Chapel of Hope Stories

Dear Reader:

When this jar popped up the other day on-line, I immediately wrote ” Blessing” for my positive word addition that started with the first letter of my name.

This entry took me back down memory lane to a summer Bible School one week when I was in the sixth grade. We got stuck with Miss Marble for our teacher volunteer. She was the loudest voice in the church choir and it never got softer… even in the church classroom.

To our horror and disbelief she assigned “homework ” the first day of Bible School. We were to bring in a line of scripture that started with the first letter of our names.

Suddenly I remembered the Beatitudes! I punched Billy Stoddard giving him the thumbs up for our good luck! We could ” Blessed” our way through the whole week.

Unfortunately Miss Marble overheard the conversation and quickly added that each verse must be spread out between the Old and New Testaments!

Billy and I looked at each other and in unison came up with another ” B” word – “BUMMER!”

But actually we were still better off than our classmate-Zeke! The next morning he was in a panic-had forgotten the assignment… after all he explained pitifully… WHO gives homework assignments in Summer Bible School???

We were all frantically trying to help Zeke think of a ” Z” when Mary Margaret calmly said ” zealot. It’s in the Bible because grandmother was reading scripture yesterday and told my daddy he was no better than a ” zealot ” by watching football all the time!

” But what does ” zealot ” mean?” asked Zeke. Mary Margaret said she wasn’t sure but thought it was some kind of cheerleader -since her daddy did a lot of clapping and cheering while watching football.

When it was Zeke’s turn to share a ” z” word he, too, fell back on the Beatitudes-quoting ” Blessed are the Zealots for cheering others.”

Miss Marble stared at Zeke in shock and then a slow smile crossed her face… ” and a zealot is what Zeke?”

Red-faced Zeke mumbled” … a cheerleader.” Now it was Miss Marble’s turn to flush while trying not to laugh. ” I suppose you could call a zealot a cheerleader… with an attitude!”

The next day Zeke redeemed himself by proclaiming ” Zechariah was John the Baptist’s daddy.”

***So until tomorrow… Do you know those are still the only two ” Z”‘s I can remember from scripture?

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Dear Reader:

I love creative metaphors on life and I found one Mev Shieder had placed on Facebook while scrolling through last week. Thanks Mev for sharing!

Besides spending half my life looking for car keys, I have spent the other half searching for batteries. Finally I got smart and started buying them every time I was at the pharmacy drug store and now finally have an ample supply.

” The Flashlight and the Batteries”

When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not! You change the batteries.

When a person messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside? Of course not! You help them change their batteries!

Some need AA -attention and affection; some need AAA -attention, affection, and acceptance; some need C-compassion; some need D-direction.

And if they still don’t seem to shine-simply sit with them quietly and share your light.

I love that story-what a great lesson to remember!

Yesterday Jo Dufford experienced an ” Aha” moment after reading the post on the light/shadow connection… and the bogeyman!

” When I was small, I was never afraid of a bogey man-just the dark. One night I kept telling my sister, in the other bed, that I thought there was someone by my bed, so PLEASE turn on the light!

After several futile pleas, my sister disgustedly told me the light had been on for five minutes-I needed to remove my head from beneath the covers and open my eyes!

Jo realized suddenly from that old memory… maybe that ‘s the difference in seeing shadows and/ or seeing the light! It depends on what we are searching for and then how we see it-our own unique perceptions . Just another thought on light and shadows.

So until tomorrow…

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Dear Reader:

Mollie let me know recently I only had two more StoryWorth questions to answer and my life story was complete… to date!!!

I am so excited about seeing the finished product-52 weeks of questions and responses about my life for the family to have … my story and legacy hard-bound by love and appreciation! Wow! What a gift the family gave me!

So I decided to share this week’s question and response with you today.

The question asked me to re-tell an adventure I had been on… and my first thought was… it has been my life adventure that has been quite a thriller .

…………………………………………….

The most exciting adventure that I have been on has been my life adventure. It started out as a Greek Tragedy with two grandfathers and one father dying within a month of each other, followed by my mother who lost a hand to bone cancer a year later… a near- miss tragedy with a ” big ” brother in Vietnam… followed by the death of my ” little” brother.

But life is never filled with so many shadows that the light can’t get through… God’s light… and His blessings have been bountiful throughout my story.

