Are Mormons saved?

A question I have been asked many times throughout my life but never in quite the manner as I was this time. The question came after being told that because I had impressed this person, as being one who truly cares about others, I had been on his mind and in his prayers. I was very touched and humbled that one so well respected by his peers thought me worthy of his prayers. I thanked him for that and told him that that was truly touching to me. He continued to explain that he meant me no disrespect but was concerned for my understanding of just who Christ truly is and what it means to be saved.

As I looked into the eyes of he who asked the question, I saw sincerity there. I felt he was truly concerned for me and so I felt I should try and answer the question with the same passion, conviction and sincerity as it was asked.

“Yes, I am saved”, I answered. Then with a tearful, tender heart and all the sincerity I could muster, I looked into the eyes of this man and declared that I believe in Jesus Christ, that he is my savior and I love him.

However then, as I continued to look into his eyes, I saw that my answer was not enough. He had already judged me based on what he perceived my beliefs to be. He had already decided I was not saved before he even asked me or heard my answer. As I listened to him explain that it would be very unfortunate for someone of my kind and thoughtful ways, to be misled and therefore miss out on receiving my reward in heaven, I realized he did not think me a Christian.  

I mean to show no disrespect to this man…

I could clearly see from his countenance that his question for me was born from concern and love. He clearly believes in the savior, Jesus Christ, and feels he has a duty to share this knowledge with others. I respect that.

He then went on to explain that he had copied an article that would help me see the error of my understanding. He felt this article might have information about my faith that I may not be aware of. He again told me that he did not want to offend me and that he would understand if I did not want to read it.

Still…I saw sincerity and the light of compassion in his eyes and so I accepted the challenge to read it on the condition that once I had read…he and I would talk again. (Even though I have been a member of this church for fifty years and always avoided reading literature that criticizes my faith)

 

Let me leave just one more thought here…

“By their fruits ye shall know them.” This man’s spirit was bearing good fruit and I recognized it. I sincerely believe that his question was not asked in a manner to condemn me but he rather was attempting to enlighten me to the ways of his understanding pertaining to salvation.

His question, as well as, the article, has caused me serious reflection over the last couple of weeks. I have felt the gambit of emotions; fear, determination, sadness, unworthiness, weakness, confusion (I could go on and on) but finally…love and inspiration seem to have rested upon me as I prayerfully investigated the article and reflected again and again as to just who Christ is…to me and in my life.

I now want to attempt to answer the question one more time. And I say attempt because I am human.

If there be fault with my definition of whom Christ is and what it means to be saved, it will be because of my weakness as a human…an imperfect being, sometimes incapable of seeing beyond my own understandings and experiences in life. Not because the teachings or doctrine of the Mormon Church are lacking in any way, but because I lack the knowledge and skill to give them proper credit and justice with my words.  So, please forgive me if my words in any way disrespect the true and perfect nature of who Christ truly is. I do realize that I am imperfect and therefore perfectly capable of making mistakes.

 

Regarding the article…

At first I wanted to read the article and prove that it was wrong. However, since reflecting and praying over the last few days, I feel that if one has decided this article is proof enough, and is convinced that this couple who wrote it (who neither you nor I know from Adam, are telling the truth) it wouldn’t matter what I say in defense of my faith. It would simply become my word against theirs in the end.  

Human nature is of such that we can disprove anything without much effort. If this were not true, there would not be so many religions or ways of believing in one God. One God who clearly points out in the scriptures, he is the same today as he was yesterday and is not a God of confusion.

Ask the monk, the Jew or the agnostic and atheist, they each and every one can prove their belief, or in the latter case, disbelief. I cannot prove to you with my words that this article is false, any more than this couple can prove it is true. So we will both have to rely on the Holy Ghost and prayer for our own confirmation.

I may attempt to comment here as I write on some of the accusations in the article, but I will not focus on what two who have chosen to leave the church have to say.  I have read the document and found it to be just the opinions of a couple who I know nothing about. I do not put my trust in man.

I am curious as to why so many choose to read this hype anyway. If you want to know what it is like to be a rabbit why would you seek out the cow or the duck to enquire? If you want to know what it is like to be a Mormon why do you not ask the believer? If you are just trying to disprove it…I refer again to my comment that ANYTHING can be disproved in the hearts and minds of men…even that God exists!

Again, I will not focus on this article too much, but I will take this opportunity to write about my belief in God the eternal father and in his son Jesus Christ. I will also share how I perceive the plan of salvation.

I believe in Jesus Christ…

I love being a grandmother and I have always loved being around little children. Children are so tender, teachable and excepting when it comes to faith and the promptings of the spirit. They don’t have to have everything proven or explained to them. What great examples they are to us grown-ups. (…a little child shall lead them)

 My granddaughter Emilee is not of my same faith, but I respect and love Emilee with all my heart. I believe she is loved by the Lord, that she knows him and shares a trusting relationship with him. She has a great knowledge for her age of who the savior is. She seems to understand and believe, beyond her years, in the power of faith and prayer.

Though I am careful to respect the teachings of her mother and father, she and I often share our feelings about God with each other.

Just recently she tearfully shared a tender experience that she had had with a new friend from school.  Her new friend is not from America and had never had the opportunity to learn anything about Jesus Christ and his teachings.  Emilee was troubled and worried for her friend’s salvation. She began to cry as she shared with me the conversation that she had with her friend about who God is.

I could see by Emilee’s tears that she feared that if her friend did not accept Christ as her savior she could not go to heaven.

I tried to comfort Emilee as she cried and told me about the kind of person her friend is. Emilee felt that her friend is such a special and good girl that it would be unfair that she might not ever know God.

We talked about Christ’s life, his example, his teachings and his tender mercy. We talked about how he had died for everyone, and that means even those who have never heard his name.

Christ is not only the ultimate example of compassion, love and mercy, but is no respecter of persons. He is the judge of our hearts.

As Emilee wiped her tears, I saw a little smile coming back to her face. I was impressed with her resolve to trust in the savior. She felt certain that the savior she knows, trusts and loves will provide a way for her friend. What a beautiful testimony she has of who Christ is.

The Judge of my Heart and Yours…

The Savior’s ability and power to know and judge our hearts is shown in the biblical story of Malchus.

The only thing we know about Malchus for sure is that he was the servant to the high priest, Caiaphas. Because the main focus on the account of the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane is the arrest itself, the story of Malchus appears almost dismissed as unimportant. But I love the part about Malchus because it really reveals so much about who Jesus Christ really is.

As Jesus was approached by those who came to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane his apostles were present. Probably in an attempt to protect and save his master, one of the apostles, Peter, had a sword and appears ready to use it. Although the savior seems ready for his arrest and willing to go, the apostles were confused and really don’t seem to understand the magnitude and importance of what is taking place. This seems obvious in the scriptures and the confusion and misunderstanding may be the reason Peter then cuts off the ear of Malchus. It is most likely in an attempt to defend his master, Jesus Christ.

