Jehoiada

Forgive me – it’s been 12 days since my last confession…I mean, submission; and I have no excuse.

During a recent trip designed/intended to be joyful and relaxing, I heard such a great deal of negative comments and remarks from fellow attendees that it got me to thinking about the value of negativity.

The majority of these remarks I heard were complaints and criticisms about one thing or another (i.e. how something worked, how someone looked, the way something tasted or was presented, etc).  Now don’t think for a moment that I was completely innocent – I was guilty of offering my share of negativity right along with the rest.  As a matter of fact, I can probably be just as or more negative than most unless I choose and determine not to do so.

And that’s what I did.

At some point I began to realize what a waste of time, effort and energy my speaking or being negative really was.  Awareness of this wasn’t some new G.E. light bulb that went off in my mind, but it became so pronounced to me that I began to be appalled by it.  At one point the negativity I was hearing became so incessant that I tried to mentally dislocate my ability to hear it.

My bottom line up front determination/revelation is that negativity in any form has no value.  It has substance, but no value.  It cannot be used to convey love or appreciation, build-up or encourage, forgive or help, honor, renew or restore or any other positive-type things you or I can think of.

That’s because it’s… negative…… and it has no value.

In light of this my dear and wonderfully appreciated reader, I ask that you enter an agreement with me; let’s intently purpose to strive to not:

Add to negativity      Behold negativity      Condone negativity
Display negativity     Express negativity    Foster negativity
Give out negativity   Harbor negativity     Initiate negativity
Justify negativity      Kindle negativity       Listen to negativity
Mimic negativity       Nest negativity          Operate with negativity
Promote negativity   Qualify negativity     React negatively to negativity
Speak with negativity  Teach negativity    Unite with negativity
Visit negativity          Wallow in negativity  (e)Xude negativity
Yield to negativity     be Zealous for negativity

It’s much better to be positive.  Positivity has value.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Born in 1955, I’m what is commonly known as a “product” of the 60’s and 70’s (my mentor – J.D. Pendry, often lets it be known when/where he was born in his writings so I thought I’d follow his lead).

Based on my coming up time and the times now, I’m certain there must be a language-slang issue among each generation in the U. S. of A.  That may also be true in other countries but this is the only one I’ve lived in long enough to attest to.

Take the word “bad” for example: in my youth, often when the word “bad” was used by folk in my age group, it actually meant the opposite – it meant “good.”  My generation would say things like, “Hey man, Ronnie got a new bike for Christmas and that thing is “bad.”

People of my children’s generation use words in the same connotation as my generation did.  However, the words are more diametrically opposed than simply opposites.  For instance, words that are meant to convey something or someone is good or cool, etc. are designated as “crazy,” “sick” or “stupid” – i.e. “Did you see that touchdown catch?  That thing was “sick!” 

In keeping with the language-slang of my younger days, I want to highlight a person whose life was so impressive to me during his earlier years that I would term him as a “bad” young man – again, meaning he was “good.”  His name is Josiah and you can read about him in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35 of the Old Testament in the Bible. 

Josiah became the king of the nation of Judah at the age of 8.  The Biblical account conveys that during his overall reign, he did the things (conducted himself and performed actions) that were pleasing in the sight of God and that he followed the example of his royal ancestor, King David, who had served and been remembered as an honorable and reputable king.  The record also conveys that Josiah never deviated from his commitment and conduct of excellent service. 

As a teenager at age 16, this “bad” young man began to seek (diligently pursue) God.  Four years later (age 20) he began to “clean up” his kingdom and the surrounding lands by getting rid of all the worship customs and practices that dishonored the one, true of God of his ancestry and heritage.  I’ve imagined his 4 years of pursuing God were akin to him pursuing a 4-year Master’s degree on learning about God so he’d become proficient in the abilities required to lead Judah back to sincere devotion and service to God.

At 26, after cleansing and correcting the land and the temple of worship, he made reparations to the temple and reforms to the duties, services and worship practices as they were originally mandated to be and set a public example by personally adhering to all the dictates in the sight of all the people.

