Saturday, December 8, 2012
A gleam in your eye
The following story is making its way around the internet, and was shared with me by my brother. It's not new and many would find it hokey. However, it is true and it is exactly why Lutheran Services Carolinas is a strong, vibrant, important, growing ministry serving thousands of people! All across and throughout our LSC family, most people have that gleam in their eye! Have a nice gleam! Ted
How you choose to see things…
Three men were laboring in a field of boulders and large stones. Sweat ran from their foreheads as they swung their heavy picks again and again.
A curious passer-by approached the men and asked each what he was doing.
The first man answered in a stern and abrupt voice:
Can’t you see, I’m breaking rocks!
The second man replied in a matter-of-fact way:
Can’t you see, I’m earning my salary!
The third man smiled--his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm--and proclaimed:
Can’t you see, I’m helping to build a cathedral!
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.
The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
~ Charles Swindoll
Saturday, July 28, 2012
A Good Day
I worked an 8-hour shift on Friday as a nursing assistant at Trinity Grove, Lutheran Services for the Aging's nursing home in Wilmington, NC. I am proud that I started as a certified nursing assistant and try to pull a shift once or twice a year to help keep me humble and to keep in touch with the real world.
Trinity Grove didn't disappoint. I worked with two other CNAs on the rehab unit: constant, fast pace, lot of change. When I work as a CNA, I don't hide my day job, but I don't broadcast it either.
Toward the end of the day one of the residents figured me out and ask to see me before I left. This resident was toward the end of a lengthy stay in rehab and on the way home. When I went down to visit, the person pulled out a handwritten list. Was it going to be good or bad?
The resident proceeded to share the following list:
* love the neighborhood design of the building
* room laid out well and wonderfully decorated
* raised gardens and manicured lawn easy on the eyes
* love the children's outdoor playground
* live plants are great, fake are sad
* staff are top of the line!
* rehab nursing assistants & nurses are kind, loving, professional
* therapists are professional and tops
* food is delicious
* recreation therapy is great, way beyond bingo
* Administrator John Frye is always out and about, not in his office, even delivers resident mail sometimes to get to know everyone
* Environmental services keeps building spotless
I laughed and told the resident that I was waiting on the but--things that were wrong. There were none. There were a few very good ideas on how to make the building more resident friendly when we build the next building, which was very helpful. We will continue to learn and serve even better in the future.
My mission was accomplished. I got to live in the real world of our ministry, and get a good dose of humble for the work of the men and women who execute our mission every day to express God's love in Christ that those we serve!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
LFS/LSA Addresses SC and NC Lutheran Assemblies
The South Carolina and North Carolina Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America met this past weekend in Columbia, SC and Hickory, NC, respectively. LFS/LSA was given an opportunity to address both assemblies. Below are our remarks to share the good news of the work of LSA/LFS with each of you.
South Carolina Lutheran Synod Presentation 6-1-12
Good evening and thank you I am Ted Goins and it is my honor to speak to you today as the president of both Lutheran Family Services (in the) Carolinas and Lutheran Services for the Aging. As many of your know, it was about two years ago that we began discussing the affiliation of the two organizations.
That affiliation was approved by the Synod and by both Boards last September.
What you may not know, however, is that the affiliation has already meant great things.
The affiliation has allowed LSA and LFS to be better stewards. By sharing technology, communications, payroll, insurance, accounting, and development services, we have been able to eliminate duplication and reduce the cost of doing business. We need to be more efficient in this economy, and in any economy.
Each organization has brought great strengths to the affiliation. For LSA, those strengths lie in its lean management structure, its size, and its financial strength. For LFS, its strengths come from its home and community-baseservice network and its case management services. Together, those strengths will allow the ministries to survive and to thrive.
I have learned a lot more about LFS over these two years and I’m astounded by the depth, the diversity, and the complexity of their services. Foster care and adoption; services for veterans, refugees, and those with developmental disabilities; mental health services, counseling, low income housing…I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. I am in awe of the quality and scope of LFS services and their ability to provide those services throughout a large part of both North and South Carolina.
Before I turn this over to Bethany Vause, the executive director of LFS for South Carolina, I want to talk about a bit of scripture that has been running through my mind a lot lately. It is from Numbers 11:23, when God asks Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?”
Each and every day, people from all walks of life seek services from LFS. It might be a veteran on the verge of homelessness, it might be a child removed from an abusive home, it might be a refugee family looking for a safe place to live.
They are struggling.
LFS, too, has struggled. We’ve struggled with a broken economy, shrinking resources, rising costs, and uncertain government policies. Some days we wonder if we will be able to serve all of those who seek our services.
But the Lord’s arm is not too short. All things are possible through faith and prayer. The Lord’s arm is long enough to hold all of us in his embrace.
Now, I’m going to let Bethany get to the important part, talking about the people we walk with whose lives have been improved because of you and your ministry to the children and families of South Carolina.
Thank you. As Ted mentioned, my name is Bethany Vause and I have the privilege of serving Lutheran Family Services as the Executive Director in SC. Although fairly new to my position, I am not new to the organization and over the almost 15 years I have worked with LFS, I have seen endless examples of partnership and support from the Lutheran congregations of SC. Just last weekend I was with the women of the ELCA and they provided us with an abundance of supplies for the many vulnerable populations we serve. While we have grown accustomed to your support, our appreciation for your generosity has not lessened. I would like to take a minute and say thank you and share with you a few ways your support has impacted the lives of our clients…
Due in part to mental health problems associated with military life, Floyd called home the damp space under the steps in the park. After 35 years of suffering, he sought medical help from the VA and was placed in LFS’ Kinard Manor, a transitional housing facility for homeless male veterans in Greenwood SC. In less than 7 months in a supported living environment, Floyd obtained a job and moved into his own apartment. Today, he is the lead chef at an upscale restaurant in the coastal area of SC….
Sarah was only 13 yrs old when she came to LFS. She is the second (2nd) oldest sibling of six (6) children all of whom having suffered from physical, sexual abuse and neglect from both parents and relatives.
She was well-mannered but very shy and as we began working with her we learned that she was the mother figure for her siblings; preparing their lunches, ironing their school uniforms, etc. Sarah appeared to be a very bright young lady and worked hard at school; however, her family history hindered her from being able to express herself freely to others.
Once Sarah was placed in our foster home she began to flourish and became more social. Her self esteem began to build.
In November of 2011, Sarah was adopted by her foster mother. It gives me great pleasure to also report that Sarah graduated high school this past Wednesday. We at LFS are extremely proud of Sarah. Despite the many obstacles that she has faced, Sarah will be attending Coastal Carolina University this fall and plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Recently, a young man who once lived in one of our foster homes, contacted us to see if he could come in and review his medical history. Before coming to LFS, he was placed in numerous foster homes and residential settings. He should have been a statistic, however, he was able to overcome his background and is currently serving in the armed forces, is happily married and a father to two beautiful young children.
Thank you for the support you provide to Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas and thank you for the impact you make on the lives of the families of SC.
North Carolina Synod Presentation, 6-2-12
Thank you and good afternoon. I am honored to be up here representing Lutheran Services for the Aging and Lutheran Family Services (in the) Carolinas. I want to give you an update on both LSA and LFS, but before I do, “thank you” for your work today at our Lutheran Homes. We are very very proud of our nursing homes, we love to have visitors, and we especially love that hands-on involvement in your social ministry at the Lutheran Homes.!
A year ago I stood before you and announced that LSA and LFS were examining a formal affiliation of the two organizations. That affiliation was approved by the Synod and by both Boards last September and it has already accomplished great things.
The affiliation has allowed LSA and LFS to be better stewards. By sharing technology, communications, payroll, insurance, accounting, and development services, we have been able to eliminate duplication and reduce the cost of doing business. We need to be more efficient in this economy, and in any economy.
Each organization has brought great strengths to the affiliation. For LSA, those strengths lie in its lean management structure, its size, and its financial strength. For LFS, its strengths come from its home and community-based service network and its case management services. Together, those strengths will allow the ministries to survive and to thrive.
And finally, while LSA and LFS have to be business-like, they are first and foremost Lutheran social ministry organizations answering Christ’s call to serve. The affiliation will allow both ministries to continue their missions of service to others.
Because of the affiliation, I have learned a lot more about LFS and the phrase “small but mighty” keeps coming to mind. I’m astounded by the depth, the diversity, and the complexity of LFS services. Foster care and adoption; services for veterans, refugees, and those with developmental disabilities; mental health services, counseling, low income housing…I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. I am in awe of the quality and scope of LFS services and their ability to provide those services throughout a large part of both North and South Carolina.
I’ve also learned how those services have improved lives for people like Katie.
• After 14 years of illness and nearly 30 hospitalizations because of her bipolar disorder, 31-year-old Katie is now living an abundant life that includes friends, family, and a part-time job thanks, in part, to the efforts of the LFS Assertive Community Treatment Team. The team created a successful care plan for Katie that includes regular visits to her home, which have enhanced her quality of life and reduced her risk of re-hospitalization.
• I also learned about Latrece, a veteran and an unseen casualty of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder left her homeless and unable to function, until LFS provided her with a home, treatment, and access to the services she needed. She is now enrolled in college and preparing to move into her own apartment.
In 2011, LFS served nearly 2,000 individuals and more than 240 families and will soon expand its services for adults with disabilities in South Carolina.
Lutheran Services for the Aging is also answering Christ’s call to serve by improving and expanding its services for today’s elders and while preparing for the 10,000 baby boomers that turn 65 every day!
When I spoke to you here last year, we were just one week away from opening Trinity Grove, the fulfillment of a 30 year dream to build a nursing home in Wilmington. Since opening, Trinity Grove has already provided rehabilitation and skilled nursing care to more than 310 seniors.
Many of you may also remember, several years ago LSA purchased a large Winston-Salem nursing home that was in serious disrepair with depleted supplies, broken equipment, and a largely forgotten, mostly African-American population. A week from tomorrow, we will celebrate the completion of Trinity Glen, one of two nursing homes that will replace that aging home. We are moving in on June 19! The other home, Trinity Elms, should begin construction in Clemmons at the end of this year.
And if that wasn’t enough ministry,, just about 5 miles from here, Trinity Ridge, the nursing home that will replace Lutheran Home – Hickory West is now under construction.
Yet as wonderful as our nursing homes are and as wonderful as these new nursing homes will be, not everyone will need a nursing home as they age. That’s why, in addition to these four new nursing homes, LSA has expanded its home and community-based services and we are now able to offer geriatric care management, information and referral services, and caregiver education to most areas of North Carolina, as well as a specialized program of caregiver support in Rowan County.
These new nursing homes and the expansion of our home and community-based services are only possible because of your contributions to our Keeping the Promise capital campaign, which we’ll report on later today.
Finally, LSA is also involved in three PACE initiatives. PACE stands for program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, and PACE allows low income seniors in need of nursing home care to live in their own homes, but have their medical needs monitored by regularly attending an adult day care program. LSA is a partner in the Catawba County PACE program which opened in January, is renovating the Gaston area PACE center now, and is working on the development of another PACE program in Forsyth County.
But LSA is not about programs, it’s about people.
• People like 85-year-old Stan Johnson who competed against Jesse Owens for a spot on the 1936 US Olympic Team.
• And people like 97-year-old Katie Watson, who returned home after rehab at Lutheran Home – Albemarle where she still mows her own yard. She also enjoys hunting and fishing - even got two deer last October!
• And of course there are the stories of our veterans. I was able to attend a Memorial Day service at our Trinity Oaks Retirement Community in Salisbury this week. The entire program was first class, but what really touched my heart was a special tribute to one of their late residents, Bill Terhune. Bill was a WW II Navy medic who asked to be buried at sea. His wife received a video of the burial from the Navy which she shared with everyone at the program.
I want to conclude with a bit of scripture that has been on my mind a lot lately. It is from Numbers 11, when God tells Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?”
Each and every day, people from all walks of life seek services from LSA and LFS. And sometimes we wonder if we will be able to serve them. Just like all of us gathered here today, they are struggling with the effects of a broken economy, job loss, shrinking resources, increased health care costs, and uncertain government policies. Some days it almost seems like too much for any of us to bear.
But the Lord’s arm is not too short. All things are possible through faith and prayer. The Lord’s arm is long enough to hold all of God’s children in his embrace.
Thank you all for walking with us on the journey!
South Carolina Lutheran Synod Presentation 6-1-12
Good evening and thank you I am Ted Goins and it is my honor to speak to you today as the president of both Lutheran Family Services (in the) Carolinas and Lutheran Services for the Aging. As many of your know, it was about two years ago that we began discussing the affiliation of the two organizations.
That affiliation was approved by the Synod and by both Boards last September.
What you may not know, however, is that the affiliation has already meant great things.
The affiliation has allowed LSA and LFS to be better stewards. By sharing technology, communications, payroll, insurance, accounting, and development services, we have been able to eliminate duplication and reduce the cost of doing business. We need to be more efficient in this economy, and in any economy.
Each organization has brought great strengths to the affiliation. For LSA, those strengths lie in its lean management structure, its size, and its financial strength. For LFS, its strengths come from its home and community-baseservice network and its case management services. Together, those strengths will allow the ministries to survive and to thrive.
I have learned a lot more about LFS over these two years and I’m astounded by the depth, the diversity, and the complexity of their services. Foster care and adoption; services for veterans, refugees, and those with developmental disabilities; mental health services, counseling, low income housing…I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. I am in awe of the quality and scope of LFS services and their ability to provide those services throughout a large part of both North and South Carolina.
Before I turn this over to Bethany Vause, the executive director of LFS for South Carolina, I want to talk about a bit of scripture that has been running through my mind a lot lately. It is from Numbers 11:23, when God asks Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?”
Each and every day, people from all walks of life seek services from LFS. It might be a veteran on the verge of homelessness, it might be a child removed from an abusive home, it might be a refugee family looking for a safe place to live.
They are struggling.
LFS, too, has struggled. We’ve struggled with a broken economy, shrinking resources, rising costs, and uncertain government policies. Some days we wonder if we will be able to serve all of those who seek our services.
But the Lord’s arm is not too short. All things are possible through faith and prayer. The Lord’s arm is long enough to hold all of us in his embrace.
Now, I’m going to let Bethany get to the important part, talking about the people we walk with whose lives have been improved because of you and your ministry to the children and families of South Carolina.
Thank you. As Ted mentioned, my name is Bethany Vause and I have the privilege of serving Lutheran Family Services as the Executive Director in SC. Although fairly new to my position, I am not new to the organization and over the almost 15 years I have worked with LFS, I have seen endless examples of partnership and support from the Lutheran congregations of SC. Just last weekend I was with the women of the ELCA and they provided us with an abundance of supplies for the many vulnerable populations we serve. While we have grown accustomed to your support, our appreciation for your generosity has not lessened. I would like to take a minute and say thank you and share with you a few ways your support has impacted the lives of our clients…
Due in part to mental health problems associated with military life, Floyd called home the damp space under the steps in the park. After 35 years of suffering, he sought medical help from the VA and was placed in LFS’ Kinard Manor, a transitional housing facility for homeless male veterans in Greenwood SC. In less than 7 months in a supported living environment, Floyd obtained a job and moved into his own apartment. Today, he is the lead chef at an upscale restaurant in the coastal area of SC….
Sarah was only 13 yrs old when she came to LFS. She is the second (2nd) oldest sibling of six (6) children all of whom having suffered from physical, sexual abuse and neglect from both parents and relatives.
She was well-mannered but very shy and as we began working with her we learned that she was the mother figure for her siblings; preparing their lunches, ironing their school uniforms, etc. Sarah appeared to be a very bright young lady and worked hard at school; however, her family history hindered her from being able to express herself freely to others.
Once Sarah was placed in our foster home she began to flourish and became more social. Her self esteem began to build.
In November of 2011, Sarah was adopted by her foster mother. It gives me great pleasure to also report that Sarah graduated high school this past Wednesday. We at LFS are extremely proud of Sarah. Despite the many obstacles that she has faced, Sarah will be attending Coastal Carolina University this fall and plans to pursue a degree in Business.
Recently, a young man who once lived in one of our foster homes, contacted us to see if he could come in and review his medical history. Before coming to LFS, he was placed in numerous foster homes and residential settings. He should have been a statistic, however, he was able to overcome his background and is currently serving in the armed forces, is happily married and a father to two beautiful young children.
Thank you for the support you provide to Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas and thank you for the impact you make on the lives of the families of SC.
North Carolina Synod Presentation, 6-2-12
Thank you and good afternoon. I am honored to be up here representing Lutheran Services for the Aging and Lutheran Family Services (in the) Carolinas. I want to give you an update on both LSA and LFS, but before I do, “thank you” for your work today at our Lutheran Homes. We are very very proud of our nursing homes, we love to have visitors, and we especially love that hands-on involvement in your social ministry at the Lutheran Homes.!
A year ago I stood before you and announced that LSA and LFS were examining a formal affiliation of the two organizations. That affiliation was approved by the Synod and by both Boards last September and it has already accomplished great things.
The affiliation has allowed LSA and LFS to be better stewards. By sharing technology, communications, payroll, insurance, accounting, and development services, we have been able to eliminate duplication and reduce the cost of doing business. We need to be more efficient in this economy, and in any economy.
Each organization has brought great strengths to the affiliation. For LSA, those strengths lie in its lean management structure, its size, and its financial strength. For LFS, its strengths come from its home and community-based service network and its case management services. Together, those strengths will allow the ministries to survive and to thrive.
And finally, while LSA and LFS have to be business-like, they are first and foremost Lutheran social ministry organizations answering Christ’s call to serve. The affiliation will allow both ministries to continue their missions of service to others.
Because of the affiliation, I have learned a lot more about LFS and the phrase “small but mighty” keeps coming to mind. I’m astounded by the depth, the diversity, and the complexity of LFS services. Foster care and adoption; services for veterans, refugees, and those with developmental disabilities; mental health services, counseling, low income housing…I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. I am in awe of the quality and scope of LFS services and their ability to provide those services throughout a large part of both North and South Carolina.
I’ve also learned how those services have improved lives for people like Katie.
• After 14 years of illness and nearly 30 hospitalizations because of her bipolar disorder, 31-year-old Katie is now living an abundant life that includes friends, family, and a part-time job thanks, in part, to the efforts of the LFS Assertive Community Treatment Team. The team created a successful care plan for Katie that includes regular visits to her home, which have enhanced her quality of life and reduced her risk of re-hospitalization.
• I also learned about Latrece, a veteran and an unseen casualty of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder left her homeless and unable to function, until LFS provided her with a home, treatment, and access to the services she needed. She is now enrolled in college and preparing to move into her own apartment.
In 2011, LFS served nearly 2,000 individuals and more than 240 families and will soon expand its services for adults with disabilities in South Carolina.
Lutheran Services for the Aging is also answering Christ’s call to serve by improving and expanding its services for today’s elders and while preparing for the 10,000 baby boomers that turn 65 every day!
When I spoke to you here last year, we were just one week away from opening Trinity Grove, the fulfillment of a 30 year dream to build a nursing home in Wilmington. Since opening, Trinity Grove has already provided rehabilitation and skilled nursing care to more than 310 seniors.
Many of you may also remember, several years ago LSA purchased a large Winston-Salem nursing home that was in serious disrepair with depleted supplies, broken equipment, and a largely forgotten, mostly African-American population. A week from tomorrow, we will celebrate the completion of Trinity Glen, one of two nursing homes that will replace that aging home. We are moving in on June 19! The other home, Trinity Elms, should begin construction in Clemmons at the end of this year.
And if that wasn’t enough ministry,, just about 5 miles from here, Trinity Ridge, the nursing home that will replace Lutheran Home – Hickory West is now under construction.
Yet as wonderful as our nursing homes are and as wonderful as these new nursing homes will be, not everyone will need a nursing home as they age. That’s why, in addition to these four new nursing homes, LSA has expanded its home and community-based services and we are now able to offer geriatric care management, information and referral services, and caregiver education to most areas of North Carolina, as well as a specialized program of caregiver support in Rowan County.
These new nursing homes and the expansion of our home and community-based services are only possible because of your contributions to our Keeping the Promise capital campaign, which we’ll report on later today.
Finally, LSA is also involved in three PACE initiatives. PACE stands for program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, and PACE allows low income seniors in need of nursing home care to live in their own homes, but have their medical needs monitored by regularly attending an adult day care program. LSA is a partner in the Catawba County PACE program which opened in January, is renovating the Gaston area PACE center now, and is working on the development of another PACE program in Forsyth County.
But LSA is not about programs, it’s about people.
• People like 85-year-old Stan Johnson who competed against Jesse Owens for a spot on the 1936 US Olympic Team.
