Think on Good Things exists to simply share positive, funny, and uplifting stories and information of people, places, and things. Thinking on Good Things can provide a boost for any day! I hope you enjoy!
Leaves are falling from the trees steadily in the Ozarks right now. Yards and sidewalks look as if they are covered with brilliant confetti… The leaves skitter and slide and dance about as the breezes come and go – and the landscapes have taken on a warm, cozy glow.
Some trees are still green, others are displaying their autumn brilliance, and a few have already shed their leaves completely in exchange for their crisp, stark winter attire.
There are joys to be found in the changing of seasons – brilliant beauty to be searched for and seen….and if we embrace it – there is also childlike fun.
Walking down a sidewalk on a day such as this – do you…
carefully walk around the leaves keeping the dust off your shoes?
walk by them without even paying attention?
shyly or quietly walk through them, celebrating them just a bit but hoping no one will see?
Or….embrace the moment and happily and intentionally crunch, crunch, crunch through the leaves taking a moment to celebrate the noises they make and the feel of them crackling beneath your shoes?
Or perhaps – drag your feet happily – kicking up the leaves with a flourish on each step – not caring who sees you in your own little celebration of autumn fun?
I vote for the celebrations of choices “d” and “e” myself. Who says you’re only young once? Have fun and celebrate! Whatever you do – find your joy!
I said a little prayer for Mrs. Hunter Gates and her family this week. I guess that’s a little strange because I’ve never met Mrs. Gates, never spoken with her, and in truth I know almost nothing about her. In fact, I am not even certain that she is still living…
Okay, let me back up a bit…
I really enjoy cooking, and I like trying new recipes. It’s popular today to find recipes through internet searches – and I know that can provide a real convenience … .but for me, I much prefer tried and true recipes when I can….recipes that are shared from people – family, friends, or even strangers. Recipes that are handed down through generations – that have traveled with families as they moved about, that have been saved carefully because they are important. The connections these recipes provide make preparing and enjoying meals all the more significant and special. For example – baking a Mexican Chicken casserole using my Mam-ma’s recipe adds a whole new dimension to the cooking experience….connecting me to her, to all the times she baked and served and enjoyed that same casserole to dear family and friends…connecting me to wonderful, loving memories. I can close my eyes and be transported in my mind to her kitchen – smelling the wonderful smells and feeling the love that she shared.
Preparing my “Creamy Tacos” recipe given to me by my mentor teacher, Marti Hancock, early in my teaching career connects me to her…..and to my teaching team at Branson Cedar Ridge….and to all the wonderful memories of my students during those years when I was learning the craft of my profession.
When I make baked eggs for breakfast, a unique and delicious recipe from my cousin Nicki Jean, I am reminded of all the Beeson quail breakfasts on Christmas mornings in Hattieville through the years – the first place I ever tried baked eggs…and it makes me smile and be thankful for those wonderful times.
When I travel, I often search for a local cookbook to bring home as a memento of the place I have visited. Each region of the country has such unique food preferences, cooking styles, and culture. I especially like church cookbooks or junior league cookbooks….because the recipes in these are carefully selected by folks who have taken great pride in preparing unique and delicious dishes for family and friends. The recipes they have chosen to be printed are some that they consider their best….and they are sharing them to bring joy to others.
When I visited Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi many years ago (2008) for a t-ball tournament my nephew played in, I purchased a cookbook called “Southern Sideboards” which was organized and sold by the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi. On page one, it states that it features “tested recipes”….and boy, they weren’t kidding. First published in 1978, the cookbook was in its 17th printing and was listed as a “Southern Living Hall of Fame” winner when I purchased it. Of all my cookbooks, it has become one of my very favorites through the years, because it’s so reliable! Every recipe I have prepared from this book has been so good.
