Carolyn R Scheidies 8/15/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 8/15/23

Websites don’t last forever, then what?

I’ve had several websites over the years. The first few were places I could set up for free. I did my best to put together something appealing to draw readers to my site. At the time our budget didn’t reach for a paid space. Those first websites included ads in one way or another.

Along the way I learned some basic language and how to do what I wanted to do. But I was still very ignorant about how the websites worked on the internet. I did eventually find a low-cost situation and created a new website. Each time I changed, I had to start over. It was time-consuming and frustrating. Yet, as a published author, I was pretty much required to have a website. Some of my publishers offered good advice and I changed my website accordingly. Some advice didn’t work.

I loved checking out the websites of other authors and seeing what appealed to me and what was working for them. As much as I learned, I knew creating a website wasn’t really my strong point. Even as I read,, checked websites and more, I felt my website was lacking.

My son Chris finally suggested he add my website under his company. He designed a website that pretty much took my entries and formatted them. I had choices, but much was done for me. Of course, that meant starting over once again. While the website wasn’t perfect, it certainly was better than anything I’d done before. I settled into my new and better website. I regularly added pieces I’d written and added new books as they were published along with links to purchase them.

Of course, part of the problem with keeping up a website is that the internet changes constantly. What was a must at the beginning of creating websites now looked dated. Changes will continue. Those with websites need to be aware and continue to update. I really don’t like updates of software or anything else. I get comfortable with what I have.

A while ago, I began having problems with my website. When I told Chris and he checked. He was surprised to realize I’d had that same website for six years. Further, he realized someone was trying to hack my site. Time to switch to a different place and create a new website. This time when he created a new website, he was able to transfer most of my text. It was amazing. Pictures didn’t transfer and I need to go through and delete the blocks of empty space. I am adding some pictures, but not many yet.

Some formatting transferred, a lot did not. Text that turned into one big block of text needs to be reformatted. Little by little I’m getting the new website ready. After all these years, my site is filled with my writing. I have already added covers of my books. I am thankful I didn’t have to start from scratch this time. What I learned from maintaining a website is that the internet forces changes in websites.

Truth is, life is all about change. About the time you get comfortable, something happens to change things up. There are the times of joy—a wedding, a birth, a promotion or new job. There are times we don’t want—health issues, tragedy, death. While I have work to do to get my website right, my son is there to help. In more serious life situations, family and friends make a difference. Further, God will walk through life with us, if we ask.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you. So don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope.”

So, I’ll take the changes, thankful that whatever the situation, I don’t have to go through it alone. I’ll get through with friends, family and my Heavenly Father who comforts, guides, and offers hope for tomorrow. He’ll do the same for you.

Carolyn R Scheidies 8/4/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 8/4/23

Blog Traveling yesterday—without GPS

How many of us get frustrated when our GPS doesn’t lead us where we thought it would or should lead? Years ago, when we were visiting our daughter in Omaha, our GPS told us to turn left. We were on an overpass at the time. Another time, we were taking our older grandkids back home to Indiana. It was late afternoon, we were tired and needed to find a place to stay. We got lost.

Our GPS directed us to a Holiday Inn. Only at that location was an empty lot. Husband Keith was ready to throw the useless GPS out the window. We found a place. but only after stopping—more than once—to ask directions.

GPS navigation has gotten better since then, but after some of our experiences, we’re a little hesitant about fully trusting our GPS directions. Nevertheless, we’ve found using the GPS on our phone or in the car a time-saving device. Especially for me since I never received the directional gene, I am thankful for that piece of equipment in the car.

I was thinking of how it used to be when I grew up in the fifties and sixties. My father was a minister, and we were called every few years to a different pastorate. I loved it when we moved to Lance Creek, Wyoming. I was all about cowboys, cowgirls and horses. I loved western hats and boots. I was elementary age and could wander the hills behind our house. Dad liked to visit those with some tie to our church. It was the only Evangelical church in town and had become a church of all denominations.

Some of our contacts lived far from the church and only made it to town once in a while. Still, Dad took his ministry seriously and would visit the far-flung ranchers when he could. At times he allowed me to ride along. We took roads, then little more than paths over dry and sometimes not-so-dry creek beds. I was completely lost.

All I saw was cattle, cactus, sagebrush, and ground cover. The ranchers and families were so happy to have a visit. Dad listened, shared, read appropriate scripture, and prayed. It seemed very few ventured out to these distant ranches. But Dad did because he cared.

It wasn’t until recently I wondered how in the world he found these ranches tucked far away from roads and towns. He might have some sort of map though I didn’t see him use one. Of course. he had no GPS. Yet he found these ranches. If he had gotten stuck out in these places, no one would ever have found him.

Today we complain when our GPS drops out. I am thankful my dad was willing to go the extra mile without all our technology to reach out to isolated families. How many would risk that today? I realize I need to be thankful for the location technology we have and not be so ready to complain. How about you?

Published in Kearney Hub 7/27/23 as How we got there—without GPS

Photo by Maël BALLAND on Unsplash

Carolyn R Scheidies 7/19/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 7/19/23

Where did the time go?

I sit working in a house that still seems new to me. I remember applying for a government loan and waiting and waiting. I remember having to call our representative to get things moving. My brother Paul, a local contractor, accepted what he was allowed from the government and built our house after we discussed and agreed to a plan.

He put more in than he got out of it. He also built the house specifically to my limitations. As a Christmas gift, he put a heating pads under the walk leading from our front door. My house has become my safe place where I can get around even after my many surgeries. I still think of my house as new, yet we moved in a few months before the birth of our first child—December 1979. When I think about it, I realize our house isn’t so new after all.

