Weekly Strength: 2010

Sir Edmund Hillary, first to summit Everest (1953) said, “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” Aldous Huxley believed, “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving... and that's your own self.” Harvey McKay underscores, "The greatest room is the room for improvement."

Having climbed Mt. Rainier and Mt. Olympus I’ve learned from both that we do our best when we study the mountain before we ascend.

Yet I find a bigger challenge is conquering me. How about you? Let’s study ourselves and climb upward.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Beautiful

I invite you to close your eyes and visualize beauty – what comes to mind?

Do you see scenes of nature? The Grand Canyon, the ocean, North Dakota sunsets, flowers, a special lake, snow dusted mountains, rippling streams, clear tropical water with darting life. Do you see people? Beauty queens, newborn babies, grandchildren, ahh–grandchildren.

Now, visualize a sick room. Can you find the beauty? Most might not think so. Beautiful thoughts are jerked short. Yet beauty can be found in the midst of suffering, pain, and tension—the beauty of caring service at the exact point of human need. Beautiful serving hands, listening ears, quiet words of warmth, comfort, and peace in a storm. Caring beauty.

Part of this year’s theme comes from mideastern Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi: “Let the beauty we love be what we do.” Rumi’s verse may be a wistful plea to be able to live our lives doing work that is beautiful to us. Our work is care-giving. Can mundane serving of basic human needs be seen as beautiful? I believe the answer is “Yes.”

Last week I watched as a young mother of three used a syringe to place water in the mouth of her dying daddy. Every motion displayed love, honor, gentleness and deep respect. Behind her actions was a foundation of faith in God that she learned later in life as had her father. Now, deep appreciation resonated between one serving and one served. Her work? Beautiful!

Our work is beautiful:

#1 It is people we serve. The Apostle Paul adopted from his Maker an elevated view of humanity: “For we are God’s workmanship,” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Jesus says the hairs of our head are numbered; we are more valuable than many sparrows (Luke 12:7). People are the most valuable component of creation. Nothing serving human necessities needs be viewed as mundane.

#2 In serving people we serve their Maker. Jesus taught simply, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40b NIV). Have we desire to serve God? Serve people and serve both!

#3 Those who do their work as worship honor their Maker. The Apostle Paul admonishes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23 NIV). Having an eye for the Maker helps me better serve the "made".

The young mother beautifully served her daddy and honored her Maker in an act of love.

I suggest a prayer in the mirror that may be helpful to all of us,

Lord, help me see the beauty and value in people. Help me love serving them. Help me link serving people with everything else that I do. Help me to do my work as worship to you. Help me be beautiful.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Pain: Vain?

I recently shared in the struggle of a person processing their religious beliefs in light of loss. A foundation of faith had been laid. S/he knew the right words to say. Yet, in crisis, s/he was smitten by the challenges brought on by the harsh reality of life in this world. A battle raged in the mind and the repercussions echoed into the spirit.

Multiple centuries ago, Asaph, a Jewish writer, began, “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle… always carefree, they increase in wealth… See Psalm 73:1-14 NIV.

Then, he poured out his frustration that trouble has come to him, a good guy, and seems always to bypass the bad guys: “Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure…” My faith hasn’t protected me from trouble. It’s a waste!

Abruptly, Asaph arrested himself. Psalm 73:15 marks a change in his focus. After writing transparently about his feelings, he tapped into another dimension of the picture. He provides us with binocular vision, “If I let myself be overheard talking like this, I would have betrayed this generation of your children. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

Asaph concludes with a renewed statement of faith, “As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”

Personally, I gain from Asaph’s example. Here was a man whose faith was challenged through difficulty. He was honest enough to say what he felt and chose to write it down. He took a breath and a step back and reflected. He summarized his decision to stick to his faith. He promised to use the experience to enrich others. Can I do as well?

