Carolyn R Scheidies 11/30/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 11/30/23

The Importance of Roots

***Photo by*** ***Felix Mittermeier*** on ***Unsplash***

Roots are important. We know that. A tree with few or shallow roots will not sustain the tree as it grows tall. That tall tree with all those green leaves may not be as solid as expected. In fact, in a storm with high winds, that tree with unexpectedly shallow roots may rip out of the ground to fall in the road or onto the nearest house. Only after the crash of a tree that appeared stable may we realize the roots did not go deep enough for support or those roots were cut or shrunk from disease.

Roots are important in our education as well. It is difficult to have a clue how to do Geometry or Algebra if you never learned the basics of addition—1 plus 1=2—or subtraction, or never learned multiplication tables. We will never read historical, technical, or other books on any number of subjects we want or need to read in order to learn from the past or to study subjects from medicine to piloting planes, if we haven’t gotten past the basics of the language and its expression.

Roots that go deep mean stability and a foundation of security and/or knowledge. Foundations are important for our lives. However, there are times when roots cause problems. Sometimes trees long cut down leave roots that continue to reach out underground. If these roots are not stopped or removed, they can cause untold problems. I found out all about these destructive roots and the problems they cause.

The toilet in our master bath slowed down and finally clogged altogether. Nothing we did ourselves would unclog the toilet. Finally, I called the plumbing company we have used for years when we needed a plumber. Two men showed up and went to work in our bathroom. When they were finished, they showed me a bundle of what looked like unwashed hair.

They told me that to clear the line, they had to cut through roots. They unclogged the toilet for use but warned that much more needed doing. We scheduled for them to return the next Tuesday. When they returned, they brought a noisy piece of equipment. I soon winced as I heard it grinding as they drilled into the situation under the stool. It took longer than the workers thought it would.

Later, they took out a full trash bag of roots. Even they were surprised the roots were not far down the line. No, those roots were growing right under the floor. This is possible because we have no basement. Our house actually sits on a deep bed of sand. This was decided because we needed a house without stairs due to my limitations. Somehow those roots had been growing under the ground winding their way into our plumbing.

It took work, but the workers cleared out the roots and sealed things up so, hopefully, the problem will not present again any time soon. I am thankful the situation was fixable and that the roots are now gone or locked out for the time being. Our toilet is working great.

While roots are important for grounding and stability, sometimes roots are not positive. When we make negative decisions we begin to grow roots that if allowed to spread will harm our thoughts, our relationships, and our lives. What we put into our lives and minds does matter. Our choices grow roots that, if positive, provide a solid foundation for stability and security. If negative, choices begin growing roots that may well destroy a future or life—such as starting drug usage that leads to addiction.

Let us grow roots that grow our lives into stable foundations that provide beauty into our world and our lives.

Carolyn R Scheidies 11/28/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 11/28/23

Do We Reflect Him?

***Photo by*** ***Giorgio Trovato*** on ***Unsplash***

Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without <the faith>, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every one.

Who is going to want to hear about peace in Christ if we who claim His name live in fear, depression and constant unrest? Who will listen to a God of grace when we hold grudges, seek revenge and claim we can't forgive?

Who wants to know about a Savior who cares about everyone when we don't give the time of day to someone who is different, is not in our social sphere and/or who doesn't look, sound or act like us?

God calls us to love others as He loved us--in our sin, in our degradation, in our ignorance and poverty of heart and mind, in our desperate need.

Help me, Jesus, move out of my comfort zone, live the life of abundance You intend, and to share Your love and hope at every opportunity.

Carolyn R Scheidies 11/22/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 11/22/23

Why Do We Put up with DST?

I am not a fan of Daylight savings Time (DST). Springing the time forward in the Spring and falling back an hour in the fall has always sounded ridiculous to me. Messing with my internal clock twice a year makes me decidedly grumpy. I am not the only one. I feel sorry for dairy cows and farmers who either adjust the schedules of their animals or adjust their own schedules. Milk at 6 am? Nope. That changes twice a year.

