Carolyn R Scheidies 4/22/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 4/22/24

Skates, bicycles, hoverboards—what’s next?

When we lived in Siren Wisconsin where I started school, summers were short and winters long, cold, and packed with snow, often starting in September.

From a very young age, kids learned to ice skate. My older sister Karin was several years ahead of me in elementary school and still had no ice skates. All she wanted for her September birthday was a pair of ice skates.

Yet our pastor father’s salary didn’t stretch much beyond necessities. But my father was resourceful. For her birthday Karin received her wish—a pair of white skates just her size. They were not new, but my mother had made them look new with polish, etc. Karin could now join her friends in what most all kids did in the winter—ice skating, along with sledding, of course. Perfect pastimes for long Wisconsin winters.

Back then summers brought the need for a type of transportation Karin also didn’t have, a bike. It wasn’t easy to hang out with friends or head to one of the lakes to swim without a bike. It was our main transportation as kids and teens.

She and I stared at shiny new bicycles through the store window. Karin so desired a bike. But again, our folks couldn’t afford a new bike. Instead, Dad went to the junkyard and scrounged for bicycle parts. From who-knows-how many old bikes, he took parts home, straightened, cleaned, and created a whole new bike which he and Mom painted and polished. Mom tied on a bow and Karin received her bike.

She could be like most young people of that era who used bicycles for transportation. I learned to ride on that large bike, after a lot of crashes because it was too big for me. I didn’t get a smaller version of Dad’s created bikes until after we moved to Wyoming.

A generation later our kids got bikes, but the new rage was inline skates. We were able to purchase off-brand ones for our kids, Chris and Cassie. Chris put them on and took off. Cassie not so much, though Chris tried to show her how to balance. Chris used those skates to go all over Kearney.

The Back to the Future movies were released as our kids were growing up. We all loved the series. Who didn’t want a hoverboard to get around? While they don’t zoom in the air, hoverboards now exist for a new generation of kids. They stay on the ground but can be used for fun or even transportation. It does take balance. Lots of balance.

A friend of our then 6-year-old granddaughter Ellery had a hoverboard. After getting the hang of it, of course, she wanted one for Christmas. (The kids already had bikes.) We talked about it. Mom Cassie said, “If she has one, her younger brother will also want one.” (He’s two years younger.) With a sigh, Cassie gave us permission to get the kids hoverboards for Christmas. This is this generation’s new fun play toy and more. We bought colorful hoverboards with fun lights that flashed as they moved.

To my amazement, it didn’t take long for Ellery and Zeke to get the hang of getting around, spinning, crashing, and almost dancing with the hoverboards. I’m glad we bought them, especially knowing the kids are closely supervised.

Ice skates, bikes, inline skates, hoverboards. Something new and different for each generation. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy watching the smiles of our grandkids’ faces as they zoom around on their hoverboards.

Now I understand why my folks went to so much time and trouble to make sure my sister got skates and a bike. Not only to be able to fit in with her friends but because the gratitude on the kid’s faces makes all the effort worthwhile. Nothing can beat the resulting smiles and thank-you hugs. (Months after receiving them, our grandkids still love their hoverboards.)

I wonder what our great-grandchildren will be asking for?

Carolyn R Scheidies 4/12/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 4/12/24

Blizzards, storms, must be spring

A long, long time ago at least in the minds of our kids and grandkids, I attended what was then Kearney State College (KSC), now UNK. That was in the early 1970s. I received a comprehensive major in journalism. But getting that degree was not simple. I attended college before the American Disabilities Act (ADA) that set parameters for making places handicap accessible.

The college was certainly not accessible. The administration building had no elevator and other students carried my wheelchair up and down the long staircases when I had classes upstairs in that building. Once I was even left upstairs in the administration building at the end of a day after tests when everyone else had gone. (A friend came up the stairs to find someone, found me instead and got assistance to get me carried back downstairs.) This was the college that promised to make sure I got to my classes. (I have other stories and was very thankful for friends, even strangers who assisted me in getting to and from classes.)

Winter was the worst. Maintenance only scooped a path down the sidewalk for one to walk. Certainly not wide enough for even my small wheelchair. As for weather, back then, because most students lived on campus, KSC never closed down for rain, storms nor blizzards.

I was already at the college for classes when a blizzard hit. Visibility went to almost zero. Snow fell like a curtain and quickly covered lawns, walks, and roadways. My wheelchair was going no place. I was stuck at the Student Union. The storm was so bad, that students not living on campus were allowed to head home. Good luck! A friend offered to take me home. She probably had help getting me to her car. Driving meant inching along, trying to see even the roadway much less any other cars on the road. I prayed.

