Finding peace…and love
Control
Giving Jesus Christ
Full control within,
I find,
Peace and joy and life.
In Him.
To Know Peace & Love
Hand in hand
I walk with Him
Secure in His
Abiding love
And peace
Within.
(c) 1994, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Problem with Facebook
computerglenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash
Those of us who use Facebook, know much of what passes as communication isn’t true communication at all. We start or pass on stories that touch the heart, information that may or may not be true, jokes, political jabs and wise quotes that may or not originate from celebrities, politicians or historical figures, etc. Sometimes we post information seeking to change someone’s opinion. Sometimes we seek to pass on something that we feel is important or that touched our own hearts. Sometimes what is passed on is inspirational such as a Scripture passage. Sometimes we simply want to make someone laugh. Few posts share the reality in our lives as we do with face-to-face friends.
Many sayings or graphics are harmless like those that countdown to Spring or Christmas. Others border on bullying as they contain subtle threats to those who hold a differing political view. Others make fun or call certain individuals or groups names. Others include profanity. I refuse to go to these negative places. Threats, profanity, name calling will have me unfollowing you. No one has to put up with negative posts, It is a matter of settings. Check those series of dots/periods in the upper right-hand corner.
Some of the posts that bother me are those that overall share something with which I agree, but end with, a subtle threat--if you don’t pass them on then such and such may happen. Other “friends” seek to make you feel bad if you refuse to cut and paste on your page something they’ve posted. Many on Facebook do not realize those with hundreds of friends may not even see the post. I don’t give into this, which is another form of manipulation. If I did, that’s all I’d accomplish with my limited time on Facebook.
Another problem is truth. Just because it is on Facebook, doesn’t make it true. Often we see posts of quotes from famous people—celebrities, presidents like Abraham Lincoln, or other contemporary or historical figures. I’m not talking about those who put something in the mouths of these individuals that is obviously untrue such as Lincoln commenting on environmentally friendly cars. These usually have a humorous intent.
I’m talking about using well-known individuals to pass on some sort of wisdom, judgment or information that, it turns out if checked, was never said by the individual. The use of the image and name of these persons is for the express purpose of giving the passage more credibility. In effect—it is fraud. It is so easy to simply pass these on without checking to verify. It takes a bit more time than simply clicking, but if you value truth, verifying the truth of a post is worth the effort. Yes, even I’ve been caught in this one. Sometimes the finger click is faster than the brain.
Facebook is a way to connect with friends and family. It should be more than simply passing on something passed on to you. Because of Facebook, I’ve reconnected with childhood and high school friends. I’ve also been able to share some of my poems and articles. I’ve been alerted to special events, birthdays, and other celebrations. I’ve also been quickly alerted to the deaths of friends or family members so I can reach out with sympathy.
Facebook isn’t all good or all bad. How we set our parameters, who we allow as friends and how we conduct ourselves—respecting others and not going into rages—makes the difference in whether or not your page draws “friends” or makes them want to escape. Sometimes the biggest problem with Facebook is you and me. Personally, I like my friends, family and fans. I will keep them by being responsible with content and respectful. I will seek to lift up not tear down and bring hope. I hope you will too.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Kearney Hub column
https://kearneyhub.com/opinion/scheidies-column-problem-with-facebook/article_008341aa-42c6-11ef-b937-736df54942dd.html
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Is it really climate change or a fear-mongering scam?
I remember back when I was growing up, newspapers splashed headlines claiming the earth’s temperature was changing. Some scientists decided that the ice caps were expanding. The earth, they told us, was growing colder. Of course, the media jumped on the bandwagon. Those of us who were there know scientists and the media touted this new trend.
Though now, many, including Google, seek to blame it on a single article whose author claimed undisputed sources. The author and the scientific community are now backtracking on the whole idea. Yet, I lived through the hype, the “news” and the scare. I never even read the one article the media sources now blame.
Scientists who disagreed were looked on with disfavor. Americans began to fear as they looked ahead and lost hope. After all, we were all going to end up as popsicles.
Then. Scientific opinion began to turn from freeze to fry. Oh no, said these scientists, the earth wasn’t getting colder, it was getting warmer. The ice caps were actually melting. They put together data and forecasts based on both observations and assumptions to “prove” the exact opposite of what they’d been claiming just a few years earlier. Some data supported this claim. Some did not and some data was not well done from either point of view.
