Category Archives: Special Interest

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Impromptu Thanks when It Matters

Life is becoming a varied, challenging, deep, and complex mystery. The more I live, the more the world seems to morph and change. Yet, the things that matter the most seem to remain the same. Take health for instance. We were all very involved with health as the mystery of the Covid made it’s rounds. To take the shot or not meant a great deal to some of us. You were either on one side of the issue or the other. A lot of division happened as a result. In my family and other families, we didn’t see the Covid issue the same…and we still don’t. Some deep hurt was caused around the world, no matter which way the virus was seen. It was a problem, a bothersome and complex problem.

Some issues are that way. There isn’t a clear understanding in regard to the task. Those of us who are Christians speak fluidly but differently regarding the way we react to the problem or mandate. We take different views, of course, when the government implicitly tells us to do the required test or mantra. The real problem is that we don’t like to be told what to do when we are unsure of the consequences. Christians have to learn all they can to be able to make educated decisions. But sometimes, we remain confused, concerned, indifferent, or unhappy.

My family means so much to me

Sometimes you don’t realize just how much your family means to you. I was ill this year and my siblings came to help me out. They call me. They encourage me. They have helped me. They’ve been so good to me. I do what I can but they help me where I am weak. It is kind of neat that God gives us different gifts. We use the gifts according to where they are usable. I saw this so clearly when my parents health was in decline. Everyone rose to the occasion. Yes, there were differences. Yes, we looked beyond the differences to help them. Yes, at times it was awkward or difficult. But, yes, we managed to deal with it despite the awkwardness. You only have one family.

My children mean the world to me

Lately, more than in the past, my own family has come to my aid. Why? Because I needed it. They stepped up to the plate. They helped me organize my walk. Which means, they knew I needed help. My daughters, one in my hometown and one in Florida, helped me when and where things were difficult. They charged ahead, kindly and fully, They were there for me. They still are. My sons also came along side and helped me where I needed it. It was remarkable. I’m very grateful that God has given me such wonderful grown children.

My friends make the days better for me

You know, my friends make a difference. I go to church with some of my friends. It’s a joy like no other. My book dinner ladies got together a couple of weeks ago. We quit reading books a year ago but it was a complete, beautiful blessing to be together once again. Friends matter. We need our friends. Friends help us. We laugh, cry, share, give, help and so forth. I love my friends. They mean the world to me. I’m anxious to see them again. It is good for our soul when a friend lifts us up.

My prayer requests keep me focused appropriately

One of the strange things about being sick was I couldn’t pray nearly as much as I was used to doing. The problem was that I couldn’t concentrate worth a darn. My mind would wander. I couldn’t keep in focus. Thankfully, this is changing now. I tried to improve, but it was quite difficult. I love praying. I love focusing. I love the richness of ever-deepening faith. There are different types of prayers. Some are fairly light and others are exceedingly deep. Some prayers are complicated and take much sternness to complete. But all are beneficial. All Prayers Are Beneficial!!! Today I came across a prayer I prayed back in 2020. It went like this: “I praise you for this day. When I speak praise, pray praise, think praise, truly, it feels like praise releases something in me that I’ve not experienced before.” Try it, you may like it!

My difficulties make me appreciate living

Difficulties are a part of life. You can’t get away from them. However, there are many ways God helps us through the difficulties. Long ago, when I had three kids, not five, I had a nervous breakdown. It was terrible. I had to quit my job as I slumped into a depression. My nerves were so messed up that I couldn’t even drive a car or shop for the family. I had been through a lot with my husband and it was just too much. It took me four years to bring myself back. I couldn’t go to a counselor. We didn’t have money for it. As I traveled that journey, the Lord became exceedingly close and precious to me. God used it though it was hard. I’m glad for the things God taught me during that time period. God gave me a precious gift despite the pain of the moment.

My positive thinking helps me understand the problems

While I was making my way through the desert, God started to teach me many things. During a time many years later, He awakened my spirit. I learned by asking God to teach me. He taught me many wonderful truths. I started writing a journal. It was amazing the things God was teaching me. I learned that He is more interested in our devotion to Him than of our doing many things for Him. God is interested in us; He really, truly and abundantly is. God is making us into the person He created us to be. That is an amazing reality. Sometimes we just have to crawl through the difficulty, but God knows what He is trying to teach us. Turn to Him. He awaits your turning. He holds our hand.

