Author: lbuth0511de28fc

  •     Today's the day to flip over calendar pages. On one of ours, the November quote repeats that principle so often presented and hashed over on television shows. It goes something like this. If we send out positive thoughts we'll have an effect on the world around us. Then somehow positive results will flow back to us.

       It made me think of times when I've faced a challenge and a friend would say, "Well, I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you," or, "I'm sending positive energy your way."

        Every time I truly am glad they care about me and wish me well. It's good to be loved.

        Still, that calendar quote set me to wondering whether the theory makes sense. Do any of us  possess the power to "activate the world" around us?"                                        School girls. pigtails. pinafore

        Well, yes … and no. Maybe like me, you grew up hearing your mother say, "If you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you."

        Sometimes it seemed the other kids hadn't grasped that wisdom, but usually Mom's wisdom worked. Or at least, it helped. We moved several times during my growing-up years, so I'd find myself the "new kid" once again. There was nothing to do but grit my teeth and quiet my knocking knees, then paste on a shaky smile and trudge off to school.  

        Positive thinking isn't a new concept. Books presenting that same theory have been around for years. Way back in 1938, Napoleon Hill wrote the book, Think and Grow Rich, which is about the "law of attraction." Ever since, writers and speakers keep finding inventive ways to say it. (Then they get interviewed on talk shows, like "Oprah!")

        That agrees with old sayings we've all heard, like, "Good neighbors make good eighbors." "Treat others with respect and you'll be respected." "What you give out, you'll get back." Etc.

        Actually, the thinking goes back even further than the Thirties. Some wise person said everything we label "new wisdom" can be found in the Bible. Consider these:

        Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  –Galatians 6:7

        So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.  –Matthew 7:12

        I think I'll stick with the wisdom of Scripture, because frankly, I'm not sure I want to rely on myself and my own power. I don't trust my ability to "send out positive thoughts," so as to "activate the world around" me. I need something–someone–bigger than me. Maybe that's why one of my favorite verses comes from Matthew 19:26: With God all things are possible. 

        That reassures me far more than counting on myself. How about you?

        Here's to sorting it out and knowing what to believe in,

        Lenore

        Your comments welcomed!

            

        

    Thinking about positive thinking

  •       Unless you also like to read off-beat stories in your morning newspaper, I'll bet you haven't grasped the resemblance between human beings and meadow voles. It's true. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times and reprinted in our Sacramento Bee, we have a lot in common.

        At least that's what I read in that October 16th article in the Bee. It seems that neuroscientists at Emory University National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center in Atlanta were doing research on the little varmints. (Why, I don't know. Most of us would set traps if we found one within our homes or garages. But then, scientists sometimes pursue exotic fields.)     

        Anyhow, here's the headline:  "Loyalty chemical  found in rodents."                                                                                                         Image1

        Apparently voles are monogamous and their brains release a "loyalty compound." These scientists separated vole pairs and found that after four days the male voles experienced changes in the part of their brains that control emotions. They became lethargic and unresponsive, as if depressed, until given a drug that blocked the changes. 

        Now here's their big finding that made national news: Scientists concluded that their research on these rodents could provide insight into why humans feel grief when separated from their mates. 

        Are you properly impressed? Don't get me wrong, I know science has benefited all of us. But somehow I'd prefer that they draw their conclusions about human beings from actual study of human beings instead of meadow voles. How about you?

        These experts did concede, however, that "human relationships are more complex than animal bonds and involve culture, socialization and rational thought." So, they said, there may be little they can learn from the depressed meadow voles, after all. 

        I couldn't find out how long the study went on, how many scientists were involved, nor how much it cost. This one thing I know, however. It's a prime example of our tax dollars at work. I'm guessing very few U.S. citizens would have chosen this as a research study focus. We'd better laugh … or we might cry.

        Still, I'm thankful for research scientists. Now and then they come up with something that blesses humanity for generations, like Jonas Salk who put together the polio vaccine. Sometimes it takes many steps to get from here to there.

       (I'll never be thrilled with meadow voles, however. I've met some of their cousins and seen their handiwork out in our front yard. It is not a pretty picture.)

        Lenore

        Your comments welcomed! 

                                                                                                                                              

    Scientists conclude meadow voles “R” us

  •     We spent last Saturday watching high school bands on parade. What fun! Our two youngest grandchildren are part of their high school's marching band, and their band marched in a "Band Spectacular" in a nearby town. This photo is not of their band, but believe me, last Saturday all the kids from all those bands were stepping high and looking proud!