We never made it to my home. Hers was closer. Too dangerous to go further. Even her little dog refused to go out to take care of business. My friend was kind, even though she had to help me with some personal needs. I spent most of the day at her house until a break in the storm and the resumption of phone service brought my brother to pick me up and get me home.

Back then a blizzard meant lots of snow, high winds and next to no visibility. It meant not daring to go outside for fear of getting lost or freezing. This year meteorologists have called two blizzards recently. I don’t think either one was more than a bad storm, but certainly not a blizzard.

It is probably a good thing offices, schools and many businesses are closed down in bad weather. I just wonder if we’d become too willing to close things down when the weather isn’t to our liking. No one likes winter storms when most have been counting on spring and warm weather. But winter doesn’t like to let up and has manifested itself with real, serious blizzards clear into May.

Winter storms are a fact of life in Nebraska. Maybe we should be more willing to deal with such weather and not shut everything down until we are truly dealing with serious storms and an actual blizzard. I am not talking about exposing life and limb to dangerous weather conditions, but just maybe we should also not consider every snowfall dangerous or every storm a blizzard.

Whatever the terms used for Nebraska storms, they provide much needed moisture and for that we can give thanks.

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https://kearneyhub.com/blizzards-storms-must-be-spring/article_661ce700-c2c9-5cc1-84c2-42d3c178eb64.html

Carolyn R Scheidies 4/10/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 4/10/24

WHAT A PEN CAN DO?

While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have my being. Psalm 146:2

A pen
A simple instrument
An extension of the mind
May mine
Write words of
Comfort Faith,
and Hope.

Help me to recognize I’m not the only person who hurts and reach out to others in their time of need.

Carolyn R Scheidies 4/1/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 4/1/24

Family, friends and Covid

Getting sick isn’t fun. In February Keith ended up in ER with a nasty case of influenza A and was sent home with instructions and medications. His coughing was horrific. A few days later I ended up in the hospital with Covid. I needed pain meds and oxygen and was miserable.

Friends helped us, but we needed more assistance. Our son Chris and daughter Cassie left their families and jobs and came home to care for us. During that week, I learned how incredible the two we raised really were.

At home, even with my many limitations, my house is built to accommodate my situation. I also use appliances to assist in maintaining independence. But the very things that assist my independence are not allowed in the hospital. I felt very helpless.

That fed into a circumstance where I needed a way to be comfortable while dealing with the results of a medication. I discovered my son is a problem-solver. He worked through the problem so I could be comfortable dealing with the medication. (Though he visited, Chris spent his time caring for his dad Keith.)

My daughter stayed with me at the hospital. She’s a mental healthcare professional, but I really had no idea of her expertise until I had hallucinations. It was incredibly frightening. I went deep into a dark pit that sucked at my soul.

When they hit, I didn’t even recognize Cassie at first. I was stuck in this cycle and had no clue what to do. Cassie recognized the situation and went into counselor mode. I knew she worked with PSDT victims and soldiers. I had no idea how good she was at her job.

She dragged me out of that mental pit, got me stabilized, and worked further to keep me out. She impressed both the nurse in the room at the time and me. I hope I never end up in that place again. Covid and influenza took their toll on us. I was glad when allowed to return home where Keith and I continued to recover together—slowly.

I am thankful for friends who first got us to the doctor and ER and watched out for us. I am thankful for those who brought food, that isn’t simple with my many allergies, to tempt our tastebuds. I am thankful for the many who prayed for us.

Most of all, we were blessed to have our kids come to care for us, realizing just how safe we were in their hands. Chris is back to creating and maintaining computer systems and Cassie is back to counseling and their families, but I will always treasure the feeling I could let go and be safe.

God is indeed good.

https://harpers.org/archive/1958/09/the-coming-ice-age/
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published as Kearney Hub Column 3/20/2024

Carolyn R Scheidies 3/20/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 3/20/24

Easter & The beauty and importance of life

Now that we’ve had a taste of snow and ice, many of my Facebook friends are counting down the days until spring. We need snow to melt in order to provide moisture for the ground, and we’re seriously lacking enough. Still, other than enjoying snow and ice for making snow people and snow angels, sledding and skating, most of us prefer sunny skies and warm breezes.

All that comes with Spring, at least, once Winter lets go of its grip that has been known to hold on even into April. Winter seems gloomy, and dark and reminds us of death. Spring is the exact opposite.