The carpet has been changed several times. Once because of water leaking from a busted pipe. We’ve had the roof repaired twice due to hail and storm damage. We replaced the siding due to someone driving right into our house and more. Over the years the roads around our property have been improved. Colins Park across the street has been renovated completely and now includes a splash pad and equipment that draws in our younger grandchildren.

We raised two children in this house and welcomed grandchildren for overnight and longer stays. Three of those grandchildren are now adults.

I’ve spent hours, days, months writing both in my office—the room I took over when our son left home—and by the dining room table where I can look out at the park. I’ve written articles, features, poems and a whole lot of books at my computer.

I have had health issues since contracting Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at thirteen and ended up in a wheelchair for almost 10 years. Only knee joints and later other surgeries got me out and kept me out of the wheelchair. For all my limitations, I have been involved with my family, church and community.

I find myself in a different place now. My health has become more precarious and my body more fragile. If I fall, the damage is more extensive and permanent. My energy levels have decreased along with eyesight and more. I have given up many things I’ve been doing because I simply don’t have the energy—the church prayer bulletin and the Kearney Christian Women’s Connection (KCWC) newsletter to name two.

Though I cannot do what I once did, I can pray for my family, friends and other needs. I still write, just not as I once did. I also don’t spend as much time marketing my work or in promotion. In fact, I am enjoying giving away copies of my last book. I direct my energy into those things that truly matter—my faith, family and reaching out as time and energy permits.

I wonder where all the time went. Yet I am thankful for each day. Psalm 90:12 NASB says to “So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” I want to use what time and energy I have wisely which means using it to make a difference through my writing, my media contacts and, especially, in loving my kids and grandkids.

I want to leave behind positive memories of a Savior who loves them so much more than I. I plan to live as abundantly for as long as possible and with gratitude and joy. When Jesus takes me home I want to leave memories of a solid faith, fun and love.

What about you?

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Carolyn R Scheidies 7/4/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 7/4/23

What car manufacturers don’t tell you about airbags

Late January 2023 Keith and I had an accident. We were headed out of town to a funeral but were still in town. While in the intersection, a car zoomed into us too fast to even see, and then it was gone. We didn’t even see it nor did the drivers around us. The vehicle hit the passenger side door, mangling it. We spun around like a top. Frightening.

We were too shook up to respond. However, those around us jumped into action. The driver of the Allow truck pulled us out of the intersection. Others called the police and the ambulance. We hardly knew what actually happened. Keith got out of the car, leaving me inside.

The airbags had deployed against the dash. I had always been concerned an airbag would be in my face and I’d have trouble breathing. Turned out, I should have been worried for a whole different reason--something neither the government, car manufacturers nor sellers warn you about.

After deploying, the airbags deflated. That was good. However, the airbags left a white dust or powder floating in the air, whirling, and settling. Keith was outside. The doors were closed, and I was left in the car. (It wasn’t easy for me to get out and it was January.) The problem was that I no choice but to breathe in that white dust.

The more I breathed in, the less I could breathe properly. I began to feel I was choking. I couldn’t open either windows or doors myself and I tried to motion for anyone outside to open my door. Keith came and opened the door. He didn’t give me a chance to explain before he looked, assumed I was OK and closed the door as I gasped, “Don’t close the door.”

This happened with a couple of other guys the same way. It was as though I was only a minor problem. Still, opening the door for only a moment gave me breaths of fresh air. I wondered if I’d pass out from lack of oxygen. Finally, Keith heard my frantic cry when he once more opened the door. “LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN.” He did and I could breathe again.

While airbags save lives, there is a definite downside to their use that we, and especially those with respiratory problems, need to be aware of. That white powder/dust is not harmless.

The article “The Hidden Hazards of Air Gas” reports “When a crash occurs the “azide” is ignited and it decomposes to produce nitrogen gas, N2, which fills the airbag … in .025 seconds at speeds between 150 and 200 miles per hour. Extreme heat is also given off by the exothermic reaction …

Sodium hydroxide, a caustic powder, … is often found in the gas fumes that escape from the airbag as it deflates. … the “NHTSA” has found that sodium hydroxide is causing coughing fits and asthma attacks in the drivers and passengers. Rescue workers are advised to wear gloves and safety glasses and to completely ventilate the car for several minutes before entering. The excessive coughing caused by the air bag powder can also make a chest injury worse…

Emergency personnel are now treating all accidents with airbag deployments as potential brain, chest and spine damage…” http://www.scijourner.org/2010/06/22/the-hidden-hazards-of-airbags/

In one incident an engineer had an accident. The airbag deployed, but it burst sending out white powder the man inhaled. He walked away from the crash seemingly in good shape. Two months later, this otherwise healthy man was dead. His lungs had been compromised. The cause? Terence Carney, the coroner, declared the man died due to what happened during the crash—inhaling the fumes. The very thing meant to save his life, killed him. https://www.cnet.com/culture/airbag-saves-man-then-kills-him/

How do we protect ourselves and loved ones from this not-so-good side effect of airbag use? Make sure to keep kids in the back seat away from airbags. Use seat belts to distance yourself from the airbag. After a crash, if at all possible and if safe, leave the vehicle. At least open windows or doors to ventilate the interior—even if that means breaking a window.

Do we stop using airbags? No. They do save lives. But, because sometimes they also take lives, it is time for airbags to be made safer and, until that happens, use precautions, and anyone having to do with the sale or maintenance of the vehicle should let drivers and passengers know of the dangers.

Carolyn R Scheidies 6/24/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 6/24/23

Blog Rain, rain go away or… not

It’s raining. The grass, sidewalks and road is glistening with rain. Not just rain. Silence and the hope of rain clearing is dashed when another deluge hits and then another. This isn’t a pattering of rain or a gentle rain but one that comes in walls of hard, fast moisture. It comes almost with a threatening low roar of warning.

