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This was an editorial that was published in the New Jersey Herald December, 2000. Will the real meaning of Christmas please stand up? "There's no way I'm going to Bethlehem! I'm so big I can't see my feet! Besides, my back is killing me. If my Posturepedic doesn't go, I don't go!" Can you imagine Mary saying this? I would have if I were in her sandals. However, Mary knew something we don't know; the true meaning of Christmas. If we did, there wouldn't be hoards of frantic shoppers bombarding Toys-R-Us at 6:00 AM on Black Friday. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. However, you have to wait on line two hours to see him. Christmas has become a commodity. Without it retailers would go bankrupt. Each year manufacturers come out with new and improved do-dads to replace the out-dated ones from last year. We foolishly believe that the more we have the better our holiday will be. The Christmas bells are the cash registers ringing up charges on our MasterCards that'll take years to pay off. There's a house in my neighborhood so over-decorated that I thought Macy's had relocated. I'm not saying that buying gifts and decorating is wrong, but consider this. Christmas began as an alternative to the pagan celebration of the winter solstice. This also marked the time when the Romans honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, by feasting, closing down their businesses, ceasing their hostility and exchanging gifts. Sound familiar? I wonder if the early saints would be able to differentiate these celebrations from our modern day festivities? In the story The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by the late Dr. Seuss, the evil Grinch tries to take Christmas away from the people of Whoville by confiscating all their holiday trappings. Much to his dismay, he is unable to stop Christmas because the unpretentious townsfolk have it somewhere where it can't be taken ... in their hearts. I often wondered what would happen if the Grinch visited my town? I bet there would be an outrage as never before or ever would be again. An angry mob would hunt the green thief down till its dying day! I believe he would succeed in stealing Christmas. This Yuletide I'm examining my motives for celebrating Christmas. Its true meaning is much more than a plastic creche stuck under the Christmas tree. I want to celebrate it like a child. They know what it's all about. When my eight-year-old was asked what the best present she ever received was, she replied, "The time my mommy took me to the park." Gee, I thought it was the Barbie penthouse. Surprisingly, the most precious gift we can offer the Lord Jesus is ourselves. This is why Mary endured the uncomfortable ride to Bethlehem, gave birth in a smelly stable, and never complained. This is the true meaning of Christmas, and it lasts all year long. Not even FAO Schwarz could snatch it away. So, when you hear 'Away in a Manger', blaring in Wal-Mart, listen to the words and truly celebrate the simple, wonderful and beautiful meaning of Christmas.
The Prince of Egypt is a Prince of a Movie The Prince of Egypt, which hit the theaters last year, has become one of my all time favorites. You forget you are watching an animated movie, and become awe-struck by its story. This film was based on research by theological experts to bring a truthful, and historical depiction of the story of Moses. Some artistic license was taken, as light-hearted humor is injected into the dialog. Since history is not rated PG, some of the more graphic details of the story were played down. Fortunately this was done with grace and tact, and didn't detract from it's intent. For instance, the feel for the actual circumstances stirred your conscience. You saw the horror of the edict to kill all Hebrew male babies by the terror shown in the eyes of their mothers. You heard their pleas for mercy, and with the use of powerful music you felt their fear and despair, without it actually being played out in front of young viewers' eyes. The Prince of Egypt was not commercialized as so many cartoon movies are. There were no plastic figurines placed in fast-food dinners or toys to be found in cereal boxes. However, even without all the hype, this story is one that has been handed down from generation to generation. DreamWorks has done an excellent job in keeping up this tradition and providing families a great way of continuing to tell this story of faith.
