Families Are Important

           I have been anxiously reviewing and analyzing my life as it has been so far.  I know change will always be a part of what I experience on earth just like the winds and the weather of Spring.  But one aspect of my life I can count on for support and confidences for me, it's my family.

          With the uncertainty of life’s trials and tribulations, going home every night to a family can be very comforting.  Like eating comfort good, your family is a haven away from the affects of the world.  When family members put their own families first, a safe place is created in our lives to run away to when the world is crazy and right now with elections high gas prices, it seems as if this is happening.

            The voice of reason is not always within the distance of a listening ear when wars break out or terrorists strike but putting your family first helps keep you sane in an insane world.  Sometimes it takes the ideas of a second party to understand the full effect of how losing employment of the downward spiral our nations financial state can affect you but with your family living their life with your life, common sense can have a place in your home.

            There are many aspects of life to consider through the eyes of a family.  We are the keepers of our homes and most of us would agree that we should guard that home against the ravages of the world.  The world doesn’t seem to cater to the health and wealth of the American family and believe it or not there are many current events which greatly affect how families live their lives. For example, there is the great controversy of same sex-marriages.  Should the country give gay relationships the green light for legal marriage?  What about the Fairness Doctrine in radio talk shows.  If they shut down conservative talk shows, who can we listen to for sensible news?  How will these high gas prices affect family vacations?  These are all unanswered questions which affect families but with knowing and appreciating what we have at home, we can get up every morning to a more peaceful setting.

            The number one teacher in a child’s life is his parents.  If there were no parents to teach children by good example or vocal instruction, how can correct role models in a society be taught?  They can learn from neighbors, teachers or peers if they spend time with them.  Maybe even learn how families function from television, if there are any good examples to watch.  But there is not much taught if children don’t get it form their parents living in a family structure.  The importance of families go way beyond what television, public school or even government can do for us.

            I recently watched a movie called “The Family Man”. It was the story of a man making choices.  On choice was to marry his college sweetheart and the other was to focus on his career.  The path he chose led him to a big career in New York and one day ten years later he was given a glimpse of what it would have been like if he had married his sweetheart.  It was an adjustment for him, no doubt, but once he understood what was happening, he really enjoyed the time he had with this family that would have been his.  He was then put back into his real life with no family and realized what was really important and wanted that family life back.

            I might not write exactly to your liking but consider all your read here food for thought.  As I think about writing about the family, it seems like common sense.  It is common sense that most people are striving for in our modern world. 

            So the next time you dread coming home at night to your family, think about all of the positive aspects a family can bring and tell them how much you appreciate them.  It will make all the difference.

Vegetable Gardens and Other Thoughts

 

Driving around Baldwin County (where I live) these past few weeks, I have noticed quite a few vegetable gardens throughout the county.  They are beautifully kept and will be an asset to all who use them.  Growing vegetables during the Spring and Summer in Lower Alabama is not only great exercise but it helps the soul to become grounded to what is important.  Digging in the earth gives your spirit a lift and gets you out doors, especially when the weather has been so beautiful.

Waking up in the morning with a cup of orange juice and a walk outside to my garden to visit all of my “babies” is very refreshing.  My tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers and radishes are all growing profusely and I have started harvesting vegetables already. The garden is my thinking place and I have pondered many topics about my life which help me to shape my opinions.

One of those thought provoking topics is the “Law of the Harvest”. The Law of the Harvest is an important lesson to learn for all families as there is responsibility in gleaning in what a person has planted. We plant a seed in our lives; whether a project we started, a sport we play for a season, a degree at school, or children we bring to earth; we should follow through until we are have finished the job.  I think as time marches on, my garden gets more difficult to maintain.  Adversity as in hot weather, lack of time, too many weeds and other distractions keep me from my garden.  I’m over whelmed by all the produce and I am tired. But the “Law of the Harvest” tells me to follow through until the end. 

For those who do not have a vegetable garden, you are in luck.  Living in Baldwin County, especially on the eastern side of the county, the farmlands are in abundance.  Many farmers grow vegetables to sell to large company buyers but also have left over for those families who are interested in stocking their refrigerators. A great place to find fresh fruits and vegetables are at the many fruit and vegetable stands along Highway 59 and your local farmer’s market.  There are four farmer’s markets in Baldwin County which boast of fresh fruits and vegetables all summer long.

Our bodies stay healthy when we eat healthy and if we can't have our own garden, we can by all means buy from someone else's. It great to work in the earth and get back to nature as well.

Happy Spring!!!

  

What Season Are You?