This week, I tried a new one – “Wild Rice Quiche” by Mrs. Hunter Gates. I was looking for a new quiche recipe – and this one caught my eye because it was so unique…..and because I love wild rice. It was very easy to prepare, and it turned out to be delicious. I will make it again! (That’s the mark of a good recipe for me – will I make it again? If the answer is yes, that means it’s a winner!)
Okay….forgive me….back to the beginning. Whenever my sweet Mother prepared a recipe given to her by a friend or family member, she tried to always say a simple prayer for that person….and she taught me to do the same.
A great cook herself – Mother would often be asked for her recipes – and she would gladly share them. Many years ago, she began including a handwritten note at the end of each one.
“Please say a prayer for me when you make this recipe.”
It was a simple request – but such a very powerful one. Can I be honest? When I was younger, I was a little embarrassed when Mother started writing the little phrase on her recipe cards. I worried (too much!) about what people would think of it….thinking perhaps they would think it silly or inappropriate…
I’ve grown up – and I do not feel embarrassed of it anymore. Instead, I am very proud – and very grateful for her example and the lessons she taught me!
In today’s world, social communication platforms, busy schedules, changing social norms, and even the media seem (in my opinion) sometimes bent on dividing us – on breaking down connections and in some ways even encouraging isolation.
Isn’t it much better when we enjoy, support, respect, and care about one another? More importantly, isn’t it a powerful and wonderful privilege and responsibility to pray for one another?
Many of us say a blessing over our meals, we pray for family and friends….and a lot of us say a prayer for strangers when we see an ambulance or emergency vehicle pass by. How fitting that we can also say a quick prayer for others when a trigger brings them to our mind….a trigger such as a recipe they have shared with us. I think it is actually a pretty great idea!
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working”
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
I was raised to be kind to others….not just to “be nice” when someone talked to me….but to care….to watch others in order to see when someone needed a kind word, or assistance, or encouragement. My parents showed me by example that we should help other people out whenever we can….and I saw each of them do this over and over and over again throughout my life…. They provided me with such valuable lessons, and I am forever grateful.
I don’t drive down highway 76 through Branson West, Missouri all that often….maybe a dozen times a year or so…..but every time I do I am cheered and encouraged when I drive past this Taco Bell.
In fact, believe it or not, I usually smile inwardly and actually feel comforted when I see it.
I know this sounds strange. It has nothing to do with Mexican Pizzas, or burritos, or nachos…. Let me explain…
When my Daddy’s Parkinson disease required him to enter a long-term care facility in Kimberling City at a much-too-young age, for several years (until he passed away) my Mother drove the 50-mile round trip to see him every day. (Every single day!) Daddy’s mind was as sharp as always, and his body was very strong – but his balance and coordination suffered greatly. After several incredibly hard, dangerous falls (with no broken bones ever, thank God!), it was time for some much-needed help.
We were very blessed that he was placed in a private room – and he and Mother would spend the days there together.
Each week, for a change of pace, they would load up in Mother’s van and go riding around for a while or go out to get a bite to eat. One of the places they loved going regularly – was the Taco Bell in Branson West. Going out wasn’t easy! The staff at the care facility would help Daddy get out of his room and safely into the van – but of course, once they left on these driving excursion adventures – they were on their own….
…but not really. Because there are kind and caring people everywhere – people who have learned to watch others in order to see when someone needs a kind word, or assistance, or encouragement….people who are bold enough to step in and take action to help. (This is still true today!)
When Mother and Daddy started going to the Branson West Taco Bell, she would get out and help him walk in – and they would enjoy their meal out together. It was their “date” day! On days when his balance was pretty good, not a lot of assistance was needed…..but as it got worse it became harder for one person alone to assist him.
Then one afternoon as I was driving home from work, Mother called me – excited to tell me about the day. They had gone to Taco Bell as usual, and the staff who had seen them come in each week went above and beyond. Mother said before she could get the van parked and get out to go around and help Daddy – two of the young Taco Bell employees were at his door, smiling and telling him that they would walk in with him. Daddy walked in safely with an employee on each arm – and my parents enjoyed their meal together.
