Category Archives: Culture and Religion

Building Profound Faith

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“Spirit is like the wind, in that we can’t see it but can see its effects, which are profound.” ― Jimmy Carter

My past couple of blog postings have led me to think about our society’s interpretation of what a hero is. We need more people in this world who understand that heroism is not all about Hollywood film stars, sports figures and sensational people with misplaced values. In my opinion there is truth in Jimmy Carter’s statement when he said “Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but rather by what one owns.”

Today I salute President Jimmy Carter. His story beyond his political life has always been to help others. He has carried on so admirably beyond his stint as President of the United States and his recent announcement about his health is very inspirational. We need to elevate the level of all warriors who are fighting their own medical battles along with their physicians. There is great heroism in fighting personal challenges and coming out on top simply by having the right attitude.

Last week as I sat watching medical students walk through the lobby of one of the finest teaching hospitals in the country, I couldn’t help but think of my two heroes, Dr. Helen Taussig and Dr. Alfred Blalock, both pioneers in medicine. To learn more about them, please visit  Influential People. A story of personal triumph is in the award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

It takes intellect, dedication, financial resources and years of study to become a doctor. All to save the lives of others. That’s heroism.

As Jimmy Carter faces his own personal challenges he well knows through his own admission of deep faith “With God, anything is possible.” You are in good hands, President Carter. Thank you for all you have done for others in demonstrating living with the spirit.

Jimmy Carter

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard.

All for the Children

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The other day I heard a story that warrants repeating. It’s full of kindness.

My parent’s neighbor recently lost his mother who lived to a ripe old age. The son was with his mother in her final moments when she was not real lucid. A group of children were in her vision. Clearly she saw them.

Upon her death, there was $200 dollars in her account that the son pondered what to do with. He remembered his mom’s final moments of seeing children and decided to give the money to his cousin who is a pastor to use for Vacation Bible School. He requested that the funds be used to “buy the kids all the ice cream they could possibly eat.”

One day my parent’s saw a school bus go by their house. “Unusual,” they said to each other. No kids lived on their street. It stopped at the head of their neighbor’s driveway and children boisterously filed off the bus and headed down the long driveway towards his house.

ice creamThe children had come to surprise and thank the good soul who had given the funds on his mother’s behalf to insure the kids had a fulfilling day at Vacation Bible School. They presented the donor with a big thank you card they’d made themselves.

Moral of the story: “No beauty shines brighter than a good heart.” ~ Unknown

This blog is brought to you by the author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and short stories Lessons of Heart & Soul.

The Art of Antiquity

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Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. ~ Lionel Hampton

Today we will continue our trip down Main Street in Berlin Maryland through images. The biggest treasures you will find in visiting each of the well-organized and well-displayed antiquities stores in the Antiques Capitol of the Eastern Shore on the Chesapeake will be your own recollections and reflections that will be stirred up. Most likely flashbacks will be associated with your childhood if you are a baby boomer.

Besides being The Coolest Small Town in America, Berlin has been the location for several movies. More about that in tomorrow’s blog along with information about why the town has earned a great reputation. We will be discussing some common elements between Berlin, Maryland and the town that I’ve called home for the past seven years, Steamboat Springs, Colorado. These characteristics help a community’s vitality and a community becomes notable for it’s uniqueness.

If you really want to step back in time, listen to the You Tube video as you scroll through these images. Thanks to all the businesses in Berlin who allowed me to take interior photographs. These pictures were captured at the following antique shops: Town Center Antiques, Uptown Antiques, Culver’s Antiques, Stuarts Antiques or Pitts Street Antiques.

IMG_20150728_095842_941 typewriter autogr

IMG_20150728_095523_236 statue pirategirl autog

IMG_20150728_095935_388 antique toys autog

IMG_20150728_095850_861 Gum ball autog

IMG_20150728_100446_025 pin curler autog

IMG_20150728_101438_936 telephone signed

 

antique globes lights signed

 

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Amusement ride signed

Rest on Sunday

Hope you had a grand time, and we will see you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling when we finish up this three -part blog series on the community of  Berlin, Maryland.