Valerie J. Steimle

This is the beginning of a new year and we are once again faced with goals and aspirations.  Upon pondering what to accomplish in the coming months, I thought about the differences between what I was doing ten years ago and what I am doing now. Ten years ago I still had very small children to take care of, several teenagers to drive around and my oldest leaving the nest.  I was in a different season back then. 

There is much to accomplish in a lifetime but we can’t do it all at once.  During my twenties, after graduating college, I got married and started a family.  Diapers and teething was my season in between keeping my head afloat on the computer scene. 

During my thirties, there were more children added but I also started writing at home at night when everyone was asleep.  I didn’t work much outside the home because of my responsibilities at home but we did find time to have a vegetable garden.  We didn’t go out much and we worked hard keeping our home life running smoothly. I also started homeschooling my oldest children.  I accomplished a lot in my world.

During my forties, I ventured out in part-time work and really concentrated on my writing.  I published four books and wrote hundreds of articles. Children were still at home but they were more independent and I didn’t have to change any more diapers. (Whew) Now in my fifties, I can participate in more outside activities and focus on my hobbies and especially my writing.  It all depended on what season I was in.

Everyone accomplishes what they can by what season they are in during their lifetime.  Most young mothers can’t do many extra curricular activities because of their responsibilities at home, but as we grow older and our children are more independent, we as women, can take an art class, write that novel buzzing around in our head, join the Audubon Society to watch birds, research family history or volunteer at the library. Whatever suits our fancy, we can accomplish in our own season. The same goes with men who start their careers in their twenties and spend many hours making their way to a comfortable living. By the time their fifties roll around there is more time for hobbies and other interests.

Pondering those thoughts, here are the ten keys to a happy life:

1.Compliment three people every day. 2. Be the first to say hello. 3. Don’t rain on other people’s parade. 4. Live beneath your means. 5. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. 6. Never give up on anyone; miracles do happen. 7. Forget the Jones’ 8. Be tough-minded and tender-hearted. 9. Learn to show cheerfulness even when you don’t have to. 10. Don’t waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

Someone once said: “We are spiritual beings having a human experience”. I really believe that so live up to your aspirations and your season for a better year and a happy life. Happy New Year!

The True Meaning of Christmas

Valerie J. Steimle

The Christmas lights are glowing everywhere and people are still driving with trees on tops of cars.  The thoughts of those pecan pies from Thanksgiving are still in our heads but we press forward as we are in full swing in the Christmas season.

            Last year "Black Friday" has past with little or no fan fair but as you remember a couple of years ago the news reported that a 34-year old man was trampled to death by Wal-mart shoppers trying to get into the store. This year there have been mostly good reports of kindness to others on that day. Maybe we have improved our behavior.  Maybe we can remember the true meaning of this time of the year.

            This year for Christmas many people have lost their jobs. This year there may not be the material Christmas many have experienced in the past. This year those who have been more fortunate to have employment will hopefully remember those who have not been so lucky.  Giving to others who don’t have much always leaves us with a great feeling in our own lives.

            As Christmas has at times lost its meaning in years before maybe as a people we can realize that the number and cost of gifts isn’t as important as being with their family.  Maybe we can remember that a few gifts to our friends and family are the tokens of what is really the true meaning of Christmas.

            There are so many wonderful events that are fun and do not cost much to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas.  Christmas concerts and parties, festivals in the park, parades, night excursions to Christmas lights and baking Christmas cookies at home are just some of the memories we can create for our children.

            Agnes Pharo says it well: What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.

            We are alive on this earth and can do good for others.  If we all had a glimpse of what George Bailey saw in the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”, we would appreciate what we have so much more.

            This is the season of love and giving to others.  We should all learn what it truly means in giving of ourselves to others.  Not just in buying material possessions but in spending time and using our talents to share with our friends and family.  That is the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Sharing Passions and Talents Can Be Life Altering

Valerie Steimle

I had an epiphany last week.  As I was accomplishing my daily chores of schooling my children, writing articles to submit, and driving around different areas of the county, I was just in awe of the many people with so much talent.  It is truly amazing how so many living all over Alabama has developed their God-given gifts to share with others.

From every form of art work, to books, music, clothing design, food, science and so much more, we see the results of their passion and it improves our lives. It is everywhere.  Look around at the architecture of buildings, the sculptures on the sidewalks, the terrific restaurants with many food offerings, performances of music and theater and the diversity of museums showcasing all areas of life. I am just in awe of how so many people in Baldwin County occupy their time participating in their passion and talent to share with others.