Avoiding the Super Mom Syndrome This is a job for Super Mom If you had to pay someone to cook your meals, clean your house, tutor and chauffeur your children, do your yard work and manage your budget, you'd be bankrupt. However, most working moms don't hesitate doing all this and more. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Super Mom! Faster than a speeding bullet Before she punches in at the office, she's already put in more work than some folks do all day. Breakfast is made and waiting as she jump-starts the kids into reality. While putting on her mascara she's directing her offspring to remember to put their homework into their backpacks. She combs out tangles, and makes sure they've washed their faces and have on clean underwear. At noon, when most people are enjoying a few restful minutes with a ham sandwich, she's running to the bank, having "virtual" parent/teacher conferences over the telephone, or maybe even going food shopping. More powerful than a locomotive When the five o'clock whistle blows she heads for home. While making dinner, she helps Johnny with his algebra and makes lunches for the next day. She takes no time to relax with a cup of Joe after dinner. There's Brownies and Boy Scouts, kissing boo-boos, and telling bedtime stories. As if this isn't enough, she manages to tidy the house and do a few loads of laundry! Not! So many Super Moms get frustrated because they are unable to fit everything into their day. They wonder why they don't look like the 17 year old model with the perky boobs on the cover of the latest Cosmo. They search for the elusive mathematical equation that explains why time moves so much quicker on the weekends. They are puzzled by their fatigue. Working moms are under the misguided belief that they have a big red S tattooed onto their chests! They give slack to others, but rarely allow themselves to be human. They are unaware that Super Mom exists only on the pages of a comic book. So many women want it all. This means having all the privileges of a family life, such as a husband, a house, a cute furry critter and 2.5 children. However, economics being what they are, this requires two paychecks. In doing so, unbeknownst to many women until burnout strikes, some things must go by the wayside. What's a mommy to do? If you are a Super Mom you can prevent this downward spiral into mental and physical exhaustion. Certain things must take precedence. Not everything is vital. One must stop and think about what is truly important. You must acquire some learned behaviors in order to manage. You will have to teach yourself how to let things slide. For instance, when you're on your deathbed, it won't matter that you didn't vacuum your house every week. It will, however, matter that you showed up to support your child's Little League team. Take time for you You are accustomed to cheering up children and supporting your spouse. You should do no less for yourself. It would benefit you greatly if you would give yourself a pat on the back. You could accomplish this by celebrating the completion of your Kindergartner's costume for the school play. Take a picture of it and put it in a scrap book of accomplishments. You'll then be able to look back and see all you've done and the fun you had doing them! Time is precious. Don't waste it by worrying about trivial things. This can put a damper on the things that are truly important. If little Suzy tracks mud on your newly mopped floor, don't let it get to you. Remember, Suzy is more important than your linoleum. This may sound harsh, but don't feel that you are indispensable. Delegation is a very useful tool. It doesn't mean you are incapable of doing the job, it just means you are mortal and could use a little assistance. Is your hubby clueless? Many husbands don't help because they are given the impression that their help isn't needed or as good. When requesting assistance, be specific and don't complain or criticize. Just because something gets done a little bit differently, doesn't make it wrong. Remember, it's getting done and you didn't have to do it. You consider everyone else in your life, but oft times forget the most important person -- YOU! Don't neglect your own well-being. Something as simple as putting the kids to bed 15 minutes earlier could free you up to take a relaxing bubble bath. Take a mini vacation and unwind. It's good for you and your family. Remember, if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! You can beat the clock Most important, it's never too late to start your day over. Just because a day may have started out on the wrong note, doesn't mean it has to continue that way. Children are very responsive and appreciate it when their parents admit their mistakes and short comings. You may not meet the criteria to be a Super Mom, but you can definitely be a great mom!
Just for fun, I once had a sci-fi costume birthday party, and this was the reason why. When I was a child, no human being had stepped foot on the moon. As a matter of fact, we were absolutely sure that it was made of green cheese. We were certain that there were little green men on Mars. Although the special effects in the 60s had much to be desired, sci-fi flicks fueled our vivid imaginations. Star Trek, Invaders from Mars, The Day The Earth Stood Still and Lost In Space enabled us to dream about the final frontier. The Outer Limits, One Step Beyond and Night Gallery made us wonder about mysteries that might be sitting right in front of our noses. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Mole Men and The Creature reminded us that there were many unexplained mysteries here on planet Earth. The Blob, Godzilla and many prehistoric creatures made the world stop its petty fighting and unite as one to destroy its common enemy. Sometimes, man, with his own destructive weapons and selfish nature had created the monsters we fought. The Cyclops, Them, Frankenstein and the 50 Foot Woman were the products of man's genius. We could pretend, imagine and wonder. We could obliterate diseases, the cures for which had eluded man for centuries. Always humankind stood together as one and was victorious. As I turn 40, I'm beginning a new decade, a new millennium and a new era. I thought having a sci-fi party would enable me to recapture the fun and care free time I had as a child and also celebrate that I'm boldly going where I've not gone before! I personally wanted to have this party as a gift to me. Not a black balloon, over-the-hill, let's make fun of Adria party. I wanted this party to reflect how glad I am that I'm alive and that God has given me a good life. The average Kindergartener laughs about 300 times a day. Adults are lucky if they laugh at all. Just for today, dear friend, enjoy the food, the music and most of all, the laughter, as my gift to you.
