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Blog Before speaking, remember “soft” words

We used to live in a culture that tolerated, sometimes even encouraged diverse points of view. This respect for one another and for other points of view has eroded into “If you don’t think speak, believe as I do, you are dangerous and must be shut down and stopped.”

This is especially prevalent with those seeking to tear down basic American values and structure. A girl at a family pizza place is asked her opinion and, because it was not a liberal point of view, the word went out and social media blew up in hate that shut down a restaurant run by a family that needed the income to support their family. Thankfully word of the situation got out and decent Americans began going to the restaurant and contributing enough to keep the place in business.

Those who did not like President Trump forced many who worked in his administration to be hounded, hassled, and assaulted in restaurants and other establishments. In many places, police are assaulted and even murdered because hatred has replaced decency, tolerance, and respect.

More and more seek violent solutions rather than peaceful ones. Emotion has replaced thought or consideration of consequences. There are better ways of dealing with disagreements than the BLM chant calling cops “pigs” and calling for them to be “fried like bacon.”

Hatred leads not to resolution but to violence and a corresponding response of violence. It is a cycle that grows more violent and evil. There is another way.

Florence Nightingale changed the nursing profession and garnered respect, but not with violence or disrespect. She was sent with nurses into a war Britain was fighting. The doctors wanted nothing to do with them, but Florence and her nurses quietly tended wounded soldiers and made such a difference, they gained first respect and then the cooperation of the doctors.

Martin Luther King could easily have advocated for violence. Horrible things were done to his people. They were mistreated in shameful ways. Yet King kept working toward reconciliation, worked toward the rights of all races to be treated fairly and with respect. He made a difference, cooling violence and showing Americans a better way.

The path of peace starts by using every peaceful and lawful way possible. It means changing hearts and minds, often one-on-one, with truth, information, and genuine concern—including changing laws as necessary.

Scripture advocates for personal behavior and responsibility. Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” You could add hate to this. Yet love and good are ultimately stronger than hate and evil, which does nothing but tear down and destroy. The more hate and evil is catered to, the worse the situation becomes.

Change doesn’t start with someone else. It starts with you and me. It starts with letting go of anger, revenge, and hate. It starts as Proverbs 15:1 states, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” How does this play out?

We're furious. We respond and the incident escalates. But what if when we're furious, we think before we speak or act? If what we say does not accuse or add fuel to the fire, most likely, the situation de-escalates, and we can deal rationally with the situation.

Though we live in a vengeful, payback, culture, we don't have to feed into that philosophy. It is not God's way. Want peace? Stand up for truth, yes. But, start by thinking before speaking, writing, texting and speak “soft” words to defuse.

Can you think of a better resolution for the new year than to seek peace and pursue it in our lives, families, and to those around us? May God’s love lead to His peace in our hearts, our behavior, and our world.

© 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies
Kearney Hub column 01/03/2022
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Blog Bio Christmas, Jesus and Santa

When I was a preschooler, my pastor father served a church in Clitherall, Minnesota. Originally, we lived in a house too small for our growing family. The church bought the bank building on main street to use as the church until they bought a church building, moving it in onto some property they owned.

The bank building became our new home. It was a beautiful red brick building with double entry doors and a fancy ceiling. Several rooms were created on one side for three bedrooms--right next to the still functioning vault, my folks were careful to keep locked. There was a room at the far end that was turned into our kitchen. It also held a large fireplace.

Since this was in the 1950s, the building had no indoor bathroom. We had an outhouse out back. But come Christmas, the fascinating aspect of our house was that fireplace. I don’t think I ever saw it lit. However, we knew the story of Santa Claus and the need for a fireplace so Santa could leave gifts.

With our Swedish heritage, Christmas was Christmas Eve for us. Early on, our folks started traditions that included Dad reading the Christmas story before we each gave thanks for our blessings. Only then did Dad hand out our gifts--one at a time so we could appreciate each one and the giver.

Back then, we did not have much, and every gift really was appreciated--mostly homemade. Our folks were careful to make sure we understood the true meaning of Christmas was Jesus coming to earth to live, and die a martyr’s death--sacrificing His life for all the wrongs we did. Then He rose again conquering death itself to offer life in Him both now and forever as we bowed before Him.

But that was Christmas Eve. My sister and I (our brother Paul was born when we lived in Minnesota and was way too young) went to bed excitedly anticipating our gifts from “Santa” the next morning. Early the next morning we rushed to the kitchen area to see what was by the fireplace. Yes. There were gifts. I remember a huge coloring book and some smaller items. It was exciting to think that Santa remembered us.