- Chaplain Robin

Monday, September 20, 2010

Growing In Times of Loss

Deborah and Eliot are hurting. Why? Nearly eight months old, they don’t know teeth from teething. Nonetheless, their healthy senses are enduring the gnawing discomfort of growing pains. They have four new teeth to show for it. It begins early. Born yesterday, with no clue what is still in store, Josiah has experienced startling bright lights, shocking temperature changes, hunger’s emptiness, and unpleasant diapers. As a father and now a grandfather in an expanding family, I have learned birthing, teething, and even hunger escort growth.

As adults we have learned to expect pain to accompany our growth through life. Some of the greatest pains involve loss. We want to believe our parents and brothers and sisters and children will be with us forever. When they are not, the loss can be devastating. Nonetheless, loss is always accompanied by opportunity - (at least the opportunity to control our attitude).

As a son, brother, husband, father, chaplain and child of God. I have professionally observed and personally endured loss, pain, and the miracle of accompanying growth.

On “holy ground” this week, I witnessed concurrent joy and loss as a hurting family shared at their mother’s deathbed. They sensed peace that she was “in glory” with God; they were pained to know she would never again answer her phone.

How did they grow? By saying goodbye, sharing stories, honoring each other, and processing their loss openly. Their lives harmonized. It could be seen in their eyes and felt with their words.

Last month, an adult daughter shared the rewarding experience of accompanying her daddy for his last days before he left her side to join his Maker. The process had enriched her faith in God. Weeks later she told me she is not the same mother, wife and daughter.

Wanting To Grow in Time of Loss?

If we do not know how to find growth in time of loss, we might learn from five-year-old Eden. Together with her daddy they searched the house for a lost treasure. Finally she exclaimed, “Daddy, we’re going to have to ask God or Mom where it is.” Resourceful, she is old enough to know her priorities. Ask God and ask significant people for help.

When loss happens, God’s Word may enhance growth: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NIV)¹.

#1. Trust God. God has not promised absence of trouble, he has promised His presence in trouble. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV)².

#2. Liberate growth by identifying what you honestly feel (anger, fear, loneliness, frustration). Pour out your heart to God and significant people in your life. Express yourself with safe people. “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2 NIV)³; “Two are better than one… If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)⁴.

#3. Adopt the attitude that God will use the unwelcome elements of life to benefit you. “And the God of all grace… after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10, NIV).⁵

Loss is inevitable, growth is achievable. You can grow in times of loss.

[1] http://bible.cc/psalms/62-8.htm

[2] http://bible.cc/psalms/46-1.htm

[3] http://bible.cc/galatians/6-2.htm

[4] http://bible.cc/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm

[5] http://bible.cc/1_peter/5-10.htm

Friday, September 17, 2010

Limits by Design

Check Your Gauges! Asked, “What do you do when you run out of gas?” One answered, “You fill up.” Asked, “What do you do when you run out of oil?” another answered, “You add oil.” But the truth is, when you run out of oil in your car, if you don’t recognize your lack in time you will soon walk!

My family has had that unwelcome experience – twice. Unlike my father, I had trained wife and child to depend on “dad” for oil checks. #1. A census job added unfamiliar miles to an old car and, full of fuel, one day she rolled no further. #2. Distant college altered father oversight… a student may feel the price of fuel ghastly, but the price of no oil was Caprice casualty—oil unchecked brought the end.

Some deficiencies have great consequences. Unless they are attended!

Limits by Design! When God created this Universe he created space and then filled it with heavenly bodies. He created earth, water and sky and soon filled them with life. He created Adam and then waited – I believe long enough for Adam to sense need. Then He brought Eve, made more marvelously than Adam (many believe :o). Why the delay? Perhaps to emphasize need. Adam likely appreciated Eve more because he had been without for awhile.

Paul writes: “My God shall supply all my need…” I believe one of my needs is to do without. And this loving Father supplies that need simply by placing me on an earth with limitations, in a body with limitations, among people with limitations. A little hunger has value. A little thirst can teach. A little deprivation can remind me of limits and make me wiser.