    Image1 

        I came away thinking how much youngsters get out of learning to play their instruments and from being part of a band. For starters, here are some of them. 

        Think about it. *They learn to be under authority and to follow directions. *They learn to cooperate with others. *To put the good of the group ahead of what they personally want at the moment. *To concentrate on several things at once. *To follow the director's lead and be alert for instant changes. *To read the music and play their part of the composition. *To listen, so they don't get ahead or behind the rest of the group. *To do all of the above while simultaneously  fingering/blowing/plucking/strumming/tapping/drumming, etc. *Members of marching bands must do all of the above with their music memorized, while also putting down the right foot, at the right time, in lock step with the rest of the band.  

        That's a lot to be gained from something that's also fun. Think how that kind of training and the useful skills developed can translate into the rest of life. 

        Good for you if your kids are involved in music! Maybe they're just beginning to learn their instrument. That means you're sentenced to squeaks and squawks, or incessant drumming, or the playing of musical scales. In the midst of the din, smile and pat yourself on the back. You're giving your youngsters a gift that will last them for life–and enrich every day. (By the way, don't forget to thank the music teachers and the band's director once in awhile.)

        So hang in there when you're toting and chauffeuring your young people and their gear all over the place!

        Lenore

        Your comments welcomed! Any band stories to share?

        

        

       

    Three cheers for music and school marching bands

  •     Have you noticed the stunningly beautiful full moon the past several nights–and early mornings? Astronomers could tell us why the moon seems closer and fuller this time of year, but not me. I remember Midwestern October moons glowing yellow or orange. I used to think they looked almost close enough to touch. Here in the Sacramento area, at least this year, it's knock-your-eye-out- white. I love full moons, and I'm always a bit sad to see them wane.

       I stood and marveled at it the other night. Not for the first time I thanked God for the orderliness of the moon and the sun. Every morning the sun comes up–and sets every evening. Every night the moon rises, even when we can't see it. No matter how crazy everything seems to be in the world, there they are, showing up on schedule. Somehow knowing that reminds me there's more going on in the world than the stuff that makes the news … or even in my life. 

       I find it totally amazing that astronomers can predict the exact time of the rising and setting of the sun, the moon, and the planets–and the phases of the moon. Since the moon afffects the tides, they know the exact time when the tide will come in and when it will go out. Yes, I know it's science, but nevertheless, the absolute predictability of all this blows me away.

        My mind always goes to the first chapter of Genesis:

    And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth. And it was so. God made two great lights–the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night.       He also made the stars … And God saw that it was good.              –Genesis 1:14-16    

       Ever since, in every continent on earth, people have been looking up into the expanse of the sky. They stare at those two great lights–and at the stars–and say some variation of what I've been saying, "Wow! Look at that!"

        Don't miss the sky show. Take it as reassurance that no matter how bad the predictions on all sides, the world will go on. How do I know? We have the sun in the morning and the moon at night, that's how.

        And behold, it is very good!

        Lenore

        Your comments welcomed!

        

    It’s a free show … overhead!

  •     Quick, now! No time to think! If you had five minutes to evacuate your home, what would you want to take with you?

        Did you answer, "The people I love?" Me, too. In California we're in fire season most of the year, especially when we're in drought as we are now. We've seen the news reports. We know people just like us can be threatened by raging infernos that can leap across valleys and eight-lane freeways, or by floods that wash away neighborhoods. We all dread even thinking that we could be caught in a scenario like that.

        But it's good if we do so once in awhile, just to help us stay balanced in how we view life. Think of the many individuals who have faced such disasters. We see them afterward, when they're interviewed. They all echo the same thought: "Our family is safe and that's all that matters. Somehow we'll get through this." 

        If that's true for adults, how much more for children. Whatever may be going on in your family,  remember one thing: To a child, Mom and Dad are security. So even if your family income drops, don't tie yourself up in knots with fear and guilt. Don't imagine that you're cheating your children.  Your kids look at you and feel safe. That matters more than the extras.

        Maybe you're waking up in the night, worrying about this economic news or possible lay-offs where you work. It helps to turn your thoughts back to what really matters. You may be living in tough–or tougher–times right now, and you don't see the end yet. Tempers may fray, moods may drop, the family may get tired of eating beans. But if you know the people you love most are okay, give thanks. If everyone is well, give thanks and celebrate! You possess everything that matters most. 

        After all, if "things" brought happiness, everyone who's rich and famous would be ecstatic … all the time. I haven't noticed that's true, have you?

        So look into the faces of those you love, who love you back, and be at peace.

