We have been out of town for the past several weeks and had our mail held at the P.O. We picked it up this morning, sorted it, and began paying some bills. I realized that the KUB one was due TODAY. They charge $3 to pay by phone, and Scotch ole me didn't want to do that. So I headed out to the service center on Asheville Highway to pay in person, so as to avoid the late fee.
It was 12:30 and of course everyone in town was there to pay on their lunch hour. I was #17 in line. Soon there were at least that many behind me, as only two cashiers were on duty. When I got almost to the front of the line, I noticed a small sign which said "No debit or credit payments allowed." Bummer. I don't carry the checkbook with me, and all I had was my debit card...what to do? I gave up my place in line and went back to the car to think this out.
I had wasted about an hour of my time and probably more than $3 in gas and still didn't have that silly bill paid! I decided to check my options (nicely listed on the back of the bill, which by the way did not say that no debit or credit cards were allowed if you pay in person.) Not seeing one that would help me, I called and waited my "11-14 minutes" on hold in order to speak to a representative.
Finally "Alice" came on the line and I explained my situation. She took note of my suggestion that they add "No debit or credit" to the options on the bill back...and then informed me that she would flag our account to stop any late payment fees. Satisfied, I thanked her and went on my way home where I promptly paid online. It will be credited tomorrow. Problem solved!
Moral of story? Call first! You get more options and will save yourself time, gas money, and frustration.
Things I observed today: lots of needy people, with cranky, sleepy toddlers waiting in line to try to pay a little and hold off service termination; an upset woman calling to report that KUB is a monopoly "which is illegal in the United States;" a crippled man who was having trouble standing in that long line; a man on oxygen who was agreeing agressively with the woman accusing KUB of the monopoly thing; lots and lots of folks who could use a little sunshine, a smile, a hand-up, some love. Their situation may or may not be of their own doing; I don't know. But I do know this, if my wild goose chase is the worst thing that happens to me today, I will be very blessed.
I imagine the majority in that line would trade places any day. Let's go out and make somebody's day be passing along some sunshine...a warm smile...a kind word...a little Jesus. Just something to think about this beautiful autumn afternoon.
CONCORD CHRONICLE - Dedicated to God, the author of peace and lover of concord
Monday, October 22, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Moon and the Stars
We adults are used to looking up into the night sky and seeing the moon, in all its stages, and the stars. One of my earliest memories is of laying in the grass, with my brother and neighborhood children, and looking for the man-in-the-moon and the Big Dipper. On a clear evening, away from the city lights, it seemed to me that there were more stars than one could ever count!
A special memory of looking at the moon came six or so years ago when our daughter was in South Korea, teaching English as a Second Language at a private school in Daegu, a city of around 4 million, a few hours by bullet train from Seoul. There was a 12 hour time difference between Daegu and Knoxville, so it was early morning in Daegu and early evening in Knoxville. That was the best time for us to Skype, and we were having our daily chat when I looked up and saw a perfectly beautiful full moon overhead. I said, "Cindy, I wish you could see the moon! It's so beautiful." She looked out the window of her funky apartment, with its tiny kitchen and window, and said, "I see it here, too!" There we were, thousands of miles apart, seeing the same moon! How cool was that!
Barrett, at 2 1/2, has always liked the moon. He looks for it in the sky and in his books and asks lots of questions, such as, "Can our car drive to the moon?" Or, near the airport, "Can that airplane fly to the moon?" We explain as best we can that, no, we can't drive or fly to the moon...but rockets have been there, and men have walked on the moon as well! He really lit up at that! And wanted to know all about astronauts, etc.
All this to say: only God could make the moon! Can you imagine? Creating something so huge, far away, yet approachable by man? It's all a little over my head, this astronomy stuff. But it points me to God, and what better reason to be in awe of it, whether as a child or adult.
Thank you, God, for your wondrous, creative powers. You are an awesome God. The sun, moon, and stars in the sky are evidence enough of your ever-presence with us. I am grateful for reminders like that...I really am.