Thirteen years ago it was God Who took control of my breast cancer and became my Healing Physician… reminding my surgeons and doctors that only He was in charge of my life… and that I wasn’t going away as quickly as they had prognosticated.

It appears that my life story has been divided in half. The first part was spent on automatic pilot-rushing everywhere-to school to teach, raising three children, juggling human responsibilities with financial survival.

But suddenly one day it was over. I came up for air-just long enough to gasp the realization that I had a treatable but not curable form of breast cancer. Thank goodness human physicians are only instruments of the Great Physician and God had other ideas and plans for my life.

So thirteen years later, after my three year longevity prognosis, here I am! Posting a daily blog, surrounded by family snd friends, experiencing travels to other states and even countries… just plain loving my life!

So until tomorrow… in spite of pandemics and societal/ political upheaval, I still believe in the good found within man and that the best is yet to come. I am living proof that miracles exist and only God is in charge!

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Dear Reader:

In Psychology Today… an article referenced Robert Johnson’s book-Owning Your Own Shadow. The central observation declared that unless we learn to balance our own personal shadows with the light… we usually try to project our shadows or dark sides on others.

This has been true throughout history… for example have you ever watched the evening news and by the end felt dumped on by too much dark news? Ironically some people gravitate to and talk about negative news … why negative news sells better than good news …while others of us need

more light to balance it and live for the final five minute segment about something good happening around us.

Johnson declares ” By embracing the opposites ( light and shadows) we are milking the shadow and that’s the saving grace.

Today one of my favorite times of the day is early morning… just as the sun filters through my Happy Room! I lazily lie on the sofa and watch the sun cross the fire place and hearth lighting up in bright shades of orange! It seems to light my spirit!

In ancient times communities chose one person each year to carry the shadows and darkness for everyone else.

He was the ” bogey” man. He would be killed at the end of the year… taking the evil deeds of the community with him.

The people were so grateful for his service that until his death he was not required to do any work and could have anything he wanted. Since he had the power of the collective shadow in him, he was supremely powerful and feared. Today, of course that is how children were/ are admonished…’ The bogey man will get you if you aren’t good.’

So until tomorrow… suggestions for keeping our shadows in balance:

Be grateful and express gratitude-Reach out to others for uplifting when needed; have courage, be more open to change and be patient with yourself… some light beams are harder to climb than others!

There was much light and beauty in the garden this morning!

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day! The most labor I exercised was popping boiled peanut shells! So good!

Dear Reader:

CBS correspondent, Steve Hartman, did it again to me yesterday… his latest story made me cry!

Don’t most of us have something in our possession, perhaps from childhood or another life changing moment that becomes our prized possession- something we keep close to remind us that someone cared when we needed it the most?

Personally -for me -it was and is Polly, my doll, that I got for my fifth birthday -the first birthday after my daddy died. I feel sure several relatives went in together to buy me that Teri doll… and she has been there for me ever since.

In Hartman’s human interest story… it was a thank you note from a third grade little girl that 95 year old Frank Grasberger still held dear to this day!

” I’ve never been without it,” he said…” because it’s something that somebody thought of me that much.” To him it brings three feelings …faith, trust, and love.

The Strongsville, Ohio resident is a World War II veteran. In 2009 a third grader wrote to thank him for his service. ” If it wasn’t for you, we would never have freedom. I’m happy you made sacrifices. Your friend, Dashauna Priest,” the letter concluded.

It came to mean so much to Grasberger, as the years went by, that he wanted to thank the author.

The staff at the senior living residence decided to do some sleuthing on their own. Priest is now 21. She still vividly remembers writing that note as a school assignment but also because she admired people in uniform.

Priest surprised Grasberger last month while wearing her National Guard uniform. Upon seeing her for the first time Grasberger admitted the surprise took his breath away!

Fortunately Grasberger’s heart only swelled and it may never return to its old size… Priest said Grasberger is family now!

So until tomorrow… one never knows where a ” thank you ” will end up… ” It started with love and affection as a small child and it’s ending the same way” Priest softly said.

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

The Turners made it to Mexico yesterday safe and sound… beautiful!