This blog is brought to you by the author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and short stories Lessons of Heart & Soul.

Oh, Baby Boomer! Return on Monday

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Don’t simply retire from something; have something to retire to. ~Harry Emerson Fosdick 

What are you doing this weekend? Anything different?

Aging with AttitudeI came across this picture that made me think about all the people who dread the idea of returning to work on Monday and dream of their retirement. Over the next decade there will be many people who will leave their job and enter into the next phase of life. Are you one of them?

Will you settle into a new kind of inspired existance and take the opportunity to pursue something you’ve always wanted? Baby Boomer, what kind of retiree will you be?

If you are approaching the renaissance years it’ a good time to put some thought into your second act. What will it look like? Will you sit it out in a chair uninspired or do something to put a little zing into your life?

At the beginning of next week on All Things Fulfilling, I am going to take you on an on-line, visual road trip for a few days to what is reported to be “The Coolest Small Town in America.” Don’t miss it!

Have a great weekend. his blog is brought to you by the author of the three time award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and short stories Lessons of Heart & Soul.

Simply a Ray of Sunshine

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“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” ~ Francis of Assisi

On my husband’s side of the family there has been some illness and a life was close to ending. However, things have taken a dramatic turn. I believe part of the reason that there is good news to report is because the person who stepped into the picture to deal with the situation, my husband’s first cousin, is a natural caretaker. In my mind, she’s a healing artist.  It’s what she has done all her life.  The situation could not have been handled more capably by anyone else in the family.

I’m so sorry that the task was so large that it meant uprooting her life for five months and tending to an enormous number of details.  She closed out one phase of her loved one’s life and lined up everything for new beginnings. Thankfully my husband’s cousin is detail oriented, and made sure every loose string was tied up. Thank you, Mary, for being the sunbeam. You, indeed, are God-sent.

sunshine and heartsThe course of events has made me think about how we forget to pay attention to simple everyday acts of kindness until disaster strikes. This article mentions things we can do to brighten the lives of others that perhaps many of us have never even thought of.  Check it out  because as it has been said before “life is not all about us.”

This blog is brought to you by the author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and short stories Lessons of Heart & Soul.

Pounds of Love

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Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. ~Seneca

This is one of the best good news stories I have read in a long time about the power of women who band together to make the world a little bit better.

The heartwarming ingredients in the story include:

  • Nine compassionate women
  • A wonderful mission
  • Pounds of sweet beginnings and endings
  • 35 years of  secrecy and dedication
  • Southern soul, charm and kindness
  • Love for others and community

The end result: “Happiness Happens!”

Pound Cake with love

Do not miss this article.  Click here and read the full story.  Check in on us tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard.

Heart of the Stories

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“A good story should make you laugh, and a moment later break your heart.”― Chuck Palahniuk

Do you miss those days when the words commitment, pride and work ethic really meant something? Are you tired of reading news stories that are sensational and shocking because healthy relationships are missing? The good news is stories about valuing oneself and others who are different than us do exist.

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Lessons of Heart & Soul, is a collection of stories that go back to the days when things were much simpler and when kids learned and understood what decent values were all about. These ten short stories which were cut from the award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected were previously unpublished. They are bound to put a smile on your face.

If you are looking for something to make you feel good and lift your spirits, both publications will remind you of a time when life was not so complex. You’ll love Fanny the central character in the story and her pearls of wisdom. You’ll want to learn even more about her in the award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected, if you haven’t already read it.

Where is the best treasure in the story? Check out the memorable voice in the audio book, narrated by the author. Prefer to read it on a different platform? Select the paperback or e-book.

Books on Spirituality

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Statistics indicate fewer people are church-going. The reasons for the decline runs the gamut, and it depends on who you talk to and what media you favor. What do you think is the truth of the matter?

