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To Remember Me Some Final Thoughts

To Remember Me Some Final Thoughts does not mean this is

my last blog or newsletter (say “Amen” here, please!) Also, I’m well and hopefully not heaven-bound any time soon (that is in the Lord’s hands.)

Robert N. Test’s poem, To Remember Me, captured my heart.

If nothing else, it caused me to be more thankful than ever for daily blessings I have been given: sight, hearing, touch, thinking and feelings, and movement. Please read the entire poem whether or not you are or want to be a donor.

… At a certain moment, a doctor will determine

that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine, and don’t call this my death bed. Let this be called the Bed of Life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.

Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman.

Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.

Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play.

Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist.

Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.

Explore every corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her window.

Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.

If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man.

If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

My sincere prayer is that each of us will encourage others along the way; and when we are gone, we will be remembered through the enriched lives of others.

Hugs and many blessings,

check out www.susiesencouragingword.com and share it with others. Thanks. I look forward as always to your comments.

The Value of a True Friend

The value of a true friend really came home to me this week.

I looked at my calendar and work load and decided to cancel a monthly get-together with a friend. I could not spend time chatting over coffee, getting further behind.

Perhaps a short meeting would work.

Before our coffee had a chance to cool, we were laughing and crying and thankful to be together. We giggled like silly school girls. We relaxed and talked about insignificant things that mattered to no one but us. It was refreshing to “let our hair down” and just be ourselves.

In years of meeting together, we had developed a rare trust.

As we continued, we talked freely about our deep personal struggles not meant for others to hear. Confidential thoughts. Serious heartfelt issues that could only be told to a true friend. Very personal prayer requests for ourselves and for our family.

She, too, had considered changing our date.

As we parted company, we knew our one True Friend, Jesus, had encouraged each of us to meet. We needed the camaraderie of a simple friendship; tried and true. We needed hugs, tears, laughter and the encouragement that comes only from a true friend.

I wonder about you; do you have a true friend?

Each of you hold a special place in my heart. Many I know quite well; others slightly; still others only through seeing your name on my list and praying for you and your family. I wonder how your life is going. And if you have a true friend to lean on in the good times as well as the bad.

A few moments with True Friend can change your day.

My workload is still there; somehow it seems lighter. Later I walked outside on the deck, drank in the cool, clean air, and felt as though I could conquer the world (for a brief moment.) I’m thankful for those times. I pray fresh air and sunshine and true friends for your busy days.

I can’t come by your house today and hold your hand or hug your neck, but

Here are a few things I can do for you today.

1. I can encourage from an understanding heart. I have been there, in the trenches and in the good times. I know firsthand that every caregiver, parent, or child needs hope, love and understanding.

2. I can pray for you. I believe that the love of God knows no boundaries. I believe He cares for us in ways we cannot understand. I believe He wants to comfort you and strengthen you and those you love.

3. I can listen to you. I am a good listener. Sometimes, just talking helps. And when you can’t talk with someone, I want to encourage you to set aside a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts and your feelings.

Lots of chattering today. Sometimes it’s good to just sit down and talk to an old friend. I really do care about you; I hope you know Jesus cares, he is the True Friend.

So, do me a favor, next time you have the urge to throw up your hands and scream, let me hear from you! Please let me know when a column meets your need. How can I be a better encourager for you personally?

Hugs, prayers, and blessings,

Basic Steps to Avoid Misplaced Documents

Life was simple when we were young. We didn’t worry about misplaced documents; our important “treasures” were safely tucked away in a pretty box or little boy’s jean pockets.

Now, as adults, we gather more papers, more numbers to remember, more people needing information from us. Life doesn’t stay simple, does it?

Homemaking and caregiving isn’t just meeting physical needs.

We might help loved ones (and ourselves) avoid heartache as family circumstances change. It is easy to get so busy with the daily grind that we overlook critical details. A little time and attention now will save stress and often dollars in the end.

Misplaced documents can prove costly.

When a loved one passes away, if insurance policies and other records are stuck in a box or drawer “somewhere”, they will be overlooked when needed most.

Millions of dollars go unclaimed due to neglect.

The New York Times recently reported hundreds of millions of unclaimed dollars every year. Most belong to beneficiaries who did not realize policies existed when a loved one died.

You will benefit with these tips and a little time.

While this may seem overwhelming right now, scheduling just thirty minutes a day will make it a doable project for you with rewards in abundance.

#1 Organize — begin today!

Simply begin by putting all your important files in one place. Start with a small filing box (or large one for me.) An empty drawer will help get everything in one place in the beginning; then you can work more efficiently—and faster!

#2 Determine a permanent storage place.

A small waterproof, fireproof safe is large enough for most households. You may feel more secure getting a safe deposit box at your bank. Be sure someone can access it later if you are not able to do so. In addition to original documents, include a list of all policies, account numbers, birth and marriage certificates, and any important financial information.

#3 Evaluate each item.

For instance, in working on your home insurance policies, is your latest copy up-to-date? Is it adequate? Do you need to make changes? Do you have birth certificates for each member of your household? Are account numbers for credit/debit cards in this file? Include the phone numbers to call if lost or stolen.

#4 Who will need access to this information?

Your spouse? Your children? Attorney? Will they know where to find the information if needed? Be careful as you choose a trusted family member or friend for this important responsibility.

#5 Keep all items up-to-date.

Set a definite time each year to review this file and up-date any policies or records. Make sure any legal paperwork is correct; contact an attorney if you have any questions about the legality of any documents, especially those having to do with healthcare, mortgages, etc.

#6 This will prove time well spent.

Yes, I know! This will take time—maybe a lot of time you feel you do not have. However, the time and frustration you will be saving yourself and others when these things are needed will be worth it.

Trust me on this one. I’ve been there!

Hugs,

Click on this website to learn more about unclaimed property: http://unclaimed-property-finder.com/ Be sure to read the “About Us” section first to find your state and more details. Hope you find this helpful; let me hear what you are doing to keep important documents organized.