NebraskaFamilyTimes

My New Year's Challenge to You: A Gratitude Journal

2012-01-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

This article appeared in the January issue of the Nebraska Family Times. Even though the "official" day for resolutions--Jan. 1st--has passed, I challenge you to begin a Gratitude Journal. "Counting my blessings" every day helps me realize how truly blessed I am--and it will do the same for you.

Here is my list from yesterday, Jan. 8th, 2012.

1. Went to church with Morgan, heard a great sermon, and strengthened my faith with the Lord's Supper.

2. A nice afternoon nap. :-)

3. Tim and Cody arrived in Denver safely (for the National Western Stock Show).

4. Time with Morgan, just talking and being together.

5. A walk outside--short, but great to get some fresh air.

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2012—A Year of Gratitude

by Shelly Burke, Editor

We are in the time of year in which gratitude and thankfulness are easy, with the focus on Thanksgiving and our Savior’s birth at Christmas. But what about the rest of the year? Are you as thankful every day throughout the year as you are during this season?

The Bible commands us to be thankful. Psalm 106:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1 repeats the command, as does Psalm 136:1. And God truly is good. He gives us the greatest blessings in life—eternal life through the death of His son. He also gives us our faith, family, friends, homes, and on and on.

The Bible also tells us we should be “always giving thanks…for everything” (Eph. 5:20) and we should “give thanks in all circumstances“(1 Thess. 5:18). Always” and “in all circumstances”—not just when we’re having a good day.

Obviously the biggest benefit of giving thanks is obeying and honoring our Lord. But there are other benefits as well.

Research has shown that people who made a list of three to five things they were grateful for every day were more optimistic about the future and felt better about their lives overall than people who recorded daily hassles or negative happenings. Listing things daily resulted in a greater increase in gratitude than only doing so weekly.
Some research shows that feelings of thankfulness can help reduce stress; stress is linked with many illnesses, including heart disease.
Grateful people are usually more optimistic than others, and some researchers say that being optimistic helps boost the immune system. This means that people who are thankful may become ill less often. A thankful attitude has also been linked to quicker recovery after surgery or when sick
An “attitude of gratitude” has been linked to better sleep, a decrease in anxiety and depression, kinder behavior toward others, higher satisfaction with life in general, and overall better health.
When we focus on gratitude, even for small things, our thinking shifts to being more positive in general.

One of my goals for 2012 is to list 5 things I’m thankful for, every day. Will you join me in starting a “Gratitude Journal”? Choose a notebook or journal, big or small, fancy or plain, and take a few minutes every day to jot down 3-5 things you’re thankful for. You could also make your list on your calendar. Your list can be in phrases, complete sentences, or even paragraphs. But keep it simple so you’ll find it easy to do every day.

If you would like, share part of your journal with me. Every month in 2012 I’ll be listing some of the things I am thankful for, and/or contributions from readers. Just e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net with what you are grateful for—it can be one thing or several.

I started my Gratitude Journal on Thanksgiving. Here is my list for today (December 13, 2011):

1. I got a good nights’ sleep so I could get up early to pray and read my Bible.

2. Work that I love--publishing the Nebraska Family Times!

3. My hard-working husband who works outside on cold, snowy days while I’m in the warm house.

3. My “assistant editor,” our dog Jenny, who sleeps in my office when I’m working and calms all of us when we’re stressed.

5. A hug from Morgan (she’s almost 18 and not as generous with hugs as she used to be) and a text from Cody telling me his biology final went well.

I hope to hear from you in 2012!

Nook Winner!

2012-01-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Michelle Vanderheiden, winner of the Grand Prize of the "Give the gift of 'Good News' that Gives All year" promotion that was held this fall!

Michelle extended her subscription to the Nebraska Family Times and her name was entered in the drawing. She said she is looking forward to learning about and using her new Nook.

THANK YOU to the sponsors who supported this giveaway! Other prizes and money to support the contest were given by:
Author Rebecca Jordan
Author Lynn Cowell
Author Shelly Burke
Author Glynnis Whitwer
Author chris Tomlinson

John Worsham--Christian CDs

Other companies or organizations who made the giveaway possible:
Encourage Me Kids
Columbus Arts Council
Mackey Elevator
Big Red Printing
Drs. Kincaid, Fett, and Tharpe

Thanks to everyone who subscribed to the paper, extended their subscription, and/or gave a gift subscription! ENJOY your subscription and prizes!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

WOW--I can't believe it's been a whole month since I've posted! Time flies when you're having fun! :-)

We've had a very good month! It was great to have everyone home at Christmas, at least for a few days. We enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Eve service at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, NE. I'm all for "change" (when it's for the better) but I have to admit that one area in which I don't like much change is the Christmas Eve service, which I've attended for many years--with my "growing up" family and Tim and the kids. I have a lot of wonderful memories of that service--when Cody was just a few weeks old and at his first service he cried and cried and cried...I was in the cry room with him more than I was in church that Christmas Eve! And just a few days before Morgan was born we missed the service--doctor's orders--because I'd had a lot of problems with premature labor. Thankfully Morgan was born just fine--although several weeks early--on Dec. 28th of that year.

As usual the church was beautiful, the music was outstanding, the sermon was inspiring (Pastor Burma spoke from the perspective of the angel Gabrielle, who took the wonderful message to the shepherds) and everything made us more thankful for the amazing gift God gave us that night.

Morgan turned 18 during Christmas vacation. I'm often reminded of the words I heard first during a MOPS meeting many years ago; "The days may seem slow but the years go fast." They sure do! I share those words with all moms of young kids because I know how fast they go...I have treasured the days with both kids and pray that Tim and I taught them what they need to know--most of all the importance of their faith.

During the last few weeks several dear friends have gone to their heavenly home. Each of these ladies played a significant part in my life, and in the lives of so many around them. Two of them died before Christmas (one on Christmas Eve) and I know their first Christmas in heaven had to be fantastic--can you imagine singing Christmas carols with the heavenly choir and being with the Baby who was born that day? Another friend died just last week. She was a friend of the family and I don't remember NOT knowing her.

I went to the visitation of each of these ladies; they had all been sick for many months before they died. While of course there were tears at the memories, underlying those tears was joy in each family member--the joy of knowing their wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt--was in heaven, happy and healthy again, and the joy and certainty of knowing they would see that loved one again in heaven. Their faith was and will be an inspiration to many people for a very long time.

I'm excited to start 2012! I have personal goals and goals to improve the Nebraska Family Times and do some more writing. I pray that the paper will continue to "inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk," and I seek God's guidance in every issue I publish.

I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas as well! I pray that God will bless you and your families in 2012!

Give the gift of Christian reading--and be entered to win a Nook or Kindle!

2011-12-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of Christian reading! For just $20 a loved one will receive 12 issues of the "Nebraska Family Times" newspaper, full of great information and local, state, and national news from a Christian point of view. The "Nebraska Family Times" will "inspire, encourage, and motivate readers in their Christian walk."

Give a gift subscription and be entered to win Christian books and CD's and the grand prize of a Nook or Kindle--final drawing December 16th! To order, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net with subscription information; you may pay by check (send to Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE 68640 or PayPal to shelly@shellyburke.net). ORDER TODAY!

2011-12-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

This says it all!

2011-12-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

Anonymous via e-mail

(This article appeared in the December issue of the Nebraska Family Times. The mission of the Nebraska Family Times is "to inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk. If you'd like a FREE sample copy, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467. From now until December 16th, when you subscribe or give a gift subscription, you'll be entered into weekly drawings for Christian books and CD's and the GRAND PRIZE of a Nook or Kindle e-reader! More details at
http://nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/p/give-gift-of-good-news-that-gives-all.html )

2011-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today may be the most important day of 2012

(Editor’s Note: By the time you receive this it will be after Nov. 15th, but the message of the article is valuable! You can have your goals made by December 1st and still meet the objectives of the article.)

Today is November 15th. I don’t know if that’s significant on your calendar but it is on mine. For many years now I’ve made it my plan to have my goals completed for the upcoming year by November 15th.

Here’s why. Most people wait until January 1st and then think “I need to have some goals.” But then it’s New Years Day – ball games are on, surely I can take the day off. The next day it’s back to work , new things are being talked about at work and the first two weeks fly by. By the time you get some goals laid out it’s nearly February 1st. At that point you think, how can I have the sequential progression over 12 months when one month is already gone. It’s easy to rationalize, I’ll just start next year. And thus weeks turn into months, months turn into years and all of a sudden 20 years have gone by in your own personal version of Ground-Hog Day.

On the other hand, what if you had your goals clearly laid out in 7 areas of your life by November 15th? You know exactly what you want success to look like for you next year – financially, physically, spiritually, socially, in your family, in personal development and in your career. Then you relax and enjoy the holidays, confident that your thinking is already helping you make the choices necessary to see that success come into view.

And here’s what will happen – guaranteed. Because you have clarified what those new levels of success will look like and you’ve written them down – your life will begin to change before January 1st. Even though you are busy with holiday activities you will be amazed at how subtly things start to shift in the direction of your goals. There is something almost magical that happens when you clarify in your thinking and on paper what an ideal life would be.

Give it a try – humor me and be prepared to be astounded at how you can get a jump start on making 2012 the year when you leapfrog forward. And then let me know in about July how things are going.

From www.48days.com

2011-11-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

Give the gift that gives Christian encouragement all year!

The Nebraska Family Times gives readers “inspiration, encouragement, and motivation” in their Christian walk, every month! For only $20 you (or someone you love) will receive 12 issues of the Nebraska Family Times. Every issue is full of devotions, local features, and state and national news from a non-denominational Christian point of view.

The Nebraska Family Times is the perfect gift for anyone on your gift list—old or young, male or female, with or without Internet access or someone who still enjoys reading a “paper” newspaper.

When you give the Nebraska Family Times as a gift:

o The gift recipient will receive a gift card indicating your gift

o YOU will be entered into a drawing to win Christian books or CD’s or the grand prize of a Nook or Kindle e-reader

o The Nebraska Family Times will donate a food item to the Columbus Rescue Mission/Living Water Rescue Mission for each subscription ordered (our goal is to donate 300 food items!).

o UPDATE--OFFER EXTENDED! Until Friday, December 16th, at noon, you can also purchase a copy of the book Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, for ONLY $5! FREE shipping and handling included. ($5 offer good only with purchase of Nebraska Family Times subscription.) To read an excerpt from Home is Where the Mom Is, go to http://www.shellyburke.net/homemom/excerpts.php.

ORDER TODAY! You’ll be giving a great gift, helping the Rescue Mission—and you’ll have a chance to win something for yourself, or to give as a gift.

To order, go to the right sidebar of this page or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net.

Stethoscope Man "Christ Lives in You"

2011-11-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

This is a fun video with a neat message!

2011-11-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

The Bible is the BEST source for learning about God's plan, receiving His guidance, and discerning His plan for your life. But do you wonder how to study the Bible? Follow this link to find "Simple Steps to Solid Scripture Study." I've been following them for several months, reading the Old Testament. In January I plan to start reading the New Testament, following this plan. I've learned so much just following this plan--and I'm excited to read more every day. I hope you enjoy it too!

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/simple-steps-to-solid-scripture-study-1295702.html?ps=0

2011-11-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

How to have a parenting “do-over”

By Jill Savage

I remember when Mark and I took a parenting class and learned about expecting first time obedience from our kids. Our habit, up to that point, had been to count to three, or to threaten, or to get angry.

Now we had a different vision for our family and for discipline in our home. But how do you change mid-stream? How do you handle a change in expectations, discipline, or how you will handle things?

Mark and I have had to do this over the years when we’ve realized that we’ve either allowed something we shouldn’t, or haven’t parented well or consistently. We call a family meeting and talk to the kids about what we’ve realized or what we’re learning. We apologize for not being consistent or not handling certain situations well. And we set a new standard on how we as a family are going to act, behave, or handle situations in the future. We have found that this is a respectful way to change the direction the family is headed in and our kids have responded relatively well to it.

If you find yourself needing a parenting “do-over,” consider these strategies:

1) Tell your child/children of the upcoming change. One mom had allowed her daughter to sleep in her bed with her. When she realized this wasn’t healthy for her daughter or her marriage, she sat her daughter down and explained that “beginning tomorrow night, you will sleep in your own bed.” This gave her daughter a heads up and a time of adjustment.

2) Apologize to your kids, if needed. An apology isn’t a sign of weakness…in the parenting realm it’s a sign of strength. Your kids will understand that you make mistakes and that you know what to do to clean up your mistakes. When we sat down and explained to our kids about first time obedience, we apologized for not holding them to a higher standard that would serve them well in life (what boss wants to tell his employee to do something three times?)

3) Train to the new expectation. If your kids are old enough, do some role-playing to train them to the new standard. When we were teaching first time obedience, we did some pretending. I told them we were going to practice first time obedience with a happy response. I said, “In a minute, I’m going to ask you to bring me a specific toy. When I ask I want you to say ‘Yes mom!’ and bring it to me.” Then we made it into a game. We played that game for several days.

4) Give a grace period. When we introduced first-time obedience, we trained for several days and then we began our grace period. It was one week of having the new expectation in place, but if they responded inappropriately, they were reminded of the standard and told that after the grace week, they would receive a consequence for that kind of a response.

5) Be willing to be the parent. The standard is set, the training done, and the practice time is over. Now it’s time to stand firm on your new direction. Most parents find if they are consistent with communication, expectations, and accountability, they are able to move in the direction they desire to go.

If you’re dealing with teens, you probably won’t need the training, but the communication, grace period, and consistent accountability will do the trick.
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Reprinted with permission. Jill Savage (www.jillsavage.org) is the founder and Executive Director of Hearts at Home (www.hearts-at-home.org), an organization that encourages, educates, and equips every mom in every season of motherhood. She is the author of seven books including Professionalizing Motherhood, Real Moms…Real Jesus, My Heart’s at Home, and her newest release, Living with Less So Your Family Has More. Jill and her husband, Mark, have five children and make their home in Central Illinois.
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The Nebraska Family Times considers parenting one of God's greatest blessings. Our goal is to include at least one Christian parenting article in every issue of the Nebraska Family Times. When you subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times, you'll receive articles like this in your mailbox every month! And when you subscribe (or give a gift subscription) by December 16th, you'll be entered into a weekly drawing to win Christian books or CD's, and a grand prize drawing for a Nook or Kindle e-reader! Go to http://nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/p/give-gift-of-good-news-that-gives-all.html for details.

2011-10-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Fail High – and still win

By Dan Miller

“Set your goals ridiculously high and you will fail above everyone else’s success.” - James Cameron, Academy Award-Winning Director

I love the thought here. If you decide you are going to run three marathons this year – and you fail by only running two, you have still accomplished more than 99% of the people in the world.

• What if you had a goal of writing two books this year but only completed one?

• What if you wanted to reduce your cholesterol by 50 points but only cut it down by 40?

• What if you wanted to compose a new song a month but finished the year with only 10 great songs?

• What if you set as a goal to increase your income from $50,000 to $100,000 but only hit $85,000 by December 31st?

• What if you wanted to pay cash for a $15,00 car by November 15th but you accumulated only $14,000 by that date?

• What if you wanted the greatest marriage in the world but you only eliminated 80% of the painful points in the marriage you have now?

Do you have a goal that is so “ridiculously high” that even if you only hit 50% of it you will still bypass everyone else?

Failure comes not in setting a goal and not hitting it – it is in not setting a goal at all and being stuck in sameness.

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent in doing nothing .” — George Bernard Shaw

(This article appeared in the October issue of the Nebraska Family Times. Would you like to receive Christian news and information in your mail box every month? I 1-year, 12-issue subscription to the Nebraksa Family Times is just $20! Start a subscription, extend your subscription, or give a gift subscription and you'll be entered to win Christian books or CD's and the grand prize of a Nook or Kindle e-reader! Go to http://nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/p/give-gift-of-good-news-that-gives-all.html for more details!)

Dan Miller is the President of 48 Days LLC. For more go to http://www.48days.com/

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jan VonSeggren, of Columbus, NE, winner of the first weekly drawing for the "Give the Gift of Good News" fall promotion! Jan won an autographed copy of the book "Day-Votions for Grand-Mothers" by Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Jan was entered into the drawing by extending her subscription to the Nebraska Family Times. YOU can enter to win Christian books or CD's too! Just start a subscription, extend your current subscription, or give a gift subscription to the Nebraska Family Times. Drawings are held weekly, with a grand prize drawing for a Nook or Kindle on December 16th.

For more information go to http://nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/p/give-gift-of-good-news-that-gives-all.html or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net.

2011-10-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

40 Days For Life

By Al Riskowski

Over the years it has been my practice to occasionally stand outside the abortion clinic in Lincoln and silently pray for its closing. I have watched cars with license plates from across Nebraska arrive with a young girl prepared to have an abortion. It saddens my heart to know what will take place inside the Planned Parenthood Clinic. The tragedy of abortion prompts us to work for an abortion free Nebraska. This is why Nebraska Family Council supports “40 Days for Life”, taking place September 28th to November 6th. This effort takes a determined and peaceful approach for the end of abortion in America.

The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer and fasting. The purpose of the campaign is to bring about repentance and to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life.

There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007.

These efforts have mobilized people of faith in cities across all 50 of the states.

• Reports document 4,313 lives that have been spared from abortion — and those are just the ones we know about

• 53 abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry

• 14 abortion facilities completely shut down following local 40 Days for Life campaigns

• Hundreds of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of regrets

After so many years of legalized abortion, many people of faith are experiencing a renewed sense of HOPE!

Dr. Sonny Foraker, Founder and Director of Pastors for Life, is a pastor at First Baptist Church, Pearland, TX. He says, "Pastors for Life believes in the spiritual strategy of prayer at the very doors of the abortion centers. Therefore, we wholeheartedly support the national 40 Days for Life! It's the desire of this campaign to seek God's favor with humility and contriteness of heart. Victory will come, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. That's why it is important to pray! The success of this campaign is based upon our faithfulness in obedience to God’s command."

To sign up for a time to pray at the Omaha or Lincoln abortion clinics go to the 40 days for life web site (www.40daysforlife.com). For those who are not able to physically go to an abortion clinic, please continue to join us in praying and fasting for an end to abortion, for the conversion of those involved in the abortion industry and for the healing of those hurting after an abortion.

The 40 Days for Life campaign will take place from September 28th to November 6th. To learn more about the campaign you can go to their web site, http://www.40daysforlife.com/ or call toll free at Nebraska Family Council, 1-888-777-5188.

2011-10-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

She Makes it Look Easy
By Marybeth Whalen

Review by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher

She Makes it Look Easy is not a typical “everything-works-out-perfectly-in-the-end” Christian novel. The book delves into the lives of three families and the impacts of the choices husbands and wives make. You might find yourself shocked to find that some of the outwardly “perfect” Christian characters make very bad choices…and you might find yourself closely identifying with several of the characters as well.

I was immediately drawn into the lives of the characters in She Makes it Look Easy. The story is told from the alternating views of the central characters, Justine and Ariel. Justine Miller makes it all look “easy” with her perfectly clean home, perfectly groomed children, and perfectly organized life. Under the “perfect,” however, are dark motives and desires.

Ariel Baxter’s family is “moving on up” when they move into Essex Falls, an upscale neighborhood. Justine quickly introduces herself to her new neighbor Ariel and offers to help Ariel organize her life. Soon, however, Ariel suspects that Justine has motives beyond helping a new friend. When she delves deeper into Justine’s actions she discovers a secret that Justine has been keeping.

Justine and Ariel both face difficult choices, and you’ll be wondering until the final chapter if they’ll do the right thing.

She Makes it Look Easy reminded me of several things; first of all, when I find myself too eager to please someone who makes me feel bad about myself, that person is not a friend. Second, I was reminded not to judge people who seem to “have it all together;” they might be hiding a secret, or they might need a friend. And third, no matter how much I want to be a friend, there are times that doing the right thing is more important than a not-so-true friendship.

Even if you usually don’t enjoy fiction, I encourage you to read She Makes it Look Easy. To order go to Proverbs 31 Ministries. To read more by Marybeth Whalen go to wwwhttp://www.marybethwhalen.com/.marybethwhalen.com.

2011-09-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Start your Christmas shopping today and give the gift of "good news" that gives all year! (And win a prize for YOU!)

Here are the details (also in the ad below):

When you:

Start a new subscription ($20 for a 1-year subscription which consists of 12 issues of the Nebraska Family Times)
Extend your current subscription
Give a gift subscription

between today and Dec. 15th, your name will be entered into a weekly drawing for the gift of a Christian book or CD. All names (including weekly winners) will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Nook or Kindle E-reader! The grand prize drawing will take place on Dec. 16th. One entry with every new or gift subscription or extended subscription; no limits!

Send address(es) and payment ($20 for each subscription) to Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640. Or e-mail address(es) and pay by PayPal to shelly@shellyburke.net. If you have questions e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

2011-09-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

Getting it Together

Last week was "putting the paper together" week--finding and writing all of the articles and features for the October issue of the Nebraska Family Times.

I really enjoy finding and writing articles for the paper. I begin every month's search for articles with prayer; a prayer that I will find articles that will touch the hearts of readers and, in some way, bring something positive to their lives and cause them to act, whether that action is life-changing or just thinking more about an issue. The mission of the Nebraska Family Times is "to inspire, encourage, and motivate you on your Christian walk," and I keep that mission in mind as I look for articles.

Although I'm on the lookout for articles all month (through e-mail newsletters, newspapers, various magazines, and suggestions from readers) I don't make any final decisions about articles until the Monday of "paper week," so I can include articles about recent news events.

Every month I try to find articles that cover a wide variety of issues; finances, family, parenting, marriage, health, devotions, Bible study, education, and so on. I always include some fun articles, and I also keep local and national (and sometimes international) events in mind and search for articles that explore these issues from a Christian viewpoint.

I have a list of websites that are my "go to" sources for articles, and many times articles on these websites lead me to other sources. Some websites have granted me permission to reprint any of their articles, but for many articles I e-mail the author directly to see if she or he will allow me to reprint their articles. I have been very blessed that in almost every case, the author generously grants me permission to do so. It's fun to get to know other Christian authors as we communicate about articles. I'm always happy to send authors the issue of the paper in which their article appears, and I hope they enjoy seeing a slice of life in Nebraska (most of the authors don't live in Nebraska).

I'm also fortunate to have several authors who write for the paper every month or almost every month. I eagerly watch for their articles to appear in my in-box.

I try to find articles of varying lengths, knowing that readers might just have a few minutes to quickly skim an article, or might have the time to read a longer article. I also put together a list of Bible verses and quotes that are used to fill bits of space left after everything else is in the paper. It's like to find thought-provoking quotes for the paper, and the Bible verses I include are those that have meant something to me in the past month. The very last thing I do for the paper every month is write the Editor's Letter.

When I have proofread an article and am satisfied it's ready to print, I send it to an e-mail address that Jennifer Gleason (the lady who does the paper layout; her business is Gleames Creative Design) and I share. Then she takes the article from the e-mail in box, and, using a computer program, fits all of the articles, advertisements, announcements, cartoons, and so on, into the space we have for the paper.

After Jennifer has the layout completed, she e-mails it to me. It's exciting to open that email; I never get tired of seeing the "new" issue of the paper, even if just on my computer screen. Jennifer chooses most of the graphics (pictures) that go with the articles, and I'm amazed that she always seems to finds graphics that perfectly fit the articles. I go through the paper to see how it looks overall, to proofread things one more time, and to make sure articles give credit to the authors as that author requested. I e-mail any changes to Jennifer, who makes them and then sends the e-mail file of the paper to me to check over one more time.

Then, through the miracles of modern technology, Jennifer e-mails the paper to the Wayne Herald, where the paper is printed the next week.

After I have spent several days focused on finding, writing, and editing articles for the paper, and proofreading the paper, I'm ready to be away from the computer for a few days! That's a good thing, as I generally need to do laundry, cook (tasks I ignore while I'm getting the paper together), and clean off my desk, which is always buried under a mound of notes and papers by the time the paper is done!

The October issue of the Nebraska Family Times will be printed, delivered, and mailed next week! And guess what? I already have notes for the November issue.

If you ever read an article you think would fit in the Nebraska Family Times, or have suggestions for issues you'd like to see covered in the paper, please let me know! You can e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

2011-09-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Becoming more than a Good Bible Study Girl
by Lysa TerKeurst

Review by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher

Lysa TerKeurst had a difficult childhood and a legalistic view of God, believing that if she did the “right” things, He in turn would give her what she wanted. All of that ended the day her baby sister died and Lysa completely turned away from God.