The media grabbed hold of the Global Warming idea. Novels followed the trend. We’d never be able to be out in the sun without burning to a crisp. This was heralded as accepted science. Perish the person or scientific researcher who disagreed, many did. The establishment did their best to discredit them—then and now.
Somehow this explanation didn’t always fit either. Today it’s all about climate change. Too cold. It’s Climate Change. Too hot. It’s Climate Change. No matter what the weather does, those on this bandwagon of our future can’t lose. They claim all good scientists agree with their point of view. They pretend no good scientist might have differing results and data, Scientists who disagree must be squashed. Don’t the models prove their point? Not really. https://www.prageru.com/video/can-climate-models-predict-climate-change
What these scientists also fail to mention is a truth they know quite well. The earth’s environment, atmosphere, and weather have always been in one cycle or another. Despite what environmentalists claim, human activity often had very little to do with these overall cycles. Many cycles have taken place when earth was sparsely populated. Many efforts today to switch to so-called environmentally friendly resources do not yield positive results.
There are warming and cooling trends that may last hundreds of years. Almost too long for scientists to acknowledge or follow. Still, they prefer being the prognosticators of disasters caused, of course, by you and me. Real science doesn’t change with the wind, popular opinion, or current trends. Real science doesn’t silence dissenting voices. Real science seeks truth, not assumptions.
The one thing you can be assured of where scientists are concerned is that their findings will change as they study, and learn, though some will simply go with the politically correct ideas that buy research grants and high-paying positions. Unfortunately, some of these paths do not lead to truth, simply more assumptions.
True science assesses all data, not only what fits a preconceived notion, Honorable scientists, and there are honorable scientists, are careful about jumping to conclusions and making assumptions, knowing all the data gathered is never complete. Don’t automatically buy into the latest pronouncements from scientists or the media whose stories may heighten the fear factor.
Do your own research. Use common sense and keep in mind, even the best scientists have agendas and biases. Even ethical scientists make mistakes—often big ones. (Just like we do.)
Be cautious of the so-called science-of-the-season. Instead, live your best life now. It’s the only one you have. Live it with reason, common sense, and without fear. Besides, whatever the scientists claim whether correct or not, God’s got this. We are safe within His hands.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Climate models https://www.prageru.com/video/can-climate-models-predict-climate-change
https://www.prageru.com/video/dr-matthew-wielicki-i-refuse-to-stay-silent-about-climate-change
Does anyone out there think we’re at the dawn of a new ice age?
If we had asked that question just 40 years ago, an astonishing number of people — including some climatologists — would have answered yes. On April 28, 1975, Newsweek published a provocative article, “The Cooling World,” in which writer and science editor Peter Gwynne described a significant chilling of the world’s climate, with evidence accumulating “so massively that meteorologists are hard-pressed to keep up with it.”
https://harpers.org/archive/1958/09/the-coming-ice-age/
https://fox59.com/news/national-world/what-climate-scientists-were-predicting-in-the-1970s/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-global-cooling-story-came-to-be/
A cherished collection of precious tea cups
Mom’s cup from WWII
It wasn’t until after my father passed away that the three of us kids, my older sister Karin, my younger brother Paul and me, were able to divide up a special collection.
When my mother died she left behind a fairly large collection of tea cups. She had different colors, designs and styles. She showed them off on the shelves of her hutch. Karin, Paul and I handled the cups over the years and had our favorites. Karin and I more than Paul, but some had his attention as well due to the subject matter portrayed on the delicate cups and saucers.
After my mother died, Dad wasn’t ready to part with her collection. He held onto them through a couple of moves. He even remarried, but made it clear those tea cups would go to us kids when he passed.
Dad was in World War II. Mom followed him to base training until he was sent overseas to Italy and North Africa. He was a medic right behind the front lines. When he returned home, he felt called to become a pastor. That meant moves every few years as different churches called him to pastor.
Being a pastor means not only tending to the needs of the church and the congregation’s needs, but also continued schooling, and denominational conferences each year. Once we children came along, Mom was not able to go with him most of the time. Besides being home with us children, finances seldom stretched for Mom to go. Though on occasion, they made it happen. Then we kids stayed with friends and Mom got to go with Dad to one conference or another.
I don’t know when the idea for the tea cups started. Mom loved the delicate cups, but she didn’t indulge in a hobby when money was needed for clothes and food. Still, Mom’s collection started growing and it started with the sturdy tea cup Dad brought home from the war.