One of the best ways to de-stress yourself and boost your self-esteem is when you develop a talent or passion you have felt has been an interest to you.  As it has been reported in several different studies of those who do share their talents and passions and especially attain a goal which has been an on going project; this helps you connect with people and it is beneficial to both the person sharing and those at the receiving end of sharing. This experience can be life altering.

During the season of fall in many areas of our great country, there are many activities and events which show case so many of these wonderful crafts and capabilities. One of my favorite places to visit is Fairhope’s First Friday event every month as there is much to see, hear and taste during the hours of 6pm to 10pm on the streets of Fairhope. October 7^th is the next “First Friday” event which is a week from today.

We live in an amazing time and place where there is so much offered to us in these modern times. There are so many personalities and individuals who create so much for us to enlighten our lives and enhance our existence while we live our life here on earth. Take advantage of what is offered in your area of life and you won’t be sorry.

Learning From Noah’s Ark

Valerie J. Steimle

Presidential debates, earthquakes, unemployment, financial ruin. We hear a lot of commotion in the news. If your family wasn’t affected by the earthquake, it certainly will be by the presidential debates or unemployment. Certainly the threat of our country’s financial ruin has been hanging over our heads for several months. We are sliding into the last quarter of the year and we seem worse off as country now than we were in January.

Freedom fighters and Constitutional patriots have popped up all over the whole country. Their message is clear: they seek to “reaffirm the Constitution of the United States as supreme law of the land and gain back our freedoms.” There are writings all over the internet of what needs to be done first to accomplish this. One important point made by several economists was that we need to address the problems in our own lives and then focus on helping in our community, city, State and then our Nation.

On that thought, I found a great reminder to help keep our life in check. The lessons from Sunday School are sometimes more applicable to our modern lives than we realize:

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark:

ONE: Don't miss the boat. Get on board with your community. Pay attention to what is going around you. Read all you can to help your family and others.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat! We are all human beings and have the same needs so we can help each other. Neighborhoods should share resources when possible. As we become accustomed to sharing, when a crisis really strikes, we are prepared.
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. If we feel impressed to stash some canned food away every week, by all means do it! In order to take care of our families, we need to think ahead to prepare for what ever crisis comes our way.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. That goes for everyone, no matter what the age. Get off the couch and walk, bike, swim or skip. You will feel much better.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. If there is criticizing heard at your house, just ignore it. Being prepared is an important job.
SIX: Build your future on high ground. This is not a good time to take risks. This is not a good time to over extend the budget or buy unnecessary purchases for our “wants”. Staying financially safe within a family budget is always preferred.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. Go your own pace and get their safe.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. 

Remember these wise words for the future. You will be glad you did.

Persistence in Everything Brings Success

Valerie Steimle

 

A new movie hit the theaters last weekend called “The Help”.  The story centers around married women who hired help in their homes during the 1960’s in Mississippi . But that’s not what caught my attention about the story.  What was interesting about this story, which was a best selling book by the way, was that the author, Kathryn Stockett, persisted through 60 rejection notices until she found someone to publish her manuscript. She had labored over three years on this project and sent out 60 letters of inquiry for her book and it was letter number 61 that got her published into the literary world. I applaud her perseverance. Sheer persistence is difficult to find these days.

 

Endeavoring to do anything worth wile and succeed takes sheer persistence.  Public school starts this week for both Mobile and Baldwin County and our youth need to learn that success in learning takes this kind of fortitude.  It is not always easy to remember everything for a test or be successful in a sport or learn to play a musical instrument successfully but persistently trying over and over again will get results.

 

As in life itself, if we want to be successful at whatever we pursue, it takes practice.  I don’t think the rising generation has understood what it takes to conquer a skill.  With all that is at our fingertips in modern times, persistence is soon forgotten as one of life’s greatest lessons.  I forget that lesson myself sometimes until I have to push to finish a task. Nothing really comes that easy.

 

My daughter was watching the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the other day and one of the songs that isn’t played much from that whole musical score is called The Roses of Success.  The grandpa in the story is kidnapped mistakenly by the King of Bulgaria thinking he was the inventor of this famous car.  When he is thrown into the dungeon of the castle with the other inventors, they sing a song about how with every mistake made in creating something, you come a little closer to success.  From the ashes of disaster, come the roses of success. 

 

I need to play that song sublimely every night before I go to bed so I will remember when I wake up. From the ashes of disaster come the roses of success. It is difficult sometimes to be self motivated but with persistence, success will finally come. So to all those teachers and students starting out a new year of learning, persistence is the key to success. Don’t give up so easily at learning when you don’t get it the first, second or even the third time.  Remember Katherine Stockett took 60 times to get it right.