Several years later she was led back to Jesus by a verse a friend had written in a card, and started to seek inner peace through Him. In Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl Lysa shares her struggles and the truths she found. Lysa says the message she wants to share is, “to help women not only know God’s truth but also feel equipped to live it out in their everyday lives.”

Lysa addresses six areas in which we can become “more than a good Bible study girl;”

o In My Heart
o In My Walk with God
o In My Relationships
o In My Struggles
o In My Thoughts
o In My Calling

In each area she shows how we can develop a deeper relationship with God. Lysa covers personal, sensitive topics; chapter titles include “When I Feel Like I Don’t Measure Up,” “When God Hurts My Feelings” and “What Do I Do When I Don’t Feel God?”

Lysa lets readers know that it’s OK to struggle with devotion time, become disappointed when we don’t get the opportunities that we seek, and struggle with the “uglies” (times in life when things don’t go as they should and we feel ugly). She addresses real-life situations that include dealing with gossip, changing a bad attitude, and defeating satan’s attempts to make us feel inadequate. She assures us that we are not the only ones who feel this way, and then gives practical advice for finding Biblical truths and living them out in our daily lives.

Lysa writes to new Christians as well as those who have been believers for a long time, and every reader will benefit from her suggestions for studying the Bible in a way that will make it come alive

I found myself taking pages of notes and writing down Bible references as I read Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl. I was able to immediately put her suggestions to use, and was especially uplifted by her encouraging words for times when things just don’t go our way. One of the most reassuring things I learned was that not getting opportunities when I want them is not God’s way of keeping me from my calling, but instead His way of preparing me for opportunities.

Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl is a book I will refer to often, and I recommend it to anyone who seeks a deeper relationship with God and wants to live His truths in their daily life.
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Lysa TerKeurst is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Go to www.proverbs31.org to order Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl and for many more resources and links to blogs and devotions of other women who are a part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

2011-09-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Why You Should Hang Up Your Robe
by Glynnis Whitwer

(Editor's Note: This article really hit home with me; I have a bad habit of not quite finishing what I started. Reading this article helped me to realize the importance of finishing what I start, even with such seemingly minor tasks as hanging up my robe. Thanks, Glynnis, for your wise words!)

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…” Acts 20:24 (NIV)

My first instinct was to leave the clean, folded clothes on top of the dresser. Granted, my arms were filled with freshly laundered items, so it would have been difficult to open the drawer while balancing the stack. I had an excuse for leaving them on top. Didn’t I? Instead, I pushed past my instinct, took 30 more seconds, and placed the clothes neatly in the drawer.

This tendency to not complete a task happens with surprising regularity. I toss my bathrobe on the bed, drape jeans on the tub, and set the television remote on the nearest counter top. However, sometimes, when I’m a bit more self-aware, I take the few extra steps needed to actually finish the task.

Years ago, I realized my practice of stopping short of finishing what I started led to a cluttered home and office. Back then, I had a multitude of unfinished tasks that I just lived with. It wasn’t all simple things like putting away clothes, but included larger tasks like leaving a wall half painted.

Starting a project is fun, and usually involves a burst of energy. Then, that energy wanes as I approach the finish line. Instead of pushing to complete the task, assignment or project with excellence, I lean towards settling for good enough. Unfortunately, when I settle for “good enough” consistently, I learn to live with mediocrity. And accepting mediocrity is far from where God wants me to be. You see, finishing what we start is more than a good organizational or home management skill. It’s also a spiritual discipline.

As I identified the tendency to settle, I realized it affected me in a variety of ways throughout my life. In the past I accepted a distant relationship with God rather than one of intimacy. I’ve limited my understanding of Scripture to a surface level. My relationships with others have gone no deeper than, “Hi, how are you doing?” Instead of pushing to explore the fullness of what God offers in all areas, it is easier to stop short. Perhaps it’s safer. Simpler. And with less personal discomfort or inconvenience.

Interestingly, it’s actually been somewhat easy to address this issue. I admit the tendency within myself to settle, and I get firm with myself about it. Now, when I would prefer to leave the dryer full of clothes, or emails half typed, I say to myself, “Finish what you start.” I make a conscientious decision to finish the task at hand before I move on to something new. Obviously, there are some projects that require more effort, but this works on many of my issues.

I’m not sure of all the reasons for stopping short of finishing with excellence, but I do know the results. I end up with unfulfilled commitments, open loops and shallow relationships. That’s a far cry from the life Jesus came to bring, which is full and abundant. Not a partial life, but one lived with pushing to the limits and exploring the outer reaches.

Maybe that seems a deep principle to pull from putting clothes in a drawer or a dirty bowl in the dishwasher. However, the discipline of finishing well is one that is woven through my life…or it’s not.

So I guess I’ll take the extra step and actually hang up my robe. It’s one more stitch in this tapestry of finishing well that God is trying to create in my life.

Dear Lord, thank You for demonstrating finishing well through the life of Jesus. I know Jesus could have stopped short of paying the price for my salvation. But He didn’t. For that I will be eternally grateful. Please help me push through mediocrity in my life and explore the fullness You long to bring. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Identify one home or office task that would take you less than 30 minutes to finish. Commit to finishing this in the next five days.

Reflections:

What are some reasons I avoid finishing certain tasks?

Could procrastination reflect a deeper spiritual issue for me?

Power Verses:

John 19:30, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (NIV)

Genesis 2:2, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” (NIV)
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Glynnis Whitwer is on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries as the Senior Editor of the P31 Woman magazine. She is one of the writers of Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 e-mail devotions, with over 500,000 daily readers. Her newest book, I Used to be So Organized, has just been released. Glynnis, her husband Tod, and their five children live in Glendale, Arizona. Visit http://www.glynniswhitwer.com/ or http://www.herorganizedlife./com to learn more.

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© 2011 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

2011-09-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Feature articles in the September issue of the Nebraska Family Times:

     *"Why You Should Hang Up Your Robe" by Glynnis Whitwer
     *"What Part of 'Thou Shalt Not Steal' Don't We Understand?" (This article discusses the possible     reasons behind the recent riots in London.)
     *"The Power of Empowering Teens" by Mark Gregston
     *"Chameleon Parenting: Adapt to Your Child's Unique Design" by Jill Savage, Hearts at Home
     *"The Mindset List, 2012" (a list compiled by Beloit College, which looks at cultural events and issues that shape the lives of kids entering college)
     *Book Review "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl" by Lysa TerKeurst (review by Shelly Burke)
     *Pro-life news including the "40 Days for Life" campaign and why Nebraska abortions are down 10%!
     *Regular columns; A Retired Preacher's View From the Pew; Steps to a Happier, Healthier, You! and Wise Words Then and Now (words of wisdom spoken by the Founding Fathers, that apply to our lives today as much as they did when our country was founded)

Selected articles will be printed here on the Nebraska Family Times blog. If you would like a FREE sample issue of the Nebraska Family Times (which contains ALL of the above features and much, much more!) send your request, and mailing address, to shelly@shellyburke.net.

2011-09-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

September Editor's Letter

Getting Back into a Routine

Since Cody and Morgan are both back to school, I guess that means summer is over! While I love the more un-scheduled days of summer, it is nice to get back into a routine. Cody started his sophomore year at Kansas State this week and seems to be enjoying his classes. Morgan started her college class (Spanish) on Monday, and her high-school senior year on Tuesday. It was bittersweet to take the last “first-day-of-school” picture, but she’s excited about her senior year and college next year, and we are glad about that (see Morgan's first, first-day-of-school and last, first-day-of-school photos, below).

We are also looking forward to the State Fair and AKSARBEN in September, and Tim is also holding a pasture sale mid-September. The month will fly by!

I accomplished a business goal this summer in creating a blog and Face Book page for my book Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. You’ll find excerpts from the book and posts by moms of kids of all ages on the blog at http://www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/. You can also “like” the Nebraska Family Times Face Book page and, between regular issues of the paper, receive links to articles that will “inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.”

September brings the 10th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. Like everyone, I clearly remember what I was doing that day. I had walked Cody and Morgan to school and came home to the news that the planes had crashed into the Twin Towers. I had been busy raising Cody and Morgan so hadn’t paid much attention to international news, and the concept of “terrorism” was pretty new to me. I remember thinking that I was glad we lived in the middle of the United States, where nothing was likely to happen…and then I heard on the radio that a “large distinctive airplane” (which of course turned out to be Air Force One, carrying President Bush) had just landed at Sac Air Force Base.

As I watched the events of the day unfold, I was sad to think that Cody and Morgan (who .were in 4th and 2nd grade) and their classmates would not remember a world in which “terrorism” was not an everyday term. The world changes were very evident in November of 2001 when our family flew to northern Wisconsin to celebrate Thanksgiving. We were greeted at the airport by BIG dogs, men with guns…and several security guards converging on us when the x-ray of Morgan’s backpack revealed a fork that I’d forgotten to remove with the rest of her lunch items.

In the days and weeks after 9/11 Tim and I had the task of explaining what had happened, and what could happen, to Cody and Morgan. Although it was very unlikely that any of us would ever be affected directly by terrorism, we have no guarantees on the number of our days. We were thankful that we could reassure our kids (and ourselves!) that if the worst happened—from terrorism, an accident, an illness, or any other cause—we could be absolutely certain that we would go to heaven and see each other again someday.

Our country is blessed to have men and women willing to serve in the military. Please remember them and their families in your prayers. And also remember those who lost loved ones and were directly involved in and impacted by September 11th, 2001.

Although there are wars and rumors of war and strife both within our country and throughout the world, we can be assured that God will not change. He is in charge, He knows what is happening, and He has promised us eternal life. And although I don’t think we’ll ever see world peace, we can have the peace that passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7).

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

God’s blessings and peace to you!
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Morgan's first, first-day-of-school. She's pictured with her first dog, Hershey.

Morgan's last, first-dayof-school. Morgan is pictured with her dog, Jenny.
She's also sitting on the SAME swing that's in the first picture!

2011-08-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Bacon goes with...Chocolate Chip Cookies?

I enjoy trying new, unusual recipes, and last week my sister sent me a link to a recipe I just couldn't resist trying--Brown Butter, Bacon, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. ( http://mouthfromthesouth.com/brown-butter-bacon-chocolate-chip-cookies/ ). The recipe called for three kinds of chocolate, giving me an excuse to buy three bags of chocolate chips, and I'd never made brown butter before, either, so I was really looking forward to trying it.

Making the brown butter wasn't hard, just a little time-consuming since I was worried about burning the butter (the recipe and my sister both warned that the butter could go from "a little brown" to "burned beyond being able to use" in just a few seconds). The instant it started to turn brown and smell nutty, I took it off the heat.

The batter tasted just like batter for chocolate chip cookies...with bacon. (I felt an obligation to try the batter, just to make sure it tasted ok to bake. I wouldn't want to serve my family an inferior product, after all!). As I spooned out the batter on the cookie sheets, it was a little strange to see bacon pieces among the chocolate chips...but they came out of the oven smelling wonderful!

Morgan wouldn't taste a cookie until I did...I bravely bit in...waited for the taste to hit me...and the cookie tasted like...a chocolate chip cookie with bits of bacon in it. It wasn't horrible or disgusting, but wasn't anything fantastic either. I tried another cookie this morning (OK, two of them) just to see if "aging" overnight made a difference...nope. I'm going to send some of the cookies to my niece; maybe she'll take them to school on Monday. I don't know if they'll make her "the-most-popular-girl-to-trade-lunches-with," or "the- girl-to-avoid-trading-lunches-with"...but I bet she'll try them.

My suggestion? Try the recipe but leave out the bacon. Tim was right--chocolate chips and bacon are both essential food groups...best served separately.

And I will look forward to the next unusual recipe Becky sends me!

There is a whole cup of chopped
up bacon in this bowl!

2011-08-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

New Blog!

Check out the new blog, featuring my book Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. I love being a mom, and now that my kids are a little older and more independent, I've felt a real push to encourage moms of younger children. I pray that the new blog does this, and that if they are interested moms will purchase Home is Where the Mom Is to further encourage them in their most important of jobs, being a mom.

I've also set up a FaceBook page, Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide. Check it out and if you like it, please "like" it! When I get 30 or so "likes" I have access to more information and can tell what posts get the most traffic, and therefore post topics of interest to more readers.

And as always--please leave me a comment as to what you like or don't like about this blog, and what you'd like to see covered in the Nebraska Family Times newspaper.

THANKS!

2011-08-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

He Said, She Said…God Says

By Tracy Buzynski

A friend repeated something that she heard someone say about me. That person told someone else. Soon there was a loop of conversation about an untruth going around the school. Then it came back to me. So the saying “what goes around, comes around” left an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. How did this even happen and how did I end up in the middle of it?

How many times has this scenario happened to you or some one you know? What is more important; why does someone who you consider a friend, repeat something that ends up hurting you?

Quite simply, sometimes people don’t think before they speak. At the risk of sounding not cool or tongue tied, unkind words slip out. And then suddenly, when more is added to it, the story takes on a life of its own, wounding everyone in its path. Whether it is in person or online words can hurt. One thing that is different today for our kids and almost unavoidable is that our kids have a cyber presence at a much younger age than ever before. As a parent you can avoid it for only so long. It is part of their culture. They learn and use it in school. So instead of hiding your head in the proverbial sand, teach your kids how to handle this situation and know what God’s word says about this.

1 Thessalonians 4:11… “make it YOUR aim to live quietly and to mind YOUR own business.” The scriptures tell us to think before we speak, since our words can be a powerful source of good AND bad. Wow! Mind your own beeswax! God’s word is just full of common-sense advice. So why is it so hard sometimes?

The world is so full of things to occupy our minds. Parents need to make it a priority to teach basic values. When a learning situation comes up, take the time to point out how a positive choice made a situation turn out positive and vice versa.

If you find yourself falling into the gossip chain, make it stop with you. If fuel is not added to the fire the fire will die out. Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”

Resolve to speak encouragingly about everyone. Try it. Take a day and guard your tongue the whole day. That means do not say disparaging things about yourself either. Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” It is not as hard as you think, especially if you ask for God’s help.

Take this feel-good challenge that you will benefit from as will others in your path.

Teach your kids how to pro-act so that they won’t have to re-act and become victim to idle gossips. Know what GOD SAYS and make a choice to live by what HE SAYS!

Tracy Buzynski is the owner of Encourage Me Kids; Encourage Someone Today, at http://www.encouragemekids.com/

2011-08-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Columbus Family Hosts Exchange Students

“They become part of our family.”

By Shelly Burke, Editor

The Drozd family made the decision to host an exchange student very quickly. Cheryl Drozd remembers, “We read about exchange students in the church bulletin several years ago. Our daughter Natalie, who has two younger brothers, thought it would be neat to have a sister for a year. Within just a few weeks we had gone from not knowing anything about having an exchange student, to hosting one!”

Natalie Drozd, now 13 years old, had a great time with her “big sister.” Cheryl says, “They had so much fun together! They stayed up late at night, talking and giggling together, just like sisters.”

“Then our son Cameron (now age 10) thought it would be neat to have a big brother to help him improve his soccer game, so for the next two years we hosted boys from Italy.

This year we are hosting a boy from Germany. He’s coming from France to play American football.”

Ben, age 7, also enjoys having host students in the home. They are like part of the family, according to Cheryl. “They help with chores, just like our children do. They also help with projects around the house. It’s neat to look at a room and remember that an exchange student helped us paint it.”

Cheryl says one misconception families have is that they should wait until their own children are in high school before hosting an exchange student. The Drozds have always hosted students who are older than their children. Cheryl explains the student selection process; “Students are chosen to go overseas only after they’ve filled out an application, they and their parents have written letters (about why the student should be considered) and they’ve received recommendations from teachers. They really want to go overseas. They are good examples for our children; they follow all of the ‘family’ rules—helping around the house, going to church, and so on. They know that they will be expected to do this, so it’s not a surprise to them.”

To be an exchange student, the child must be between the ages of 15 and 19 and have good grades in school. Families choose the student they want to host based on that student’s age, interests, etc.

Exchange students are required to have taken at least 5 years of English, so communicating is not a problem. The Drozd family asks their student to teach them one word of their native language every evening at supper, and every evening they review the words they’ve learned.

Cheryl says that students typically find America to be “much more rushed” than their lives at home. “We try to slow down for one night each week, and on that night the student shares his or her culture with us—we eat what they would typically eat (sometimes the student cooks for us) and we talk about their culture.”

Every year Cheryl coordinates 7-10 exchange students and their families in eastern Nebraska, including the Columbus, Fremont, Lincoln and Omaha areas. Families choose the student they wish to host, and Cheryl coordinates the process. She also contacts the student, the host parents, and the school every month to be sure everything is running smoothly and the student is doing well in school. Cheryl acts as a mentor and meets with the family and the student if there are any issues.

The host family is expected to provide the student with a bed, meals in the home, and a ride to school (students are not allowed to drive while they’re in the United States). Students are prepared to pay for any outside activities—tickets to sporting events, meals eaten out of the home and any personal items.

Students usually spend an entire year with the host family, although occasionally they stay for just one semester.

Cheryl would like to place several more students with host families by the end of August. If you are considering hosting an exchange student, call Cheryl at (402) 563-0699 or e-mail her at itsdrozd@frontiernet.net. Cheryl will talk with you on the phone or set up an in-person meeting to answer all of your questions, and put you in touch with other host families. If now is not the right time for you to host a student, but you’re interested in learning more, Cheryl will be happy to answer your questions.

The Drozd family obviously enjoys hosting students from different countries. Cheryl says, “The experience is life changing for our whole family. The host students become another family member, and we’ll think of them that way forever. We remember each others’ birthdays and send cards and letters at holidays. It’s such a neat relationship! We hope, someday, to be invited overseas to their weddings.”

(for more information go to STS Foundation-Students Traveling Schools – stsfoundation.org)

2011-08-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

A Little Help from Friends

By Melanie Chitwood

"When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset." Exodus 17:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

It had been a challenging year for our family. Opening a new business, extended family issues, a series of health challenges, writing a book, and daily life with newly-turned teenagers were some of the stressors we experienced.

One evening, feeling especially weary and desperate for support, I drove to my friend Holly's house to vent. I plopped on the couch, put my head in my hands, and announced, "I just don't think I can do this." Without missing a beat, her husband Dan said, "That's why you need your friends this year."

How true. We were never meant to deal with stress, discouragement, pain, or just a hard day with the kids on our own. God created us to need encouragement from each other, especially during hard times.

Today's key verse shows how Moses, just like us, needed support. While Joshua and the Israelite soldiers battled the Amalekites, God asked Moses to hold up his staff, representing God's power, throughout the battle. As long as Moses kept the staff raised, the Israelites experienced victory. It was a long battle, however, and Moses dropped his arms in fatigue. Then the Israelites began losing the battle.

That's when Moses needed help and encouragement from his friends. Scripture explains, "When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset" (Exodus 17:12, NIV).

The Israelites ultimately were victorious, and a key to their victory was Moses' obedience to God as he held up the staff. But he couldn't have done what God asked him to do without the help of Aaron and Hur.

In the same way over the past couple of years I've needed my friends to hold me up, so I can be the wife, mother and woman God has called me to be. Friends have listened, prayed and helped me with practical matters of everyday life. Their support has given me courage to press on, to remain hopeful, and to find strength in them and the Lord.

Just like Aaron and Hur did for Moses, my friends have held up my hands and lifted my heart so I can be obedient to God's call on my life. We all need the help of faithful friends.

Dear Lord, thank You for the encouragement of friends - and for providing each one at just the right time. Forgive me for the times I've been prideful and independent instead of vulnerable and honest about my needs. Let me be an encourager to others the way they've been to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Take time to thank someone who has encouraged you. Write an email, send a text, make a phone call or send a special gift to your encourager. You can forward this devotion to them and tell them "thank you" for holding up your hands!

Maybe as you read this devotion, you realize you don't have a friend to help you during the hard times. Start by praying for God to send someone your way. Then take the first step to initiate a new friendship.

Reflections:

Is it easier for me to help someone or to receive help? If it's hard for me to receive help, I'll ask the Holy Spirit to reveal why.

Am I part of a church community? If not, this week I am going to attend church regularly and to get involved in a service group, small group or Bible study.

Power Verses:

John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (NASB)

Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." (NLT).

© 2010 by Melanie Chitwood. All rights reserved.

Melanie Chitwood (http://www.melaniechitwood.com/) has been married for 20 years. She and her husband Scott have two sons, Zachary and Tyler. Melanie is the author of two marriage books published by Harvest House, What a Husband Needs from His Wife and What a Wife Needs from her Husband, Melanie takes an honest and biblical look at marriage, uncovering what husbands and wives really need from each other and how they can best meet those needs. These books include many real-life stories from her marriage and other couples of challenges and victory in marriage and is available at the ministry with which she serves, Proverbs 31 Ministries, proverbs31.org.

2011-08-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Before School Starts…

By Shelly Burke, Editor

Whether your child needs crayons or a graphing calculator for the new school year, the following suggestions will make the start of a new year easier.

1. A new routine. After the more relaxed summer routine, it’s time to get back into the school routine. Determine what bedtime and getting-up time should be, and gradually adjust your kids’ schedule to those times. If your kids will walk to and/or home from school (or to a babysitter’s house) practice those routes.

2. Update calendars. Write down early outs, vacation days, sports and activity dates, and when pictures will be taken. This makes it much easier to plan your schedule accordingly. Encourage your kids to write down and tell you of important dates as they are scheduled.

3. Meet the teacher. Much of the anxiety of the first day will be dispelled if your child has met his or her teacher before school starts. This also gives you a chance to meet the teacher and tell her a little bit about your child, especially if he has any medical issues the teacher needs to be aware of. Call ahead to make sure the teacher is in the classroom and not in a meeting. If your child is new to the school, ask for a tour or take a few minutes to walk around and find the restroom and lunchroom.

4. In sickness and in health…If your child will be taking any medications at school, ask for the form you’ll be required to fill out, and do so before school starts. Ask about school policy; can your child keep medications with him or do they need to be kept in the office or nurse’s office? Any medications—non-prescription as well as prescription--will need to be in a labeled bottle. Be sure your child is clear as to when he should take or request the medications. If your child is entering kindergarten or 7th grade, make sure his or her immunizations are up to date.

5. Prayers. Begin praying about school issues before school starts. If your child is anxious about a new teacher, new school, or new classes, pray together for him to feel God’s presence. Recite and write down reassuring verses like Philippians 4:5. Your child can keep the verses in a notebook or his backpack.

As well as praying with your children, pray for your children. Also pray for the teachers, administrators, and other students. If you have a close relationship with your child’s teacher, ask what he or she would like you to pray for. Consider joining, or starting, a prayer group to pray specifically for issues related to the school.

2011-08-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Back to School, or Back to the Poor House?

by Tawra Kellam

Back to school is a time when many moms witness their money sprout wings and take flight, finding their homes at retail stores across America. I know that consumer spending is good for the economy, but I don't take it upon myself to keep the entire US economy propped up, so when my first-grade son announced that he wanted a backpack with rollers, I saw this as a wonderful financial teaching moment. His school is small, and he doesn't walk to or from school. He didn't need rollers.

I told my son that I would give him $8 toward a backpack. I told him that if he wanted a fancier one, he could put up some of his allowance money for the difference. That's the rule at our house. Mom and Dad buy the basics and the kids buy the extras. It was amazing how my son's perception of the need for rollers changed when his allowance was on the line. Yes, he has concluded, a regular backpack will do the trick this year.

Use some of these money-saving tips from www.LivingOnADime.com and you can happily send your kids to school and keep some of the cash for mom's back-to school celebration!

• Wait for the list to come out and stick to it. Otherwise, you might buy things you don't need. Remember that the Bank of Mom doesn't pay for frills. Any extras the kids want will have to be funded from their own cash reserves. I do understand that it is nice for kids to have "hip" back-to-school supplies. I look at yard sales and thrift stores for brand name finds. For instance, I recently found a gently-used Barbie backpack and a Barbie lunch box and no one would know that I paid $1 each instead of the $32 that Becky Johnson's mom paid. Who says that stay-at-home moms don't make any money?

• Don't buy back-to-school clothes. Children don't need an entirely new wardrobe every fall. If they need something like a new pair of shoes or new jeans then buy what they need, but don't just buy a new wardrobe because it's the thing to do.