Karin was older by 3 ½ years and didn’t want me to have illusions about what Christmas was all about. “Mom and Dad actually gave us these gifts,” she told me. What! Even at my young age, I knew it was difficult for our folks to buy us gifts. And these were extra gifts--not from Santa?

Karin explained that Santa was fun, but not real. That Jesus was real and the true reason for Christmas. Some families are all in about Santa and Jesus plays only a minor role. Other families ban Santa altogether.

My folks took a different approach. They helped us realize Santa is a fun myth and allowed us to embrace that aspect of the holidays. But, they also made sure we understood the center of our celebration remained on the truth that a very real Savior did come to save and set us free for one reason--because He loved us.

What helped me put our traditions in perspective was a graphic that circulated some years ago. It was a picture of the manger, with Santa on his knees before the baby Jesus.

As the angels told the shepherds, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…” Luke 2:10b-11 NKJV

Let us worship at the manger this Christmas.
Merry Christmas!

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
My Kearney Hub column 12/20/2021
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Blog How to balance family, technology

We live in a culture where even intact families may not spend much time together as a family. There are long work hours, especially in a struggling economy. There is school for the kids, jobs, and maybe even taking care of elderly family members.

But aside from those more normal situations, we are inundated with technology. For many, their cell phones connect the owners to work and, even at home, they are involved with their job. We give our children cell phones at a young age and they learn to text and communicate with friends at all hours of the day and, too often, at night as well.

Others become addicted to video games and spend as much time as possible gaming alone or with friends. In fact, every member of the family may have reason to be on their cell phones, tablets, or computers. Virtual experiences often take the place of real face-to-face connections.

Online friendships are shallow and transient and can turn quickly into bullying if one says the wrong thing or in the wrong way. Even when the family gathers for a meal, they aren’t really sharing their day when each is ready to check their cell phones when they whirr or beep. “I’ve got to get this.”

Technology, if not restricted with boundaries, separates and divides friends and families. It is hard to take interest in your child sitting at the table trying to share about his or her day, when mom or dad won’t stop looking at their phone, answering texts or emails, or playing a game.

How discouraging to know, as a child, you are not more important to your parents than their technology. Why not immerse yourself in your phone? It is certainly better than being ignored. Many children spend so much time on their phones, playing games, or watching videos, they never learn how to focus and their bodies do not get enough exercise to keep them healthy.

Families lose out when they build faux relationships through technology rather than appreciating, interacting, and caring for their real family who needs them. Children need parents who care by being present, by listening and responding, and who aren’t always sneaking looks at their phones.

Families and individuals to be healthy need time away from technology. Time with others to talk, interact, laugh, and share. It may take setting boundaries for parents as well as children.

Boundaries may include the following though your guidelines will depend on your family: Eating at least one meal a day together as a family--actually asking questions and listening.
No tablets or cell phones are at the table.
When someone wants to speak to you, give them your full attention--no sneak cell peaks.
No technology after lights out--even if that means collecting tablets and phones before bedtime.
Schedule time as a family to play card or board games. There are any number of games that can involve the whole family.

These are only a few ideas for having healthier relationships between technology, yourself, and your family.

Yes, I love my laptop and tablet. We still have a home phone, but I wouldn’t leave home without my cell. I see it not only as a way to keep in touch, not only to be able to use the GPS function as I can get lost in a paper bag, but also as a safety in case something happens, and we need emergency services.

But setting boundaries makes our lives richer and our families stronger. Today is a good day to start caring enough to set some restrictions.

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
My Kearney Hub column published 12/06/2021
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Blog The importance of giving thanks

The Bible has any number of verses that deal with gratitude and giving thanks. Psalm 106:1 (KJV) states, “Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the lord; for He is good: for his mercy endures for ever.

Giving thanks to a higher power than ourselves lifts our minds and hearts as well as focuses our attitudes away from complaining and blaming to lifting up instead of tearing down. Too often, however, it is easier not to practice gratitude, not to give thanks, not to praise anything or one.

Excuses grow as our grumpy attitude grows. Oh give thanks to the Lord! But not this evening. I had a rotten day at the office and have this beastly headache.

Oh give thanks to the Lord! Not now! Not when I’ve put up with the kids squabbling all day. Jimmy messed his diapers on the way to the store. What a mess! Besides, I may be coming down with the flu.

Oh give thanks to the Lord! Good grief! How can I give thanks when my favorite aunt just died? We were so close, and I wasn’t ready for this.

For all our many and varied excuses, God’s Word doesn’t change to suit our vacillating moods or circumstances. Philippians 4:4 (KJV) reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) reads, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Most books on inspiration mirror that a positive attitude and gratitude are good for our relationships and our health. Most of our problems, big or small, don’t seem quite so insurmountable when we refuse to tumble into a pattern of complaining.