What Jesus does and says next is amazing and so inspires me. First of all he tells Peter to put away his sword. Here is Peter who has been with Jesus long enough to know him as a close friend. He has sat at his feet and listened to his teachings yet he clearly seems confused as to just what is going on and as to why Jesus is so willing to submit to his enemies and his arrest. As Jesus is telling Peter to put away the sword, it appears that he is trying to reason and remind Peter that all is as it should be.

And then there is Malchus, who obviously does not know the Savior at all because he is relying on Judas to point him out with a kiss. Malchus has never had the opportunity to hear Jesus teach, to see him heal the sick or raise the dead. Malchus does not know of his tender and loving ways and yet the Savior show compassion and mercy as he touches and completely heals the ear of Malchus

Malchus, doing as he has been instructed by his master, has come to arrest a traitor. Jesus has just come from the garden where he has suffered for each and every one of us. Jesus is not only ready to go with those who have come for him but appears to be thinking of others. Here Jesus is going like a lamb to the slaughter and still reaches out to one of the least of us…Malchus, and restores his ear. “It will be all right now” he tells Malchus. Who better understands who Malchus is than Jesus Christ who has just paid for his life by suffering for his sins?

This is who Jesus Christ is. The only judge of our hearts.

It is easy to become judgmental as a Christian, especially when someone may not share our same beliefs. But Jesus tells us that we are not to judge. He actually cautions this and promises that by this same judgment shall we be judge.

Jesus Christ is love.

In Defense…

There were so many negative things said about my church in this article that it would take weeks to address them all. And as I have already pointed out it would just be my word against theirs.

The fact that the church as changed its name and some of its teachings since it was first established seems to be an issue here for the writers. So just on this one point then…here is my defense.

Most protestant religions originated from change…change from the Catholic Church in England. All their beginnings seem to stem from the interpretation and desires of men who wanted to see and make changes in the original Catholic belief and doctrine. These changes are according to the understandings of men.

History teaches us that the Reformation was a time of change and that many religions arose from it.  If you want to read about the history of these churches you will find change. Change in not only the names of the churches that reformed from the original Catholic Church, but change in doctrine, some scriptures and most definitely teachings.

If change was a sign of hypocrisy or a way to prove a religion wrong then surely all those who have changed from the original Catholic Church don’t have a leg to stand on.

So you can see here why simply because the Mormon Church has changed its name or doctrine over the years does not prove it wrong. Although the Mormon Church did not arise from the reformation but was established and began from a vision, we are still accused here of being wrong because we have seen change.

I agree that if you are looking to find mistakes made by the early leaders of the Mormon Church you will find them. These mistakes were made my men. I will make no effort to defend some of the things that were done. I did not live in the 1800s, do not have a clue as to how hard and harsh the conditions would have been for a church that has been misunderstood and persecuted from the very beginning.

What I will defend is my testimony…

The establishment of the Mormon Church came about because a young boy was confused as to which of all the churches he should join. He faithfully trusted that God would answer his prayer if he asked.

This young boy was not seeking to change anything. But because he had faith that God would answer him he did receive an answer that eventually led to the establishment of the Mormon Church or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints.

Again he did not set out to change any church or anything about the Bible. We believe the Bible to be the word of God and use the King James Version. The Mormons have never tried to change anything in the Bible nor have they ever set about to write one of their own. Contrary to what some say, the Book of Mormon is not a Mormon bible.

The Book of Mormon is a record of people who came out of Jerusalem, being warned of its coming destruction and were led by God to America. The Book of Mormon is a record of their lives and is in fact another testament that Jesus is the CHRIST and our savior. We believe that these people were some of those who Jesus mentioned when he said, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

From one who has read this Book I declare it to be beautiful and true. Nowhere else have I ever read any more tender and amazing accounts of Jesus’ love for us. Nowhere in the book do I find anything but more clarity about who the Savior Jesus Christ is. There is absolutely nothing dark, secretive or confusing about this book. It was written for the convincing of Jew and gentile that the very Jesus of Nazareth is absolutely the only true Savior. Together with the Bible they stand as a testament that Jesus is exactly who he said was, the savior of all mankind.

I am just one of God’s most imperfect daughters and have no right to try to describe to you his majesty, mercy and glory. My weakness in the flesh, even though I love him dearly, makes me feel so unworthy to try and testify of his greatness.

I would never attempt to judge the heart of another individual to the point that I would fear for their salvation. I believe that Christ will be the only one to do that. God is no respecter of persons, he being loving, just and merciful will provide for everyone. In the plan of salvation all will have an opportunity to know of him. God’s ways are not man’s ways. We cannot assume to understand how everything works. Otherwise there would be no reason for faith. It is dangerous to judge others by our understandings of what we perceive to be right.  

I know lots of wonderful people who do not believe exactly like I do. They belong to Jesus Christ and he will judge them by their hearts.

So in conclusion then…

My heart knows Jesus...and Jesus knows my heart.

I may not know the Jesus of your description…but I know him and I love him.

I boldly say to you who are reading this post…stop judging the Mormon Church based on here-say. If you want to know what it is like to be a horse go straight to the horse. Don’t go asking ducks.

Stop reading articles written by those who have left the church. Go get a copy of the Book of Mormon and read it for yourself. Read it and ask God if it is true. If you will read it with a sincere heart he will answer you.  Don’t put your trust in man. Trust in God he will never fail you.

I am a Mormon. I am a Christian. I am saved.

Stop wasting so much time trying to find fault with my love for Jesus Christ and God.

“By their fruits ye shall know them”

To this man who asked the question and his lovely wife…

My sincere thanks for asking the question…it has been a profound and enlightening experience finding the answer. God bless you with his very best. I pray that something in my words or in my manner will witness to you that Yes, Mormons know and believe in Christ…and they are saved.

And what of that dark hallow space in the center of your being…can you fill that with food?

Several months ago the movie preview for “Joyful Noise” caught my attention.  The previewed music sounded great and I was intrigued at the thought of Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah in a movie together. It appeared that it might be funny as well as have great music.  So I invited Peggy and Emilee and we went together that next weekend.

The movie had scarcely begun when the music started pulling me in. After about thirty minutes I suddenly was aware that I had not moved nor taken my eyes off the screen since it had begun. As I sat in a dead stare I realized I was smiling so big that my jaw was beginning to hurt. I felt enveloped, as though some magical power in this movie had captured me.

As I became aware of the nonsensical grin on my face, I was a little embarrassed. I was embarrassed that I had become so entranced so I quickly looked around to see if anyone had noticed how bewitched I had become.

 I was aware that the music was warming, comforting and lifting my spirits, but could not understand why I felt so…so, well for lack of a better word, elated, almost drunk in love. I felt the music literally filling me up with the most exciting and wonderful warmth. I was overwhelmed and realized I had not felt like this in a very long time.   I was literally tingling from my head to my toes. It felt like the sun was shining inside me and I was aglow. “Holy Cow, is everyone feeling this”? I quickly looked around the theatre fully expecting everyone to be entranced in a smiling stupor with me. However, I could see that everyone, though seeming pleased, was NOT jumping up and down for joy, and clapping wildly for more, more, more!