• Use back-to-school sales to your advantage. If you know your kids go through a package of socks, underwear or jeans every six months, then stock up while they are on sale. The same is true of crayons, paper, notebooks, backpacks and lunch boxes. My son went through two backpacks and two lunch boxes last year, so this year we will buy two while they are on sale instead of waiting until the middle of the year when they are full price. However, don't be tempted to buy things that you wouldn't normally use just because they're on sale.

• Go through last year's school supplies to see which things are still usable. If my student has a working calculator, the Bank of Mom will not extend credit for a new one.

• Limit activities to one at a time. Activity fees can add up fast. One at a time is the rule at our house. If you can't afford the activity, it doesn't hurt for the kids to use their own money to pay for it. The best way to teach them money management is to let them manage their own money when they have nothing to lose, instead of after they have maxed out the credit cards someone persuaded then to sign up for in college.

For money-saving tips and recipes, visit http://www.livingonadime.com./

2011-08-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

School Year Resolutions for You and Your Teenager

Mark Gregston, Heartlight Ministries

Like New Year's resolutions, the start of the school year is a perfect time for parents and teenagers to make resolutions together in regard to goals, responsibilities, and expectations.

Think about what you and your teen hope to accomplish and how you will interact this year. That starts by reviewing your household rules to make sure they are still age-appropriate. And be sure to develop concrete plans to shore up and maintain your relationship with your teen, even as they get busier with school and after-school activities.

Make one of your goals to meet with them regularly, at least once a week. Make it a requirement to get together at a restaurant or coffee shop; or better yet, go have some mutual fun together. You'll find that every time you meet with your teen you'll learn something new about them, and your relationship will blossom.

A number of things happen in the first few weeks of school so I recommend that you double up your one on one meetings during the first month. Listen to what your teen has to say about their new teachers, their schedule and their peers. Perhaps they are already being bullied by someone, so it could be that they need to be quickly moved or the school officials told about the bullying. Getting it right in the first few weeks is critical, since you can still make changes in their schedule or classes before they get too far into the semester, and before they become discouraged.

Communication Means Listening

When you get together, your teen may never have a long discussion with you; it may just be the "instant message" version. But listen carefully, because what is said will probably be short and you'll have to do some reading between the lines. Repeat back what you think they said, or ask a few quick questions to clarify what they meant. This will signify that you are really listening and wanting to understand them.

If your teen is a boy, keep in mind that boys will clam up if a parent expects them to look them in the eye when they talk. My friend Bill Ziegler, a middle school principal and frequent guest on our weekly radio program, says, "Boys communicate better when we're side by side, versus face to face." I find that boys also seem to process life while they are involved in an activity of some sort. You'll be most successful if you can find something fun to do together, all the while interjecting thought-provoking questions to keep the conversation going.

For girls, too, conversation naturally comes out of having fun together. Talking less during these activity times may be difficult for a parent, but when it comes to getting teenagers to open up to you, you can't shut up too much. And be sure to prevent distractions during your time together. Don't bring along friends or siblings. Don't go to their regular hangout, where they'll likely run into their friends. Don't allow iPods or cell phones. And by all means, don't announce the activity is for the purpose of having a talk. Just leave the space open and available while you are with them, to see what happens next. Then zip your lip, be quiet, and practice listening.

School Is More Stressful Today

School has become a much more demanding environment for our kids these days. The pressures are significant to perform for others; socially, academically or athletically. So, take care in reviewing your teenager's schedule. Don't allow them to over-commit their time to school or other extra-curricular activities, including those at church. Adults will recruit them to commit to every spare second in their day to sports, clubs, music, or youth group, if you allow them.

It's up to you to help your teen prioritize their schedule, while giving them permission to cut out some things if it appears they are taking on too much. If they are unwilling to confront the people who are pushing them into a state of being over-committed, ask your teen's permission to speak to them yourself.

Other kids will under-commit and avoid involvement in anything but what's required. So you may need to help them by asking them to at least try out for a sport or a club or other activity that will broaden their horizons, give them a new skill, or put them in the company of a positive peer group. Remember, one of the most important things you can do for your teenager is to help them find a positive peer group - so do whatever it takes.

Is Your Home a Place of Rest?

Finally, but no less important, be sure to take a close look at the environment in your home. Is it a place of rest for your teen, or does it just add to their stress? Having reasonable rules and chores won't cause stress; it is when there is poor communication, excessive lecturing, bickering, and fighting. So, pick your battles wisely and major on the majors. Set aside the minor issues, especially during the first few weeks of school. When your teen gets home after school, allow them some time to kick back and find some rest, even if it is just playing a video game or going for a walk. They need to unwind, just like you do when you've had a stressful day.

I hope you use this time near the beginning of a new school year to recharge and regroup. Watch for signs of problems with your teen, especially during these first few weeks. If they get off course, it will likely be now as they are dealing with new teachers, new or suddenly "grown-up" peers, new pressures, and possibly a transition to a new school.

From Parenting Today’s Teens by Mark Gregston. See more at www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Used with permission. © 2011.

2011-08-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

Public Schools Need You

By Al Riskowski, Nebraska Family Council

The public school system needs your input. New teacher and principal effectiveness standards are being developed by the Nebraska Department of Education. There are some serious questions that need to be asked about the new standards. Fortunately the State Board has scheduled forums for public comment.

In speaking with Donlynn Rice, Curriculum and Instruction, Administrator, for the Nebraska Department of Education, I was assured the new standards would be general in nature and only guidelines, leaving the detailed implementation to individual school districts. This approach creates a major concern for me because the Omaha Public Schools just purchased 8,000 diversity manuals.

The Omaha Public Schools used more than $130,000 in federal stimulus money to buy each teacher, administrator and staff member a manual on how to be more culturally sensitive.

According to a July 10th Omaha World Herald article, the authors of the book assert that American government and institutions create advantages that “channel wealth and power to white people,” that color-blindness will not end racism and that educators should “take action for social justice.”

The book says that teachers should acknowledge historical systemic oppression in schools, including racism, sexism, homophobia and “ableism,” defined by the authors as discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities.

The book says teachers must overcome irrational fear of homosexuality and reject the “color-blind” approach to teaching in which teachers treat all children the same. Instead, the group identity of students of color should be recognized and esteemed, the authors say.

The authors, Franklin and Brenda Campbell Jones and Randall B. Lindsey, write that their intent in the book is “to prepare educators to unshackle themselves from tradition and become facilitators for reconciliation of historical injustices.”

Will the State Board of Education and the Omaha Public Schools remember that Christians also deserve respect when it comes to religious liberty and our expression of faith?

As a July 12th World-Herald editorial points out, "in a multicultural society all sides need to demonstrate sincere respect." I definitely agree with the comment that everyone deserves respect. In a multiracial society, all sides need to demonstrate sincere respect, to work together to build a common future. Will the State Board of Education and the Omaha Public Schools remember that Christians also deserve respect when it comes to religious liberty and our expression of faith?

I spoke with Bob Evnen, from the State Board of Education and chair of the subcommittee on diversity and multiculturalism, and asked him how teachers would be deemed ‘culturally competent’ under the new effectiveness standards. Bob assured me that he would not support the term ‘social justice’ to be included in the school standards. He stated that such a term is typically interpreted to mean socialism and the promotion of a radical left agenda.

To see the schedule of public forums on the development of educator effectiveness guidelines or to make comments online you can go to the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov and click onto teachers/principal standards survey.

At Nebraska Family Council we have available some very helpful pamphlets on parent and student rights and involvement in public schools.

To discuss the educator effectiveness standards in more detail or to request some free copies of the pamphlets contact Nebraska Family Council at http://www.nebfc.org/ or toll free at 1-888-777-5188.

It's Time for BLT's!

2011-07-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

It is my favorite (well, almost favorite) time of year--tomato season! And in our house, that means BLT's become a very frequent meal. The most time-consuming part of making BLT's is the "B"--browning the bacon. My sister gave me a great hint for making this messy, hot, time consuming job a lot easier. She BAKES her bacon!

You'll need a cookie cooling rack, some tin foil, and a rimmed cookie sheet. Line the cookie sheet with tin foil and place the cooling rack on top. Then simply lay the bacon on the cooling rack (make sure all of the bacon is over the cookie pan so grease goes into the pan and doesn't drip on the bottom of the oven). Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until desired crispness.

Be careful when you get the sheet out of the oven as the bacon grease will be in the cookie pan.

Unfortunately this technique doesn't take away the calories from the bacon...but it does take away grease splattered all over your stove top and you don't have to tend to it constantly.

Here's another hint--at the beginning of the summer I baked several packages of bacon, then crumbled them and froze them in small baggies. When I make salads that call for bacon, I simply take it out of the freezer. It's a fantastic time saver!

Cody thought it was really silly of me to to take pictures of bacon but I'm going to post them here anyway. He just rolled his eyes at me. But he'll be happy when he has plenty of bacon for BLT's tonight!

2011-07-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Mean Girls

by Lynn Cowell, Proverbs 31 Ministries (http://www.proverbs31.org/)

“You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.” Song of Solomon 4:7b (MSG)

The words on Facebook glared back at her. “You are so ugly! You are fat, annoying and I hate you!”

Lindsay just sat there, staring at the screen, baffled. “What did I say? What did I do?”

Maybe this has happened to one of your children, or in some way they’ve faced this same type of painful rejection. Maybe you have felt it yourself. I recently spotted a t-shirt at the mall that read “You’re no one until someone talks about you.” What a sad state of affairs.

Growing up in a world where “Mean Girls” and “Gossip Girl” are movie and TV titles, it comes as no surprise that “mean” defines many females today. How can we guard our hearts against this? As a mom, what can we do when our children’s hearts are crushed by meanness?

Feeling unaccepted is nothing new. In Song of Solomon 1:5a, we are introduced to a young girl who felt this way: “Don’t look down on me because I am dark…” (MSG). She felt rejected. Those feelings are so opposite of what we and our children want to feel. We long to be accepted.

Matthew Henry concludes about this passage in Song of Solomon that we, as represented by the young girl, are “often base and contemptible in the esteem of others, but excellent in the sight of God.” [1]

We can counteract the poison of meanness by remembering who we are in God’s eyes. I am excellent in the sight of God and so are you. Song of Solomon 1:5b reveals the tanned girl’s acceptance of this truth; she knows full well that her Lord finds her lovely. When I know that I am accepted by the Lord, it puts me exactly where I need to be to slough off insults and to help my child do the same.

When my daughter was in sixth grade, she was 5’10″. One day as she got off the school bus, I noticed she was holding back a flood of tears. Once again she had been made fun of for her height.

On that day, her youth pastor wasn’t there. Her teacher, counselor and small group leaders weren’t there either. But her mom was. I began telling her how her Father saw her. Sharing truths like these:

“My beloved is mine, and I am His…” (Song of Solomon 2:16a, NKJV).

“You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.” (Song of Solomon 4:7b, MSG).

“The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.” (Psalm 45:11, NIV).

I poured these truths and others into my daughter that day and continue to remind her of them still. I put them everywhere so that together we can read them over and over again. When we feel rejected, these words remind us that we are, in fact, accepted! I pray they will be a sweet reminder for you, and perhaps your daughter, today.

Dear Lord, help me to be purposeful in putting Your truth about who I am into my heart and mind so that am not swayed by the opinions of others. And when the time is right, I can pour Your truth into the hearts and minds of my children and friends. When my child feels rejected, help me remind them that in You they are accepted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Create a list of verses such as the ones above and below to have on hand to review or to share with your child when they are hurting.

Choose one verse per week and memorize it with your child. You can speak it to them as they are eating their breakfast in the morning, when they come home from school, and before they go to bed.

If you have your own set of “mean girl” stories, share them with your children so they can know you understand and have been there too. When we’re vulnerable with our children, we create an atmosphere where they feel comfortable to open up.

Reflections:

Do I have a strong understanding of how Jesus sees me? How can I pursue learning more about His heart toward me?

Are there young girls or young moms in my life who need me to come along beside them and help them see the truth in this devotion?

Power Verses:

Zechariah 2:8, “For this is what the Lord Almighty says, ‘…for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye…’” (NIV)

Nahum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” (NLT)

[1] http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/

© 2011 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

2011-07-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Summer Cooking--Tips for Cool Meals

Are you tired of cooking in the heat? Here are suggestions from Jill at Living on a Dime (http://www.livingonadime.com/) for quick and easy summer meals.

First, in the morning when it's cooler:

• Clean a large supply of carrot sticks and celery sticks and keep them in water in the refrigerator.

• Boil a dozen or so eggs to store.

• Have some lettuce and grated cheese on hand. (I buy my cheese already grated because the grated cheese costs the same as the block cheese. I believe in doing a lot of things from scratch but I don't believe in killing myself over grating cheese. Besides, no matter how careful I am I almost always grate a knuckle so I have to really psych myself up to grate cheese.)

• Keep lunch meat or sliced meat on hand.

If you keep a few things like this on hand you can make quick and easy meals, even on very hot and tiring days.

Quick and Easy Summer Meals

• Make chef salads. Just chop up some of your cleaned carrot and celery sticks, slice your hard boiled eggs, sliver some of you lunch meat and you have a chef salad. You can add any other vegetables you want, too.

If everything is cleaned in advance it makes cooking in a hot kitchen so much easier and faster. Don't forget the cheese.

• Egg salad, tuna salad or sandwiches. You can use those hard boiled eggs to make egg salad sandwiches or add them to tuna. Serve on lettuce for a tuna salad. You can add the cleaned celery to the tuna salad, too.

• Keep it simple. Some of the best summer meals I ate were when I went to my grandma's in Iowa. She would slice up some tomatoes, put sliced cucumbers in salt and vinegar water and set out some cottage cheese. For an extra hearty meal, she would add some soft bread with butter and apple butter. It was delicious.

Tawra (Jill’s daughter) was born in July and, after many long hard hours of labor, the first meal they brought me was a fruit platter with all kinds of fresh fruit and crackers and cheese. If you were to ask me to name the top five meals of my life, this would be one of them. Try it for your family!

Use these ideas to make summer cooking simple!

For more money-saving ideas go to http://www.livingonadime.com./

Make Ice Cream in a Bag

2011-07-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

How to Make Home-Made Ice Cream in a Bag (from eHow.com)
(Editor's Note: I've tried this and it really works--and is fun, too!)

Are the kids getting bored on a hot summer day? Letting the kids make their own home-made ice cream is a great summer treat! It only takes a few minutes and it only sounds messy. (And they will even learn something when you explain to them how the ice cream forms.)

Follow these simple instructions and you and your children will be eating home-made ice cream in just a few minutes!

Things You'll Need

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup of milk or half & half (or cream for richer ice cream)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• 6 tablespoons rock salt
• 1 pint-sized re-sealable plastic bag
• 1 gallon-size re-sealable plastic bag
• Ice

1. The ingredients listed here are enough to make one bag of ice cream. Mix the milk or half & half, sugar, and vanilla into the smaller bag and seal it. Half & Half makes richer ice cream, but milk works just fine too. Make sure the bag is sealed tight! (Consider sealing it in another bag to make sure none leaks out!)

2. Put enough ice in the larger bag to fill it about halfway. Add the rock salt and seal the bag. Mix the salt and ice a little by squeezing the bag. Open the bag and insert the smaller bag with the ice cream contents into the larger bag. Seal the larger bag.

3. Shake, squish and move the bag around until the smaller bag's contents changes into ice cream. This only takes a few minutes. The outer bag will condensate water (like a glass of cold water on a hot day), so this is best done outdoors.

4. When the smaller bag contains ice cream, open the larger bag and remove the smaller bag. Wipe the water off of the smaller bag. Open the smaller bag carefully and enjoy your home-made summer treat!

How does it work?

When salt comes into contact with ice, the freezing point of the ice is lowered, meaning that instead of freezing at 32 degrees, it must be at a lower temperature before it freezes (that’s why we use salt on the roads to melt ice in the winter time). When you combine ice and salt in the bag, some of the ice melts because the freezing point of the ice is lowered. The ice must absorb heat to melt, and it takes that heat from the half-and-half mixture in the other bag. When heat is taken from the half-and-half mixture, the temperature goes down and it eventually turns to ice cream.

2011-07-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

The July issue of the Nebraska Family Times is available now! Check the blog for selected articles to appear in the next few weeks. If you would like a FREE sample copy of the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

If you pick up your copy at a sponsor location, please thank that sponsor for making the paper available to patrons!

2011-07-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Tapping Into the Odd and Powerful Force of Momentum

By Matt Bell

I didn’t want to run the other day. I was dead tired. Just couldn’t sleep the night before. But I went anyway.

I didn’t set any speed records; that’s for sure. In fact, I was running so slowly, it wouldn’t have surprised me if a walker passed me by. But I went. And I ran the full four miles I intended to run.

It was as if I had no choice. A mysterious force seemed to carry me out the door, push me down the sidewalk, and keep me going until the run was done.

It was momentum.

The Power of Unbalanced Forces

I love the terminology from Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion. He said that an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

I didn’t do well enough in science to have any idea what Newton was really talking about. However, “unbalanced” is a great way to describe four forces that help get and keep us moving toward our goals: commitment, accountability, small wins, and deciding to not stop.

What’s normal in our world is to be overweight and in debt. If we’re going to be different, if we’re going to be physically and financially fit, we’re going to need to be a little odd. We’re going to need some unbalanced forces working in our favor.

Commitment

There’s huge power in making a commitment – deciding to go for something in the face of fatigue, the call of the couch, and the dime-a-dozen doubters who nip at our dreams.

Scottish mountain climber W.H. Murray summed it up well:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: ‘Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!’”

Murray climbed some of the world’s tallest mountains and wrote several now-classic books on the subject. He wrote Mountaineering in Scotland on a roll of toilet paper while in prison during World War II. When his captors confiscated it, he wrote the book again.

Clearly, Murray was an oddball. He was committed.

Accountability

Accountability is telling someone else about your commitment.

Last year, Jude and I ran the Chicago Half-Marathon. I had never run that far before – not unless some big guy was chasing me! Because we have young kids, we were only able to run together once during our 13 weeks of training. Still, she pushed me out of bed when I didn’t want to go. I bribed her with breakfast when she didn’t want to go. It made a huge difference.

Pursuing a goal with someone else is the ultimate form of accountability. But just mustering the courage to tell someone about your crazy plans will help a lot.

Who else knows what you’re pursuing? If no one knows, call a trusted friend today and tell him or her. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes.

Small Wins

It doesn’t matter whether I’m feeling energized or tired. There always comes a time during a run when I want to quit. The road ahead seems too long; progress seems to come too slow. That’s when the power of small wins is really helpful.

I pick a landmark up ahead – maybe a house or a streetlight. I look at it for a few strides and then I look down for 10 or 20 strides. By the time I look up again, I can see that I actually have moved forward and that’s encouraging.

It’s important to set sub-goals when going for a financial goal as well. Maybe you’ve run the numbers to see how much faster you’ll dump your debts if you throw an extra $50 or $75 at them each month. Every time you hit that sub-goal you’re making tangible progress.

Deciding to Not Stop

Recently, a reporter asked me about the idea of taking an occasional month off from whatever you’re doing to pursue a financial goal in order to celebrate some of the wins along the way. It’s a common idea and, without thinking about it enough, I said I thought it made sense. I wish I hadn’t said that.

I don’t think you should stop. Not until you accomplish the goal you’re pursuing. The feeling of accomplishment from achieving each sub-goal is celebration enough.

When I started running, whenever I’d approach a train track, I’d hope for a train. I thought it would feel good to stop and catch my breath. But what I quickly discovered is that it’s less painful to keep going (assuming there’s no train coming!). Stopping kills momentum. Starting again is tough.

So, hold off on any early momentum-stopping celebrations. Wait for the big win. And then make sure you have another goal in mind for after you complete the first goal.

May The Unbalanced Forces Be With You

What goals are you going for? Have you made a commitment? Do you have an accountability partner? Have you broken the goal down into a series of small wins? Have you decided to not stop?

If you have, rest assured, you’re an oddball. Some might say you’re downright unbalanced. And I’m betting on you to get to where you’re going.

Used by permission of Matt Bell, Personal Finance Writer/Speaker. For more information go to Matt’s blog, http:/www.mattaboutmoney.com.

2011-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Off-Season Training

By Glynnis Whitwer

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV)

The temperature was pushing 100º Fahrenheit on that hot summer evening. Golden sunshine tinted the trees and shadows lengthened, as the lone runner caught my eye. He looked like one of the high school boys on my sons’ wrestling team. But what was he doing running now?

With wrestling season still months away, his dedication to training impressed me. Training in-season is common; training off-season, rare. And yet the off-season warriors consistently push themselves to their personal best, out-performing those who begin training in-season.

Readiness characterizes these highly trained athletes. They are ready at a moment’s notice to face the next opponent. Seldom surprised, they move with grace and assurance. Their discipline pays off when needed most.

I’ve watched this same principle lived out in the lives of godly men and women I’ve known. They apply themselves to spiritual training, are committed to learning God’s Word, and pursue a life of faith. Day in and day out, they discipline their minds and hearts to stay in alignment with the truth. They strengthen their devotion to Christ in spite of circumstances. They take false thoughts captive.

Then, when they least expect it, their training is called into action.

There’s usually no warning. It’s a phone call. A medical test. An email. In an instant, their “opponent” is raging. Fear, grief and despair threaten. But they aren’t overwhelmed.

Shaken? Maybe. But not devastated.

These past few years I’ve faced events that have shaken me. From losing our savings due to the economy to having kids make choices far from how they were raised, life has rocked me a few times. I’ve faced things I never thought I would face, and no one gave me a map to navigate the details of these circumstances.

In the darkness of these times, I’ve held on to what I know to be true in the light. When my flesh wanted to panic and run screaming like Chicken Little, God’s truth told me He will provide. When I wanted to despair that I’d lost my child forever, God wisdom reminded me that everyone sins. Without training, I’d have collapsed on the floor in a confused puddle of fear.

Being a woman of faith is easy when life is smooth. It’s easy to love others, be a good steward and make wise decisions when everything is going great. It’s when there’s no warning and a storm hits that we need to be well-trained.

No one can do this for us. We are the only ones who can study God’s Word. We are the only ones who can push through a dry season and spend time in prayer. We do this in-season (when circumstances are rough) and off-season (when circumstances are smooth), so that when the battles of life strike, we are ready.

The good news is you can start your training today. In fact, you already have by reading this devotion. Take time to read the Scriptures below and answer the questions. Pray and ask God what He wants you to learn. Ponder the truths you find and let them burrow in to your heart. Each time you do this, you’ll be stronger.

And when you face a battle, this discipline and training will pay off in peace, confidence and joy in spite of your circumstances.

Dear Lord, I praise You as the source of all truth. Help me to have the discipline to read and study the Bible on my own, so that I’m ready when faced with trouble. I ask for more of Your wisdom and discernment to build my life on a solid foundation.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Identify one truth you’ve learned from the Bible that has helped you stay strong in the tough times.

Reflections:
What kind of mindset do we need to be able to train off-season?

How does knowing the Word of God equip us for “every good work,” as our key verse mentions?

Power Verses:
John 8:31-32, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)

1 Timothy 4:7, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourselves to be godly.” (NIV)

Glynnis Whitwer is on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries as the Senior Editor of the P31 Woman magazine. She is one of the writers of Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 Ministries e-mail devotions, with over 350,000 daily readers. Her next book, I Used to be So Organized, will be released in August. Glynnis, her husband Tod, and their five teenagers live in Glendale, Arizona. Visit www.GlynnisWhitwer.com to learn more.

© 2011 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

This article appeared in the June issue of the Nebraska Family Times. To request a FREE sample copy of the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

2011-06-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Raising a Summer Reader
www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/all_reading/summer_reading.html

When the lazy days of summer arrive and the schedule is packed with swimming, camp, and family vacations, it can be a challenge to find time for learning.

But kids' reading skills don't have to grow cold once school's out. Here are some ways to make reading a natural part of their summer fun:

Explore your library. Visit your local library to check out books and magazines that your kids haven't seen before. Many libraries have summer reading programs, book clubs, and reading contests for even the youngest borrowers. With a new library card, a child will feel extra grown-up checking out books.

Read on the road. Going on a long car trip? Make sure the back seat is stocked with favorite reads. When you're not at the wheel, read the books aloud. Get some audiobooks (many libraries have large selections) and listen to them together during drive time.

