Spencer’s hands were dirty and cold and yet he held them open ready to hand me the simple treasures he found among the thousands of other stones and pebbles. He gives without thought, he loves without self preservation, he breathes without contemplation of the outcome, he lives as only a child can in the light of God with innocence and purity open, giving and kind.

What should we strive for in our life?

We should strive to recapture the innocence and purity of a child. We cannot go back or live through our children but we can listen, watch them and let them set the example of selfless living in our lives. We can allow them to show us the simple yet complex stones that build the foundation of faith that we have so often let slip beyond our grasp. It is in the simple stones that support his tiny feet that we can find the stability of life. We will not find the security in finances, material possessions or things of this world. The foundation that will secure our souls lies within the most simple grains of sand, in nature, one another, and in faith that there does exist a God who has created us and loves us beyond all earthly things. We have to go back to the earth, the dirt, the stones, the innocent purity of creation to find our breath, to listen to our purest thoughts, to open our hearts to love and kindness.

We have to deny the feelings of inferiority, fear and rejection. We have to live as if we are dying, love as if we will never be hurt, and believe as though our lives depend completely on our total faith in God. We think that these ideas are lofty, philosophical and unattainable in this modern culture that breeds selfish motives, defensive living and purposeful cruelty to get ahead of all the rest. We must strip away our culture’s coveted acts of living and put on the purity of a child. We can exist in this world without envy, an abundance of material possessions and a me centered attitude.

In fact when we decide to turn the other way and be kind to strangers and want nothing in return, when we choose to help our coworkers, take time to listen to our children, love our spouses without condition and search for a self less lifestyle we will then find the purest happiness that can exist because we are acting as God has intended for us since the beginning of time. When we seek God in the simple acts of kindness, unselfish giving, tender understanding and an unguarded heart we find a stability that is unshakeable.

Accept the simple stones from my child; pure kindness, time for others, empathy, giving without a need to receive, and unconditional love for all. These simple stones will lead you to a faith you have longed for yet never understood, they will make steady the path that you were meant to walk all the days of your life; the way to walk daily with God.


Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

How often do we try to find perfection; the perfect outfit to wear for a Christmas party, the perfect hairstyle to show we are current, the perfect car so that all will know we are cool, the perfect words to say so that others will find us intelligent, the perfect body, the perfect home, the perfect job, the perfect family, the perfect spouse and the list goes on. We Americans are in pursuit of perfection but after we have found “perfection” we seem to always notice that flaw, that broken branch in our beautiful sunset picture.

There is a reason we cannot seem to grasp “perfection” it is because perfection is not attainable.

God is the only one who is perfect and we will never be God.

However, most Americans do not believe that statement to be true. So they continue the unending quest of perfection, failing along the way. Knowing that we will not find perfection does not give us the right to stop trying to find our purpose in life and develop our God given talents. On the contrary knowing that we will not reach perfection but that we can strive to be the best person we can possibly be in this life time should be the quest. Instead of obtaining things to compliment our lives, status to place us above others and people to make us look good we should search our souls for goodness, reflect on our lives to find where we can become better people, help others in their search for their purpose and depend on God for guidance through it all.

The “perfect” hues of the melting sun will only be witnessed when we are complete and without God as our focus instead of this illusive perfection we seek we will always feel incomplete. So today instead of trying to find the perfect… look within, search your soul, pray to God and find a more worthy quest for this life that lived to the best of your ability will move you to the next life in God’s eternal grace.



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

I responded immediately “There is no way you will forget God. Grace, he will walk next to you through it all. I believe you will know He is there even if nothing else makes sense you will know Him.”

She responded “I hope you are right, I pray you are right Lori.”

As I hung up the phone and bounded upstairs to finish preparing for dinner I had to stop and truly digest what my precious friend who must now be in her 70’s was saying to me. She was concerned like so many others of my older friends that one day she would have Alzheimer’s and her memory would be gone. But I had never heard anyone say they were worried that they would forget God. This comment truly touched my soul and made me appreciate how dedicated and close my friend Grace is to God. Who among us would have that thought? This is a woman who is filled with joy so much so that it bubbles over at all times, her laughter is heard and welcomed by all of us. She is joy; she is the light of God in our sometimes gloomy reality. How deep her relationship with God must be.

