. How we set our parameters, who we allow as friends and how we conduct ourselves—respecting others and not going into rages—makes the difference in whether or not your page draws “friends” or makes them want to escape. Sometimes the biggest problem with Facebook is you and me. Personally, I like my friends, family and fans. I will keep them by being responsible with content and respectful. I will seek to lift up not tear down and bring hope. I hope you will too.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Kearney Hub column
https://kearneyhub.com/opinion/scheidies-column-problem-with-facebook/article_008341aa-42c6-11ef-b937-736df54942dd.html
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Is it really climate change or a fear-mongering scam?
I remember back when I was growing up, newspapers splashed headlines claiming the earth’s temperature was changing. Some scientists decided that the ice caps were expanding. The earth, they told us, was growing colder. Of course, the media jumped on the bandwagon. Those of us who were there know scientists and the media touted this new trend.
Though now, many, including Google, seek to blame it on a single article whose author claimed undisputed sources. The author and the scientific community are now backtracking on the whole idea. Yet, I lived through the hype, the “news” and the scare. I never even read the one article the media sources now blame.
Scientists who disagreed were looked on with disfavor. Americans began to fear as they looked ahead and lost hope. After all, we were all going to end up as popsicles.
Then. Scientific opinion began to turn from freeze to fry. Oh no, said these scientists, the earth wasn’t getting colder, it was getting warmer. The ice caps were actually melting. They put together data and forecasts based on both observations and assumptions to “prove” the exact opposite of what they’d been claiming just a few years earlier. Some data supported this claim. Some did not and some data was not well done from either point of view.
The media grabbed hold of the Global Warming idea. Novels followed the trend. We’d never be able to be out in the sun without burning to a crisp. This was heralded as accepted science. Perish the person or scientific researcher who disagreed, many did. The establishment did their best to discredit them—then and now.
Somehow this explanation didn’t always fit either. Today it’s all about climate change. Too cold. It’s Climate Change. Too hot. It’s Climate Change. No matter what the weather does, those on this bandwagon of our future can’t lose. They claim all good scientists agree with their point of view. They pretend no good scientist might have differing results and data, Scientists who disagree must be squashed. Don’t the models prove their point? Not really. https://www.prageru.com/video/can-climate-models-predict-climate-change
What these scientists also fail to mention is a truth they know quite well. The earth’s environment, atmosphere, and weather have always been in one cycle or another. Despite what environmentalists claim, human activity often had very little to do with these overall cycles. Many cycles have taken place when earth was sparsely populated. Many efforts today to switch to so-called environmentally friendly resources do not yield positive results.
There are warming and cooling trends that may last hundreds of years. Almost too long for scientists to acknowledge or follow. Still, they prefer being the prognosticators of disasters caused, of course, by you and me. Real science doesn’t change with the wind, popular opinion, or current trends. Real science doesn’t silence dissenting voices. Real science seeks truth, not assumptions.
The one thing you can be assured of where scientists are concerned is that their findings will change as they study, and learn, though some will simply go with the politically correct ideas that buy research grants and high-paying positions. Unfortunately, some of these paths do not lead to truth, simply more assumptions.
True science assesses all data, not only what fits a preconceived notion, Honorable scientists, and there are honorable scientists, are careful about jumping to conclusions and making assumptions, knowing all the data gathered is never complete. Don’t automatically buy into the latest pronouncements from scientists or the media whose stories may heighten the fear factor.
Do your own research. Use common sense and keep in mind, even the best scientists have agendas and biases. Even ethical scientists make mistakes—often big ones. (Just like we do.)
Be cautious of the so-called science-of-the-season. Instead, live your best life now. It’s the only one you have. Live it with reason, common sense, and without fear. Besides, whatever the scientists claim whether correct or not, God’s got this. We are safe within His hands.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Climate models https://www.prageru.com/video/can-climate-models-predict-climate-change
https://www.prageru.com/video/dr-matthew-wielicki-i-refuse-to-stay-silent-about-climate-change
Does anyone out there think we’re at the dawn of a new ice age?
If we had asked that question just 40 years ago, an astonishing number of people — including some climatologists — would have answered yes. On April 28, 1975, Newsweek published a provocative article, “The Cooling World,” in which writer and science editor Peter Gwynne described a significant chilling of the world’s climate, with evidence accumulating “so massively that meteorologists are hard-pressed to keep up with it.”
https://harpers.org/archive/1958/09/the-coming-ice-age/
https://fox59.com/news/national-world/what-climate-scientists-were-predicting-in-the-1970s/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-global-cooling-story-came-to-be/
A cherished collection of precious tea cups
Mom’s cup from WWII
It wasn’t until after my father passed away that the three of us kids, my older sister Karin, my younger brother Paul and me, were able to divide up a special collection.
