Welcome to the Chaplain's Corner Archive
August 2011
BELIEF – An Everyday Creed
I believe in my job. It may not be a very important job, but it is mine. Furthermore, it is God’s job for me. He has a purpose in my life in His plan for the world’s progress. No other person can take my place. It isn’t a big place, but I have been molded to fill a peculiar niche in the world’s work. I could take no other person’s place. He has the same opportunity as I have. In the end a person whose name was never heard beyond the house in which he lived, may have a larger place than the person whose name has been a household word on two continents. Yes, I believe in my job. May it be kept true to the task that lies before me-true to myself and to God, who entrusted me with it.
I believe in my fellow-man. He may not always agree with me; I myself do not believe some of the things I was absolutely sure of a dozen years ago. May he never lose faith in himself, because he may lose faith in me, and that would hurt him more than it would hurt me.
I believe in my country. I believe in because it is made up of my fellow-men and myself. I can’t go back on either of us and be true to my creed. If it isn’t the best country in the world it is partly because I am not the kind of person I should be.
I believe in my home. It isn’t a rich home. It wouldn’t satisfy some folks, but it contains jewels which cannot be found in the markets of the world. When I enter its secret chambers, and shut out the world with its cares, I am in charge. There is no other spot in all the world which fills its place, and heaven can only be a larger home, with a Father who is all-wise, patient and tender.
I believe in today. It is all that I possess. The past is of value only as it can make the life of today fuller and freer. There is no assurance of tomorrow. I must make good today!
Source: Leaves of Gold
Charles Stelzle
January 2011
THE GLASS IS-FULL
Many of us fondly remember Mister Rogers and his “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!” greeting. It brought a smile in anticipation for sharing a wonderful time together. Our best childhood memories always include happy times, no responsibilities and the joy of just being young! We had a great life!
As we mature we realize living involves more and sometimes reality is hard to deal with. Our normal lifestyle can change suddenly without warning and we feel we have hit a brick wall. This is the time when we find comfort in prayer, family, friends and the blessing of living in God’s world. We are not afraid.
Lisa Beamer appeared live on Good Morning America, sometime after the attacks of September 11, and shared her high school teacher’s inspirational words to her class.
“Each of us is put on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us know when this fantastic experience will end. Perhaps this is God’s way of telling us we must make the most of every day. From now on, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn’t have to be seen. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves of the trees or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls. Look for these things and cherish them. These things are the “stuff “ of life we are to enjoy; the things often taken for granted.” Lisa’s book “Let’s Roll!” speaks of how God guides us through the worst times and rejoices with us when days are good. We are now in chapter 2011 in our life’s journey. As GCSC members we share
our lives in a special way. We make lasting friendships. We celebrate happy times. We pray for those who are in pain, that recovery will come soon. We pray for strength for those in difficult times, that they know our concern, and feel our love. We look forward to the new year with trust in God’s plan for us. We are blessed.
MY WISH FOR YOU
May all the happiness of the past blend well with years ahead,
And all your joys and sorrows be entwined with golden thread,
For all of life’s experiences join hand in hand each day,
To become our treasured memories when these times pass away
May all of your tomorrows be filled with happiness,
And bring greater joy to you, in return for all you’ve blessed!
May God Bless You in a special way!
Mildred Parker
Quotes from Good Morning America interview taken from an e-mail sent to me. Submitted by Mildred Parker
September 2010
I recently received an e-mail entitled “Nice Message”. I share it with you because it is
also a powerful message for everyday living.
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: “I am blind, please help.” There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took out a few coins, and dropped them into the hat. He took the sign, turned it around, wrote some words and put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked,” Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?” The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said, but in a different way.” I wrote “TODAY IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY, BUT I CAN’T SEE IT.”
Both signs told people that the boy was blind, but the first simply stated it. The second sign told people they were so fortunate to be able to see.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be Thankful for all you have. Be creative, Be innovative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile! Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith. The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling. AND EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL, IS KNOWING THAT YOU ARE THE REASON BEHIND IT!!!
“FAITH IS NOT ABOUT EVERYTHING TURNING OUT OK. FAITH IS ABOUT BEING OK NO MATTER HOW THINGS TURN OUT.”
Submitted by
Mildred Parker, Chaplain
JUly 2010
MY RENAISSANCE
The sky is bluer, the air is purer, the song of the bird is a sweeter song.
The beauty of the flowers will remain with me long after they are gone.
The artist gently dapples with HIS brush the sky, and creates a dawn and dusk eye for my unbelieving eye.
The trees in the forest and the wildflowers so grand are my proof that GOD has a mighty hand.
The rabbit and squirrel hop for food to my door; the humming bird stops for a drink and away it will soar.
Yes they are dearer friends to me now than ever before.
My family and friends I think of, not with my mind but with my heart; and I will love and adore them ere we do part.
The flash of lightening, the twinkle of a star, the roar of the sea, a field of cotton, a blade of grass, a buzz of the bee; are evidence that God is ever present, just for me!
Each day that He gives me is a celebration of Life - Love - Joy - and Faith...
Written by Doris Parker Johnson, survivor
After cancer diagnosis in 1991
April 2010
April 2009 will always be a special month to me: the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I have traveled to new places, made new friends and hopefully retained some part of the world of knowledge I have been privileged to observe. I am so fortunate to be a part of The Garden Club of South Carolina. Since January 2010 , I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the support from all of you. Your friendship and concern has blessed my life. Your cards, calls and emails brighten each day and give me strength. To thank you all, I share my poem from years ago and pray it is adequate.
Life sometimes upsets us, our world becomes so dark;
And every day a misery without a fresh new start.
Friendship makes the difference, encircling each day to
Gather all around us sharing come what may.
