Begin the Fireproofing of children at an early age!
Whether you're a teacher, a preacher, a banker, a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, a plumber, an electrician, a city employee, a policeman...whatever you are in your community, you can make a difference. All you need is a genuine love for your home and fellow man; all working together in unity with a touch of hometown pride. You need to be parents to your children, not their buddy. (The buddy part comes later in life.) Above all, you need a personal relationship with God.
The following is a little story to illustrate the difference that can be made in the lives of children:
From a teacher..
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?" (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could."
"I make a C+ student feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner"..
"I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental."
"You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)
"I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it."
"I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions."
"I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read.
"I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator."
"I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity."
"I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe."
"I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America."
"Finally, I make them understand that, if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life." (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)
"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with my knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant."...
"You want to know what I make? " "I MAKE A DIFFERENCE,"
" What do you make Mr.. CEO?"
His jaw dropped, he went silent.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sore Thumb
"The price of living in a small town for an extended period of time is that:
(a) you become a part of the small town politics and completely blend in, or
(b) you are a sore thumb, stuck on the outside looking in, while you are entirely aware of the politics."
Small Town Politics, USA
Lelia Thomas
I am concerned and I am a sore thumb...
(a) you become a part of the small town politics and completely blend in, or
(b) you are a sore thumb, stuck on the outside looking in, while you are entirely aware of the politics."
Small Town Politics, USA
Lelia Thomas
I am concerned and I am a sore thumb...
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Repost of a Letter to the Editor
This letter to the editor was published in May, 2008, almost a year ago. I don't know how many people read letters to the editor, but in case you missed it, here it is again. Not much has changed in a year's time.
This is my Hometown and I love it.
This is my birthplace; where I spent my growing up years; where I graduated from high school; where I met my life partner and got married.
In 1957, upon my marriage, it was time to leave. My husband was in college and we had to begin our lives. Though we made many trips home through the years for visits with friends and family, December, 1957 was the last year that we could call this town our place of residence.
I never lost the tugging at my heart to come back home. We were gone for 45 years, and all the time I had plans 'on the back burner' to return.
And, it happened!
Through many twists and turns, ups and downs in our lives, we made it back home. Of course, God was in control all the time. He chose my husband for me....another hometown guy who loved his home. Our move back home was an easy transition for the both of us. Imagine if I had married someone from another state, or even from a large city! I would have had to fight 'tooth and toenail' to make it back home, and still probably wouldn't have made it. This is one of those places from where you have to be a native of to love! (so an outsider would say)
I kept up with the changes while we were away; deaths, marriages, births, modernizing, renovations; all the physical changes that take place over the years. I was prepared for change in these areas.
For the first few years after our return, things were as wonderful as I had imagined. Businesses were still holding their own, people seemed energetic and interested, the city seemed to be functioning well, the Chamber of Commerce was active. The school appeared to be functioning well with few problems and happy kids. Churches were well attended and well served. (or at least my church was well attended)
Or.....maybe I was just blinded by the excitement of coming home.
All this has changed in recent years. What happened?
There are numerous civic and county organizations that are working to enhance, improve and grow our town and county....a beautification organization, County Vision group, Lions Club, a local chapter of T.E.E.A., Historical Commission., Meals on Wheels, Food Pantry.... just to name a few.
I've noticed that within the membership of these organizations, many of the members 'cross over' and serve in more than one, or several, organizations. I admire these people who are working for improvement and attempting to hold on to our heritage. But the memberships are small, funds are limited, and time is short. They can only do so much.
Churches are in abundance with adequate membership but with the same problems: low attendance, limited funds, and short time.
Why are there so few people who are interested in their town and county? I mentioned the changes that I was prepared to face. What I wasn't prepared for is the over-whelming shroud of apathy, complacency and negativity of otherwise 'good people'.
*What has happened in our school that is causing people to move (or want to move their child/children) to other school districts?
*What has happened to our Chamber of Commerce to be on the verge of closing?
*What has happened to our city leadership that is so disgruntling to people?
*What has caused the conflict and turmoil within our law enforcement department?
*Why have at least half dozen businesses closed in the past 4 or 5 years?
I have no specific answers to these questions. I just watch, listen, and draw my own conclusions.
We can sit here and complain about our national government not taking care of its people. But do we have the right to complain when we can't even take care of our town?
To help make my point, we had an election this past Saturday. Ninety-one (if I've counted correctly) voted in this election.
Ninety-one!!
Where were the registered voters?
A past President of the USA, John F. Kennedy, is often quoted:"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
This can be applied to any station in life....whether it be a national position or one of hometown stature. It is my belief that a person who loves his home should ask "What can I do for my home?" NOT "What can my home do for me?"Even with the tireless effort of a few, I see the possibility of us losing the battle of improvement and increasing our town. I see the possibility of us losing the battle of growing our churches by the disinterest of ministering to the unchurched.