I am sad there are no laughing voices coming from across the street at the park. No children play on the equipment. Certainly no need to use the splash pad. No baseball games or practice going on this morning. No vehicles clog the streets. Thankfully, no vehicle is parked in front of our driveway as has happened several times this year. (Very frustrating!)

The gloom of overcast skies dampens the pleasure of newly opened leaves, grass and colorful flowers that are so readily enjoyed under warm sunny skies. I prefer the sunshine. I like looking out the window or going outside to see the flowers in all their colorful hues. I like feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. Sunshine gives me a sense of joy. Even my indoor plants reach for the sunlight.

Rain doesn’t give me the same satisfaction. I can handle the rain, but several days of it leaves me as gloomy as the overhanging gray clouds. I need light. Lots of light. During overcast days, I tend to turn on every light I can in the house. As much as I prefer sunshine, I do not wish away all these rainy days.

I know without the rain we wouldn’t enjoy the sunshine. Rain goes into the ground providing moisture for the plants. The plants soak up the moisture that provides sustenance for them to grow and bloom. We enjoy the beautiful plants around us in sunshine because of all those gloomy rainy days. God knew what He was doing balancing rain with sunshine as plants were created to require both.

I may not always appreciate rain, but I can be thankful for it, thankful that these rainy days will enhance the beauty of flowers and the garden as well. Thank you, Lord, for rain as well as sunshine. Of course, I am also thankful when the rain ceases and the sunshine returns. Meanwhile, I’ll take the rain in stride knowing sun will make an appearance soon enough.

Guess I’ll be wearing a raincoat when I go out today.

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5/22/23 5/22/23

Blog Importance of Friends

There are some people who avoid friendships. Maybe they’ve felt hurt or betrayed and don’t want to go through that hurt again. Others gather “friends” like so much confetti, but while they can boast about their many “friends,” most of these friends are scarcely more than acquaintances. Those who gather such friends feel the need to have attention or to feel superior to others. Real friends don’t fit either category.

I don’t know what we’d do without our friends. Yes, I have friends who I don’t know well and others I’ve known, it seems, forever. I have friends, like my brother and sister, who were not friends when we grew up. Like most siblings, we fought, we made up, got angry, let it go. Eventually, we accepted our differences and as we became adults, also became friends. We had each other’s back. Family makes very special friends because they know your background, share that history, and accept you anyway.

I have friends that hark back to my college days. These friends have stood the test of time. We’ve had disagreements, but we’ve learned to apologize and forgive. Both of which are critical to long-term friendships. We have friends we can call day or night and they will come. We have friends so close our kids sometimes thought they had two sets of parents because we spent so much time together and because we had no problem babysitting each other’s kids when necessary.

Over the years I discovered how much I need my friends. They encourage me. They confront me when needed—that takes a measure of courage, time, and trust. They support me and provide rides when needed, since I don’t drive.

But where do these long-term friendships come from? They develop when we let go new and old hurts, when we seek more than attention, more than a focus on “MY” needs. They develop when we reach out beyond ourselves to become the sort of friends we crave. To have friends, we have to start by being a friend. I am so glad that, over the years, I’ve taken the time and effort to build solid friendships.

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." --1 Peter 4:8-10

Published column Kearney Hub 5/22/2023

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5/21/23 5/21/23

Devotions Serving with Intelligence

Read: Nehemiah 1

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,…--Nehemiah 1:4 (KJV)

In many ways, Nehemiah had a cushy job. As cupbearer to the king, he lived in the palace, wore fine clothes, and had the attention and confidence of the king himself. (It was Nehemiah’s job to not only serve the king his food, but also to taste it to make sure it had not been poisoned. You’d have to trust your cupbearer since your life was in his hands.)

Read: Nehemiah 1

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,…--Nehemiah 1:4 (KJV)

Yet material possessions and worldly success (especially for a member of a conquered people--the Jews) meant little to Nehemiah once he heard the bad news of his own people and country. The news weighed heavily on his heart.

He could have immediately gone to the king to ask advice, or could have run off to try to help the situation on his own. He might, instead, have considered his delicate position and prestige at the court and ignored the promptings of his heart. He did none of these things.

What he did was to set himself to earnest prayer. He did more than dash off a simple, shallow missive for the safety and well-being of his people. Realizing sin as the foundation of the problem, Nehemiah, identifying himself with his people, confessed both corporate and individual sin, asking God’s forgiveness. Nehemiah knew prayer and seeking God’s guidance was the key to what he did next.

Throughout, his attitude, both toward God and toward the foreign king he served, was one of gratitude and sensitivity. With careful planning and organization, Nehemiah showed himself a man of wisdom and faith.

He showed courage by daring to attend the king with a sad expression--a king (if he was like other rulers of the time) who insisted all who came before him show only a pleasant countenance. Nehemiah might have lost his head. He didn’t. Instead, he found favor in the eyes of the king who agreed to send him to his homeland.

Because Nehemiah had already prayed and sought God’s guidance (and continued to do so), planned and organized, he was able to carry through on his desire to make a difference. He did not falter when others tried to harm him and to undermine his mission.

Lord, help me to listen to Your leading and when You speak, help me first to pray, then plan, and, finally, commit myself to completing whatever job You have for me to do whether it is as simple as a timely phone call or as long term as raising my children to serve You. Amen.

Meditations:

Monday: Nehemiah 2

Tuesday: Nehemiah 3:1-3; 4

Wednesday: Nehemiah 5

Thursday: Nehemiah 6-7:1-3

Friday: Nehemiah 8:1-10, 18

Saturday: I Chronicles 28:9

Print & Kindle versions

Listen! Who Me?