This young man could have chosen another path or taken another direction in his office as the king.  He could’ve been corrupt (like his father was…and many public officials today), he could’ve been selfish and self serving (like many public officials today).  At 16, he could’ve been a fun-minded, “it’s all about me” teenager with all the authority of a king to live it up like a Saudi royal.  But he was selfless, focused and determined to do what was right for himself, his people and his God.

He was a good and exemplary king.  He was a “bad” young man.

I’ve been impressed and learned a great deal regarding characteristics I’m striving to emulate from the life of Josiah.

But since I’m no longer a “young” man, I’m striving each day to be a “bad” “older” man.  

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

We’re almost all better now, thank God.

A little less than a week ago, my entire little family of four became sick.  I’m unsure who succumbed to the dreaded summer cold-bug first – it was either my “Treasure” or my daughter (the Amazing Angela).  Either way, before for long Paul B. (my son) and Paul (No Middle Name – yours truly) were also infected and began feeling the “home quarantine” love.

In the midst of blankets; chicken soup; countless tissue wads protruding from one or more nostrils; Echinacea tablets; incessant coughing; intermittent fevers; nasal breathing strips; sneezing; vaporizing rubs; zinc lozenges; and last but not least calling upon the God of all creation and existence with requests for relief via His power to heal, a really cool passage of the world’s number one all-time bestseller came to mind.

Psalm 139:3 says “You scrutinize my path and my lying down and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.” (NASB)

This in turn reminded me of several passages in the book of Hebrews (New Testament) that address Jesus’ familiarity with all types of suffering (Hebrews 2:9, 18; 5:8).

I began to realize that since God the Father is acquainted with all my ways (circumstances, issues, situations, etc.) and God the Son experienced all the agonizing effects I feel when I’m down and/or troubled, He certainly understands how we (His created beings) feel when we experience sickness.

I started imagining Jesus as a child suffering a cold – having a low-grade fever with a runny nose and His mother Mary having to give Him some lamb soup and maybe some analgesic plants leaves they may have used like “Vick’s Vaporizing Rub.”

I realized that my God, Lord and Savior must be fully familiar with all the issues connected to mankind, including how we feel when we’re sick…and with that knowledge, I began to feel better.

This morning when I woke up, I felt some residual effects of the cold still working its way through me but I was reminded that “Dad” knew about it and I was able to move forward.

He’s acquainted with all our ways and fully familiar with everything we face and go through.

Be glad that He is.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

I had an interesting day today and I want to give God all the appreciation and praise I can because of it.

As I was changing into my work clothes after my brief workout at the gym, I discovered that I had forgotten to pack my dress socks.  Until I was able to buy some, I would need to wear my white gym socks in concert with my dress slacks, shirt and tie.  For several hours later I looked like Bill Cosby’s character in the movie “Uptown Saturday Night.”

As I put on my watch (still in the gym), my watchband broke (again – I had fixed it when it broke the previous morning).  I would now need to buy some socks and a watchband as soon as I could.

The day passed at the office in what I would term as a normal manner – I was able to buy some socks and a new, inexpensive watch (I was unable to find an adequate watchband replacement) and had a fairly productive workday.

I thank God for His goodness, His kindness and His long-suffering love toward me.

Upon arriving at home, I heard a loud hissing coming my trusty mini-van – my right-front tire was deflating rapidly from a two-inch gash in its sidewall. I gingerly, but quickly drove to the tire dealership where I had purchased the tire earlier this year.  The tire dealership employees kindly evaluated my situation.  They determined that my tire had been damaged via a hazardous road condition and would need to be replaced.  Unfortunately, my particular tire had been discontinued and the dealership was in the process of closing.  An employee graciously put on my spare and told me to come back in the morning.

I praise God for His holiness, sovereignty, mercy and provision.

Granted, my predicaments this day were extremely minor compared to countless others the world over, but I addressed them simply to convey that no matter what I or anyone may have faced or is currently facing; God is great!

There is a greatness ascribed to, associated with and attached to God that is so awesome, indescribable and spectacular that just to attempt to adequately address His greatness – the Greatness of God, is totally impossible for me to do!

Nevertheless, as I conclude this submission, I will give it my best shot to briefly honor the One, True and Living God by endeavoring to relate His greatness because His greatness is what I’ve been dwelling on lot lately.

