Thanks for the cookies!!! Delicious! As I was going down the road and enjoying them I was thinking back to seventh grade music class. I have three memories. First, I was overwhelmed at the time (and still) by my ignorance of music. Second, the class was held in the typing room. And third, I received a B+. You probably don’t remember my grade at all nor how you gave me that grade, but it remains vivid to me. On the last day of class you told us write down what grade we thought we deserved for the semester. You said that it would not necessarily be what we received but that we should reflect on what we thought was fair. You dismissed someone’s question about an A++++++. I thought that for myself a B+ would be more than generous for my performance, and that’s what I scribbled down, and that’s what I received. There’s no way that I would have remembered this anecdote if it didn’t have some deeper significance for me, and here’s what I think it has been for me for the subsequent years. Receiving the B+, while fair, left me wanting a higher mark, and I learned then that the height at which I set the bar would determine the effort with which I would jump. This lesson had academic and personal ramifications for me, so thanks. By the way, that B+ is the only grade I can remember for all of my classes in junior high and high school.

Jeff

Your words are always inspiring and a clear and solid testament to faith. I love the hymn you opened today’s words with. Ever since learning that tune, I’ve imagined children singing that hymn to heaven as an angelic tribute to our Heavenly King. And, in about an hour, as we (at St. John’s in Midland, MI) celebrate the feast of the Ascension, a small children’s choir I started this year will be singing that song.
Joel

I am always inspired by your messages. Perhaps you have no idea how your words go out beyond Seward, beyond Nebraska, and influence the days of friends and folks you probably have not even thought about in awhile. Thank you for your words. The reports of your daily walks and the wildlife you observe make me take myself outside and listen to the birds or coyotes or whatever is out in our backyard or neighborhood. Your words of joy and thankfulness for little things (which are really the important things, aren’t they?) help make the rest of us aware and thankful for all the moments of our days. I rejoice with you on the reprieve you’ve had these past months, and always include you and your family in my prayers as you deal with this puzzling and unpredictable illness. Your words are a testament to faith and family and God’s provision. I wish you many continued blessings!

Christelle