After that, almost every time they pulled up at Taco Bell, employees hurried out to the parking lot to assist them.
It brought Mother and Daddy such joy. It made them feel cared about. It provided Mother with some caregiver relief. It allowed my very social father to make new friends. It was a wonderful, observant, caring act of compassion.
And now – almost 15 years later – the memory of all of those folks and their active compassion continues to cheer, encourage, and inspire me even today. The ripples of kindness that they showed over a decade ago are still active.
It makes me wonder- to stop and evaluate – what do I do each and every day to help those around me? What do I do to see the needs, to listen, to encourage, to support?
What kind of ripples am I making?
They last a lot longer than we can ever know. I want to be sure I leave good ones behind in my wake.
For a narrated version of this story – click below.
I grew up in the country – back in the long gone days when evenings were dark. Back then, homes and businesses and streets didn’t have dusk to dawn lighting like they do today – so the night skies were much more brilliant to see. Sitting out on the porch or in the yard on clear evenings to watch the stars was fascinating, because the natural darkness made the millions of twinkling sky lights gloriously spectacular to view….
…So, I have enjoyed stargazing since I was a child. I am always in awe of the many beauties and blessings God created for us to enjoy, and the night skies are one of those lovely wonders.
Last year, I was on vacation in Moab, Utah when I first heard about an organization called DarkSky International. This organization is a U.S. based non profit dedicated to restoring the nighttime environment, as much as realistically possible, through advocacy and conservation efforts…allowing people to travel and view and enjoy the stars in their full beauty. The organization certifies light-protected areas as “International Dark Sky Places” when strict guidelines are met.
Arches National Park in Moab offers a “Stargaze with a Ranger” program on summer evenings – and the program descriptions shared at the Arches Visitor Center made it sound incredibly amazing! On a clear night, the views of stars, planets, the Milky Way, etc. are apparently just mesmerizing. Unfortunately, since I visited in March, I was unable to attend one of the evening programs.
Within the over 3 million square miles of our 48 contiguous states, there are currently only 142 certified “dark sky” places in our country. Most of them (of course) are located in the western states where urban areas are limited and skies are already unaffected by city lights. However, I recently learned that there are a few certified dark sky viewing locations in some other states (see map below)….including one in my home state of Arkansas!
At Tyler Bend Visitor Center on the Buffalo River, the “Experience the Night Skies” program is offered every Saturday from late May to late July. This past Saturday, a couple of friends and I drove down for the presentation.
We arrived just before 9:00 p.m. and parked in the darkened parking lot. Red reflector style lights were in place on the ground to help visitors safely reach the visitor center. After we were all seated inside (there were about 20 people in attendance), Ranger Rory Lindbergh spent about 30 minutes teaching us about what we would be seeing. The room was darkened to allow our eyes to prepare to see the brilliance of the night skies. After the presentation, we had a short break then reconvened outside by the telescope the ranger had set up. Ranger Rory waited a bit to begin the program, to allow our eyes to adjust even more to the dark so that we could better view the skies. (Human eyes take about 20-30 minutes to reach maximum adaptation to darkness.) Then, he enthusiastically taught us about all that we were seeing – pointing out specific stars, constellations, the Milky Way, etc. When a specific star was discussed, we would then take turns viewing it in the telescope.
The presentation was fascinating and informative – but the starry skies were definitely the shining star (no pun intended) of the evening. I wish I could have photographed the beauty to share here- but every picture I took fell so far short of what we were seeing with the naked eye. It was definitely worth driving to Tyler Bend to experience.
If you live in Arkansas, consider checking it out! If you don’t, you can use the “Dark Sky Place” finder to locate an area near you, if interested!
There is now an annual Arkansas Dark-Sky Festival! This year, it is scheduled for September 26th – 28th at the Buffalo River International DarkSky park.
This picture of the night sky as seen from Tyler Bend was taken by Allen Staib and posted on the National Park Service website.