We are built to encounter thirst, hunger, desire for intimacy and more. Could all these illustrate and offer opportunity for awareness of deeper need? What might that be? Intimacy with our Maker who built us, loves us, offers forgiveness and provides access to His very presence forever without these limits…?

Next time you run low, near empty – note your heart gauge and ask your Maker for fullness. He is adequate… He says He is the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. Give us this day our daily bread? Hmm.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Ask for Wisdom

September 10, 2010

When in the middle of a challenging situation we usually aren’t looking for a wise saying as much as a wise solution. If at this moment you do not have a “big dog” chasing you, you may smile at these bits of wisdom.[1]

Diplomacy is the art of saying "good doggie" while looking for a bigger stick.

Wisdom comes from good judgment and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your mouth is moving.

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do criticize him, you're a mile away and you have his shoes.

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

If you lend someone $20 and never see him again; it was probably worth it.

Never mess up an apology with an excuse.

If you haven't much education you must use your brain.

James (1:5) serves us welcome notice that if we lack wisdom, and ask, God will grant it. Jesus clarified, “Ask (and keep on asking), seek (and keep on seeking), knock (and keep on knocking) and the door will be opened to you.[2]

At least a dozen people in the Bible are said to be wise.[3] Some are familiar leaders: Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon and Stephen. I am fond of Bezalel, the wise artist who led in the fabrication of the Hebrew Tabernacle and Abigail, the wife who wisely managed her jerk-of-a-husband.[4] One required/exhibited task-related wisdom. The other needed/displayed wisdom in relationship. Perhaps it is wise to suggest: the better you understand/define your need the better you can ask and then identify when your request has been met.

What do you need?

Are you asking?

- Chaplain Robin

[1] See http://www.appleseeds.org/wisdom-words.htm

[2] See http://bible.cc/james/1-5.htm and http://bible.cc/matthew/7-7.htm for parallel versions

[3] Find a table in The Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, 1991 located at Proverbs 2. http://www.lifeapplicationbible.com/what.htm

[4] http://bible.cc/exodus/31-1.htm, http://bible.cc/1_samuel/25-3.htm

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Use of Self!

Weekly Strength

September 3, 2010

Some heard the succinct responses (four words in response to two questions) that student social worker Camille gave as she finished her internship at a Home Care and Hospice: What has been the best part of your education? “Here.” (Working here was the best part.) What is the greatest lesson you have learned so far? “Use of self.”

Reflecting on Camille’s response, I feel how gratifying full use of self in service can be and how one person can make a precious impression on another.

British preacher G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945) tells a story (edited) that emphasizes the value of presence in relationship.

A father and his young daughter enjoyed each other’s company. Then, he noticed a change. Repeatedly, when invited for their regular long walks she excused herself. Grieved, he could not understand. His birthday arrived and she presented him with carefully hand-crafted slippers, “I made them for you.” Clearly she had chosen time away to attend her three-month task of love.

Pleased with the slippers he realized his deepest joy was in his daughter herself, not in what she might do for him. He told her how much he had missed her and their long walks. She realized he delighted in her more than in her handiwork. Her awareness of his delight in her helped her realize how much she was missed during his long walks.

This father and Camille teach us to engage ourselves to enrich the life of those near us.

– Chaplain Robin

Thursday, August 26, 2010

What Great Hands You Have!

Weekly Strength

August 27, 2010

It is not your ring size that determines the reach of your hands – but rather the size of your heart.

Ira Gillett, Methodist missionary, told of nationals needing medical attention in Mozambique. In securing care, they walked a long distance past a government hospital to come to the mission hospital for their treatment.

You might wonder, “Why?” The same medicines were available at the government institution as at the mission hospital! When asked why they had walked the extra distance they replied, “The medicines may be the same, but the hands are different!” – Upper Room

I believe it was the heart behind the hands that made the difference.