No one in the USA thought up DST. The idea was developed overseas. The USA didn’t join the march to this plan to one-up nature until other European nations accepted it. DST came to America in 1918 a year after we entered WW I.

Many states resisted, including Wisconsin citizens with valid reasons for saying, “No, thank you.” However, after WW II when more and more states signed onto the plan, it got harder for resisting states to hold back. I lived in Wisconsin in the mid-1950s. My father had a church in Siren. I imagine I echoed my father’s disdain for DST. To my young mind, the whole was foolish.

Wisconsin resisted DST until 1957. Dad took a church in Wyoming, and we moved in 1958. Wyoming had a strange on-and-off situation until DST became a permanent fixture in 1973. DST wasn’t the reason for our move, but it was nice not to be concerned about it while we lived there.

That early position of dislike stayed with me as I grew up, even as Dad was called to other churches in other states—some followed DST. Generally, Dad served smaller, often country churches, where many farmers, of that time, did not care much for what they saw as government overreach and interference. DST seemed to cause more problems than it helped.

More than once I heard those opposed saying that DST was created for fat cats who wanted sunlight after work so they could golf. I still wonder how far wrong such a point of view is. Losing an hour in Spring is the most frustrating and takes the most adjustment for me.

I am glad our iPads and computers and my watch piece change automatically. Still, we have clocks throughout the house that have to be changed by hand. It is interesting to me that Nebraska didn’t start observing DST until 1970.

Now many in government want to make DST permanent. Technically, wouldn’t we be back to where we started? How foolish are we? A graphic went the rounds of Facebook when it was time to change clocks. A wise elderly Indian was pictured. The text went something like this. Only white men would think cutting off the top of a blanket and sewing it to the bottom would produce a longer blanket. That’s the point.

Doesn’t the government have more important issues than DST?

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Carolyn R Scheidies 11/10/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 11/10/23

Prayer more than casual comment

In conversation or online, we may hear of a serious situation that pulls on our heartstrings. Maybe someone was injured, someone died, found themselves in tragic circumstances or is dealing with a serious illness or surgery. Maybe someone lost a beloved pet. Whatever the situation, our response might be, “I’ll pray for you.” or “I’ll pray about this.”

Such comments may comfort the other person at that moment, especially those who believe in prayer, know it lifts a burden, and know that God answers prayer. In the moment, for some of us, it is easy to say the “right” thing and offer to pray.

The problem isn’t a promise to pray. That is all well and good. Often the best, sometimes the only, thing we can do in a bad situation is to pray, especially if the other person lives far away. Those nearby we can offer a hand, a hug, bring a meal, or shop for groceries or whatever is needed at that time. For those further away, we can always send an appropriate card or gift such as flowers to brighten up a home or hospital room.

The problem comes in when we use “I’ll pray” as a throwaway comment we don’t mean or we mean, but quickly forget we said anything at all. We may even forget the need altogether. We promise to pray, but that promise is lost in our own busy lives. Even those who pride themselves on keeping promises may not connect this phrase as something of value or of importance.

But prayer really does matter. Prayer can change attitudes, situations, and circumstances. Prayer should never be a throwaway phrase or used simply to ease a moment when a person is uncomfortable. If you do not intend to pray, don’t make such a promise. Instead, say something like, “I wish the best.” or something else that does not include a promise.

We may take such promises lightly, but God does not. He even takes promises from kids seriously. Everyone deals with difficult circumstances at one time or another. We all need persons who lift us up in prayer. We don’t need platitudes that mean nothing.

When others suffer, be careful what you say. If you do not intend to pray, please don’t promise to do so. If you make the promise, follow through. Pray and pray some more. Care enough to keep your promise to pray. God works through our caring hearts and prayer. Prayer makes a difference in our attitudes and in the situation. Pray and see what God will do. Become a person who cares enough to pray.

While the answer may not always be what we want, peace is in knowing God loves and listens and brings comfort and care even in the most dire of circumstances. Real prayer is releasing the burden, focusing on what we can do to help, and letting God do the rest. Keep promises. Pray when promised and let God be God in the situation.

