11/15/22 11/15/22

Blog Bio: Joy and Strength

Recently we attended our youngest grandchild’s 4th birthday celebration. I took lots of pictures. The celebration guests were family, cousins, little friends, and their parents.

Zeke isn’t just into dinosaurs, he knows the different names. If you show him a picture of a dinosaur and say, this is a dinosaur.” He’ll say, “No, that’s a..” and provide the specific name of that particular dinosaur. It is the same for trucks and construction equipment. He’s four! No wonder his cake was topped with construction equipment and dinosaurs.

Of course, he received toys he enjoyed from trucks, including remote-controlled ones, to a walking, roaring dinosaur. There was much laughter and smiles as he opened his gifts, said thank you, and gave hugs to the giver.

Overall, the party wasn’t about cake or gifts. It was people who cared about coming together to bring joy to a little boy. The house was filled with joy. Zeke shared with his sister and his guests.

There was joy in that house. We love to visit and not only for birthdays or holidays. The home is filled with smiles and joy. A testament to parents who love and share Jesus, who is the embodiment of joy.

We are blessed. I am thankful true strength isn’t in bullying others or in focusing on things instead of individuals. Strength comes from a joy that radiates from deep inside as we follow Jesus as Lord, Savior, Friend and guide.

God’s Word says it best. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10c

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10/19/22 10/19/22

Blog Computers, Frustration and Gratitude

***Photo by*** ***Glenn Carstens-Peters*** on ***Unspl**ash***

How many of us get frustrated with our home and work on computers, not to mention phones and iPads? We grumble because they are too slow. Then there are the error messages that drive us nuts, often, because the error messages don’t make sense or don’t provide enough information to correct the problem. As for battery life, there is never enough.

I take battery life seriously. In my purse, I carry cords and a plugin for my phone and iPad. I have any number of chargers. On one trip to our daughters. (It was Keith & me, Kurt & Cassie and her family, Kurt’s brother Grant & Tami and kids, and Tami’s mom visiting.) For some reason, I packed all my chargers. When the electricity went out in much of the Omaha area, my charges kept our phones going.

For all the frustration, it dissipates when I recall the early days of personal computers. We had tapes instead of drives. Those first computers didn’t even have hard drives and the first ones would horrify today’s users who expect mega gigs of storage. We couldn’t afford the price of games for our kids so Keith, painstakingly, entered data from the magazines of the time, often taking more than one day to do so.

As for vulnerability, we didn’t worry about hacking. Shoot! We could lose data, even the whole computer when the lights flickered. A friend and I were working on their Apple C when the electricity went out. Scared us. While we were concerned about the newsletter we were working on, we prayed the computer itself hadn’t been damaged. For years, we were told to turn off computers if it stormed—especially an electrical storm. Now we do nothing. (BTW, the computer and our newsletter were OK.)

Today, we have great programs, lots of storage and, compared to those early years, our computers are lightning quick. I’ve decided when those frustrations come with my computer devices today, I need to remember, let go of my complaints and frustrations, and simply give thanks.

Maybe I need to choose to do the same with other complaints as well. It would sure lower my stress levels. How about you?

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8/30/22 8/30/22

Long Term Friends

Thankful for Jeff & Gloria and other dear friends.

I am thankful for long term friends,
The kind who rally round
in times of trouble,
Who don’t expect a return
For their efforts or time,
Who give with a hug and a smile,
And give again,
Who cry when I cry,
And laugh with, not at me when I laugh,
Who make me want to give back in return
In time of hurt and need.
For, together, we make the world
A better place,
because We are friends.

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7/14/22 7/14/22

Spring, Summer and Fall disappear in a blink. How we live matters.

Here it is the middle of July. More and more I am amazed that time can disappear so quickly. It certainly doesn't feel that half of 2022 is already history. How can I possibly be in my 70s when only yesterday I was in my thirties having and raising children?

I remember my pastor dad changed pastorates every few years. Our family moved from Canada, which I remember mostly from things my folks and older sister told me, to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, a great place for this would-be cowgirl, Kansas, where I finally got my horse--and got sick, to Iowa and finally to Kearney NE so I could attend college--in a wheelchair.