5/12/23 5/12/23

Devotional Conditioning

Read: I Corinthians 9:24-27

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. --1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)

As he entered the house, Mark sucked in a deep breath. He slowly walked back and forth across the living room floor, allowing his body to cool and his breathing to return to normal.

Nine-year-old Crystal slid into the room. “How’d you do today, Dad?”

Mark blew out a breath. Smiled. “Eleven miles. Walked another two. Need to work up to twenty by June for the marathon.”

Crystal clapped her hands. “Sure hope you win it, Dad. What with running, swimming, exercising, and lifting those weights in the basement, you’ll be the best conditioned athlete in the race.”

Mark chuckled at his daughter’s unfettered enthusiasm and belief in him as he ruffled her hair. “Well, Crys. All those things are important components to help me condition for this race.” He paused before continuing, “But you know, God’s Word says there is a much more important race to condition for than this marathon.”

Crystal scrunched up her forehead in confusion. “Say what? What are you talking about?”

"Spiritual conditioning.”

Crystal shrugged and plopped down on the couch. “What’s spiritual conditioning?”

Picking up his well-used Bible from the end table, he sat down next to her and flipped the Bible open to a passage found in I Corinthians 9:24-27 and began to read. “The things we do, like regularly reading the Bible, praying and trusting God to meet our needs, even gathering with other believers to fellowship and to hear teaching from God’s Word, are all spiritual conditioning exercises that keep us strong in our walk of faith with Jesus.”

Mark continued, “This is a race we enter when we ask Jesus to be our Savior and seek to know and follow Him.”

Crystal’s chin snapped up. “I’ve done that, but didn’t know it was a race.”

Mark patted her knee. “Not like the marathon,” he agreed. “These exercises aren’t just for one day, but for a lifetime. They make sure we don’t put other things in place of our time with Jesus.”

“Like when you took a nap instead of lifting weights downstairs.”

“Umm. You saw that?”

“Snoring like crazy, Dad.”

“Yeah, well. If I did that very often, I wouldn’t be ready for the marathon would I?”

She shook her head. “I see. If we do spiritual exercises, we will stay close to Jesus and be strong when Satan tries to make us do bad things.”

“Exactly! When we’re strong in living for Jesus, others will want to know Him, too.” He paused. “I know you want me to win the marathon, Honey, and I’ll do my best, but it is more important win our spiritual race.”

“I hear ya, Dad. I hear ya.”

Lord, help me commit to doing those activities that promote not just my physical well-being, but my spiritual well-being as well. Help me stay close to You so I will not falter in the most important race of all. Amen.

Meditations:

Monday: I Timothy 4:6-16

Tuesday: II Timothy 1

Wednesday: II Timothy 2

Thursday: II Timothy 3

Friday: II Timothy 4

Saturday: I Corinthians 6:9-20

From Listen! Who Me?

5/10/23 5/10/23

Blog It's the Little Things

Too many believe that if they don’t do world-shaking things, their life has no meaning. They seek confirmation from celebrities, political leaders, authors selling millions of books, and popular sports figures. Some even look at criminals that make a big media splash with their evil deeds. Some crave attention even if that attention may be negative, much like a toddler who requires the love and attention from parents and the adults around them. Often these attitudes continue into adulthood.

Many do not realize such attention they seek is not lasting. It evaporates like using yesterday’s newspaper for kindling. Those in the news today may be totally discredited tomorrow. Few are remembered after death or even before. What use then is gearing life to that big splash?

Think of those persons or circumstances that left the largest impression. It isn’t usually the distant celebrity. What matters is the phone call when you’re feeling depressed. It is the neighbor that clears your sidewalk without you asking. It is the stranger who sees you juggling too many groceries and reaches out to help, or a young child, that quietly picks up what you dropped or maybe brings you a cart. It is the hair cutter that comes to the home when a person, often elderly, is unable to go to the salon.

What truly makes a difference, isn’t the big splashes. It is the small things we do for one another that can change a person’s day or even their outlook on life. How much better to put time and energy into helping, reaching out in small ways? Struggling to get attention through that important job, through media attention for something you consider life-changing, may not have the impact of small things you can do for someone. You cannot feed the world, but you can bring an elderly neighbor a bag of groceries. You may not write the great American novel, but you can write a letter to the editor letting others know of needs in their church, school, and community.

Instead of focusing on the big things, why not focus on small ways you can impact your family, your neighbors, and strangers right where you live? You may not get media attention, but you may get a sincere thank you that does so much more. You will know the satisfaction of truly making a difference.

Column published Kearney Hub 5/9/2023

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4/12/23 4/12/23

Weather and Life

March is already zooming into April. It seems like the year has only begun, but it is already Spring. We’ve gone through the time change and life marches on. We haven’t seen too much of spring as though Winter is holding back the warmer weather.

Today is no exception. Even last night I heard the wind howling around the house. I heard sleet pelting the siding. Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment. Keith also picked up prescriptions and a few groceries. I am so glad we accomplished those things yesterday because today is no day to be out especially since I can’t hold my own against the wind.

My kids were elementary age when they realized the wind was dangerous for me. They had to hang onto me to keep me safe. They teased me that they should tie a rope around me and fly me like a kite. With the wind today, I wouldn’t dare go outside and I am glad to stay inside, warm, and safe.

Most of us can stay safe against the elements. What we can’t predict is the cold, winds, and sleet of life. Tragedy, illness, or other circumstances can derail our ordered lives. Suddenly we’re caught in the eddying winds that we can’t defy or escape. Our lives may spin out of control unless we already have an anchor.