Make your own books. Pick one of your family's favorite parts of summer — whether it's baseball, ice cream, or the pool — and have your child draw pictures of it or cut out pictures from magazines and catalogs. Paste the pictures onto paper to make a booklet and write text for it. When you're done, read the book together. Reread it whenever you need to fend off the cold-weather blahs!

Keep in touch. Kids don't have to go away to write about summer vacation. Even if your family stays home, they can send postcards to tell friends and relatives about their adventures. Ask a relative to be your child's pen pal and encourage them to write each week.

Keep up the reading rituals. Even if everything else changes during the summer, keep up the reading routines around your house. Read with your kids every day — whether it's just before bedtime or under a shady tree on a lazy afternoon. And don't forget to take a book to the beach! Just brush the sand off the pages — it's no sweat!

www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/all_reading/summer_reading.html

Planned Parenthood Coming to Norfolk

2011-06-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

by Al Riskowski, Nebraska Family Council

Last month Planned Parenthood of the Heartland announced their intentions of opening six more clinics in Nebraska, with one planned for Norfolk. Currently Planned Parenthood has a total of three clinics in Lincoln and Omaha, and two of them perform abortions.

Planned Parenthood continues to receive $363 million in federal money. The total annual budget for Planned Parenthood is $1.1 billion dollars(-Omaha World Herald Article, ‘Planned Parenthood tells of expansion’). Planned Parenthood performs over 325,000 abortions each year in the United States. The number of abortions in Nebraska has doubled since 2005 with over 1,000 abortions performed in 2010.

Planned Parenthood has 16 clinics in Iowa doing webcam abortions with plans for more.

We are concerned that Planned Parenthood will use these satellite clinics to perform chemical abortions without an attending physician, called webcam abortions. In Iowa a patient can talk to a doctor via the Internet on a private computer. The doctor can then remotely open a container to provide the patient with pills used to induce an abortion. A Legislative Bill, LB 521, introduced by Senator Tony Fulton, would require a physician to be physically present for the administration of such a chemical abortion.

Iowa currently has 16 Planned Parenthood clinics that perform webcam abortions. Planned Parenthood announced last month they are planning to open six additional clinics in Iowa. We want to prevent Planned Parenthood from placing clinics all across Nebraska that preform webcam abortions.

LB 521 is now before the full Legislature with the expectation it will be passed into law this month. The passage of LB 521 would send a strong message to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland that they are not welcome in Norfolk or other cities across Nebraska.

You Can Make A Difference
Help Stop Planned Parenthood’s Expansion!

• Pray! LB 521, which would prohibit webcam abortions in Nebraska, is before the Legislature. Pray that it will become law. This would send a strong message that Planned Parenthood isn’t welcome in six more Nebraska communities.

• Contact State Senators and ask them to vote for LB 521. (for a list of State Senators go to http://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/senators/2011_roster.pdf)

• Be Informed! Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in America and federally funded.

• Take Action! Contact key individuals in Norfolk. Let the City Council know that you don’t want Planned Parenthood to locate in Norfolk. (Contact Mayor Sue Fuchtman at (402) 379-1440 or sfuchtman@ci.norfolk.ne.us. Contact information for City Council members at www.ci.norfolk.ne.us.)

• Get Involved! Join others in forming a grassroots coalition to stop Planned Parenthood.

For additional information contact Nebraska Family Council toll free at 1-888-777-5188 or email at info@nebfc.org.

Charlie Brown's Kids; "Good Grief"

2011-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

By Shelly Burke, Editor

When Bev Prucha’s husband died she had just turned 34 years old, and was left to raise two small children (ages 2 ½ and 4 ½) by herself. After his death she received invitations to join support groups for widows, but found that most of the ladies attending were much older and didn’t have children at home—children who needed help to cope with the death of a parent.

Bev and two other young widows decided to start a support group for their children. They got the necessary training about death, grief, and grieving, and in January of 1985 Charlie Brown’s Kids met for the first time. Bev says “Charlie Brown’s Kids is for kids affected by the trauma of losing a parent. At that time (during the early 1980’s) there was nothing for younger kids who were trying to cope with that loss. Kids who attend their first meeting of Charlie Brown’s Kids often say how relieved they are when they find someone to talk to, someone who has been through the same trauma, and someone who understands their thoughts and feelings.”

Charlie Brown’s Kids meetings take place every two weeks, and are designed for children age 3-18 (kids are divided into groups by age). During the meetings, led by adults, attendees discuss a topic, hear a relevant story, and express their feelings by writing, drawing, or another activity. Bev recommends kids attending for a full year, and many stay for several years, finding, Bev explains, “a new normal. New beginnings.” (See meeting information at the end of this article.)

Children who lose a parent are at a higher risk for mental health problems (including depression and entering into destructive relationships) during adolescence or young adult- hood, making it very important for them to learn to deal with their grief in constructive and healthy ways. The name “Charlie Brown’s Kids” reflects the purpose of the group; Bev says, “We kept tossing out names but couldn’t find the right one, until someone mentioned Charlie Brown, and how he always says ‘good grief.’ We want to guide these kids through their grief in a “good” way, not a destructive way.”

In 1999 Charlie Brown’s Kids joined with several other organizations to offer HUGS (Helping us Grieve Successfully) Camp, described by Bev as “An all day Charlie Brown’s Kids meeting,” held at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo (see more information at the end of this article). The HUGS website describes the day like this:

Youth are divided into four age groups to be able to more effectively assist them with the grieving process. Adults attending will gain ideas and learn skills to help themselves and their children through the grieving process, as well as attaining additional adult support.

Groups are led by professionals skilled in working with individuals that are grieving. Mental health professionals are also available to address individual concerns.

The theme for the 2011 Day Camp is “Exploring the Circle of Life – Jungle Journey.” Activities are based on the struggles each of us experience throughout our journey through grief. We will explore how adults and children grieve differently.”

Bev’s children are now grown. Bev ends our talk by saying, “When we started Charlie Brown’s Kids there were just three families involved. I had no clue that it would grow so large, and no idea that it would last this long.”

Charlie Brown’s Kids is a non-profit organization, and can always use monetary donations. Volunteers (people with grief experience are preferred) are needed to lead groups, and board members are also needed. For more information go to http://www.charliebrownskids.org/ .

Charlie Brown’s Kids Meetings are held at Sheridan Lutheran Church (6955 Old Cheney Rd in Lincoln, NE) on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 6pm to 8pm. Bring your own brown bag supper. Please call ahead; call (402) 483-1845 or contact Bev at bev@charliebrownskids.org.

HUGS Camp is for children and teens, age 5 and up, and their families. The twelfth annual grief camp will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 S 27nd Street. For more information contact: Kathryn Burklund, Committee Chair, Lincoln Parks and Recreation at (402) 441-4900 or go to http://www.hugscamp.org./

Behind the Scenes at the Wayne Herald--How the Nebraska Family Times is Printed

2011-05-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm always interested in what goes on "behind the scenes." In May, Tracy (who writes for the paper and helps me deliver it sometimes) and I got to the Wayne Herald while the paper was still being printed. Al Pippitt, the Press Foreman who has worked for the Wayne Herald for 35 years, showed us how he made plates (like negatives) of each page of the paper and inserted them in the press so the paper could be printed. He made adjustments on the press throughout the process to make the words darker, lighter, or clearer. On one end of the press was a large roll of blank newsprint, and as the paper went through the pages were printed. It was fascinating to watch the paper get printed, cut, and folded. Here are some photos of the process. Thanks, Al, for showing us the press and answering all of our questions!

The paper "starts" at the far end of the press and is completed by the time it gets to the closest part of the press.

Al Pippitt sets up one of the page plates.

A partially printed page--a colored page--goes through the press.

A partially printed page.

2011-05-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Heaven is for Real
(This review appeared in the May issue of the Nebraska Family Times. If you would like a FREE sample copy, call (402) 993-2467 or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net.)

By Megan Stromberg

If you’re like me, you believed heaven is for real, even before picking up this book. But, much like our sinful human nature, I want to “see” to believe.

Without giving away too much of the story, I’ll share with you some details of Heaven is for Real. At the center of the story is the Burpo family, from Imperial, NE. Their son Colton underwent a surgery at the young age of 3. Months later, as his family still dealt with the after-effects of the illness and other family challenges, he began to share tidbits of what happened while he was in surgery. The elements, they realized, were things that he should have no way of knowing. His father, a pastor, was floored by the depth of Colton’s revelations.

The book of Revelation is referenced frequently throughout Heaven is For Real. I’ve studied Revelation in several small group Bible Studies and on my own before, but this book made me want to revisit it. Throughout the book several other Bible passages are referenced to explain Colton’s disclosures. As a believer, I found myself grabbing my Bible to read many of the passages.

The book is much more than a compilation of the Burpo’s ordeal and Colton’s stories. It is a challenge to all adults – especially parents – to revisit our “childlike faith.”

Skeptics might argue that Colton’s father put these ideas in his head, or maybe even pushed them to help promote the book. I have to admit, there were times as I read that I questioned whether the events really happened. But after finishing the story in three short sittings, I have chosen to cling to the faith that continues to bring me back to God’s Word daily and that led me to Heaven is For Real.

I hope Heaven is For Real challenges you to consider your own beliefs, to search God’s Word for a better understanding of what He promises us in eternal life, and gives you hope that a loved one who was so broken physically or emotionally when they passed from this earth has been restored in heaven.

Because for me, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL. Thank you Colton for sharing those details through your child-like faith and for encouraging me in my own journey. Thank you Burpo family for baring your souls to your challenges and tragedies. May God bless you all in your journey.

And may God bless you – readers – in your discovery of His amazing power.

Megan Stromberg lives in Columbus, NE, with her husband and their five children.

Heart Hero Capes help Heart Heroes Cope

2011-04-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

By Shelly Burke, Editor

Seeing doctors and being hospitalized can be scary for anyone—and children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) can become very fearful as they face multiple doctor appointments, frequent tests, and lengthy hospitalizations.

Sondra Dubas (mother of Ashley, now 9 years old), Kitty Burton, (mother of Sam, now 4) and Vanessa Shoemaker (mother of Sofia, also 4) wanted to help their own children and others face the challenges and cope with these stressful events that are a result of being born with CHD. They were inspired to start Heart Hero Capes, an organization that provides capes for kids with CHD to wear to help them face often scary appointments and hospitalizations.

About one baby out of 100 is born with CHD, meaning approximately 250 kids in Nebraska and 40,000 throughout the United States are born with CHD every year. Many of them face open heart surgery to repair the problems (some face multiple surgeries) and all face many hospital and doctor visits throughout at least their childhood. Many times their parents cannot be with them during a test or surgery, and the child feels very alone.

Sondra says, “When kids put on their Heart Hero Capes I can see that they feel extra power and courage. It’s a symbol that helps them cope with all they have to go through. As the kids find courage in their capes, parents find support from others they meet at the hospital and through Heart Hero Capes.”

The co-founders of Heart Hero Capes knew they would not be able to manufacture the capes, so partnered with a company in Michigan. Sondra says that God’s hand was in the decision to have another company make the capes; when they called Power Capes to discuss a possible partnership the company had just made the decision to align with a cause like Heart Hero Capes. The affiliation has been very successful; in the year or so since they started, about 400 capes have been distributed throughout the United States and as far away as Australia.

Kids design their own heart Hero Cape at the Power Capes website, choosing the color of the cape as well as an initial, character or symbol that will adorn their cape. A heart hero patch is also sewn on each cape.

All donations to Heart Hero Capes go toward providing capes for kids whose families are unable to pay for them (a donation of only $25 will allow a needy child to receive a gift card good for a cape he or she designs). Kids who want a cape can pay for them or apply for a free one.

Future Heart Hero Capes goals include “getting capes to as many kids as possible,” spreading awareness of CHD, and fundraising. Sondra says that with enough funds, Heart Hero Capes can be expanded so the capes can be distributed worldwide, making it a little easier for more kids to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of CHD.

To order a cape, donate, or for more information go to http://www.heartherocapes.com/ or www.powercapes.com/heart-hero-cape, or e-mail heartheroes@yahoo.com.

Sondra is working on a book documenting her daughter’s journey with CHD, through tests, hospitalizations, surgeries, and complications. The Nebraska Family Times will keep readers updated on the progress of her book.

This article appears in the May issue of the Nebraska Family Times. If you would like a FREE sample copy, call (402) 993-2467 or e-mail: shelly@shellyburke.net

May Editor's Letter

2011-04-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

April showers (and snow showers!) bring May flowers!

Another month has flown by and I’m so glad to see the trees and grass getting green—even if the sky is gray today. The last few mornings and evenings I’ve seen deer grazing in the pasture across from our home, and wild turkeys in the shelterbelt. Yesterday I even heard the frogs in our pond—spring is here!

May will be a busy month for us! Cody will go on a 10-day trip to China on an Agricultural tour at the end of the month. He’s going with about 15 other students from Kansas State University and is excited to see a new part of the world.

The last month of Morgan’s junior year will be filled with the FFA and FBLA banquets, prom, finals, and signing up for summer classes through the college. She’s planning to be a counselor at a camp near our home right after school is out, and is excited to be home for the summer spending more time riding her horse and working with her cattle.

Tim and I are looking forward to both kids being home more for the summer. He will be glad to have the extra help at the ranch and I’ll be glad to have my family close.

At the end of the month I’m going to Seward for a few days to attend The Women’s Leadership Institute School for Writers. I’m excited to learn more about writing; some of the classes are taught by Concordia Publishing House Editor so I’ll be learning from the best! I’m not sure what direction God has for me with my writing, but I look forward to finding out.

May also brings Mother’s Day. I am very thankful for my kids and my very special mother and mother-in-law! I am so blessed with a wonderful family.

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The Nebraska Family Times is now on FaceBook! Check us out and “like” the page; when enough people “like” the page I’ll have access to statistics about how many people viewed the site, clicked through on the links, etc. In other words I’ll know what to do to make it better! Also check out the Nebraska Family Times blog at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com. I will have links to some of my favorite sites and other Christian information you’ll be interested in.

One of my main goals for the paper this year is to increase distribution throughout Nebraska. Would you like to help? Just tell your friends and family about the paper. Consider showing it to owners of businesses you patronize (I’ll send you free extra copies upon request.) If anyone purchases a sponsorship or advertises because you introduced them to the paper, you’ll receive commission for doing so! If you’d like to talk about promoting the paper, e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467 and we will talk and you can decide if this is something you’d like to do. There are NO start-up costs—all supplies are provided—and no minimum selling requirements.

Have a fantastic month!

2011-04-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Easter Cookie Story

Bake these cookies to teach your children (or your grandchildren, or children’s friends) about Easter. Read through the directions so you can smoothly move from one step to the next and talk about the Bible readings. Plan plenty of time for discussion and questions. Step 2, breaking up the nuts, can be done early in the day or the day before, to save time while putting the rest of the recipe together.

Ingredients

1c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1c. sugar

zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300

2. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Read John 19:1-3 Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him.

3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Read John 19:28-30Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.

4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Read John 10:10-11 Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Read Luke 23:27 Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1c. sugar. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.

7. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3 Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

8. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Read Matt. 27:57-60 Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Read Matt. 27:65-66. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

10. GO TO BED! Read John 16:20, 22. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

This object lesson walks the participants through the Easter story and focuses on the hope and promise of resurrection.

This recipe appeared in the April issue of the Nebraska Family Times. If you would like a free sample copy of the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

2011-04-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

This article appeared in the April issue of the Nebraska Family Times. If you would like a FREE copy of that issue, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net.

Friends Usurp Family on Facebook

New default settings for family on Facebook demote children, spouses and parents to the bottom of the page while elevating friends to the top, a change some parents find disconcerting.

Marnie Swedberg, author of SANE: Social Networking Success in 15 Minutes a Day, states, "Facebook has had a wonderful family first policy until now, a policy that has helped families stay foremost in each others' minds when on the website by posting family members in the most prominent position. This policy has been reversed."

Families on Facebook make up much of its 500 million users, half of whom log in every day.

"Facebook family connections happen every second of every day," says Swedberg, whose personal networks rank in the thousands. "I have three young adult kids myself and I like to see them every chance I get, even on Facebook. More importantly, I want to communicate that they rank number one in my world both on- and off-line."

Facebook is impacting our culture. What happens on Facebook has the potential to change things in the world of face-to-face. By demoting the visibility of family, and promoting the position of friends, Facebook is communicating a change in values, however subtle.

The good news is that it is easy to re-position your family first on your personal Facebook profile page. Simply follow these steps:

1. Login to your Profile Page.
2. On the left bar, identify the word "Friends" or "Family" under your photo.
3. Click on the editor's pencil icon that appears when you mouse over one of those words.
4. Find "Featured Friends."
5. Left click on the word "Family" and drag it above "Friends."
6. Save.

From Christian Newswire

2011-04-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

April is National Organ Donation Month

What you need to know

Transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine. But despite continuing advances in medicine and technology, the need for organs and tissue is vastly greater than the number available for transplantation.

Transplantation gives hope to thousands of people with organ failure and provides many others with active and renewed lives.

Learn the facts

Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.

Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.

Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.

Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.

Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.

Statistics

Although there have been advances in medical technology and donation, the demand for organ, eye and tissue donation still vastly exceeds the number of donors.

o More than 100,000 men, women and children currently need life-saving organ transplants.

• Every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list.

• An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.

• In 2009, there were 8,021 deceased organ donors and 6,610 living organ donors resulting in 28,465 organ transplants.

• Last year, more than 42,000 grafts were made available for transplant by eye banks within the United States.

• 90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor.

Please consider becoming an organ donor. Here’s how:

As a resident of Nebraska, you should take the following steps to ensure your decision to become a donor is carried out:

• Sign up online in the Nebraska Donor Registry at http://www.donoregistry.org/Register/ne/en.

• Indicate your wishes on your driver's license or state ID when you apply for or renew it.

• Talk to your family about your decision to become an organ donor.

Nebraska does not require family consent to carry out your decision to be an organ, eye or tissue donor. However, keeping everyone informed will help avoid any confusion or delays. Print a family notification card at www.donatelife.net.

-------------------------------

Want to learn more about donation in Nebraska?
Please contact:
Cindy Schabow
Donate Life Nebraska
Phone: 402-559-3788
Email: cschabow@cox.net

A Personal Story of Organ Donation

Lori and Dave Clausen’s daughter, Rachel, was in a car accident on September 18th, 2009. Lori says, “When we realized we were not going to get the miracle we were praying for, we chose to make our 16 year old daughter the miracle for someone else, only to discover that was a decision Rachel had already made for herself when she got her driver’s license. For us it was a decision we have never regretted. We don’t think of it as our daughter living on in someone else; to us she helped some else live their own life more fully. We have learned more about organ donation since that time, and when we hear of someone receiving a transplant, we not only say a prayer for the recipient, but also for the family somewhere that chose to give hope to others in the middle of their own grief. We know first hand how precious that gift is and hope someday to hear from the recipients of our daughter’s organs. It would be a blessing to us to know that something good was able to come out of her death.”

April Editor's Letter

2011-04-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been filled with sadness and joy for me, after my two private duty patients died. I cared for Lisa several times a week for more than 5 years, and I supervised Josh’s care for several years as well. Private duty nursing is unique in that these nurses develop a close relationship not only with the patient, but with their families as well.

Lisa and Josh were both disabled for many years, and required high levels of care from their parents, nurses, and other caregivers. I was blessed to get to know both of them and their families…they and their families taught me so much about life and difficult circumstances. Some of the neatest moments I have experienced as a nurse were when Lisa and Josh recognized me and smiled at me. We are sad, because they are no longer here with us...yet we are so happy knowing they are in heaven, healthy and whole.

On March 13th our niece, Leighton, was baptized. Several weeks ago my sister asked Tim and I to be sponsors, and we immediately said "yes." What a joy to be asked to be part of her spiritual life!

During the service, as Tim and I, the other sponsors, and my sister's family were going up to the front of the church for the baptism, Tim pulled a piece of paper out of his suit jacket pocket. He looked a little startled and then showed it to me. My eyes immediately filled with tears; it was the funeral service folder for my grandfather, who died almost exactly a year ago. His picture is on the front of the service folder, and seeing his face reminded me that he, too, had been baptized many years ago...and because of that baptism and his faith, he was in heaven. And now as we brought Leighton to baptism, she, too, would enter God's kingdom when she left this earth, just as Josh and Lisa had both been brought for baptism and now were in heaven.

I do not believe in coincidences...I believe that when things like this happen they are "God-incidences." I'm so thankful that God reminded me of His promise to my patients, to grandpa, to Leighton, to Tim and I and our children...to my friend who lost her daughter in a car accident...to another friend whose grandson died...to everyone who believes in Him...because of His love for us, and His sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, we will ALL have that promise of heaven…if we only believe.
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Tim has been busy with the usual activities of early spring months—calving! We’ve had more than 100 calves so far. There are a lot of mother cows and their babies in “my” pasture—the pasture I can see from almost every window in our house—and I just love watching the calves run and jump and play in the morning when their moms are eating.

Tim and I went to a weather spotter’s training class last week. It was very interesting to learn more about the clouds and storm systems that product tornadoes. While we definitely hope NOT to see any tornadoes, we’ll know a lot more about the storms that produce them.

Morgan stays busy with her school activities and friends, and she’s thinking more about her college options. We’re going to visit several Nebraska colleges this spring. She’s even considering going to Midland College—my alma mater!

Cody is on his way home right now, to spend a few days of his spring break with us. He is eagerly looking forward to a trip to China this spring. He’ll be seeing the great sights of China and also studying some of the agriculture of the area.
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I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times! In looking over the articles I’ve chosen and written, a wide range of topics is covered. Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to see covered! It’s been fun to print more articles from local authors. If you are interested in writing a book, CD, or movie review, or article for the paper, please e-mail me with your review, or your ideas. I appreciate hearing from readers, whether it’s about something you enjoy about the paper, or something I could do better.
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And I close with a verse from Lisa’s funeral, and two verses from a song at Josh’s funeral, both of which I hope remind you of the hope we have in Jesus.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4

He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same;
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

2011-04-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Habitat for Humanity is Coming to Columbus!

”Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1

By Shelly Burke, Editor

If all goes according to plan, a needy family will see their dreams of a new home start to come true on May 1st, 2011, when ground will be broken for a Habitat for Humanity home near Bradshaw Park in Columbus, NE.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness by providing housing for people whose current housing is inadequate, unsafe, or substandard.

Dan Staack, President of the local Habitat Board of Directors, said the quest to build a Habitat for Humanity home in Columbus began 3 years ago. It took about 2 ½ years to work through the application process and develop support in Columbus. On August 1, 2010, Columbus was granted permission to operate a chapter by Habitat for Humanity International.

The Family Selection process is underway, and qualified families may still apply for the home to be built in Columbus. (Contact information at the end of this article.) A family will be selected by mid-April. The houses are not given away; recipients of a Habitat for Humanity home must be able to make monthly interest-free mortgage payments. They must also invest “sweat equity” hours in physical work in partnership with Habitat to build their home. Each home takes about 15 weeks to build.

Habitat for Humanity depends extensively on donations and volunteers. Staack says “First and foremost, please ask readers to pray for our chapter, that we can meet our goal of building our first home this summer. God gives all of us different talents and treasures. All do not swing a hammer. Some cook (for volunteers), some can paint, some are good at presentations, some can landscape while others are good at organization and would be welcome on boards or committees.” Donations of tools, material, permanent storage facility, building sites, and money are needed.

Staack continues, “Any monetary donations become what I like to call a revolving fund of humanity. What comes into Columbus stays in Columbus for future homes.” As an example of the “revolving fund,” the Grand Island chapter of Habit for Humanity started in the late 1980’s. They are building five homes this year, and three of them are being built using money from mortgage payments coming in from previously built homes.

The Habitat for Humanity organization started in 1975, and since then 400,000 homes have been built world-wide, and an additional 100,000 homes are expected to be built annually.

To inquire about qualifications to have a Habitat for Humanity home built for you, volunteer time (you’ll be asked to fill out a form indicating skills and availability) or donate supplies or money, call (402) 564-4663; leave a message and your call will be returned.

Additional information from http://www.habitatforhumanity.org/

Favorite Links

2011-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

I enjoy checking out websites that others suggest, and today I'm going to share some of my favorite links with you. Several of them will inspire you, several will help you save money, and one of them is my favorite non-profit organization. Please share YOUR favorite links in the comments; I'll publish selected ones in a future post.