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Carolyn R Scheidies 11/8/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 11/8/23

Not so Good After All

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God...

Humankind is not intrinsically good. Because Eve chose sin. Because Adam sinned with her and passed onto us a sin nature. That is why we need a Savior.

If we're basically good, we don't need Jesus. We can just call on our better nature and always be and do good.

We need to get honest with ourselves and cry as the apostle Paul that the good things he wanted to do, he didn't, and the bad things he didn't want to do, he did.

Our own thoughts and actions reveal the truth, we need Jesus to redeem hearts seeped in sin--wrong thoughts, motives, behavior.

The good news is we have hope, hope because Jesus came, died and rose again; hope because we can ask Him to live within and to fill us with His love, goodness and righteousness.

In Jesus we can live a life of satisfaction, joy and hope rather than one of quiet frustration and despair.

Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

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Carolyn R Scheidies 10/31/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 10/31/23

Pets have much to offer

I love animals—especially dogs, cats and horses. We even had fish for a while. In middle school, I had a turtle, which we released in the yard once it outgrew its enclosure.

In Wisconsin, I remember the rabbits Dad began to raise for extra income. When I asked to help care for them, Dad warned me not to make pets of them. I was in second grade. Of course, I had pets among the rabbits. What hurt most was learning Dad sold some as food. When someone from the church returned a rabbit dressed to cook, we kids absolutely refused to touch the meat. Mom never served rabbit again.

When Dad took a church in Wyoming, we arrived to find a large dog ensconced at the parsonage. He took right to my little brother. Later, a black and white female cat also showed up at our door. She periodically had a litter of kittens. Once she had them in a warm window well down the road at our neighbors.

It was my job, once the kittens had their eyes open, to fetch them home. As gentle as I tried to be, by the time I managed to corral those kittens my arms were scratched to the elbows. But I got them and situated them in a safe place under a stack of lumber Dad had for different projects.

Later we saw a car hit our momma cat and thought that was the end, but she limped away though her back now had an uplift motion whenever she walked, Others said we needed to put her down, because she wasn’t well. We didn’t and she lived several more years.

We had other dogs as well. In Wyoming, I had a small dog named Topper who, as my companion on my wonderings and friend, I could always talk with. She also had litters and we kept one scraggly-looking pup we named Cutie. Topper and

Cutie were the only pets we took with us when Dad took a country church in Northwest Kansas. We lost Topper early on trying to birth another litter of puppies. But we had Cutie who loved making the rounds of farms in the area, He loved getting rides home. Once everyone knew his home, they just gave him rides and let him out. He snuggled with me once I sick. He always made me feel better.

In Kansas, I went to a country school and, after I got sick, did my high school classes by correspondence. In Kansas, I also got a horse to breed and kept the foal. But I was never able to ride my foal because I contracted Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. My animals comforted me during that time.

Coyotes ate little dogs like him, but Cutie never seemed to have a problem. He didn’t bark. He howled like the coyotes. They probably thought he was an odd version of themselves. Because of his wandering tendencies, we left him with a farm family when Dad took a church in southwest Iowa where I was able to attend high school and graduate.

We had a large golden dog and cats in Iowa along with my growing horse. I loved sitting outside in my wheelchair watching and interacting with our animals. When we moved to Kearney so I could attend college, my brother got a dog. My horse went to Kansas with my sister and brother-in-law and later was sold as a polo pony.

After college, I had massive reconstructive surgery to walk again. I also married. When my husband and I had kids, each of them received a pet of their choice at age seven—once they showed they could take care of their pet—a black lab Midnight for Chris and a black cat with a white nose snip Cutie for Cassie. I loved our pets. When I’d have surgery Cutie would stay out of trouble and by my side.

We don’t have pets right now, but willingly spoil other people’s cats or dogs. Since we travel to see our kids and grandkids, we decided it best not to have to deal with our own pets. However, I am thankful for all the pets we’ve had over the years. Pets make me laugh. They have unique personalities and can frustrate a person. But, they also listen and become close companions/ When we have pets we love and properly care for, we have friends that make us happier and healthier. Pets are a blessing.

