My Father

Reflecting on My Father’s Life-

A Life Well Spent-

Photo Rev. E V Simmons
The Late Rev. E V Simmons

By Gladys Simmons Carson-

A life well-spent, at the setting sun,
Brings a rich reward for a job well done.
The many years of meager means,
The ups, the downs, the in between.
Successes, failures, the bad, the good,
And all the storms of life withstood.

A life to match the one you preached,
An inward look, an outward reach,
Toward children eager-eyed to learn,
And sinners back to Christ to turn.
The trembling hands of those in years,
The youthful lad with dreadful fears.

Young men of Christ who guidance sought,
The falsely judged for whom you fought.
That which you gave someone to feed,
Such sacrifice to meet a need.
Your word that could be counted on,
When with support or when alone.

The simple things no one observed,
The countless ways in which you served.
An unsung hero by definition,
Who never thought of recognition.
Just satisfied to lend a hand,
To help uplift your fellowman.

Some may recall your humble style,
Your faithful ways, your winning smile.
You lifted some when they would fall,
Yet they may not recall at all.
But I remember from my youth,
You always stood up for the truth.

You always kept God in first place,
Through those hard times we had to face.
You always spoke in softest tones,
When times arose to right a wrong.
When pay was short and bills were long,
You taught us to keep holding on.

You taught us words that proved so right,
To walk by faith and not by sight,
To do our best without excuse,
And all God-given gifts to use.
To work in patience, not in haste,
And never valuable time to waste.

You taught at home and Sunday school,
And tried to live the Golden Rule.
Yes, I remember, and I’m glad,
I had in you a Christian Dad.
But most of all, He won’t forget,
He Who has never failed us yet.

He Who did give to you the call,
“Deny yourself and give your all.”
He Who was with you day and night,
In times of wrong, in times of right,
In times of plenty and of less,
He gave you well-deserved rest.

He Who gave us His only Son,
In glory gave you your last ”well done.”
And the love you shared wherever you went,
Shall bear witness on earth to a life well spent.

A Rainy Day Made Sunny by Strangers

Birthday Cake VeganThe meteorologists were right on point. The rain fell freely and furiously, causing flash flooding in low-lying areas. It was a great day to stay at home and relax. But my son had other plans. In fact, we had the same plans, only I was willing to forgo them on the side of safety. But I said nothing because it was all for my birthday. He had already showered me with gifts upon gifts, but he wanted to take me out to eat. Continue reading “A Rainy Day Made Sunny by Strangers”

The Power of Continuing

I used to feel obligated to make excuses for taking so long to write a book. Now I rejoice that I can discipline myself to sit at my laptop and keep going. Often the difference between published and unpublished authors is discipline. One quits. The other doesn’t.

The book I am writing now, “Turning the Tables on Adversity,” will be my second. Well, I have written numerous books during my many years, but not all Continue reading “The Power of Continuing”

Choose Joy for the Journey

It was a day of celebration. At last I had completed the final step, of the last leg, of an amazing journey—one that brought me from an idea in my mind to a book in my hand. Writing my memoir, Triumph! A Battle Plan for Joy, proved to be the most challenging voluntary project of my life. But I need to Continue reading “Choose Joy for the Journey”

Showers of Blessings

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

Daniel Webster Whittle

Eight Years and Counting

I became a vegan in July of 2010, with an eye on remaining healthy into my seventies and beyond. Although I was bursting out of a size 12, I didn’t consider myself overweight. Therefore, I gave no thought to losing weight. Nevertheless, by July the following year, I was wearing a size 4-6, and feeling younger and stronger. I was happy to celebrate eight years as a vegan in July of this year, 2018.  I use the term Continue reading “Eight Years and Counting”

My First Vegan Dinner Guests

battle plan forjoy

People who know me well know that cooking is not among my favorite activities. So, when Jeff, my son, asked if he could bring some friends when he came over on Christmas Day (2010), he told me I would not have to cook. He would pick up something for dinner. It must have surprised him when I responded: “Oh, I don’t mind cooking, providing you and your friends would be willing to eat vegan.” He said that would be fine, because one of Continue reading “My First Vegan Dinner Guests”

Beautiful Gray

Beautiful Gray

There is a distinct gift that comes with aging. A few people receive this gift prematurely. And although it is valuable, many people “hide it under a bushel.” This particular gift distinguishes us in a delightful and beautiful way. Yet many “seniors” are unaware of its honor. I speak of the gift of gray hair. Gray hair is a highlight of years that emphasizes the fact, or illusion, Continue reading “Beautiful Gray”