inspirational

Time for a Change!

/ Jeanne Lemmon Skinner / Leave a comment

The Monarch butterflies are feasting in preparation for their journey south.

The butterflies and hummingbirds are both eating heartily in preparation for their journey, and I get to enjoy watching them enjoy my garden. It’s a time to move forward. The kids are back at school facing new experiences and new challenges. My new challenge is figuring out my new laptop.

I’ve been without my computer for almost two weeks and it’s been a time of extreme stress. My old laptop was 14 years old and retrieving the data from the old was not easy. The computer whizzes figured it out, but I was worried. None of my documents were backed up, and I was afraid of losing my novels. I almost cried when I learned they had safely transferred my data. Today I sent my novel to an agent.

I’m moving forward like the students and I share their nervousness. As a teacher, I was always nervous when school began and as a writer, I’m nervous reaching out to agents.

Fall will return with cooler temperatures, colorful leaves and football. I will continue to write and direct a play I’ve written for my church. I have new challenges and am eager to embrace them. It’s an exciting time for sure!

Red Rover and Redwoods

/ Jeanne Lemmon Skinner / 1 Comment

Joined hands provide strength, protection and confidence.

Red rover, red rover, I dare Susan to come over, was a familiar sound on playgrounds growing up. We held tightly to each other and only the biggest kids could break through our fence of arms. Unfortunately, arms got broken and children were hurt so the game had to end. The positive thing about the game was the confidence holding hands gave us. Strength flowed through our arms and hands and we felt we were impenetrable. It was a great feeling that other games didn’t provide. I think it was because we were physically connected. Our strength was created because of the connection and that gave us confidence.

The redwood trees have a shallow root system that spreads out and connects with others. It’s like joining hands. The roots find support and share nutrients from this connection. These enormous trees stand against fierce winds because their roots are intertwined. They are confident they can defeat the wind because they support each other.

Reading about the redwood trees reminded me of red rover which made me think how I am connected to others. This has been a summer of reunions. Family, co-workers and classmates are all connected to me. When I reflect on the past, I can say I survived strong winds because of the people whose sturdy roots supported me. I believe everyone needs that kind of support and am thankful I found it.

I have fond memories of playing red rover and seeing the redwoods, and now I have a new appreciation for those who shared their roots with me.

Don’t Make Me Go!

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The things we don’t want to do are often the things we learn the most from.

I admit I was a wimp when I was little. I never wanted to leave home, but every summer I went to my grandparents’ farm to stay a week. I cried of course, and I also had a good time. The highlight of the week was fishing. I learned to put a worm on my hook, and I learned patience waiting for a bite. Every summer I went and every summer I would look for a reason not to go. As an adult, I remember it fondly.

I recently learned about the prophet Jonah. Everyone probably knows that Jonah was swallowed by a whale but the Bible calls it a huge fish. I never knew the importance of Jonah’s experience until now. God wanted Jonah to go to a city called Nineveh and tell the idol worshipping people about God, but Jonah was afraid of the violent people who lived there. Instead he got on a ship and sailed in the opposite direction. A storm came, he went overboard and spent three days inside a huge fish and then was vomited out.

Jonah agreed to go to Nineveh and preach about God. He told the people that the entire city would be destroyed in 40 days if the people didn’t repent. The people believed Jonah and the king ordered all the people and even the animals to fast and wear sack cloth in atonement for their sins. The city was spared and Jonah was angry.

Jonah had wanted these evil people destroyed for all the sins they had committed but God didn’t. God forgave his children. Jonah knew God was a loving, compassionate father, but he still wanted these awful people of Nineveh punished. The lesson here is important to share.

To truly to forgive someone who has harmed us, means we want the best for them. From my experience that only happens through prayer. I know I have said I forgive someone and still hoped their evil tongue would be covered with blisters. That is wanting punishment in exchange for my forgiveness. God educated Jonah and through him, educates us. It takes a lot of praying for this to happen, but it is worth it.

Jonah’s story is much more than being swallowed by a big fish.

The Student Teaches a Lesson

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Life’s lessons are found in surprising places.

Daylisha was an eighth grade student of mine. She was loud and full of energy. I knew when she was headed for the classroom. She wasn’t a dedicated student, but she did her work. She graduated from high school and unfortunately got into drugs. She also had a baby boy that changed her life. Today she works with people who are trying to become drug free. Daylisha is a success story.

You might be asking how did she accomplish this? The answer is God. She turned to him and asked for help. That is one lesson to learn. Many of us continue to worry and struggle to find a solution to a problem and forget to ask for God’s guidance. He tells us to bring our problems to him. Daylisha did and still does.

Last week Daylisha posted on Facebook that she had broken her ankle and sprained the other one. Her response was that she was thankful to only have broken one ankle. This young woman has a job and a son to care for and she’s thanking God that she only broke one ankle! I thought I’d probably be saying, God, you better send a lot of rain because I won’t be able to water my garden now! That clearly is a complaint and a weak plea for help.

In the Bible, ( Thessalonians 5:16-18) we read to rejoice always , pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. Daylisha reminded me of this verse. Give thanks in all circumstances.