How are your hands?

How is your heart?

Thank you for making a difference in the lives you touch.

– Chaplain Robin

Friday, August 20, 2010

Life Lessons – Do you record what you learn?

American lawyer/prosecutor and Atomic Energy Commission chairman Gordon Dean’s life ended in an airline crash near Nantucket in 1958. His effects included nine life lessons scribbled on the back of an envelope. Here’s one third:

Never lose your capacity for enthusiasm.
The greatest builder of confidence is the ability to do something -- almost anything – well.
The greatest tragedies in the world and personal events stem from misunderstandings. So communicate.

Author of Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt, Harvey Mackay summing succinct wisdom primed my pump today: http://www.harveymackay.com/columns/column_this_week.cfm

Pale ink is better than the most retentive memory.
If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense in making them.
There is a place in the world for anyone who says, "I'll take care of it" [with follow through].
Failure is no more fatal than success is permanent.

While these teach, they encourage me to record my own life lessons.

Here’s one I wrote in the early 80’s:

Real satisfaction is the direct result of doing things of eternal consequence. Things of temporal value betray my investment unless they are linked with things of ageless impact.

Let’s learn from our mistakes, follow through, using pale ink if necessary and link our actions with eternity!

– Chaplain Robin

Friday, August 13, 2010

WeAkly Strength

Weakly Strength

Magician David Blaine needed a breath after 17 minutes without oxygen and needed sustenance after 44 days without food. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFnGhrC_3Gs.

However great my endurance or tenacity I do have limits.

Growing from dependence to independence into interdependence my limitations seem designed to heighten awareness that, while I can do a lot on my own, I really do need you. Even this article has other’s fingerprints. Yet we are not enough. While we are stronger than me, we are not sufficient.

My biased belief? Humans are intended to need their Designer.

John the Apostle witnesses, “Many other things Jesus did in the presence of his disciples that are not recorded in this book. But these are recorded that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing, you might have life through his name.” John 20:30-31 [Jesus is incredible credible.]

John records seven miracles accomplished by Jesus’ presence. Each one points to Jesus’ credibility as Master over yet another aspect of life here on earth.

When Jesus fed the 5000 with 5 loaves and two fish John 6:9, we can note his Mastery over Quantity. Many were hungry and he met the “we” need. When Jesus turned water to wine John 2:10, we can see his Mastery over Quality – it was fine wine! Many were thirsty and again he met the “we” need. What do we need?

Might miracles occur when we present ourselves to our Designer as needing Divine intervention?

Jesus and John knew what we may be learning – the challenges of life are useful in pointing us to know, trust & request help from and depend on the Designer.

– Chaplain Robin

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Getting Yourself Together to Give Yourself Away

This week’s “Strength” is prompted by Jon Gordon. See: http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-072610-itsaboutyou.html

“It's not about you.” “It's about you, however, it's not just about you.” Gordon intentionally amended Rick Warren's deliberate introduction to mega-selling The Purpose-Driven Life.

Gordon's emphasis parallels what I learned in Cedar Springs, Washington in 1974 from camp speaker Pastor Bob Stone:

God's purpose in your life is about “Getting Yourself Together to Give Yourself Away.”

http://shorelinecc.com/about-us/our-team

Since then, I have come to believe that phrase expresses three things the Maker elevates:

1. The value of change toward Health/Balance in life.

You and I Can Change. (Honestly, we need it.)

2. The value of the individual as an Ambassador to others about the possibility of change.

You and I can bring Hope of Change as we change.

3. The value of Stewardship/Investing what you have to bring about good in the future of others.

Changed, you and I can Help Bring Change by extending ourselves to others who need change.

D. T. Niles said, “Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread.”

As we change, let’s bring hope of change, and extend the resources for change every day to the people we serve at home and at work.

– Chaplain Robin

Friday, July 23, 2010

What A Friend

If you are older than two, you have likely experienced loss and not simply missing baby teeth.