God’s greatness far exceeds all the concerns and issues that may be prominent in the minds of many of my fellow nation and world-folk today – an extensive war, high gas prices, famine and food shortages, injustices, mass cruelty, degradation and deprivation, etc.

God’s greatness way overshadows courts that believe they’re “supreme” enough to make ridiculous rulings that clearly violate His precepts.

God’s greatness truly and undeniably supersedes the understanding and designs of men and women who aspire to incite, influence, govern, lead and/or rule groups and nations of people in numerous parts of the planet; whether for selflessness, selfishness or whatever reason imaginable.

Therefore, no matter what is going on in creation or what is happening in your, mine or the collected lives of mankind; God’s greatness is constant, consistent, prevalent, superlative, unmatched and unparalleled!

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3 - KJV)!  Let every living creature that possesses spirit, life, breath and animation (Psalm 150:6 - paraphrase: mine) give praise to the Lord…if for no other reason than His greatness!

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day especially to all the men who have or have had children and have served and/or do serve as well as humanely/individually possible in the vast, unlimited and uncontainable world of being a “dad.”

Being a dad is one of the most awesome, beneficial, challenging, delightful, enigmatic, frustrating, grand, honorable, interesting, judicious, kinetic, laborious, magnificent, noble, overwhelming, persevering, qualitative, rewarding, satisfying, taxing, un-appreciated, varied, wonderful, xerophilous and zany positions a man can attain to.

By now, you have undoubtedly noticed that I covered the entire alphabet to make my point about what being a dad encompasses.  You’ve also undoubtedly noticed that some words used were of the positive persuasion while others displayed negatives nuances.  That’s because when one is a dad, he can experience good and bad, highs and lows, sweet and sour, ups and downs (you get the picture) during his dad tenure.  As a matter of fact, while I was strolling through Webster’s Dictionary to get my alphabetic descriptions, I realized that I could’ve kept you here reading a good little while by using a positive and negative description for virtually every alphabet - i.e. delightful and difficult, honorable and horrible, taxing and terrific, wonderful and worrisome (again, you get the picture).

On this day before Father’s Day, I’m feeling a little on the down side (just let it be said…tell the truth and shame the devil).  I have two wonderful kids at home.  I love them very dearly and implicitly, would die for them, and if necessary, kill to preserve and protect them.  However, at this time (and for some time recently) they’ve been more difficult than delightful, more taxing than terrific.

So, for my at-this-present-time arrogant, disobedient, disrespectful, insensitive, selfish and wonderfully loving children; I have a Father’s Day gift to present.

On Father’s Day 2008, I will go on a one-day sabbatical, a retreat of sorts…from them.  Included within this gift will be the opportunity for them to not have to give me gifts (which they usually don’t), take me to a restaurant that I would prefer (but they would complain about), or act in a manner towards me that they should be doing every day of their lives (Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3).

This in essence is my Father’s Day gift for 2008.

For all of you dads, Happy Father’s Day and God bless you…for you dads that to-date can identify, I wish the same sentiments and hope you make it to Monday.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

The storm was powerful and relentless.

The staccato-like sound of the rain hit the exterior walls and windows of our house like machine gun fire concentrated on keeping an enemy force pinned down.  Its repeated pounding upon our roof was reminiscent of a boxer pummeling away at an opponent on the ropes, determined to end the fight there and then.

Then the lights went out.  The electricity stopped working and the basement sump pump (operated by electricity) ceased serving its purpose of pumping excess ground water away from the house…water that accumulated outside during every storm and rain.

At 9:00pm (4 hours after the electricity said goodnight), the water in the sump pump hole was about ten inches below the level of our basement floor.

At 10:00pm, the water level was three inches (or less) away from paying an unwelcome visit to our basement.  Due to the havoc it caused a few years ago when 8 inches of it unceremoniously visited our basement during a similar inclement weather situation (not to mention the really nice damage bill it left us), we definitely weren’t looking for ole’ H2O to become an uninvited basement guest again.

And so, three quarters of the Schneidmill family sprang into action!

Armed with flashlights, several buckets and a hastily implemented plan to defend our “homeland” from the impending onslaught of a wet invasion, my “Treasure,” son, Paul B. and I began bailing water out of the sump pump like a hospital emergency room trauma team determined not to let a dying patient flat-line.

