FromTheDS

Heartland District Connection

From The Superintendent's Desk . . . . . February 2010

Are you still reading? Oh, I don’t mean are you reading this… are you still reading books? In a day and time when electronics seem to be taking over the task of communicating knowledge, thoughts and feelings, have you abandoned the book as antiquated and out-of-touch? I hope not. I know that sentiment may label me as antiquated and out-of-touch, but I still find books to be wonderful companions and fellow travelers on the journeys of life. They don’t need batteries or re-charging; they don’t cause nearly so much eye-strain; and they can be taken anywhere, even on extended camping trips or ocean voyages.

I’ve been reading several books, since Christmas time, which I can recommend if you’re interested. If you enjoy fiction that has a ‘homey’ feeling (Do you remember the ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ series of books about a veterinary doctor in the Yorkshire Dales of northern England?) you may well enjoy the series of three books written by Patrick Taylor about the adventures of “young doctor Barry Laverty” and the colorful Northern Ireland community of Ballybucklebo: Irish Country Doctor, Irish Country Village, and Irish Country Christmas. One reviewer said, “Written with compassion and hilarity about a community whose inhabitants are as wonderful and loony as any on earth.” Caution, the language can be earthy. Another book that has been positively wonderful is Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith. This true story of two men whose lives touched the author’s, and certainly touch this reader’s, will inspire and entertain you. Tony Dungy, former NFL coach and author of Quiet Strength, says, “Mitch Albom tells the story of two incredible men whose lives demonstrate what faith is all about. They impacted his life, and now - without ever having met them - they impacted mine as well.” Finally, I am currently working my way through Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. If your experience reading this is like mine, you will find yourself nodding in agreement before you have finished the first ten pages. The subtitle of the book, “When to Say Yes and How to Say No to Take Control of your Life” caught my attention on the Barnes & Noble bookshelf. I need to learn more about saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’ appropriately. As one who is too often a “reluctant giver” when it comes to saying yes and fearful of being perceived as mean for saying no, I believe that this book comes at just the right time for me. All of these books are paper-backs and are priced in the $15 to $20 range. Enjoy!

I want to tell you about something that is unique to Michigan and has a story worth sharing: The VFW National Home for Children. This is not a United Methodist ministry - it’s not even church related - but it is a wonderful ministry none-the-less. The National Home helps the children and families of our nation’s soldiers and veterans. “Nowhere else can the children or a spouse with children of a deployed soldier be helped with a home, care and supportive services. Should the soldier return injured, the entire family may be provided a home with all of the support services while he/she is participating in Vocational Rehabilitation and working toward self-sufficiency.” Residents of the National Home’s on-campus programs live in 40 family-style homes as part of a 70 acre campus community in the Eaton Rapids area. (Many of the residents of the Home have, over the years, participated in our congregations in the area and blessed them greatly!) Please let me share with you one story from the Home:

The wife and two children of a serviceman lived in a National Home house while he was overseas serving our country. While here, they had a safe and caring environment to live in, and the family participated in activities, classes and other supportive services offered at the National Home. The environment here helped ease fears for the children, allowing them to focus on friends and school. One child’s school grades greatly improved as she worked with the education department. Financial training helped prepare the wife for the next phase in their life. When he returned, they were reunited and readied for the next big move, which allowed them to stay together as a family for his next assignment.

I learned about the Home when my eldest son, David, went to work there. But I have discovered that many of the people I talk with have never heard of the VFW National Home for Children. If you would like to know more about this ministry for children and families, you can go to www.vfwnationalhome.org.

Just thought you’d like to know! Blessings!

Bill

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Heartland District Connection

From The Superintendent's Desk . . . . . February 2010