When mom was unable to travel with dad to conferences and such, he didn’t only bring home a treat for us children. He began to bring home a teacup from every place he went. He brought two Mounty-themed cups from Canada. The cup from the war years got broken and Mom glued it back together. It had sentimental significance.
By the time Mom died, she had a good collection of beautiful, delicate tea cups and saucers. When Dad died, it was time to divide the collection. Karin, Paul, and I had no problem dividing up most of the collection since we liked different cups. Three teacups had us discussing who got which one. The cup from the war was no longer of monetary value but still held value for us. A beautiful deep blue cup also drew us. I don’t recall what the third one was.
We didn’t fight, simply discussed until we each received one of those last tea cups. I have mine displayed in a hutch we received from my mother-in-law. Both the hutch and my collection remind me of the two special mothers in my life. It also reminds me of my dad’s caring and concern to bring home something he knew my mother would cherish. To me, looking back, buying those tea cups when money was tight showed something else—it showed sensitivity and love.
May I be as caring as my dad when he chose to build something he knew mom would love—a collection of tea cups.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Kearney Hub column 7/9/24
https://kearneyhub.com/eedition/page-a04/page_e82608e2-9c99-5ea7-9bca-dced7f100d1a.html
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Where my true strength lies
Unsplash: Anne Nygard
It amazes me that some of what I deal with today goes back a very long time. Things change and yet so much remains the same. But then, as now, I know that while I may be having trouble standing, God’s arms hold me close. He is my strength when I am weak, my hope when I am down, and my Savior who never lets me go.
Limbs stiff and aching
Ankles burning agonizingly
Don’t want to hold me up.
But You do, Lord.
Thanks.
(c) 1994, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Aladdin Faith
Searching for a quick fix
To my problems,
I turn like
Aladdin to his jinn,
Expecting instant answers
With a POOF!
And a grin, but...
Find instead
Peace
By simply,
Leaning upon Him.
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
From When it Hurts
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The tragic loss of country schools
May 2024 My husband Keith and I attended a reunion of grade school students who once attended District 8 country school. Keith attended until grade five when his parents moved to another farm. Joe Widdowson, along with his wife Jean, planned the event.
As we entered the Lucky Duck in Gibbon where the reunion was held, I was surprised at how many showed up, including one teacher. Other teachers sent letters. One former student traveled all the way from Arizona. Some recognized me from Kearney Christian Women’s Connection (KCWC) luncheon (I used to do the newsletter), or from my columns in the Hub. It was nice to have that familiarity since I really didn’t think I’d know anyone much beyond Joe and Jean.
It was good for Keith to catch up with old friends and as we ate and conversed, to be reminded of those long-ago school days. Eventually District 8 school was discontinued, and students attended town schools.
Until sixth grade, I attended schools in the different towns, and states, where my pastor dad served church congregations. That changed when he was called to a country church in Northern Kansas. We loved the church and its people. The farming community also had a small one teacher country school. All grades first through 8th were in one room. There were two other students in my class other than myself.
I quickly learned, I wasn’t as advanced as the other girls in my class and had to work to catch up. Each grade had desks together. We also did things like music together. Another positive was that we learned and kept remembering the basics because we older kids often worked with the younger students. Mrs. Carmen had a well-oiled system that worked. She made me feel special even though she had to deal with all the students in all elementary grades.
She not only taught reading, writing, science and math, she also taught self-reliance, research, and the satisfaction of helping others. We learned responsibility as we helped younger kids and each other. Recess was time for races and playing games. We each brought our lunch. In the process, we bonded as a group. At the time Kansas had quite a few country schools in existence.
After completing 8th grade all the students both from the country and town schools, were required to go to the high school and take a proficiency test. Interestingly, year after year, the country school students scored higher than those who attended town schools. That didn’t surprise me since I’d been behind when I’d gone from a small-town school to a country school.
Yet, a few years down the road, consolidation became the rage. Larger schools could offer more opportunities, parents were told. Larger schools meant better-equipped science labs, and on and on. The country schools became a relic of the past. Small towns also lost one of their centers as smaller towns consolidated their schools into larger ones often between the towns.
No one seemed to take seriously the difference in scores from town and country students. No one considered that schools as well as churches anchored a community. When pioneers established homes and farms, one of their first considerations was to build a school often used for both school and church. Americans were committed to education and made it happen as soon as possible.