For almost two hours straight, we bailed water out of the sump pump hole in a desperate effort to keep the “river” from rising.  Our fourth family member (the “Amazing Angela”) served as our weather and utilities company status monitor via a battery operated radio.

As we worked, constantly improvising our defensive posture by changing positions and tasks, I prayed to my Savior for three specific things:

Lord, 1) please let it stop raining, 2) please don’t let our basement flood again, and 3) please help the electric company to get the electricity turned back on.

The rain continued.  Regardless of the amount of water we bailed and poured out into the sewer lines (innumerable gallons worth), the water never appeared to recede; but rather appeared to rise.  On top of that, the electricity remained in the off position.

As the effort continued, two thirds of the three quarters of family “bailees,” approached the precipice of exhaustion and frustration.  The final third of the two thirds (I’ll not tell you which one) worked silently and unceasingly; quoting Scripture mentally for self-strengthening, encouragement and hope.

The rain stopped sometime around 11:45pm.  At 11:52pm, the electricity came back on; the sump pump whirred into operation and the three weary warriors watched the threatening water recede into the hole from whence it had risen with triumphant joy.

Later, I was learned one thing and was reminded of another.

The Bible says in Proverbs 17:14 (NASB) that “The beginning of strife is like the letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.”  From our ordeal, I “saw” how our failing to contain the water or “letting” the water to flow “out” into our basement as “strife” (conflict and contention) within our home, just as if we’d engaged in a heated and uncontainable argument.  Be on guard for and against that type of “letting out water” among your family members and with your fellow man.  If and when necessary, we must work hard to “bail” out any anger we may have to contain such dissension before it can overflow - that’s what I learned.

What I was reminded of was that several years ago there was a big hurricane in our area that caused the electricity to be out for days.  Everybody (me included) kept saying “We’ve lost power,” “We don’t have any power,” and “When will they turn the power back on?”  During that time and the night of this water attack, God reminded me that I had never been without “power,” because I had His power at my disposal.  In each of the incidents related, I had simply lost “electricity.”

Had I not tapped into His power, I might not have had the faith to trust and rely on Him for help or the strength to maintain the power He gave me to keep bailing long after my arms went into retirement.

In every instance God’s power, the real, true and only source of actual and living power, is always available to all of mankind, whether that is believed or not.  There are conditions for access and use, but the initial fact remains true.

So remember, dear reader whom I love without measure, contain the water of strife by tapping into and maintaining the power of God.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Sunday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Monday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Tuesday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Wednesday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Thursday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Friday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.

Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea just happens to be my favorite meal. 

In fact, it is my ideal meal and as a matter of fact, I could eat such a meal every single day.

I would not become bored with it, I would not tire of it, nor would I would not despise it or detest it.  On the contrary, I would eat it constantly, gratefully and joyfully and never become “fed up” with it especially if my “Treasure” was the one who was making it (marital-husband points just earned).

Actually, I would happy as a pig in mud to eat my favorite meal daily, even though it would constitute me eating “The Same Old Thing” over and over, night after night.

However, being involved with, doing and/or hearing “The Same Old Thing” repeatedly can have its positives and negatives; its pros and cons.  The outcome largely depends on the manner in which that “Same Old Thing” is presented (served) and received.

For many years now, I have read through the Bible daily from its first book (Genesis) to the maps near the inside of the Bible’s back cover.  Consequently, I’ve read “The Same Old Thing” over and over annually, but I’ve not become bored or tired with it because the Bible is a “living” Word (Hebrews 4:12).  I find something fresh, new, invigorating and inspiring within it each and every time I read it.

Now, let me share with you a relative contrast.

While leaving a store recently, I met a lady who was a member of a church I used to attend.  After inquiring about my welfare, this dear lady began sharing openly with me that she’d not been to that particular church in “quite a while” herself.  

“Brother Paul” she said, “It seems like every time I’m there, I just keep getting (you guessed it) “The Same Old Thing.”  She concluded that she didn’t feel she was “growing” (spiritually progressing in faith, knowledge and understanding) in God’s Word due to a redundant manner in which the Gospel was being presented to her every Sunday, week after week.