By complaining and refusing to be thankful, we imply God either isn’t strong enough or doesn't care enough to help us in our times of need. It implies that short-term problems are bigger and more encompassing than they really are.

By our negative words and actions, we deny ourselves the comfort not only of God’s presence to lift us up and give us a new perspective on our circumstances, but also make those around us not want to be around us. Our attitude affects everyone, not just you and me.

Do I truly wish to always be unhappy, dragging down my family, friends, and everyone around me? Or do I wish to look up and let laughter and love flow through me, changing my perspective and my attitude?

Especially in downtimes, I need to remember to give thanks and to look up. Attitude matters. Why not choose to develop one of gratitude?  What better to time to start than during a celebration of Thanksgiving when giving thanks is supposed to be the core reason for the holiday. This year let’s make sure it is.

So, what are you thankful for?

(C) 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Kearney Hub column published 11/22/2021
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poetry poetry

Poetry Am I Walking with Jesus?

Walking with Jesus should
Make a difference.
Do I?
Does it?

He keeps his promises.
Do I?
He is willing to forgive, forget.
Am I?
Do I?

He seeks truth,
is truth.
Do I prefer my assumptions to His truth?
He is loving and kind.
Am I?

Or do I rationalize negative attitudes,
And respond accordingly?
He hates evil, sin and wrong,
knowing they destroy.
Do I love and trust Him enough to fight against them, too—
In my life, family, community, nation?

Am I willing to follow His way, not mine?
Allow Him control, to live within?
Realizing walking with Jesus means
Becoming all He created me to be

For in letting go,
I find forgiveness and hope,
And a Savior friend who never lets me go.

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Blog Bio Dogs, fosters, adoption and love

Recently my seventeen-year-old granddaughter told me she’d been cleaning up the backyard because they planned to foster a Husky dog. She was so excited to bring home a shelter Husky named Bear. I could tell she was already loving that dog.

I can’t blame her. Several years ago, our daughter Cassie had a friend who fostered dogs. She told Cassie about a little dog foster that had been rescued from a puppy mill. The young dog had spent his life in a cage.

Cassie ended up adopting Melvin who proved to be a sweet dog without a mean bone in his body. His main anxiety was not wanting Cassie out of his sight. She had Melvin for many years, giving him special attention as he aged.

She married and Melvin adopted Kurt as part of the family and then included two children. When he died, the family grieved.

My brother pretty much always had dogs—usually larger dogs. He brought a dog into his marriage with Lorene and throughout their marriage, they adopted several dogs from the shelter. Their dogs were their kids. Finally, they decided not to get another dog.

At least, they thought they both decided that only to discover both were, on their own, checking out dogs at the shelter. That did it, they adopted another dog who needed them.

This dog was big, gentle, and huggable. He also thought he was a lapdog. When they settled in their recliners, Franee would jump into a lap and snuggle down. Paul walked the dog up to our house, but often they walked Franee at Yanney Park. They loved that dog.

Then Paul had a massive heart attack and was gone. The love she and Paul shared with a needy animal came back to sustain Lorene as she dealt with Paul’s loss. Because they were willing to adopt, she received a gift of Franee’s love that has helped her through her grief.

We usually had dogs and often cats when we grew up. Since dad was a minister, we moved every few years. Some places were more conducive to pets than others. Wyoming was a great place for pets, but we didn’t buy them. They came to us. A dog or cat who needed a home found our place. If they looked hungry, mom fed them.

Some moved on. Others stayed and became part of the family, though the restriction was that their main home was outside. (Dad built a dog house.)

One of my best memories is the day we moved to Lance Creek Wyoming. Mrs. Wilson who ran the motel for truckers just down the road had the key to the parsonage. We walked over with her. Mrs. Wilson pointed out the huge dog on the stoop.

She started explaining most were afraid of the animal, but he had refused to leave with the last pastor. Members threw food over the fence for the dog. She wasn’t sure what to do, but Paul, a toddler, before anyone could stop him, opened the gate, marched up to the dog, and hugged him.

I followed, leaving the adults stunned. Skipper had adopted us. He proved to be a wonderful dog. When he died, he left us with many good memories. I could tell many more stories of dogs who met a need for those who adopted them or whom they adopted.