Dear Reader:

In these days of division and personal attacks on our fellow countrymen… ( where it appears that the roles of adults and children are reversed) I realized Saturday morning I had not been so energized and excited in a long time watching Rutledge quarterback for his ” Iron Horses.”

It was cool and breezy-we parents and grandparents had the whole enormous high school stadium to spread out within shouting distance if so we so wished.

I spent most of the game yelling for Rutledge and waving as hard as I could! Everyone was united in one cause and one cause only…supporting our little loved ones on the field … clapping and encouraging both sides!

Fun ” Rocky” type music was pumping away and the opportunity to engage in an isolated outdoor event was lost on no one-the stadium was filled with pure gratitude. Laughter and clapping filled the stadium.

I remember reading where FDR was asked after the bombing of Pearl Harbor if baseball should be continued… he grinned and called out ” Play ball.”

Sports bring unification… people together faster than any other situation during the tough times. Certainly it is up to individuals to weigh the options and make decisions based on their own medical histories and preventive measures to not infringe on the rights of the whole… but life is too magnificent to hide from it after taking all the precautionary measures available. Life is meant to be lived among those we love.

This evening my beloved Clemson will take on Georgia … it should be quite a game! *** But psst … you know what… it is going to be hard to beat watching Rutledge run down the field today and scoring! 😉

Tommy and Kaitlyn sent me a Clemson care package before they left for the mountains… so I will be ready!

John. Mandy and Eva Cate and Jake are off to a conference/ family vacation in Mexico this morning until Friday. You will not believe the hurdles and obstacles they have overcome to be able to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity! Adios Amigos!

So until tomorrow… God take care of our loved ones and be with them wherever they go!

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie Pooh

*** Nothing like having Uncle Tommy and Aunt Kaitlyn sponsor your football team! Rutledge is one lucky boy!

Fall is America’s favorite season … so much so that a popular expression has recently sprung up:

” There are only two seasons… Autumn and Waiting for Autumn.”

This weekend will pretty much mark the end of summer -swimming pools, bathing suits, and cook-outs with beach hot dog vendors.

Everything pumpkin will take over the television advertisements…

For me… the weather is the most important element needed to let me know fall has arrived! The past two mornings’ temps have popped me right out of bed…. low humidity and in the sixties! I can hardly wait to get outside… so much so… that I am driving over to Mt Pleasant to watch Rutledge play his second football game of the season!

I am sure when the weather turns back upward at the start of the week I will pout at the humidity and high temps again… such is the fickleness of man while waiting on fall… or as Mark Twain expressed best…

” Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”

Tommy and Kaitlyn are in the Highlands for a little R&R but before they left I received a Clemson Care Package from them and I can hardly wait to spread out all my paraphernalia this evening!

GO TIGERS!

So until tomorrow… Enjoy each day in life … but when autumn falls… pick yourself back up and get back on track!

I meant the RIGHT track! 🤣

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Dear Reader:

Today, September 3, we are about to enter into Labor Day Weekend… the official good-bye to summer!

On a personal note September 3 , once upon a time, was the Labor Day for me that brought the most beautiful result for all my hard work… Mandy… my oldest child!

Yesterday I went to a florist shop as soon as they opened to pick out a cotton wreath for a friend and neighbor whose mother had just passed at the Presbyterian Village. I chose cotton because it symbolizes healing and protection… and wherever she hangs it-it will remind her of her loving mother.

From there I picked up snacks and Pepsi’s for my brother Ben … for his fridge since I was picking him up for his appointment with his heart specialist.

I went early so we could hang out and eat lunch before the appointment-on the way we stopped by Mandy’s and gave her… her birthday present!

At the deli as we were eating a couple came up and thanked Ben for his service to his country … Ben had his Vietnam cap on. His face just lit up in surprise and delight! It was so moving!

We saw four members of the medical staff for over an hour-nice, respectful and thorough with several change recommendations to improve his quality of life.

Returning home… with the porch lights coming on… my guardian angel was there to greet me!

And it all started with two magical hibiscus blooms climbing over a deserted water can!

So until tomorrow May we all look for ways to do a labor of love for others- because it always forms a circle of life!

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

And now to one of my proudest labors of love… Mandy!

Dear Readers:

I have come to the conclusion that there are some stories that we should keep locked up in our memory treasure chest… ready to re-tell at just the right moment.