I certainly don't want this to be a discouragement for those that are working so hard.....rather, an encouragement for those who might be 'waiting for someone else to do it'.
I want to encourage each and every citizen to get involved and begin working together for a better town...one that can be held up and displayed with respect.
Too old? Do what you can.
Too young? Do what you can.
Too busy? Do what you can.
Don't feel like it? Do what you can.
Have too many other problems? Do what you can.
With everyone "doing what they can" our town can be revived again!
Citizenry of My Hometown, it's time to awaken. We've been asleep much too long...
This is my Hometown and I love it.
This is my birthplace; where I spent my growing up years; where I graduated from high school; where I met my life partner and got married.
In 1957, upon my marriage, it was time to leave. My husband was in college and we had to begin our lives. Though we made many trips home through the years for visits with friends and family, December, 1957 was the last year that we could call this town our place of residence.
I never lost the tugging at my heart to come back home. We were gone for 45 years, and all the time I had plans 'on the back burner' to return.
And, it happened!
Through many twists and turns, ups and downs in our lives, we made it back home. Of course, God was in control all the time. He chose my husband for me....another hometown guy who loved his home. Our move back home was an easy transition for the both of us. Imagine if I had married someone from another state, or even from a large city! I would have had to fight 'tooth and toenail' to make it back home, and still probably wouldn't have made it. This is one of those places from where you have to be a native of to love! (so an outsider would say)
I kept up with the changes while we were away; deaths, marriages, births, modernizing, renovations; all the physical changes that take place over the years. I was prepared for change in these areas.
For the first few years after our return, things were as wonderful as I had imagined. Businesses were still holding their own, people seemed energetic and interested, the city seemed to be functioning well, the Chamber of Commerce was active. The school appeared to be functioning well with few problems and happy kids. Churches were well attended and well served. (or at least my church was well attended)
Or.....maybe I was just blinded by the excitement of coming home.
All this has changed in recent years. What happened?
There are numerous civic and county organizations that are working to enhance, improve and grow our town and county....a beautification organization, County Vision group, Lions Club, a local chapter of T.E.E.A., Historical Commission., Meals on Wheels, Food Pantry.... just to name a few.
I've noticed that within the membership of these organizations, many of the members 'cross over' and serve in more than one, or several, organizations. I admire these people who are working for improvement and attempting to hold on to our heritage. But the memberships are small, funds are limited, and time is short. They can only do so much.
Churches are in abundance with adequate membership but with the same problems: low attendance, limited funds, and short time.
Why are there so few people who are interested in their town and county? I mentioned the changes that I was prepared to face. What I wasn't prepared for is the over-whelming shroud of apathy, complacency and negativity of otherwise 'good people'.
*What has happened in our school that is causing people to move (or want to move their child/children) to other school districts?
*What has happened to our Chamber of Commerce to be on the verge of closing?
*What has happened to our city leadership that is so disgruntling to people?
*What has caused the conflict and turmoil within our law enforcement department?
*Why have at least half dozen businesses closed in the past 4 or 5 years?
I have no specific answers to these questions. I just watch, listen, and draw my own conclusions.
We can sit here and complain about our national government not taking care of its people. But do we have the right to complain when we can't even take care of our town?
To help make my point, we had an election this past Saturday. Ninety-one (if I've counted correctly) voted in this election.
Ninety-one!!
Where were the registered voters?
A past President of the USA, John F. Kennedy, is often quoted:"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
This can be applied to any station in life....whether it be a national position or one of hometown stature. It is my belief that a person who loves his home should ask "What can I do for my home?" NOT "What can my home do for me?"Even with the tireless effort of a few, I see the possibility of us losing the battle of improvement and increasing our town. I see the possibility of us losing the battle of growing our churches by the disinterest of ministering to the unchurched.
I certainly don't want this to be a discouragement for those that are working so hard.....rather, an encouragement for those who might be 'waiting for someone else to do it'.
I want to encourage each and every citizen to get involved and begin working together for a better town...one that can be held up and displayed with respect.
Too old? Do what you can.
Too young? Do what you can.
Too busy? Do what you can.
Don't feel like it? Do what you can.
Have too many other problems? Do what you can.
With everyone "doing what they can" our town can be revived again!
Citizenry of My Hometown, it's time to awaken. We've been asleep much too long...
Fireproof!
I recently saw the movie, "Fireproof" that has been so highly acclaimed in the Christian world. It was well worth the time spent to see something worthwhile. The theme of the movie is about "fireproofing" young marriages in trouble though it can be applied to any segment of life that's "in trouble".
.
Our town is in trouble. It needs to be "fireproofed". Every segment of life I can think of needs to be fireproofed: churches, schools, homes, city government, public safety.
.
It is expedient that we "get a grip" or lose our town.
.
Please be willing to be "fireproofed". Help save our town.
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