Article on The Muffin blog

     You may be interested in reading my article on keeping a journal of joys that was published on The Muffin blog on the WOW-Women on Writing website.
     Follow this link to read it: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/.
      I hope you will start keeping a journal of joys.

DAYDREAMS! DAYDREAMS!

It’s times like Mother’s Day that remind me how much I miss being near our children and grandchildren. As great as my hubby made my day (and he pampered me royally), I missed seeing my children and grandchildren.

I have pictures of the grandchildren as the rotating desktop pictures on the laptop. I love seeing their sweet faces when I use the computer. I ache to hold them in my arms. I look forward with eager anticipation to the time this summer when we can visit them again. I already know it will be too short a visit, but it will be wonderful to have a few days to spend with them.

In my daydreams, we live much closer to where they live. I daydream of living close enough to visit every few weeks and to have them visit us from time to time. I daydream of being together on some of the holidays and of celebrating special occasions.

However, daydreams are just that—daydreams! For now, I must be satisfied with looking forward to a summer visit and to phone calls.

I continue to look forward to my daydream becoming reality. I will not give up on my daydreams!

Question: What are your daydreams? Share one daydream you hold on to in anticipation of it becoming reality?

 

A TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND, MAY KINCHELOE

May Kincheloe
August 20, 1920---June 10, 2013

           Did you ever meet someone with whom you felt a kinship right away? Well, I did. Her name was May Kincheloe. Little did I realize that autumn evening in 1975 the influence this woman would have in my life.

          Soon after we moved to Twin Falls, ID, we applied to be foster parents. A social worker named Erma Shropshire asked May to give me a ride to a foster parents’ meeting. After the meeting, May and I sat in her car in front of my house and talked for over an hour.
        I can’t really say what it was that made me feel close to this woman I had just met; but I felt comfortable with her and felt I could talk about anything. Maybe it was because she was the same age as my oldest sister or maybe it was our mutual love of children. Whatever it was, it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that lasted more than three decades.

           When I met her, May and her husband, Harvie, had reared their three children who were all married with their own children. As empty-nesters, May and Harvie became foster parents and they had a small in-home daycare as well.
          As I became acquainted with her,

PERFECTIONISM--THERE IS HOPE

I propose starting a new self-help group called-Perfectionists Anonymous—PA for short. Those attending the meetings could call ourselves Recovering Perfectionists—RP’s for short.

            Can’t you visualize the meeting in your mind’s eye? It goes something like this: 

Scene:  a local fellowship hall.

The refreshment table is covered with a dark green linen tablecloth, adorned with two or three color-coordinated platters of cookies and a beautiful pink and green centerpiece.  Coffee and tea served from stylish silver carafes by the hosting members.  (What else would perfectionists do when hosting a meeting?)

The meeting is called to order by an impeccably-dressed chairperson who asks for volunteers to share their struggles with perfectionism.

Being serious about recovering from my own perfectionism, I stand and say, “Hello, my name is Carolyn and I’m a Recovering Perfectionist.”

“Hello, Carolyn,” the group replies.

I continue my confession. “I don’t know when I first became a perfectionist. Maybe it goes back to my childhood when I felt compelled to get straight A’s in school so that I’d feel worthy of my family’s love. And ever since then I have to fight these urges to do everything just perfectly.”

From across the room I hear a couple of ladies whispering and I just can’t stand it.

“Excuse me!” I say and glare in their direction. “It seems some people have forgotten their audience manners here. Would you ladies please have the courtesy to listen while I share my struggles?” I force the words through gritted teeth.

Realizing I’ve slipped off the recovery track, I stop abruptly to apologize. “Oh, please forgive me! I am really struggling with my perfectionism today.”  Then I sit down, humiliated by my outburst as several people try to comfort me by telling me they understand my struggles.

            I think PA meetings would be well attended as there are lots of perfectionists in this world. Many of us are also trying to overcome this malady and can use the help of those who understand this condition.

            It just seems to me that perfectionists would welcome a self-help group.  After all, being the perfectionists we are, we would know the best way to handle things to recover from the malady, don’t you think?

            I am happy to report that I am making some good progress in my recovery.  How do I know this? Well, here are a few examples of my successes:

☺    I can let dirty dishes set in the sink for a couple of hours before I’m compelled to wash them.