Country schools had benefits larger schools don’t have, several already mentioned here. Smaller schools allow for more personal attention, especially with students who fall through the cracks in a larger school setting—or they become troublemakers. Parents have more say in a smaller setting and those involved are often family, friends, etc. which makes everyone adults and kids more accountable.
Getting rid of country schools was a colossal mistake. At Keith’s reunion I watched those from all grades share positive memories of their time at the District 8 school. Years ago, I watched Bill and Malinda Gates on a talk show. They spoke about the failures of large schools. They proposed small neighborhood schools.
I agree we need to rethink our view of education and start thinking smaller instead of larger, so the focus isn’t on administration, government or often forced curriculum, but on basics and care and concern for the ones, supposedly, for whom schools exist—our children. Umm. Sounds like the country schools still have something to offer. I wish someone would take this idea seriously.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published column Kearney Hub 6/27/2024
…Loss of our country schools
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Life, hope, tornadoes
Photo by Nikolas Noonan on Unsplash
I don’t remember hearing much about tornadoes when I was very young. Since my father was a minister, we moved every few years to different churches. We lived in Canada where my dad, at times, hitchhiked (something more common in those days) in 50 degrees below zero weather. We lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin where I entered first grade. We were much more concerned with ice and snow than tornadoes.
I don’t recall much about tornadoes even when we lived in eastern Wyoming. It was dry country. When storms came, they came quick and violent with pounding sheets of rain and hail. Didn’t have much snow and many of the creek beds were dry except during spring runoff when the water roared through the creek beds and were best stayed away from.
Things changed when we moved to northwest Kansas. There we discovered tornadoes were a weather phenomenon that elicited caution at the very least. The parsonage basement had been made into a living area with one large room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Definitely, a pretty nice place to head for in bad weather and safety when tornadoes were spotted. I got sick in Kansas and was soon wheelchair-bound.
Was it the difficulty in getting the wheelchair down the stairs that kept us upstairs because I really don’t recall times we headed for the basement? Or was it because I spent much of our time in Kansas at rehab centers in Arkansas and Minneapolis?
In Iowa, we headed toward an interior room as we did once our family moved to Kearney, NE so I could attend college. After my husband Keith and I married, my brother built us a house geared toward my limitations. That meant no stairs and no basement.
When sirens warned of a tornado, I’d grab the kids, the pets, the radio, and snacks and hunker down in the main bathroom. It was the safest place as it was in the center of the house and without windows. (Keith was generally at work when sirens sounded.)
Storms and tornadoes tore off screen doors and damaged the roof—more than once. Thick branches were ripped from our trees. But we remained safe and thankful.
April 2024, we had a Scheidies’ weekend gathering. Keith’s siblings, kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids gather at the farm on Saturday and at the Mitzi Pavilion for Sunday brunch before everyone heads home to Colorado, Omaha, etc. This year, tornadoes hit hard sweeping through Nebraska. The Omaha area was hit hard. Our daughter and family live in Papillion.
Friday afternoon they started toward Kearney only to be warned about two tornadoes. Our son lives in Lincoln. Instead of continuing to Kearney, Kurt and Cassie and the kids diverted to Chris’ house to wait out the worst before continuing to Kearney.
It was tense. We covered them with prayer when they got back on the road. Cassie sent a photo of a tornado they missed by minutes. Despite the storms and rain, everyone got to the gathering safely and made it home safely. The weekend was a good time for catching up, hugs, and bonding with food, games, and fellowship.
Tornadoes are unpredictable in our environment, but our lives are also filled with tornadoes—those circumstances that throw us off our plans or bring pain or other tragedies in our lives. Even during our reunion, we thought about Keith’s brother Mark as the date marked when he lost his life to a freak accident. His wife Jenni remembered with tears but has also moved on with life and love—as Mark wanted.
Even in times of turmoil, we need to be careful not to wallow in the past. Grieve, deal with the situation, and cling to hope and faith. Let others come alongside. One step at a time, we can move forward and walk into a new tomorrow.
(c) 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Column published Kearney Hub 6/8/2024
https://kearneyhub.com/eedition/page-a4/page_04798001-befd-56a7-afbe-76ebc2f149c8.html
The Truth About HOPE
Hope is what keeps us going
when all seems lost.
Hope is what keeps us from giving up
…despite the cost.
Hope is not a feeling
…to be mustered at will within.
Hope is God’s voice
drawing us to Him.