If we have a solid anchor, we can hold on and not be whipped about by the winds of life. How we deal with the unexpected shows who we truly are. Do we complain, turn to hate or blame or do we realize life brings both good and bad? Do we turn inward or reach out to those around us who want to help and reach out to others who are also hurting?

I can deal with life’s circumstances if I have an anchor. For me, that isn’t wealth or family. It is my faith. God is bigger than my circumstances. God never said we wouldn’t have difficulties. He said He’d walk through them with us. I am glad I have an anchor and can hold when I lose loved ones or my heart wants to race away. No matter what, my anchor holds.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Column published Kearney Hub 4/11/2023

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3/22/23 3/22/23

Bio Accident and Runaway Heart

It started with the car accident on January 5th. We never made it to Keith’s cousin’s funeral. The driver that hit us and flew away, totaled our car. We ended up spending the next several hours in ER. No broken bones but very bruised and sore. My left leg looked like it had been dragged five miles on gravel road.

We went home to heal. Only my leg didn’t heal. It got infected. Thankfully, my neighbor Rachel is a nurse who chose to keep my situation under surveillance. She had me go in to see a doctor. It was infected all right. A shot and I returned home with meds. Only they didn’t do the job. My friend Rachel next took me to the CHI health clinic for two shots and a different medication. This one worked. I began to heal.

Only some situations developed and I pulled muscles. That hurt. Rachel kept monitoring, but I could see she was concerned. I had my yearly wellness check and labs coming up. She suggested I request an EKG. When our doctor came through the door, one glance at her face and I knew we weren’t going home. I spent the next three days in the hospital for a heart that was trying to gallop away.

My veins are not fun to tap, yet the heart doctor wanted not one, but two IVs. Took one, two, three different experts before that happened. We kept my other arm as a pin cushion for all the blood they drew. Lots of medical personnel in and out of my room. My friends and my sister-in-law visited. Our kids called and Keith kept them apprised of what was happening. I wasn’t dying so asked our kids not to come.

Was given new meds to try and make my heart behave and finally got to go home. Rachel continued to keep an eye out for me, especially since my legs have started to swell a bit. That first three-day hospital stay, turned into almost a week in the hospital the next time because of breathing problems. Finally, home with meds the doctors hoped would get my heart in rhythm again. They didn’t do the job so I went in for a procedure to shock my heart into rhythm. So far so good.

I told Keith, “It all started with the car accident.”

He corrected me, “This was revealed because of the accident.” He is right. I might never have known about my heart without all that went before and had Rachel not been keeping an eye out for me. That is a blessing.

Don’t know what my heart may do. But this I know. I am not alone. I am surrounded by family and friends. I also know God who created my heart will not desert me. Whatever happens, I know He’s got this, and I am safe within His loving arms.

Column published 3/20/2023

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3/8/23 3/8/23

Blog Making community a better place

Anger only simmers problems until they explode. Keeping track of supposed insults or ways you might have been dissed or slighted doesn’t solve any problem. And why assume the worst in those around us? Why not leave behind the negative assumptions and begin reaching out instead?

When it snowed, my contractor brother was paid by businesses to clear parking lots with his little caterpillar. He loved his little cat, but he did not stop with paid jobs. Keith would start clearing our sidewalks and Paul would come and clear the driveway and walks. He did the same for other friends and neighbors—including ours. We didn’t even know.

It wasn’t until Paul was gone we learned he sometimes cleared our neighbor’s drive and they didn’t know Paul was my brother. With health problems, Keith is unable to clear our drive and sidewalks any longer. However, our neighbors are taking the torch and clearing our walks. We are so blessed. When I called to thank them, they brought in supper. Talk about passing it on. They do.

A couple of years ago I went to get the paper at the front door. Only it wasn’t right at the door, but further away. I can’t bend down and usually simply kick it inside where I can use tongs to retrieve it. An elementary-aged boy was riding by on his bike. He saw me and the paper. In an instant, he was off his bike. He ran up, grabbed the paper and thrust it into my hands. Before I could stutter a thank you, he was riding away. He saw a need and responded, not expecting anything in return.

After we had our car accident in January that totaled our car and caused massive bruising on my left leg, I wouldn’t even have realized something was wrong but for our friend and nurse from a block away who decided to keep checking on me. She discovered the leg had gotten infected and made sure I sought medical intervention twice, since the first medication didn’t work. She continued to keep an eye out when I pulled several muscles due to circumstances.

Before I went to my yearly labs and wellness check, she strongly suggested I ask for an EKG. I did and it revealed a serious heart situation that ended up with me in the hospital for three days. Who knows what would have happened if someone hadn’t reached out.

How much better to focus on doing good instead of zeroing in on what others might have done wrong. Of course, to make this work we have to be able to learn to graciously accept as well as give of our time and efforts. This elevates the positive and gives us the satisfaction that getting angry and tearing down will never do.

Want to make your neighborhood, community, the world a better place? Look for opportunities to reach out, to lift up and serve. Pass it on.

Column published Kearney Hub 3/7/2023

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2/23/23 2/23/23

Blog Bio Cowboys, Horse, a different Dream

My dad often said as soon as I began to crawl, I’d head toward the nearest horse. When my folks went to the hospital to have my younger brother, I got to stay with a farm family who had a horse. At four years old, I thought I’d gone to heaven when they allowed me to ride. God was good.

In Clitheral Minnesota, we didn’t have a TV set, but I walked across the street to a friend’s house to watch westerns such as Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger. I even had Roy Rogers paper dolls. (Not for me sissy girl paper dolls.) In Wisconsin, I had a longer walk to watch TV. I prayed for a horse of my own.