So I pondered the thought could I ever forget God? My heart believes it is impossible; for my heart beats due only to His wish that I continue to live. My vision for life and how I should live it comes from the words He places in my heart daily. My love that I give freely to my family and friends would be nothing without my relationship with Him and the example He sets for me. Without God my life would crumble and fade away. No I believe no matter what the disease, pain or anguish I will never forget God.

“ For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8: 38-39



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

It holds the hopes and dreams of our children.

It holds the value of freedom.

It holds the integrity of a nation that was discovered, fought for, divided and united to be the greatest country in the world.

It holds the tears of many mothers and the pride of millions of fathers.

It holds a tradition of honesty and loyalty that is difficult to find in these times.

It holds a people together and it holds the respect of a nation

And

Yet it would be nothing if it did not hold the memory of every man and woman, who has courageously, fought, battled and died for it in its stripes.

It is the strongest symbol and the most powerful sign of a nation filled with people who gave their lives for our freedom.

Thank you: Every man and woman that has put on a uniform to uphold what that symbol represents.

Thank you: Every family that has had to pay the ultimate sacrifice for my children’s future.

Thank You: Every military person and veteran that has given my child the opportunity to hold this symbol in his hands and heart as a part of his life today.

Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

I read a motivational book recently that talked about thank you cards. Not just how good it makes someone else feel to receive that card but how physically writing positive messages soothes our souls. So I thought to myself I want to send some thank you cards to people who do not expect them. We expect a thank you card after we have given a gift to someone. We expect Christmas Cards at Christmas time (I love Christmas Cards). What we don’t expect is to find a simple card in the mail in between all the bills and ads that says “You are a great person, thank you for being my friend.”

So I decided to write a few thank you cards to people I know go so unnoticed in life. Then I decided to write a few more because it felt so good to tell people things I would blush to say face to face. There are so many people I admire, who inspire me, who lift up others, who support not just me but my community, who live a kind and loving life and set the example for the rest of us. So I started writing 2 thank you cards each day. My daughter asked me “Do you think those people will thank you for your thank you card mom?” I replied “They don’t have to thank me. I just want them to know they are loved and it feels so uplifting to tell them that.” Since then I have been stopped by several people hugging me and saying “What on earth made you write that note to me? That is the kindest note I have ever received, just out of the blue!” My daughter has witnessed many of those hugs. I told her just this morning after someone thanked me “You know it’s not about the hug they give me, it’s about that person feeling good about herself today.” She said, “I know mom.”

So I encourage you to pass on this goodness. Think of a few people you care deeply for and write them a thank you note. Think of a few people you admire that you would not feel comfortable saying it to face to face and write them a thank you note. Think of some people that you don’t know so well but you witness their good deeds and good examples and write them a thank you note. Can you just imagine what it would feel like to receive such “good news” in your mailbox handwritten by someone who sees you that way? It is worth the time, the effort and the love it takes to love those around you in a different way today. Try it!



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

One day we will each be a part of history; some day someone might find our abode a sacred place of the past revealing a different culture and existence. What will your home reveal about your family? Is your home a place of joy and laughter or sorrow and tragedy? Is your home filled with children running, bumping into walls and leaving fingerprints on everything? Is your home possessed by an engrossing silence that cannot be broken? Is your home a house that has every possession that people want for in our culture? Is your home simply comfy and quaint, not much furniture and no bells or whistles? Has your family left an impression on this structure? Have you made your house into a home or just a place to dwell within?

Our homes are our touchstones the place we leave to go out into the world, to work, school, grocery, bank, church and on trips etc. Our homes are the place we long for when we need comfort, when we feel lost and confused, when the trip has lasted a little too long. Our home is not made of wood, brick, stone or siding it is made of our spouse, children, loved ones and family. It is the place where we live, laugh, relax, work, fight, cook, clean, listen, cry and truly live our lives without anyone watching, true to who we are right here and now.

Will your window call to someone 100 years from now? Will it give the sense of peace you feel when you cross its threshold each day? Is your house your home? We only have one life to live with our family in that home, it is so temporary. Today cherish, embrace and appreciate your home for without you and your family it would be just a house.

Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

One of the things I have been diligently trying to teach my children is to try new things, as long as you know they are safe and we approve of them. Like try new sports, clubs, make new friends, things you  think you may not like, just to open their minds more.

My husband and I just took a weekend trip, just he and I, to Cedar Point Amusement park. We have wanted to go for years. It is one of the best roller coaster parks in America. So we finally did it. My son doesn’t care for coasters, will not get on one but he has read everything about them. He loves reading and learning about coasters. Before we left he told me all about the coaster you see in the picture above. It’s called Top Thrill Dragster, it takes off from 0 – 120 mph in 6 seconds on a straight track then climbs this arch to 410 feet and then drops you down a corkscrew and you descend rather quickly. The entire ride only lasts 17 seconds. I told him I would do it before I left home.

Upon arriving at the park I seriously questioned that decision. I put it off the first night but on the second day I faced it. Waiting in line for over an hour did not help to ease my nerves. In fact before getting into the cart my legs were shaking, my stomach ached, I was breathing rapidly and praying constantly. My heart is in good condition and physically I am completely able to ride any ride, I was just beyond scared. The thought of going 120mph in 6 seconds did not sound like fun anymore. I strapped myself in and looked at the people still in line; they saw the fear in my eyes and smiled comfortingly at me. I started praying more intensely and then it happened we took off and it was frightening, my head pinned to the headrest, my cheeks pulled back by the sheer force of the speed and my hands wrapped in complete fear around the bar. I counted and prayed for it to be over but I kept my eyes open. At the end my husband asked if I was ok. I said “Yes, it’s over I did it let’s get off. I never want to ride this again!” But I did it I faced my fear and pushed myself to heights and speeds I had never experienced before. I did it because I am a mom and I wanted my children to know you can face anything head on. Try new things you may love them or hate them, but you just have to try them.

Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

If someone were to record our voices and we listened to our tone, our words and our emotions would we be pleased with what we would hear or would we want to erase the recording? Without a doubt there are causes we should stand up for, laws we want to pass, actions we have a passion to change but would God condone anyone of us judging the person, condemning their soul, with full knowledge hurting them in His name?

God is love. Jesus Christ came to this world as a rebel with a cause to set this world straight. He the son of God did not do it with hate, disdain, name calling or cruelty. He spoke with kindness and peace, he loved unconditionally, he touched the lepers, he forgave the sinners without stoning anyone and he is the Son of God. He came to teach us how to love and live. He is the example to follow. If you claim Christianity then follow the guidelines that Christ Himself taught nowhere did he ever say hate, condemn or tear down another human being.

Only you know in your heart if you open your hands with the peace of Christ to others of if you take God’s name in vain and condemn others. God gave us the freewill to do as we please in this lifetime but at some point we will pay the consequences for all the choices we have made. What choices are you making?

Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

How much do we see in our lives and how much do we miss because of the direction we choose or do not choose each day? The simple act of a person letting someone merge onto the expressway occurred right in front of you but you were on your cell phone and did not notice. That man holding the sign at the exit was trying to make eye contact with you but you were adjusting your radio. That person at the light looked over at you in your car but you were texting before the light was about to turn green. That sunset left the most beautiful amber hue hanging in the endless clouds but you ran into your house to get the kids ready to go to practice. Your spouse was going to say “Hi” but you had to change so quickly that you just ran past him. Your child tried to give you a hug but you were already in the car yelling “Get in or we will be late!”

It’s the tendency of our hurried lives that we succumb to all the haste that so much of our day is ignored. We walk; drive and run past our lives instead of living within them. Is 30 seconds really all that long? That’s all it takes to notice that the bird house was right there, kind acts were taking place, people were looking for your mercy, others wanted to connect with you, God tried to reveal a natural beauty, your spouse tried to love you and your child wanted your time.

