Who are you? Most of us answer that question by telling others what we do – but that really isn't who we are, is it?
Everyone responds in the expected way, but how should we really answer that question? Shouldn't we describe our interests, our characteristics, our talents, or spiritual gifts? But even that doesn't tell anyone who we are, not really!
So who are you? The world tells us our value is found in our business and financial successes, in our prestige and popularity, but does it really?
If you believe in evolution, you are the result of a chance collision of molecules and have evolved from mammals.
If you read Genesis, it tells you God designed you from a lump of clay to be responsible for the lives we need to live.
If you go to a chemist, he will tell you the human body breaks down as follows: 65% oxygen, 18% carbon, 10% hydrogen, 3% nitrogen, 1.5% calcium, 1% phosphorous, 0.35% potassium, 0.25% sulfur, 0.15% sodium, 0.15% chlorine, 0.05% magnesium, 0.0004% iodine, with traces of fluorine, silicon, manganese, zinc, copper, aluminum and arsenic. The total value of all of this comes to less than one dollar.
On the other hand, surgeons are now able to use body parts from other humans to bring improved health and even life to their patients. But is man simply matter?
What is the value of a dollar bill in the hands of a millionaire? What is that dollar worth to a homeless person who has nothing? To someone who needs a body part - a new lease on life? A dollar is 100 pennies, 20 nickels, 10 dimes or 4 quarters; its value isn't determined by the owner, but by the maker!
To your friends you may be any number of things - good or bad. Some might see you as a successful businessperson, a loyal friend, a volunteer, or any number of things that money can't buy.
The world is always going to be different to different people - and will never be what it was before. We can learn from the past, but we know we must move into the future. If we don't like it, it is up to us to make it likeable.
Human worth isn't based on possession, achievement, physical beauty, strength or popularity. Human worth is what you really are made of and that must be emotional integrity.
If you fill your mind with gratitude for what you have instead of concentrating on what you don’t have, you can fill your mind with thoughts of gratitude. You can't be hateful when you are grateful.
We can't all be great or responsible, but we can all make a difference.
There is power in generosity, in doing things for others. Or you can be selfish and do something because it makes you feel good. It has nothing to do with how another reacts.
I think of Dacoda’s smile. It's beyond value. I think of Annie who has complete love for her child. She is grateful that she has Kaiden because "he has done so much for her." I think of Lenard who accepted Kaye’s gift of a nickel because that was all she had. How happy she was and how disappointed she would have been if he had said, "No, you keep it." Do we always look at gifts for what they really are?
Sometimes when I get overwhelmed with things I must do, I stop to realize how good it makes me feel if I can contribute something for the happiness for others.
It hurts me when I see those in high places do things they shouldn't because it shows disrespect to others, especially children.
You can wipe out a lifetime of good by making a foolish mistake.
He knew better - first by breaking the rules of entry and second of providing beer to a minor. Yes, he confessed and said he was sorry but the damage was already done. Is anything OK as long as you don't get caught?
I feel insulted when I see that there are those who dispose of garbage along the highway. Such a little thing? No, it is a big thing. Is it too much to ask that one carry a bag for garbage until they reach a stopping place where it can be disposed of properly?
Life is short - gifting it with kindness should be such an easy thing to do.
The simple act of sending a picture or a note, or telling a mother her baby is beautiful, or just saying hello to someone you don't know, doesn't costs that much. Or a visit to someone who needs it - like the elderly - gives value to you and hopefully the one who receives it has a brighter day.
It isn't who you are or what you are, but how you make others feel that is important. The Chinese have a saying: When someone shares something of value with you, you have an obligation to share it with others. A society grows great when old men plant trees - whose shade they know they'll never sit it.
I admit to grief and a feeling of loss over the untimely death of Robin Williams. He gave so much to everyone. Death often shows up to remind us to live life more fully. When someone you love dies they truly never go away. You feel them everywhere - in the wind, in voices, in every little encounter and their spirit lives with you so you can call yet another angel by name.
Knowing that we're created in God’s image is proof of our value. Scripture actually has a lot to say about who we are. Let's discover just who we really are - and whose we are!
Some of our readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, August 28: Mitch Helmers, Larry Motl, Bev Newgard. Waynetta Peterson, Rosy Fisher, Lorraine Christensen, Justine Randall, Marlys Van Kampen, Tammy Johnson, Gerritt Molenaar Sr., Jacquelyn Jensen, Linda Kelly, Marvin Thomspon, Jim & Fran Ladlie
• Friday August 29: Mark Lee, Eunice Smith, Barbara Klinger, Cheryl & Brian Boettcher
• Saturday, August 30: Brett Richards, Joel Born, Danielle Cook, Katie Cleven Richards, Staci Hohansee, Donna Demmer, Everett Jensen, Grace Paulson, Craig Schwartz, Eva Elayna Thomas
• Sunday, August 31st: Carole Schember, Judy Deml, Terry Walterman, Kari Hohansee, Jerry Flugum, Tony Holmes, Connie Misgen Evenson, John Tasker, Heather Reese, Nancy Bottelson, Garrett Avery, Ron & Karen Huber, Melissa & Tyler Moe
• Monday, September 1st: Jim Motz, Payton Thomspon, Daryl Nelson, Jody Farr, Catherine Carlson, Gregory Ray, Dianna & Matthew Beckman, Adam & Lalya Lang, Jim & Marian Motz
• Tuesday, September 2nd: Krista Paulsen, Brent Broulik, Barb Grunwald, Dean Richards, Logan Callahan, Peyton Moore Ayers, Randy & Barb Horan, Christine & Tom Krause, Amy & Jeff Conley
• Wednesday, September 3rd: Marie Carroll, Lori Ingvaldson, Joanne & Mitch Wayne, Dick & Paulette Nelson, Tatum Wilson
Wherever this year takes you, may you find happiness along the way.