Is it time for a pet in your life?

Carolyn R Scheidies 10/20/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 10/20/23

Making memories with grandkids

We used to love visiting our daughter Cassie and family in the Omaha area. We were there when their first child Ellery, now in school, was born. We hurried to Omaha when Kurt called saying their second child was on the way since we had been asked to take care of Ellery while Kurt stayed with Cassie. It was dark by the time we arrived, but Kurt let us in and then left. Many other times we visited for birthdays, celebrations or to babysit.

Another blessing from visiting often was also spending time with our son and his children, our grandkids, who were already teenagers at the time. Usually on the way home from Omaha, we’d agree to meet at a restaurant in Lincoln where they live, to eat and hang out. We’d be together for a couple of hours or more talking, laughing, discussing, and enjoying each other’s company.

For a while, we were heading east almost once a month. Covid stopped those trips. Not seeing our grandkids was hard. No technology is as good as face-to-face, though I was very thankful for phone service, email, Facetime and Zoom. Our daughter Cassie’s kids, as young as they were, would want to see and speak with Gramma and Grampa and ask for Facetime.

Even after the Covid crisis, we aren’t visiting as much. Our health isn’t as good. Cassie and family started making more trips to Kearney instead of us going to visit them. We can handle that. Cassie has come alone, with the kids and with Kurt, too, now that he is retired from the Navy. Chris also stops in to visit.

Ellery and Zeke love going to the splash pad and playground equipment across the street from our home at Collins Park. Cassie and Kurt have taken the kids to the Harmon Park rock garden and the lighthouse. Ellery and Zeke loved the rock garden. Sometimes we in Kearney forget how much Kearney has to offer. I am glad our younger grandkids get to know Kearney.

When our son Chris’s children Devon, Dane & Tori (now young adults) were younger, they’d stay with us for a week or so each summer. They got to know Kearney, too, as we picnicked at Yanney Park and the kids got soaked playing on the splash pad. We took them to the Arch where they went through the maze. We also took them to the Nature Barn where they saw, petted, held, fed and even mingled with the animals.

Now our younger grandkids are learning about the town their mom and uncle called home. I miss spending time at Cassie and Kurt’s home, but am thankful they can come here, spend time with us and get to enjoy some of the fun things Kearney offers. I hope after they grow up, they’ll have good memories of visiting.

Maybe they’ll miss these days. Our son’s daughter Tori once sighed. “I miss those days when we stayed with you in Kearney.” She’s 19. I miss those days as well, but glad she and her brothers hold good memories. I hope Ellery and Zeke will someday have such memories as well.

I am also glad that on one of Cassie’s last visits to us with the kids, she also picked up Tori in Lincoln. What a blessing to have three of our five grandkids visit. I hope for more of these visits.

I am thankful for what Kearney has and enjoy sharing with family and friends. Thankful also for children and grandchildren who want to visit.

Column publish Kearney Hub 10/19//23
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Carolyn R Scheidies 9/28/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 9/28/23

Ladies Weekend, with Surprise

For several years, before Christmas, we’d been exchanging gifts with my sister’s family. At one time we sent packages in the mail. for several years my brother Paul and his wife visited Karin before Christmas exchanging gifts from us and them to Karin, her kids, and families. She in turn sent gifts for our families.

But Paul was gone. We still craved contact so decided to meet in York before Christmas, exchange gifts from vehicle to vehicle, and catch up with a good meal. Then the idea came up to have a ladies’ weekend in Kearney for Karin, her daughter (our niece) Kelly—both from Kansas, our daughter Cassie-Papillion/Omaha, and, of course, Lorene and me from Kearney.

That first weekend was a blast. We ate out, we ordered in, we played games and laughed a lot. the weekend left us with positive memories and a desire for more. This year we decided to hold our weekend much earlier, which was safer than waiting until snow might keep us all home. We chose instead Nebraska’s usual hottest month—August.