Joseph Scriven watched in shock as the body of his fiancée was pulled from the lake. Their wedding planned for the next day never happened. Reeling from tragedy, he left his mother in Ireland and immigrated to Canada.

Several years later when his mother faced her own crisis, Joseph wrote her a comforting poem. She passed it to a friend whereupon it became a popular hymn, published anonymously.

Meanwhile, Joseph experienced tragedy again when his second bride-to-be died of tuberculosis before their wedding.

What song came from the life of a man who experienced such sorrow?

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and grief’s to bear!

What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear.

All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

Tomorrow, on the second anniversary of a personal loss of two dear ones from my own life, in addition to sharing with others, I will do well to take my loss to my Maker in prayer. http://jaredstorer.blogspot.com/2008/08/crash-site.html http://www.kirotv.com/news/16980886/detail.html

Source: “Then Sings My Soul” Robert J. Morgan, Thomas Nelson Publishers

– Chaplain Robin

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Cheerful Generosity

Weekly Strength

July 16, 2010

I work with great people. Day after day I experience the warmth and caring of generous people who extend themselves in cheerful and creative ways that truly make a difference.

They make a difference to staff. They make a difference to patients. They make a difference to family members.

They remind me of a couple of Proverbs that tell of a contrast:

One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

A generous [wo]man will prosper;

[s]he who refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25 rsV J

The simplest principles are commonly most precious and perhaps most difficult to establish into the patterns in our lives.

I want to take this space to thank and encourage those that deliberately extend that precious cheerful generosity. May you be refreshed!

rsV = Robin Storer Version

– Chaplain Robin

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Empty Egg Cartons - Shared

Weekly Strength

July 9, 2010

4^th of July weekend on the farm was our family’s first extended visit to the home of my wife’s childhood. As we tided the house to leave, Dawn picked up a stack of empty egg cartons in the pantry where her mother had left them. A surprise tsunami of grief overwhelmed her with the unwelcome realization that her mother would not return to fill those recycled cartons from her now vacant chicken coop on that western North Dakota farm. Acute leukemia took her life two years ago.

Grief surprises us. It comes in unexpected waves. While coastal waves have great power and can destroy, their action may be cleansing to the shoreline they touch.

When that wave of grief collided in Dawn’s mind and washed over her heart her impulse was to share her pain - with a sister, a daughter-in-law, her husband. Grief expressed in an atmosphere of love diminished its power and deepened her support base. Her action turned the power of the wave into cleansing.

Let’s share our struggles and find in one another the available refreshing afforded by transparency.

– Chaplain Robin

Monday, June 28, 2010

Healthy Body

Weekly Strength

June 28, 2010

Perhaps you have felt like the RN who used to do Hospice/Home Health Care on call. She told me that the hardest part was going in the middle of the night to a home to people she had never met. “The pt had died & I didn't know them.”

After listening I suggested,

Perhaps we might re-frame that: Hospice/Home Health Care is like a Healthy body; some of us are the hands, some are the feet. Already, sister, I perceive that you have the heart and the hands but you say you’ve never laid eyes on them before. Realize, however, other members of the team have seen and touched them before you!

In the dark hour that night you brought your heart and hands and tears to them - you served them. Yes, you felt unsure, but you were there! You cared. You delivered heartfelt capable care. You were an extension of those who have seen and cared for them before.

Day after day, night after night, that is what it is like when our team [e.g. Hospice] delivers care as a healthy functioning body.

Many of us provide direct contact, frequently at the front line.

A number of us touch the patients and families only on rare occasions.

Some of us provide support to those who are up front yet without client contact.

All of us combined make a healthy body delivering heartfelt capable care through hands, feet, heart, tears – every component of our being.

– Chaplain Robin

Monday, June 21, 2010

"Count Your Blessings"

Wishing to dispose of his home, a British gentleman went to see a friend who was in the real estate business and, describing his house and grounds to the man, asked him to write an advertisement which he could put in the newspapers. His friend acted upon request and then read what he had written to the home-owner.

