November 18

I delighted in Mrs. O’Rourke’s discipline in teaching me journalistic style, although I have struggled to forgive her for telling me, “Now, Betty June, I know you want to be a reporter, but only men can do that job. You’d be a great teacher!”  She was right, I was a great teacher, but she quashed my dream. What I learned, I taught. My students won writing awards and distinction, and with an attitude of gratitude, I thank my…..

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 November 17

I have an attitude of gratitude that several teachers and others encouraged me to write. My school years were filled with opportunities for which I am thankful, and teachers who saw promise and shaped my voice. I fell in love with words in Mrs. Meyer’s class. I loved debate when Miss Gorman and Mr. Sullivan helped me manipulate arguments, write rebuttals, and see the essence of a topic. Today, I remember the teachers and mentors who guided me,…..

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November 16

Now, upon reflection, I realize with my attitude of gratitude, that childhood experiences serve a greater purpose. I have empathy for and special recognition and love for those who may be physically or mentally challenged in some way. I’ve always given them an extra measure of encouragement—those things I felt lacking when I so wanted to know I could achieve in spite of difficulties.

God just filled me with things other than physical or athletic beauty and prowess. …..

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November 15

The challenges and difficulties of life change in each decade.

It’s been my experience that crises in my life have not been as drastic as some that others have experienced. Yes, childhood physical difficulties like three operations for a seven-year-old, bullying by playmates and “that’s too bad” comments from adults at the patches over my right eye, the one that could actually see, and glasses on my three-year-old tiny face, did affect me. I remember “failing” the eye…..

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November 14

All circumstances are opportunities for Him to shine and me to fade. I’m learning. Long ago this was an attitude in my head knowledge of God’s grace, but more recently it has become obvious that my heart, my soul, my very being has been miraculously transformed by this knowledge.

I have developed a precept the last ten years. It is summarized in a quote I’ve created to live my life by, just because I’ve learned that prioritizing is…..

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November 13

When I daily, even hourly, commit myself to the Lord’s purposes, I discover strength I do not know I possess, and  find joy in carrying the burdens of others He sends to me in chance encounters or planned relationships. I find satisfaction in seeing Scripture come to life in very real terms as I live life with an attitude of gratitude.

I have become an intercessor, a prayer warrior, one who supplicates, prays for the needs of…..

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November 12

With an attitude of gratitude, I have learned through the college of hard knocks that the world does not revolve around my little sphere of influence. I’m glad I’ve learned that lesson. I should say, I am learning that.

As aging occurs, I find less strength of my own. Everything takes more time and energy than it used to. I need to write lists now to remember dates, things-to-do, prescriptions, directions. Coping mechanisms.

It’s God’s way, mixed with…..

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November 11

Today we remember those who sacrificed everything they had, their time, their strength, their dignity, their very selves, and some, their lives and limbs, for our freedom. May we give them our thanksgiving and reflect on their service.

Then, may we think spiritually of the very Son of God, who came from heavenly beauty, peace, and the very Presence of our Father God, to be born in a smelly stable, scratched by straw in his first bed, never…..

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November 10

In a way, I suppose I am still willful, even at three-score-and-ten-plus-five, somewhat like the perpetual adolescent who thinks I am immortal, invincible, that I can accomplish anything, that I am captain of my destiny. Didn’t I just finish my seventh book in three years?

I exhibit pride in my education, ingenuity, talents, my belief in the American spirit, the prevailing  go-it-alone-I-can-do-it-myself arrogance that can fool some of the people some of the time, but in the long…..

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November 9

As the oldest of four children, I was expected to achieve, to accomplish, to be a good example, to look after the others, to be perfect. It has scarred me, placed too much stress on me, somewhat alienated me from my siblings, and in perspective, colored my attitudes and diminished my sensibilities.

But God is healing me of that stain of self-sufficiency, and life’s blows have taught me the humility and balance I was lacking. I am learning…..

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