Spring is all about new life. Trees bud into bushy leaves. Flowers burst forth into a concert of aromas and colors that can’t help but bring a smile and a deep breath of appreciation. Green grass pokes out of the uninspiring brown ground of the dormant lawn. Yellow Dandelions also make an appearance adding color.

Of course, most of us don’t appreciate these bright flowers, because we’ve lost the knowledge that almost every part of this plant is good to eat, for tea and for healthy living. We just don’t want them in our yards.

Spring is about life. Plants springing forth from seeds or pods, etc. that looked dead and like nothing. Yet abundant life bursts from these dormant beginnings. Life is so beautiful and so precious.

Is it any wonder we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Spring? He was born with only his earthly parents and stable animals as witnesses. He grew into a man who cared about his creation, men and women who were hurting and lost.

Because he was God come to earth to live like you and me, he could hold, touch, hug. He could identify with those who suffered, who had needs. He reached out to share God’s truth and backed up his caring with a healing touch. The religious leaders of the day saw it as undermining their power and prestige as Jesus wasn’t afraid to call them out for caring more for their status than the very real needs of the people.

For being and doing good, they with the assistance of the Roman overlords crucified Him on a cross—an agonizing way to die. Jesus submitted to that torture and death. What his enemies didn’t realize is that Jesus actually came to die. We humans make a mess of our lives. There are consequences for our failures and bad choices. Someone has to pay for our messes. Jesus did that when he submitted to death on the cross.

Though he was fully man, he was also fully God. He took our punishment and then did what only he could do. He conquered death. He didn’t stay in that grave. He lived then and He lives today. He is near and desires to save, set us free and give us peace and hope and life here and forever.

Like Spring plants as we come to follow Him, he helps us bloom and become all we are meant to be. He offers a gift. All we have to do is accept it. Will you accept His gift of freedom, hope and love today, tomorrow or as we celebrate His resurrection this Easter?

Carolyn R Scheidies 2/29/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 2/29/24

Prayer more than casual comment

In conversation or online, we may hear of a difficult situation that pulls on our heartstrings. Maybe someone was injured, someone died, found themselves in tragic circumstances, or are 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 in that moment, especially those who believe in prayer, who 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 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. But that isn't the same as committing to pray.

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 takes even 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 help and letting God do the rest. Keep promises. Pray when promised and let God be God in the situation.

Carolyn R Scheidies 2/12/24 Carolyn R Scheidies 2/12/24

Old Age Not For Cowards

My handwriting is getting bad, more shaky, and less legible. When I write in my journal in the mornings, as I do each morning and have for most of my life, I often skip lines instead of writing on each line. Makes it easier to write and to see. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be. In fact, print seems to get smaller, and I rely on my iPad more for reading books than I used to. With Kindle, I can make text the size I need it for that moment.

Last year, I needed new glasses. Not a surprise. When I returned to pick up my glasses, I knew I’d have some waiting time. Not a problem, I thought. I’ll bring my iPad and spend my time reading. I walked into the establishment and handed over my glasses. (They were using the same frames.) I pulled out my iPad and turned it on only to realize something important. I didn’t have my glasses. Everything was a bit blurry. I had to shake my head at myself. Nevertheless, I turned on my iPad and by making the print huge, I could read. Can’t do that with a print book. I was very thankful to receive my new glasses. All part of growing older. I need to laugh at myself at times.

As a child, I noticed how shaky an elderly acquaintance’s handwriting had become. I struggled to read the handwriting. Now it’s my turn. As I tell younger persons now, “Getting old is not for cowards.” Why?

Every year, every month, and every day we face less agility. Energy flags and naps lengthen. Even when we want to continue some work or activities, we may not be able to. My health last year dictated that I let go of some things I enjoyed doing and that I am good at. Two of those things were putting together the weekly prayer bulletin for our church and creating the newsletter each month for Kearney Christian Women’s Connection (KCWC). Each took creativity and energy and time which led to exhaustion.

I don’t have the energy I used to have, and I find it takes me longer and longer to do less and less. As for doctor visits, they dot the monthly calendar for both my husband and myself. As though we didn’t see enough doctors, last year we added a heart doctor for us both as well as a back doctor for Keith.

Still, I view this as a blessing as well as a frustration. It means our health needs are being handled. Each day I wake up, I give thanks for another day. Whatever comes, I face the day with gratitude. After all, I’m still here. I still get to hug my grandkids and spend time with friends and family.

Besides, whatever comes I know God cares, He is only a prayer away and He’s got my life in His loving hands. I awake and often Psalm 118:24 comes to mind. “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

I look up and smile. I wonder what today will bring.

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

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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?

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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

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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.

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

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