I have not served in the military, but yesterday, after hearing that the United States and Israel attacked Iran, the hollow feeling that I had in the pit of my stomach in the 1960’s and the early 1970’s came back from my teenage and college years with the Vietnam War. The loss of three of my high school friends in that war remains in my heart as the sacrifices of our service men and women are being called upon once…..
When one of your students calls you, “Ma,” do you know what that means? It is a sign of respect for you. Such was the case on the last day I taught in middle school in 2007. My home room students gathered around my desk and gave me a cake that said, “Thank you, Ma Maier.” My students and I had made our homeroom time together like a home. I was so proud of each and everyone one of them……
A Greater Purpose Choose to live in Jesus Christ; engage the world with Him. Speak to what is wrong in the world, and right it. Find your passion; use it in everything you do. Cherish your families, friends, and neighbors for they are God’s gifts. Forgive those who seek to persecute or harm you for they struggle with God. Encourage those who are lost to be found. Guide your children to see good in the world, despite the darkness……
There are two songs that, if we connect their meanings, might help us look towards a better future as individuals and as a nation: I Believe, written by Stillman, Drake, Graham, and Shirk, and Somewhere from West Side Story, written by Bernstein and Sondheim. I often get ideas for blogs when I am cleaning my house, as if cleaning takes all the “bad stuff” out in my vacuum cleaner. The same is true of what we need to do with…..
What does God want us to do with our lives? Our minds, mouths, moods, and attitudes are dependent on each other. If you want these things to shine with God’s love, it is never too late to start anew, even if your past has been fraught with difficulties and negativity. We choose who we will become; taking everything to God, He will guide us and make all things new. Ask and it shall be granted unto you. Instead of dwelling…..
I just finished reading, Code Talkers, written by Chester Nez and Judith Schiess Avila. It is a beautifully written biography of Chester Nez, one of thirty-two Navajo code talkers, who helped win battles in the Pacific area during WWII. Mr. Nez also shared his younger years when he was taken away from his parents to be educated in the government’s school program for assimilation of Native Americans into the American culture by eliminating their cultures and languages. The government was…..
In these times of anger,hate, fear, vitriol, violence, and confusion, where love, compassion, and caring cannot be found, let us all draw near to the River Jordon and wade into its waters. We need to be redeemed by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We need God’s dove of peace to surround us, to hold us, and to inspire us to see the tears of those who need us, to hear the hearts that are breaking, to share…..
One of the most endearing scriptures is Ephesians 1:3-14, written by the apostle Paul. Christ blessed us with many spiritual gifts that God ordained when we were chosen by Him. God chose us in love before the world was created so that we would be holy and without blame. Because God adopted us as His children, He gave us grace in His beloved Son. Through Christ, our sins were forgiven with Christ’s death on the cross. With wisdom and insight,…..
A Prayer for Our World Lord, our world needs Your love, hope, light, peace, and grace. Hatred has replaced love. Despair has diminished hope. Darkness continues to fight the power of Your light. Violence and immorality debase any semblance of peace. People refuse to show grace by demanding their own agendas. You watch over us at all times. Your loving voice helps us to be who You want us to be. You empower us every day with Your…..
In the bleakness of winter, we often forget that even though the wind blows strong, earth and water are made hard like iron and granite, and snow keeps falling day after day, heaven and earth cannot stop Jesus Christ from coming down to us. A simple stable was where He was born, despite the dirt, stink, and animals in residence. We may be poor or rich,but we can all give our hearts to the new-born baby, even in these gloomy…..