Christian servants called by God to present the Gospel to humanity are equipped by the “Caller” to do so in a manner that will develop and promote spiritual growth within the hearer/recipient.  These unique men and women of God must be constantly learning and seek to be “in tune” with God and their fellow man so their Gospel presentations avoid becoming the boring, lifeless and stale presentations commonly known by many hearers today as “The Same Old Thing.”

I believe mankind needs the Gospel and wants to hear the Gospel.  We who have been entrusted with God’s Word (Titus 1:3) must present it with all the life that is within it (Philippians 2:16).  There’s no requirement to excessively dramatize it or make it a big theatrical production in doing so, but it’s unlimited (2 Timothy 2:9) and can be presented in a manner that it will not be received as “The Same Old Thing.”  King Solomon figured out a great way to do it (Ecclesiastes 12:10).

Therefore, all who serve in capacities as servants and shepherds of Christian flocks must be the salt (savor and seasoning) of the earth (Matthew 5:13), study God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15) and feed the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2) with His life-giving, health-restoring Word (Proverbs 4:22).

If we’ll do that, we’ll avoid becoming sedentary in our proclamation service and not be found guilty of presenting “The Same Old Thing.”  I believe the presentation of God’s powerful, life-changing and hope-filled Word needs to be as flavorful and mouth-watering, tantalizing and zesty as my “Treasure’s” meatloaf meal – the Gospel should be served for consumption like that meal…every time I receive it, it never “tastes” like “The Same Old Thing.”

Which reminds me: at the beginning of this submission I shared with you what I could eat for dinner six days out of a week…I left out Saturday.

Let’s see…this Saturday, I believe it would be great if for dinner I could have some meat loaf, macaroni & cheese…    

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

I have a huuuuuuuge family!  You have no idea how huge…I don’t even know how huge.

I just know that I’m grateful and thankful for them all just as much as I am grateful and thankful to have the privilege of being a part of my family.

No, I’m not talking about my paternal or maternal family, my immediate family or extended family, nor am I referencing in general the family of mankind.

The family I’m addressing is a family that is uniquely distinct from all other families, an amazing family that has sacrificially and unreservedly served our nation (and other nations) for countless years; and will no doubt continue to do so in the exceptional manner in which we’ve done and do until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth (Acts 1:9-11).

My family that I’m speaking of is the United States military.  I’m almost certain you figured that out by now considering our country’s current calendar-period.  One need not be the most colorful crayon in the Crayola box to have figured this out.

On this year’s Memorial Day, I acknowledge my military family, past, present and future – my fellow Army soldiers (Infantrymen, Airborne paratroopers, Drill Instructors and other specialties) my fellow Marines (whom I so enjoyed competing against and working with during my 20+ years of active service), my fellow Navy sailors and personnel, my fellow Airmen and Airwomen, my fellow Coast Guard, Reservists and National Guard members all.  I say to you that you are now and always have been immeasurably and undeniably outstanding…and I’m extremely proud just to be in our “family of heroes.”

As I acknowledge my family with great gratitude and honor, I ask you, the reader, to do something for us.  Just a little something as a way of showing appreciation to us for things we’ve consistently and continually provided and maintained for the U.S. of A. (and others) for years upon years…a little thing called “freedom.”

I ask you simply to “Remember Us.”

As you enjoy the weather, the time off from work, the cookouts, relaxation, shopping and travel opportunities on a day called Memorial Day; just “Remember Us.”

Many of my family members have given everything so many others wouldn’t have to give anything to be who they are and do what they do freely.  So, as you enjoy a hot dog on a leisurely day, a day that’s been designated as a memoriam to my great family, Remember Us – the United States military.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

The Bible conveys a wellspring of instruction on the benefits, merits and necessity of prayer.

Just to name a few, the Living Word emphatically instructs all of mankind to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to not neglect the practice of prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5), and to resist becoming weary or disheartened when praying (Luke 18:1).

What exactly is prayer (someone may ask)?  Simply put, prayer is communication with God.

There are no requirements to communicating via prayer with God – there is no preferred or set position or posture more accepted than another (i.e. kneeling, sitting, standing or laying down) and there is no particular form of presentation that’s prerequisite (i.e. verbal or non-verbal).  However, God must be acknowledged and honored for who He is (His authority, persona, sovereignty, etc.) and since it is communication with God, prayer must be understood as dialogue and not a monologue. Finally, sincerity of the heart and a personal relationship with God is highly recommended.

