Carolyn R Scheidies 1/29/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 1/29/24

January love it? Maybe…

January is my birth month and I loved January as I grew up, even though it was cold. My mother always made our birthdays special. She planned and held birthday parties for me when I was younger with all my friends and a wonderful cake she made and decorated. I enjoyed unwrapping presents and playing with my friends.

Later, after I got sick and was in a wheelchair I got to choose a friend or two to spend the day with me and I got to choose my birthday meal. Usually, I chose sloppy joes, chips, cake, and ice cream. All except the ice cream was homemade. (Mom was a fantastic cook.)

Growing up, marrying, and having a family made a difference in how I viewed my birthday month. So did my career of writing poems, features, plays & skits and books. First thing in January I have to gather all my income and expenses, figure out how many books I used as promotion or gave away. The information is used to first fill out the form for paying sales tax and the rest for filling out state and Federal taxes. Getting ready to do taxes has a way of draining the fun out of anything—even my birthday month.

After having kids, we started a tradition that was new to me. I’m not sure how it evolved. The person celebrated would have no say in how the day was celebrated. This went for birthdays, as well as Mother’s and Father’s Day. The rest of the family made plans that would be a surprise for the one celebrated. It was fun to plot and plan, especially when the kids got to be elementary age and older.

The celebrations were creative and fun. Creative because of intelligence and imagination and because our finances were very limited. Those times forged positive memories in the midst of the high stress of getting tax information and receipts in order. I am a wordsmith. Math is not my strong point and high stress always accompanies getting ready to do taxes. Yet, I wanted to have everything in order as soon as possible so we could move on. Taxes overshadowed my excitement of January as my birth month.

While taxes dimmed my excitement of the month, my birthday toward the end of the month still created a high point. But as our kids grew up and married, I had other reasons to be thankful for my birthday month. Our son’s daughter Tori was born in January. Thirteen years and one day later, our daughter presented us with our second female grandchild Ellery. We often celebrate birthdays together as a family, though, of course, Ellery also has a party with her young friends. Having grandkids is such a blessing and it’s so much fun to get together and celebrate our birthdays.

Taxes won’t go away, but neither will the positive memories of family, friends, and special birthday celebrations. I guess even with getting ready for taxes, January is a pretty good month after all.

Carolyn R Scheidies 1/22/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 1/22/24

Creation in Chains

Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

His creation in chains,
He came! HE CAME!
Christ Jesus born, lived, slain,
To wipe away sin's stain.
Then, in victory rose again,
Freedom in Him to attain,
That we might ever remain
With Him who ever lives,
And rules, And reigns.

Thank you Jesus, that in a world twisted by sin, you came to set me free. This day, help me to live a life of victory in you. Amen.

Carolyn R Scheidies 1/18/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 1/18/24

Sold Out

Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you:... Ps 55:22

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6b

When I am afraid I will trust in You. Ps 56:3

In God I will praise His word; in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me. Ps 56:4

In Your service, I will be,
Sold out wholly, Lord, to Thee.
As I wait beneath the cross,
Never counting pain or loss,

But only leaning on Your name,
The power of God, Your healing claim.
From sin and sadness set me free,
That I might serve...eternally. Amen.

Thank you, Jesus, that no matter what, I can come to You and know You’ll be there to forgive, to heal and to offer hope. Amen.

Carolyn R Scheidies 1/13/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 1/13/24

Why all the parties and noise?

I don’t remember much about celebrating New Year's Eve as I grew up. If we did celebrate, I don’t have specific memories. It wasn’t until college I started having memories of celebrating New Year’s Eve, though most memories start after marriage.

For several years after graduation, our college group got together at one home or another. We ate, laughed, caught up with each other’s lives and played games. We’d end our time with prayers of thanks for our blessings and of petition for needs expressed. It was a good way to start the New Year.

But marriages, family and careers sent many of our friends away from Kearney to different states and to other countries. One couple, both close friends, became missionaries with Wycliffe and ended up in Indonesia for many years. Keith and I stayed in Kearney. Our friends Jeff and Gloria did as well. Our kids sometimes felt they had two sets of parents because we did so much together. That included New Year’s Eve.

We started a tradition that we brought in the New Year together. We might have a gathering at our house. They might have one at theirs. Or we were at other parties. But bringing in the New Year together became our tradition.