When Dad told us he’d taken a church in Wyoming, my older sister groaned. I couldn’t wait to go. The parsonage was across the street from the home of a friend who had his own horse, Rocket. Both Karin and I got to ride the paint horse with our friend. Rocket was a gentle ride unless you tried to force him into a trot when riding double. Then you’d find yourself on the ground—often on one of the many cactus patches. We still did it. (Kids don’t always do the smartest things.) Riding Rocket gave me experience.

Finally, when we moved to a country church in Northwest Kansas, I was able to get a retired show mare through the 4-H program. I took care of the horse. I rode the horse. The deal was that after breeding the chestnut mare, the resulting foal was mine to keep. Finally, in 7th grade, my dream came true. I had my own horse. God was indeed good.

Unfortunately, at about the same time I contracted Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. I spent the next ten years in a wheelchair rather than on a horse. However, having the horse, and having to plan how to train my foal, kept me motivated to live instead of quitting when I could see no future but pain and limitations. My thought went more to a question. “What are you thinking God?”

Eventually, we no longer lived where I could keep my horse. I agreed to sell my horse as a polo pony out East. I kept my horse interest by reading books—fiction and non-fiction with and about horses. I followed the Triple Crown. Secretariat’s story helped me as I dealt with massive reconstructive surgery and to finally walk again. If Secretariat could become a victor maybe I could as well.

When I began to write and sell books, many historical in nature, I could write with authenticity about horses. Though I really never rode horses after I got sick, my love motivated me, helped me through rough times, and assisted in my chosen career. I may not have become a jockey or a horsemaster, but I learned and grew and walked again, at least partly, because of my obsession with horses. I can’t help but smile. Guess God did know what He was doing after all. God is indeed good.

Hub column published 2/22/2023

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2/22/23 2/22/23

Choices today matter tomorrow

I woke up to a world of beautiful white snow as far as I can see—lawn, park, and school grounds on the other side of Collins Park. When I was a child, snow drew me outside to make snowmen and snow angels. This snow, though it didn’t appear real deep, did not tempt me.

Much of the day I hear something bang against the roof and windows—and it wasn’t soft fluffy snowflakes. What I heard on into the night was cold, hard sleet. The day before I heard warnings of what this storm was bringing. Though we were warned we might lose power, that, thankfully, did not happen.

As I look outside I am not tempted to go out. In fact, we’ll stay warm and safe inside. Though snow may tempt, sleet does not. This lovely snow hides something deadly. Under that particular snow is a coating of ice. With the overcast skies and temperatures, I doubt much will melt quickly, making this even more a potential for disastrous falls and accidents.

Life is often like our deceptive snow. What appears harmless may well cover up something that can alter a life forever—and not for the better. A small white lie can rebound into hurting you or someone else. Taking something, even a small, something can lead one into making negative choices. The truth is the more negative decisions one makes the easier it is to make the next bad choice. A man checks out porn and then more. He gets too cozy with another employee or friend, sharing things and feelings that should be shared with a spouse.

Dinner. Lying to a spouse. One step at a time and trust is broken, hearts are shattered, and marriage is destroyed with kids as collateral damage. Media and movies excuse such behavior, often mocking the sanctity of marriage. Even filling our minds with such negativity makes it easier to excuse bad and dishonest choices.

Instead of skirting the edges of disaster by giving in to temptation that appears beautiful and inviting, we can remind ourselves of the slippery path we’re choosing. We can strive to be honest and persons of integrity in all we do, think, and say. As making one wrong choice makes the next wrong easier, so choosing the path of integrity makes the next positive choice easier as well.

Faith can help us make those positive choices that lift up instead of destroying our lives, reputations and families. This year, what path will we choose?

Column published 2023 February 8

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2/16/23 2/16/23

Bio The Car Insurance Saga

It started with our car accident January 5th. When we got hit, I thought a bomb had gone off. Instead, a car hit us so hard it spun us around and then disappeared down the road. Thankfully, there were others nearby who assisted us as our minds were rather muddled. They called the police and an Allo truck pulled us out of the intersection.

Next, I knew an ambulance parked near and we were asked about going to ER. We did and were there for several hours. Thankfully, no broken bones, but lots of bruising. My left leg from knee to ankle looked like I’d been dragged ten miles on a bad road. Eventually, we were allowed to return home. Friends picked us up.

Of course, we contacted our car insurance company, and the saga began. They declared our car a total loss. It took some time, but we received a check and went to check out cars, ending up with a similar car, but a year earlier than our other one. (It also had very low mileage.)

All this happened in January and February first, the date of our car insurance renewal was coming up. Though the car had been totaled and Keith signed the title over to the insurance company, they kept sending us renewal notices listing both cars. No! No! NO!

Finally, after several phone calls, Keith thought he had that problem handled, and we looked for a corrected renewal notice. Not long thereafter, we received five envelopes from the Insurance company. I began to open them. The first listed both cars and insurance at twice what we’d been paying. Not again! I opened another that said if we were getting rid of a car to see it was taken off the insurance. Really? Like we hadn’t been trying.

The next letter I opened listed just one car and it was the correct one. The cards, too, were correct. Oh good. I could pay the insurance and move on. But wait, I still had two letters to open. The next one was set up, not as a total payment which we’ve always done, but as monthly payments. The total was off, and we wouldn’t be making monthly payments. The last letter held no cards but did have a cost for six months of insurance. The cost was much less than the letter that appeared to have the correct information. Ridiculous!

I called the local office and asked if the left hand knew what the right hand was doing. I laid out the information in the letters. Confused her, too. She said she’d get back to me. Late afternoon another agent did call me back. I gave her a synopsis of the problem. This time she was able to unscramble the problems and came back with a totally different cost, which she said was the correct cost for six months. I didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. I got a card and paid right then. An email confirmed the purchase.