Why Good Friday?

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I used to think Good Friday was misnamed until I understood.

Growing up Good Friday was a day off school. We went to church the night before on Maundy Thursday and colored eggs on Good Friday. We aren’t Catholic, but we didn’t eat meat on Good Friday and I still don’t. Mom bought hot cross buns to eat on Good Friday and we weren’t allowed to color eggs until after the holy hours (12:00 to 3:00) ended. Those three hours were to be spent doing something quiet and prayer was supposed to be at least a part of it. This isn’t very holy, but I remember being happy that I didn’t have to do any chores during that time. I probably thanked God for that!

I remember asking why it was called Good Friday when Jesus suffered so much that day. Being told he died for all our sins made me feel worse. He didn’t do anything wrong, but he received the punishment? I just couldn’t understand. As an adult, I get it, but it still makes me weep.

My own children were taken to church on Maundy Thursday, and we too decorated eggs on Good Friday. We also listened to the music from Godspell that day. I still do. (I gave up the hot cross buns because no one liked them. They wanted doughnuts!)

The song Day by Day is a prayer I should sing every day. The lyrics are short and meaningful: day by day, these things I pray: to see thee more clearly, to love thee more dearly , to follow thee more nearly day by day. What more can be said other than to give thanks to God for his son Jesus who died and was resurrected on Easter Sunday. He appeared to his Disciples and they saw his wounds, so there was no doubt he arose from the dead. A simple song sung every day can bring such peace to me. I am thankful. Wishing you all a blessed Easter!

Fat Tuesday Celebration and Food!

/ Jeanne Lemmon Skinner / 2 Comments

Parades, customs and food are all enjoyed before the fasting begins.

Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday which is the day before Ash Wednesday and the first day of lent. Lent is 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter and a time for prayer and repentance. Lent is not mentioned in the Bible and not all Christian denominations commemorate it. It began in the Catholic churches but in the 1960s and 70s some Protestant churches added this day to their church calendars.

The idea of fasting was and is a part of Lent. In Medieval Europe, people were told they had to eliminate eggs, fats, meat and dairy by the local priests. This was based on the 40 days Jesus fasted before he began his ministry. Today people will eliminate food from their diet or add a healthy practice such as exercise. Many pastors encourage spending more time in prayer and reading the Bible.

In the minds of many, Tuesday is their last chance to have fun and perhaps devour a pan of chocolate brownies. (Not that I can relate to that!) Pancakes and crepes were the first food to become a traditional Shrove Tuesday treat because people had to use the ingredients before Lent began. The German traditional food is Fastnachts which are doughnuts and Paczkis are a Polish jelly filled doughnut. The King Cake is a traditional Mardi Gras treat. It is made in early January to be eaten on Epiphany (January 6) in celebration of the three kings arriving in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. It is made up until Lent. A small plastic baby is placed inside the cake and whoever gets it in their piece of cake will have prosperity. The cakes all are covered with sprinkles. The purple represents power, yellow-justice and green faith.

I was in Germany as a teacher chaperone several years ago and was shown pictures of people in costumes. I asked if this was Halloween. I was told not many people celebrated Halloween and this was their Mardi Gras. Costumes, parades and lots of food. It sure looked like Halloween!

There is so much unrest in the world but religious traditions unite us. Churches will be filled on Ash Wednesday and people will receive ashes on their foreheads. Ashes were used as a sign of repentance in the Old Testament. People wore sack cloth and covered themselves with ashes and asked for God’s forgiveness. People will try to grow closer to God during Lent and will give up unhealthy habits. I usually struggle the first two weeks with my Lenten choices, but then it becomes easier. Good luck to all of you who plan on doing something special during lent. I think God must look forward to this time when so many find time for Him.

Candlemas Celebrates Light

/ Jeanne Lemmon Skinner / 2 Comments

Candlemas is celebrated around the world on February 2.

I learned of Candlemas a few years ago, but didn’t really understand what it represented until I did a little research. It occurs 40 days after Christmas according to Jewish law found in Leviticus. Luke 2:22 tells us that Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord and for Mary to be purified. Following the law, Jesus was circumcised when he was eight days old and 33 days later presented to God in the temple. It is also known as the Feast of Presentation or the Purification of the Virgin Mary. People bring candles to church to be blessed by the priests and in some countries the candles are then placed in the windows of people’s homes. Jesus is the light of the world and the light is believed to protect the home.

Two people received God’s blessing the day Jesus was brought to the temple. Simeon was a devout man of God and had had been told he would see the Messiah before he died. When he saw the baby he knew Jesus was the promised Messiah and held him in his arms. He praised God and he also told Mary that a sword would pierce her soul. The prophet Anna lived in the temple and she too realized this was the Messiah. She gave thanks to God and told the people who the child was.

Like most celebrations food is involved. In France crepes are eaten and in Mexico tamales are enjoyed. Christians in Puerto Rico light bonfires at the end of Candlemas Day. I don’t know if it is celebrated anywhere in America, but it was first celebrated in Jerusalem in 4th century AD and has continued since.