A special memory of looking at the moon came six or so years ago when our daughter was in South Korea, teaching English as a Second Language at a private school in Daegu, a city of around 4 million, a few hours by bullet train from Seoul. There was a 12 hour time difference between Daegu and Knoxville, so it was early morning in Daegu and early evening in Knoxville. That was the best time for us to Skype, and we were having our daily chat when I looked up and saw a perfectly beautiful full moon overhead. I said, "Cindy, I wish you could see the moon! It's so beautiful." She looked out the window of her funky apartment, with its tiny kitchen and window, and said, "I see it here, too!" There we were, thousands of miles apart, seeing the same moon! How cool was that!
Barrett, at 2 1/2, has always liked the moon. He looks for it in the sky and in his books and asks lots of questions, such as, "Can our car drive to the moon?" Or, near the airport, "Can that airplane fly to the moon?" We explain as best we can that, no, we can't drive or fly to the moon...but rockets have been there, and men have walked on the moon as well! He really lit up at that! And wanted to know all about astronauts, etc.
All this to say: only God could make the moon! Can you imagine? Creating something so huge, far away, yet approachable by man? It's all a little over my head, this astronomy stuff. But it points me to God, and what better reason to be in awe of it, whether as a child or adult.
Thank you, God, for your wondrous, creative powers. You are an awesome God. The sun, moon, and stars in the sky are evidence enough of your ever-presence with us. I am grateful for reminders like that...I really am.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Up, Up and Away!
When we fly, it's most often on Southwest Airlines. I don't know if you've experienced flying on SW or not; but let me assure you, it's most often an adventure. The attendants sing, dance, act silly, while being professional with their duties at the same time. The airline is rarely late, your bags fly free! and they still serve peanuts!
A couple weeks ago, I was flying from my brother and sister-in-law's home in Austin, TX to Panama City Beach, via Houston. The "fun" was about to begin. I noticed that I was to have a VERY short layover in Houston...so short, in fact, that I wondered if I would be able to make the connection. While going through security, I glanced at the monitor above and noticed that our Austin-Houston flight was delayed 20 minutes. I decided to ask at the gate about the chances of missing that Houston to PCB flight. Indeed, 13 of us would not make it! However, they were holding the flight, so everything would be ok.
We were boarding when a flight attendant walked along side the group, holding up a cell phone. Mine was in my purse, so I wasn't worried...but it looked identical to mine...I glanced in my purse where I keep it, and NO PHONE! I told the guy that I thought it was mine. He handed it to me. I put in my security code, and bingo! It opened. I couldn't believe it had slipped out of my purse. I was shaking as I put it away. My phone is my best friend: it contains so many numbers, pictures, etc; I would be lost without it. What a relief. How did I not know it was gone and then be so lucky to get it back? Whew! Dodged a big bullet.
I made my way to an aisle seat near the back, since we 13 were the last ones to board. After what seemed like an eternity on the HOT plane, we took off. There was a young couple sitting next to me, the guy occupying the window seat. They talked some, and I noticed her "shush" him a couple times. He seemed irritable. We took off and had been in the air a matter of minutes when I heard her ask him if he were ok. Then she reached up and pushed the button summoning the attendant. I asked her what was wrong, and she said that he had passed out! He had his eyes open but was definitely not "there!" A bunch of nurse/passengers and all the attendants arrived on scene, and I was taken to the galley so they could tend to the guy. He came to, was given juice and a snack, and they cancelled the medical emergency call to the pilot. Lots of drama but a happy ending. He didn't handle the heat and had been traveling all day with little food. The irritability was a precursor to the fainting episode, apparently.
Whew, again!
I got to PCB, and our son picked me up within just a couple minutes. I felt worn out, with all the above drama. Not my ususal fun trip on Southwest Airlines! But I'm still a fan of SW and look forward to my next trip with them!
A couple weeks ago, I was flying from my brother and sister-in-law's home in Austin, TX to Panama City Beach, via Houston. The "fun" was about to begin. I noticed that I was to have a VERY short layover in Houston...so short, in fact, that I wondered if I would be able to make the connection. While going through security, I glanced at the monitor above and noticed that our Austin-Houston flight was delayed 20 minutes. I decided to ask at the gate about the chances of missing that Houston to PCB flight. Indeed, 13 of us would not make it! However, they were holding the flight, so everything would be ok.