What direction are you going in your life or is the haste of your life draining all of its meaning? Slow down, look up, notice life, seek what is being revealed to you and love the ones who are reaching out to love you. Today, stop the hectic pace, stop letting life drag you in its insane path and live your

Not knowing who lives there, not knowing the area or even the street name I pass on by and wonder what exists beyond that rod iron fence within that little house? My heart feels torn as though I should be privy to the private life of another. Honestly, no one has asked me for help, there is no screaming heard from the outside and my imagination maybe all that is at play but it gives me pause. I reflect on how many doors we pass daily and never think twice about. How quickly and swiftly our mind ignores the sites that do not apply to us directly.

Why is it that my soul aches when I look upon this image I have saved from my little camera? Maybe it is because I like so many others neglect so many in our own towns, we turn our backs and move so quickly forward as to never look back. We shake that feeling off like a bad chill and just pretend it did not happen at all. Maybe it is a call to wake up and take notice of our neighbors close or far away, maybe to recognize that we are all God’s family and should care for one another.  What can I do to help when I don’t even know that a problem exists?

We can pray! We can ask God to help those within all those doors we pass by daily. We can slow down and become more aware of all those homes and find out about the people within them. We can help the food banks in our towns, the clothes closets, the shelters for abused women and children. We can do our part to help our neighbors in our community. We can give more, pray more, pause more, reflect more and let our hearts be moved in the direction they feel called to move.

God guided me to take that picture to move my heart to create an action in this life. What has God guided you to today? Don’t walk away, don’t shake the feeling let it grab hold of your heart feel it, experience it and then answer it. God comes in ways we do not understand but we need to slow down and just let it be. What is your door this day that you cannot pass by?



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

We find ourselves bound and shackled by the things of this world. Can we let anything go? Can we extend our arms, open our hands and just let go? Where would that leave us in this life? If we let go of all that ties us to this world?

Free to feel the unbelievable lightness and simplicity of His love. When all things are gone then only people remain. In the depths of each person’s soul a boundless love dwells waiting for the open hands to set it free, free from the expectations of this life, free to love simply, free to give smiles, free to offer kindness, free to think of others instead of self, free to be what God intended humans to be like- Him. Free to love unconditionally each and every person like He loves us.



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

I found myself on a road towards the back of the cemetery it looked vaguely familiar. You see I had visited this cemetery only once before with my grandmother now age 93 about 4 years earlier to visit her husband’s grave, my grandpa. I never knew my grandpa he died before I was born God brought him home at the young age of 46 leaving my grandmother as a young widow.  Due to the winding roads and many varied sections of the cemetery I knew it would be futile to try to search for his grave.

I had just finished photographing a rather unusual statue when I climbed into my car and started to move forward but I felt something in me stop the car. Looking around I felt pulled to my left, resisting the feeling I started to move the car once more thinking “I have to get home and practice my talk for tomorrow. I need to eat lunch. Write another blog and then go to get the kids. I don’t have time to stop. I have been here for almost an hour.”

Then I stopped myself. You see the talk I was to give the following day was centered on listening and pausing for reflection. I knew I had to stop the car and get out. I continued to think there must be a monument hidden behind the hill that I am suppose to see. As my heels sank into the hillside I realized it looked similar to where my grandpa’s grave had been but knowing there were hundreds that looked alike I had already assured myself that I would never find it. Then I remembered my Grandmother saying “It’s in the 3^rd row.” I walked up took a left and found an empty space and then his stone, my grandpa Clifford Gordon. The stone was flat and worn in the ground nothing expensive or extraordinary like what I had photographed and deemed worthy of my exploration. Here I was in front of his grave. I have heard stories all my life but never meet the man so it is hard to call him Grandpa. I lowered myself to sweep off the freshly mowed grass from the stone looking at the dates and I prayed and talked to him for the first time in my 36 years and I cried. I cried that I had not met this man that brought me to where I am today. I cried that I had never grieved for his life or his death and I cried that I would never know him. I cried for all the love he left behind.  I gathered myself stood up and saw a bush nearby with flowers growing wild picking one I placed it on his grave thinking “I hope others know he was loved.”

Starting my car I called my mom on my cell phone and told her my story how unbelievable that I could find his grave and that I felt so pulled by him to visit his grave. Her voice a bit shaky responded “He wanted to support you Lori. He was a public speaker and tomorrow you will give your first motivational talk. He will be there in spirit with you. Oh, he wanted you there I just know he did.” In tears we ended the conversation.