To inspire you:

"Fragrant Offerings," blog posts by Deb Burma, at http://www.debburma.blogspot.com/

"Crosswalk," a Christian site featuring Bible study tools, devotions, and articles about a wide range of topics relevant to Christian living, found at http://www.crosswalk.com/.

To help you save money:

"Living on a Dime," containing many articles about saving money, getting out of debt, and living a more prosperous life. Check out this Kansas family at http://www.livingonadime.com/.

"Dollar Stretcher" articles cover frugal living ideas for all areas of life, at http://www.stretcher.com/

...And my favorite local, non-profit organization:

The Columbus Rescue Mission in Columbus, NE, and the Living Water Rescue Mission in York, NE (soon to open). Read inspiring stories, testimonials, and current needs at http://www.columbusrescuemission.blogspot.com/. The hard work of Chaplain Ted and his staff and volunteers is truly changing lives, and bringing them to Christ.

I hope you enjoy these sites...and remember, send me your favorites!

April Issue Hits the Stands!

2011-04-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

The April issue of the Nebraska Family Times has been printed, delivered, and mailed!

It is always neat to see the paper in “real life”—by the time it comes out in print I’ve read and re-read every article and I’ve seen the paper in “newspaper form” on the file Jennifer e-mails me. However, the color accents in the paper show up as blue on the computer screen, no matter what color they are on the actual paper. And there’s just something about holding the paper in my hands that makes it real (I don’t think I’ll ever get a Nook or other electronic reader!).

I think this issue looks great! Jennifer chose a very striking graphic for the front page, as you can see from the picture.

The April Nebraska Family Times features an article about the Columbus chapter of the Habitat for Humanity, which is planning to build a home in Columbus starting in May. The paper also contains articles titled, History of the King James Bible, Boys Wrestling Girls—A Clash of Worlds and Worldviews, and School Becomes Curse-Free. Local Christian writer and speaker Deb Burma is also featured.

You can pick up your issue of the Nebraska Family Times at various locations around Columbus. If you would like to receive a FREE issue of the paper, e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

April Paper is Complete!

2011-03-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

WHEW--the April paper is at the Wayne Herald, where it will be printed.

I had most of the articles done and to Jennifer on Wednesday, but I needed a little more time to complete my Editor's Letter. It's the last thing I do every month. I had the editor's letter and a few fillers (short articles to fill any extra space in the paper) by Thursday afternoon.

First thing Friday morning I checked my e-mail for the proof of the paper. It's always amazing to me to see all the articles I've gathered, together in newspaper form. When I send articles to Jennifer I indicate which page they should appear on (some can go wherever they fit) but she arranges them, chooses the font for the titles, and picks out pictures and graphics.

The proof is kind of confusing. Pull out a full sheet of a newspaper, and you'll see that the page numbers on the left side and the right side are not consecutive. Jennifer sends me the proof with the pages laid out like they'll be printed, so, for example, the back page and the front page are on the same computer screen.

I enjoy seeing how all of the articles come together. I proofread the titles and the articles I've written, and make sure that longer articles are continued on the page indicated. I also check to make sure all the advertisements that should appear, are in the paper. Once in awhile I ask Jennifer to find a different graphic, if the one she used isn't what I had in mind. (Last time I did that she said she hadn't been happy with the graphic either, so we both looked for one we liked better).

It's great to work with Jennifer--we've worked together long enough that she knows how I like things set up, and she's always willing to make any changes I ask. She also remembers all the details like making sure the Volume and Issue number are changed each month.

If there are corrections, I e-mail Jennifer and she makes them, e-mails the corrected proof back, and, if there are no more corrections, I give her the "OK" to send the paper to the printer. I'm a perfectionist, so check everything on the proof several times. I know that once I give the "OK" to send the proof to the printer, no more changes can be made! (Once in awhile, when I read the printed paper, I find an error I missed during proof reading...but I'm not going to tell you what mistake I missed or what issue it's in!)

Once I give the OK to send the paper to the printer, I breathe a big sigh of relief---and start to clear off my desk, which is usually buried under a pile of papers by the time I finish the paper!

Foot in Mouth Disease

2011-03-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from "foot in mouth" disease, or know someone who does?

It's happened to all of us--that painful moment of blurting out the wrong words in an effort to say something in the midst of an uncomfortable situation.

What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations was written for just those moments. What Should I Say? presents over 100 potential foot-in-mouth moments and gives the right words to say, whether you need to confront, challenge, question, or encourage.

It's not only what you say, but what you do that matters; you'll find practical hints combined with Godly principles in suggestions for what to do, and not do, that will help your message achieve its purpose.

With What Should I Say at your fingertips, you'll confidently face life's sticky, tricky, uncomfortable situations, knowing you're ready with just the right words.

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Because I don't have an out-of-home job anymore, I finally have time to promote my books! (Book promotion is also a necessity since, well, I don't have income from an out-of-home job anymore! :-) ) I just ordered a new shipment of What Should I Say? You can read an excerpt at http://www.shellyburke.net/. Order today so you're ready for the next tricky, sticky, uncomfortable situation! Only $15 with FREE shipping and handling! Pay by check or PayPal to shelly@shellyburke.net

And when you order What Should I Say? check out my other books, How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing and Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, with the special price of ONLY $10 each and FREE shipping and handling! See the details on that special at http://nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/2011/03/books-on-sale.html

Working on April Paper

2011-03-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

The last few days I've been doing one of the things I enjoy the most--gathering articles for the paper.

Several columnists write for the Nebraska Family Times almost every month, and I look forward to reading their columns.

We have several new advertisers this month, so I've been working with them to get the information I need to have Tracy or Jennifer set up their ads. Please patronize the businesses of those who advertise in the Nebraska Family Times--they are a valuable part of my business--and let them know you saw their ad in the Nebraska Family Times.

Every month I look ahead to the holidays that will occur in the coming month, and find appropriate articles. In April the most important holiday, of course, is Easter. But April also marks National Organ Donor Month and the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. I've compiled the info for the article about organ donation, and am searcing for a good article about the King James Bible.

The National Day of Prayer if May 5th. I plan to have the May issue of the paper out before that date, but am including the information in this issue, so readers can plan ahead and attend events on that date.

I also look for articles about local and area events or issues. I found a great article that looks into the case of the male wrestler in Iowa who forfeited a match in which he was scheduled to wrestle against a female. The article looks at the issue from a values point of view vs. the "human" point of view and is very interesting.

I'm writing three articles for this issue; one about the Habitat for Humanity, which plans to build a home in Columbus, NE, starting in May; one about Heart Hero Capes, and one about local author and speaker Deb Burma.

If you have not seen the Nebraska Family Times but would like a FREE sample issue, e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467.

Books on Sale!

2011-03-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

As well as being the editor and publisher of the Nebraska Family Times, I'm also the author of several books.

The last few years I've felt almost overwhelmingly busy with my family and home, church activities, nursing job, and learning about being the editor and publisher of the Nebraska Family Times, and other "life" activities. I prayed about it, asking God to guide me if there was something he wanted me to cut out of my life. The only message I felt was, "Do the best you can with everything for now."

From previous blog posts you know that several weeks ago my private duty patient died, so at this time I don't have a nursing job. After much prayer I've felt God pushing me in the direction of not seeking another out-of-home job at this time, but instead working on the Nebraska Family Times. Cash flow is tight, but during the last few weeks I've been able to devote so much more time to the paper, and I've done some things I've wanted to for a long time--including setting up a FaceBook page for the NFT. ('ve also gotten some long-neglected corners of my home cleaned and organized!)

Another thing I haven't been able to do for a long time is promote my books. Spring is the perfect time for that, as you'll see when you read about the books. You can read excerpts from both books at http://www.shellyburke.net/. (but don't order from that page--see the special pricing and order options below!)

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A nurse friend and I wrote How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing years ago. We'd both worked in many areas of nursing, and we'd met many nurses who were unhappy in their current job. How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing outlines more than 40 areas in nursing, including the pros and cons of each area and why it might or might not be an area of interest for the reader. How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing also provides readers with worksheets to define personal, family, and professional needs and goals, quizzes to evaluate specifications for the reader's perfect job in nursing, resume and interview tips, and much more!

How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing is the PERFECT gift for a graduate from nursing school, or a high-school graduate who is considering a job in health care, or that nurse you know who is looking for a job that better suits her (or his!) life.

My other book is titled Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. I wrote Home Is Where the Mom Is when I was a member of the first MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group in Columbus. I wanted to encourage moms to care for themselves, first--spirit, mind, and body--so they could better care for their families. Home is Where the Mom Is is a comprehensive resource for all moms, and especially moms who are at home with their kids most of the time. The book will show readers how to make decisions based on Christian principles and what they know about their one-of-a-kind family. Read excerpts at http://www.shellyburke.net/.

Home is Where the Mom Is is the PERFECT gift for any mom of young children! Put it in her Easter basket, give it as a birthday gift, or "just because," when she needs encouragement. It would make the perfect gift for your child's school or Sunday School teacher, day care provider, or babysitter. And Mother's Day will be here before you know it (May 8th, to be exact)! And it's not too early to start Christmas shopping!

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SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!

For a limited time I'm offering both How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing and Home is Where the Mom Is for ONLY $10 EACH, including shipping and handling (sent via Media Mail)!

(please consider sending a link to this page to others you know who might be interested in How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing or Home is Where the Mom Is!)

Additional special offer: Purchase three books and get one FREE! (e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net with the title of the book you'd like FREE). Start your Christmas shopping, today! For a personal touch, I will autograph books with a personal message to the recipient! E-mail me with the recipient's name if you'd like me to sign their book.

Payment can be made by PayPal to shelly@shellyburke.net or a check sent to: Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G.G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640.

This special offer is only good through March 31st, so order today! E-mail shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467 if you have any questions.

April Issue Preview

2011-03-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I enjoy publishing the Nebraska Family Times is that there are different things to do every week, and even every day.

Next week is put-the-paper-together week, which includes finding articles (mostly from various websites), getting and editing columns and articles from readers, writing articles, and contacting advertisers. By the middle of next week I should have gathered all of the articles that will appear in the paper, and then Jennifer Gleason (of Gleames Creative Design www.gleames.com) will get them laid out so I can see how they'll look when the paper comes out (more about this process in a future post).

Since next week is "put-the-paper-together week", this week is planning week. Today I'll send out reminders to regular columnists, asking them to have their articles e-mailed to me by next Monday or Tuesday. I'm blessed because all of the columnists are very punctual in getting their articles to me on time! It's fun to read their articles every month as they come in.

I also contact several organizations for information about upcoming events. I'll publish these events in the paper space permitting. (If there is an upcoming Christian event you would like publicized, e-mail it to shelly@shellyburke.net. Space permitting, it will be published in the papaer).

One of my favorite things to do it interview people for articles that I'll write for the paper.

Last week I met with and interviewed Deb Burma. She's the author of several devotion books, "Treasured" and "Beautiful Feet," which were reviewed in the last issue of the NFT. (See the reviews at http://nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/2011/03/fantastic-devotion-books.html)

During the interview Deb said that since she was a little girl she "always liked words." (She even enjoyed diagramming sentences!) Her love of words took her from speaking on live radio when she was on the South Dakota State 4-H Council when she was a teenager, to sharing her faith in front of live audiences. In June she will speak in front of her largest audience yet, as the keynote speaker at the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) National Convention in Peoria, IL. Read more about her journey in the April issue of the NFT.

I was thrilled to get back in touch with a high-school friend for an article about a cause that's important to her and the more than 40,000 kids (including Sondra and Tim's daughter Ashely) who are born every year with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Sondra and I talked for over an hour yesterday about Heart Hero Capes, an organization that provides capes for children with CHD. The kids wear the capes when they're headed to a doctor's appointment or for tests or surgery, to give them courage in a situation that can be very scary. The full article will appear in the April issue of the paper as well.

We also talked about the book Sondra is also planning to write, documenting the challenges she and her family have faced during Ashley's life with CHD. Ashely has had countless doctor's appointments and tests, and several surgeries (with serious complications following one surgery) to treat her CHD. Sondra is at the beginning of the book-writing process, and I'm already excited to read the book! Look for updates on the book here and in the NFT.

Habitat for Humanity is coming to Columbus, NE! The first Habitat house is scheduled to be built starting in May. Read more about what Habitat for Humanity is, how it works, and how you can help, in the April issue of the paper.

Now that I've done the interviews, it's time to write the articles! I'm looking forward to re-reading my notes and putting the articles together.

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If you have an idea for an article for the NFT, please e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net. I'm always looking for leads to articles that readers would enjoy.

If you are a subscriber, you'll receive the April issue of the NFT the first week in April. If you're not a subscriber but would like to see what the NFT is all about, e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net, or call (402) 993-2467 to receive a FREE issue.

God's Circle of Life

2011-03-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been filled with sadness and joy for me, after my two private duty patients died. We are so sad, because they are no longer here with us...yet we are so happy knowing they are in heaven, healthy and whole.

Yesterday my niece, Leighton, was baptized. Several weeks ago my sister asked Tim and I to be sponsors, and we immediately said "yes." What a joy to be asked to be part of her spiritual life!

During the service, as Tim and I, the other sponsors, and my sister's family were going up to the front of the church for the baptism, Tim pulled a piece of paper out of his jacket pocket. He looked a little startled and then showed it to me. My eyes immediately filled with tears; it was the funeral service folder for my grandfather, who died almost exactly a year ago. His picture is on the front of the service folder, and seeing his face reminded me that he, too, had been baptized many years ago...and because of that baptism and his faith, he was in heaven. And now as we brought Leighton to baptism, she, too, would enter God's kingdom when she left this earth, just as my patients had both been brought for baptism and now were in heaven.

I do not believe in coincidences...I believe that when things like this happen they are "God-incidences." I'm so thankful that God reminded me of His promise to my patients, to grandpa, to Leighton, to Tim and I and our children...to my friend who lost her daughter in a car accident...to another friend whose grandson died...to everyone who believes in Him...because of His love for us, and His sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, we will ALL have that promise of heaven.

Fantastic Devotion Books

2011-03-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

These book reviews, by Shelly Burke, Editor, appeared in the March issue of the Nebraska Family Times.

Treasured; A 30-Day Devotional Journey
Beautiful Feet; A 30-Day Devotional Journey
both by author Deb Burma

The small size of Treasured; A 30-Day Devotional Journey and Beautiful Feet; A 30-Day Devotional Journey is misleading. Author Deb Burma makes every word count; each short devotion is packed with thought, encouragement, and inspiration. The format of the books means I can stick one in my purse or work bag and quickly read a devotion any time I have a few minutes—although I will also want to take time to really meditate on the messages later.

The theme of Treasured is that God values each of us beyond what we can imagine. Burma reminds us that God sees us as precious and priceless; He sought us and claims us to be His own. During our faith lives we are being transformed in Christ as coal is transformed into a diamond.

Throughout Treasured Burma compares our lives to diamonds; she relates the formation of a diamond (requiring time, pressure, and heat) to the transformation of our lives. The qualities of a diamond (cut, color, carat, and clarity) describe how Christ takes us from rough and uncut to a gem who carries out His mission.

Other devotions include A Girl’s Best Friend, A New Setting, and Precious in His Sight.

Liberal references to Bible verses enhance the message, as do Burma’s personal stories. The devotions always point readers to God and His Word and each one ends with a prayer.

Beautiful Feet; A 30-Day Devotional Journey
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)

In Beautiful FeetBurma encourages us to spend time every day taking a closer look at our feet, and the feet of those around us. She reminds us that Christ walks beside us, and urges us to learn (and follow) what the Lord is calling our feet to do.

Through devotions including A Map for Your Path, Calloused, and Make Tracks! you’ll be prompted to look inside yourself and your circumstances and apply God’s Word to your life, and to spread it to others.

Just as in Treasured, Beautiful Feet, includes Bible verses, observations and personal questions for reflection that make the devotions perfect for a busy day as well as those days when you have a longer period of time for deeper study.

Treasured and Beautiful Feet are carried at Crackers to Caviar in Columbus, NE; (402) 564-4768 and The Abbey Christian Store in Norfolk, NE; (402) 379-0712, or can be ordered from Concordia Publishing House; http://www.cph.org/ or call 1-800-325-3040.

Do you need an idea for your next woman’s retreat? Burma has created complete retreat kits on CD-ROM for both Treasured and Beautiful Feet. The CD-ROMs contain very detailed planning guides, handouts for participants and Power Point presentations. Everything you need to plan and host a retreat is included!

Deb Burma lives in Columbus, NE, with her husband, Pastor Cory Burma and children Chris, Courtney, and Cameron. Read more about Deb in the next issue of the Nebraska Family Times.

Nebraska Family Times on FaceBook!

2011-03-08T12:56:00.001-08:00

The Nebraska Family Times is now on FaceBook! Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nebraska-Family-Times/115589301850052?ref=ts

If you enjoy the FaceBook page, please "like" it; if I get enough people to like it I'll have access to more information about what's working for the page and how I can improve it. And if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

(And next I'll try to figure out how to get the FB button on this blog.)

Why Should I Care?

2011-03-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Why Should I care?!
By Tracy Buzynski

It is no secret that the world is a mess. Just turn on the news and see the unrest in the Middle East, that the US economy and government spending are out of control, and media that seem to have their own agenda. I have a busy life. Why should I even try to figure out what is going on with the rest of the world? These problems are just too big to even contemplate, let a lone try to figure out what I can do about them as an individual. Why should I care?!

I should care because God cares. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Well, some times that is hard to put into action in the big picture. But God blesses us with knowledge and discernment. We have but to ask for these things. Maybe we should also ask Him how to love the least of these.

Even though there are many big problems, we still live in the greatest nation on earth. I believe that I was put here at this time and place for a reason. With my set of skills and God given talents, I choose to be an encourager to my family and those around me. Although the “politically correct” society and the social justice forces at work try to take God out of everything, the last time I checked, we still live in a “Free Country“. I am free to choose what I think, how I speak and what I do…As long as I abide by the laws. Why not take it a step further and align your actions by what is God’s will for you? Again, we have but to ask to find out what that is.

Integrate a God Attitude into your life. I am going to personally put God into as many things as I can throughout my day. Start out with a morning prayer. Ask for His protection over yourself and your family as you get ready to face the day. I use my God Attitude at my job by being helpful, kind and positive. I say a silent “Thank you God, you’re great!” for the little things that happen--like green lights, a warm sunny day and after a good laugh with my friend. Just see how many areas you can insert your God Attitude. It’s a start for the big picture. My God attitude is why I care.

Nebraska Family Attends National March for Life

2011-03-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

Nebraska Family Attends National March for Life
By Virginia Nelson

My son Allen, grandson Luke, and granddaughter Wendy and I made the trip to Washington DC for the National March for Life on Jan 24th, 2011. We had a great time taking in the sights and the history of Washington DC. One of the sites we toured was the Holocaust Museum, and some of the things we saw there are too horrible to even mention. And all the way through it, I just kept thinking, this is the same mentality in the world today. The lack of respect for human life is staggering, with the slaughter of 4000 unborn babies each day through abortion. And just like now, so many people looked the other way, knew what was going on, and didn't do anything about it. I was reminded of the words of Genesis 4:10; "What have you done? Hark, your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground."

The March for Life was awesome. The day was bitter cold, but sunny and still, and 400,000 marchers participated. We spent about four hours standing for the rally and walking. I was proud to be a Nebraskan that day, as Lee Terry (Nebraska Congressman) gave a booming message of his commitment to the right to life, giving his assurance that he would do all he could to put an end to abortion and the use of our tax dollars for abortion; $363 million, according to Planned Parenthood's 2008-2009 Annual Report.

Nebraska Representative Jeff Fortenberry gave a short but stirring message along the same line. Both men said they can't do it without the grassroots support of we, the people!

Women from Silent No More spoke of regretting their abortions, with the young men standing by their side holding signs that said "We regret lost fatherhood." Many of the newly elected congressmen were there with many different messages but all saying much the same thing.They said they want us to send letters, emails, faxes and phone calls, even if we know how they're going to vote. This is a difficult battle and they need to know we're out there supporting them.

It was said that day that our abortuaries are nothing more than death chambers, just as those in Nazi Germany. Let's remember that a nation that kills its young is a nation without hope. One Pastor toward the end of the rally said, "Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord! As we march today we light a candle to pierce the darkness of rejection and despair."

Let's help pierce this darkness by getting involved, by sending those messages to our congressmen, by writing letters to the opinion page, by prayer, and if you can't do anything else, send money. It takes so much money to fight Planned Parenthood and its supporters. And we need to gear up for the next presidential election and elect a pro-life president who will move toward a pro-life Supreme Court.

I will continue to try to fulfill one of the other quotes I saw that day, "I call Heaven and earth to witness this day. I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose LIFE that you and your descendents may live!" (Deut 30:1)

Virginia lives in Genoa, NE

Wesley Center: "Where all children matter"

2011-03-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Wesley Center, Inc.
Where “all children matter”

By Shelly Burke, Editor

Years ago Dr. Burkhardt, a faithful member of the Methodist church, willed his home (now 120 years old) to be used as a “mission.” Later another pastor received a grant to provide respite care for parents who were overwhelmed by parenting. Today that house is Wesley Center, Inc., in Norfolk, NE, a mission whose core value is that “all children matter.” Wesley Center is a non-profit organization.

The Wesley Center, Inc. Crisis Nursery began in 1995 with a grant to provide relief to parents who felt they might abuse their children. In 1999 the State of Nebraska realized that children who were removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse needed a place to go until foster care could be found, and they contracted with the Wesley Center to care for those kids.

When a child (or children) is removed from his or her home, Wesley Center is notified. (Wesley Center will take children from anywhere in Nebraska, at any time of the day or night.) The child then lives at Wesley Center until he or she can be placed in a foster home or with appropriate relatives (usually less than two weeks). There are usually 1- 3 or 4 children staying at Wesley Center (there is room for up to 16 children), ranging in age from birth to 19 years old. Older teenagers are included so they can stay with younger siblings.

Tracy Olson, Director since 1999, says the biggest misconception about Wesley Center is that it’s “an orphanage, with bare walls and cots just lined up.” Instead, there are six cozy bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs. It’s “home” for the kids, with a regular schedule of meals, playtime, bedtimes, etc. Wesley Center staff members also take children to doctor or other appointments.

Another important service the Wesley Center provides is Respite Care. Foster parents (often caring for several children, some with special needs) who need a break can use the services, which are paid for through a grant from the United Way.

Wesley Center also works with Health and Human Services to provide a location for supervised visitation between parents and children who have been removed from the home. The hope is that these visits will lay the groundwork for families to eventually be reunited, with kids returning to live with their parents.

Wesley Center employs three or four full time employees and eight on-call, part-time people. Three shifts cover round-the-clock care for children.

Tracy says the most rewarding part of working at Wesley Center, for her staff members and herself, is “Interacting with the children. Despite abuse, the kids are loving and just want to play and be kids.” She has had children come back years after they stayed at Wesley Center, to see their old room and staff members who cared for them. She says that occasionally moms will offer gratitude to Wesley Center for caring for their children.

According to Tracy, “It’s hard to see children who are abused and neglected. We know God is angry at the injustice; we pray for wisdom to love and forgive. My faith in God helps keep me strong.” Wesley Center is a safe haven for children who need to feel love and learn about God’s love.

How can You Help? Volunteers are needed; they must undergo rigorous background checks and training.

Tracy says that Wesley Center is a home, so has needs for items every home uses; canned food, frozen meat, paper items like toilet paper and paper towels and so on. Heating bills have been high the last few months so monetary donations are also requested.
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Tracy loves to give tours of Wesley Center and will talk with church groups, civil groups, and anyone who is interested in learning more about what they do. For more information or to contact Wesley House, go to http://www.wesleycenterinc.org/ or call (402) 644-4749.

Nebraska Legislature to Debate Breastfeeding Bill

2011-03-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Nebraska Legislature to Debate Breastfeeding Bill

[NFT] Senator Annette Dubas (Fullerton, NE) recently introduced Legislative Bill 197 in an attempt to join Nebraska with the 48 other states that give mothers the legal right to breastfeed their babies in public.

LB197 would uphold a mother’s right to breast-feed “in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be.” In previous years breastfeeding mothers have been asked to leave restaurants, outdoor concerts, and parks. One mom, asked to move to a restroom instead, was breastfeeding her baby in an out-of-the way corner of Joslyn Art Museum--next to a statue of a bare-breasted women.