We were boarding when a flight attendant walked along side the group, holding up a cell phone. Mine was in my purse, so I wasn't worried...but it looked identical to mine...I glanced in my purse where I keep it, and NO PHONE! I told the guy that I thought it was mine. He handed it to me. I put in my security code, and bingo! It opened. I couldn't believe it had slipped out of my purse. I was shaking as I put it away. My phone is my best friend: it contains so many numbers, pictures, etc; I would be lost without it. What a relief. How did I not know it was gone and then be so lucky to get it back? Whew! Dodged a big bullet.
I made my way to an aisle seat near the back, since we 13 were the last ones to board. After what seemed like an eternity on the HOT plane, we took off. There was a young couple sitting next to me, the guy occupying the window seat. They talked some, and I noticed her "shush" him a couple times. He seemed irritable. We took off and had been in the air a matter of minutes when I heard her ask him if he were ok. Then she reached up and pushed the button summoning the attendant. I asked her what was wrong, and she said that he had passed out! He had his eyes open but was definitely not "there!" A bunch of nurse/passengers and all the attendants arrived on scene, and I was taken to the galley so they could tend to the guy. He came to, was given juice and a snack, and they cancelled the medical emergency call to the pilot. Lots of drama but a happy ending. He didn't handle the heat and had been traveling all day with little food. The irritability was a precursor to the fainting episode, apparently.
Whew, again!
I got to PCB, and our son picked me up within just a couple minutes. I felt worn out, with all the above drama. Not my ususal fun trip on Southwest Airlines! But I'm still a fan of SW and look forward to my next trip with them!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sometimes...
Sometimes...
...things are just bigger than you can figure out.
...they are things of the heart, not of the mind.
...all the wondering and wishing and hoping in the world will not give answers.
Sometimes...
...you just have to throw down your "weapons" and say I surrender.
...you have to throw in the towel,
...you have to wave the white flag.
Sometimes...
...it's all that left;
...it's the right thing to do;
...and it's going to be all right.
Because...
...God said He would take care of us.
...He's in control.
...He knows best.
So...
...I will!
...I will trust You.
...It's in your hands.
And I am in your hands, too. Hold me in that strong palm. For when I am weak, You are strong.
There, I feel better. Thank you, Father, for your promises. I am standing on them, and that's exactly where I need to be. Amen.
...things are just bigger than you can figure out.
...they are things of the heart, not of the mind.
...all the wondering and wishing and hoping in the world will not give answers.
Sometimes...
...you just have to throw down your "weapons" and say I surrender.
...you have to throw in the towel,
...you have to wave the white flag.
Sometimes...
...it's all that left;
...it's the right thing to do;
...and it's going to be all right.
Because...
...God said He would take care of us.
...He's in control.
...He knows best.
So...
...I will!
...I will trust You.
...It's in your hands.
And I am in your hands, too. Hold me in that strong palm. For when I am weak, You are strong.
There, I feel better. Thank you, Father, for your promises. I am standing on them, and that's exactly where I need to be. Amen.
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Eyes of My Heart
"Open the eyes of my heart, Lord; open the eyes of my heart: I want to see you, I want to see you!"
The eyes of my heart...that's an interesting phrase, isn't it? Several years ago, I did a study of phrases which refer to this concept. Out of this study came a list that went something like this:
Touch my heart.
Pierce my heart.
Soften my heart.
Teach me.
Chasten me.
Cleanse me.
Purge me.
Take the blinders from my heart.
Help me to see with my heart.
Help me to see clearly.
Give me eyes that see and ears that hear you.
The list went on and on, and it truly was eye-opening to see the ramifications of such "surgery."
For we need to have pure hearts if we are going to be whole...if we are going to be pure...if we are going to walk with God and follow him closely...if we are going to be in close communication with him. Likewise, our walk with our fellowman, our communication with our fellowman will depend on the condition of our hearts. As our hearts improve, love will abound! Pure, unbridled, unconditional love. Isn't that what we all need? A little more love?