On the evening of Friday, May 16, 2008, five people having a personal relationship with God came to my home with a single, united purpose – they came to pray for my wife, my family and me.

They came humbly and without fanfare.  Their mode of travel did not consist of an impressive and luxurious vehicle; they were not attired in the bright, fancy and flamboyant colors and costumes currently familiar among a great number of well-known televangelists or mega-church monarchs.  They were non-descript people who had aligned themselves in truth with the one, true and living God, who came as previously stated with a single, united purpose – they came to pray.

Like a squad of elite, special-forces warriors, they took up positions in the Schneidmill family room like combat veterans who’d already received and analyzed all available intelligence reports on the location, strength and determined design of the enemy forces they’d come to confront and decisively defeat by communicating with God through prayer.

These gentle, yet determined “prayer soldiers” listened attentively as my wife and I shared details pertinent to the reason they’d come to pray for us.  And at what appeared exactly the right and most opportune times for giving input during our thoughts, they politely gave words of powerful encouragement and valuable insight.  Additionally, their “Squad Leader” (Curtis Terrell*) clearly stated that they had come to pray for us because they’d been “mandated” by God to do.

And so they did…they prayed.

They prayed aggressively and with authority.

They prayed with commitment and confidence.

They prayed with fervor and ferocity.

And they prayed with sincerity and tenacity.

I was then, am now and forever shall be grateful for their actions which essentially were outward and visible expressions of love and obedience to God and love for their fellow man (us).

In bringing this week’s submission to a close, I want to mention one more thing that the Bible says about prayer – that the prayers of those whose lives are pleasing to God, whose characters are in right standing with Him; those prayers bring forth an immeasurable amount of benefit (James 5:16).

If the five people who graced my home that evening were not/are not in right standing with God, many, many people today who profess to know and/or have a relationship with God (myself included) are in dire need of help.

These were indeed and undoubtedly people of God, and when the people of God pray (people who consistently live in loving, obeying and serving God in deed more so than word), God is honored, lives are blessed and situations of all sizes and types do certainly benefit.

So, if you’re a “people” of God, I invite you and remind you to pray.  Our nation and world has a myriad of needs today.

And people of God need to pray to seek Him for His help in all of them.

* Curtis Terrell is the Pastor of the Restore the Breach Fellowship church in Germantown, MD. USA.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

With Mother’s Day now three days in our rear-view mirror, I apologetically, emphatically and sincerely wish a happy post-Mother’s Day to all mothers worldwide.

For this period’s Jehoiada submission, I’d like to give some acknowledgement and recognition to a most unique person.

I have a friend named Liz.  I normally address her as Miss Liz.  I don’t address her as such because of any recognition of age, seniority or as a sign of concentrated respect…I just call her “Miss Liz” because to me, that’s definitely who she.

Again, for this period’s Jehoiada submission, I’d like to give some acknowledgement and recognition to “Miss Liz”…and talk about her a little behind her back at the same time.

There are people who are concerned about others so much so that they’ll do something demonstrative to show that…then there are folk like Liz who will make you aware of her concern without demonstrating anything.

There are people who are kind and display genuine acts of kindness…then there are folk like Liz whose kindness seeps from her pores like perspiration during a hot summer’s day.

There are people who are noticeably thoughtful and will call you and pray for you and with you when they know you’re in need of it…then there are folk like Liz who will call you when you hope no one will and pray for you and with you without you knowing about it.

There are people who are undeniably good for you and to you, are encouraging and sincerely have your best interest in their heart…then there are folk like Liz whose evident goodness drips from her every word and deed like butter off of a sho-nuff, southern style corn-on-the-cob, whose encouragement can be felt like a warm sweater on cold shoulders; and whose best interest in you always seems to be greater than what the heart can express.

I’m truly, truly appreciative, grateful and thankful for people who are like those I’ve described heretofore…but for folk like Liz (and yes…that’s you too, Miss Liz), there have not yet been words created and incorporated into human language that could aid me in giving you a fitting acknowledgement.

Folk like Liz are extremely rare…and since I was saying these things behind her back…if you see her or someone like her, please tell her (or that like-person) not to change.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved