“As you move through your day, do so with love, caring and sustenance, for you are the caretaker of the world. Your job, as a human animal is to ensure not only the survival of your species, but also the quality of such.”

As I heard this quote I instantly felt that we have all the knowledge we’ll ever need right inside our minds, like an internal toolbox. In our toolbox are ambition, surety, promise, initiative, compassion, and trust, just to name a few.

At birth we are ready to put the tools to use. We are taught to crawl or forever remain at a standstill. We improvise and begin using our limbs to propel us forward, honing in on our goal. As a toddler our world is immense and an inexhaustible playground – a place where there are no limits save for parental ones. The world is an open book of endless possibilities, one that engulfs us, cradles us, and challenges us to seek her every corner.

As adults, we aren’t that different from the baby. With our toolbox in hand, we can rise above any obstacle we encounter. We inherently know the problems that must be tackled in an instant from the ones which can be left for a later date. If we so choose, we can walk in the shadow of no fear, reaching for what we want. In our glory, we are limitless and all-mighty, and our world once again becomes our playground – thanks to our trusty toolbox.

Let Kids Be Kids

About 15 years ago, when my children were still in elementary school, I was very active in the Parent Teacher Association. At one of the monthly meetings the topic of discussion was the new curriculum that the state of Michigan was presenting. Many concerns were voiced at that meeting, and one of them was my own. My concern was that the children were being taught academics that were once taught at a much later age. When will the lessons of the children get to such an advanced level that they fail?

My concern is still present, and I voiced it recently to my husband after seeing what the age expectation was on a few children’s games. It seemed that the kindergarteners of today are being taught what the fifth and sixth grade children of previous years were learning. How could this be? Are the children more advanced? Or, are we pushing them to perform at a more advanced level out of our need to be superior?

Let’s face it, children today have to learn and adapt to a more technological society, one where if you’re not a peak performer you’re just not well received. Some say that the children of today have it so much easier than 10-20 years ago. They’re given so much more, not having to work for their toys and little extras. They sit all day long in front of a computer playing games… how hard can that be?

I, for one, think that today’s child is missing out on so many wonderful experiences because of the technology. What type of people skills are they learning? They can thumb-type faster than any other generation before them, but they can’t pick up the phone and have a really deep conversation. Today’s child can see your profile picture on Facebook any time of the day or night, but try to have one of them sit fact-to-face with you and they squirm in discomfort.

I have an elementary school not far behind my home and I used to see children on the playground every day. Weekdays and weekends, there would be children playing, shouting with joy. Although the elementary school has been closed due to declining enrollment, I don’t see many children there after school, nor on the weekend. Has the playground gone from our children’s life? Has physical activity, which is sorely needed by our children, been banished due to budget cuts? Do the needs of children differ much to the needs of children 20, 40, 50+ years ago? I think not.

Nurturing families will always be a must, but today many parents are so terribly stressed that they often push aside the needs of pure entertainment and joy, as well. How, then, are they going to be able to teach their children? I know many teachers, some of whom are friends and family that may throw a shoe at me when I say play doesn’t always need to have a purpose. And it doesn’t always have to have a teaching module included. To compete in today’s world, the children have to be experts at multitasking, and on top of their game at all times. I, for one, think this is a shame.

When will the children be allowed to be children?

I was recently given the opportunity to be in the presence of a man who inspired me, healed me, and gave me the gift of witnessing someone who was truly walking his path under the direction of God. Solomon Wickey is an Amish Iridologist and Herbalist who's approximately 80 years of age. His face is deeply wrinkled, but his eyes sparkle like Santa Claus'. Solomon's wit is sharp and he's sure to get a laugh, putting even the most leery at ease. Mr. Wickey's lifestyle is simple; he is Amish after all, and wears the typical black pants, blue shirt and full beard. His office is very spartan with walls, flooring and a desk all of raw wood. Shelves of herbs, oils, and tinctures line the wall behind his desk, one or more of which he may recommend.