 I was so excited about the movie I wanted to return and did, several times. I took my daughter Donna; I took my son Bobby and then returned again by myself. Although the movie was enjoyable for my family no one seemed to experience what I did. And though I enjoyed it the second, third and fourth time, I myself never again experienced the same euphoria as I had the first time.

I have thought about this experience several times since it happened and the only answer I have for it, other than it is an enjoyable movie… is that I was so thirsty for what this music had to offer that evening that my spirit could not drink it in fast enough.

I was like a dry sponge that had finally been given what it hungered and existed for, moisture…nourishment…light and joy. However these are mere adjectives and they don’t do justice to how enlightened I felt. But they are all I have to describe what happened to me. All I know is, when the music began, it felt as though it poured into my being. The music came in through my ears and it vibrated through every cell of my body, filling and nourishing my dry and parched soul.

I have since realized that music is one way I can nourish my spirit. Not only is it one way but an extremely important way for me. I can tell when it has been too long and look and long for ways to bring more music into my life. What a beautiful and wonderful gift music is. I wish I had a way to have it in my life everyday like I experienced that evening while watching Joyful Noise. If you have not seen the movie I encourage you to rent it and indulge. Although I cannot promise you that you will experience what I did the first time I saw it, I think if you like music, you will enjoy it.

http://joyfulnoisemovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/index.html#/home

 

I realized that evening how important music is to my life, my light and my spirit. Music is vital nourishment for my spirit and like many other wonderful things is a gift from God. Gifts he has given to inspire, uplift, nourish and replenish our souls. You may feel the same about music as I do, or you may have a strong connection to other gifts he has placed in your life. The important thing here is to realize what power these gifts have and how they can nourish and lift you. Keep them and other treasures and gifts close to you. Surround yourself with them.

Fill Your World with Color and Beauty

Fill your life and your world with the colors, textures, scents, sounds and objects that are beautiful to you, that have meaning to you. Remember that we are connected to our environment. The objects and the colors in our world have energy and meaning. They have an impact on us.

Objects have energy.  They have energy already in them when we obtain them and they have energy and meaning we attribute to them. Choose carefully the possessions you want around you…

Choose objects and colors that make your heart smile.

Journey to the Heart,   Melody Beattie

Spiritual nourishment for me…is many things.

Of course it is reading the scriptures and attending church. But in my life I have found that not only is there many other ways to nourish…but that they are vital to living a healthy and joyful life.

 I am sure that the gifts that God has placed here on earth for us to partake of, create with, and use for good, have to do with the fulfilling of our own divine missions in life.

You will be drawn to these things and will know them immediately. They are the good things in life that lift, refresh, inspire and comfort. “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. AND it is vital that you do.

Nature is another gift…

 Or connection that uplifts inspires and nourishes our spirits. I am drawn to nature as many of you are I am sure.

One of the first spiritual experiences I ever had was in the great outdoors with nature.

 When I was about 10 years old my family lived in California. Although my Mom and Dad had not yet introduced me and my brothers to God or church we were introduced to nature and its beauty very early on. We spent many Sundays taking family trips and outings where we were allowed to experience nature.

On one of these trips my family went to the Redwood Forest in California. I have never forgotten the forest and it is on my bucket list to return there at least once more.  

I made a connection to nature that day unlike any I had ever felt. I don’t recall much about the trip. I don’t remember how long it took to get there, or if we took a picnic. I don’t recall anything anyone said to me or how long we stayed. But, I do recall the color and smell of these amazing trees. I remember the way the earth felt under my feet and the way the sun filtered through the tops of these enormous and beautiful trees. I do recall my amazement at the size and majesty of this creation. Somehow they seemed more alive to me than any other plant I had ever encountered. I had a spiritual awakening and I remember the feelings of connection I felt to those trees. I remember the awe I felt as a child as I walked through them.  The feeling of awe I had, and still have… every time I recall the trees or see a picture of them. As a young girl I did not know what this overwhelming feeling was that I experienced as I walked among these gigantic trees and felt their sacred power that day. But I do now. My spirit recognized this beautiful place as a place of beauty, majesty and sacredness. A place where my spirit was nourished and I felt a connection to God unlike I had ever felt before.

 

 

A Prayer about Nature and God's Creation

Loving Father and Creator of all we come to you today deeply grateful for your creation. As we look around us we are amazed at the greatness and majesty of all that you have made. Nature around us speaks of your greatness - the vast expanse of the sky, the mountains, trees, lakes and streams speak of your great design. You have given us such beauty in the colors of the rainbow, the beauty of flowers and fields. Words cannot adequately express the magnificence of all you have created. We join in praise with the writer of the psalms when he says, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth." May we show our love and reverence to you, our Lord, by caring for all that you have created. We humbly give you praise and thanks. Amen

I am realizing this blog could go on and on as I try to describe ways that I nourish my spirit…

I cannot list them all but if you will, I would like to add one more

 

The beauty of light inspires and uplifts me…

My mother passed away about 11 years ago. Of course I still miss her but the first few months were the worst.

She died in February and the days of winter had already become cold and short. I realized by the end of March that I was depressed and was having a hard time pulling myself out of it. I began to feel like darkness was closing in on me. As the hour of the day would approach 4 pm I would start to dread sundown. It made me feel cold and so alone. It finally became so bad I would go out at night in search of the moon so I could see the reflection of the sun there. I knew if the moon was shining then the sun was too…somewhere. And that became very important to me as I struggled to find happiness in life again. I finally felt the depression lift as spring came around, but I gained a great love and appreciation for the sun and its light that winter.

I am not one to keep the curtains closed during the day and when I wake up one of the first things I do is pull the curtains back and let the light of day filter into my home.

 I remember my daughter Cheryl lived with me while I was going through this and helped me during those long months of winter by encouraging me to fill the house with candles. Everywhere we could find a spot for a candle, we had one. I still love and look forward to candles and twinkling lights at the beginning of winter and through the holidays until spring or as long as I can get away with.

I love art that uses light as part of its artistic process and isn’t complete without it. Like stained glass. Although I have only had a little experience with stained glass, I am certainly a lover of this art and would like to learn more about it. There are lots of pieces of art that show reflections of light in amazing ways and I am always drawn to those pieces of art in a nurturing way... I look for ways to bring light into my home with art and in other creative ways.

 I love the analogy of Christ being the light of the world. I see light as an amazing gift that nourishes my spirit and lifts my heart to a happy place just as I see my savior. He is the light of my life.

As I end this blog I just want to recall the last blog I wrote several months ago. I wrote about the lack of spiritual nourishment I had experienced and how important it is to not let this happen. I have spent a lot of time pondering the wonderful gifts I have in my life that inspire me and uplift me. The gifts that nourish my spirit and help me live a happy life. I cannot close without mentioning the greatest gift of all.

Love.

Love really does lift me up to where I belong, just like the song says. Thank you God for the ability to love and be loved and especially for your love…and all the wonderful ways you fill my life with it.

That emptiness you feel…that hole in the pit of your soul…you know what I am talking about? You can’t fill that with food. You are in need of spiritual nourishment. It will be vital to your health in every way to find what nourishes your spirit and feed it.

Bon Appetit Butterflies!

Your light is almost OUT…Stop and refill

 My latest distractions…

Over the last couple of months I have been very busy planning a high school reunion. My daily activity for the most part has been focused on the success of this reunion.

If you read my last blog about the experiences I had planning the reunion, you may be surprised that all the tender and sweet experiences of reconnecting to old and dear friends, although very rewarding and inspiring, left me with a big empty feeling and hole the size of Texas in my core or spirit.

Yes, I felt fulfilled by the success of the reunion and actually learned a lot about me and my needs. But that doesn’t mean I have not been aware that I was missing something, neglecting something the whole while I was so busy and distracted by the reunion.

 In fact, although at first I only noticed a loneliness and sadness, by the time the reunion planning was well underway I already had become acutely aware that my spirituality was lacking.  And for the most part, the emptiness I felt when the reunion was all over was a direct result of a lack of spiritual nourishment.

I was putting my spirituality on hold… because I thought I did not have time for it.

Just how many times in one person’s life does she need to be reminded that you CAN NOT NEGLECT YOUR SPIRIT?

What has spirituality and spiritual nourishment got to do with becoming all you are meant to be?

How can it help my butterfly quest?

How can it help me become the best authentic part of myself? And more importantly, how can it fill that empty space in the core of my and your being that you keep thinking can be filled with a doughnut, or whatever vice it is that brings that temporary ‘rush’ and then drops you flat… and lets you down harder each time?

I don’t have to tell you I am sure. You already know just as I do. There are no physical resolutions in God realm…everything is spiritual to God. So the answer to every situation, trial, problem and question in your life is spiritual.

Everything you need to fill that empty feeling in your life is spiritual. Of course you need to eat to live… the difference is that you should not be LIVING to EAT!

Every answer to every pain, hurt, frustration, problem and dilemma in my life and yours has a spiritual answer.

I am not sure where I am going here with this blog…just know that God has been teaching me for several months now about spiritual nourishment and being able to share this experience with you, the reader, is helping me digest it. J So thanks be to Bogging Spots and people who read them!

I have felt this empty, hallow, dark feeling many times in my life but had no idea for the longest time what the heck it was. Just knew I did not like the feeling, so I tried filling it, suppressing it, and soothing it the best I could… with comfort foods.

I know some of my children and friends experience this lonely, deeply sad and hallow feeling as well I do, because we have talked about it. Talked about the fact that we don’t understand where it comes from and why it is there.

Where does such negativity come from, especially when you are trying to take care of your life and responsibilities in an honest, committed and respectful manner?

 Maybe you even attend church every Sunday, and still before the end of the week feel sad, lonely and defeated before you can get back to church again the next Sunday.

Here is what Joyce Meyer has to say about it in her book, “Look Great Feel Great.”

“Caught up in a busy life style many people mistake the void they feel inside for physical hunger. They were never taught to recognize spiritual hunger, or what to do about it if they do recognize it. Since they don’t know what to do about the pain and loneliness, they reach for the quickest fix they know: food, drugs, alcohol or other material pleasures.

Today more people are spiritually malnourished than ever before. Too many elements of society distract people from their eternal souls and encourage them to concentrate on material life instead. People get caught up with making money to buy bigger and spiffier cars, or with following the latest trends. Families are less likely to live close together, removing another spiritual support. Time for church and religious matters, or even for spending quiet time in nature, is pushed aside by busy schedules and entertainment. The quiet voice of God is drowned out by the constant drone of the TV set.”

In my life, the more I am distracted by life, allowing me to justify spiritual malnourishment, the more likely I am to have this empty feeling.  

Life is not easy…there are times in life when it is definitely easier to neglect your spirituality; loss of a job, a sick child, death, divorce. Ok then, you are right…that is life, so I guess I am saying, life and its distractions will fill up your time with business, work, distractions, pain, hurt, discouragements and loss…so you will be distracted and neglect feeding your spirit.

Once you know and recognize this emptiness for what it truly is… let it be a warning sign that your light is almost OUT…Stop and refill.

25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom

25:3 those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,

25:6 and at midnight a cry was heard:
'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'

25:10 and while they went to buy, the bridegroom came,
and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding;
and the door was shut.

The part of this parable that just crushes my heart every time I read it is, “AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT.”

In other words…when you least expect it… and I am talking almost every day, life brings on the challenges; disappointments, heartaches and discouragements.

I bet you are a lot like me and if you have neglected your spiritual nourishment have a hard time coping with the darkness of life when you are standing there with a lamp that cannot be lit. And of course Satan has been watching and knows this is when to send in the heavy artillery.

Bad thoughts, defeating thoughts….negative, negative, negative. After a healthy dose of negativity in Satan’s battleground…which is your mind…you are defeated before you even begin.

Sound familiar??? It should if you are a human and living on earth in a physical body.  I mean if you are a spiritual being having physical experience which we truly are.

Me letting you in where angels fear to tread….

As a single, older but still passionate and loving lady, I have found the challenge of being single very taxing…as well as disappointing. I miss the blessing of having a companion in my life who is my best friend, my lover and my confidant. Someone who is anxious to share his feelings with me, as well as he to know my heart.

Over the last year I have spoken with and seen a few men who seem to be experiencing the same life changing phenomena in their own lives and are out searching the debris and fallout from love gone wrong….for whatever reason… for a new companion.

I have found this search mostly painful and truly disappointing so far. Although I am more incline at this point in life to know what I want in a relationship, it seems to be impossible for if it is there somewhere then…it is very well hidden.

For so far, the only one I would love and wanted to know with all my heart… has other ideas and interests. And those who seem more than willing…only leave my cup half full…with my heart and my thoughts returning to how I feel about…the later…for there seems to be no comparison to that feeling and so I keep coming up empty!

I share this to make a point...

This disappointing and sad emptiness felt by being lonely for companionship has been a distraction to me. I know this and have gone to Heavenly Father many times about it in prayer. Asking for this to be removed…just take this desire away…please.

Hasn’t happen yet…I am sad to say. But because God is merciful and loving he has shown me why I feel this way, and how he wants me to live with it, in spite of it.

The answers to our prayers are not always what we want to hear…but always what we need. Be sure you are really listening and not just waiting to hear what you think the answers should be.

At other times in my life I have asked the same question of God…many times. Please take this from me…I cannot do it.

All things are possible with God….His scriptures reassure us that he will never give us more than we can bear. He did not say if would be easy…but he did say ‘It will be worth it.” Experience has taught me that as soon as I am willing to wait upon the Lord, my burdens always become more bearable. Most times they are not taken away but my ability to endure becomes greater.

We all need love and acceptance in our lives. I have a very loving family and an awesome group of friends who support and love me. I am a truly blessed woman.

There is however someone I need to have a closer relationship with. There is someone who wants to be my constant companion; he will never let me down or disappoint me, he always loves me and it doesn’t matter whether I wear a size 6 or 26, he will always accept me. He is my Heavenly Father.

Of course, like any other relationship I will need to do my part...