Looking for a dog? Instead of paying through the nose for some fancy breed, consider a shelter pet. These dogs are so ready to give love and are often brave, smart, ready to love the individual or family who reaches out,

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in my Kearney Hub Column 2021 November 8
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poetry poetry

Poetry Let it Slide

Easy to let things slide,
Grab the time for me
Today I’ll skip my time with God,
No big deal, right?
One day I won’t take time to read His Word
Or pray

Today I’ll hurry to work
Rush off without hugs goodbye
Today I’ll focus on ME
Who are “They” to tell me what to do?

Yet, I grind my teeth when the car ahead stalls
Tense when a colleague tells the same worn-out joke—
For the thousandth time
Work without rest or lunch

Home again with excuse, “Sorry kids, spouse, too tired for
A hug, or a moment of time, or even a smile,
Go play, go to the kitchen, go to your room…go away!

Lord why do I feel so defeated?
Now my spouse is angry and upset,
My kids too quiet and hurt

Surely I have time for only me, true and yet
There are others to consider
I’ve had no peace today
Maybe tomorrow, Lord,
I’ll start my day with You.

(C) 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Blog Bio Home, mice, snakes and perspective

I loved cowboys and horses. So, when my minister got a church in Wyoming when I was in elementary, I was thrilled. I didn’t much care about the house. Mom did. Especially when she began hearing persistent scratching behind their closet wall. My mom freaked when a rodent emerged. Turned out to be one huge rat.

Dad quickly dispatched the unwanted visitor and made certain that would not happen again. Except for that exception, mice stayed away from our house well-guarded by several cats that considered our place home.

When Keith and I married we first lived in an apartment house. One day I found evidence of an unwanted visitor in the kitchen. We bought traps and I put food in plastic containers. I was in the kitchen when our visitor dashed across the floor. I screamed for Keith who rushed in and stomped on the mouse--in his socks. Grossed me out. Mice became a problem.

I was relieved when we moved to another, larger apartment on the other end of the mouse-infested one. Then we moved to an older house that had any number of insects and rodents, Traps became a way of life. Mice made me cringe.

Thanks to a government program, my brother Paul was able to build a house geared toward my limitations. Nice, clean and accessible. Yet, in the fall, mice seemed to find a way into the house, probably from the attached garage. Again, traps were a way of life. At least only one or two got in each year.

After our kids were in elementary, Chris got a dog and Cassie got a cat named Cutie. With Cutie in the house, mice had no chance and they disappeared from our lives. Unfortunately, our mice problem turned into a snake problem.

In fact, for many years I wrote at least one article each year about my adventures with snakes that found a way into the house. Eventually, the snakes also disappeared--at least inside the house. Then we had some siding work done.

About that time, we discovered a mouse in the house. This time we got traps that held poison. The traps took care of that mouse. So much for the mouse problem.

Recently, my sister called early in the morning as I walked into the kitchen from the bedroom. In the semi-darkness, I noticed movement on the ground. At first I thought it was a cricket, Then I scared my sister when I started screaming for Keith.

That movement was a mouse crawling along almost flat against the floor. Gross. Gross. Keith rushed in, took a look and slammed his cane down. I had to explain to my sister as Keith got rid of that dying mouse.

I was thankful, we’d never picked up the poison traps we’d put down last year. Thankfully, that seems to be the only mouse that managed to get inside. Over the years we have had either mice or snakes.

As much as I dislike both these creatures, when I see what is going on in our world I realize how small my problem with mice or snakes really is. Those bigger problems put things in perspective. I guess I can deal with snakes and mice—especially if Keith is near.

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in my Kearney Hub column 10/25/2021
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Poetry Devotion Let Go

Let go and let God.
Cliché
Easier said than done
Letting go the need to control
Letting go pride and unforgiveness
Letting go hurts
Letting go…

Beginning to understand, finally.
Life happens
Yet only God can change my heart
Bring wholeness as I let go my burdens
They hold me back,
Make me miserable,

As I offer them up
He takes my hurting, angry heart
And helps me let them go, move forward,
Lighter, whole, without anchors holding me back

He asks what is both simple and difficult
To come, ask, hand Him those things
We’re holding on so tightly,
For letting go and letting God
Sets us free to be all God designed us to be.