You realize that life is full; these friends have made it so
And your world becomes a garden when friendship flowers grow.
Their blooms will never wither if you give them lots of care.
Just water with love, collect your seeds and find a way to share.
The value of friendship is truly golden.
It does not tarnish and decay.
It grows more precious every hour, its worth icreases day by day.
Let it be said if nothing else when I reach my journeys end;
I worked hard to achieve this goal - I was somebodys friend!
You have filled my heart.
God Bless You
Mildred
January 2010
There is a story about a couple who had gardened together for many years, turning their yard into a showplace of color. They enjoyed many hours relaxing and admiring the results of their hard work. Then sadly, they learned that the husband had a terminal illness and perhaps a few months to live. They decided he would stay at home with help from nurses and hospice when the time came.
By fall, the end was near, and oddly, the husband began to insist that his wife get out more with friends to have lunch, and go shopping. He became upset when she hesitated and so she agreed, and their friends were supportive of this idea. He husband died within a month, and she was left to mourn his passing. Her interest in her garden was fading also. Even the return of spring did little to entice her outside, until one day she noticed something different about the gardens. New daffodils coming up; hundreds of them- they grouped together, lined the driveway, the house and ringed the trees!
A few days later, she received a request from their attorney to come to his office and he gave her an envelope to open when she returned home. Two smaller packages were inside. The first contained a video of her husband explaining that the daffodils were planted so that they would be blooming on their anniversary for years to come. The second video showed friends and neighbors who worked together to give this loving gift while her husband sat in a lawn chair, watching. Her photo she framed? Her husband smiling and waving a trowel.
As we welcome spring this year and see the thousands of daffodils planted statewide, may we remember the Chinese proverb: “He who plants a garden plants happiness.”
Source: Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul,
article by Nicole Woodward.
October 2009
When our youngest daughter was in the tenth grade, we had the opportunity to "move" for three months to Macclesfield, England. My husband served as a consultant to oversee the installation of a new dye range. We enrolled our daughter in an English school and each morning I was free to explore this new country-thousands of miles from home! We attended a small Methodist church; I joined an interdenominational prayer group, and we had many meals with our new friends. We learned that the modern conveniences we "can't live without" were not important. Each day was filled with new discoveries. We were in the valley between two mountains, and even as the morning snow would disappear in town, it still glistened on the mountains. It was a great experience, but homecoming was WONDERFUL!
In America, we have opportunities that other countries can only dream of. Sometimes we forget the quote from Richard Carlson,"Life, like an automobile is driven from the inside out, not the other way around." It helps to take stock of our blessings, measure our appreciation and maybe change the direction in which we are headed. Look, really look, at the beauty that surrounds us, and carry that mental picture with you throughout the day. Greet others with a smile and realize how easy it is to do so. Think of each day as a gift, wrapped and ready to be opened with delight and anticipation. Nuture a plant -it will show you how to practice unconditional love! Life is short and unpredictable, spread your joy TODAY. And a quote from the late Betty Feezor "God expects me to live one day at a time, so that at the end of each day I may feel that I have not wasted the few precious minutes I have on this earth, but that I have made some small contribution".
In response to all He has done for us let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 11:24
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August 2009
THOU SHALT
Thou shalt enjoy this lovely world which God has made: sun, moon, and stars; fields, flowers and trees; wind warmth and rain; earth, sea and sky.
Thou shalt enjoy the gift of love from parents, sweetheart, wife,
the love which goes on loving when you are most unlovely.
Thou shalt enjoy home-where you do not visit but belong; where your absence means a gap which no one else can fill.
Thou shalt enjoy the trustfulness of little children and their adoring belief that there is nothing you do not know and nothing you cannot do.
Thou shalt enjoy friends, their loyalty and fellowship, their constancy in sorrow, and their unprotesting acceptance of your timely help.
Thou shalt enjoy wholesome laughter, the ludicrous incident, and the side-splitting joke.
Thou shalt enjoy art, music, the cinema, literature, eloquence, animals, singing, rhythm and games.
Thou shalt enjoy the privilege of helping others; the poor and sick, the aged and maimed.
Thou shalt enjoy peace. This peace shall not attach only to your circumstances; it shall abide in your heart.
Thou shalt enjoy God; the knowledge that He is there and that He is love; that He cares for all.
By Rev. Dr. W.E. Sangster for those who think life can be a series of "Thou Shalt Nots"
Thought for the day: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
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MEMO TO ALL DISTRICT DIRECTORS AND CLUB PRESIDENTS
I need your help in keeping an accurate record of any deceased garden club member during the current year, so they will be remembered appropriately at our state meeting in April. Please send me information on any deceased member, showing name, garden club, city and state. Also the date of death will be helpful. I appreciate your assistance and certainly don’t want to overlook the contributions these members made to the Garden Club of South Carolina.
Also my personal thanks as Chaplain.
Mildred
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July 2009
FOR THE GARDEN OF DAILY LIVING
Plant three rows of peas
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul
Plant four rows of squash
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash selfishness
Plant four rows of lettuce
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love each other
No garden without turnips
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another
To conclude our garden we must have thyme
1.Thyme for each other.
2.Thyme for family
3.Thyme for friends
Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. There is much fruit
in your garden because you reap what you sow. Pass it on!
Thought for the day: Life is a gift. Live it, enjoy it, celebrate it and fulfill it.
submitted by
Mildred Parker, Chaplain
Garden Club of South Carolina
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SLOW ME DOWN LORD, LORD
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind...Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory, that help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations- of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and the tortoise, that I may know that the race is not always to the swift, that there is more to life than increasing speed.
Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oaks and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
Author unknown
Mildred Parker, Chaplain GCSC