Our world needs the light of hope and love. For Christians Jesus is the light and he gives us hope and strength during these difficult times. I like the idea of placing candles in the window on February 2. Mine are electric but I think that will work. The days are beginning to get shorter and in some countries they consider this day to signify the end of winter. Those of us in Ohio know we have weeks to go before we see spring. It doesn’t matter if the groundhog sees his shadow or not on Candlemas Day.

The spring bulbs have pushed through the soil so I know they are eager for the sun’s warmth. I’m going to accept that February 2 is the first step to spring. I wish you a sunny Candlemas Day and perhaps you’ll light a candle remembering the significance of this day.

The Party of the Lamb

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The lamb unites people around the world.

This is the time of the year when people around the world unite to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christians celebrate in all countries even where it is forbidden. They worship in hiding like the early Christians did. I’m thankful our churches are open and welcoming people once again.

Jesus has been called the lamb of God and if he had a political party it would be represented by a lamb. What a wonderful party to belong to. Participants gather in prayer and thank God for their blessings and ask for help in handling the problems of today. Pastors talk of God’s love and encourage people to trust in Him and to seek Jesus in prayer.

Movie after movie features Santa and claims that Christmas is a time for wishes to come true. Santa makes both the young and old happy with his jolly smile, gifts and ho ho ho. I love the idea of Santa, but he doesn’t answer prayers and perform miracles. Jesus does that. God also isn’t always jolly like Santa. He’s a divine parent who punishes his children who don’t follow his rules. Read the Old Testament and you’ll see a lot of smiting!

I think Christmas is the best time of the year because it brings out the best in people. Kind smiles are seen and wishes for a Merry Christmas are heard. We share customs and traditions that unite us. Sharing the season with people from different cultures brings the world together. I think that must please God to see his children who look and think differently come together to worship his son. That is Christmas to me. Jesus is the best gift anyone could ever receive and Santa didn’t bring him.

Wishing you all a joyous Christmas filled with love. God loves us so much he sent his son. Thanks be to God!

October Surprises!

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Roses blooming and surprising information!

As you know by now, I love my garden and even as the temperatures continue to go into the 30s my flowers bloom! I picked these yesterday so I could enjoy them inside. I can’t remember having flowers blooming in mid October before. October has held other surprises too.

My husband and I drove to Connecticut and then into New York a couple weeks ago to see a couple shows. In Connecticut, we saw 42 Street which was choreographed and directed by my brother-in-law Randy Skinner. The show was outstanding but one of the main characters was truly amazing. After the show, Randy told us the actor was blind. “How can he do it?” I asked. Randy said he didn’t really know. This young man sang, danced and literally was all over the stage. All I can say is God provided him with tremendous talent and showed him a way to use it.

In New York, Randy choreographed and directed an Irving Berlin show called Cheek to Cheek. This featured many of Berlin’s songs. He wrote approximately 1,250 songs and the surprise was he only played the black keys. Again I asked, “How?” Berlin had little education but lots of talent and determination. He was born in Russia, lived in poverty in New York and died a very successful man at 101. God showed him a way. Probably the most famous Berlin song is I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, but as I watched the show I remembered many of his songs.

Our drive featured beautiful scenery of colorful leaves and fields that had been harvested and some waiting to be. I’m a farm girl at heart and love seeing the fields and animals. There is something serene about them. I think it’s the same way people feel about the ocean when it is calm.

Hope you are all enjoying October and I would love to hear other stories like I have shared. God is good and his creations are clearly on display now.

The Clothes We Choose!

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Our clothes can make a statement.

Like a lot of people, I have a closet full of clothes but I tend to wear the same things repeatedly. My daughter walked into the kitchen the other day and said, “I hope you don’t wear that out of the house!” I informed her it was one of my work shirts. I was baking and when I bake I get flour everywhere. Kids! Funny, I can remember telling her she wasn’t allowed to wear something outside of the house when she was a teenager. We were both concerned with people’s impressions.

Some clothing immediately identifies a person’s profession. Some might tell a little about their personality and some I’m afraid tells our age. I wear jeans, but they look nothing like my granddaughters!

With school about to start, kids will be selecting their first day of school outfit. Everyone wants to make a good first impression. The outfit is intended to instill confidence. Adults repeat the first day outfit experience when they dress for a job interview. We all know the truth. It’s not the clothes; it’s the person. The best advice I remember receiving was be the person you want to be.

Becoming the person you want to be doesn’t mean what profession you want to pursue. It’s something deeper. What kind of a person do you want to become? Any career counselor can advise on training and education in order to obtain a career, but they don’t teach how to become the kind of person you envision.

Who teaches that? For me, it’s the church. I know church attendance has declined, but since the world has gotten so crazy maybe people will find their way to church and God. A church where the Gospel is taught and God’s love is felt is the kind of church I attend. The comfort I find in church is like wearing my favorite warm sweater. God is the great comforter and not only listens, but encourages. If anyone is searching, I urge you to look for a pastor and church where you will feel God’s presence. He does love us!