Let go…it can be done.
It is a choice.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.   
——Matthew 11:28 NASB

(C) 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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poetry poetry

Poetry His Special Gift

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

It’s all a gift, all that I have
However I strive to earn or get
If I am honest,
So much is not me at all
Some call it Good Fortune, Luck, Serendipity
Not willing to face the truth
Of a God interactive in time and space…and in our lives
Who loved enough to come and live and die,
Loved enough to sacrifice His life
For yours and mine and why?
That we might see our need and come to Him
Acknowledging what we hate to admit…our sin
We’ve goofed up more than lifted up
Hurt more than helped
We’d rather pretend self-confidence
Boasting of self-esteem on ephemeral things
Rather than basic truth—God exists
He loves us
He died for rebellion, mistakes and sin,
He conquered death, that you and I might live
Asks in exchange for comfort, peace and hope,
My trust, my will—so hard to give up,
But as I choose to do just that,
My Savior Jesus Christ
Turns luck into blessings,
Pain into promise,
And fortune into a sure future with Him
For Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation
Fills our hearts with compassion and caring,
And the realization that it isn’t my striving,
But His love that rescues me—freely given
All a gift
Because of His love.
I bow.
(C) 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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poetry poetry

Poetry Worn Out and Stressed

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

I am tired,
Worn out by daily stress
Business affairs
Hives and health concerns.
Time running away.
I stop.

Where am I headed?
Why am I so stressed?
Am I spending my time wisely?
Do I make a difference?

Who reads what I spend so much time and effort writing?
Where did I leave time for Him?
I need to rest. Reassess.
Reorganize my time, priorities, life,
Release my hold, release the stress, refocus…

Ask God for His plan and purpose, not mine
That I might make the best use
Of the time, moments God has given me,
Focus on following and letting go.
Finding relief and rest

Perspective changes everything
When Jesus is my center I make a difference.
What I am, do matters.
Choose to let go my stress…..and wait on Him,
Realizing He’s got this

When my time has come,
He’ll say, “Well done, My good and faithful one.”

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Blog Bio My sister, my sibling, my friend

On September 21st, Karin turned 75. Karin’s retirement is as busy as when she worked for Senator Pat Roberts. She is actively involved with her grandchildren, her other family, and many friends. Faith, family, and friends are the most important things in her life.

Karin, born in 1946, is the oldest sibling, I followed in 1950. Our brother Paul was born four years later. As adults we visit, call, and email regularly. However, Karin and I weren’t always friends.

More often than not, we had to share a bedroom. (Our father was a minister who got called to a different church every few years.) Karin wanted a room that was tidy and always looking good. She’d stuff things in the closet or under the bed.

I like organization. If things aren’t perfectly aligned or in place, as long as long as I knew where to find everything, the rest didn’t matter. She pulled shades at least partway down on the windows, preferring a darker room. I love sunlight. I zapped the shades up. We glared at as we tugged the shade furiously up and down until, invariably, the shade broke, and we were in trouble.

Due to how and when we moved, Karin ended up in grades above her classmates. (She was fifteen when she started her high school senior year in a new school.). I preferred the outdoors. Karin was all girl—except she could smash a baseball out of the park. We fought. We argued.

I pushed Karin through a wall Dad was repairing. She kicked me off the bed during nightly devotions with Dad. Oops! We lived in Kansas when Karin left for college. For all our wrangling, I missed her.

Then my life took a turn downward. I contracted Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and within months was in a wheelchair that I did not escape for almost ten years. Those years were difficult years for my family as my parents sought prayer, answers, and medical care.

During those years, Karin was my encourager. Paul was confused with my up-and-down moods due to pain, and frustration. Karin married after college and remained in McPherson, Kansas where she’d gone to college.

We moved to Iowa for a pastorate where I finished high school and started college. In my second year of college, our folks moved to Nebraska so I could attend a four-year college. Though I was in a wheelchair and often required assistance, I graduated.

Mom and Dad bought a house in Kearney planning to retire in this welcoming city. When Dad was called to a church in Canada, this time, Mom, Paul and I stayed in Kearney. After all, Paul and I were in college.

Unexpectedly, at Christmas, Mom died my senior year of a stroke that left Dad and Karin, Paul, and I devastated. In time, Dad married a Canadian lady and settled in International Falls, MN.

Paul and I settled in Kearney. By then, Karin, Paul, and I had become friends. We were close enough to visit now and again as we married and raised our families. Always Karin and Paul were there for me through my many surgeries to get me up and keep me up and walking.

Each of us had to deal with first Mom’s death, then dad’s death when our children were young. We walked through life's difficult circumstances lifting each other up.

Paul’s death in January 2019 of massive heart failure left a huge hole. He was our younger brother. Yes, we have our family, our kids and our wonderful grandkids, but it isn’t the same. Three became two, but with the loss, Karin and I talk more, make sure to pray for one another and each other’s families.