I am thankful we are recovering from our injuries (but not until after dealing with an infection from my leg injury). I am thankful we were able to replace our car, and I am thankful for a local agent who could make sense of the mess made higher up by insurance agents in the company. We didn’t need this hassle and wished that ended the car insurance saga. But… the medical side of it meant lots more paperwork. The saga isn’t quite over, but it is slowing down at least. I’ll be thankful to move on.

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1/25/23 1/25/23

Good Time, Good Friends, Good Memories

Yes, the roads downtown are still bumpy with snow pack from our recent storm. What melts during the day turns to ice at night. Still, it was my 73rd birthday (is that possible!) and we wanted to celebrate at a restaurant downtown. The Alley Rose has no problem with my many and varied allergies.

Our waiter even recalled many of mine from our last visit with family in December. Also recalled what I ordered. Now that is quite the waiter!

Friends since college days, Jeff & Gloria Geiselman, treated us to supper at this nice restaurant. It was fun to meet and share food, fellowship, and the evening together. The atmosphere was subdued. No blaring music or loud voices. We could actually hear each other speak--even though hearing isn't what it once was.

Afterward, they helped us get to our car with leftovers and a more slippery sidewalk than when we arrived. Still, we got in the car safely. (I slipped and Jeff had to grab me and heft me onto the car seat.)

A simple night out with friends, not exactly. It was a time to celebrate not only my birthday but also a friendship that has lasted through time (since college), raising kids, celebrating our kid's marriages, and welcoming grandkids. It has been rejoicing together in good times and grieving together in times of loss.

Our friendship has grown over time. Good friendships do. I am thankful for dear friends who have our backs. Who lift up, not tear down and who encourage.

Right now, I am thankful I can store new precious memories in my heart.

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1/12/23 1/12/23

Holidays, finances, and time to reassess

We’ve just passed a season of celebrations. We roll right from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas and on to New Year’s Eve. There are parties, decorations to go up, and presents to purchase. December’s budget becomes a horror film all on its own if we do not plan and use restraint on giving as well as travel, even food and lodging costs. By the time the season is over, and the New Year has begun, we can be rung out both physically and emotionally. And for what--so our kids, and/or grandkids can play with the boxes the expensive toys came in? What was the point?

Did we have time to actually talk to family members? Really enjoy our get-togethers? Who wants to look at the expenses we incurred when we open January’s mail? Yikes! Just whom did we think we were impressing? Maybe it is time to reassess priorities.

Holidays are wonderful and have such meaning. It is good to get together as families, to not only eat and fellowship, but also to consider our many blessings and give thanks. When we remember to give thanks, Thanksgiving lifts up instead of drains us.

As for next Christmas, do we have to participate in everything? In traveling, we can set boundaries considering what is best for the health and well-being of our family. Decide to stay home? Use Zoom to reach out to family and friends. As for presents, look at your budget. What can you truly afford? Nothing wrong with shopping discounts and dollar stores. Think about the likes and dislikes of those receiving the gifts. A well-thought-out gift, that doesn’t break the budget, is much better than some expensive do-dad the giver doesn’t even want.

Sometimes it takes more courage to say “No” than yes. As for Christmas, if you’re too busy to celebrate the true meaning of the season, you’ll miss the joy altogether. True joy is in celebrating Jesus who came to earth to bring new life, hope…and joy.

When Keith’s folks were alive and after the Scheidies family got much larger with spouses, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids scheduling was a nightmare. Keith’s mom made it much more simple. She designated the weekend after Thanksgiving as our time of celebration. This became our “Thankmas,” During that weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving,, Christmas, birthdays around that time, and any other special events in our lives. The pressure of trying to juggle different family celebrations became instead a joy of simply spending time together. You can use creativity in your celebrations.

Most of all remember celebrations aren’t about money, gifts or showing off. It is connecting with those we love. A good New Year’s resolution is to commit to going into the next holiday season with a plan, with a budget, and with a way to maximize our fellowship with one another.

A belated--Happy New Year!

Column published Kearney Hub 1/10/23

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12/31/22 12/31/22

New Year New or The Same old?

We look at the new year as a time to regroup, make better choices and change things about ourselves emotionally, intellectually, or physically. Whether or not the past year was overall positive or negative, we know this past year has been filled with things we should or should not have said or done. We are not perfect individuals, though often while we refuse to accept certain mistakes and choices from others, we very often make excuses for ourselves when we make the very same mistakes or choices.

We view the new year as a fresh slate, clean pages on which to write a different story—one in which we are better, brighter, more caring, or whatever changes we feel are needed. Many make resolutions to act better, eat better, exercise, lose weight, or some combination of ways we see we need to change. When we’re honest with ourselves, we know that such commitments seldom lasted before. Though sometimes we actually follow a resolution for a week, a month, or two.

Then we find ourselves falling back into old habits and patterns of behavior. We feel like failures and scramble to find excuses. What we hate to admit is that we cannot do everything ourselves. We can only do so much despite our determination and desire to be independent. Our culture wants us to believe most of us are “good people.” Yet if we’re honest and really search our lives, we know different.

Jesus didn’t come for “good people.” In fact, if you are “a good person,” you have no need of a Savior. Jesus came for those who acknowledge the truth. We are not good and tend more toward evil than righteousness. For those willing to admit that “All (this includes you and me) have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) there is hope.

Jesus didn’t come for those puffed up with pride and arrogance or those who wish to be totally independent. He came for those who know they need help. “God commended His love toward us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The message of Christmas is a baby who left heaven to be born into a human body so that He might lead us back to a relationship with Him. Back to love and hope and peace. He lived a life of sacrifice and caring. He taught us about the consequences of our mistakes. Deliberate bad choices=sin.