A television program called “The Children’s Hour” debuted on KYTV channel 3 in 1953 – actually only a few months after the station opened. Four years into the run of the show, a young woman named Norma Champion called the station to make an appointment with the general manager, Carl Fox. When she arrived, he mistakenly assumed she was there to audition for Children’s Hour. (She wasn’t.) He asked her to pretend she was selling him a tube of toothpaste….and so she did. He then pulled a book off a shelf and asked her to read aloud from it. Apparently she did well with the impromptu requests, because Norma Champion had a new job…..and “Aunt Norma” was born.
From 1957 to 1986, she was the writer, producer, and host of the popular show. (Wow!) For 13 years, the show was performed live five days a week. After that, it was taped and aired on Saturday mornings…….and so many of us loved watching it.
I remember the cute puppets Skinny McGinnis and Rusty Rooster, the wonderful castle, the drawings Aunt Norma taught us to draw, and the crafts she did….but I also remember her positive attitude, her caring nature, her enthusiasm, and the good example she provided for us all. She served as a role model for many of us – and she seemed to take the responsibility seriously.
Quoted in the Springfield Business Journal in 2014, “Aunt Norma” said “While the show did provide entertainment for children in the Ozarks, my primary goal for the program was educational. It was important to me that the show serve as a vehicle to instill positive character traits and a giving attitude in the viewers. I especially stressed that they could be tomorrow’s leaders. How affirming it has been to hear many local leaders stress how influential the show was to them during their developmental years.”
A woman of faith who desired to have a positive influence, Norma Champion has made a difference in many lives. According to her bio with the Missouri Broadcasters Association, when her own young children had all started school, she returned to college to earn a bachelor degree, then masters degree, then a Ph.D. From 1978 until 2010, she was a professor of broadcasting and communication at Evangel University in Springfield.
She has also served as a Springfield City Councilwoman, served in the Missouri House of Representatives, and in the Missouri State Senate. A long-time advocate for children, she introduced legislation to help kids in crisis, successfully passing the “Children In Crisis Tax Credit” which was later renamed the “Champion for Children Tax Credit” in her honor.
All of these accomplishments are incredibly impressive. She is definitely a woman who faces things head on and doesn’t let challenges or difficulties deter her goals!
Last weekend, I had the good fortune to meet Aunt Norma at the Webster County Library in Marshfield, Missouri as part of the town’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. I was truly so happy to meet her – and was also excited to see that she had brought along the little puppets Skinny McGinnis and Rusty Rooster. I actually geeked out a little! It took me back to my childhood – I had watched them all so many times.
Now in her early 90’s, “Aunt Norma” still exhibits the same caring, exuberance, confidence, and sparkle that is familiar to all of us who grew up watching her. She spoke briefly to the group of us assembled there – sharing interesting and fun memories of the show as we all listened happily.
During her talk, she mentioned that she had met a gentleman once who told her that watching the show as a child had meant a lot to him. “It’s funny – I always felt like you were really talking to me”, he said. Aunt Norma told him that in a way, she actually was. “I wanted the show to feel personal to each child. I wanted to truly connect with the children”, she said. “So, when I did the show, I always worked to picture in my mind the kids sitting at home watching – so that it would be as if I were talking straight to them.”
What a dedicated effort…and we felt it! How special!
“Aunt Norma” had brought colorful picture postcards of herself, Skinny and Rusty. She told us that she would be happy to sign them for us if we would like, and we all lined up! When it was my turn, she confidently signed my postcard, then handed her Sharpie pen to me and smiled brightly as she said, “Now, would you mind to cross the T for me? You see, I have low vision, so I am unable to see where to cross it.” I took the pen from her and carefully crossed the T as she had requested. “Did you do it?” she asked. I let her know that I had, and she took the pen back and thanked me for coming.