We are different individuals in so many ways and yet we share a heritage of memories, faith, and love. Gone are the days I fought with my sister. Instead, I give thanks each day we still have our faith, our families—and the blessing of one another.
© 2021 Carolyn R. Scheidies
Published 10/11/21 in the Kearney Hub Column

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Blog Politics Covid, vaccines, exceptions, and common sense

There are some who claim that those who have hesitations about taking the Covid shot—it isn’t a vaccine— are uninformed, uneducated or simply stupid. That attitude shows the incredible bias of those who make such claims,

A Pfizer VP quit his job when he didn’t like what he saw his company was doing with the Covid shot. This was a highly intelligent and educated man with a good job with excellent benefits. Yet, he left that job and its perks because he felt he had to speak out. This is only the tip of those truly behind those suggesting caution, suggesting more exceptions, and rightly pointing out that one size does not fit all.

You and I know that a garment manufacturer claiming, “One size fits all,” shouldn’t be taken seriously. A ten-year-boy and my six-foot-five husband are not going to fit into the same clothing. It is the same with medication. If you listen to ads, you hear a host of cautions about not taking it if you are allergic or pregnant, etc. etc. etc. Don’t give to children under six, or under 18 or….

Yet the manufacturers of the Covid shots tell us that they are safe and effective for anyone of any age, under any and all health circumstances. This is improbable at best. A falsehood at worst to promote their product.

Consider this. The manufacturers of the Covid shots are the same manufacturers who have paid out millions and millions over the years to individuals and groups when they lost lawsuits because they created, promoted, and sold products that caused health issues—often cancer.

Yet, we’re supposed to believe that this time they have only our best interests at heart. Really? Are you that trusting? As for “safe and effective,” were we not told when enough individuals are “vaccinated,” our lives would return to normal? Didn’t happen!

Instead, we hear of more and more cases of fully “vaccinated” persons getting Covid. Now we’re told that may be true, but the case will not be as serious. So which is true—the shot works or it doesn’t? Documentation from the pharmaceutical companies reveals the shots neither keep one from getting sick nor keep one from spreading the disease to others.

Yet, those all-in for Covid shot seek to blame the unvaccinated for outbreaks without considering natural immunity and recovery with medications that are cheaper, less harmful, and more effective than an expensive shot.

Oh, but you don’t pay for your shot. The shot is not free. It is paid for by government agencies (that means you) or insurance. Covid cases and shots net manufacturers and medical facilities ready cash.

If you have the flu, but you die from a heart attack, your death certificate reads you died from the heart attack. But with Covid, if you have Covid but die from a heart attack, in many facilities your death certificate will read, “Died of Covid.”

This nets the medical facility government money and hugely inflates the cases of death to Covid itself. It is smoke and mirrors to engender fear in the populous who will be more likely to give up freedom for restrictions and unconstitutional mandates.

The media will not report the growing number of deaths—not to Covid which is 99% (yes 99%) survivable, but from the Covid shots. Others suffer irrefutable harm to their health. What about the young healthy teen who is now confined to a wheelchair? Or the single mother, in healthcare, who felt she had to get the Covid shot to keep her job and support her kids. She suffered neurological damage and can now scarcely take care of herself.

My daughter knew someone with a peanut allergy who had such a severe peanut reaction after a shot that she ended up in the ER. Health issues are happening.

What is being cataloged but underreported are seizures, neurological problems, loss of feeling in extremities, heart problems, especially in healthy young men. Those who hear and read these disquieting stats, of course, have hesitations and rightly so.

Yet Bidden and his cohorts demand everyone get this shot regardless of health indicators, allergies, age or religious concerns. (Example: every one of the Covid shots, while not including pre-born baby cells in the shot itself, nevertheless used aborted fetus material for testing. These shots cut to the very heart of the pro-life message—life begins at conception.)

Large and small companies are following along, including medical facilities, forcing one and all to get this shot or lose their seniority, benefits or even their jobs. This is for a shot, that by law, since it is still experimental, cannot be forced on anyone.

But these would-be dictators, believe they are above the law—for your good, of course. Those who support the mandates are doctors, medical and government personal with lots of letters behind their names. Education means some training in some field. It doesn’t necessarily indicate intelligence and certainly doesn’t indicate honesty or integrity or lack thereof.

How many really believe what they’ve been fed or simply believe the disinformation regularly pandered to the populace? On the other hand, not having a degree doesn’t make one unintelligent or stupid. Doctors who are coming forward with their concerns are not stupid either. Many have as many letters behind their names and as much experience as the medical professionals promoting Covid shots.

One of these doctors even helped develop the Covid protocol. Many were not against the shots at the beginning—until they witnessed the reality of what was happening to their own patients.

Stepping out was not easy and not something taken lightly. Unlike many professionals (but certainly not all) promoting Covid shots, the doctors advising caution aren’t making money from stepping forward. In fact, they are risking their reputations, careers and livelihoods to do so. (Of course, the media, some medical persons and others have done everything possible to smear those who’ve had the courage to speak out.)