I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16:8-9
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
From When It Hurts
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Darkest Hour
Photo by Talha Imam on Unsplash
Sometimes in that darkest hour
When our hearts are bowed with pain
We’re open then to listen
Call on Jesus name.
For when the heart is broken
We’re ready to receive
The healing touch of Jesus
and His peace which heals
and sets us free.
(c) 1994. 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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WINGS
A crutch I find,
Is crucial for the less-than-able,
(Like me)
But I Am Thankful
Christ
Did more at Calvary
Than provide a prop;
Jesus gave me wings,
And taught me how to fly.
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
From When It Hurts
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God’s Toddler
Step by step
Falling, getting up
Trying again
Moment by moment
Day by day
Learning to trust
Hesitantly, slowly
Letting go fear, failure, self
Giving Jesus full control
To peace and hope and life.
(c) 1994. 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Low Road
Photo by Michael Pointner on Unsplash
Foundering on the low road
in Satan’s quagmire of
Darkness and destruction, I despair
But—by His power, Jesus lifts me up
Holds me tight and sets me free
to travel the King’s highway
To light and love and life.
(c) 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Do We Trust Him in the Dark times?
When the day is darkest
When the rain begins to flail
Don’t give up whatever the circumstances
Just call on Jesus’ name
Even in the darkest hours
When vision is obscured
Jesus asks us to simply trust
Rely upon His Word
For Jesus is trustworthy
We need not fear the night
For as the Promise Keeper
Christ turns darkness into light
(c) 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Mother’s Day, Father’s Day—Both important
We celebrate Mother's Day with lots of promotions to honor our moms with all sorts of gifts and recognition. The advertisements can be rather overboard because Mother's Day brings in big bucks for businesses.
Of course, we should honor our moms. I have no problem with that. I support honoring mothers. Most work hard, love their kids, and greatly sacrifice for their well-being.
Besides, I am a mom. Of course, I want to hear from my kids on Mother's Day. 2024, my daughter called in the morning before church. Their family celebrated on Saturday because their 7-year-old daughter, our granddaughter, was having medical procedures on Monday and wouldn't be eating from noon Mother's Day until her procedures were finished at noon Monday. Her mom, in solidarity, chose not to eat either. How can one not see the love and admire that sacrifice?
We'd gone to church. Keith brought in lunch, so I didn't have to cook or fight crowds — just relax. He knows I like hats. He bought me two.
My son called later that day. Our kids don't live in Kearney and have their own families. The calls were like bookends encapsulating a special day. In between, I received other greetings from those close to us.
Yes, Mother's Day was special. As it should be. But, shouldn't Father's Day be special as well? It takes both mothers and fathers to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. Yet fathers don't get the hoopla mothers receive.
They should. Without my father, I would be a very different person. I needed my father's strength and wisdom as well as my mother's. Advertisers don't seem to put too many of their advertising dollars or attention into Father's Day. We should. Fathers are critical. God created moms and dads as protection and provision for vulnerable children. Parents are far from perfect, but most do their best.
We celebrate Mother's Day. Let's also be sure to celebrate the Father in our lives who made a difference. So for Father's Day, visit, call, send a card, text.
Let him know you care. Let your parents know you are thankful and grateful for the life they gave you. Celebrations help us remember. Honor mothers and fathers not only on their special days, but also on every day of the year. Now is the time. Love them well, while they are still here.
© 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies Published Column Kearney Hub 5/30/2024
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https://kearneyhub.com/moms-dads-days-important/article_c405a05c-8812-510b-a98d-96c4c2206f66.html
The Mask
Photo by John Noonan on Unsplash
We hide behind masks
Grotesque plastic falsehoods
In our deep hurt wonder why
No one reaches out
As we retreat
Yet Jesus reaches out
A still small voice
Offering hope, healing and life
In responding
Gain confidence
To drop the mask
Learning to live
In the light of His love
Finally, abundantly
And truly free.
(c) 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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The Work of the Spirit
Photo by Tamara Bravo on Unsplash
As a desert storm
Uncovers buried skeletons
So God’s convicting Spirit
Uncovers sin buried deep within
And sets me free.
As God’s Spirit
Wafts through my heart
Like a refreshing breeze
Debris from my past is swept away
Refreshing my inner being.
As a Winter storm
Creates beautiful snow sculptures
So God’s Spirit
Reforms my life
Into a masterpiece for Him.
(c) 1994, 2024 Carolyn R Scheidies
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