So as we begin another week, let's open our eyes! Help me, Lord, to see you today and to feel your presence in a very real way. May the surgery begin!
The eyes of my heart...that's an interesting phrase, isn't it? Several years ago, I did a study of phrases which refer to this concept. Out of this study came a list that went something like this:
Touch my heart.
Pierce my heart.
Soften my heart.
Teach me.
Chasten me.
Cleanse me.
Purge me.
Take the blinders from my heart.
Help me to see with my heart.
Help me to see clearly.
Give me eyes that see and ears that hear you.
The list went on and on, and it truly was eye-opening to see the ramifications of such "surgery."
For we need to have pure hearts if we are going to be whole...if we are going to be pure...if we are going to walk with God and follow him closely...if we are going to be in close communication with him. Likewise, our walk with our fellowman, our communication with our fellowman will depend on the condition of our hearts. As our hearts improve, love will abound! Pure, unbridled, unconditional love. Isn't that what we all need? A little more love?
So as we begin another week, let's open our eyes! Help me, Lord, to see you today and to feel your presence in a very real way. May the surgery begin!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Rainy Mondays...Sunny Tuesdays
I know you know how it feels: waking up to the sounds of a gentle rain, mixed with intermittent down-pours and some thunder. Not sad...not mad...just blah. In addition, it's Monday, and the big smile is just not there. You try the positive thought-thing and feel a little better. But still the energy just isn't happening. There seems to be a low-lying cloud hanging overhead.
Tea/coffee helps some...and a good breakfast. Still, you just can't seem to get going and find that giddy-up-and-go.
That was I yesterday. Thankfully, it mostly passed, and I did eventually get almost back on-track. My little buddy Barrett helped. Who can be out of sorts with a sweet little guy needing you to play choo choos...or cars...or read a fun story...or watch Dora with him.
Still, "rainy and days and Mondays always... or sometimes...get you down.
Today was a different day. I woke up early. I apologized to someone (online) to whom I needed to ask forgiveness. And it happened: peace! rest! renewal! It's funny how freeing and cleansing doing the right thing is. The cloud lifted, I felt better, physically and certainly mentally and spiritually. Having burdens, resentments, hard-feelings can strip you of your joy and just downright burden a person.
We had a neighbor, over 35 years ago, who carried a piece of paper in his shirt pocket. He had dozens of names on it, and he crossed off the names as he made apology to someone he had wronged as he made things right with them. As he told me about this list, he said it went back years and years...everyone whom he had spoken badly of/to...people he had hurt in any way...people he had cheated or lied to, etc. He was in the midst of a transformation...and he was a new man! Free, clean, brand spanking new!
So my challenge to you, this sunny Tuesday, is to make things right. With yourself, with others, with God. And experience the peace which passes all understanding. It's well worth the effort!
Tea/coffee helps some...and a good breakfast. Still, you just can't seem to get going and find that giddy-up-and-go.
That was I yesterday. Thankfully, it mostly passed, and I did eventually get almost back on-track. My little buddy Barrett helped. Who can be out of sorts with a sweet little guy needing you to play choo choos...or cars...or read a fun story...or watch Dora with him.
Still, "rainy and days and Mondays always... or sometimes...get you down.
Today was a different day. I woke up early. I apologized to someone (online) to whom I needed to ask forgiveness. And it happened: peace! rest! renewal! It's funny how freeing and cleansing doing the right thing is. The cloud lifted, I felt better, physically and certainly mentally and spiritually. Having burdens, resentments, hard-feelings can strip you of your joy and just downright burden a person.
We had a neighbor, over 35 years ago, who carried a piece of paper in his shirt pocket. He had dozens of names on it, and he crossed off the names as he made apology to someone he had wronged as he made things right with them. As he told me about this list, he said it went back years and years...everyone whom he had spoken badly of/to...people he had hurt in any way...people he had cheated or lied to, etc. He was in the midst of a transformation...and he was a new man! Free, clean, brand spanking new!
So my challenge to you, this sunny Tuesday, is to make things right. With yourself, with others, with God. And experience the peace which passes all understanding. It's well worth the effort!
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