Then came kids, life, exhaustion. No parties. Better just our families. Then just stay at home and call at midnight. Our kids are grown. We have grandkids we spoil when we can. Age and health are now considerations. Stay up until midnight? Forget that. Getting together with those we care about doesn’t have to take place at a certain time.

This year Jeff and Gloria invited a small group out to eat. They, Keith and I, my sister-in-law, and, Rachel, the daughter of our missionary friends gathered at the restaurant. Rachel, with her siblings one by one, returned to the states to attend UNK. She ended up staying in Kearney, is our friend and, to us, a member of our family.

So we ate, laughed, and talked, enjoying each other’s company early in the evening while we were awake, long before the midnight chimes rang in the new year. We then went to our house to play a new game Jeff and Gloria brought. Yawns dictated the end of the evening, long before midnight. Goodbyes and “Happy New Years” sounded as our friends left.

We didn’t force ourselves to stay up, and we still made good memories. What was going at our house at midnight? I was fast asleep. Ahh. Awoke smiling the next morning, no hangovers or regrets, ready to meet the new year.

Carolyn R Scheidies 1/13/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 1/13/24

Poetry MESSAGE OF LOVE

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (this means me) believes in him (I) should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world (me), but that the world (I) through him might be saved. John 3:16-17

As precious as is each individual life,
The God of all spurned not to give,
His own on Calvary
that you and I might ever live.

Help me, Lord, trust you not only with my daily needs, but also with my eternal life with you. Amen.

Have you trusted Jesus with your eternal destiny? All you have to do is believe He died for you, rose for you and lives for you. All it takes is to ask him to be your Savior, Lord, and Friend. Why not ask now?

From Journey of Faith

Feel free to share

Carolyn R Scheidies 1/9/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 1/9/24

Unto Us

Makes a great pantomime to act out with your children.)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Jesus baby born in a barn,
Jesus twelve in the temple tall.
Jesus grown, giving out the Good News...
Jesus loves us one and all.

Jesus crucified on Calvary's cross,
Savior laying down His life for me,
Resurrected, rising again
Jesus, Lord, setting His people free.

Jesus showing Himself, His side,
God-Man ascending into the sky,
Jesus sending His Spirit nigh,
Living today in you and I.

Lord, as You came as a vulnerable child, help me to come to You in the same way.. —just as I am. Amen.

Carolyn R Scheidies 1/3/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 1/3/24

Photos & precious holiday memories

I made a mistake. I forgot. Early December, Keith and I and my sister-in-law Lorene headed to York to meet my sister Karin driving up from Kansas. We go east and Karin drives north, and we usually meet at The Kitchen restaurant.

The reason to meet is, of course, to spend a little time together. We never quite see enough of one another, though we’re in touch via phone, messages, and email. Nothing beats some face-to-face time even if it is only for a couple of hours. But we do have another reason for the get-together, other than sharing a good meal before heading back to our homes.

Christmas is a time for our kids and grandkids. Karin and her family get together in Kansas. We get together in Papillion for one Christmas where we gather with our daughter, son, and families. We also do Christmas with Lorene in Kearney.

The reason for the get-together is to exchange gifts between our families. Our gifts to Karin are transferred to her car and hers to us are transferred to our vehicle. After parking at the restaurant, we walked inside. Karin held my arm to stabilize me.

We had a surprise as soon as we entered. The wait staff said, “Follow me. We have your table ready.”

Wait. I hadn’t called in a reservation. “Karin, did you…?”

The waitress laughed. “We saw you outside and got your table ready.”

Wow! We only get together at The Kitchen once a year, but still they recognized us. We had a wonderful lunch, with the restaurant even able to cater to my many allergies. The food was delicious, and we ate as we talked and caught up with our families. The atmosphere was inviting and friendly. No wonder we return each year. In fact, as we left, we thanked them again.

Keith nodded and said, “See you next year.” (Though we were talking about getting together more often, since it only took a day, no motel. We’ll see if we can make that happen.)

Once we were transferring gifts, I wasn’t the only one who realized. “Hey, we didn’t get pictures.” And then we shrugged. Maybe next year, Once again, though I had good intentions, once we started talking and eating I forgot about pictures. That makes me sad.

The good thing is, it is still OK. I have those memories tucked safely inside my heart and mind.

Happy New Year!