So…the answer to my prayer, for now, is that...God wants me to learn to “lean on him” and not another man. At least for right now, I guess God is a jealous God after all J

Just like any loving parent he places restrictions and boundaries to guard and protect his children. Like a gentle and wise shepherd lovingly shutting the coral gate in order to guide us in the right direction…he drives his sheep into the meadows where the grass is greener and will provide for the spiritual growth we need.

I need to be independent, confident and assured that I can stand on my own faith, no matter what.  I do see how I can learn this better alone…that is alone, with God.

Hopefully with the strength found through spiritual nourishment, I will find my way in life…to my best self.

This is a pretty human and revealing side of me I have shared with you, I know…it is hard to teach someone though if you are not willing to bear all and share.

I am not looking for your compassion here either. Please don’t feel sorry for me. Feel happy that God loves me and cares about every aspect of my life…and your life. Even down to what you eat…physically and spiritually.

This could have been your story here in my blog…about whatever challenges you are facing in your life right now. It could have been written about whatever you are distracted by. What are you thinking you cannot have or do? Maybe you have been feeling a little sorry for yourself and left to your own?

You are not alone. You are not any more alone than I have been. He is there. If you are important enough to die for then you are important in every portion and every part of your life to Him who gave his life that you might have and find yours.

Try considering that God is trying to direct you to a place you cannot see with your physical eyes…you will have to use your spiritual eyes to get there. And those eyes need to be spiritually nourished by Him.

This is getting to be a pretty long blog and of course it is late. I mean early in the morning, a quarter to three exactly. So I will save the ways I feel inspired to nourish my spirit with you for next time. I promise!

I saw this awesome picture on Facebook tonight. I have to get it framed as I want to wake up and see it on my night stand every morning. This is how I want to live my life.

Happy eating butterflies. Good night J

Why I Cried Like A Kid With A Broken Heart When the Reunion Was Over

By: Linda Williams Bosley

                                                      Me, Becky Orange and Janice Hall

The moment I woke up this morning my mind started replaying scenes back to me of the night before.  As I lay there, still in a somewhat dreamy state, a sea of faces flooded my awakening. I recounted dozens of smiles and countless hugs; some were for me and some were for others. But it was not just the images that replayed; I could hear it all as well. Sounds of happy and excited friends reconnecting were everywhere. There was a beautiful and explosive show of friendship ‘fireworks’ everywhere I looked. As I watched this happening, the realization hit me that I, in some small way, had helped this to happen, and it was a “take-your-breath-away” moment for me. Right then and there was the greatest accomplishment for all my labors…and it was at that moment that I realized my reward. It felt amazing.

Within just a minute or two I had recounted highlights from beginning to end of the 2012, 46^th year reunion for the 1966 graduating class of Oliver Springs High School.

When the recall ended, and I was fully awake, I sat up on the edge of the bed, took a deep breath…and said out loud to myself, “Wow…its over. It was amazing, and…it’s over.”  Then I lay back down, covered my head with the blanket…and cried like a kid with a broken heart.

After a minute or two of tears I wiped my eyes with the sheet and stared up at the ceiling, “Holy cow, what in the world is wrong with me? I must be lots more tired than I realize. I should be happy. Sure it’s over…what a relief. I can think of something now that doesn’t have to do with the word REUNION. Now I can get back to my life again.” And to that thought, the tears poured again, only this time more intently.  “Ok…get it together girl, you need a hot shower, things will look better after that.”

I am glad to report the shower worked and I am ok. But, I have cried several more times today as I have tried to discover just what is causing me to feel so emotional about reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. Sure I’m tired as anyone would be after being the hostess of such an even, but…it is more than that. A lot more than that.

No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever."
Francois Mocuriac

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
- Anais Nin

The Last Committee Meeting

I had planned a lunch get-together for 1pm today for any out-of- towners who happened to still be around after the reunion. And even after having slept in and missed my church… I still had to hurry to make the luncheon on time at 1pm.

 I seemed to be the last to arrive at the hotel restaurant, and as I walked in the lobby all I could do was smile as I saw who had shown up. Interesting enough the lunch, in the end, turned out to be mostly my reunion committee. Those brave souls who had stuck with me through this from beginning to end. And are those whom I have reconnected to and fell hopelessly in love with over the last four months. How, can I ever share with you all, in a way to do them justice, just how wonderful they truly are?

Ginny Duggins Crisp Shippley

My Consultant Cohort – My Friend

Ginny Duggins

Over the last year, Ginny and I have become great friends. I was living here in Oak Ridge at the time of, our classmate and her first husband, Bill Crip’s passing. Bill was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and died several years ago with liver cancer because of it.

I had known of that trail in her life when it was happening, but sadly was not there for her or Bill. My own life was a mess at that time and unfortunately I could not see past myself to reach out to anyone. I had deeply regretted this. So, when I came back into the area this time I reconnected with her.

When I mentioned the idea of a reunion to her, she encouraged me, but said she just did not want to that again. She felt it would be just too exhausting. J

Of course she didn’t want to.  It is lots of work and is quite risky investing $$ into something you are not sure will pay you back. She and Bill had already done this twice in one life time. So, Ginny knew first-hand how hard it is. I told her that was ok and that I understood, but would she just be my consultant? She smiled and said, “Sure, but I probably won’t even attend.”  I just smiled back.

Bill had a larger than life personality. He loved other people and always had Ginny involved with doing things for others with him. I knew she would be there for me, just as they would have done together had he still been alive to help.

And there she was waiting…in the hotel lobby…for me… at 1pm, because I asked her to. Waiting, even though she was exhausted from the reunion the night before, where she took charge of the kitchen like a ‘pro’.  Here was my little Ginny who had been my very own ’Iron Chef’ from the word “go”.

This is who, this lovely and sweet little Ginny has become; loyal, beautiful and a true giver. Always looking for ways to bless the lives of those around her. She has touched my heart with her example and made a difference in my life with her kind and generous ways.

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
- Bible: Ecclesiastes

Johnny Niswander –

The Biggest Flirt Becomes My Friend

Johnny Niswander

I told Johnny just the other day that He was actually one of the only 1966 ‘senior superlatives’ who actually deserved his title, “Biggest Flirt”.

 I know you girls will agree. As most of us could always count on Johnny for a flirty wink, a hug, kiss and or anything else he thought he could get away with in high school.

I am happy to report the man still has that same contagious smile and although a little gray around the edges, cute and flirty ways.

Although I was fortunate to date him just a bit in high school, I did not have the great privilege of understanding the man behind the flirty smile until just this past year. As our relationship has grown now in a different direction and he has become one of my best friends.

Johnny was all for the reunion from the very beginning.

”Just tell me what you want me to do”, were his very words. J And of course I love telling a man what to do. So… I did.

 He has unceasingly reached out and sought out every classmate he could find to make sure they were invited. I knew he would prove to be very valuable has a ‘head hunter’, because he seems to keep track of old friends in a most loyal and caring way. Kinda like an old dog keeps up with his favorite bone. He may seem a little distracted at times but he has one eye on that bone always. Grrrrrrr!!