        Remember, life itself is the gift! 

        Lenore    

        Your comments welcomed!  

      

        

    What would you do if…..?

  •     The other day on a supermarket run I observed a mother with her three children, about eight to twelve years old. The kids were reading labels on cans and using a calculator. This excited trio laughed a lot as they compared notes. I heard their mom ask them, "So which one is the best value?" "How many servings per container?" "Which one is the healthiest, do you think?"

        A couple of aisles over we were next to each other again. This time she reminded them, "If we buy this item, we won't be able to buy that one we picked before. Which one do you think is the best choice for us–and why?"

        I was tempted to ask this mother whether she home-schools her children, but I didn't want to interrupt them. Those kids seemed familiar with their friendly competition–and they were keeping track of what they were purchasing. Perhaps they had been playing this game for years.

        I don't know this mom. Obviously, this kind of shopping takes more time, but I'll bet it pays dividends way beyond understanding math. Probably those kids don't spend much time complaining about some food item they don't have. After all, they're aware of the family food budget. They also know how much every food item cost and they participated in what was purchased.  

        Best of all, this mother is preparing her youngsters to live on their own one day. They're learning how to evaluate options and make wise buys on a budget. That's good training for spending decisions in other parts of life. 

        You might call it another of those gifts that keeps on giving … for life. 

        Happy parenting!

        Lenore

        What do you think? Your comments welcomed!

        

        

    The mom who teaches math at Safeway

  •     I found out today that my dear friend's husband died last night, after a long battle with that dreaded enemy, cancer. My heart aches for her. These two forged the kind of marriage everyone wants, where love shone from their eyes and sparkled their personalities. A love that infused every day of their forty-four years together with certainty and strength, and brimmed over into the lives of their children and grandchildren, as well as all who know them.

        We've been friends for years, even though separated by hundreds of miles. Our get-togethers have been infrequent, but we never need to get reacquainted. We pick up as if we just saw each other last week. Now these last months I've been reading the blog of their "journey" since his diagnosis. Her open, honest accounts have moved my heart and enriched my life, broadened my understanding.

        These two shared a bedrock, joyful, living faith in Jesus, too. All along this has glued them together and empowered their days, but especially these last months. They've treasured each moment together and simply lived with gusto, making memories at every opportunity. They've prayed for strength and peace, of course. But they've also prayed that somehow they could be a blessing to the people around them. That included their family and friends who came from far and near, caring Hospice nurses, and former co-workers, friends and fellow Christians who've been bringing them meals for months. In more recent times, a faithful group of male friends have rotated staying overnight, keeping watch, so my friend and their family could sleep without need for watchfulness.  

        This good, loving man died at home, surrounded by his dear ones, as he wished and they wished. As they had prayed, he had a peaceful going home to Jesus. Their young grandchildren had been told that their adored grandfather soon would be leaving earth. A few nights ago one of their beautiful preschooler granddaughters prayed that her "Papa" soon would have fun playing with Jesus and that her "Nana" wouldn't be too sad without him.

        So this day is sad for me, but it's also glad. I think how differently this would have played out if this family had only their own strength to draw on through this heart-wrenching journey. And how much more devastating it would be for them to think of this much-loved man's life as simply  … "over."

        Christians cherish the sure knowledge that death is not the end, but simply one's last breath on earth. You'll find that truth many times in the Bible, especially in the New Testament. I don't know who coined the term "the Gospel in a nutshell," but here it is:  

    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.                                                            –John 3:16

        Every death reminds us that life is fragile–and precious. Each morning we open our eyes provides ample reason to rejoice! Let's hold our loved ones close and speak the words in our hearts … while we can.

        Let's make every day count!

        Lenore

        Your comments truly are welcomed!

    Remembering that Life is precious

  •      Fall is in the air, even here in northern California. Mornings come with a chill, even though a few hours later everyone peels off layers. I, for one, am not ready for long pants and sleeves, for jackets and real shoes.

        No matter. Soon it will be October, and tomorrow we'll be hanging Christmas wreaths.

        Isn't that just like life? Days and months gallop by while we're not looking. Then we notice … the toddler is a high school freshman. That letter we never got around to writing? Too late now.

        Sorry if I sound like a nag, but I'm nagging myself. You see, I'm one of those "busy" people, and I love it. Who wants to sit around wondering what to do with oneself? But once in awhile I realize with fresh clarity how easy it is to miss what matters most. 

