Serve by Design

I watched a heart-warming feature the other day on a local television news program. It featured a seasoned one-hundred-three-year-old teacher who had mentored a seventy-something year old teacher who, in turn, had impacted a younger next-generation educator! It was a mentoring stair-step of inspiration, instruction, and influence that continues to be celebrated in their small town of Assumption, Illinois! Mentors Add Value! Credit: clker.com There are names for this story. First, Helen Lehman, is the centenarian mentor who started her teaching career in the 1940’s. She is still active in her community and is often stopped by her former students at the local grocery store. They recognize her and appreciate the value that she has added to their young lives. When asked why she spent so many years teaching children, she simply replied, “I love children! You gotta love kids!” One of Helen’s mentees and teaching friends is Jane Shull. She learned so many lessons from this experienced teach...

I’m sure that this engaging challenge was not original with the Reverend Jesse Jackson who repeatedly exclaimed in his “Keep Hope Alive!” speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. It would help to establish Jackson as one of this generation’s most impactful voices as an activist in the social justice movement. Green Grass? There's Hope! No one, however, could compare with the esteemed Martin Luther King, Jr. and his “I Have a Dream” speech twenty-five years earlier. Yet, Dr. King once praised Jackson’s calling and work in January 1968, before a Chicago audience. King offered this high praise regarding Jackson, “No one could be more effective!” I mean no disrespect by applying this memorable statement to the weather! But hope for something different than snow and cold has been on my mind lately! Yesterday, I stepped outside to assess the impact of two days of welcomed warmer temperatures. Snow was still hanging around from our recent 8-inch snowfall. It had been kept in p...

During the last twenty and a half years, we have been blessed with twelve grandchildren. In the early days of our grandparenting, we began to accumulate various toys in one of our extra bedroom closets to stimulate these eager minds. We have cars and trucks, action figures, all sizes of building blocks, bags full of plastic Tinker Toys and containers loaded with every conceivable shape of Legos. Our grands have grown up using their imaginations to create and build things.  Our Proud Builder! Just this past Sunday, we had family over and after lunch they literally were “all over the house!” Some were in the back chilling with their cell phones while others were sprawling all over the family room floor. At least one was cocooned in a sofa blanket as the others relaxed in recliners half-way watching football on the television but mostly they were laughing, chatting about nonsense, but enjoying each other! It was family at its best! Our youngest grandson caught me heading down the ha...

Did you hear about the dog who went to the movies? This surprised a fellow movie goer who sat near the owner and watched the dog react. At times, the canine wagged his tail when happy, drooped his head when sad, and even put his paws over his eyes when he was afraid. The man sitting beside them couldn’t resist. He whispered, “Wow! I’m amazed at how much your dog enjoys this movie!” The owner replied, “I am too, because he hated the book!” Funnies   Whenever we visit our daughter’s home in New Mexico, we bring along our Roku for movie nights on the king bed! Our grands, and sometimes the dogs, join us for the family friendly features. It is always amusing to see their very intelligent Golden Doodle, Sophie, watching the shows along with us! She especially enjoyed a recent Hallmark that was about a veterinarian and his dog!😊 Sophie at Movie Night! I see some amazing acts by canines on social media feeds and on television reality shows. These remind me that dogs are much smarter th...

“I wish everyone could attend a church like ours!” That's what I said  to Monique on our way to the car after this year’s Christmas Eve services.  Once again, we had been blessed in worship! This time it was the early contemporary service that was one of three special services Springfield First offered at 2, 4, and 7 on the afternoon and evening before Christmas.  Laniakea Illustration: Mark Garlick Milky Way (red dot) sciencephoto.com This contemporary service was full of heartfelt praise, lively singing of seasonal favorites, and a message of hope that had us reflecting on how a loving God sent His Son into this world! The energy in the sanctuary was contagious! Worshippers were drawn into a closer fellowship with the Father and His people. It was spiritually uplifting to conclude worship by breaking the darkness as hundreds of us held our lighted candles and softly sang, “Silent Night!”   I was left nearly speechless and kept thinking to myself as we walked out ...

Our eldest son and his beloved daughter took a trip to downtown Chicago this Christmas season. Matt loves to give Eloise experiences and she enjoys being with her daddy wherever the trip takes them. Matt’s work often takes him to the Windy City with all its hustle and bustle. He loves the waterfront charm, sky-scraper hotels, department stores, museums, and the infinite choices for dining and entertainment that the city offers! Hmm! Everything Looks So Good!😮 During this get-away, the “Dad-Daughter Duo” dined at a new high-end restaurant to eat t heir favorite item on the seafood menu - sushi!!  They also enjoyed the uproariously entertaining show, the Blue Man Group, with all their signature “speechless craziness!” Another of the more memorable experiences occurred one morning for breakfast at the Paris Baguette patisserie! When I saw pictures of such an assortment of delectable treats in their display case, I remarked to Matt, “Who said that only the French have the best breads ...

The mythical side of Christmas sees Santa working from the North Pole with a team of elves who are assistants to the Big Red Guy. Santa’s helpers are tasked with making the toys for all the girls and boys. They maintain the reindeer barn making sure the team is adequately fed and healthy. Santa’s elf friends also keep the sleigh in top running condition for the Christmas eve delivery deadline. All this preparation is a daunting task! It is a bigger job than what Old Saint Nick can accomplish on his own! Eloise and Charlotte Having Fun! Santa’s helpers are a common moniker for each of these partners! There are many “Santa Partners” scattered throughout malls, department stores and community events this season. They are engaging eager recipients of Christmas giving. While these children excitedly whisper their list of Christmas wishes, the Department of Christmas Affairs conducts its Global Behavior Tracking Network to determine who has been “naughty or nice!” Naughty and Nice List Chr...