June 19, 2022, A Sunday, Father’s Day, Juneteenth, and
Marking Another Life Decade
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What a rollercoaster the past few years have been for connecting with family and friends in this country and around the world! There’s a level of suspense in watching and waiting to see what’s next. With friends and former students living around the country and the world, I read as much as I can to see how they might be faring with the challenges from weather, economy, pandemic, protests, elections, wars, and government actions. Some live in places where communications, choices, and travel are monitored and severely limited. Freedom, safety, and health are items I have taken for granted too many times. Through friends, study groups, books, projects, and sermons I have daily challenges to do more and pray more. In belonging to and with one another, we need to keep communicating and sharing.
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I write more regular posts on Facebook than on Blogs here, and I’ve noticed that in responses to my Facebook posts of reflections about current events, family, projects, faith, and travels, people have found comfort and positive connections in words of quotes. I’m starting another decade and I have as many projects in progress as in any other decade, but I have an easier schedule with an empty nest and a supportive husband. This boosts opportunities and efforts for both of us.
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Lots of notes, calls, texts, and gatherings filled this day and weekend when there was much to celebrate, and at the end of the day, there’s a time to reflect. Some special beloved people are missing in my life and the lives of many others. Dictators and hate groups still cause trauma and havoc. Some dear people are suffering from long-term struggles. Some sweet and special people are tackling new and frequent challenges in careers and/or parenting. Love makes us grieve with those who are hurting and rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Words in lyrics and print comfort me. Here are some quotes that have meant a lot to me, especially this month.
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Psalm 37: 1& 2 “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envois of those who do wrong, for they like grass will wither and die away.”
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“Never be so busy as not to think of others.” Mother Teresa
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“All change is loss, the new reality means the old reality is gone…all change is loss, and with loss comes grief.” Jack Shitama
“People aren’t afraid of change, they’re afraid of loss.” Sanford Shugart
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“Anxiety is experiencing failure in advance Anxiety makes any situation worse. This is what turns a challenge into a problem.” Seth Godin
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“Fear is the glue that keeps you stuck. Faith is the solvent that sets you free.” Shannon L. Alder
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“Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty.” Brene Brown
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"Although the origin of Juneteenth commemorations begins in Texas, it's vital we all must remember when liberty and justice is delayed or denied it causes traumatic ripples throughout future generations.” Bishop T.D. Jakes
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“It’s not an easy journey to get to a place where you forgive people. But it is such a powerful place, because it frees you.” Tyler Perry
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People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
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“I have said these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus of Nazareth
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