He also gave His life for all the ways we mess up our lives and the lives of those around us. He was tortured and crucified not for anything wrong He’d done, but for the wrong we’ve done. By His death, He offered us life and by conquering death He lives to give us true freedom as we choose to let go of our independence and messed-up lives, allow Him to come in, clean us up and make us truly whole.

In the new year, we don’t need to make resolutions or try to do better all on our own. Jesus instead asks us to become fully devoted followers, which means turning toward and not away from Him when life doesn’t follow our plan or when we deal with pain or tragedy.

A follower doesn’t expect roses and sunshine all the time. Sometimes life is hard. Will we still follow? Will we continue to grow in the knowledge of the One, through prayer, God’s Word & circumstances, realizing He has a good plan for our lives as we follow no matter what—.not for perks—but because Jesus really is the only “Way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

Are you a Christian in name only or are you ready to truly devote your life to He who created, knows, and loves you best?

Happy New Year!

Feel free to pass on

12/27/22 12/27/22

Ladies’ weekend and a surprise

On the first weekend of December, my sister Karin, her daughter (and my niece), as well as my daughter Cassie all came to Kearney. They rented an Airbnb for the weekend that became the hangout, not only for them, but also for my sister-in-law Lorene and for me.

Of course, we also included Keith in evening meals. Friday night found Alley Rose very sensitive to my food allergies, which the ladies all made sure were handled. They are very protective. Outside the weather was cold and windy, but inside the food was good as was the fellowship of family with laughter and catching up conversations. (There was even a dessert I could eat without worrying about a reaction.)

Saturday morning Keith dropped me off at the rental. Lorene arrived shortly afterward. Kelly made a breakfast casserole we shared with chatter, gentle teasing, plans and laughter. Kept talking as we moved to the living room area of their beautiful rental. It was good to be together. Family yes, but friends as well.

Later that morning niece Kelly said she had a little something for Lorene, Karin, and me for Christmas. What! Didn’t know we planned for gifts. True. The weekend was also for us to exchange Christmas gifts, but those were for our families. We do get together to exchange our packages, usually in York since Karin, her kids and their families live in Kansas. Meeting is more fun and not as much hassle as shipping all the gifts.

But those packages aren’t opened until Christmas when we each celebrate with our families. Kelly left the room and returned with three bags, one each for Karin, Lorene, and me. I was surprised and I could tell Karin had no clue as to what this might be.

We opened our bags to discover gorgeous quilts. Kelly had made us each a special quilt. What brought us to tears was what the quilts represented. Kelly had taken shirts my brother Paul wore and turned them into memorial quilts.

We exclaimed as we pointed out different shirts. “I remember that one!” What an amazing and thoughtful gift. I could see his wife Lorene wrapping herself in her quilt remembering Paul. Karin had no idea Kelly had been making those quilts.

Paul died of massive heart failure January 8, 2019. Somehow it suddenly didn’t seem that long ago. Now we have memorial blankets to remember him. There really were no words, though we tried. Yet, love doesn’t need words. Actions said it all. Lorene, Karin, and I hugged first Kelly then our blankets while Kelly and Cassie took pictures to preserve our new and precious memories of the weekend.

Lorene also passed out wonderful calendars as we considered getting together next year for another weekend together. In the evening, Keith joined us for pizza and games. A fitting end to a special weekend of love and laughter. Something to remember and celebrate in the coming year—the spirit of reaching out in love.

Published in Hub column 12/27/2022

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12/14/22 12/14/22

The sad story of Christmas Sweaters

***Photo by*** ***Cody Chan*** on ***Unsplash***

Christmas is a time of joy. It is a time for generosity and reaching out to those who don’t have as much as we might have. Most of all, it is the celebration of the coming to earth of the Savior who brought life and love to all who follow Him. This is the foundation of the celebration even with the addition of Santa Claus and other fun traditions.

New clothes were often part of Christmas for church and school Christmas programs and more. As Winter was part of the celebration for most, sweaters were an essential part of a person’s wardrobe. In the spirit of the season, many made or bought sweaters in Christmas colors of red and green. As time passed, many sweaters became more elaborate with stars and glitter, Christmas trees or ornaments—some facet of the season.

Individuals enjoyed these sweaters. The Christmas sweaters not only added practical warmth but also enhanced their enjoyment of the season. Wearing these sweaters made the wearer happy, even those sweaters that were a bit over-the-top with decorations. But then some decided to turn this fun tradition on its head. Instead of focusing on the fun and enjoyment of the sweaters, there were those, including celebrities, who began to make fun of Christmas sweaters, pointing out how ugly many of them really were. There were even ugly sweater parties and prizes for the ugliest sweater at other events and parties.

Many got into the “fun” of finding and wearing “Ugly” sweaters. But in a season and a holiday meant to lift up and bring joy, this trend has had another less-than-joyful result. Those who used to feel joy in their Christmas sweaters now need to be ready to be teased or insulted when wearing what once made them happy. They can take the teasing, pretending it doesn’t bother them, or they can leave that sweater in the closet.

How we approach something does matter. Why are we so quick to get on the bandwagon for the trend that can be long-term hurtful and creates fission in a holiday that should welcome fun sweaters, without making fun? Too many are ashamed or, at least, uncomfortable wearing Christmas sweaters these days, even ones that are fairly mild in coloring and decoration.

Maybe we all need to think about getting decked out in our sweaters, be joyful as we celebrate the season, and begin a new trend—feeling good about a warm sweater in Christmas colors that makes us happy.

Published as Hub Column: Sad story about sweaters

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