He was there for me at every request and every meeting. Although near the end he was sure if he had not been able to find you…then you must be dead! LOL
It became a joke among the committee that you
had better let Johnny hear from you, or you would end up on the deceased list at the reunion.

He is probably one of the very few friends left of Karl Queener’s who has never stopped checking in on him.

Johnny took the initiative to arrange for Karl to be there at the reunion. This meant a lot to Karl, and Johnny knew it would. But…I knew it would also mean there would be a sacrifice made by Johnny.

Karl’s health is not good. He is weak and would not be able to stay out long. We debated for a while if bringing him to the reunion would be worth the risk that might be involved. Johnny talked with Karl’s mother as well as the doctors at the nursing home to make sure this would be in Karl’s best interest.

Johnny told me that Karl had called him at 6:45 am that Saturday morning to remind him NOT to forget to come pick him up. When Johnny saw his name as an incoming call so early in the morning he was concerned. In Johnny’s words, He said he asked Karl why the hell he was calling so early in the morning. To which Karl responded, “I just didn’t want you to forget me.”

Karl was ready and waiting to be picked up that afternoon. And my guess is he had been ready and had been waiting all day.

Thank you Johnny for making that happen for Karl and for all of us. It was a special treat in the life of our Karl and of course very special to have him there with us.

This is the kind of man and friend that Johnny Niswander has become. I am so proud to say that I know him and that he is become one of my very favorite friends.

There is no hope of joy except in human relations."
- Antoine de Sainte-Exupery

Jerry Brown

Mild Mannered Super Friend

Jerry Brown & Jayne Wheaton

Jerry actually graduated 1965 but lots of classmates from 65 have remained close to us 66ers. As you might recall, there were several marriages from these two classes.

This is a good spot in my writing to mention that the reunion for 1966 soon became pretty open to lots of other graduating classes. We had classmate friends from as early as 1961 and as late as 1970 who attended. We soon took the restriction of those who had actually ‘graduated’ away as well, and made it “graduates and friends”. So glad we did this, because not all of our high school buddies were in our same class or actually graduated.

Back to Jerry -

Most of you will remember cute and happy Jerry. Jerry, with his auburn, curly, thick hair, and cute, cute smile. Guess you could say he was our “Cramer” look-a-like. (If you have ever watched the TV show Jerry Steinfeld, then you will know who Cramer is)  Not quite as goofy as Cramer, if you will, but just as cute and funny.  Always happy and smiling, that was Jerry.

Now a more mild-mannered, not so thick, gray-haired gentleman. Quiet and soft spoken, but oh, so willing to help his friends.

Jerry has had plenty of trails in his life to overcome as most of us have. I am so impressed with his attitude and how he remains accepting with no bitterness in his heart. He is definitely a man who sees his life’s cup is half full and not half empty.

Jerry seems to have his bucket list and has a great love and zest for living a happy life. He recently met up with old army buddies in Virginia for a week long reunion. He loves to travel and is eager to see and do lots more in life. So yeah, still the fun loving guy we all grew to love in high school but now with a touch of gray maturity. Very well aged J

Jerry thank you for sticking with me here to the bitter end and for all you did as part of the reunion committee.
"Friends are the most important ingredient in this

this recipe of life."  by Dior Yamasaki

Connie Elrod Evans

The Light and Life of the Reunion

Kenneth Justice & Connie Elrod

Ever noticed in life how some who are the smallest in stature can grow the biggest personalities? That is our Connie and always has been. She has not changed in that respect. She was the light and life of this reunion. So dedicated to others feelings. So inspired and creative in her giving. She has touched my heart where it was needed in the worse way.

When Connie got wind of this reunion on Facebook she immediately requested my friendship and asked what she could do. Boy was I ready for her help and what a blessing she became to this effort.

Right away she began contacting her old classmate friends and enlisted the help of several of them. She lives in Franklin TN, but drove down here to Oliver Springs, to be with us for planning meetings and get togethers. She brought her positive and loving heart each time. It was obvious to me that she wanted to make the reunion something special for everyone.

Not long after we realized we needed to pay a special tribute to the fallen soldiers from our high school, Connie agreed to take this task on as her personal baby. She and Brenda Carter together made sure we collected the right names and had all the information we needed to pay a small tribute to our fallen. But Connie did not stop there. She soon enlisted the help of David Hall as she put together a touching and respectful tribute to share and honor these young classmates who have paid the highest price in life for our country. Once she had in mind what she wanted to do she took it to the next level. Realizing that nowhere in Oliver Springs is there a tribute honoring are Vietnam soldiers she resolved to change that.

She then made connections with representatives from the Oliver Springs Historical Society and offered to donate the fallen soldier tribute to the new museum being built in the historical old Abston bldg., where Daugherty’s Garage once lived.

 I am so proud to announce that the society was thrilled with her donation and actually came to the reunion to accept it in person.

As a side note here, Connie was driven and determined to her commitment to the reunion and the fallen soldiers. So much so, that even after taking a fall on July the 4^th and busting up her knee cap, she never stopped. Connie came to the reunion and participated never complaining not even once. I am not sure anyone even noticed the fact that she was limping from the injury. She took off the knee brace so no one would know. She totally went above and beyond to fulfill her responsibilities and promises to me and the reunion. The world would be so much better off with lots more people like Connie in it.

Wow, Connie you take my breath away with your golden heart and loving spirit. You made the reunion into something more than just a get together for old friends…you showed us all how important it is to give back. Thank you to my sweet and lovely friend and classmate Connie Elrod Evans.

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
Martin Luther King

Brenda Loy McGhee

The Loyal Friend!

Carlene Wilson & Brenda Loy

Brenda actually tracked me down…still don’t know exactly how, but I think it had something to do with Connie Elrod. If I am remembering correctly Brenda’s daughter emailed me on Facebook and gave me Brenda’s phone number.

Of course, I called.  Wayne McGhee answered the phone. I had forgotten that they had married. Another example of the many matches created by Oliver Springs High School. J

Brenda was excited and asked for all the reunion information so she could start inviting classmates that she knew still in the Oliver Springs area.

Brenda was so excited I asked her to please come to our committee meeting and be part of the team. She was excited and accepted.

Brenda really had her hand in everything; planning, phone calls, invitations, set up and clean up. She proved to be a big, big support for Connie and her fallen soldier tribute.

Connie and Brenda were another connection that I took great pride in watching. They were best of friends in high school and watching them reconnect was really touching. It was like no time had passed between them although Brenda told me it had been lots of years since she had seen Connie. I was so impressed with Brenda’s support for Connie and the fallen tribute. Brenda knew Connie was in pain with her busted knee and I could tell she wanted to be there for her J

The most touching benefit for me in this whole thing has been the reconnections I have made with old high school friends and acquaintances Brenda Loy and Connie Elrod were not close friends of mine in high school I am sorry to say. I really missed out by not knowing them very well back then…BUT they are two of my favorite people now and worth hanging on to for the rest of my life J

If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. ~Edgar Watson Howe

David Hall

The Good Man

David Hall

True to his school spirit as always, David was always available and ready to help. Pulled in many directions by us girls he proved to be worth his weight in gold.