We also traveled, going south to Texas, across to California to visit many of Dad's siblings, and meeting cousins we didn't know until then. Like any child, I'm sure my parents heard, "Are we there yet."

That was something our kids echoed on trips to Colorado or Minnesota to visit family or to attend family reunions. Traveling as a child seems to take forever, but traveling through life is much different. When exhaustion dogs our steps and we still have kids and work and more with which to deal, one day seems like a hundred. On other days, when all is going well, time is our friend. Children change everything.

Suddenly time begins to move faster. We watch our children grow and at times we blink and they've gone from toddlerhood to teenagers. Keith and I are now dealing with adult grandchildren as well as young ones. Life. Where did it all go?

But as fast or slow life passes us by, it isn't the amount of time that matters as much as how we live each day. The Bible clarifies how to live life to its fullest and it starts with making Jesus the center of all we think see, say, and do.

"Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. "--Ephesians 5:15-20 BSB

Living life with a sense of thankfulness and gratitude will make even the bad days better.

Thank you, Lord, for today, tomorrow and for time to honor and follow You. Amen.

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6/14/22 6/14/22

Blog Bio As siblings, we debated with fun, respect

When we were kids my younger brother and I often started arguing over nothing. One of us would say, “No.” The other would say, “Yes.” and off we’d go. At times, we might even switch sides. We did it for fun. As we grew up we debated all sorts of things going on in our lives from chores to things we learned in school or church. Our older sister sometimes joined our “discussions.”

My dad had been a medic close behind the front lines in WW 11. Mom had an accounting degree and managed a firm of doctors or lawyers (I never remember which) in Minneapolis. They married after years of living on their own. Our parents were strong independent individuals who were not afraid to stand up for their point of view. Dad became a pastor and mom became his helpmate. Dad preached. Mom was a musician who played piano autoharp and accordion. We served small churches that took the abilities of both of our folks.

We grew up understanding the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. We also knew God’s love and the care of our parents who listened to us, spent time with us, read to us, and loved us. They also expected us to use our minds.

We learned if we wanted to present a case when we got into hot water, we’d better have a good argument and points to back up our side. If we truly were in the wrong, we might have been heard respectfully, but there were still consequences. Most of the time, we really couldn’t talk ourselves out of serious trouble.

When I was in elementary school in Wyoming, we had one TV channel and our time watching was limited. We didn’t have a telephone until a year before we moved to Kansas. Instead, we played board games, spent time with friends, and read--we all became readers and enjoyed debating.

Even as adults, Karin, Paul, and I would debate--each convinced the opinion held was correct. These weren’t physical fights, there was no name-calling or seething with anger. We enjoyed debating, discovering where our siblings were coming from, and, maybe, even scoring a point or two in our favor.

We have always been very different individuals, raised to think for ourselves. Sometimes one of us would play devil’s advocate. My brother’s wife would leave us alone when we got into it. She’d shake her head, saying if her family did this, they’d never talk to each other again.

Of course, we discussed politics, which was rather amusing since, as conservatives, we were pretty much on the same page. We just had different ideas of how to accomplish what we felt needed doing.

Today many don’t read. They do more interacting on their cell phone than in person. Few know how to interact without anger. We learned and grew from our discussions because we stayed on a topic, not on personal attacks. We also actually enjoyed the time spent together.

My brother is gone now. While my sister and I talk about different topics, political or otherwise, we don’t get into debates. It isn’t fun anymore. With a generation who seems bent on allowing anger to drive their actions, explode whenever someone disagrees with them and seek to stifle open and honest debate/discussion, I wish they could learn that tolerance for different points of view shouldn’t be stifled.

America is supposed to be a place of freedom of speech. I’d like to see others enjoy interacting with ideas without put-downs, anger, or seeking to cancel out the opposing point of view. Maybe then we’d become a more unified and caring country once again.

Scheidies column published 6/13/2022 in the Kearney Hub

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6/14/22 6/14/22

Blog Bio Time for a Different car

Little did we know, in an accident, this car helped protect us.

After Keith retired several years ago, we were able to purchase the car of our dreams. Most of our married life we had old cars that didn’t stress out our extremely tight budget. It felt good to be able to purchase something better. We found a car both of us could get in and out of fairly easily. Though, of course, we cared about what was under the hood, we were excited that we found a car that worked in “our” color—a deep burgundy red. I also loved the heated seats.