☺    I can wear the same blouse twice before putting it in the wash.

☺    I can go a whole week without dragging out the vacuum to do the floor.

☺    I can sleep in until 8:30 or 9:00 AM without feeling a need to be “up and at ‘em.”

☺    I can play computer games for an hour and not worry about wasting my time.

            I am being rather successful with my battle against perfectionism, don’t you think? Therefore, I can probably be a good help to other perfectionists who wish to get into a recovery mode.

            Do you struggle with perfectionism too?  Well, fear not! No doubt you’ll soon find a PA Meeting popping near you. YOU are not alone. Perfectionists of the world, there is hope!  Join Perfectionists Anonymous now!  It’s time to recover!

MONSOONS REFRESH THE PARCHED EARTH

     Yesterday we had our first big rain of the monsoon season. The season officially began a few weeks ago, but it has not produced much rain until now—a few short showers that passed quickly.  Yesterday we had a heavy downpour for a few minutes and then a good rain continued for perhaps half an hour.  Today the thunder and lightning is promising more of the same.  That’s good for the parched earth needs moisture badly.  

      Wow! It was so good to have the rain pouring onto our dry landscape.  The garden plants and the grass basked in the moisture and they soaked it in thirstily.  How refreshed they were in this torrent of moisture from the heavens. 

     Sometimes I feel so dry and thirsty in my spirit and so needy to experience a new deluge of God’s love. In those times, spending a little time reading God’s Word and meditating on all He has done for me brings me refreshment.  I am renewed with the flood of realization that I am so blessed to have my Lord Jesus as my companion and guide along this journey we call Life. Through all the ups and downs in my life—and there have been many—He is there guiding, encouraging, and loving me as no one else can.  

      These monsoons remind me of God’s love flooding over my soul and replenishing my spirit.

      Thank you, God, for the monsoons.

"Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”  Acts 14:17

S. Carolyn Lewis

©2012

My Long-Lost Cinquain Verses

Have you noticed how much “stuff” we accumulate as we travel this Road of Life?  It’s ridiculous how much of that “stuff” we hang onto until we die—even though much of it will have little or no meaning to those we leave behind.  Our families end up disposing of most of these things because they don’t mean a hill of beans to them.  It’s just a big burden for them.

So, I am sorting through some of our boxes of memorabilia to purge items that I know no one will want after I’m gone. In my sorting, I came across an old notebook of my musings. As I looked through the personal essays, a myriad of memories bathed my heart. (Can’t part with this one yet.)  As I neared the back of the notebook, I discovered several pages of cinquain verses I wrote following a writers’ conference about 18 years ago. 

If you aren’t familiar with cinquain verses, a cinquain is a five-line poem with a specific pattern. Each line has a prescribed number of syllables and purpose within the poem.

I decided to share a few of my cinquain verses with you. I hope you enjoy reading them. Most of them are untitled, but I did write titles for a few of them. 

My cinquain verses:

Dogwood.

Crosslike blossoms
Etched with scars of dark brown,
Reminding the world of Christ’s gift—
New Life.

Easter.

Glorious day.
Blessed, hallowed, joyous.
Filling hearts with resurrection.
New Life.

Prayer.

Intercession.
Praising, thankiing, pleading.
Communication with my Lord.
Quiet time.

Christmas.

Jubilation;
Exciting elation;
Celebrating Jesus’ birthday.
Holy.

Pastor.

Faithful servant
Loving, giving, caring.
Ministering to God’s people.
Shepherd.

Wedding.

Sacred event
Uniting and blending,
Making two spirits into one.
Blessing.

Sunset.

Fiery, flaming,
Drawing night to its breast.
Making my heart swell at it’s beauty.
Awesome.

Willow.
Graceful bower
Flowing, wafting, reaching.
Giving respite to the weary.
Haven.

River.

Westward traveler.
Gurgling, swirling, splashing.
Wending it way through the canyon.
The Snake.

Lily.

Regal blossom.
Trumpeting simplicity;
Displaying royal elegance.
Graceful.

Parrot.

Marvelous Bird.
Squawking, chirping, preening.
Exotic jungle denizen.
Gorgeous.

Oak tree.