Everytime any of us needed help he was willing. I guess he was our jack of all trades. He proved to be handy with a hammer and helped Connie by building the wooden backdrop for the Fallen Soldier Tribute.

David is strong and tall so anything we could not reach or lift…who you gonna call? That’s right…

David and I have not been able to sit and talk in much detail about his life but I do know a few interesting things about the man he has grown into.

David is a family man and has spent his life supporting his son’s career in baseball. He told me that his son, Nate Hall, had just retired from a professional career with the Southern Illinois Miners and is now in pursuit of opening his own business.

David was proud and enthusiastic as he related to me how he and his wife had spent the last part of their lives following him on tours and listening to games on the radio.

Dave is retired… but is now spending his days, still in the support of his son, who has opened a sports training center to help train professional athletes. If you are interested in knowing more I will post the link here for the site I found. http://www.natehalltraining.com/

So…if you want to know what Dave Hall is doing with his time these days…it is simple. He is training professional athletes. Yep, he is… right alongside his son Nate.

I understand the business is growing by leaps and bounds. Guess I am giving the new business a “good pitch”, but there is absolutely no “pun….t”  intended. J

Thank you so much David for being there for us all.

That best portion of a good man's life; his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.
William Wordsworth

Gail Stooksbury Brown

The Southern Princess with Bling

Gail Stooksbury

Gail is our true southern belle.  With her cute southern accent and her southern traditional manners, she was the one responsible for just the “right touches” at the reunion. 

It was she who wanted the big golden traditional homecoming mum corsages with deep purple ribbon to be pinned to every ladies blouse.

 It was she who wanted to see the purple and gold splashed around every room and not in just a subtle way either, she insisted on “bling”.

 It was she who adorned the dining hall with elegance and southern charm. It was she who insisted that we lay out the best linen and silver trays.

Frankly, I just purely enjoyed watching her work her magic. I felt at times as though we were in a scene from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” She was the princess and, I guess I was the frog. The frog who tried to keep her fancy ideas at bay to some extent. But in the end, she won out of course. Even though the reunion was advertised as “Casual”. Who is gonna tell a princess “no”, not me!

I absolutely loved everything she did and the way she did it, with so much southern charm. Made you want a buttermilk biscuit with momma’s homemade blackberry jam, just to watch her in action. Get the picture here?

Gail truly embodies for me that old southern charm that I love so much. She was dedicated to the little touches of elegance and hospitality that added the “bling” we needed to our reunion.

It just really would not have been half as fun without her and not nearly as southern without her “bling”.  I love you Gail, my sweet southern friend.

Thanks for the “Bling”

Southern Hospitality

Not a tangible thing, but an attitude which has been ingrained in Southerners forever.

It's a feeling of being sincerely welcomed as a guest or a long lost friend, a way of life that lets people be as warm as the climate.

It's an easiness in speech with total strangers or anyone, a unique friendliness encompassing the whole way of life in the deep South.

It' not something one does; it's the way one is.

Janice Daugherty Hall

A Positive Force

Janice Hall

Janice was one of the first of my classmate friends to tell me she would be willing to help me with anything for the reunion and soon became a positive force that kept me going with her example.

Here is a lady who just in the last few years as lost several family members, including her daughter. I had not had a conversation with Janice in many years and had no idea of the loss she had faced. I was so impressed with her kindness and concern for me as she reached out to try and help as much as possible.

As I learned that Janice lived alone and had faced so much loss, I wondered how she could remain so positive about life. It didn’t take long for me to come to an understanding of how she does it; how she can remain focused on the positive things in life.

The answer; she loves to support and help her friends. Janice has learned that caring about others helps her keep a positive perspective and balance in her life. What a great example she is.

She constantly seemed to be concerned that I was doing too much and worried for my energy level.

Janice was my shopping partner and helped me gather lots of odds and ends we needed for the reunion. The day of the reunion she worked with me all day long from beginning to end. I am not sure which of the two of us was the most tired when the whole thing was over. Thank you so much dear Janice for your support, concern and help. Love ya!

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement Stone

Steve and Marsha Tichenor Lane 

“The Worker Bees”

Marsha & Steve Lane

It ever there were ever two who would just take you in as one of their own…it is Marsha and Steve Lane.

From the first moment I mentioned a reunion to them they were on board. They had all kinds of ideas and tips from past reunions to help me.
They knew who to talk with that had done this before and had some great strategy as to how to reach out and find everyone.

Marsha worked hard with Steve to contact as many classmates as they could. Tracking down leads for addresses and phone numbers. I know they called several people not just once but several times trying to get a commitment from them and find others.

Marsha was our advertisement specialist. She worked hard and was very creative with ideas on how to get the word out to everyone about the reunion.

I really depended on them big time for most of the phone calling and reaching out. I have no idea how many hours Marsha and Steve spent on the phone contacting old classmates. Well maybe a little idea. J

Steve loves to talk and is a great story teller. If he called you it was not just a 5 min conversation with him. He had to find out how you and your family were doing and then share some of his favorite stories with you.

To give you an idea of what I mean, Marsha said when Steve retired she had a wooden plaque made and hung in the kitchen. The plaque reads, “Warning…Enter At Your Own Risk. Retired man who loves to talk lives

here…And NOW has plenty of time to do it!”

Joking aside, the list of duties they both took on as their responsibilities for the reunion is amazing; Advertising, calling, reminding, hauling chairs and tables, Christmas lights and decorations, retrieving friends and giving rides to and from, setting up, hanging up, cleaning up, packing up and taking back. I could go on and on.

AND then they had the nerve to thank me! The reunion was pretty much a success due to the fact that they never stopped giving and doing.

They are both so adorable and loving. They make you feel like family. A gift I guess, that I was blessed to know, because they were part of my team. I am so proud to know them and love them.

Thanks to our little “worker bees”…Marsha and Steve…I love you both!

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."
Vince Lombardi

Mike Parten

Our Front Man

Mike was another who was excited to have a reunion and willing to help with anything. The first time I called Mike he gave me his phone number and email and told me to call anytime. And that he would be glad to do anything he could to help.

And he didn’t let me down. He never ever questioned my motives when I asked him to take care of something for me. Like when I asked him to bring fire wood and matches to the reunion. That’s right, I did.  I told him to also find some long rods we could use to roast mash mellows on. His voice did not even break when he said, “ok, I can do that”.

Friends, he never even hesitated even though the temperature had been near 100 all week.  Just said he would be glad to. Then he offered to be part of the program with a little trivia game. And of course, I was happy to take him up on that.

Of course we did not use the fire wood, matches and marsh mellows…but not because it was too hot…although it was L

It rained big time and flooded the fire pit area. So… anyone for a marsh mellow roast this fall? I have everything we need. Just let me know J

Thanks Mike for putting up with my silly imaginings.

And thanks so much for the trivia…Mike is a natural in front of a crowd he had everyone laughing and calling out answers trying to win his candy bars and key chains. It really broke the ice and got everyone in a fun mood.