As I was writing this blog, I saw this statement come across my social media news feed.

worth

It immediately lead my ticker tape of thoughts to ponder what people really value in today’s world. Are we Americans perhaps not as interested in things that lead to inner growth and development and more interested in keeping up appearances? Does valuing one have to be exclusive of the other? I don’t know, but it sure begs the question.

I’ve noticed there is a new generation of books that have sprung up regarding spirituality.  Today on All Things Fulfilling, I’d like to mention a few of them. I am not pushing any of them or their authors because I have not read these publications. I’ve posted these publications for no self-serving reason other I find their titles interesting and thought worthy.

  • Wearing God
  • Accidental Saints – Finding God in All The Wrong People
  • Searching for Sunday
  • There’s a Woman in the Pulpit
  • Saint Mazie: A Novel
  • Prayer, Write, Grow
  • Mudhouse Sabbath
  • Girl Meets God
  • The Wisdom of Stability
  • Praying in Color
  • The Sacred Year: Mapping the Soulscape of Spiritual Practice
  • Tables in the Wilderness: A Memoir of God Found, Lost & Found Again
  • Every Bitter Thing is Sweet

Do any of these titles appeal to your personal interpretation of what spirituality means to you? If so, pick up one of these titles, read it and write a review on Amazon.com or send us your thoughts through this website.  Reviews help other readers decide whether a book is worth reading. Why did it touch your heart and soul?  Authors appreciate feedback from the public!

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. Click here for more information on her  publications, Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and short stories Lessons of Heart & Soul.

 

 

 

Cornerstones of Community

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“The spirit of neighborliness was important on the frontier because neighbors were so few!” ~ Lady Bird Johnson

It was a fabulous 4th!  Ski Town USA was abuzz with activity that well-demonstrated the great hometown spirit this community is noted for.

Independence Day would not be a day to celebrate if it wasn’t for the cornerstone principles that our forefathers laid before us. They fought hard, literally and figuratively, to build a society which includes more than just the freedom of the press.

Over the weekend I indulged myself with a gala complete with cupcakes to commemorate independent publishing since it’s been at the heart and soul of my interests.

Terrys photo 4th

And of course, helping with the Strawberry Sundae fundraiser at the United Methodist Church has become something I look forward to each year. We ladies sliced and diced a heap of strawberries for the throngs of people looking for their next Independence Day treat after the parade.

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lots of berries

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pray for our leaders

The Tread of Pioneers Museum, right next door to the church, offered hotdogs and Routt Beer floats a plenty. On the 4th of July there is always free admission to the treasure trove that helps tourists and townies alike understand what life was like when the trailblazers arrived in this ranching community.

Now Steamboat Springs is also known for it’s tourism and broad variety of recreational opportunities. It’s home to Olympic athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, philathropists and others who love the Western and very friendly lifestyle.

Come on back to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow when leaps of Faith will be the topic. I look forward to sharing my independent thoughts with you!

This blog is brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yankee Doodle Day

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Happy 4th of July everybody!

Yankee Doodle DandyThankfully, PBS broadcasts our nation’s Capitol 4th of July for those who must witness it from afar. When I get home from the local fireworks, I automatically flip on the channel. If you have never been to Washington, DC, you are missing something significant. It’s a gift of a lifetime trip that every American should be privy to. The museums, statues and other landmarks are all free, so no one is left out from seeing the attractions as long as you can get there.

When 9/11 happened, the USA rallied and we Americans showed our support for one another by decorating our homeland. It’s a shame many of the flags, banners and other signs of patriotism have since disappeared. They are  good reminders of the freedoms we enjoy and are worth, literally and figuratively, fighting for.

And, why do we save our patriotic songs for Independence Day? In my opinion, they ought to be sung more often! Here are 100 patriotic favorites.   How many do you recognize? Many of the tunes tell the tale of our country’s heritage, and it is important that all generations of Americans know the most famous anthems.

Have a Yankee Doodle Dandy kind of day! On Monday on All Things Fulfilling, I will share reflections of my 4th of July celebrations from Ski Town, U.S.A.

This blog is brought to you by the author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and short stories Lessons of Heart & Soul.