When my mother died she left behind a fairly large collection of tea cups. She had different colors, designs and styles. She showed them off on the shelves of her hutch. Karin, Paul and I handled the cups over the years and had our favorites. Karin and I more than Paul, but some had his attention as well due to the subject matter portrayed on the delicate cups and saucers.
After my mother died, Dad wasn’t ready to part with her collection. He held onto them through a couple of moves. He even remarried, but made it clear those tea cups would go to us kids when he passed.
Dad was in World War II. Mom followed him to base training until he was sent overseas to Italy and North Africa. He was a medic right behind the front lines. When he returned home, he felt called to become a pastor. That meant moves every few years as different churches called him to pastor.
Being a pastor means not only tending to the needs of the church and the congregation’s needs, but also continued schooling, and denominational conferences each year. Once we children came along, Mom was not able to go with him most of the time. Besides being home with us children, finances seldom stretched for Mom to go. Though on occasion, they made it happen. Then we kids stayed with friends and Mom got to go with Dad to one conference or another.
I don’t know when the idea for the tea cups started. Mom loved the delicate cups, but she didn’t indulge in a hobby when money was needed for clothes and food. Still, Mom’s collection started growing and it started with the sturdy tea cup Dad brought home from the war.
When mom was unable to travel with dad to conferences and such, he didn’t only bring home a treat for us children. He began to bring home a teacup from every place he went. He brought two Mounty-themed cups from Canada. The cup from the war years got broken and Mom glued it back together. It had sentimental significance.
By the time Mom died, she had a good collection of beautiful, delicate tea cups and saucers. When Dad died, it was time to divide the collection. Karin, Paul, and I had no problem dividing up most of the collection since we liked different cups. Three teacups had us discussing who got which one. The cup from the war was no longer of monetary value but still held value for us. A beautiful deep blue cup also drew us. I don’t recall what the third one was.
We didn’t fight, simply discussed until we each received one of those last tea cups. I have mine displayed in a hutch we received from my mother-in-law. Both the hutch and my collection remind me of the two special mothers in my life. It also reminds me of my dad’s caring and concern to bring home something he knew my mother would cherish. To me, looking back, buying those tea cups when money was tight showed something else—it showed sensitivity and love.
May I be as caring as my dad when he chose to build something he knew mom would love—a collection of tea cups.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Kearney Hub column 7/9/24
https://kearneyhub.com/eedition/page-a04/page_e82608e2-9c99-5ea7-9bca-dced7f100d1a.html
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Where my true strength lies
Unsplash: Anne Nygard
It amazes me that some of what I deal with today goes back a very long time. Things change and yet so much remains the same. But then, as now, I know that while I may be having trouble standing, God’s arms hold me close. He is my strength when I am weak, my hope when I am down, and my Savior who never lets me go.
Limbs stiff and aching
Ankles burning agonizingly
Don’t want to hold me up.
But You do, Lord.
Thanks.
(c) 1994, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel free to pass on
Aladdin Faith
Searching for a quick fix
To my problems,
I turn like
Aladdin to his jinn,
Expecting instant answers
With a POOF!
And a grin, but...
Find instead
Peace
By simply,
Leaning upon Him.
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
From When it Hurts
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The tragic loss of country schools
May 2024 My husband Keith and I attended a reunion of grade school students who once attended District 8 country school. Keith attended until grade five when his parents moved to another farm. Joe Widdowson, along with his wife Jean, planned the event.
As we entered the Lucky Duck in Gibbon where the reunion was held, I was surprised at how many showed up, including one teacher. Other teachers sent letters. One former student traveled all the way from Arizona. Some recognized me from Kearney Christian Women’s Connection (KCWC) luncheon (I used to do the newsletter), or from my columns in the Hub. It was nice to have that familiarity since I really didn’t think I’d know anyone much beyond Joe and Jean.
It was good for Keith to catch up with old friends and as we ate and conversed, to be reminded of those long-ago school days. Eventually District 8 school was discontinued, and students attended town schools.
Until sixth grade, I attended schools in the different towns, and states, where my pastor dad served church congregations. That changed when he was called to a country church in Northern Kansas. We loved the church and its people. The farming community also had a small one teacher country school. All grades first through 8th were in one room. There were two other students in my class other than myself.
I quickly learned, I wasn’t as advanced as the other girls in my class and had to work to catch up. Each grade had desks together. We also did things like music together. Another positive was that we learned and kept remembering the basics because we older kids often worked with the younger students. Mrs. Carmen had a well-oiled system that worked. She made me feel special even though she had to deal with all the students in all elementary grades.
She not only taught reading, writing, science and math, she also taught self-reliance, research, and the satisfaction of helping others. We learned responsibility as we helped younger kids and each other. Recess was time for races and playing games. We each brought our lunch. In the process, we bonded as a group. At the time Kansas had quite a few country schools in existence.