Once tried in a court of law for practicing medicine, Mr. Wickey was exonerated of all charges. Unlike many traditional doctors, Solomon Wickey takes his time with each patient; waiting until their concerns have all been addressed. So patient, yet constantly placing his hands upon your body while testing via muscle strength, Solomon is actually quite swift in completing his work. "Ok", he says in answer to your concerns, meaning "I've already taken care of it". No longer than a few moments after stating your health concerns, your healing is complete. This all leaves you sort of perplexed, wondering, "Is that it? I'm done?" A simple "Yep" is all you should expect from the humble Wickey.

Through decades of working with his God-given gift of healing, Mr. Wickey takes his ability as fact. He doesn't question if a healing has taken place, he knows it, which leaves me wondering why we all can't be so sure about our life's calling.

As I was reading the internet "hot topics" this morning, a title caught my eye. "Create a beautiful image for women over 50," it read. Never having been one bothered by disclosing my age or laugh lines, I eagerly clicked the link in my quest to capture illusive beauty.

As the film clip began a reasonably attractive woman in her mid to late fifties was shown without make-up, her hair pulled back from her face. As the camera zoomed in (much too close for comfort) it made me feel proud of my little facial whiskers! Since the point of the film was to demonstrate make-up application, why-oh-why didn't they edit that portion of the film? It's bad enough that once you hit forty every make-up artist thinks you need to hide all lines and wrinkles, must they close in on every millimeter of imperfection?

Sorry, I got a little indignant there... I'll continue. I do have to say that after the foundation application the model's skin looked flawless! I was impressed with the final appearance of the eye cosmetics, although I thought the use of five to six different colors was excessive. And the eyebrows, holy cow! If you know me, you know I've had a lifetime of eyebrow woes. This artist was great on the eyebrows, but then the model actually had some to work with.

On to the cheeks and lips. The cheeks weren't demonstrated any differently than when we were younger. Highlighter on top, darker under the cheekbone. The lips looked nice when complete, especially after the artist applied a heavy coat of lip liner. "To accentuate the lip edge," which apparently disappears around the age of forty, I learned. I didn't know my lip edge disappeared - I guess I missed that part of aging. I do know that as I age my lipstick forms funny vertical lines that appear lash-like after a short period of time. Chapstick is now my preferred color.

After watching this minute long demonstration of how to create lasting beauty, I ask... What about accepting ourselves as we are? I happen to like my wrinkles, they define my life. The lines around my mouth show the great laughter I've enjoyed. The crows feet lining my eyes tell of the time enjoyed outdoors. And the frown lines between my brows (what there is of them) demonstrate thoughtful contemplation.

Is there room for improvement? Oh, yes! Am I willing to accentuate the positive? You betcha! Will I take the time to pluck and tweeze before accentuating my outer beauty? Each and every day. I suppose all these chores come with age, but each day I age I acknowledge I'm fine just the way I am.

After formulating my grocery strategy for the week, I notice something has gone haywire!

Recently I attended a Couponing class - you know, the ones where they teach you the hoarding methods? :) My original goal in taking the class is to save more than I had been, which was no more than $4.oo on average each week. Using the skills taught in class, I've saved from $4 to $104 - no kidding!

Today when I get to the store - purse check, coupon box check. I look through my list, but when I looked for the coupons that I organized for the store I realized I must have left the envelope on the table. You guessed it, I turned around and went back home! About five months ago I would have just bit the bullet and did my shopping anyway. Of course I probably would have only had a few bucks in coupon savings. I did return to the store with my coupons in tow, and saved a whopping $40, all on items we will use withing the next few months.

So, the actual reason for writing this blurb is that I always tend to think that nothing is coincidental. As I sit here, I wonder what the purpose was for returning home - I'm sure it wasn't just for the coupons although I didn't notice anything out of order. Was there a good reason that I wasn't supposed to be in the store at that given time? I don't know. What I do know is that when things like this happen, there's always a good explanation - other than forgetfulness.