The weather was good. Sunny skies, not windy and really not too overwhelmingly hot. We did spend a lot of time at our home, because Keith and my health has been under siege this year. Keith is still recovering from serious back surgery.

It was also Kelly’s fiftieth birthday so purchased a gluten free, dairy free and more birthday cake we all could eat and enjoy. I loved the frosting! We laughed, caught up with each other’s lives, and remembered sad and happy times. We played a game, but mostly talked.

The surprise came Saturday night when we went to Alley Rose, just like we’d done the year before. They even gave us the same table. We sat down and began to consider the menu. I didn’t. I was trying to remember what I’d had the year before that they created around the elimination of my many food sensitivities. However, I didn’t have to worry.

Our waiter walked by. (Remember this is almost a year later.) He glanced at me and told me not only what I’d had the year before, but also listed my sensitivities. My mouth hung open.. I was so impressed. As were all of us. He was a good waiter. He listened, he interacted, he knew the menu, was kind and considerate and knew what he was doing. This special waiter helped make our evening a positive memory.

Since Karin, Kelly and Cassie were all headed home the next morning, we said our goodbyes outside the restaurant. However, Keith and I had our leftover boxes. When we ate those meals the next couple of days, we were reminded of a special weekend with family and a waiter who helped make it so. I am looking forward to next year.

Carolyn R Scheidies 8/29/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 8/29/23

Dream fulfilled in unexpected ways

As a kid my dream was always to have a horse. I watched My Friend Flicka and read every horse book I could find—especially the Black Stallion books. How I wanted a horse of my own! I even loved riding merry-go-round horses where I could let my imagination go.

When Dad was called to a church in Wyoming, I had visions of cowboys and cowgirls and lots of horses—my passion. What we found at the parsonage was a full-grown dog who’d’ refused to leave with the last pastor. The dog accepted us as his new family. But a huge dog was not a horse.

Before long, we met our neighbors across and down the street. Our neighbor’s son Dale owned a horse named Rocket. I could hardly hold in my excitement when I was allowed to ride the paint horse. Would I ever have a horse of my own?

It was in Kansas, my dream came true. A 4-H program had been set up with mares that were loaned to qualified 4-H participants. We had to care for and ride our horses. The point was to breed the mare. When the foal was old enough, the mare was returned to the owner.

The 4-H participant kept the foal for care and training. I was blessed to be chosen for the program.

In time, I had a beautiful gray foal prancing around the corral. I had visions of training the horse and showing it at shows or training my horse for barrel racing. That was not to be. I became ill with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and in a few months, I was filled with pain and in a wheelchair.

Now, Dad wheeled me out near the fence where I could watch my horse. How I wanted to give up. I only saw a future of pain, But I was responsible for that horse, even if I could not personally train him. I could learn all I could about horses and training. I could guide others. I could not give up.

Tonka Wakon as I named my horse helped give me the courage to keep me going when I wanted to give up. We brought Tonka with us when Dad accepted the pastorate of a church in Iowa. After high school graduation and a year of junior college, my family moved to Nebraska so I could attend what was then Kearney State College (now UNK). While I studied, my sister and brother-in-law who lived in Kansas took charge of Tonka and paid for care and training.

I knew it was coming and it hurt, but I realized I couldn’t expect my sister to bear the cost of keeping Tonka, especially since I was still in the wheelchair. The trainer had an offer for Tonka to become a polo horse if sent East. That is what we did. For years I dreamed of going out to see him, but that was not to be.

After college graduation, I had massive reconstructive surgery to walk which took all my time and effort. I did walk again. I look back and while God’s plans were very different from mine, I am thankful for having Tonka, for learning about horses, for enjoying him—even maturing enough to let him go. I look back and realize how much Tonka helped motivate me to keep going when I wanted to quit. Life often doesn’t go the way we plan, but if we live our lives with gratitude we’ll see how even the hard things can turn into blessings. One of mine was Tonka Wakon.

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/kearneyhub.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/eedition/e/eb/eebf6567-f70e-59e6-8084-38560ed33ea7/64ed4cd16ac29.pdf.pdf

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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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