My troubles transform into blessings as God manipulates them

So often our troubles are a pain that we can’t get rid of. We try and try but they don’t seem to give. Why is it this way? I can give you guesses but I really don’t know. It does seem as though He strips what we depend on until He has our full attention. He wants us to listen. He desires our love. He keeps us from stumbling. He helps us. Now I’m not quite seventy but I’ve learned quite a bit that I want to share with you. It’s really all about God. God is a gentleman. He won’t push His way in. We invite Him in. He makes His Way easy to understand, but He waits until we are ready to listen to Him. Aren’t you thankful He is this way? Don’t despair if you are discouraged. He understands. He will keep you. You are the apple of His eye.

I want to leave you with this thought. For three years during the worst of my journey, when my life was a wreck and I had been left, God told me one, and only one word. “Trust.” I had to learn to trust. My marriage was over. Trust. My kids were hurt. “Trust.” The job had ended. “Trust.” How were we going to make it? “Trust.” Would we have enough money? “Trust.” I learned to trust Him for my going and coming. I’m so glad I did.

You can too.

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Thank You, Teachers

Today I am going to do a ‘throw back’ to 2022, when I asked my readers to share a time when they were given something special that meant a great deal to them. This one is provided by a friend from years past. He sings beautifuIly. He takes us there when his teacher made a difference in his life.

In His Own Words

“I was a sophomore in high school and feeling very unsure of myself when she walked into the classroom. Immediately she took command of the class and demonstrated that she and only she was in charge.  It was obvious that she was accustomed to excellence. She put together some of the finest choirs and choral groups I’ve ever heard.  She also was one of the finest vocalists I have ever heard even after 45 years.  She played the piano and showed her competence. The way that she approached her directing made you want to trust her implicitly.  She was one of the first persons who ever helped me believe that I might have a talent or ability that could make a difference to somebody and affect their life in a positive way. 

“She showed me that with proper technique and hard work I could develop my ability in a way that could help me feel like I had value possibly for the first time in my life.  Mind you, it wasn’t because I had a great voice.  My voice was mediocre at best.  However, she showed me how to sustain a note and present a song in a way that could connect with the listener.  She taught me to see things in a bigger way.  A note was not just a note.  It had a shape and she taught me how to hit it with a full tone at the upper part of that note maintaining a tone and pitch that allowed me to go from note to note and sing the phrase precisely without sliding up to the note or singing under the pitch. 

“She showed me how to use crescendos and diminuendos vocally in a way that added emotion to the piece that I was singing so that it could engage the person listening on a personal level.  She taught me diction and projection and so many other things vocally, but she did so much more.  She taught me to project confidence and helped me to believe in myself in a way that I never had before.  She taught me to carry myself in a way that made others believe that I was competent even when I was feeling a little uneasy on the inside. 

“She also showed me what it meant to have a passion for something and compassion for people.  She took time with me outside of regular class time to help me become better as a vocalist, a performer and ultimately as a person.  She showed me my potential and helped me get a vision of how I could reach that potential.  She also gave me opportunities to develop my ability and encouraged me to participate in opportunities like solo ensemble festivals and summer honor music school that would help me grow in my abilities and hone my craft.  Now, more than 40 years later I still use many of the things that she instilled in me and I try to pass some of those same things on to others. At that time, most people saw her as just a high school choir teacher. 

“This week, as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week I want to thank all you teachers out there who give a part of yourselves to your students.  Who help them see and realize their potential and then help them strive to achieve that potential.  You are a special kind of person and even when you don’t feel like you are, you are appreciated.  I wish I could have communicated to a high school choir teacher named Mrs. Wendy Ross how much she was appreciated and I hope I can communicate to every teacher who reads this that you also are very appreciated in a way that causes you to never doubt that fact.  If you are a teacher on any level to any age group, you are special and though it seems like such a small thing to say, I want to tell you thank you for all that you do.”

😊 Virgil 5-5-22

We All Have Something To Give

Virgil says it well. In fact, he shows us via our mind’s eye what it is to demonstrate the gift of caring that reaches into another person in a meaningful way. I’ve heard Virgil sing. God has given him a unique, beautiful and penetrating voice. I loved hearing him sing for many years. In fact, some thirtyish years before I learned of this story. Teachers have a unique place by being the present person for many students. Most of us have a way we can bring the joy of personhood as a gift to someone who needs it. Let God use you, and He will. He will bring miracles in unique and unperceived ways. Trust Him to do this for you. You’ll be glad you did. You might even share your story with this group. We will be encouraged if you do.

Thank you, Virgil.