Returning home I called my Grandmother and told her she was also amazed. “He wants you to speak Lori, he must. You see when he was alive he was on the radio and when television started in Detroit someone approached him about being on TV. He said no. I always thought he missed his calling. Maybe he is passing it on to you now.”

“Grandma I don’t want to be on TV. I just want to speak to others about God’s love for them.” I assured my Grandma.

“I know that but I think he wants you to speak like he did.” Replied my grandma

What an amazing experience it is to be pulled to something.  I could have resisted and turned away because of the busyness of my day but I stopped and listened and I learned, grieved and grew. We must all listen more intently in our lives and let God guide us instead of our To Do lists.

I am Clifford Gordon’s granddaughter and proud to be speaking on God’s behalf!



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

Where are you going? Are you trying to get into something a group, a club, a career, a hobby or a sport? Or are you trying to get out of something headed towards retirement, leaving behind some things in life your body will no longer let you do, burned out and ready to get out of a deadbeat club?

There are two sides to every fence and when it is closed someone is kept in and someone is kept out. Is the purpose of the fence to protect what is within or to deny entrance from others? Where do you find fences in your life? What rod iron have you shaken lately to get into or to break free from recently?

Why is it that our lives have fences within them? Do we truly own anything so untouchable? Does the land and all the earth not belong to God? Yet, we in our humanity must set up fences to guard our “things” our “treasures” so that no one will take them away and have them as their own.  We lock the fences, hide our treasures and many times we lock out opportunities for growth. Once we have broken down a fence and enter inside we usually find that the other side looks similar to where we were before.

If only we could break down the rod iron of our minds and be open to all of God’s creations we could know more love than we have ever imagined. If we could swing open the gates and leave them open for all who need our treasure we would surely grow in the depth of our souls. For what has God given us on this earth that we should not share with others?

Today, try it break down the barriers share your love, your kindness, your words, your life experiences with others. Open your heart, your mind and your soul to those on the other side of your fence. God did not build fences He only created open spaces full of vast opportunities for growth and love to flourish.



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

We all hang by those monkey bars thousands of times in our lives. We hang there in our relationships with others knowing we cannot go backwards and change the past stuck in the present not sure if we have the strength to grasp the next bar with that person anymore. We hang in there with our work feeling the lack of control, as more responsibility is given to us, more money yet more hours away from home, our palms become sweaty not sure if we can hold onto all that work entails and have any hands left at the end of the day for our family. We hang in there with our children unable to move forward and see that they are growing and that we have to loosen our grip to let them grow. We hang in there with our faith, stagnant, unmoving going through the motions of sitting in a pew and being there on Sundays but not ever being completely present, not willing to let go and give the control over to God to just drop to the ground and let God catch us. We are all just hanging in there in one place or another of our lives. We feel as though we are hanging on completely alone not another soul in life to be seen close by us.

The truth is that we are never alone when God created us He left a little piece of Himself within each one of us, it’s called our soul and He wants it to someday return to Him. Our lives on this earth are a struggle with others, work, parenting and our faith life. What would happen if we just let go and stopped believing that we control all of it? Where would we fall? Do we have a tender place to fall in this life? Will a spouse catch us, a son or daughter hug us and kiss the scraped knee, will a friend listen and help us to our feet, will God whisper in our thoughts “I have never left your side, I am holding you in the palm of my Hand even now.”? In letting go we gain new perspective on the situation at hand, a vulnerability that allows us to accept love, an openness that can move us forward and a sense of relief that the very worst thing that could happen did not happen, you will never be completely alone for you do have a tender place to fall, we all do.



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

Is that how we live our faith life? Waiting in a fine row among so many others connected to those who are rusty and old as well as those brand new and freshly painted? Do we find ourselves in a constant state of anticipation? Are we waiting for God to open our little door and fill us up with something from somewhere else?