Tall majestic.
Lifting limbs to heaven;
Sturdy roots drawing in earth’s strength.
Mighty.

Nature’s Terror

Typhoon.
Angry, fearsome.
Whirling out of control;
Wreaking havoc in its pathway.
Madness.
 
Winterland
Snowflakes.
Feathery fluff.
Swirling, twirling, drifting
Making fields into fairylands.
Crystals.

My Suncatchers

Prisms.
Rainbow makers
Shimmering in sunlight,
Suspended by my window pane.
Jewels.

King of the Desert

Eagle.
Majestic, proud;
Soaring, gliding, floating;
Presiding over the desert.
Regal.
 

Goodbye, Jeffrey, I'll see you again soon!

Jeffrey (center) with his children.

 

Life has a way of surprising us when we think things are going well. That’s what happened in our family last week. 

My nephew, Jeffrey, died unexpectedly in his sleep.  He was only 58—that’s eleven years younger than I am!  Wow! What a shock for all of us.  Like many people, Jeffrey had a few health issues, but he was doing fairly well in controlling them.  To have him suddenly taken from us is like a sock in the stomach.

I remember when Jeffrey made his debut into this world.  It was the winter I was ten going on eleven. My sister Louise and her family had moved to Portsmouth, VA a few weeks earlier.  She returned to our house shortly before Jeffrey was to be born. She wanted dear old Dr. Sox to attend her when she gave birth. She and the two children she already had stayed with us until after she gave birth and was ready to return home.  I was excited to have my niece and nephew to play with and I remember helping Mama tend to them when Louise went to the hospital. 

I can’t say I remember a lot of specifics about that time, except the day Jeffrey was born.  I remember the story that was told about his birth.  Evidently when Jeffrey was born, Dr. Sox held him up in front of himself and the baby urinated down the front of Dr. Sox’s clothes. With that, Dr. Sox exclaimed, “Well, it’s a BOY!” and everyone in the delivery room laughed.  

We laughed and delighted in telling this anecdote of Jeffrey’s birth for quite a while after his birth.

I didn’t have a lot of contact with Jeffrey after we grew up. I moved away from the East Coast area and he was away in the army.  I do remember Jeffrey coming over to Mama’s house a couple of times when I traveled back to NC to visit Mama.  What I remember most about those visits was how proud Jeffrey was of his family and how he liked to take lots of photos of everyone. 

In recent years, Jeffrey and I corresponded by e-mail. Through these I learned he was quite interested in the politics in his area. He put his concerns into action by running for sheriff a few years ago even though the opposing political party had a larger number of voters and he knew it would be hard to win. While he made a good showing, he did not win, but he stood up for what he believed was right and honorable. 

Last year my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Jeffrey and his family (as well as other NC relatives and friends) when we traveled through North Carolina.  We enjoyed learning about Jeffrey’s current pursuits.

He proudly shared the manuscript of a novel he had written and hoped to get published. 

He also took us on a tour of Fayetteville and especially wanted to show us the Veteran’s Museum.  He was proud to be a Veteran.

He shared some of his concerns about local educational problems and said he planned to run for the school board.  He did run; however, the night of the big debate for school board candidates was the night his father was taken to the hospital very ill. Jeffrey made the choice anyone who puts family first would have made—he left the debate and rushed to the hospital as soon as he learned.  His father passed away a few days later. Jeffrey lost the election most likely because he left the debate, but he did not regret going to his father’s bedside because family was his priority.

There are many other examples I could give of Jeffrey’s devotion to family and country; but, suffice it to say,  he tried to be the best son, brother, father, and grandfather he could be and that he tried to live his life honorably as an American patriot.

In addition to a large family that loves and misses him, Jeffrey leaves many good friends from his community who will miss him as well.  We all mourn his loss. 

When someone is taken suddenly from our midst as Jeffrey was, we are reminded that life is fragile. No one  has any guarantee of length of days. People of all ages die every day. What we can do is be sure we are ready to meet our Lord at any moment, for we could be standing before him in the twinkling of an eye.

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”  --1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

I am thankful that I came to realize my need for a Savior many years ago.  I have the comfort of knowing that, when my time on this earth is over, I will spend eternity in heaven with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I will see Jeffrey again when I get to heaven.