After completing 8th grade all the students both from the country and town schools, were required to go to the high school and take a proficiency test. Interestingly, year after year, the country school students scored higher than those who attended town schools. That didn’t surprise me since I’d been behind when I’d gone from a small-town school to a country school.
Yet, a few years down the road, consolidation became the rage. Larger schools could offer more opportunities, parents were told. Larger schools meant better-equipped science labs, and on and on. The country schools became a relic of the past. Small towns also lost one of their centers as smaller towns consolidated their schools into larger ones often between the towns.
No one seemed to take seriously the difference in scores from town and country students. No one considered that schools as well as churches anchored a community. When pioneers established homes and farms, one of their first considerations was to build a school often used for both school and church. Americans were committed to education and made it happen as soon as possible.
Country schools had benefits larger schools don’t have, several already mentioned here. Smaller schools allow for more personal attention, especially with students who fall through the cracks in a larger school setting—or they become troublemakers. Parents have more say in a smaller setting and those involved are often family, friends, etc. which makes everyone adults and kids more accountable.
Getting rid of country schools was a colossal mistake. At Keith’s reunion I watched those from all grades share positive memories of their time at the District 8 school. Years ago, I watched Bill and Malinda Gates on a talk show. They spoke about the failures of large schools. They proposed small neighborhood schools.
I agree we need to rethink our view of education and start thinking smaller instead of larger, so the focus isn’t on administration, government or often forced curriculum, but on basics and care and concern for the ones, supposedly, for whom schools exist—our children. Umm. Sounds like the country schools still have something to offer. I wish someone would take this idea seriously.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published column Kearney Hub 6/27/2024
…Loss of our country schools
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Life, hope, tornadoes
Photo by Nikolas Noonan on Unsplash
I don’t remember hearing much about tornadoes when I was very young. Since my father was a minister, we moved every few years to different churches. We lived in Canada where my dad, at times, hitchhiked (something more common in those days) in 50 degrees below zero weather. We lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin where I entered first grade. We were much more concerned with ice and snow than tornadoes.
I don’t recall much about tornadoes even when we lived in eastern Wyoming. It was dry country. When storms came, they came quick and violent with pounding sheets of rain and hail. Didn’t have much snow and many of the creek beds were dry except during spring runoff when the water roared through the creek beds and were best stayed away from.
Things changed when we moved to northwest Kansas. There we discovered tornadoes were a weather phenomenon that elicited caution at the very least. The parsonage basement had been made into a living area with one large room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Definitely, a pretty nice place to head for in bad weather and safety when tornadoes were spotted. I got sick in Kansas and was soon wheelchair-bound.
Was it the difficulty in getting the wheelchair down the stairs that kept us upstairs because I really don’t recall times we headed for the basement? Or was it because I spent much of our time in Kansas at rehab centers in Arkansas and Minneapolis?
In Iowa, we headed toward an interior room as we did once our family moved to Kearney, NE so I could attend college. After my husband Keith and I married, my brother built us a house geared toward my limitations. That meant no stairs and no basement.
When sirens warned of a tornado, I’d grab the kids, the pets, the radio, and snacks and hunker down in the main bathroom. It was the safest place as it was in the center of the house and without windows. (Keith was generally at work when sirens sounded.)
Storms and tornadoes tore off screen doors and damaged the roof—more than once. Thick branches were ripped from our trees. But we remained safe and thankful.
April 2024, we had a Scheidies’ weekend gathering. Keith’s siblings, kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids gather at the farm on Saturday and at the Mitzi Pavilion for Sunday brunch before everyone heads home to Colorado, Omaha, etc. This year, tornadoes hit hard sweeping through Nebraska. The Omaha area was hit hard. Our daughter and family live in Papillion.
Friday afternoon they started toward Kearney only to be warned about two tornadoes. Our son lives in Lincoln. Instead of continuing to Kearney, Kurt and Cassie and the kids diverted to Chris’ house to wait out the worst before continuing to Kearney.
It was tense. We covered them with prayer when they got back on the road. Cassie sent a photo of a tornado they missed by minutes. Despite the storms and rain, everyone got to the gathering safely and made it home safely. The weekend was a good time for catching up, hugs, and bonding with food, games, and fellowship.
Tornadoes are unpredictable in our environment, but our lives are also filled with tornadoes—those circumstances that throw us off our plans or bring pain or other tragedies in our lives. Even during our reunion, we thought about Keith’s brother Mark as the date marked when he lost his life to a freak accident. His wife Jenni remembered with tears but has also moved on with life and love—as Mark wanted.
Even in times of turmoil, we need to be careful not to wallow in the past. Grieve, deal with the situation, and cling to hope and faith. Let others come alongside. One step at a time, we can move forward and walk into a new tomorrow.
(c) 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Column published Kearney Hub 6/8/2024
https://kearneyhub.com/eedition/page-a4/page_04798001-befd-56a7-afbe-76ebc2f149c8.html
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