• And people like 97-year-old Katie Watson, who returned home after rehab at Lutheran Home – Albemarle where she still mows her own yard. She also enjoys hunting and fishing - even got two deer last October!
• And of course there are the stories of our veterans. I was able to attend a Memorial Day service at our Trinity Oaks Retirement Community in Salisbury this week. The entire program was first class, but what really touched my heart was a special tribute to one of their late residents, Bill Terhune. Bill was a WW II Navy medic who asked to be buried at sea. His wife received a video of the burial from the Navy which she shared with everyone at the program.
I want to conclude with a bit of scripture that has been on my mind a lot lately. It is from Numbers 11, when God tells Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?”
Each and every day, people from all walks of life seek services from LSA and LFS. And sometimes we wonder if we will be able to serve them. Just like all of us gathered here today, they are struggling with the effects of a broken economy, job loss, shrinking resources, increased health care costs, and uncertain government policies. Some days it almost seems like too much for any of us to bear.
But the Lord’s arm is not too short. All things are possible through faith and prayer. The Lord’s arm is long enough to hold all of God’s children in his embrace.
Thank you all for walking with us on the journey!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
It takes a village
I spent the day yesterday at my alma mater, Lenoir-Rhyne University. It was good to see old friends, some I haven't seen since graduation which unbelievably was 33 years ago! In prep for going, I was asked to answer the following question:
What did being an LR student mean to you; how does that differ or compare to how it feels to be an alum? I wrote the following in reply:
I am a late bloomer. I did not want to go to college, especially to LR where at least a dozen members of my family had attended. Dad and Mom said I could attend any college in the world, but they were paying at Lenoir-Rhyne. Since I was not smart enough or athletic enough to go elsewhere on my own merit, I grudgingly came on to LR. I was in such a hurry to get our that I started in summer school within weeks of high school graduation, attended summer school every summer, and finished in three years. I had fun and did what was required. I couldn’t help but receive a solid foundation from faculty, staff, and fellow students, though I did not appreciate or understand it at the time. Thirty-three years later, I realize how much I learned, how much I appreciate my parents and university for supporting me, and how proud I am to tell people I am an LR graduate!
End of my submission.
It took a village to get me to school and through school. 33 years later it still takes a village. My wife Cheryl is now the Mayor of my village. If it wasn't for her I doubt I'd be here, and certainly wouldn't get beyond the walls of my office and my house. The old village is still on the job: my parents, Lenoir-Rhyne, etc. They have been joined not only by Cheryl, but our daughters and grands, 1400 LSA/LFS fellow staffers, the whole LFS/LSA family, and many more. It still takes a village, now a bigger village. My thanks to each of you!
Who is your village? Have you thanked them today? And are you doing your part as someone else's village? The village image is very close to our elderhood image: everyone has something to give, we all have something to receive. Village and elder, get connected to your system today!
What did being an LR student mean to you; how does that differ or compare to how it feels to be an alum? I wrote the following in reply:
I am a late bloomer. I did not want to go to college, especially to LR where at least a dozen members of my family had attended. Dad and Mom said I could attend any college in the world, but they were paying at Lenoir-Rhyne. Since I was not smart enough or athletic enough to go elsewhere on my own merit, I grudgingly came on to LR. I was in such a hurry to get our that I started in summer school within weeks of high school graduation, attended summer school every summer, and finished in three years. I had fun and did what was required. I couldn’t help but receive a solid foundation from faculty, staff, and fellow students, though I did not appreciate or understand it at the time. Thirty-three years later, I realize how much I learned, how much I appreciate my parents and university for supporting me, and how proud I am to tell people I am an LR graduate!
End of my submission.
It took a village to get me to school and through school. 33 years later it still takes a village. My wife Cheryl is now the Mayor of my village. If it wasn't for her I doubt I'd be here, and certainly wouldn't get beyond the walls of my office and my house. The old village is still on the job: my parents, Lenoir-Rhyne, etc. They have been joined not only by Cheryl, but our daughters and grands, 1400 LSA/LFS fellow staffers, the whole LFS/LSA family, and many more. It still takes a village, now a bigger village. My thanks to each of you!
Who is your village? Have you thanked them today? And are you doing your part as someone else's village? The village image is very close to our elderhood image: everyone has something to give, we all have something to receive. Village and elder, get connected to your system today!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
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