This article was published in Christian Woman Today e-zine. How to Keep on Top, When Your Company is Going Down or Staying Sane in the Business World Between corporate take-overs, mergers and downsizing, scores of Americans have had to face countless changes in the workplace. Some of these changes are good, and some are not so good. It's only natural to worry. Add to that the rumor mills running full speed ahead, and you can understand that we sometimes find ourselves worrying excessively and needlessly. You can drive yourself mad by listening to all the gossip! Don't be blown about by the winds of change. To get through a rough time such as this, try to get as many of the facts as you can. Proverbs 24:3,4 says, "Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts." Even though some of the information may be proprietary, your manager or the Human Resources department can help you to understand what's happening in the company, and where you stand. Avoid the What-ifs Try not to project about the future. This won't help and you could literally make yourself sick worrying about something that may never even take place. To illustrate this point, the following is a story told by Abraham Lincoln: "A man on foot, carrying a bundle, came to a running stream which he had to ford. He prepared by stripping off his clothes, adding them to his bundle, and tying all to the top of a stick, which he raised high above his head to keep dry during the crossing. He then fearlessly waded in and carefully made his way across the rippling stream and found it in no place above his ankles." Take Control of What You Can Instead of worrying about what might be, try focusing on what you can do to better yourself. For instance, try using a sticky pad as a goal post. Using something as simple as a little yellow piece of paper can help you to boost your morale and achieve your goals. Use a larger sticky sheet and write down three prime goals you'd like to accomplish. These could be professional as well as personal goals. Use short phrases such as: finish college, lose 10 pounds, save for vacation. Now do the same with three secondary goals, such as: learn new software, organize closet, take ceramics class. Now get them in your face! Stick them to your bathroom mirror. You'll see them everyday, and when you do, read them out loud each and every time you see them. This will help you to re-enforce your goals in your mind. Keep this up until you act on them. Hopefully this will prompt you to think and act positively instead of dwelling on the negative. Once you've accomplished a goal, take the note off of your bathroom mirror and place it victoriously on your bedroom mirror. This way, when you see your reflection, you'll also see your successes. What a great way to start the day! Instead of getting an ulcer, you're focusing on the things you CAN do. Continue to Take Action! Here are some more quick tips to help you stay at the top of your game: - Always keep your resume up-to-date. You can get assistance doing this with an out placement firm. They will help you to refresh, reword and revise your resume. - Get the right job for yourself. An outplacement firm or the counseling center of your local community college can help you find out what skills you need to get the job you really want. - Check out what other people in your field are making. Maybe a job change will mean a bigger paycheck. - Go back to school. Many businesses prefer to hire a person who not only has the technical skills, but the proven experience and dedication that an older employee can offer. Check into your company's policies. They may even foot the bill for your college degree. It's easier said than done, but try not to be so distracted by the urgent that you forget what's really important. In his article Tyranny of the Urgent, Charles E. Hummel states that by having a thirty-hour day we still would not get everything done. We would see that we were working more and enjoying ourselves less. Some things we do seem so important at that particular time. However, they wind up eating away at our precious time and energy. As time marches on we see how we pushed aside the important tasks for the urgent ones. Make certain you make time for what's really important. As Mr. Hummel says," We cannot admire the poise and beauty of this human life, and then ignore the things that made it." Finally, be brave. Whatever your situation, try to avoid letting your fear dominate your actions. You may be petrified to think you might lose your job. It's normal to be anxious about such things. Just don't mistake your feelings for facts. Remember, although you cannot change everything, there are steps you can take and "Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use." - Ruth Gordon
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This feature story was published in The Sparta Independent in May, 2001.