The Centers of Disease Control says that 75% of mothers start out breastfeeding, with about 43% continuing past the baby’s six-month birthday. Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for the baby, including boosting their immune system (breastfeeding babies have a lower incidence of ear, respiratory tract, and urinary infections) and decreasing the risk of developing asthma. New mother who breastfeed often return to pre-pregnancy weight faster and breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancers.

LB 197, if passed, would provide breast-feeding mothers legal backing for doing so.

March Editor's Letter

2011-03-01T07:53:00.001-08:00

NFT Editor’s Letter March 2011

Spring is in the air! Yesterday I saw a robin AND a bluebird, and the temperature is supposed to get up to 70 today! I’m enjoying every moment of it. We’ve been having baby calves and last weekend Morgan rode her horse, Maggie, for the first time this year. The trees are still bare and the ground is brown, but I know soon there will be green everywhere.

I love to watch Nebraska sunrises this time of year. The clouds and colors change constantly during the half hour or so before the sun rises. It’s amazing to see the beauty that God has given us to enjoy!

I have always been awed by how I can use the wise words of the Bible, written thousands of years ago, to guide my life today. I’ve been studying United States history and I’ve been amazed at how the words of the Founding Fathers also apply to our lives, and issues in our country, today. To that end there will be a new feature in the paper, called “Wise Words then and Now,” which will feature quotes from the Founding Fathers. I think you’ll enjoy what they had to say—the more I learn about United States history the more I want to learn!

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times. Every month I pray that the articles will “inspire, encourage, and motivate” readers on their Christian walk. I’ve been printing articles from some new authors and sources, and I hope you enjoy them. If you have any comments about or suggestions for articles or issues to cover, please let me know! Several readers have sent me links that have led to articles I would not have otherwise known about—THANK YOU!

If you enjoy the Nebraska Family Times, please share it with others. You can request up to 5 free copies to share; just e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 993-2467. My goal this year is to spread the word about the Nebraska Family Times to people throughout the state of Nebraska.

God bless you and your family as you enjoy spring!

Does God Ever get Tired of Hearing Our Prayers?

2011-03-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder if God gets tired of hearing your prayers? Sometimes I do. It seems that there are prayers I pray over and over and over, day after day after day.

On Sunday our worship team sang a song that really touched my heart. It's called "He Never Sleeps" and here's the link to it, on You Tube. I hope the message speaks to you as it spoke to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEwRehgPPF4

Another Sad Day

2011-03-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

Several days ago the private duty patient with whom I'd worked for several years, became sick and died.

Today, while I was at her visitation, I found out that another patient of mind had died. I'd supervised Josh's care for several years; he depended on the care of his parents and aides after a very rare progressive brain disease left him unable to care for himself.

I will never forget the first day I walked into Josh's home. I introduced myself to Josh and his parents, and his mother said that it seemed like she knew me from somewhere. We talked about the various organizations and groups we belonged to, but there were none that we both belonged to. I got to know Josh, did my nursing assessment, and made arrangements to visit again in two weeks.

The next few times I visited Josh, his mom and I continued to try to figure out where we had met, discussing extended family (we both have small families), past jobs, and so on. We still couldn't figure it where we could have met before.

Then one day when I walked into their home, Josh's mom immediately pointed at me and said, "You're Shelly Geil!" (Geil was my maiden name.) Since I had been a "Burke" for almost 20 years, I was very surprised to find she knew my maiden name! But something I had said on my previous visit had jogged a memory in her mind, and she realized that my dad had been the principal at the Lutheran grade school in Battle Creek, NE, where she'd taught many years before. She had even been at my 5th birthday party!

After that I felt a special bond with Josh and his parents. When I received an e-mail that Josh was in the hospital, I visited, and he appeared to be doing much better. He'd given everyone a scare, but we thought he'd be home soon. Instead, his condition became worse and he went to his heavenly home. In her e-mail to friends and family, Josh's mom wrote, "The victory has been won. Josh went to heaven this afternoon."

I will never forget either of my patients, who, for a reason unknown to us, died within just a few days of each other. Both of the families taught me so much about life, love, and God's love...

I am blessed to have been able to work with them.

A Sad Day

2011-02-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

I have been a private duty nurse for a little over 5 years, caring for a 20-something patient who became disabled at the age of 9 months after having meningitis (due to privacy laws I can't give too much identifying information).

Private duty nursing is unique in that it's usually long-term, and the care is done in the patient's home. I love private duty nursing as I only had one patient to care for, so was able to really get to know her (and her family) and take my time in caring for her. A private duty nurse can become part of the family, and I feel like I became part of the family after being there several times a week over 5 years.

When I first started working with my patient, I was very intimidated by her medical problems and the procedures I did every day. She was unable to communicate verbally, but I learned to read her mood by her facial expressions--she let me know when she was not happy with me! Over weeks of working with her I became more comfortable with her needs and the procedures I did. I also got to know her family and enjoyed talking with them.

Over the years she was periodically sick, but usually recovered fairly quickly with medication and the care of her nurses and her mom. Several weeks ago she became sick again. I visited her on a Sunday morning and although she was sick, she was glad to see me. I got an order from the doctor and thought that when I went back on Monday (my regular day to work) she would be recovering.

I was unpleasantly surprised Monday morning when I got there and it was obvious she had quicly become VERY sick. Her mom called the ambulance within minutes of my arrival and assessment. I went to see her in the hospital after she'd been there for several days...she opened her eyes and gave me a smile when I talked to her. We thought she was on her way to recovery, but after several days she was transferred to another hospital, as she just was not getting well.

I was very sad when I got the call from one of her other nurses early this morning, to say that she had died during the night.

While I know she is in heaven, healthy and whole, I am still sad for myself and the other nurses, who will really miss her. And of course I am so sad for her parents and siblings, who will also miss her!

She and her family taught me many lessons, few of them related to nursing. I'm still sorting through all of those thoughts and will write about them later.

Meanwhile, please say a prayer for her family...I pray that they will feel God's love and comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Book Reviews: "Beautiful Feet" and "Treasured"

2011-02-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Treasured; A 30-Day Devotional Journey
Beautiful Feet; A 30-Day Devotional Journey
by Deb Burma

The small size of Treasured; A 30-Day Devotional Journey and Beautiful Feet; A 30-Day Devotional Journey is misleading. Author Deb Burma makes every word count; each short devotion is packed with thought, encouragement, and inspiration. The format of the books means I can stick one in my purse or work bag and quickly read a devotion any time I have a few minutes—although I will also want to take time to really meditate on the messages later.

The theme of Treasured is that God values each of us beyond what we can imagine. Burma reminds us that God sees us as precious and priceless; He sought us and claims us to be His own. During our faith lives we are being transformed in Christ as coal is transformed into a diamond.

Throughout Treasured Burma compares our lives to diamonds; she relates the formation of a diamond (requiring time, pressure, and heat) to the transformation of our lives. The qualities of a diamond (cut, color, carat, and clarity) describe how Christ takes us from rough and uncut to a gem who carries out His mission.

Other devotions include A Girl’s Best Friend, A New Setting, and Precious in His Sight.

Liberal references to Bible verses enhance the message, as do Burma’s personal stories. The devotions always point readers to God and His Word and each one ends with a prayer.

Beautiful Feet; A 30-Day Devotional Journey
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)

In Beautiful FeetBurma encourages us to spend time every day taking a closer look at our feet, and the feet of those around us. She reminds us that Christ walks beside us, and urges us to learn (and follow) what the Lord is calling our feet to do.

Through devotions including A Map for Your Path, Calloused, and Make Tracks! you’ll be prompted to look inside yourself and your circumstances and apply God’s Word to your life, and to spread it to others.

Just as in Treasured, Beautiful Feet, includes Bible verses, observations and personal questions for reflection that make the devotions perfect for a busy day as well as those days when you have a longer period of time for deeper study.

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Treasured and Beautiful Feet are carried at Crackers to Caviar in Columbus, NE; (402) 564-4768 and The Abbey Christian Store in Norfolk, NE; (402) 379-0712, or can be ordered from Concordia Publishing House; http://www.cph.org/ or call 1-800-325-3040.
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Do you need an idea for your next woman’s retreat? Burma has created complete retreat kits on CD-ROM for both Treasured and Beautiful Feet. The CD-ROMs contain very detailed planning guides, handouts for participants and Power Point presentations. Everything you need to plan and host a retreat is included!

Deb Burma lives in Columbus, NE, with her husband, Pastor Cory Burma and children Chris, Courtney, and Cameron. Read more about Deb in the next issue of the Nebraska Family Times.

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Paper Delivery

2011-02-22T07:04:00.000-08:00

Tracy and I delivered papers in Norfolk and Columbus today. It was a beautiful day to be out and about and fun to show Tracy where the NFT is delivered. I'm going to the Women's Leadership Institute School for Writers in Seward in May (check it out at http://blog.cuw.edu/wli/resources/wli-resources/wli-schools/may-2011-schools-at-concordia-university-nebraska/), and Tracy and Lori will be delivering papers that week.

It was a busy day but very satisfying to get all the deliveries made. I pray that the articles in the paper will bless readers!

The Actions of One

2011-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Actions of One
By Tracy Buzynski

In lieu of the recent shootings that have taken place in Omaha and Arizona I find myself thinking about what utter chaos and devastation one person can cause. When you first heard the news of these two horrible events how did you feel? I found myself feeling shocked, then horrified as I watched the live coverage that lasted for days. Although I didn’t know any of them personally, I shed more than a couple of tears as the commentators talked about the lives of the victims. The young aide, who was engaged just starting his life. The man who died shielding his wife, but saving her. The judge, the grandma and the nine year old child…we as human beings can relate to all of them. Hearing the story of their lives make it relevant to our own. Nineteen people were injured that day all by the actions of one.

What are we to do now? I am sure that many prayers have been said for all the victims and their families from all over the world, which is a wonderful thing. James 5:16 says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

But do you find yourself living in fear? At first I was hesitant about telling my middle-school age child about the shootings. Every mom wants to protect her child from the evil that is in this world. Can’t our kids just be kids? But that is not the world in which we live. Media is everywhere - television, radio, internet and of course they also discuss these events in school. So take some time to have an age-appropriate discussion with your children. Ask them what they are feeling, and pass along any information that you feel is right. Look up passages in the Bible together. See what God says about His protection. The enemy wants us to live in fear and uncertainty, and to do nothing but feel helpless in a helpless situation.

So if we are feeling helpless, what can the actions of one do to make a difference? We know prayer is powerful. If one prays for the nineteen and their families, just how many is that prayer reaching? Only God knows.

Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good for man to be alone.” If one were to show kindness to those who are alone, how could it change our world? What we do, how we think and how we act matters. Not only to ourselves, but to others. Why not show kindness to everyone and teach our kids to do the same? The new kid at school, the loner… If we think about it, we all know someone who could use some kindness. Let prayer and kindness be your actions of one.
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Tracy Buzynski is the owner of Encourage Me Kids, Making a Difference One Kid at a Time. Check out her website at http://www.encouragemekids.com/.

February Editor's Letter

2011-02-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

BRRRR! I’m looking outside at snow and I’m glad I am inside right now. Thankfully we haven’t had as severe a winter as last year, but winter is definitely hitting our part of Nebraska.

Our year is off to a great start!

Cody had a great first semester at college! It was nice to have him home for a few weeks for Christmas vacation. He’s excited to start his second semester, and looking forward to a trip to China in May. Morgan also had a great first semester and is also looking forward to the second semester and continuing to work on the yearbook and school newspaper. Soon she and Tim will be up during the night when the cows start calving (I have not “learned” how to do night checks).

We’re celebrating the birth of a new niece/cousin, Leighton Lynn Edwards. I got to meet Leighton when she was just a few days old. A new baby is truly a miracle! To think that just a few days before I met her, she was in her mother’s womb, totally dependent on Becky…and immediately upon being born her body had to change so she could eat and breathe on her own…Mom and dad were visiting Leighton (and her big sister Logan and their mom and dad) when I was there and it was nice to see them, too.

In the Editor’s Letter last month I told you how I would use the Bible verses of Philippians 4:6-9 as my guide for the year. The verse is on the bulletin board in my office above my desk, so I see it every day as I work. The verse is printed in the paper again this month so you can cut it out if you missed the opportunity to do so last month.

I hope you enjoy several new features in the Nebraska Family Times.

Share the fun events in your family by taking out a Happy Ad! See sample Happy Ads, and information about taking out your own Happy Ad, in this issue of the paper.

I have always been awed by how I can use the wise words of the Bible, written thousands of years ago, to guide my life today. I’ve been studying United States history and I’ve been amazed at how the words of the Founding Fathers also apply to our lives, and issues in our country, today. To that end I’ll be choosing several Wise Words then and Now and printing them every month. I think you’ll enjoy what the Founding Fathers had to say—the more I learn about United States history the more I want to learn!

Recent events led me to publish the Focus on Youth section, with information about cyberbullying and youth violence. By learning about these issues, you can make a difference. Please share the articles with friends, parents, teachers, and anyone else you think could learn from them.

What would YOU like to see covered in the Nebraska Family Times? I’m continually trying to improve the paper so that it “inspires, encourages, and motivates you in your Christian walk.” Please share your ideas with me at shelly@shellyburke.net, by mail at Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640. You can also call and talk to me personally at (402) 993-2467.

God bless you and your family this February! Keep warm!

Organizing for the New Year!

2011-01-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Organizing for the New Year
by Lisa Rosendahl

One of the top New Year’s resolutions for many people is to get organized. So many people feel confused and disorganized in every area of their lives and get easily overwhelmed. That’s why the best tip for getting organized is this: do just a little at a time. If you feel disorganized, you didn’t get that way overnight. So don’t expect to get organized overnight, or even in one week.
Here are a few tips for getting organized:

Think about the “why” behind the “what.” Let’s say that one spot in your kitchen gets the brunt of the paperwork and more often than not, you see more piles in that space than counter. Why is that? Is it because it’s easy to access? Is it in a central location in the home?

Write down the areas in your life you want to organize. Be specific: don’t just write “the house,” write “the kids’ craft cabinet,” or “kitchen cupboards”.

Involve other people. Tackling an organizing project with your spouse or kids is more fun, it holds you accountable to finishing it and there’s a better chance the organized space will last longer since they’ll want to take ownership of the project. If you can’t get your family to help, ask a friend about keeping you accountable, while doing the same for her organizing to-do list. Together, set a date for tackling your individual tasks, and when you’re done, celebrate with a coffee date.

Don’t wait for perfection. I love organizing supplies: perfectly matched labels, boxes in colors to match my decor, divider trays for every possible supply. These things are expensive and they can become just more stuff to hold your stuff. You don’t need fancy equipment to get organized. Reuse glass jars to house pantry items. Washed yogurt, sour cream, and cream cheese containers are great for craft supplies. Cardboard file boxes work well for clothes out of season. Cover them in scrapbook paper, if you want them to look pretty.

If in doubt, throw it out. Always have a “maybe” box in your home. If you’re not sure whether you need something, put it there (and put the box out of sight). If you haven’t retrieved the item in six months you don’t need it. Get rid of it. There are great charities willing to take your donated items.

Accept the fact that managing a home means organizing it regularly. It gets easier and faster the more you do it, because you’ll keep less stuff and you’ll recall where things are. So don’t be discouraged when you organize. Again.

Once you get areas of your home organized you’ll have more time to spend doing things you enjoy and you’ll feel less stressed--which is the goal of those New Year’s resolutions.

Lisa is a former Professional Organizer and is currently the Manager of the Columbus Art Gallery. She considers spending an afternoon in the container department of Home Depot a good time.

A Retired Preacher's View from the Pew

2011-01-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over we can all sit back and relax! On the home front all we have to do is take down the decorations, return the “dud” presents, and pay the extra bills that Christmas generates - and clean out the Thanksgiving leftovers that got squeezed to the back of the fridge. We can just enjoy the memories.

Pastors can relax because the extra and what should be special services are over until we get to Lent and Easter. They can get back into the routine of regular services again. Parishioners can relax, too. Those involved in the kids programs and decorating the church will get a break until next Christmas. It’ll be a relief for those folks who only feel the need to attend church at Christmas and Easter- they won’t have to worry about getting to church again until April 24, 2011.

We’ll notice a lot of empty seats around us when we come to worship on Sunday mornings. On the news this morning they talked about several polls taken showed that 60% to 90% of the people who celebrate Christmas don’t believe in Christ. (That reminded me of some members we had in our church in Michigan whose daughter and son-in-law were Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our kids don’t believe in celebrating Christmas, but they sure like getting the presents.”)

We’ll notice, too, that the Christmas carols and songs we started hearing in store about the time of Halloween aren’t to be heard anymore until next year’s Christmas shopping begins. One of my pet peeves is that we stop singing them in church, too. And sometimes it seems to me that we can’t wait to get the Christmas decorations down in church.

Which brings me to the point. There is one more thing for Christians that often goes by unnoticed. The people of the world don’t see it and it’s become lost in some churches because of all the effort put into the December 25th Christmas and because most years it occurs on a weekday. And we sure don’t want another extra church service after all the Christmas ones, we might get too much religion!

EPIPHANY-sometimes called The Gentile’s Christmas. Its day is January 6th and the Epiphany season goes from then until Ash Wednesday. Epiphany celebrates the events of Matthew 2:1-12. It’s the first account in the Scriptures of Gentiles (that’s you and me, anybody who isn‘t a Jew) coming to worship the Savior.

It’s the twelfth day of Christmas. (We all know that song! A few years ago I decided to give my wife a Christmas gift and also a little something on each of those twelve days. I’d put it by her pillow when I got up in the morning so she’d find it when she got up. Big mistake unless you‘re prepared to do it every year thereafter! Every year I’m reminded… “Dear, what happened to the twelve days of Christmas?”)

When I was the pastor of a church I always liked to make a big deal of Epiphany. We’d ask people to bring their manger scenes and we’d set up a display of them in the church. One more time we’d sing all those beautiful Christmas hymns and songs. Every other year we’d sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (it was too long to sing every year) and explain some of the religious traditions and legends that went with it. And most years we’d do it on January 6th!

We never had big crowds of people flocking to church for the special celebration, especially if it fell on a weekday, but it always was special. All the “fooferall” that went with December 25th was behind and we could concentrate on what Christmas was all about, the birth of Emmanuel, of God with us. We could come to worship the one named Jesus, who saved us from our sins.

I hope you have a blessed Epiphany.

January Editor's Letter

2011-01-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

I love the feeling of starting a new year. Even though it’s just the day after the last day of the previous year, it’s still an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to improve all of those things I want to improve in myself—exercise more, cook healthier meals, keep the house cleaner, save more money—the same things I’ve been trying to improve (with various levels of success) for years.

This year I’m going to do something a little different. I’ll still have my other goals, of course, but I’m going to add something to give me overall guidance in everything I do in 2011. I’m going to have a “Bible Verse of the Year.”

The idea was inspired in part by what I think was my favorite book this year, “The Happiness Project,” by Gretchen Rubin. The author says she was not unhappy, but wanted to focus on the things that really mattered to her.

As part of that quest, she created a theme, with associated goals, for every month. One of my overall themes will be using my time more wisely. (I’m still deciding what my monthly themes will be; I’m writing this December 22 so I have over a week to decide).

I have been praying about how I spend my time, and asking God to help me make the best use of my time. At this point He is not leading me to cut out any activities in my life. Until and unless I get the guidance to do so, I’m going to focus on making the best possible use of the time I have.

Then I received an e-mail devotion which turned out to be one of the front page articles of this issue of the Nebraska Family Times. “Don’t Overthink It” really spoke to me because I’ve always had the tendency to worry about things—which is a way of overthinking them. The Bible verses that author Rachel Olsen refers to in the devotion have always been some of my favorite.

All of these things—thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2012, trying to figure out how to better manage my time, and reading “Don’t Overthink It”--inspired me to decide to have a Bible Verse of the Year, which will help me to accomplish all of these things.

I’ve chosen Philippians 4:6-9, the same verse that Rachel Olsen used in her article. The verse is printed in a box on this page so that if you’d like, you can cut it out and hang it on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror and refer to it daily, too.

The verses will remind me to turn to God rather than worrying. And during the day I will ask myself if I am focusing on the right things, doing the right things, and thinking about the right things—things that are pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy, commendable, worthy of praise, true, and right. (These descriptions are given in different versions of the Bible). If not, I should be doing or thinking about something else. Analyzing what I’m doing will help me to cut out activities that are not helping me achieve my goals.

I plan to write or type the verses several times so I can have a copy in my office, kitchen, bathroom, purse, etc., and read them throughout the day. Consider finding a favorite verse and using it for your “verse of the year”!

Remember Christmas last year? We had one of the biggest blizzards in years the week before Christmas, and another on Christmas Eve. Many, many families didn’t get to spend Christmas the way they usually did. We missed Christmas Eve church for the first time in many years. It doesn’t sound like we’ll have to worry about snow this year!

I’m excited to have my family all together again for at least a few days! God and weather willing we will all go to church together this Christmas Eve, and celebrate the birth of Christ with our church family and friends. I hope you will do the same. And I hope all of us will remember not to just celebrate His birth and life on Christmas, but every single day of 2011. With Him, every day can be a new start, no matter what the calendar says.

I hope to hear from readers in 2011! God bless you and your family in 2011!

Dangers of Teen Pharming

2010-12-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Dangers of Teenage Pharming
by Linda Myers-Bock, Registered Pharmacist

Want to go “pharming”? Then go to a “pharm party” (thrown by teenagers); a bowl of “trail mix” (a variety of pills mixed together) is passed around for party goers to “graze” upon. Another name for such a party is a “skittles” party, since the bowl of pills looks like a bunch of Skittles brand candy. You can’t get in unless you contribute to the mix so teens obtain the pills in a number of ways.

Most teens scavenge medicine cabinets of relatives--grandparents, cousins or aunts and uncles. Some steal sibling’s or parent’s prescription medications from their own homes. It’s also possible for teens with credit card access to buy drugs online, from overseas, without a prescription. One teen reported stealing drug samples from a relative who was a drug company sales representative.

Prescription drug abuse among teens has been steadily on the rise. Three million teens have abused prescription drugs and that statistic increased 400% in the last 10 years. Many start as early as age twelve. It is also now common for kids to bring baggies of mixed pills to school to sell to friends.

This practice can lead to a variety of health problems. It can result in seizures, stroke, breathing difficulties, kidney or liver failure or even death. One 21 year old who used to be on the Dean’s List at a private university suffered permanent brain damage from a stroke she had as a result of “pharming”. She’s now living at home, undergoing therapy, and struggling to keep a job in a sandwich shop. She will never graduate from college.

What to know and do to protect your teen(s):

1. Does your teen come home seeming “out of it” but not smelling of alcohol or
smoke? A teen who has taken pills at a “pharm party” may be jittery, nauseated, have red eyes, feel hot, or have difficulty breathing.
2. When you visit relatives watch for unexpected visits to various bathrooms.
3. Check credit card purchases carefully.
4. Keep all prescription drugs locked in a storage drawer somewhere other than the bathroom medicine cabinet. (The moist heat in the bathroom degrades drugs anyway.) Inventory what you have, including inhalers.
5. Return old prescriptions to a drug “take back” program or crush and discard medications in the trash mixed with litter or coffee grounds.
6. OTC (over-the-counter) medicine can also be abused, especially cough and cold medicines. Be suspicious of empty containers in the trash.
7. Even “smart” kids abuse prescription stimulants such as Ritalin and Concerta. These drugs improve concentration for studying and tests so keep track of any ADHD meds younger children may be using. This is most common between the ages of 18 and 24.

The most important thing you, as a parent, can do is talk to your teens about the dangers of “pharming” or taking medicine in any way except as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. The following resources can be very helpful. You can also contact me by e-mail or phone if you have any questions.

Linda Myers-Bock, Registered Pharmacist
mondobock@neb.rr.com
402-276-2208

References and Resources:
www.drugfree.org
www.theantidrug.com
www.about.com/teens
www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) website

A Retired Preacher's View from the Pew

2010-12-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ah, Christmas, so many memories!

My oldest memory of Christmas is when I was probably about five years old and my folks had a paid Santa Claus come to our house on Christmas Eve. When he got there he was pretty schnockered up and he tracked slush all over the living room carpet. My cousin and I were both so scared of him that he left pretty quick. I remember that because the story was repeated almost every Christmas after!

