Blog Bio Seasons, Life and Attitude

Didn’t the year 2022 just begin? What whirlwind happened to send us into the future at such a dizzying pace? A day might seem to go on forever at times until you blink and the day, a week, a month has whipped by.

Winter, Spring, and Summer three seasons disappeared into the past. We held celebrations of birthdays and graduations, had a Scheidies family gathering, and much more. Our youngest granddaughter had her first dance recital. To which, of course, both sets of grandparents came to town to attend, converging from Kearney and Minnesota on Papillon. My husband Keith celebrated his 70th birthday with family and friends. Our oldest granddaughter graduated from high school so, of course, we had to celebrate that milestone.

I look back at days of sunshine and storms. Days when I got things done and days when one thing after another interfered with my schedule, leaving me frustrated, and wondering where all the time went. The cold of winter finally eased into the panting heat of summer. Short sleeves helped cool us off. Yesterday I realized we are, already it seems, heading into fall and winter. I woke up cold. The weather reported temperatures in the 70s, but not until late afternoon.

No, the morning was in the 50s and 60s, when, as I pointed out to my husband, we’d be going to church. No short sleeves for me. Brr. I wore a warmer long sleeve turtleneck covered with a flannel vest. I was still cold. Before going out I added a jacket and kept it on all during church. The year is moving on and at warp speed. I cannot stop time or the clock. We were young not so long ago. Now we are old. We had energy to burn, but not so much now. Much has changed.

However fast or slow life happens, I can still meet each day with gratitude. I can count my blessings. From this vantage point, I realize how even difficult circumstances helped me become who I am and were the foundation for many blessings I enjoy today.

My life is centered not on the passing of seasons, years, or time, but on a faith that guides my todays and my tomorrows. Whatever the date on the calendar, I rise with a verse on my tongue, “This is the day the Lord has made, we (I) will rejoice and be glad in it.” —Psalms 118:24 NKJV

An attitude of gratitude makes all the difference.

(c) 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies

Kearney Hub Column Published 9/20/2022

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Blog Brand Names, School and Lessons Learned

Here it is August already and we’re headed into fall. Families with kids are gearing up for school. This means shopping for school supplies, clothes, and shoes. Every year this becomes more stressful and expensive.

I remember school shopping and some memories aren’t good ones. Our budget was stretched thin with children, then teens who preferred brand name clothes when we hardly had a Walmart budget. It might sound out of line for kids to want brand-name items, but I early realized why, especially since my son really cared nothing about such things—at least not for its own sake. No, those with brand name items made the wearers “cool”, “in” or whatever they were called at any given time.

Kids not wearing brand-name items were put down, teased, and, often, bullied. One year my son and I actually got into a yelling match in Walmart over shoes. That’s not something we ever did before or after that. I am glad that for us, those days are behind us. For one granddaughter those days are just beginning.

I knew brand names really weren’t either the problem or the solution. My husband and I tried instead to instill in our children that they were special creations of a loving Lord. They had value and worth simply because they existed. That God loved them as they were. We tried to instill confidence and a willingness to be and to think independently, even go against the crowd when the crowd was headed the wrong way. We taught our kids not to bully and stand up to those who were.

Our children may not have had fancy clothes, shoes, or school supplies, but they learned lessons of caring, kindness, independence, and faith that have stood them much better as adults than brand-name items that lasted a very short time.

The very best thing we can provide our kids is a foundation of faith in the one who is the essence of love--Jesus Christ.

© 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies

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Blog Ugh! DST

I really do not look forward to Daylight savings Time (DST). It is humans seeking to change the natural order of time to suit the perceived wants of some. Whatever the truth, I remember as a kid learning about this change in time in the spring.

I heard that DST was passed to give wealthy golfers more time to play golf in the daylight. Now, I realize this was probably a sarcastic viewpoint. But I understand the sentiment.

We lived in Wisconsin when I became aware of DST. Wisconsin is the dairy state with herds and herds of dairy cows. From time to time, I had the privilege of staying with an aunt who lived on a very small farm. She milked several cows. Those cows had a milking schedule.

When their udders were heavy with milk, they were anxious to enter the barn where my aunt milked them. At times, I even got to holler at them to come—and they came.

DST meant twice a year, herds and herds of Wisconsin milk-ready cows had to be milked an hour earlier or later, depending on the time of year. Like that was going to happen. Instead, it was the farmer who had to completely change his/her schedule to match a nature-bending schedule.

We’ve grown up with DST. Other than when we must change the clocks Spring or Fall, most of us groan, lose sleep, get a bit confused and simply grumble. I wish DST would disappear.

But in light of all the other serious situations we’ve been facing, DST is down the list. Meanwhile, I’ll suck in a breath and hope my aging body and mind will adjust once again. Welcome to DST.

© 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies
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