I have thought about the significance of that exchange. So many of us, when faced with a challenge, would stop using our gifts, our outreach – deciding that “we just can’t do “that” (whatever “that” is) anymore.” We might feel too old, or too inadequate, or too unable, or too tired…
But not Norma Champion! She is still serving as a positive role model, an inspiration to many. She is still showing up when called and still teaching us lessons.
Thank you, Aunt Norma. ❤️ We’re still watching and learning.
Sources:
Missouri State Senate biographies – https://www.senate.mo.gov/04info/members/bios/bio30.htm
Missouri Broadcasters Association Biographies – https://www.missouribroadcasters.org/hall-of-fame/norma-champion/#:~:text=Norma%20Champion%20is%20best%20known,program%20on%20KYTV%20in%20Springfield.
A few days ago, a friend of mine walked into a local preschool on a needed errand. As she entered the building, a little girl about three or four years old walked by. She was wearing a princess dress, a costume really, and bright, glittery boots. It was obvious she loved her little outfit and felt very dressed up, confident, and happy. In fact, she was proudly twisting just a bit back and forth to swish her pretty skirt first this way and that. Smiling and looking up sweetly at my friend, the little girl wanted to make sure her pretty outfit was noticed.
Bending down, my friend smiled back at the little girl and told her, “I like your dress”.
The little girl beamed happily and crooked her little finger, beckoning my friend to lean closer to her. “I’ll tell you a secret”, the bright, happy child whispered.
“What is it?”, my friend inquired.
Dramatically, the little girl leaned forward. “I have a bathing suit on under my dress!”, she said proudly.
“A bathing suit in January!?”, my friend replied, “Why are you wearing a bathing suit???”
The little girl cocked her head to one side, lifted her little finger up to emphasize her point, and with twinkly eyes and a bright smile she enthusiastically said, “Just in case!” Then she moved on down the hall with her class.
When my friend told me the story, I asked, “Just in case what???”
“I have no idea,” she said, “but whatever it is, she’s ready for it!”
I’ve thought a lot about this little girl. So often, we spend our days thinking about the responsibilities facing us, of the practical things we need to accomplish, and even sometimes of sadnesses and the worries and cares of the day.
What if, instead, we started each day with a happy “just in case” thought? What if we excitedly prepared for unexpected joys and searched for the blessings in each day?
In January of this year, I was sound asleep at home one night when I received word that my precious Mother had broken her leg and was being transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Having just recovered from COVID, I was a little wobbly as I hurriedly threw on some clothes and rushed to my car to make the hour-long drive to Mother. When I got to the emergency room, they had the leg stabilized and her pain controlled….but explained that Mother would need specialty surgery as soon as possible. The doctor said she would be transported to a bigger facility in Little Rock first thing the next morning. Mother and I settled in for the night – grateful (during heavy days of COVID) that we could be together as we waited.
The next morning when the EMT’s came to pick Mother up for transport, I told them I would be following all the way. I wasn’t exactly certain where we were going – so I knew I wanted to keep that ambulance in my sight on the drive….and I wanted Mother to know I would be close at hand. I planned on diligently following right behind. They loaded Mother into the ambulance, and I told her I would see her in Little Rock and that I would be praying the trip went well.
It’s funny how sometimes, even as an adult, we can feel so small, and lonely, and scared – like a little girl wishing desperately for someone to reach out and help us – but knowing we have to go on, to face whatever situation has presented itself, relying on our Lord to see us through.
That’s definitely how I felt as the ambulance carrying my Mother pulled out onto highway 62 just after 9:00 that Wednesday morning with me following. Less than one mile into the trip, the “low tire” warning light came on – indicating that my right rear tire was low. This immediately added stress to an already difficult morning – because I (of course) didn’t have time to stop and find someone to help me with the tire – I wanted to stay with that ambulance…..but I also knew I didn’t need to drive on a tire going flat! I didn’t know what to do or who to call, so I pondered it over and said a quick prayer….