We, the human race are made up of all types young and old, knowledgeable and ignorant, newly found faith and those with a foundation that cannot be shaken.  When we attend Church are we sitting there in the pew waiting to be filled up by the minister or are we actively seeking out God’s message? Do we just take that time out once a week or just at Christmas and Easter to gather in the company of other believers or do we live our faith out daily? Do we pray and read our holy book searching for the message God wants us to hear? Do we find paths that will pull us closer to God like retreats or service we can provide for others? Are we standing stagnant in our faith life, unmoving or are we actively pursuing our faith?

God wants us to be open like the mailbox to His message and His guidance so that He can fill us up. However, He also wants us to pursue Him. He wants us to try to become closer to Him by learning more about loving each other and living more fully the life He breathed into our very souls. He did not intend for us to stand still but to be active, to learn to love and help one another, to live life to the fullest, to pursue a relationship with Him and through that to learn to love completely unconditionally all of those He created.

Don’t just stand on the road side waiting to be filled up but walk openly through life in pursuit of God and all His Goodness!



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

God baths every mother in His almighty light but this world, this culture we live and breathe in casts’ shadows upon us daily. Mary with the strength of God was able to raise “The Son of God” with kindness and eternal love. Mary surely had the tedious yet important tasks of cleaning and cooking along with raising a child. As moms we can relate to Mary she was not divine but she was “Full of Grace” and we can pray to her and ask for her guidance for she understands our human demands as a mom on this earth.

With baby Jesus on her hip she was able to raise Jesus Christ and ready Him for all the world might throw upon Him. As moms we must do the same love our children unconditionally, teach them love, respect, kindness, patience and empathy for others. As moms we must do as Mary did and help prepare our children to accept their calling from God. We need to help them recognize that call, the voice of God in their lives. We must cook, clean, bathe, teach, bandage, love, discipline and raise our children in so many different ways yet many moms forget that one of the most essential elements of raising a child is teaching them to find the love of God. Our world makes us feel uncomfortable talking to our children about God, as though that should be done by the Church or the school. As Catholic Moms we vowed at our children’s Baptism to be the first teachers of the faith. It is our responsibility and privilege to introduce God to our children. Let our voice be the one that aids them to hear the purest voice of all.

We have accepted the calling from God to be moms, that wasn’t an accident whether planned or not in your mind, God intended for you to be a mom. God wants for moms to be the first and most important teacher and we must first teach by example. Let your child know you recognize the presence of God in their very existence. Our children are gifts from God created by His own hands in our likeness. We said yes like Mary did in our own way to being a mom. God shines His light upon us daily and the world in its earthly desires and temptations shadows that goodness. It is up to us to move away from the shadows and follow only the light. Our children witness our choices through our actions and deeds have they seen us move away from the shadows or just live within them?

The month of August recognizes the Assumption of the Most Blessed Mary. During this month let us contemplate accepting the Light of God that shines upon our lives. Let us be more aware of the shadow and move out of it for the sake of our children and let us teach our children that the warmth they feel from our love is actually the love of God.



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

We walk the balance beam between work and our family life, being involved but not overly involved with Church and school, being a friend as a parent but also the parent role of disciplining our children, being able to recognize wrong doings but still not judging the person and loving them instead. Our lives our made up of thousands of choices we make every moment of everyday. Sometimes we choose poorly when we decide to be so involved at school that we don’t spend as much time with our children, when that was the reason for the involvement. Sometimes we choose well when we get up from our desks at work and say it’s time for my family and we go home.  Sometimes we don’t choose and just waver with our arms extended waiting to put our foot down in the correct spot so we don’t slip but we can’t figure out the correct spot.

In all times if we slow down and consciously think before we make a choice the decision is for the most part is better. Many choices are made instantaneously, go through the green light, wake the kids and feed them breakfast, work to the best of my ability, be a good parent and do my best in all things in this life. Every so often we run into choices that are gray, we just cannot say yes or no very quickly nor should we. These are times in which we should reflect more deeply, pray, and often step away from the choice before we decide. It is ok to step away from a situation or just not answer quickly or sometimes not answer at all. We live life at such a high speed that often those difficult decisions are made with haste and the results are often negative. We don’t have to live on autopilot; we can slow down and pause in the moment for clarity. Do you have to side with people that hate others because they invite you to hate others or can you turn away from the hate? Saying no to a request of a commitment you know will take you away from family is not wrong; you must weigh what you are able to do and what you should do for your family.