Of course, they get banned from social media, but that’s happening to conservatives and Christians from our Senators to a mom who had concerns about things being taught in school. Many of my friends and I have gotten “Watch out” warnings.

Being banned from social media doesn’t mean there is a problem with the information. It does signify a problem with the liberal slant of the platform.

There are real reasons for not taking the shots and these should be honored. Since it is getting more and more difficult to hide those either suffering permanent disabilities or even dying, maybe it is time to take another look at mandates and toss them where they belong—in the trash.

Let’s voice our opinion that all sides of this issue be allowed in the media. Let’s allow the publication of exceptions that protect those with religious, health, pregnancy, age, or other exceptions that are automatic for any other medication.

Let’s stop calling names and casting stones—from either side. Stop making ridiculous claims about those with hesitations. Most are not anti-vaxxers. Most are intelligent, many educated, most with basic common sense all of whom have the right to question the current politically correct thought. Time is already starting to prove many of their cautions were right on.
© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/were-in-the-middle-of-a-major-biological-catastrophe-top-covid-doc-mccullough/    

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Blog Bio Time, family and a memorial

2017 April 25 Uncle Mark with great niece Ellery at Spring Scheidies gathering

Few of us had any clue that 2020 would become such a watershed in our lives. Covid-19 spread and, for better or worse, much of the country shut down. Celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries, holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Christmas just didn’t happen—at least not with large, noisy, happy family get-togethers.

Families stayed isolated, at home, and alone. Some, like my husband’s family, did some Zoom gatherings which was certainly better than not getting together at all. Yet video gatherings are exhausting and don’t completely fill the need for personal, face-to-face interaction that is so required for human health and well-being.

Weddings were small with receptions put off until this year. (We attended one.) Most difficult of all were remembering those we loved with a funeral. Getting together to help families grieve were restricted to only a few, leaving family and others who cared unsatisfied and unable to move forward. We lost two members of Keith’s family last year. We lost his brother Mark to a freak accident in April of 2020.

In June we also lost my father-in-law, also not to Covid. Thankfully, restrictions had eased for a time, and we were able to hold a regular funeral for members of LaVern (Jiggs) Scheidies’ family and his many friends. Since we had not been able to go to Colorado to grieve with Mark’s family, they came to Minden. We included a memorial to Mark in the funeral. It gave some closure.

However, in early September this year, the Scheidies siblings and families headed to Longmont Colorado. It was a time of greetings, hugs, fellowship, eating out and even swimming together. (Keith and I napped while the rest swam.)

Most importantly, we gathered not so much to say goodbye to Mark, but to hold a Celebration of Life in a beautiful outdoor setting with sunshine and a hint of a breeze. His wife Jenni shared precious memories of her soul mate. She and two nieces sang a song.

Keith, the oldest sibling, contributed his memories of his first-ever friend and brother. (He and his next youngest brother Mark discovered cardboard boxes did not float, among other shared learning experiences as they grew up together on the family farm.) Friend Linda shared memories and prayer. There was music and memories, tears and smiles from those who loved Mark, a gentle and kind giant.

It was a time, as family and friends, to make new memories, being thankful, this time, we could remember Mark together. No matter what happens, let’s make sure to stay connected.

Since we don’t know what life will bring tomorrow or the next day, brush off the small stuff, work through the big stuff, keep short accounts and don’t be afraid to say, “I love you.”.

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in my Kearney Hub Column 2021 September 27
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poetry poetry

Poetry Offense

So simple to take offense
Someone does or says something
That hurts,
That angers,
That leads to, often, unfounded assumptions
And thoughts of sounding off,
Of retaliation.

Yet the words or actions
were not always meant to offend,
Emotions raise the stakes
We complete the cycle only if we
Acknowledge it,
Hold and hang onto it,
Nourish it.

Instead,
Why assume offense was meant?
Temper initial, unthinking, inner response
Was it simply an awkward attempt at words or action,
Not vicious, just unwise?
Think it through
Deal with it,
Discover truth

If not meant to offend
Forgive and let it go.
Let it slither away,
Under the rocks where it belongs,
Not completing the cycle,
Refuse to be offended.

Offense seeks to snare, entrap us,
Yet it is only as deep,
As encompassing as we allow.
Why not refuse to close the cycle,
Refuse to rise to the bait?
Redirect
Replace with prayer,
Allowing God’s peace to calm.
Set free.