That car gave us good service and we never stopped liking that car. However, we are older, we don’t bend as easily. Also, we needed to keep our front seats back. That meant we basically had very little room in the back seat. Certainly, it wasn’t comfortable for adults. Keith needed a car that was easier to get in and out of without pain. Further, we planned to vacation with friends in August, now that they are also retired. Our car would not do.

Finally, we headed to Midway after lunch. Keith made it clear to the salesman assisting us that we weren’t planning to buy that day. We were simply in the looking stage. In his office, he brought up a car meeting our requirements. And it was red. You bet we’d take a look.

The more he talked about the car, the better it seemed to meet our expectations. Yes, getting in and out went well. The sticker price was a surprise for that much car, which was only couple years old. Wow! Our drive was great.

Who knew God would make sure the very car we needed was on the lot—let go by a couple who, after buying it, sold it back because they had been assigned to go overseas as missionaries. So, instead of looking at other cars, we found ourselves back in the office filling out a pile of paperwork to purchase the car.

The car now sits in our garage, and we can’t believe the speed with which this went down. We expected a drawn out process, but God knows our abilities and energy. While I doubted we’d find a car we liked and in our color, God smiled and blessed us anyway. How can I not trust He cares.

I am thankful for our new-to-us car.

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5/28/22 5/28/22

Remembering—Memorial Day 2022

The first Memorial Day I remember was as a first or second grader in Siren, Wisconsin. We were given flags and taken to the cemetery. We watched as the uniformed veterans stood proud and brave for a 21 gun salute. My dad Rev. William Fredrickson, a WW II vet, stood with the other vets. He’d explained why. Back then our people and culture understood the sacrifice. We honored those lost.

While we don’t worship our ancestors, as some cultures do, Memorial Day has expanded to include all our departed loved ones—not only our veterans.

My brother was the youngest of we three siblings. Paul Fredrickson always felt he had to watch over his older sisters. Yet, January 8, 2019, God took him home first. Suddenly Karin and I were two instead of three. We, his wife and our families were devastated at the unexpected loss.

Friday, hubby Keith and I bought a basket of red and white flowers to put on his grave. Yes, my brother and I would argue, sometimes even yell at each other. But we loved each other. He was there in so many ways when I or our family needed him. Flowers seem a small remembrance for a life time of memories.

Miss you, Paul.

Carolyn R Scheidies

4/18/22 4/18/22

Blog The Next Step

I was talking to a friend who’d stopped to pick up a couple of copies of my latest book. Neither of us are spring chickens anymore and we’ve both been through rough waters in our lives. We’ve dealt with loss and health issues and more. Those circumstances take a toll on a person, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

She spoke of her last health issues that left her drowning in hurt and sadness, especially considering she still deeply grieved the loss of her dear husband. I am thankful I still have my husband, but in the last couple of years, I have lost a brother, a brother-in-law, and my father-in-law—none to covid and all unexpected. It hurts. Add that to both my husband's and my health issues, grief and/or pain and limitations can send one spiraling into depression.

There are times we all need someone to talk with and sometimes that person may be a health care professional. I have learned to appreciate these counselors since my daughter became one. My friend agrees, but also said moving on is a choice, sometimes a very hard choice, but still a choice. Sharing our heart with someone is a start to letting go. Books on grieving can be helpful. Simply choosing to get up each day can be a start in the right direction.

Then it is getting dressed. Getting out of the house. It is calling, texting, and emailing when one needs a friend. It can also be praying, being willing to ask for God’s help, or even yelling at Him. Anger is a stage of grief from loss or difficult circumstances.

It is also choosing to realize you are not alone and others, too, suffer, providing an opportunity to reach out. No one grieves or moves on in the same way, and what she concluded may not be pleasant or easy but is nonetheless true. Moving on is a choice and if we chose to simply do the next right thing, take the next step, we’ll make it through.

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3/25/22 3/25/22

Devotion Choice to do Right

Read: I Peter 3:10-18

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit: --I Peter 3:18

How often do we use “Christian” jargon either to excuse our behavior or (maybe unwittingly) confuse others about what we mean? It is easy for some of us who grew up in the church to use such terminology as “Jesus forgives sins”; “Jesus paid the penalty for my sins” or “He took my place.”