Thanks to our new Front Man - Mike who is funny with a “mic”.

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.” Audrey Hepburn

Steve Thompkins Brackett

The Calm In The Storm

Steve Brackett

Steve was adopted into our reunion committee after he arrived early on Friday for the reunion. We felt we were so lucky to have him join us. We were getting ready for the set up the next day. And I learned a long time ago that the more hands the better. He just jumped right in with both feet and was so willing to do anything for us.  We had him loading and unloading chairs right away. He also helped with the set up and decorating as well as working in the kitchen. Nothing seemed beneath him. He was wonderful J

Steve has a very tender and giving heart. It was obvious by his constant smiles no matter what we asked of him, that he is a positive man. We were happy to adopt him in and were blessed by doing so.

After finding out that he is an ordained minister I quickly saw who would be giving my opening prayer and helping me with the names of the deceased at the reunion.

He did a great job and was an awesome support for me, as I have turned into a quite the cry baby in my old age. It was so nice to have him stand beside me and help me read each name, lending to me all the strength I needed to get through it.  Thank you “Sir”.

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."
- Peace Pilgrim

Jayne Wheaton Jackson and Vickie Campbell Allen -

“The Volunteers”

Jerry Brown, Jayne Wheaton & Me

Jayne and Vickie were not part of the committee, but were two who had volunteered to help us the day of the reunion with the set up.

What can I say about and to these ladies to let you and them both know how much that meant to me and the rest of the committee. 

Jayne had promise me she would be there. She woke up that morning feeling very ill but came any way ready to help. Right away I could see she did not feel well and asked her why she came.  She told me it was because she had promised me. I just shook my head and smiled. I then asked her to please go home and get well so she could come back tonight…she shook her head “no”. She stayed…she worked hard…and then showed for the reunion that night. Wow…a promise was kept J

It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath. ~Aeschylus

jerry brown, genni crisp, brenda loy, connie elrod, steve brackett, fluttie goodman; back row - lonnie nelson, janice hall and dave hall

Vickie Campbell is another who got excited about the reunion when she saw my posting on Facebook. She right away started inviting all of her classmate friends and tried to help me with contact information and several leads.

When Vickie saw my request for hands to help set up on Saturday, she quickly volunteered. Not only did she help set up but came into the kitchen to work with Ginny Crisp and Janice Daugherty during the reunion. Thank you Vickie for going the extra mile.

No one ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction.

Others who wanted to help…

There were countless others who walked into the Windmill Inn on July 14^th and looked around to see what they could do to help.

There are just some people in life who see beyond the surface. They are those who come to the rescue of the rest of us.

Libby Orange

Wynn Wilson & Donna Peck

Becky and Libby Orange saw we needed help with registration and stepped up to help.

Wynn Wilson saw I was too busy to take pictures, grabbed a camera and started snapping shots. So grateful cause lots of other folks, like me, that did not take pictures are asking me for photos.

Kind and thoughtful acts of support were everywhere and way too many to list. I am sure there were several who helped out that were not even noticed. Thanks to all who saw a need and jumped in to help us. J

Moments that just plain touched my heart

Carlene Wilson – Came through the front doors smiling and singing along to the music. The first thing I heard her say was, Wow…that makes me want to dance.”

She was just as cute and fun loving as ever. She made me smile all night with her laughter, giggles and silliness. I am sure she had a good time and everyone around her did as well. When the rest of us were out of energy and just trying to clean up a bit…Carlene was up front still dancing to the music. Talk about ‘young at heart’. She was inspiring. I just hope everyone had half the fun that she seemed to be having. J

Garry Kreis -  I had asked Garry to talk a little about sports memories from High School. I loved how he used his talk to pay tribute to all of his team mates, football and basketball. He told everyone that his high school friends were the ones that had meant the most to him throughout his life. Great job Garry. Very touching and uplifting talk.

My son, Bobby Bosley was our DJ and MC. He did a wonderful job. I was so proud that so many were complimenting me about his personality and the job he was doing. Having his support was just what I needed to help me get over my hostess jitters. I love you Bobby.

Mr. Cole – standing in line looked just like a student. He walked up to the registration desk and handed me his $12. I asked what year he graduated and he smiled and said what year do you think?  I said well what is your name? He then said guess…everyone standing around the registration table by then heard what was going on and it wasn’t very long before someone guessed Mr. Cole? He is the same happy and positive young man he was when we knew him years ago. In fact he is staying the same and we are catching him. He did not look any older than some classmates standing in line. It was so fun to have him there.

Mrs. Clark – Sweet little Mrs. Clark came in with a walker and her beautiful smile. Still just as sweet and friendly as ever, she was always more like a friend than a teacher.

When you are the Hostess – Socializing goes out the window

I only got to sit down and visit, but with just a couple of old friends. This was the down side of being the hostess. L There were some I wanted to sit and visit with but when the buck stops with you th

there was just no time to visit.

The other disappointment for me was some that I dearly wanted to see did not show up.

I did, however, get to sit beside my best high school friends for just a few minutes. Long enough to share some stories, smiles, pictures and learn something that really touched my heart about one of them.

Cont…Moments that just plain touched my heart

Merleene Gossett King

Beauty Inside and Out

brenda carter, merleene gossett, me and diane henley

There were a few who walked through the doors whom I can most sincerely say have improved with age. But none any more so than Merleene, who is absolutely more beautiful than ever.

As I sat and listen to her talk about her Dad, and her family I watched her expression and countenance and then realized why Merleene was more beautiful than ever.

It was not that life has been easy on her, no, because she certainly has faced her share of trials and challenges. No, it is because she has somehow been able to stay focused on the real purpose of life in spite of her trials.

She has become beautiful on the inside and the outside is a reflection of that beauty. What a special and sweet lady she has become. Her eyes shine and she smiles all the time. I was extremely impressed and very touched by her beautiful spirit.

Some I recognized right away….to me, they just looked like I remembered them…

Marion Colston

Brenda Carter

Brenda Gaylor

Kenneth Justice

Lynda Smith

Wynn Wilson

Phyllis Gilford

Diane Ruffner

Helen Taylor

Ricky Gilmore

Libby Orange…just to name a few

As you can tell here, I could go on and on

There is no end to the positive experiences I have had because I decided to host this reunion.

I started writing this in hopes of understanding were all the emotion I was feeling about the reunion was coming from. If you are still reading… then I think we have discovered together why…

In light of all the wonderful connections and tender experiences I have had by working on this reunion … it is no wonder I cried the morning after it was all over.

Sometimes life gives us opportunities to learn who we are and what really matters in life from the least expected places and ways AND people.

So THANK YOU for touching my heart and making a big difference in my life.

Least Expected...
Just when you least expect it:
a flower blooms...
you meet someone special...you find a solution...
the sun melts the ice...
a door opens...
you hear from an old friend...
progress is made...
a prayer is answered...
a problem is resolved...
something moves you...
something inspires you...
someone touches your life...
a dream comes true.
Never lose hope!
Life is full of many…just when you least expect it.