Offense?
I refuse to let it fence me in.
Ensnare me,
Entangle me.
What about you?
Next time, what will you do?
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."Romans 12:21 NKJV

(C) 2016, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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poetry poetry

Poetry Come without Rash Words

Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and you upon earth: therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

May the words of my mouth
Be a bouquet of truth and right
That all might know Jesus’ heart of
Love,
Forgiveness,
Hope, and
Come to His Holy Light.
Amen

(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
From Journey of Faith
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Print and Kindle versions (No hardcover)

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poetry poetry

Poetry Not Alone—He Was There

Lord, you’ve been our refuge from generation to generation. Before the mountains were formed or the earth and the world were brought forth, you are God from eternity to eternity.--Psalm 90:1-2

He was there when we entered the world,
There when babbling became words.
He was there that scary first day of school,
And the joyful, but even scarier last.
He is present not just in those important times of life,
But every day walking beside,
Guiding our steps,
Providing a refuge when we're hurting or confused.
And, if we listen closely as we follow His lead,
We hear the quiet, "Well, done..."
Realize through it all,
He's been near.
Never have we walked alone.
I bow in gratitude,

(C) 2013, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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devotions, poetry devotions, poetry

Poetry Devotional Who Can Reach the People?

What the singer,
Who will sing
the salvation songs
of Christ our king?

What the writer,
Who will write,
gripping words,
to share God's light?

What the teacher,
Who will teach
the love of God
the world to reach?

Will we use
The talent given,
Hone our skills
to use for Him?

Lord, help me use the talents you've given to share your message of hope. Amen.

Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:19-20

(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
From Journey of Faith
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(No hardback versions)

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blog blog

Blog Rain more enjoyable with gutters

I remember a time as a child when we lived in Siren, Wisconsin. We lived on a corner property in the parsonage on the same lot as the church. The large lawn faced the main highway north and south.

In the winter, snow piled deep. Late spring and summer brought rain. That day I was inside when I heard the patter of rain on the roof. I listened as I ran to a window.

Rain sprinkled the lawn with a gentle rain that drew me toward the door. Without asking permission, I slipped out the front door and danced barefoot on the lawn, arms extended enjoying the soft rain as it cooled my skin and upturned face. It didn’t seem all that long before Mom beckoned me inside, but I never forgot that afternoon in the rain.

But rain has not always been a friend. Cleaning our gutters was not easy and we looked into new gutters that were covered. As we talked to a salesman and our house was checked, it turned out the areas under some areas of the old gutters also needed repair or replacement.

With spring and summer rains on the way, we ordered the repairs and the whole gutter system. Only installation got delayed with the rise in prices of lumber and elements. That we understood. Over two months later we were notified all the parts were in and a crew would be out to take down the gutters and restore the parts, like fascia, that needed work.

The crew worked hard and in a couple of days they wrapped up. “Someone will call on Monday”, we were told, “to schedule the gutter installation.” That call never came. Days and weeks went by. I called this alphabet company only to be informed that a different crew put in the gutters and all their parts had not arrived. We’d been told everything was in. Not true.

Now what were we to do? We had no gutters. Then came the rain, often in sheets battering against the roof. I envisioned roof damage. The storms continued and I cringed every time it thundered.

I began to call, often once a week. I got excuses. Two months of rainstorms and no gutters. This was not OK, but the company wasn’t listening. Finally, my daughter asked me to send our contract to her which I did. She called the company. I don’t what she said, but at eight the next morning the doorbell rang. The gutter installers were there and ready to go.

Before noon our new gutter system was installed. I wanted to cry with relief. Now when it rains, I give thanks for our gutters that seem to be working fine. The company wanted names of friends to contact. I threw away the form. They send a Husker license plate with their name on it. My husband threw it away.

Even the Bible says not to start a house (or any project) unless you first count the cost or, in our case, have all the pieces parts to complete it. This company needs to take that to heart. Don’t leave a customer without gutters for two months.

I am thankful the work they did was good, thankful for our gutters and thankful our roof wasn’t damaged by the storms. Most of all, when I needed one, an advocate stepped forward.

We like to be independent, but sometimes we all need an advocate to help us. Sometimes we can be an advocate for someone in need. It’s something to think about.

© 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published as a Kearney Hub column 9/13/2021
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devotions, poetry devotions, poetry

Poetry Devotional God’s Message

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

If only I could tell the world,
The message of salvation free,
Of God's own Son who came to earth,
To die at Calvary.

If only I might spread His Word,
To each and every person on this earth,
To tell them of Jesus and His love,
Would be more than gold in worth.

But I will write the message,
I shall share the simple message true,
That Jesus died and rose again,
To give us life anew.

Lord, give me the skill and the courage to share your love with others. Amen.

(c) 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
From Journey of Faith
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