We spout spiritual-sounding words such as the following: new birth, salvation, sanctification, and the much-used phrase--”Asking Jesus into your heart.”

These may have meant something significant in our lives. But as time passes, we tend to lose sight of what this terminology once meant to our faith and to our walk with Jesus. We lose sight of the deeper meaning and forget those who do not know Christ may have no clue what we’re talking about when we use such phrases as worn idioms. Why should they? We’ve forgotten.

Jesus Christ, Lord and Creator of the entire universe, loved each of us so much that, when He realized what a mess we’d made of our lives and His beautiful world, He made a critical choice. He left His power and glory to be born into our world. He lowered Himself to our level. He lived as we lived, felt as we feel. He struggled with the same temptations, enticements and sins that seek to entangle us. The difference? He knew God’s Word. He chose to say, “No!” over and over again. He used Scripture to foil Satan at his own game.

Because Jesus said, “No!” to sin and temptation, He didn’t have to suffer consequences for His own sin-- He had none. It meant He could, and did, choose to take the consequences for our bad choices. He chose to take on Himself the punishments and consequences we rightly deserve. He allowed Himself to be tortured and murdered-- for you, for me, for our sin.

We do not need to castigate ourselves over sins for which we’ve regretted and for which we’ve repented and turned away. Jesus forgives all those sins, bad things we’ve said, thought or done. He took our punishment and set us free of the guilt. Our part is simply to accept His gift; a gift freely given, which cannot be earned.

Jesus made the sacrifice for one reason. He loves us. He created us and desires a personal relationship with each one of us. He wants us to follow Him, that He might give us the deep, rich life He has planned for us. Jesus accepted death, that He might conquer death, evil and hell. Those of us who choose to follow Him, He offers His peace, hope, new life today and a place with Him forever in heaven.

He doesn’t want robots. He doesn’t force me to serve Him. With His death and resurrection, He provided us a choice. We do not have to choose His gift of forgiveness, guidance, hope and life. There is always choice to make. We never lose our right to make choices that either bring us life and light or selfishness, heartache and, ultimately, separation from Him. Satan entangles, manipulations, entices and intimidates. Only Jesus offers choice. Only Jesus offers true freedom. The choice is mine--yours.

Thank you, Father God, for the gift of Your Son. Help me commit or recommit my life to You. Help me not merely spout words of faith, but live them out as a follower of Christ. Help me make choices that lead others to You. Amen.

Meditations: Monday: James 4:1-8

Tuesday: Revelation 2:1-7

Wednesday: Matthew 27:15-25

Thursday: Luke 18:18-30

Friday: Revelation 3:14-22

Saturday: Hebrews 25

From LISTEN! WHO ME?

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7/19/21 7/19/21

Devotion Poetry Look Up

And when these things begin to come to pass,then look up, and lift up your heads;for your redemption draws nigh. —Luke 21:28

Grain glistens golden in the scorching sun,
Promise of a bountiful harvest.
Like a stately procession
The long stalks wave in the warm gentle breeze,
And only the farmer's frown
Hints at the disaster he sees.
For, under the sun, hot and dry,
Stalks shrivel, slowly die.
Day after day the farmer searches the sky,
Prays for clouds to darken,
Bows in gratitude as rain falls.

Like the ripening grain, we
Like everything to be
Sunshine, not realizing it is through
The storms of life that we
Most often grow, and thus
Produce fruit,
For Him.

Help me, Lord, not to be unfruitful or to complain when things don't go my way. Instead, help me lift my eyes to You and wait for what You have for me. Amen.

From Journey of Faith
(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
Print and Kindle versions
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1/4/21 1/4/21

Poetry Victory

Lord Jesus,
Let cold hearts be set afire,
By the desire,
Not for money or for power,
Not for ambitions of the hour,
Not for perverted greed,
But instead to heed your call,
To share with all,
Your message of love and hope and peace,
Freedom at the foot of Calvary.
Amen.

But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. —Matthew 6:33
(C) 2016, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
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From Journey of Faith

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