As our tiny convoy headed through Alpena, Arkansas, I called Ozark Auto Body in Harrison about 15 minutes away. I quickly explained the situation and how I didn’t want to lose the ambulance, asking if they possibly had a pump to air up my tires. They assured me they would “be ready and watching for me”. I felt immediate relief, because I know the team of folks at Ozark Auto Body. They’re top notch – always incredibly busy (because they’re good!) and always providing reliable, honest service for their customers.
I was still concerned, however….. You see, Ozark Auto Body is located on the OLD highway that travels through downtown Harrison. The ambulance, I knew, would turn left and take the more direct route on the bypass – and I didn’t want to lose them. I had no choice of course – so I sped up a bit and passed the ambulance, trying to gain a little ground. I had gotten just a little bit ahead when I came to the intersection of Highway 65 and old Business 65. I stayed straight onto the old highway and in less than a minute I had my blinker on to turn right into Ozark Auto Body’s crowded lot.
Let me stop here a minute to say that I have never seen Ozark Auto Body on a weekday when it wasn’t busy – and this day was no exception. In fact, it’s often difficult to even find a parking place. On this morning however, as I flipped on my turn signal (before I had even turned off the highway), I saw Donnie running out of the building with an air tank in his hand….waving me to a place easy to pull in and easy to get back out on the road. Busy as they were, they truly had been watching for me. I had barely stopped when he started airing up that back right tire. While he was working with it, someone else was checking my other tires – and literally in just a few moments all four tires were aired up and safely ready to go – they quickly waved me on as I tried to thank them. I hurriedly pulled back onto the road and was on my way. It felt like a pit stop at Daytona – quick, efficient, and incredibly impressive.
I headed on, turned left to cut back over to the bypass, and pulled out literally right behind the ambulance as if it had all been perfectly planned. Isn’t God good?
I will forever be grateful to Donnie and the entire team at Ozark Auto Body. They have helped me out many times through the years, but none will ever stand out as much as that day. I teared up when I saw him waving me in that morning – pausing his very busy work day to have the air tank ready to go, to watch for me to arrive, and be ready to provide help. That lost little girl feeling went away as I was reminded that there are kind, wonderful people willing to give freely of their time just to help others.
That is an everyday hero – a true example of a glimpse of excellence.
I’ve heard the story of my birth for as long as I can remember…not that it was all that remarkable or out of the ordinary…it was just that my Mother liked telling the story and I loved hearing it. I was expected to make my appearance toward the end of April, 1967. On the afternoon of Friday March 31st, Mother drove to town for a checkup at the doctor’s office, a hair appointment at the beauty shop, and a few other errands. However, when Dr. Magie examined her, he said she needed to head on over to the hospital immediately because she was about to have her baby. Mother laughed, thinking he was joking. After all, I wasn’t expected for 3 more weeks – she had felt no labor pains – he was scheduled to go out of town for a short hunting trip (planned so he could be back for my birth), and she was headed to the beauty shop! She truly believed he was kidding with her. In fact, she told him she had a hair appointment and asked if it would be all right if she got her hair fixed and then head to the hospital. He assured her she needed to go straight there – so she called Daddy and Mam-ma to come join her, then settled in nervously and excitedly to wait. Dr. Magie was right – I was born just after 4:00 am the next morning, an April Fool’s baby who fooled her family by arriving a few weeks early.
As a little girl, I always smiled a big smile when Mother told me this story. I loved thinking I had played a clever trick on my family with my surprise arrival.
The hospital where I was born closed shortly after my birth when a new hospital was built across town. The beautiful old building sat up on a hill empty and abandoned for years. One day when I was around 8 years old, Mother drove me up that hill and around to the back of the deserted building. She said she wanted to show me something. We got out of the car and had walked only a few steps when Mother pointed up to the unique round balcony on the 3rd floor. “I walked out on that balcony the night before you were born and stood for the longest time praying over your life”, Mother said. “I just wanted you to know that – that I prayed earnestly for you before you were even here.”
Photo credit: Betty Patterson (Thank you, Betty.)