When Wells Clark was born he weighed in at a healthy eight pounds, two ounces. However, nearly a month later he hadn't gained an ounce. Through a three-day series of tests it was discovered that Kelli and Perry Clark's youngest was one of approximately 30,000 children and adults in the US who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
Cystic Fibrosis is an incurable, genetic disease that causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus. As a result, the mucus clogs the lungs which can lead to life-threatening lung infections. It can also obstruct the pancreas, which produces enzymes that help the body to digest food. Without these essential enzymes it is very difficult for the body to break down and digest food.
Wells must have someone clap on his back and chest twice a day, every day, to dislodge any mucus in his lungs. He must undergo breathing treatments two times a day. And for the rest of his life, he must ingest pancreatic enzymes whenever he eats. Without it Wells would not be able to retain the nutrients in his food and would soon wither away.
Unbeknownst to Kelly and Perry, they are both carriers of this disease. This means any children they conceive will have a 25 percent chance of inheriting CF, a 50 percent chance that the child will be a carrier, and a 25 percent chance that their offspring will be a non-carrier. Thankfully, Wells' two older brothers, Chase, 3, and Stuart, 6, do not have CF.
"He looked healthy, but wouldn't gain weight; not even an ounce. Our pediatrician was very aggressive in diagnosing him," Kelli stated, adding, "It was terrifying to find out. My husband said, 'That's crazy, it's not going to be us.'"
The Clarks, and two other local families who also have children with CF, Joyce and Henry Pollison of Sparta, and Dawn and Curt Wegfahrt of Hopatcong, want to do whatever they can to wipe out this disease. This means working diligently to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), in hopes that one day there will be a cure.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has made enormous progress in the war against CF. Even though fifty percent of its sufferers won't live past 32, this is a much brighter prognosis than in 1955, when the CFF was formed. At that time most children diagnosed with CF never made it past their fifth birthday.
CFF-supported scientists are developing new drugs and therapies continually. The most outstanding was the discovery of the gene that causes cystic fibrosis. This discovery makes it possible to conduct gene therapy, which may ultimately lead to a cure.
During the month of May the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be sponsoring their annual Great Strides 10K Walk in nine locations throught0out New Jersey, including Waterloo Village in Stanhope, on Sunday, May 20. So far, over 50 walkers have signed up to participate.
CF is a financially catastrophic disease. And since the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation depends upon public support to continue its programs, this fund-raiser is vital. All the money raised at Great Strides will be used for research. Kelli stated that the Clark's team, Warriors for Wells, has raised about $11,000 so far. However, with their letter campaign, caring neighbors and generous local merchants, they hope to do even better.
Speaking of what she'd like to see as a result of this fund-raiser, Kelli said, "I'd like awareness and education,...because it's (CF) something people don't know anything about. I also think if there are people who want to participate in this day and support it, that would be great."
Garrett LaFranco, owner of Photographs Cameras & Video in Sparta has offered to donate all profits from their video sales and rentals on May 20th to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We are encouraging all our customers to come in a participate. If they are renting one video, we ask them to rent two...to help the cause," said Mary Stefanacci, Warriors for Wells team member and employee of Photographs speaking about the event.
Showing their support for CF and little Wells Clark, local radio station MAX 106.3 will be broadcasting live from Waterloo Village on the day of the event.
As an added incentive, American Airlines is giving round-trip, coach-class air transportation for two for the walker raising the most money. For more information or to register to participate in the Great Strides Walk, or to make a donation, contact: Greater New Jersey Chapter 117 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 104 River Edge, NJ 07661 Or call (201) 457-1800 or (800) FIGHT-CF fax (201) 457-1898. By e-mail at newjersey@cff.org, or the official website at www.cff.org. copyright 2001 Adria Nieswand Material may not be reproduced without written consent from author.
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