We need to all slow down and think about the choices before placing our foot down, believe in the step you are taking, stand firm when you have put your foot down. The balance beams in life are unending but you don’t have to race across them concentrate and go slowly so you make the choices that are good, pure and true in your life.



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

In our lives we exist on that playground. When we wake up in the morning how often do we decide we want to take a challenge and climb to the top of something we know will be difficult? How often do we wake up and want a normal low key day full of the swings, cool, refreshing yet “the same old” routine? Sometimes we think let’s take a slide and have a little more fun today but let’s not make it difficult. Life throws challenges our way through our family, children and work places that we would most likely not have chosen freely. Challenges we must climb if we want to succeed in any way. The majority of us are just happy with the everyday swings or see saws, they are easy, reliable and we have conquered them before.

God challenges us if we listen in the breaking of the dawn by whispering “today try climbing something new, try helping someone, try going outside your comfort zone and accepting everyone, try loving everyone you see today, try locking eyes with a stranger, try being kind, try to not talk about anyone except with care and kindness, try loving with actions those who don’t love you back, today try the climb.” We rarely hear the challenge because we don’t pause to listen or we think that post we read about kindness on face book or in the newspaper doesn’t really apply to “me”. The climb will make us sweaty, uncomfortable, out of breath and what if we don’t make it to the top and we feel defeated, what then?

Tomorrow morning after your alarm clock goes off stay in bed for a minute or two and listen, pause, lay there and listen. Wait a moment before your day begins and consider your thoughts is God asking you to climb somehow, to take a new challenge? Will you do it? Will you step outside of your comfort zone? Tomorrow listen and choose to climb.

Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

So many times in our lives when we give to others we want the world to know that we have done good. If we make a sizeable donation to a charity we feel its ok for others to know all about it. If we do volunteer service it’s great if others know, it makes us look really good. It is fine to share our generous hearts with others, but there is a fine line between looking for the reward here on earth or from God. If we want others to make a commotion about what a great person we are to do this great deed and share with others and that is why we are doing the deed then the deed is not done purely. No matter the reason sharing your time, talent and treasures with the world is an awesome thing to do and Americans are very generous people. However, if the only reason you do it is for praise from others God knows it.

“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

Matthew 6: 1-4

We should be like Jake and Spencer in the picture we do not know who the giver is and who is the receiver only God knows in that moment. I do believe that as a parent our children should see the good deeds we perform in volunteering and giving to others because we set the example for our children. If we donate and give in any way because we are called to do so by God and we do not share that experience with our children how will they learn. I believe Jesus was saying don’t give to impress others; don’t volunteer because you want to look better, because if you do it for attention your reward is the attention from humans and not from God.

So today be like that picture share what you have with others, receive graciously what others give and let no one but your children know, for God always knows in that moment!

Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp

Rarely in our modern lives do we stop for any one chime or noise. There is so much noise that surrounds us daily it becomes background noise and nothing significant seems to stand out anymore. But what would happen if there was a bell, a loud yet luring chime that would call us all to center ourselves for a moment in time searching for that bell?

What if we all could give a moment to that bell and pause, not just one of us but all of us? Would we recognize each other better, we would be able catch our breath and regain a sense of living? Could we maybe reflect for just a moment on the mere fact that we are among people in our self centered lives? Would we see that we are not alone that we are part of a bigger world in which others are just like us and nothing like us but we are all together? Could that chiming bell do more than center us to reflect on ourselves but bring us together as a community?

Maybe in that moment when we see each other for the first time we will realize that we are more than just a bunch of bodies bumping passed each other daily, that we are all connected in this crazy journey we like to call life. Maybe in that moment we can think of someone else instead of just me and my family but the person standing next to me and his family. We all hold a common bond; we are all human searching for love, acceptance and companionship. We were not meant to live a solitary life but a life together with others.

We don’t need a bell to find the commonality among us, we need only to look around us and start to see each other instead of just ourselves. Today take the time to look at one another and feel that common bond, smile give love and accept it freely and you will feel the chimes of the bell calling us together simply and quietly.



Copyright 2010 Lori Hadorn-Disselkamp