One memory which will probably be there forever was when I was about ten. My part in the Christmas program was to recite from Luke 2: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

I practiced and practiced memorizing that part. When it came time to say it in front of the congregation I left out “into Judea”. At the time I didn’t realize it and was just relieved to have it over. Later, though, I was reminded by my Sunday School teacher (in front of the other kids) that I had left out a “very important” part of my recitation.

Later, as a teacher in Lutheran schools, the Christmas Eve Children‘s Program was one of the big events of the year. Tradition was that it was on Christmas Eve. The kids from the Lutheran School practiced every day from Thanksgiving on. The kids who didn‘t go to the Lutheran School practiced on Sundays during Sunday School. Then on the Sunday before Christmas there would be an afternoon practice with everyone present.

Finally, the big night. The little kids would get dressed in their costumes. There’d be five or six wise men and half a dozen angels and who knows how many shepherds (easy costumes-a blanket and a stick) but only one Mary and Joseph. The teachers would be making sure all the kids were there, going over last minute reminders and instructions, lining the kids up.
And one thing that was always important- find the child who says, “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” and remind them not to pause after “and the babe”. (If you pause there they’d all three be in the manger!)

As the principal I would make sure every teacher had a couple of brown paper bags. There’s nothing that can upset a program more than one of the kids throwing up on the ones around them!

Another tradition was that after the service was over each child would be given a bag with an apple or orange and about 25 lbs. of candy and peanuts. Just what they needed at Christmas!
Over the years we ran into a few glitches. Like the blizzard that kept about half of the kids from making it on Christmas Eve. Lots of gaps in the Christmas story, but most everyone knows it well enough that they understood.

In the first church where I was the principal one of the girls was given a small part because she rarely was in Sunday School. After the service I got a phone call from her Dad. “My daughter got a new red dress for the Christmas program and her Grandma hardly got to see it because she had such a small part.” At that same church we decided to take the offering at the door after the service and not have to deal with sixty restless kids for the five minutes while the offering was taken. I got a phone call about that, too. “The biggest church service of the year and we don‘t take an offering.” “We took one at the door.” “But people can get by without putting anything in.”

There was the father who had begun his Christmas celebration too early and was quite disruptive even before things got started. The ushers helped him out of the church. And the uncle who showed up wearing a racing jacket with “Viagra” in big letters over the back. I got quite a few phone calls about that one!

Christmas was always sort of bittersweet when I was a teacher involved with the children’s programs. The same, too, when I was the Pastor of a church. All the preparations and activities packed into one or two services. A packed church on Christmas Eve and Day, but then the weeks after… The same folks who won’t be there again until Easter. The kids you won’t see in Sunday School until it’s time to begin practice next year. The people who come to watch the kids but have no thought of worshipping the Savior.

Jesus can get lost pretty easily at Christmas, can’t He? Sometimes with all the things we have to do in the church and with our families it can be pretty hard to keep things in perspective. Christmas is all about Jesus. Jesus, who came to the manger to go to the cross to suffer and to die to save us from our sins. It’s all about Jesus.

May you be blessed with good memories this Christmas, but most of all the hope that Jesus brings.

(Perhaps my favorite Christmas memory. We’d get our girls into the van to go to church on Christmas Eve. After they were all packed in my wife, Mary, would have to go back into the house because she’d forgotten her purse. Then she’d get out the presents “from Santa” that had been hidden away and put them under the Christmas tree. One year, when the oldest was six or seven, she said to me, very seriously, while we were waiting for Mom, “Dad, we know why Mom really goes back into the house. But don’t tell her we know because we don’t want her to feel bad.”)

Columbus Art Gallery

2010-12-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Columbus Art Gallery
“The Best Kept Secret in Columbus”

by Shelly Burke, Editor

Lisa Rosendahl and Susan Schoenhofer want people to know that art is not intimidating and that it is for everyone! Rosendahl has been the Columbus Art Gallery Manager for two years and Schoenhofer is the Executive Director of the Columbus Arts Council, of which the Columbus Art Gallery is a part.

Although it has been located in the lower level of the Columbus Library (2504 14th Street) since 1984, many people are not aware that there is an art gallery in Columbus! Rosendahl says that the gallery exhibits a large variety of artwork and promises “something for everyone’s taste.” There is no cost to visit the gallery.

There are 12 exhibits a year and in 2010 the exhibits focused on Nebraska artists. As Rosendahl says, “Our state is filled with amazingly talented artists,” including Mike Hagel (brother of former Senator Chuck Hagel), who has artwork at SAC Airforce Museum and many other military museums, and Mario Arango, a Cuban native who now lives in Nebraska. Arango’s art was popular in Cuba and his paintings are in the Cuban Embassy in Canada.

When a new exhibit opens, the gallery hosts an Opening Reception at which visitors can meet (and be inspired by) the artist.

Every spring the Columbus Art Gallery sponsors a traveling exhibit from either the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln or the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in Kearney. Over 900 students typically tour these exhibits and create art projects related to that exhibit.

The gallery also works with the library upstairs. The library staff and Rosendahl have developed a StoryART program with Mr. H (Brad Hruska), the Children’s Librarian, and have also done projects with Rachelle McPhillips, the Young Adult/Teen Library Director.

The gallery offers a variety of youth and adult classes (jewelry-making classes will be offered this spring), workshops, and even concerts. Recently Thunder Power, a group from Omaha, and Gunnar Cleeman from Denmark and The Homestories from Switzerland, performed. Rosendahl hopes to have Gunnar return in the spring of 2011. The concerts and exhibits are sure to fit everyone’s budget, as they are FREE!

Beginning November 29th, you can even do your Christmas shopping at the Columbus Art Gallery! During the annual “Christmas Unwrapped” event the formal exhibit space is turned into a gift shop featuring the work of artisans from across Nebraska.

The large variety of unique merchandise includes glass, wood, stained glass, photography, ornaments, stationery items, home décor, books by local authors, and much more! Most gifts are priced under $100 (many under $20) and commission from sales goes back into funding educational programs the gallery offers. Hours will be extended during “Christmas Unwrapped;” you can shop from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday; 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM on Friday, and 1:30PM -4:30 PM on Saturday.

Regular hours for the gallery are Noon – 5 PM Monday through Thursday; Noon – 4:30 PM on Friday, and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM on Saturday. Groups are welcome; call ahead to schedule a special tour by appointment. Contact Lisa at (402) 563-1016. Check out http://www.artscolumbusne.org/ for more information on upcoming events.

December Editor's Letter

2010-12-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

And Happy 19th Birthday Cody! He was born today, November 18th, at just about the time I’m writing this letter. What a joy it has been to be a parent to both Cody and Morgan!

Cody is in Louisville, KY today, with Tim. He won the steer show at the Livestock Exposition last weekend, and his steer Crash sells this evening. It was Cody’s last cattle show so was a great end to his showing career. Morgan and I were unable to go to the show, but it was broadcast over the Internet so we were able to watch from home. Cody, Morgan, and Tim worked many, many hours to get Crash ready for the show, and it was nice to see their hard work pay off.

For the most part it’s been fun to be a parent, but there are scary times too, and we had a scary time about three weeks ago when Morgan was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is much less serious than bacterial meningitis, but Morgan was in a lot of pain and very sick for a few days. Thankfully our prayers were answered and she is recovering. She is attending her first full day of school since she got sick, today.

I really enjoyed putting this issue of the Nebraska Family Times together. Tracy Buzynski, who helps with promotion and publication (and great ideas!) compiled the Human Services Awareness list. I hope you will consider helping out one or more of these organizations if you are able to.

Several people commented on how they enjoyed the Christmas Quiz in the December issue of the paper last year, so I included a quiz in this issue as well! I hope you enjoy it.

Teen “pharming” is an issue that has, unfortunately, come to the Columbus area. Educate yourself on “pharming” by reading “Dangers of Pharming,” by Pharmacist Linda Myers-Bock, in this issue.

I hope you enjoy the variety of articles in this issue of the paper! If you have any suggestions or comments on articles in this issue, or issues you’d like to see covered in a future edition of the paper, please let me know! I appreciate your comments, suggestions, and yes, even complaints. My mission is to “encourage, inspire, and motivate you on your Christian walk,” and I pray that I do that every month.

May God bless you and your family this Christmas season!

This is a picture of my computer screen which shows Cody showing Crash.

A Retired Preacher's View from the Pew

2010-11-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Statistics (if you can believe them) show that less that 40% the people who call themselves Christians attend a worship service on a weekly basis.

When I was a fulltime preacher either before or after the worship service I would try to greet as many people as possible. I tried to vary the greetings: “How’s the new grandchild?” “Get to go fishing last week?” “How’s the new car?” “Got all your corn in yet?” “Feeling better after your bout with the flu?“ It was a way to feel closer to the people, to let them know you were in tune with their lives. Usually the remark was prefaced by “Good to see you.”

I can remember vividly when “Good to see you” backfired! The people it backfired with worshipped just a few times a year and took “Glad to see you” as a dig that they weren’t there most of the time. There were several times I was told that Mr. & Mrs. ____or so and so took “Glad to see you” as “Where have you been and why aren’t you here more often?”

Once I was told, “My son and his family finally came to church and they’re not coming again because you offended them.” “How did I do that?” “You told them you were glad to see them and other people heard you.”

So, what to do? Greet the people who are there regularly and forget the rest? (I have to admit that in my mind whenever I saw those folks I’d be tempted to greet them by saying, “Boy, I’m sure not very happy to see you today” or, “Bad hair day, huh?” or, “Been so long since you’ve been here I almost forgot your names.” I resisted the impulse and would just say “Good morning.”

I still like to greet as many people as I can when I get to my home church. We get there once or twice a month because I’m filling in at other churches. I had preached at my home church two weeks in a row and the following week a husband and wife who are “occasional worshippers” greeted my wife and me with “We haven’t seen you for a long time.” My wife quickly responded with, “Yes, it’s good to be here.” I told her later that I wanted to say, “Well, I preached here the last two weeks, didn‘t see you here.” She said, “I know, and I wasn’t going to give you the chance.”

My son-in-law from Canada says that people who attend church faithfully know where they’ll probably be the morning of November 28, or the morning of January 16, 2011, even March 20, next year (all Sundays). They’ll be in worship somewhere. He also says that the people who don’t attend worship regularly don’t decide until the night before or even on Sunday morning whether they‘ll go to church.

No, you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. Do you have to go golfing to be a golfer or go fishing to be a fisherman or go to the Lion’s Club meetings to be a Lion? You don’t have to, but you will. And Christians will worship with other Christians regularly. It’s what they do, not because they have to but because it’s part of being what they are.

A closing thought--with Thanksgiving just ahead, we have to ask oursleves the question: "Am I thankful enough for the 168 hours God has given me this past week to give him a couple of hours back?"

Blessings!

November Editor's Letter

2010-11-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Giving Thanks

Give thanks, with a grateful heart,
Give thanks, to the Holy One,
Give thanks, because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son…
And now, let the weak say “I am strong”,
Let the poor say “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us,
Give thanks.

This is one of my favorite “thanksgiving” songs. I definitely have a grateful heart this month, first of all because God did give Jesus Christ, His Son, for me and for all believers.

I am also thankful to God for my family and the wonderful times we have together with each other, and with our friends. Cody’s steer, Otter, was the Grand Champion at the AK-SAR-BEN cattle show last month! It was a great way for Cody to end his years showing at AK-SAR-BEN (he will be too old next year). Cody’s good friend Nathan had the Champion Market Hog; we got a unique and fun picture of Cody and Nathan with their champion animals. No one was quite sure if the calf and pig would get along, but they behaved just fine, as you can see from the picture.

Morgan’s heifer Sadie was the Reserve Champion Chianina heifer at AKSARBEN, and Morgan was in the showmanship finals as well. It was a very good show for us and for many of our friends.

Morgan is keeping very busy with school activities; she recently joined the speech team. I am thankful that I’ve already learned about Avogadro’s Number and figuring out the atomic mass of a compound (I might have learned it, but I can’t say I remember it, although Morgan tried to explain it to me…).

Tim is thankful for the nice weather we’ve had recently. We are getting ready for the annual cattle sale in November (“we” as in Tim does all the hard work and I take phone messages when necessary!).

I’m thankful that I love my work—my work as a nurse as well as my work as the Editor and Publisher of the Nebraska Family Times,

By this time last year, we’d already had a snow storm! Remember how long and cold the winter was? I’m thankful that I can already say that ”This winter is shorter than last winter.”

I’m thankful for everyone who reads the Nebraska Family Times, especially when they take the time to tell me when they’ve enjoyed an article, and even when they have a suggestion for something I could do differently. Thanks also for spreading the word about the paper; it’s my prayer that it will get into the hands of everyone who needs encouragement, inspiration, and motivation on their Christian walk (don’t we all?).

Thank you to the Nebraska Family Times advertisers and sponsors, as well! Without you the paper could not be published. I enjoy delivering the paper every month and meeting the people who work in the businesses that sponsor and support the paper.

I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving edition of the Nebraska Family Times! Thanks to everyone who sent in their contribution for “Keeping Christ in Christmas.” You will see some of their ideas in the Play Room section of the paper. More ideas will appear in the December issue of the paper; please send your input to shelly@shellyburke.net.

I know that while I might not be rich by the standards of the world, I am definitely rich in what the Lord has done for me and for my family. I pray that the Lord will bless you richly, as well.

A Retired Preacher's View from the Pew

2010-10-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

The story is told (you’ll have to use your imagination for this one) of a small country church in Michigan that discovered Michigan crude under church property. If you’ve ever traveled through north central Michigan you might have seen some of those small oil wells pumping slowly but steadily away. A well was dropped and soon all the church’s bills were paid. Then a new church was built and a parsonage. The pastor got a raise and a church secretary was hired. The church doubled and quadrupled the money it sent away for mission work and to help the poor. And the well kept pumping.

A church meeting was held. What to do with all the money? A motion was made that when all the bills were paid, when all the mission money was sent away, whatever was left would be divided among the members. Motion carried. As the meeting was about to be adjourned old

Fred, a lifelong member of the church stood up and made another motion, “I move that we take in no new members until the well runs dry.”

I doubt there are many, if any, churches that don’t want to take in new members. It was and continues to be the directive of Jesus, “Go ye therefore…“ Matthew 28:18. It’s part of the Christian life, to bring others to know Christ and to be a part of the Holy Christian Church. Not only that, if a church doesn’t take in new members it probably won’t be around very long.

There are over 100 churches listed on the church page of the Bolivar Herald Free-Press (and many listed in local newspapers in Nebraska, as well). Thirty-nine of them have a Bolivar address. All different kinds: Baptist, Missionary Baptist, Fundamental Baptist, Southern Baptist, Bible Baptist, Berean Baptist, Assembly of God, Nazarene, Church of God, Church of Christ, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, United Methodist, Episcopal, Roman Catholic. There’s also a Community Church, a New life Community Church and a New Heart Foursquare Church, a Freshwater Church. (Forgive me if I left someone out.)

And last of all--Zion Lutheran. Zion is Missouri Synod Lutheran. There are also Wisconsin Synod Lutherans and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and other smaller groups of Lutherans.

Many of us go to the denomination we grew up in or married into. We go because that’s what we do. But what about those who don’t have a church, those we are called to reach out to? It must be pretty confusing to them. “There’s a Church of God and a Church of Christ. Isn’t Christ God?” “There are several that call themselves Christian Churches. Does that mean the others aren’t Christian?” “There are several Community churches. Do you have to live in that town to go there?” “There’s a Bible Church and an Open Bible Church. Don’t they all use the Bible?”

What’s in a name? Not much when it comes to churches. We all know what the name of our church means (at least I hope we do) and what we believe in our denomination. But how about someone who’s new to it all? And I remind us all again--these are the people we are to reach out to.

A friend of mine said, “When we go to heaven our denomination falls off and when we go to hell it burns off.”

No matter what denomination of Christianity, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We all have the same responsibility of sharing our faith and spreading the Gospel. It is especially important that our pastors equip us so we can effectively explain what we believe and what our church has to offer as Baptist Christians, Methodist Christians, and whatever denomination of Christianity we are.

Peter put it this way: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15b.

Editor's Letter October

2010-10-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last month I was “challenged” by computer problems. Ultimately the experts found that I’d used up all the memory on my old computer, and that’s why it was giving me problems. Thankfully, they had a refurbished computer, with four times the memory, that was within my budget. I was very happy that they (“they” being Chopper’s Computers in Columbus) were able to transfer everything from my old computer, to the new (new to me) computer. The only thing I was unable to access was all of my accounting records, meaning I had to re-enter them all. I’d printed out all of the records just a few months ago so was able to get them all re-entered in just a few days. And my new computer works great!

Ecclesiastes tells us that ”There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). September seems to have been my time for breaking things. I was surprised to walk into our laundry room a few weeks ago into several inches of water…thankfully the washing machine just needed a minor part replaced.

Almost as soon as the washing machine was back in working order, the microwave made a scary “BZZZZT” noise and stopped working. We got by for several weeks…until the stove made a similar noise, followed by a “POP” and a little whisp of smoke…unfortunately the repair man said that there is no “repair” for the stove. I briefly considered challenging myself to cook for my family using only the George Foreman grill, griddle, and crock pot…but I think my family would quickly grow tired of that. We got a new microwave yesterday, and will be getting a new stove soon. (If you have any recommendations as to what brand to get, please let me know!)

One friend suggested that maybe the appliances breaking was my sign that I was supposed to take a break from laundry and cooking. Another friend, who was on a trip when all of this happened, texted me that she was glad that I wasn’t on the airplane with her as she was returning home!

I don’t know if there is a message in all of the things that have broken…but I do know that every time something works as it’s supposed to, I’m thankful!

Cody came home from college last weekend and we were all happy to see him. I’m not sure if he was happier to see us, or his cattle! He’s enjoying college life. Morgan has been very busy with her school activities and taking care of Cody’s cattle. The AK-SAR-BEN cattle show is this weekend, and we are all looking forward to it!

I really enjoyed putting together this issue of the Nebraska Family Times! The article Chocolate Covered Grace shows us all how God’s grace can cover all of our mess-ups and sins. Loving and Lumping reminds us that our actions can influence what others think of Christians.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. Neither of these topics are uplifting, but they are issues that are relevant to us all. I hope the articles in this issue of the Nebraska Family Times will increase your awareness and encourage action when needed.

Please continue to share your ideas for “Keeping Christ in Christmas”! I will share your ideas in the next two issues of the paper, so you can consider including some of them in your Christmas celebration.

May God bless you this fall!

It will be with relief that I click “Send” and get this last item of the paper sent in…and I hope that nothing else breaks for at least a few months!

Erstwhile Farm; "Helping you bring good food home"

2010-08-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Erstwhile Farm
“Helping you bring good food home.”

By Shelly Burke, Editor

The definition of “erstwhile” is former; of times past. Larry and Lanette Stec, owners of Erstwhile Farm, LLC, a small sustainable third generation family farm, have worked hard to combine farming practices of the past with modern business practices.

On a tour several weeks ago, it was easy to see that Larry and Lanette love what they are doing—raising hogs and chickens without added growth hormones or antibiotics. The animals live outside, on dirt, in the fresh air and sunshine.

Chickens live in a moveable coop (sometimes surrounded by a moveable fence so they don’t eat from the garden) so they always have access to fresh food and can wander at will. Hogs wallow happily in mud holes. The Stecs also have a large garden and grow certified grains. Crops are rotated to cut down on weeds and keep the soil healthy.

For most of their lives the Stecs have enjoyed country living. Several years ago they decided to go organic with their crops and raise outdoor hogs. Of their decision to change the focus to chemical and antibiotic-free “farm goodness,” Larry says, “We could see that if we wanted to continue to enjoy raising pigs, we would have to add value to what we were already producing, instead of becoming a larger farm. Making the change (to go organic) was a bit scary, as there was not a local mentor to guide us. We relied on the guidance of God, through the ups and downs, with faith that this was the right decision for us. We have seen God’s hand in how the land and animals can be healthy, naturally.”

The Stecs obviously enjoy the hard work of running a business. Their children, Kellan, age 23, and Bethany, 21, and Trevor, 18, helped with the “hands on” aspects of the farm—pulling weeds, sorting pigs—when they lived at home. Now Kellan is working on setting up a website for the business. Bethany contributes her photography talents in creating brochures and advertising. Trevor will go to college this fall.

The Stecs offer organic eggs for sale, as well as seasonable vegetables and different cuts of pork. Produce and eggs are sold from the farm and at several locations in Lincoln (see below for locations). Special orders are accepted.

Recently the Stecs added fresh pork brats to their line of products. Larry and Lanette experimented to get the recipes “just right” and worked many hours to get the recipes and package labels approved so they could sell the brats. They offer several varieties of brats and they are all delicious!

Erstwhile Farm is managed as farms in the past were managed, but Larry and Lanette are always looking ahead. Future goals include growing the business on a local scale and possibly by mail order. They are also doing a feasibility study and may become certified organic with their livestock.

For more information or to purchase products from Erstwhile Farm
Columbus Area: please call {(402) 897-4065} or e-mail erstwhilefarm@gmail.com, for on-farm pick up.

Lincoln Area: Items may be purchased at Open Harvest, 1618 E. South St., or Idea Grocery, 905 S. 27th St.

Greater Eastern Nebraska Nebraska Food Cooperative (http://www.nebraskafood.org/), online year-round farmers market and local food distribution service.

Erstwhile Farm is also on Facebook.

A Retired Preacher's View from the Pew

2010-08-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

A RETIRED PREACHER’S VIEW FROM THE PEW
On an early morning call a vet drove by a friend’s place and noticed he had herded his pigs into the front yard and they were eating apples that had fallen. Several days later when he drove by the farmer was picking up each of the pigs and holding them up to pick an apple from the tree.

An hour later when he drove back the farmer was lifting the last pig to get its apple.

He stopped and asked, “Fred, what are you doing?”

Fred, “The pigs liked the apples that fell to the ground so much that they ate them all, so I’m lifting them up so they can get them off the tree.”

“Isn’t that a lot of work, Fred?”

“I need the exercise.”

“But doesn’t that take a lot of time?”

“Just a couple of hours every day. Besides, what’s time to a pig?”

My Dad hated to get anywhere late, but especially church services. He would rather have been fifteen minutes early than one minute late. His feeling was that it’s pretty inconsiderate to make people wait for you when you’re late. (Yes, there are times it can’t be helped.) His attitude rubbed off on me.

Unfortunately, it’s not that way with everybody. But did you ever notice, often it’s the same people who are late over and over? There are some folks who will probably be late to their own funeral.

I have always considered the time we share worshipping together as one of the most important times, if not the most important time of the Christian’s week. If, as the Pastor, I didn’t think that, why would my parishioners? That time of corporate worship, whether it’s an hour or two hours, is precious, as is all our time.

Consider that the person who works all week takes the time to worship out of their free time.

Consider the farmer or the vet or the doctors and others who are “on call” 24/7. Consider the people who take time off from their job to attend church. (We know a lady who’s a really good cook in a small restaurant who takes time off from her job to go to church every Sunday. It was part of the agreement with her boss.) How about the Dad and Mom who work all week and on Saturday have to get all the shopping and chores done that keep the household running?

We sometimes attend a church which starts late so often that “late” has become “on time“.

Sometimes it’s only two or three minutes, more often, five or more. There might be a hundred people in their pews ready to go, but they all are expected to wait while the powers that be take their time getting their act together. While they’re taking their own time, they’re taking the time of the people waiting for them, too.

David wrote in the 29th Psalm:
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.

More importantly, what does it say about us and our attitudes toward the glory and splendor of God and worshipping Him when we can’t even start on time?
-----------
Allen Geil is a retired pastor/teacher/hog farmer who lived in Nebraska for 18 years and now lives in Missouri.

August Editor's Letter

2010-08-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

We have had a great summer so far! Morgan was the Grand Champion Intermediate Showman at the Charolais Jr. National Show in South Dakota, and Cody had the Grand Champion Steer at the Platte County Fair! It was a great way for him to end his county fair career—he will be too old to show at the fair next year. Tim and I really enjoyed watching both kids compete; the competition was tough in both events. And we also watched them enjoy time with their friends before and after the shows.

Big changes are ahead for our family; Cody will leave for college (he’s going to Kansas State University) in August. He’s excited to start this new stage in his life. We will miss him but we’re also excited for him. Morgan has been busy with FFA and FBLA meetings and she’s getting excited to start her junior year. She’s ridden her horse, Maggie, several times this summer. It’s fun to watch them ride across the pasture.