How blessed we are that while we were dead in our sins, Christ died to redeem us. He died for all of us and, by his fulfillment of God’s law, we are saved for all eternity.

“For just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [Jesus] the many will be made righteous.” --Romans 5:19

 It’s already done, folks!  Jesus Christ did it for us sinners.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. --Romans 5:8

The only thing left for us is to believe in him.

 “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21

Have you realized you need a Savior? Jesus died for you too. Recognize him as your Lord and Savior and be at peace with him. Be ready to stand before him, for you do not know when your appointed time will come. 

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” --Romans 10:9

What if you die tonight and stand before God.  How will you answer when he asks you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?”?

Perhaps the following verses will be beneficial to you in understanding the answer to that question:

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” --Philippians 2:9-11

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” --John 3:14-18

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”  

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” --John 14: 1-7

 “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” --Acts 4:11-12

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” --Acts 16:29-31

 

“But now apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” --Romans 3:21-23

I hope YOU know the answer because I want to meet YOU in heaven someday.

Where Have All the Ladies Gone?

     Lately I’ve been wondering whatever happened to genteel breeding and refinement?

     So many of the younger generation act, dress, and speak as though these qualities are a foreign language. If you have followed the postings of a few twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings on Facebook (or other social websites) for a few weeks, perhaps you have wondered too.

     I remember when young women comported themselves as ladies. It was a time when no self-respecting person would use the crude language in a public setting that is so prevalent among the younger generations today. It was a time when a young woman spoke and dressed like a lady. Her spoken and written language was devoid of the foul language that abounds today among the young people. Her clothing was demure, keeping her body private instead of wearing such skimpy apparel that very little was left to the imagination. Many young women today go out in public looking more like streetwalkers than ladies.

     I find I am often amazed at the way people show themselves in public. It is common to observe young women with very low necklines revealing much of their bosoms to the public. Many wear clothing so tight it looks like they have been melted like wax and poured into their clothing which adheres to every curve and cranny. It is quite prevalent to see young women who appear to make no attempt to hide bra straps under skimpy blouses and who wear cropped tops and hip hugger pants that reveal a lot of their torsos. There is little or no modesty shown in their apparel.

     Do you remember a time not so many years ago when pregnant women wore loosely-fitting clothing? Today I often see pregnant women wearing tight form-fitting tee shirts that accentuate their pregnant belly. I’m not sure whether they are announcing to the world that they can actually produce offspring or if they think others will find them sexy. Such flaunting of the pregnant body convinces few people that they have good taste in their personal appearance.

     It seems that good manners and good breeding have been neglected for several years now. It is blatantly apparent every time one ventures into public areas. I long to see young women who show they respect themselves by dressing with modesty and who show they are intelligent by choosing clean, decent words to communicate their thoughts. Anyone can dress like a streetwalker and talk gutter talk, but it takes a real lady to exhibit elegance and refinement in how she presents herself to the public day by day.

     I think being a lady in word and deed is a worthy goal for any woman. I encourage young women to transform themselves into real ladies.

The Unsought Role of a Lifetime

Mary has been cast in a role she never aspired to play. At this stage of life, she had envisioned spending her time in many other ways, but the role was given to her anyway. It is not an easy role to accomplish. It requires much study and her full commitment of time and energy. The scenario changes often and she experiences frustration as she tries to figure out what is needed from her to work through each scenario change.

She is tired and would relish a few days to herself to just rest; but, there is precious little time for relaxation—even if she could get her body to relax under this stress. However, she chooses to give this role her all-out effort and to remain positive and upbeat as she goes about her assignment.

You may be wondering why on earth she continues in this role that demands so much of her. She is honoring a vow she made more than 65 years ago when she married. Like many people in this nation, she has taken on the role of “caregiver” to her spouse who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago. She stays true to her promise to “love and honor” her husband in sickness as well as in health. She tries to help him to live each day to the fullest degree that he is able. For as long as she can manage, he will live at home with her and not in a care facility; however, this takes a great toll on her personal well-being. Many of the activities she would enjoy doing must go to the bottom of the list or fall by the wayside. With the demands of her role, she simply doesn’t have the time or energy to do them. She is lucky to get a few undisturbed minutes for her daily devotional reading.

Yet, in the midst of all this, she is inspired to use her God=given talent in writing poetry as He puts the thoughts into her head. Recently she wrote two poems that are especially meaningful for those who live with Alzheimer’s disease on a daily basis. She has granted permission for me to share them here to edify those who are cast into a similar role in life. We hope you will be encouraged by these thoughts.
 This one is written from the viewpoint of the person who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.


I’m Still Me
(Joy’s Journey)

It creeps in slowly, as the fog on the shore,
Until—one day the “normal me” has changed.
Some THING seems to have stolen my brain
And all the neurons have been rearranged!

The “old me” is slowly ebbing away
And the words often come out wrong.
I cling to my humor, at least I try—
Maybe I could put my words into song!

 I try to accept this as a challenge
Or just another road with a bend.
I need your help, understanding, and love.
Most of all, I need you as a FRIEND!

I don’t realize that I really forget
And things often get “out of whack.”
I will make things up as truly real
And sometimes I’m really off track.

I need you to know that I’m really trying
And sometimes I simply just can’t!
Look for the few moments when I’m “me” again
And past the times that I “rave and rant.”

I refuse to get angry at this each day,
For I know that God is ever beside me.
He never promised me days always bright
But that He would never, ever leave me!

So walk with me through this grim journey.
Guide me gently along the rough spots.
Hold my hand, encourage, and love me,
For in this we can’t always “follow the dots.”

Mary Andresen © June 26, 2010

This one is written for caregivers.

Promotion

You have just received a promotion,
And it’s one you never expected.
You never wanted this to come your way,
But it seems you’re the one selected.

There are plenty of books and directions
To assist you as this journey you start;
But I think the best advice you will find
Is to simply “Listen to your own heart.”

You see, this involves a valued loved one
Who deserves nothing but the very best.
There will be trials and many frustrations
And days when you think you’ve failed the test.

Realize that confusion often reigns
And sometimes you simply cannot break through.
That’s when you push your ‘slow down’ button
And let gentleness and patience be a clue.

Never point out the things now done wrong—
Just slowly turn the attention elsewhere.
They already know they are very confused,
So love them and show how much you care.

At times this ‘new life’ will not be easy—
We were never promised only smooth roads.
But the Lord did promise to be with us
And to always carry part of our loads.

Have you figured out your new title?
It is only given to the very best!
Patience and love are the rewards,
So count yourself VERY TRULY BLEST!

Congratulations, you’re now a CAREGIVER!!!

Mary Andresen  ©August 3, 2010

To learn more about Alzheimer's disease, go to http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

IMPORTANT RECALL NOTICE

Today in my inbox I found an interesting recall notice. I decided to post it here for you to read. Thanks to my friend, Bev, for sharing it with me. I hope you find it helpful. Here is the message I received:
RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter his Kingdom so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail' because He Lives!

Character Witness

A few months ago at the urging of a family member, I got myself a page on the hot little social media website called Facebook. I had been looking for a way to involve some of the younger relatives in keeping in touch with us and this seemed a good way to connect with them. Many of the younger generation seem to really be into Facebook and such websites, so I surmised they might be more likely to communicate with me if I ventured into their world this way.

I’m still learning about the different features of Facebook, but I have mastered how to become Facebook “friends” with someone, how to read and send personal messages, and how to read postings of my “friends” on my News Feed. What I didn’t realize was just how much I would actually learn about my “friends” from their Facebook postings.

Some of the things people post on Facebook amaze me. Either I’m older than dirt (could be true), I grew up in a Victorian era (life was more genteel then), or I’m really out of touch with socially acceptable language and topics these days (very likely). Don’t people realize that when they post something on Facebook or any internet website, it’s there for everyone to see and will be from now on? The language I see in some postings makes me wonder where people’s heads are.

Some time ago I learned that TMI means “too much information.” TMI applies to a lot of things I’ve seen posted on Facebook.

For example, why would anyone need to know what’s happening in your sex life? TMI! That is very personal information that I don’t need to know about you. I would never even consider sharing with a good friend what is happening in my sex life, let alone putting it on the internet for the world to see. That is private business between my husband and me. No one else needs to hear about it.