Even as a child, I was humbled by what she said – it seemed like such an important thing to me that day….and it still does. Every time I remember her words, I feel so honored, so blessed by her gift.
I just did the math – I have been on this earth a total of 20,290 days since my April 1 birth all those years ago – and I feel absolutely and 100% completely confident that my Mother has prayed for me on every single one of those days. What an amazing blessing!!!
So, my precious mother prayed for me before I was born and every day since then. I have never lived one single day on this earth without being covered by her prayers. Not one single day. What a difference, what an impact this has had on my life.
It made me thoughtful recently, thinking how I would miss those prayers someday when she is no longer with me…..
…but several weeks ago, Mother was talking to me and thanking me for helping her with some things. “I pray about your future”, she said, “and I’ve prayed that when you get older and perhaps need help, that there will be someone there to help you like you’ve helped me.”
She has prayed for my future! Those thousands of prayers have included specific, thoughtful petitions regarding challenges we all face in this life.
I firmly believe our wonderful, loving Heavenly Father hears our prayers – and I am so grateful that He does. I also couldn’t be more humbled or thankful for the prayers of a Godly mother, devotedly approaching the King of Kings on my behalf.
Thank you, Mother. I love you so very much. I am forever grateful.
I am continually amazed and grateful for the privilege of a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Reading in the Old Testament reminds me that, in order to receive forgiveness or make requests to God, people had to gather sacrifices, bring those sacrifices to the priests and then present their sins, their requests, etc. to God through that priest…..It was quite an effort and had to be done routinely.
BUT, because of Jesus’ loving sacrifice, we don’t have to do all of that! WE CAN SPEAK TO GOD DIRECTLY, ANY TIME WE WANT – AND HE HEARS US! We can ask for forgiveness for mistakes we have made, we can make our requests, we can ask Him questions, we can even talk to Him about our day. Think about that!!! Wow!!!
Often when I’m busy, I am tempted to neglect my prayer life….then I remember the unbelievable, overwhelmingly incredible privilege it is to pray…..and it helps me remember what a priority prayer is…
We are blessed to have the opportunity of relationship with Christ.
Anybody out there like fresh peaches? I know I sure do…..but I will never look at them the same way after today…..because I read an article by Cindy Lubbering, a home-town friend I have known for many years. She has written a beautiful, meaningful, and thought-provoking piece paying tribute to her parents….. but also providing a wonderful challenge for each of us…I contacted Cindy this afternoon and asked her if I could post her story, wanting to share with others, and she has graciously agreed. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. If so, please comment and let her know – or send me a message and I will pass it along.
The Peach Tree
Fresh Peaches
The Seeds We Sow
By Guest Writer Cindy Lubbering
When you first glance at these pictures you might think, ”What’s the big deal? Nothing special about a few peaches and a peach tree.” But to me, the tree and peaches have a far deeper and more profound meaning.
This peach tree grows just over the fence next to my parent’s home. It has grown in the spot where we tossed food scraps for years. Obviously, a peach seed was among those scraps at one time and happened to take root.
Frankly, I didn’t even realize the tree was fruit bearing until Gregg called it to my attention lately. He brought in the sweetest peaches I have ever tasted. Gregg told me that he picked them from my parent’s peach tree.
The tree that they never realized they planted.
Now this peach tree has been slowly growing through the years and finally bore fruit.
The tree got me to thinking about other kinds of seeds my parents unknowingly planted throughout the years.
They planted seeds about Jesus in the many, many three year olds that attended their Sunday school class for the more than forty years that they taught.
They planted seeds in the community, living and working among friends and neighbors who sometimes needed a helping hand.
They planted seeds within our own family by living Christian lives and being examples of always doing what is good and honorable for my sister and I and their grandchildren.
My parents are both gone, but the seeds they planted are still producing fruit just as the peach tree is that grows near their backyard.
Let us all be mindful that the seeds we plant today will one day bear fruit, good or bad.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap.
