Leave with a smile...

I heard Carolyn died today and I felt sad.   But then I thought of Carolyn and I smiled.  I thought some more and I laughed.   That was Carolyn.   When Carolyn entered the room, everything became brighter and smiles appeared on everyone's face.   She had the heart and soul of an Irishman and the blarney to go with it.  I met Carolyn almost 30 years ago when giving a training class for hospice volunteers.   She and her sister Jean were the modern version of Laurel and Hardy and I was the young, oh so serious, nurse.   Although I tried to give serious lessons to the group, the two of them would invariably have everyone laughing.  Knowing a good thing when I found it, I put them in charge of volunteers.    Over the years, we all went through many life changes but I could always find Carolyn with a smile.   Each time I chatted on the phone with Carolyn we ended our conversations with Good night and God bless and of course, love you.   For along with smiles and laughter, Carolyn exuded love.   She encompassed everyone within reach into her world of love and laughter.  Life was a party and she was the hostess.    Although Carolyn has gone on to meet her beloved sister Jean and her soulmate and husband Hank, she will not soon be forgotten.   For Carolyn has indeed left us smiling...

Whoever Believes...

I heard that we can't do a community based Christmas show as the participants were a bit unwilling.   While I don't know the exact responses or phraseology, it went something like...  The Catholics said no as it is a Protestant-sponsored enterprise.   The Methodists said not if it's the Presbyterians.  The UB church said our people can participate but we won't support it.  The CMA church said if all the other churches agree to do so, we will too.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever..."   Whoever?  Not Protestant or Catholic.   Whoever?  Not Presbyterian, Methodist, or Anglican.   Whoever?   Not  CMA, UB, or Wesleyan.   Whoever?  Not male or female.  Whoever?   Not rich or poor.   Whoever?   Not white, black, or yellow.  Whoever...

But I'm wondering when we get to the pearly gates, are we going to say, "Sure, I'll stay, but only in the Presbyterian section".

It's only temporary...

I can see my neighbors fussing with their yards as I watch out the window.  Trimming the hedges, mowing the grass, painting the trim, and repaving the driveways.   Many hours seem to be spent on these tasks, perhaps even more than are spent on enjoying the results.  I see them hop into their cars, SUVs and trucks, going shopping and bringing back the next best thing. 

I wonder how much time is spent in prayer, how much in praise, and how much in thanksgiving.  

All of these other things are only temporary, and I wonder how much time is spent in preparation for an everlasting life.

Misinformed

I have found that if the conversation includes "I read it on the internet", the validity of the statement is suspect at best.   It appears that you can find almost anything on the net, whether it be fact or fiction.   I read once that history is written by the victors.   I'm afraid for our generation, it will be history was written by anyone with a computer.   I read on the internet that the Obama administration stopped off-shore drilling after the BP accident.   Several weeks later a judge overruled the injunction and allowed drilling to proceed.   The internet headline was Obama administration allows off-shore drilling.   There's a big difference between being overruled by the justice system and allowing something to occur.   If I was one who only read the headlines my perception would be skewed.   Even sites like Wikipedia that supposedly give correct definitions of words and events can be edited by anyone.   You can add any information you want to their definition as long as you provide some personal data.   While they do correct any misinformation by removing it once found, how many people have read and been misinformed before that actually occurs?   I recently read a book, Caught by Harlen Coban, where a man's life is totally destroyed when accusations appear on the internet.   Although the accusations were totally fabricated, it was too late to alter the outcome once they were published.   People read it and people believe it.

My grandmother use to say "A picture is worth a thousand words, but..."    I wonder if she would agree with that today as even pictures can be altered in so many ways.  

Misinformation can come in so many forms and from so many directions, it takes a discerning mind to filter out the garbage.   Some days it makes me very afraid.

"Letters to God"

I have watched the movie "Letters to God" twice this week. Yes, it's definitely worth a second view. It is great to find a movie that is not only unashamed to talk about God, but actually pushes us to a stronger belief. The characters in the movie are as common as anyone in any neighborhood, the good and the bad. The hero of the story Tyler, an 8 year old boy suffering from terminal brain cancer, truly exemplifies the description of "God's warrior" as bestowed upon him by a friend's grandfather. We see how his belief and his strength affect all those around him from his rebellious older brother to the drunken mailman. The movie makes you laugh, smile, and yes, cry. It makes you think about your relationship with God and how you react in difficult situations.


So, dear reader, if you're bored or even if not, I recommend you watch this movie. Watch it alone, watch it with a friend, watch it with family, but watch it.  I might even watch it again tonight.

Blogging

Someone once told me that blogging is the new vanity tool.   That causing others to read what you have to write, and being published instantly whether good or bad is a not necessarily beneficial to society.   Oh well, I guess only time will tell.

So what shall I write about?  Having lived over half a century I have many experiences to relate.  Being part Irish gives me many stories to tell with lots of embellishment.   Living with MS gives me another perspective as does living with two cats.   Having worked as a waitress, a nurse, a hospice coordinator, a computer instructor, a programmer, an analyst, and a consultant gives me even more.  Of course with hobbies that include crocheting, knitting, reading, and guitar playing I can think of even more ideas.   I can write of the love of Christ, politics, or simple pleasures.  

So Aunt Leda Says?   Well, I guess you'll have to come back and see.