        So here's the word for today, a gentle reminder for us all. Let's pay attention to the day we're living and revel in it. Let's look around at the people in our lives and ponder what they mean to us. Let's open our eyes and really see.

        No matter who we are, our lives consist of the sum total of those small moments. Each one counts. Sometimes we're captivated by the rich and famous in the media, but they really don't affect any of our lives. Come to think of it, that's a relief. Now we don't have to invest so much energy in trying to be "memorable." We already are.

        Let's savor the joy … while it's here.

        Lenore

        What do you think? Your comments welcomed!

    As leaves start falling …

  •     The rose. Did God ever make a more perfect flower? I've loved them ever since I was a child walking along country roadsides in Minnesota and stopping to inhale the wild pink roses that grew so freely.

        (Are they still allowed to grow there? Or have they been sprayed out of existence because they were somebody's weed? I do not know the answer.)

        So it's logical that from the beginning of our marriage we've had rosebushes. We're centered on a few for now and my husband tends them with loving care. Every now and then he comes in with an armload of gorgeous roses, which are growing in wooden half-barrels on our patio. (Yes, it works just fine.) Many named varieties have come and gone, for one reason or another. This one is a Grandiflora named "Gemini," which we both love. It's  beautiful, healthy and rRose for blog. 2. 9.08eliable. Perfect form, strong stems, shiny leaves. Pleasing fragrance and lovely in all seasons. Long-lasting in a vase.

    This would be the perfect rose if … if  it just didn't come equipped with those pesky thorns! Long, spiky thorns that easily pierce through skin. Short, fine thorns you don't even notice, but they embed themselves in finger tips.

        Ah, but this Gemini probably is our favorite rose of all the roses we've grown.  We've decided its beauty makes up for the nuisance factor. Isn't that a perfect analogy for life?

        Long ago I came across a quote that stopped me in my tracks. It still does. Maybe you, too, will find yourself mulling this over for awhile. Sorry, I don't know who said it, but the calligraphy was set up just this way.

    We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or

    Rejoice

    because thorn bushes have roses.  

     

        Whatever may be going on in our lives, here's to focusing on our "roses" and overlooking the "thorns."

        Lenore

        Your comments welcomed!

    Ever said, “This would be perfect if?” I have. …

  •     I don't know about you, but some of the mood from the commemorations of 9/11 still echo with me. Newscasters talked about the new memorial to be built, probably before next year's anniversary. I actually think they should leave it as it is. The vast emptiness of Ground Zero  fittingly commemorates what happened that day: loss. Loss of so many, many lives. Loss of our naive assumption that within the shores of the U.S.A., somehow we were guaranteed safety. That false security can't be recaptured, any more than those who died so tragically can rise from the dead.

        Emptiness is what overwhelms us in the face of loss … and that doesn't go away. Nobody ever "gets over it" when a loved one dies. When that individual's physical presence is gone, something precious is gone from our lives. In the beginning, aching grief deafens us with its roar. Eventually it may settle into a sort of background noise, but it remains with us. 

        Really, that's appropriate. Our remembering and missing those individuals demonstrates the  lasting memorial in our hearts. When we remember, we celebrate their life and how they enriched  our own. 

       I probably think of my mom and dad more often now than I did when they were alive. Before, we were separated by miles, but they were there. As the years go on, more and more I appreciate who they were. I realize how much of who I am is because of who they were. I wish I could tell them that. …

        Today I attended the 90th birthday celebration of a friend. She's a writer, too, and still writing, still having her poetry published. About one hundred friends and relatives came from far and near to celebrate this smiling, gracious woman of deep faith. I thought how wonderful it was that she was alive to hear and be blessed by our words of love and praise. 

        For not one of us knows whether we'll make it through the day … any day. Neither can we predict how long our spouses or our children will live. Even if we live alone there's someone we would miss if they were gone, someone who makes us smile and go on in a happier mood.

        Are we telling them so? Do they know they matter to us?

        When we think it, we need to say it. Believe me, I know the truth of those words. Several times I've postponed doing just that. To this day I regret that I didn't simply say the words. While I was waiting for the "right time" and the "right words," friends and family members died. I know now I didn't need eloquence or perfect timing. Those dear ones would have loved to hear my awkward stammering, because–and this is the point–they were alive to hear it. 

        Right now I can think of a couple of folks like that who would be blessed by my words or by a note from me. How about you? The good news is that so long as we–and they–keep breathing, it's not too late.

        We may not have another chance. Tomorrow may never come. …

        Here's to saying it now!

        Lenore  

    Your comments welcomed!

    How about lighting up someone’s life?