It appears that this is exactly what happened to me yesterday while researching a completely different topic!

When this book popped up in my Amazon collection of books ordered over the years… one story from it planted itself in my memory and I began to smile in spite of the tragic circumstances surrounding the true setting…the Holocaust.

Betsie and Corrie spent time in the notorious Ravensbruck Concentration Camp north of Berlin for hiding Jews in their home during the Nazi occupation of Holland.

Together they were thrown in Barracks 28… the stench from the reeking straw had both sisters struggling against nausea.

Suddenly Corrie sat up, striking her head in the cross-slats above… something had pinched her leg!

” Fleas!” she screamed. ” Betsie, this place is swarming with them.”

Betsie was already at prayer asking God to show them how to tolerate the nasty fleas. Suddenly she told Corrie God had given her the answer !

She opened her Bible and began to read…” Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. ”

Betsie immediately began thinking of everything about their new barracks that was good. The sisters had not been separated but were together, there was no initial inspection so no one found their Bible and finally she thanked God for the crowding so more women could hear the Word of God from their daily devotions.

Betsie then added … ” And thank you God for the fleas !” Corrie exploded shouting ” There’s no way even God could be thankful for fleas!” Betsie just smiled and repeated ” Give thanks in all circumstances.”

After their allotted ladles of turnip soup the women would gather around one small light bulb that cast just enough light to read scripture. No guard ever came near them so the women grew bolder and the numbers listening grew.

One night when Corrie got back to the barracks Betsie greeted her with a twinkle in her eyes. ” I just solved a mystery today… you know we have wondered why no guards ever enter Barracks 28 and we have had the freedom to read the Bible? “

” Betsie could not keep the triumph from her voice: ” Because of the fleas! No guards will enter our barracks because it is crawling with fleas!”

Betsie had been right in giving thanks to God for everything… including His fleas.”

So until tomorrow… Barracks 28 was known as the ” crazy place where women have Hope.” And hope they had-a living hope. Hope in the midst of darkness and yes… fleas!

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

September came in so beautifully yesterday… cooler morning temps while Vickie helped me with some yard work! Best Neighbor Award… hands down!

Dear Reader:

Haven’t we all experienced those mornings when everything just seems to naturally fall into place setting the foundation for a glorious memorable day?

We might think we have to be on vacation or out in nature’s beauty to experience this sense of fulfillment and unity with the human race… but such is not always the case.

Richard Whittaker had driven to LA to interview a popular artist and later met friends in Culver City for dinner. Now he found himself in a dilemma…he had not reserved a room and the only available space was at a Motel Six in a very sketchy area off Highway 10.

From the look of things he was deep in gang territory and the couple checking in before him only added to his initial impression. He was nervous and felt out of place but ended up having a good night’s sleep!

The next morning as he was carrying his bags to his car a young man standing in the parking lot shouted out ” Good morning!”

He responded with ” Good morning ” but he noticed the young man was still staring at him as if to get his attention.

Continuing to look at him the young man with a big smile…said ” Have a blessed day!”

Richard said the words were so unexpected and so genuine they passed into an unguarded place in him that ” simply lit up.” His gesture was a blessing and could not have been more unexpected.

From that moment on everything fell into place.. realizing he needed gas he glanced around and viola there stood a gas station-then realizing he was hungry-across the street there was a diner. It was as if everything in the universe was lining up.

As soon as he sat down he looked around his booth-it was impressively nice and clean. The middle-aged waitress’s uniform was impeccable. After he hurriedly picked one selection-she paused and pointed to another selection that was dollar cheaper and offered more food in the bargain.

Richard said he suddenly felt like something had changed in the universe from the blessing on …he had entered another dimension-something inside of him had been brought vividly back to life like a small songbird.

Suddenly he wanted to give back-he decided he would tip the waitress ten dollars and was feeling quite self-satisfied when suddenly he realized that was too easy to just stand alone… he had been transformed by seeing into a world he hadn’t known. He knew he had to give back something of himself.

*** (To my surprise the story ended there. Then suddenly I realized it was the perfect ending because it wasn’t an ending at all…but a new beginning! )

So until tomorrow…

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Don’t forget ” Today is the first day of the month! Remember to say ” Rabbit… Rabbit and may God bless you throughout the month of September!