For example, why would anyone need a picture of your child on the potty? TMI! The poor little one will be so embarrassed when someone pulls out that picture that is still floating around the internet years from now! Do people even think how their postings may embarrass their children in years to come?

I also wonder about the quality of their education when I see the way many of them spell. Perhaps the craze of texting messages on cell phones has also taken its toll on correct spelling of words. Whatever it is, it bothers this retired teacher to see misspelled words. I get the urge to post a correction right there after their comment, but I usually restrain myself (in case you're worried about being embarrassed by me).

Well, I may be bordering on being old enough to act senile, but good manners are still good manners whether it is on Facebook or in any other social setting. I’ve been trying to think of a way to tackle this topic and find a solution to such lapses of decorum. Here are some thoughts that popped into my head:

I wonder how the thirty-or-forty-something generation would respond if their parents starting using similar crude language as many of them have taken up? If you have adult children who have taken up crude language, why not give them a bit of their own medicine next time you are with them and see how they respond? This could be especially effective if they’ve never heard you use such language. They might pause and think about their own words.

How would this group react if their own children spouted off to them using the same crude language their parents use? Would they laugh about it or discipline the child? (I hope they would not laugh.) Would they be embarrassed if their children told intimate private details of their family life to their school classes? That thought conjures up some interesting pictures in one’s head, doesn’t it?

We all would be wise to remember that everything we say, do, and write is a witness to our own character. Being mindful of that, we must consciously think “What witness of myself do I present to my family, my friends, and my community?”

I hope you can feel proud of the witness you are giving to your character and that the character you display is a good example to others.

Snowy Day Memories

Well, the snow has started. There's a forecast for a monster snowstorm promising record snowfall here in the Stafford area over the next two days—perhaps up to three feet. Everyone has been warned to have plenty of supplies on hand for four to five days. This area is not used to getting much snow and it will take days to plow the roads to allow people to get to businesses again.

“Wow, this is gonna be a real zinger!” I’m thinking. “We could be marooned up here on the hill for most of the next week.” I’m wondering if I’m ready for this challenge. It would be easy for one to go stir-crazy in these small quarters if one is basically a captive.

Our little group of Laborers is huddled up here in our RVs on the hill at the construction site where we are helping to build a new church. Our lane from the main road to the site is at least the length of two football fields, maybe longer. None of us expected this kind of weather when we came to Stafford to help build the church. The locals tell us there's already been more snow in the past two months than they usually get all year, not to mention the additions promised this weekend.

Thinking about big snows brought up memories of a big snowfall when I was a child.

It was that awful "winter of ‘48” that we hear people talk about from time to time. I was six years old that winter and we lived just outside of Pine Level, NC on a small farm. One morning we awoke to see lots of snow and snowdrifts out our windows. It was more snow than I had ever seen in my short lifetime.

It wasn’t too long after we ate breakfast until my two older brothers bundled up and went out to play in the snow. Soon their friend Bobby came with his sled and the boys began riding down the snowdrifts on Bobby’s sled. They were having loads of fun and I was stuck in the house with no friend to play with in the snow.

Feeling sorry for myself, I bemoaned the fact to Mama.

“Put on your coat, gloves, and kerchief,” she told me. “I’ll go out and play with you.”

I hurried to bundle up as Mama put on her warm clothes and out we went. We decided to make a snowman and started rolling snowballs to get them large enough to create a big snowman. As we rolled the balls, we decided maybe we should make it a snow woman instead; so that’s what we did. To my six-year-old eyes, she was a magnificent lady. I was sure we must be the only ones who had ever made a snow woman. In my mind’s eye, I can still see her standing there in the backyard keeping watch over the kitchen door.

Later that day Daddy got into the fun. He gathered a huge bowl of clean snow and made a big bowl of snow cream. Then he took several small bowls from the cupboard and he parceled the snow cream out into the smaller bowls. Next he went to the cupboard and brought out the bottles of Watkins flavorings he had bought for Mama when the Watkins man stopped by. He added a different flavoring to each small bowl. We ended up with strawberry, coconut, pineapple, and several other flavors. I was sure we had the best snow cream of anyone around.

Big snowfalls like the one promised this weekend remind me of these special times. Such memories are precious—that’s all we have of Mama and Daddy now that they are gone.

What memories do big snowstorms bring back for you?