Carolyn R Scheidies 12/22/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 12/22/23

Christmas Prayer

Jesus,

Help us remember who you truly are,
at this time of year,
with Christmas near,

Not still the baby in the manger scene, but
Savior, Creator,
Almighty God and Prince of Peace,

The King who loved His human creatures so much
He became one,
God's only Son,

That You might redeem all,
Who call upon Your name so sweet,
Who kneel humbly at Your feet.

May we bow at the cross, not the manger,
Obey the one who saves us,
Jesus Christ who loves and keeps us.

Help us accept You as Savior Lord,
listen for Your voice,
for it's our best choice.

For if not,
we then,
crucify You once again.

Help us, Lord, to live for you,
not just at this holiday,
but in each and every coming day.
Amen.
Luke 2:1-20

Carolyn R Scheidies 12/22/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 12/22/23

Ode to A Friend

A friend loveth at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

A friend is a friend no matter how small,
For a friendship’s not based on how little or tall.
The size of a friend shouldn’t matter at all.
Only the size of the heart that hears when you call.
For a friend that is there when the other falls,
Is a friend who is truly the greatest of all.

Lord Jesus, help me appreciate my friends
and not to turn away when they need me. Amen
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Schedies
From Journey of Faith

Carolyn R Scheidies 12/20/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 12/20/23

Make a Difference During the Holidays

***Photo by*** ***Ch P*** on ***Unsplash***

We’re venturing into the holidays. Thanksgiving has come and gone. Then it is Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Over the years, Keith and I have celebrated the holidays in many different ways. Now the kids have all grown up with their own families and scheduling becomes a nightmare. The two Scheidies gatherings per year, with the passing of Keith’s folks, has been relegated only to Spring. We also often celebrated Thanksgiving with my brother Paul and his wife Lorene. At times she made dinner and later we played games. Or, we went out to eat.

With Paul’s unexpected passing in January of 2019, Thanksgiving has been us and Lorene at Perkins. This year it was Lorene, her friend who had no place for lunch, and Keith’s brother Randy and wife Nancy, and their granddaughter who also would have been alone for the day. It was a good time of food and fellowship. I was even able to eat ham, mashed potatoes, and green beans—no pepper pre-applied this year, for which I give thanks. We reached out and made our own gathering. Family, friends.

Once kids grow up and get married and have kids, holidays can become a battleground. Who doesn’t want to have the grandkids for Christmas? Christmas isn’t the same without kids’ giggles and hugs. But we refused to play those games. Instead, we share our kids and grandkids. One year we celebrate on the Christmas holiday. The next year, Cassie and her family are with her husband Kurt’s family in Minnesota.

This is our off year. We celebrated Christmas with Cassie and family in Papillion on the weekend of December 16th. Our son and his adult kids don’t care when we celebrate. They’ll come whatever the date works for our families. They only have to come from Lincoln where they live and work. Though it wasn’t actually Christmas time when we celebrated, we still got to spend time with kids and grandkids. I looked forward to a wonderful Christmas together and was thankful for the time spent. We had a great time!

After all, Christmas isn’t as much a set date as an event. Christmas is Jesus, who left the majesty of heaven, to come as a helpless baby into our world to experience humanhood. He lived, He loved, and He willingly sacrificed His life to take the punishment for the mess we make of our lives. He died and rose again to offer life to you and me. He conquered death itself that he might be with us as we follow Him to peace, light, and life.

Holidays can be a time of overspending and stress, or it can be a time of joy as we slow down and remember the reason for the season—a Savior who loved us enough to come into our world and make a difference. How are you making a positive difference this season?

Feel free to share

Carolyn R Scheidies 12/12/23 Carolyn R Scheidies 12/12/23

ROAD TO WHOLENESS

***Photo by*** ***Diego Jimenez*** on ***Unsplash***

We come through the crucible of
Pain, trouble,
Disaster and tragedy,
Either bitter or better.
Bitter when we blame and complain and hang on.
Better and stronger when
We take refuge in God,
Commune with Him,
With His Word,
Allow Him to bring comfort and hope, and...
With the infusion of His mercy and love,
Find healing in Him.

Have pity on me, O God. Have pity on me, because my soul takes refuge in you. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until destructive storms pass by. --Psalm 57:1 GW

Feel free to share

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?

Feel free to share

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.

Feel free to share

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.

Feel free to share

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
Feel free to share

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

Feel free to share

I plan my life out a day at a time, so my posting schedule can be erratic.

Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll never miss a post.