“Read that again,” said the man who wanted to sell his house. His friend obliged, to hear this astonishing remark:

“The house is not for sale. All my life I’ve wanted a place just like the one you have described. But I never knew I had it until I heard what you have written about it.

There is a grand old song: “Count your blessings, name them one by one.”

If some of us would do that very thing, we should be happier. Source: The Pilgrim

Count Your Blessings

Music: Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1856-1922 Words: Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921

Vs. 1

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Chorus

Count your blessings, Name them one by one;

Count your blessings, See what God hath done;

Count your blessings, Name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, See what God hath done.

Vs. 2

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

Vs. 3

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy:

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Vs. 4

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Consider:

"If you can’t be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape!

Source: The Pilgrim

- Chaplain Robin

Monday, June 14, 2010

How might you see your situation with new eyes?

Weekly Strength

June 15, 2010

Observe the insight of a nine year old son of a Baptist minister in 1904 sensing his father’s reluctance to fulfill a preaching obligation because his wife was too ill to accompany him on the journey and perhaps too ill to be left behind while away, 'Daddy, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you're away?' The father thought aloud, 'Yes son, I know He will.'

Assured, he kissed them goodbye and hurried off to fulfill the preaching engagement as planned and upon return, was pleasantly surprised to find his wife greatly improved. From her bed she handed him a poem she had written in his absence- a poem of comfort inspired by their son's simple faith.

"Be not dismayed what'er betide, God will take care of you,

Beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

God will take care of you, Through every day, O're all the way;

He will take care of you, God will take care of you.

Reverend Martin placed the words on the music stand of his organ and in a short time composed a tune suiting his wife's words.

God will take care of you is a real hymn of encouragement. It assures us that

'through days of toil, 'in times of danger or need,' in fact, 'no matter what the test,'

God will take care of His people. Of course, that's a premise which is Bible based.

Thank God for the little nine year old boy who saw it more clearly than his preacher Dad did at first.

How might your situation be seen with new eyes?

- Chaplain Robin

Monday, May 17, 2010

Creativity

Weekly Strength

May 18, 2010

Everyone is a genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together.

—Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

Lord, today – help us be creative and better serve the lives we touch all day.

- Chaplain Robin

Monday, May 10, 2010

June's Thought For the Day - Every Day

Weekly Strength – May 11, 2010

Have you met that type of person who has great challenges in life but does not let that get them down?

This item was found in the Bible of a Missouri Hospice patient. June endured five years of living life to the fullest through cancer illness. I was her Sunday school teacher and hospice/hospital chaplain.

Her funeral was a celebration of life in July 2008.

June spoke to herself by keeping this clipping close to her heart…

A Thought For the Week – Roger Coltrin

A type of person can be pretty well determined by his or her attitude. An attitude of hopelessness can be and usually is disastrous. An attitude that accepts reality, whatever it is, and faces a situation with a determination not to let it throw you can always be helpful.

Of course this sort of thing is more easily said than done. Yet it can be done because people have done it.

Actually, an attitude is a human resource.

It can be drawn upon, revamped, replaced, revitalized.
It is a human resource that provides mental grooming
A properly groomed attitude can change a feeling of failure to an expectation of success.

An attitude of hopelessness can never induce an attitude of hope.
No one ever gained happiness with an unhappy attitude.
No one ever gained friendship with an unfriendly attitude.

When an attitude needs changing, change it.

With faith & acceptance of God’s help

aided by your own determination and intelligence,

IT CAN BE DONE.

[True! - June lived this. You can too.]

This is the kind of lady June was: when, for months, due to her cancer June could no longer attend Sunday school she extended herself and asked if she could have a list of the people who were absent each week so she could call and encourage them by phone from her own home.

What can you do?

- Chaplain Robin