Tim is busy preparing for the club calf internet sale Sept. 12th. All the cattle will have pictures and a short video on the internet. This technology makes it easy for people from anywhere in the country to view the cattle and bid.

August is a big “anniversary” month for our family. Tim and I will celebrate our 21st anniversary on August 5th; my mom and dad will be married 45 years on August 21st, and my Grandma and Grandpa Christian will celebrate 68 years together on August 19th. Our family is blessed to have examples of enduring marriages.

I really enjoyed putting together this issue of the Nebraska Family Times! You’ll find a wide variety of articles about both local and national events.

I would like to encourage every mom of pre-school aged children to consider joining a MOPS group (you’ll find an article about MOPS in the paper this month). I was a member of the first MOPS group in the Columbus area, when Morgan was in pre-school. I so enjoyed meeting other Christian moms and sharing both joys and challenges with them. It was reassuring to talk with the other moms at MOPS and realize that no matter what I’d done, or what one of my kids had done, someone else had had the same experience. Many friends I made in MOPS are still friends today.

This is the final month the Reader Questionnaire will appear in the paper; please fill it out so I can produce a paper that you will enjoy, and that will “encourage, inspire, and motivate you” in your Christian walk. Thanks to all who have already filled out and returned their questionnaire.

If you would like an extra copy of the Nebraska Family Times to share with a friend, call or e-mail. I’ll be happy to send up to 5 copies (at no charge) for you to share.

Enjoy the rest of summer, and God’s blessings to everyone who reads the Nebraska Family Times!

Camp Luther; "Faith, Fun, and Friends"

2010-07-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Camp Luther
“Faith, Fun, and Friends”

by Shelly Burke, Editor

“Faith, Fun, and Friends” is the theme of Camp Luther this year, and more than 400 campers will experience faith, fun, and friends as they take part in various camps this summer.

Camp Luther is located 5 miles north of Highway 30 between Columbus and Schuyler.
Camp Luther's site is about an hour and a half drive from Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island, and about an hour from Norfolk, York, and Seward.

Hank Rausch, Executive Director of Camp Luther, says, “Camp Luther is a small, personal camp that emphasizes relationships between the campers and other campers, campers and staff members, and most importantly, campers and their faith.” During the day campers may spend Time Alone With God (TAWG), and each day includes Bible study and campfire devotions. (Camp Luther is a Service Organization of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, but its programs are open to all).

According to Rausch, 50-75% of summer staff members are former campers who have come back to be counselors, because of the positive experiences they had at Camp Luther and the relationships they built during those years.

During the summer campers are offered a wide variety of camps from which to choose; as well as traditional camps for grades 1-10, guests may attend Parent/Child Camp, Grandparent/Grandchild Camp, Family Camp, and Adult Summer Activities. Specialty camps cater to those interested in sports, science, survival skills, and volunteer opportunities. Rausch was quick to point out that although there is a charge for attending camp, no child will ever be turned away due to lack of funds.

Campers spend their time outdoors on bike trails, swimming, taking part in hot dog roasts, and participating in other outdoor activities. Many camps include a night camping outside (although all the rain this summer has made that difficult during some weeks!).

A Special Needs Camp is offered for developmentally challenged individuals age 13-adult. During the Special Needs Camp, each camper is paired with a buddy to help them make the most of their experience.

Camp Luther isn’t just for camping; events take place throughout the year. Activities scheduled for this fall include a Men’s Ministry Retreat, Outdoor Education for Small Schools, a Jr. High Retreat, and Women’s Scrapbooking Retreat. Buildings are available for rental (for group meetings or wedding receptions, for example), and camping facilities are also available.

Volunteer opportunities are available for adults who would like to help out with meals or assisting with maintenance during a camp. Junior Servants may volunteer to help wherever needed. Volunteers can help with projects during the year, or donate money or specific items.

For more information about camps, other activities, or volunteering or making a donation, see the website (www.campluther.org) or call (402) 352-5655.

Cody's Last Platte County Fair

2010-07-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

It was a day filled with bittersweet feelings. Cody showed today for the last time at the Platte County Fair. Cody first showed at the county fair when he was only 8 years old. We have so many wonderful memories of the fair--showing cattle, fun times with friends, and the weather--it's almost always steaming hot during the county fair.

Today Cody showed Crash, and Crash was named Champion Market Steer! Cody had never had the Champion steer at the county fair this year, and it was a great way to end his county-fair career.

Summer Fun--Cattle Shows! Charolais Junior Nationals

2010-07-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Morgan (and her heifer Princess) beat out more than 70 other competitors to be named Champion Showman at the Charolais Junior Nationals in South Dakota. Great job Morgan and Princess!

First Nebraska Christian Music Festival a Success!

2010-07-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

First Nebraska Christian Music Festival a Success!

[NFT] The First Nebraska Christian Musical was held June 20th at Brickyard Park in Hastings, NE. Despite storms the night before and threatening clouds throughout the day, there were smiles all around on the faces of organizers, volunteers, performers, and those listening to the music (see the June issue of the Nebraska Family Times for a list of performers).

According to organizer Dr. Mike Skoch, one of the organizers, “The festival was a rousing success by all measures. We are very grateful to those who braved the day, clouds and all. The music was simply outstanding! From the first band - Social Contradiction of Omaha - to the final group - the Salem Baptist Choir - also from Omaha - there was not a single group that even came close to disappointment. At one point I found myself sitting backstage with tears in my eyes at the wonder of it all, and the magnitude of God's infinite love for all of us. The music moved me. One of the day’s performers said, "Music speaks a language that words cannot."

According to Skoch, the Christian Music Festival will be held again next year, probably in August. The website, http://www.nebraskacmf.org/ will be updated when dates are determined, and the Nebraska Family Times will also print information as it becomes available.

Editor's Letter July 2010

2010-07-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

I hope you are enjoying your summer!

It’s been a busy month for our family. I’m so happy that Cody and Morgan are home from school for the summer! I don’t get to see them a lot, as they’re very busy with their cattle and helping Tim at the ranch, but it’s still nice to know they’re close by.

We’ve been to several cattle shows this month and next month is the Platte County Fair. Morgan will also be showing at the National Chianina show in Springfield, IL. As well as showing her heifers Sadie and Unforgettable, Morgan will be taking part in several contests, including Salesmanship, Team Fitting, Livestock Judging, and Public Speaking.

Cody went to Manhattan, KS, for college orientation several weeks ago. He became more familiar with the college and enjoyed getting to know some of his soon-to-be classmates and choosing his classes. I think he is excited to start college.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times!

Please fill out the Reader Questionnaire and return it to me. By reading your answers and suggestions, I can make sure I’m printing and writing articles that are of interest to you and will “Inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.”

I had the pleasure of attending the first Nebraska Christian Music Festival in Hastings, NE, last week. Rain threatened all day, but did not interfere with the fun of meeting and hearing performers. I enjoyed meeting several people who planned the event, and I’m happy to report they are planning to hold the Festival again next year! You’ll see a report of the Festival in the paper this month.

If you are planning, or aware of, any Christian events, please let me know! I enjoy writing about and promoting those events, and readers enjoy knowing about and attending them. You can reach me at (402) 993-2467, (402) 750-3496, or shelly@shellyburke.net.

May God bless you and your family this month!

Columbus Women Encourages Kids

2010-06-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Columbus Businesswoman Encourages Kids

By Shelly Burke, Editor

As every mom does, Tracy Buzynski wanted her daughter to become a well-rounded, happy child (Tracy gives her mom credit for her own happy childhood). Tracy saw the pressures her daughter Shannon, age 11, and her friends faced every day at school, and wanted to find a way to encourage them. “We are all given positive and negative labels throughout our lives,” Tracy says, “so why not give kids positive labels to encourage them? How would a positive label make a difference in kids’ school and personal lives?”

Tracy prayed to find a way to give her daughter and her friends positive labels, as well as build character and instill life values. Her prayers led her to combine her background as a graphic artist and her experiences owning an advertising agency, and start her business, Encourage Me Kids. The Encourage Me Kids website features products kids will see and use every day—bookmarks, refrigerator or locker magnets, posters, book-bag tags, and agenda markers. All items are personalized and carry a positive, value-filled message for that child related to his or her interests.

For example, the True Friend line reinforces three values:
• Be Yourself! GOD made the one and only perfect you!• Be a Friend! The only way to have a friend is to be one.• Be Forgiving! No one is perfect, forgive and you will be forgiven.

The Cowboy series, perfect for little boys, encourages:
• Cowboy Up! Be courageous and do what’s right.• Be Honest! Tell the truth partner, honesty is absolute.• Show your true grit! Stand up for what you believe in. A cowboy worth his salt lives by the golden rule.

Shannon helps her mom come up with wording and design ideas, which they then present to Shannon’s friends for input. Tracy says, “They are the best critics.” The kids have approved lines featuring Kool Cat, Monkey, Patriot (with sayings from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin), and a Penguin. The items are appropriate for children in grade-school.
Tracy’s future plans include expanding her line to include products for middle-school age kids.

Tracy’s husband, Mark, has supported Tracy in her business. “I couldn’t follow my dreams without his love and support,” Tracy says. As all business owners do, Tracy has faced challenges. Keeping up with doing business through the ever-changing Internet and the social media craze (including Facebook) are a challenge, as is finding the time to get ideas from the design stage and on to the web site (www.encouragemekids.com).

Tracy has seen God’s hand at work throughout the process of building Encourage Me Kids, from product design to getting funding. Tracy says, “The Lord is my business partner. I have started a journal of all the great things that have happened along the way. I am tithing with all the proceeds. In the Bible, God tells us to test Him in this (Malachi 3:10), so with every order I take His portion off the top.”

May God bless your business, Tracy!

For more information e-mail Tracy at: info@encouragemekids.com, or contact her by phone at 402-562-8255 or by mail: Celebrating Design, 2804 8th Street, Columbus, NE, 68601

Reader Questionnaire

2010-06-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

The goal of the Nebraska Family Times newspaper is “To inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.” My prayer every month is that I will write and publish articles that will do just that. How am I doing? Please fill out the following questionnaire and let me know what parts of the paper you enjoy, what you don’t enjoy as much, what you’d like to see more of, and any suggestions you have for improving the paper.

Please mail your completed questionnaire to: Shelly Burke, Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640. You may also e-mail your responses to shelly@shellyburke.net.

This questionnaire will appear in the June, July, and August issues of the Nebraska Family Times.

If you include your name and address, your completed questionnaire is a chance for you to win a prize package that will include books, CD’s, and CHOCOLATE! One winner will be chosen every month. You do not have to include contact information if you wish to submit your questionnaire anonymously.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire!

What is your age?
o Under 20 years old
o 21-40 years old
o 41-55 years old
o 55+ years old

Do you have Internet access?
o Yes
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Do you have a cell phone?
o Yes
o No

Do you work outside your home?
o No
o Part-time
o Full-time

Do you homeschool?
o Yes
o No

Are the Nebraska Family Times readers in your home:
o Male
o Female
o Both

How many children live in your home?
o 0
o 1-4
o 5 or more

How old are the children who live in your home (please check all that apply):
o 0-1 years old
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o 10-12 years old
o 13-18 years old
o 19+ years old

Are you a grandparent?
o Yes
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Regarding length, are the articles in general:
o Too long
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o A good mix of long, medium, and short articles

What topics would you like to continue to see (or see more of) in the NFT?
(check all that apply)
o Health
o Child development
o Parenting teenagers
o Education
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o Book/CD/movie reviews
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What do you like most about the Nebraska Family Times?

Comments/suggestions:

Name/address/phone/e-mail (optional)

Columbus Kids Prepare for PINK Trip

2010-06-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

1C, Peace Kids Prepare for PINK Trip

[NFT] For the sixth year, the PINK (Peace Inspiring Native Kids) group will be traveling to Cormorant, Canada, to teach native children Vacation Bible School. This year participants from 1C church in Columbus will be going as well. The group of 12 kids and 7 adult chaperones will be leaving July 23 and returning July 31st.

According to Tamra Boettcher, Youth Leader and chaperone, “Several of the students have been on this trip before and are very passionate about the mission. The newcomers are equally excited about the experience to get to meet children of the Native American culture and help them get to know Jesus.”

Reid Fullner, Alea Smith, and Ryan Coffee have all been on the trip before, and when asked what they’re most looking forward to, each said the same thing: “Seeing the kids again and watching them grow in their faith and learn more about God.” Mariah Spady is going on her first trip to Canada, and she anticipates the trip will “help me in my spiritual walk by allowing me to share my faith with others more freely and readily.”

The kids have weekly DEN meetings to help grow their faith and prepare them for the trip, and they have been working throughout the year to earn money for the trip by doing fundraisers and service projects.

Cormorant, a village of about 400 people, is 1100 miles from Columbus. Many in Cormorant live in poverty, and crime and drugs are prevalent. Despite the challenges of the trip, Craig and Lisa Brestel, first-time chaperones, are looking forward to it. “The trip will help us both grow with God through helping others, and we’re looking forward to watching the kids in action,” says Lisa.

Kirk Nelson, a chaperone going on his first trip to Canada, summarizes the goal of the trip (and the goal we should all have, no matter where our journey takes us); “Our most important mission is to share God’s message of love with the people we will see on our journey.”

Please pray for the safety and success of this group as they travel!

Book Review: College 101: Campus Life for Christians

2010-06-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

By Shelly Burke

I was looking for a book to prepare my son for college, spiritually as well as emotionally. College 101 is a small, unintimidating book, subtitled Campus Life for Christians. As I paged through it, I knew it would be the perfect book for him, and for any student heading to college.

College 101 covers a comprehensive range of topics relevant to college-bound students—from what to expect in a roommate, what to bring to college (including the “Rule of Fourteen”—fourteen days’ worth of clothes, forcing the reader to do laundry every two weeks and preventing smelly consequences of having too many clothes and not doing laundry), and preparing by getting to know the Bible.

The book discusses the emotional impact of moving away from home, actually meeting a new roommate, and making friends. Plenty of practical advice is included; options for buying books cheaply, why to lock the room door every night, and wearing flip-flops in the shower. The authors suggest finding the health center and asking about the routine of being seen, so the student is familiar with the routine of making an appointment and being seen, before he or she gets sick.

Many kids are unprepared for the increased responsibility they have while in college, along with less accountability to anyone. This book discusses the importance of making good decisions (like going to class regularly, finding and attending a church), and also points out the consequences of making negative decisions.

College 101 takes a realistic look at temptations every student faces while at college, even Christian colleges. The emotional and physical consequences of drugs, alcohol, and sex are outlined, along with techniques to avoid and deal with the temptations (drinking wisely, sipping no more than one drink an hour, or not drinking at all but carrying around a glass of soda all evening so as not to get pressured into drinking).

Biblical references are given throughout the book, to help guide students through their days at college. Readers are warned of threats to their faith that they’ll probably face—temptations, non-believing professors, friends who scorn their faith—and again are told of the importance of faith and techniques to deal with these threats.

I’m impressed with the amount of valuable, useful, easy-to-read information contained in just over 200 pages. It’s written in a style teens will appreciate, and at $9.95 is a bargain. I’ll be buying more copies as gifts for any graduate heading for college.

(The Abbey gift and bookstore in Norfolk carries College 101: Campus Life for Christians)

Editor's Letter June 2010

2010-06-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS to all graduates, especially our son Cody, who graduated from Lakeview High School on May 16th. It was a wonderful day filled with family, fun, and pride in Cody’s accomplishments. He will be attending Kansas State University in the fall. What a milestone!

When I belonged to a MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group years ago, one of our mentors said, “The days with your children may seem long…but the years will seem short.” Those were very wise words, and I pass them on to every mother of young children.

Most of May was filled with preparing for Cody’s graduation party and the graduation itself. We were blessed with good weather and the presence of many friends and family members to celebrate with us.

School is out now and Cody and Morgan are getting ready for summer cattle shows. I’m sure the summer will go fast! It’s my favorite season of the year—I even like the heat.

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers! I am blessed to have a father who always encourages and supports me in whatever I want to do, and he’s always quick to encourage my family in their endeavors, as well. And he always, always can make me laugh, no matter what kind of mood I’m in. THANKS, dad!

I’m also blessed to have a husband who is a wonderful father. He never hesitates to spend time with and help Cody and Morgan, no matter how tired he is or how long his to-do list is. Tim is a huge factor in the happy, productive children Cody and Morgan are. THANKS, Tim!

In the paper you’ll find an article about parable of The Prodigal Son, but with the focus on the father, rather than the son. You’ll see how the father’s actions are like our heavenly Father’s actions as well.

As I was shopping for graduation gifts, I found a book called College 101; Campus Life for Christians. I highly recommend it as a gift; you’ll find a review of the book in the Playroom pages of this issue of the Nebraska Family Times.

I’ve also included a reader survey in the paper. Please fill it out to let me know how I’m doing as editor, and what you’d like to continue to see, see more of, or maybe see less of, in the paper. My prayer is to produce a paper that will encourage, inspire, and motivate you in your Christian walk, and I need your help and suggestions to do that.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times! May God bless you this summer!

Shelly

Editor's Letter May 2010

2010-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Another month has flown by!

It’s good to see the trees and pastures getting green again! It seems like they were white or brown for a very long time. The ducks are back on our pond, the wild turkeys are wandering around, and I’ve even seen a few deer. I am so thankful for the blessings and beauty of nature.

We have another new baby donkey! That brings our “donkey herd” size to nine. I’ve been asked where we got all the donkeys, and what we do with them. Some of them we own, and some belong to other people and are just visiting for now. We used the donkeys last year to protect the sheep, and this year to protect the baby calves; donkeys keep away coyotes that will kill sheep and calves. The donkeys will actually kill coyotes if they come too close. We also use the donkeys to train calves to show, if they’re too difficult for Tim and Cody and Morgan to train. A difficult-to-train calf is tied to a donkey (it does not hurt either animal) and the donkey will not let the calf buck, run, etc. After a few hours or days, the calf is tame enough for kids to lead.

We are busy getting ready for Cody’s graduation! He will graduate from Lakeview High School on May 16th. We approach this milestone with bittersweet feelings; we are so happy that he is excited about this next stage in his life (he will be attending Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS next year) but in a way sad that he will not be around our home as much come next fall. We know that kids growing up and leaving home is part of God’s plan, and we trust that He will continue to keep watch over Cody.

Morgan is excited to serve as Secretary for the Lakeview FBLA next year; she is also applying for Secretary of the FFA chapter. She’s looking forward to going to several national and regional cattle shows this summer.

Happy Mother’s Day! I am so thankful for my own mother, Mary Geil, who has taught me so much and has shown me love, encouragement, and support in everything I do. I love you mom! I’m also thankful for my mother-in-law Anne; I’m so glad you live so close and are always supportive and willing to help me and my family.

I pray for God’s comfort for mothers who face Mother’s Day without a child this year (due to death) and children of any age who face Mother’s Day without their mothers.

We also celebrate Memorial Day at the end of May. Please remember our servicemen and servicewomen and their families in your prayers, and thank them when you see them. Our country is so blessed to have men and women willing to protect our country.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times! As always, my prayer is that you will find inspiration, encouragement, and motivation in the articles. I appreciate your comments and suggestions, so if there’s something you’d like to see in the paper, please let me know. You can reach me by email at shelly@shellyburke.net or by phone at (402) 993-2467.

May God bless your May!

Chocolate Covered Bacon

2010-04-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

I've seen numerous recipes for and raves of chocolate-covered bacon. I like to try unusual recipes, so thought I'd finally try it.

Guess what chocolate covered bacon tastes like?

Bacon dipped in chocolate!

It's not as repulsive as some of the members of the family feared it might be...but it's nothing special either. Good thing I only made a few pieces to try! Obvioulsy, others love it...but I'll continue searching for a fun, unusual recipe to make for Cody's graduation party.

Sponsor Spotlight

2010-04-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

I appreciate the businesses that sponsor the Nebraska Family Times! When a person or business is a “sponsor,” they receive 10 (or more) copies of the paper every month to share with customers, patients (in a dentist, chiropractor, or doctor office), members of the church congregation, co-workers, or friends. (A sponsorship of 10 papers/month is $10/month; sponsors are recognized on paper racks or holders, and in the paper.) A sponsorship is a way for the sponsor to assure distribution of the Nebraska Family Times to people, and meet the mission of the paper, “To Inspire, Encourage, and Motivate You on Your Christian Walk.”

To thank businesses for being sponsors, about a year ago I started the Sponsor Spotlight. An article about the featured sponsor appears on the Play Room pages in the Nebraska Family Times. It’s been interesting to hear “the story” behind how a business was started, and what the owners enjoy about their business.

The May Sponsor Spotlight will feature Main Street Apothecary of Laurel, NE.

Would you like your business featured in the Sponsor Spotlight? Contact me at shelly@shellyburke.net or by phone at (402) 993-2467 or (402) 750-3496 and we’ll set up a time for an interview (or I’ll e-mail you interview questions.)

I appreciate Nebraska Family Times sponsors and hope to hear from you!

Graduation

2010-04-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Graduation is Coming!

Cody graduates from high school on May 16, 2010. In some ways it seems like just yesterday that I walked him to his first day of school…

I have mixed feelings about him graduating and leaving home (he’s planning to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, next year). I’m so happy he has plans and goals, but also sad that he won’t be a part of our everyday life anymore.

I know it’s God’s plan that our children leave us and start their own lives, and I pray that Tim and I have helped him to develop a good foundation of faith and that he will continue to grow in faith, wherever he is.

We’re busy making plans for Cody’s graduation party. It’s fun to plan, and he’s not picky about exactly what we do—he’s most concerned with seeing friends who have been a part of his life. I made basic plans a few months ago, but now it’s time to get down to the details—exactly what we’ll have for food (lots of cheesecakes for dessert!), how the room will set up, what the decorations will be.

It will be a busy few weeks until the party—I have another issue of the paper to put out as well! J Don’t worry—It’s all coming together nicely.

Editor's Letter April 2010

2010-04-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Spring is springing!

I was so happy to get in the vehicle this morning and have to look for my sunglasses; it seems the sun hasn’t been out for a long time. Although things are brown right now, soon we’ll be seeing green (and I have a friendly bet with my mother-in-law that we will see one more snow before winter is completely gone…but snow in April will not last long). What a joy to see God’s hand in the re-birth of the earth every spring and be reminded on Easter of our ultimate re-birth in Heaven.

Speaking of birth…one of our donkeys had a baby! His name is Stormy, and he was the first donkey ever born on the ranch. He’s doing well and we think another of the donkeys might be pregnant, so another donkey baby may be arriving soon.

Another sign of spring is the arrival of cows and their calves in “my” pasture—the pasture right outside of our house. It’s so fun to look out the window and see the cows and their babies running around. About 100 calves have been born, and there are about 100 left to be born.

On a sad note, my Grandpa, Edward Geil, died in this world and was born into heaven on March 11th. Our sadness for our loss is mixed with joy for his gain; he believed in Christ and had been looking forward to joining Grandma, who died in 2002, in heaven. We know he is in heaven, out of pain, with her and with Jesus…and we know that we will see both Grandma and Grandpa again. All who knew Grandpa were blessed to know him. His faith showed in all he said and did and I will never forget his encouragement and love.

Two hours after we got home from the funeral, Morgan was doing chores and got hit in the head with a gate, so we visited the Emergency Room for stitches. We are so thankful her injury wasn’t worse! The stitches are already out and she’s rather proud of her “battle scar.” Cody has been counting the days until graduation…the spring is just flying by with cattle shows, calving, and enjoying being outside.

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I hope you enjoy this issue of the paper! Since I’m working on “spring cleaning” (in preparation for Cody’s upcoming graduation party), I’ve included hints and tips for organizing and cleaning, along with a review of my favorite housekeeping/organization book.

I’ve also printed an article about giving to charity when you’re on a tight budget (“Charity on a Shoestring”) and “Talking About Healthy Relationships” (with your kids). I hope that “Celebrating Mother’s Day Without Mother” will be comforting and encouraging to readers who are doing just that. If you find an article that would be perfect for a friend, please consider cutting it out and sharing it. If you don’t want to cut up your issue of the paper, contact me and I’ll send them a complimentary copy with a note that indicates the article that may be of interest.

Please let me know what articles and features you enjoy, and what topics you’d like to see more of. You can reach me at (402) 750-3496 or (402) 993-2467, or by e-mail at shelly@shellyburke.net. I enjoy hearing from readers!

God bless you and your families as you celebrate Easter and enjoy spring!

Shelly