When I returned to the store, I found and purchased everything (and more) that was on my shopping list. Quite a few items were unadvertised last minute specials that I could also use coupons with, making them super cheap. I suppose spirit was actually helping me to grocery shop. Who would have thought that assistance choosing the appropriate BBQ sauce and yogurt, etc., would have come from a heavenly being!

Spirit also sent me a teen-age angel disguised as a cart boy. For the first time in my life, a young man hurried from behind to catch up with me and asked, "Miss, would you like help loading your groceries into your car?" If course, I took him up on his offer, complimenting him on how polite he was. "That's my job," he said. "I just want to help." If I inquire at the store I wonder if they would know they have an earth angel working for them?

Rev. Lisa Bousson
admin@lisabousson.com
www.lisabousson.com

“As you move through your day, do so with love, caring and sustenance, for you are the caretaker of the world. Your job, as a human animal is to ensure not only the survival of your species, but also the quality of such.”

As I heard this quote I instantly felt that we have all the knowledge we’ll ever need right inside our minds, like an internal toolbox. In our toolbox are ambition, surety, promise, initiative, compassion, and trust, just to name a few.

At birth we are ready to put the tools to use. We are taught to crawl or forever remain at a standstill. We improvise and begin using our limbs to propel us forward, honing in on our goal. As a toddler our world is immense and an inexhaustible playground – a place where there are no limits save for parental ones. The world is an open book of endless possibilities, one that engulfs us, cradles us, and challenges us to seek her every corner.

As adults, we aren’t that different from the baby. With our toolbox in hand, we can rise above any obstacle we encounter. We inherently know the problems that must be tackled in an instant from the ones which can be left for a later date. If we so choose, we can walk in the shadow of no fear, reaching for what we want. In our glory, we are limitless and all-mighty, and our world once again becomes our playground – thanks to our trusty toolbox.

Let Kids Be Kids

About 15 years ago, when my children were still in elementary school, I was very active in the Parent Teacher Association. At one of the monthly meetings the topic of discussion was the new curriculum that the state of Michigan was presenting. Many concerns were voiced at that meeting, and one of them was my own. My concern was that the children were being taught academics that were once taught at a much later age. When will the lessons of the children get to such an advanced level that they fail?

My concern is still present, and I voiced it recently to my husband after seeing what the age expectation was on a few children’s games. It seemed that the kindergarteners of today are being taught what the fifth and sixth grade children of previous years were learning. How could this be? Are the children more advanced? Or, are we pushing them to perform at a more advanced level out of our need to be superior?

Let’s face it, children today have to learn and adapt to a more technological society, one where if you’re not a peak performer you’re just not well received. Some say that the children of today have it so much easier than 10-20 years ago. They’re given so much more, not having to work for their toys and little extras. They sit all day long in front of a computer playing games… how hard can that be?

I, for one, think that today’s child is missing out on so many wonderful experiences because of the technology. What type of people skills are they learning? They can thumb-type faster than any other generation before them, but they can’t pick up the phone and have a really deep conversation. Today’s child can see your profile picture on Facebook any time of the day or night, but try to have one of them sit fact-to-face with you and they squirm in discomfort.

I have an elementary school not far behind my home and I used to see children on the playground every day. Weekdays and weekends, there would be children playing, shouting with joy. Although the elementary school has been closed due to declining enrollment, I don’t see many children there after school, nor on the weekend. Has the playground gone from our children’s life? Has physical activity, which is sorely needed by our children, been banished due to budget cuts? Do the needs of children differ much to the needs of children 20, 40, 50+ years ago? I think not.

Nurturing families will always be a must, but today many parents are so terribly stressed that they often push aside the needs of pure entertainment and joy, as well. How, then, are they going to be able to teach their children? I know many teachers, some of whom are friends and family that may throw a shoe at me when I say play doesn’t always need to have a purpose. And it doesn’t always have to have a teaching module included. To compete in today’s world, the children have to be experts at multitasking, and on top of their game at all times. I, for one, think this is a shame.

When will the children be allowed to be children?