A lot has been said about Jack Kevorkian in the media over the years.  For many years he used the media to get his message across to people around the world; he felt that people should be allowed to take their own lives.  He allegedly thought physicians should be allowed to assist them by providing the means (medicine) to accomplish that goal.  Many individuals (allegedly over 100 people) with chronic illness or disease, who were suffering, sought him out to help them end their lives.   He was eventually convicted of murder by prosecutors and served approximately 8 years in prison; but, he was released early because of his own medical conditions.

His battle with public perceptions and the public’s moral and legal viewpoint, on his stance towards assisted suicide, opened up many conversations around the world.  If nothing else, I do believe that the media attention helped people to examine their own beliefs about the idea of assisted suicide and the concept of whether people should have end of life choices when faced with chronic illnesses or diseases.

My own personal feelings aside, I can’t help but wonder as Jack was stripped of his medical license after being in prison for assisting suicides in the past; if he could have, would he have taken his own life at the end?

I mean, Jack’s life and career appeared to revolve around death and dying.  He didn’t have access to his machine, that he invented to assist those who wanted to commit suicide, while he struggle with his illness in the hospital.  Still, he has had health problems for years…which was part of the reason he was released early from prison.

One wonders, why didn’t he commit suicide himself during that time.  Could it be that he realized the value in living even while chronically ill?  Did he ever regret helping others to commit suicide?  Publicly he remained defiant…but, when released from prison he agreed to no longer assist people with their suicides.  Still, if he would have taken his own life…there is nothing that the legal system could have done to him after his death.   He chose not to do that…and I am glad.

It is said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation.  There are reports of people who have attempted suicide and somehow survived who report being glad that their attempt failed. Suicide leaves many victims…the survivors or loved ones of people who are successful at taking their own lives struggle with many issues.

Suicide prevention is important because people are in distress when they consider taking such an extreme action.  Those stresses are intense…but often they are fleeting situations and if a person has an intervention that helps preserve their life than can go on and live a rewarding life (even if it is hindered by disease or illness).  For those of us who have moral convictions about the idea of suicide, it is with sadness to hear of someone losing their life to suicide whether it is assisted or not. The subject is emotionally charged for most people…those who believe in the right to take their own life and those who believe it is wrong to do so.

Having lost a loved one myself, this week, after a long battle against a chronic disease; I can only imagine how much more complex the loss would have been, had that person chosen to take his own life.  He suffered greatly, and yet he struggled to live; was he ever tempted to take his own life?  I am sure there were moments when the pain became too much to bear…and yet, he fought for every moment he was allowed to have with his friends and family.

What are your thoughts on death and dying…Jack Kevorkian or assisted suicides?  Our condolences to his friends and family at their loss.

I believe that just being aware of the world around you and noticing where the acceptance of God is lacking and doing your best to be of service in some way; of bringing a light or help to those who are in need, is a ministry itself.  Some have a pull on their hearts to teach, preach, do missions work, or evangelize.  There are others who are drawn to a particular effort of outreach which may be to take Bibles into areas of the world which have little or no access to the word.  Then again, there are those with an online ministry to edify or build up disciples such as the Live Sticky movement which encourages people to spend a portion of their online time being dedicated to bringing awareness of God to those that they impact. These are all ministries that are needed.

A ministry might mean that you take meals to someone who is home-bound, lonely or spending time with someone who is depressed.  It might mean providing comfort and help to those in poverty, a hospital/jail setting; or it could be a position of raising funds for someone to go out and do missions work.   Some of those ministries can be dangerous; but still, God puts a calling on those individuals hearts.

Today in the news there is some sadness which highlights that statement.  In recent days, there have been four Americans held hostage, on a yacht, which were hi-jacked by Somali pirates allegedly.  It basically is a form of human trafficking…to hold humans against their will in the hopes of making money off of them.  There was a military warship that was tailing them and as the shots rang out, the Navy warship took action capturing and killing the pirates.

Today, unfortunately the news says that all four American hostages were murdered by the pirates.  The yacht was owned by Jean and Scott Adam and they had two passengers on board, Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle.  Jean and Scott often traveled distributing Bibles around the world on their yacht.

They knew the risks of traveling this part of the world where pirates have been wreaking havoc on ships traveling through the area.  Still, they were committed to doing what they loved to do and felt called to do.  This required tremendous courage on their part.  They believed in more than just life here on Earth and it is a terrible loss to those who knew them and loved them.  May God comfort their friends and families during this time of grieving. They sacrificed their lives to do what they felt called to do; many people do not understand that kind of commitment.  It is a love that goes beyond the general human attitude of thinking only about oneself.

Did they want to die…no, I am sure they did not set out with the purpose of loosing their lives.  There are many examples of people who have lost their lives for Christ.  I believe that God has welcomed them home.  They faced this danger knowingly…but it is still a tragedy in human terms.  Spiritually, God will deal with those who took their lives.

There are many parts of the world which are hurting and struggling with war, with natural disasters, with political unrest and with spiritual warfare.  Those areas of the world have people in need; just as there are people suffering and hurting in your own local neighborhoods and countries.  Whether you feel the call to do missions work, teach/preach or evangelize in person or online…know that lives are being affected and changed for the good.

This is important work that you do, wherever God places you to do it. It is important to pray for those who set about doing the work of God…no matter where they do it.  There are forces at work intending to persuade Christians to stand back and let the world take care of itself.  That is not what God asks of us; be about the business of God.  Be an encourager, support ministry in any way that you can.  If it is working with children, in administration, or in actively pursuing those who don’t know Jesus…find a way to be in service.

I have friends and family who are doing amazing things because of their love of God.  There is Friends Like Us who work with children with cancer and their families.  They provide chemo bears to the pediatric patients that they work with…as well as providing gifts for the patients siblings.  They talk with and support parents of those patients.  They often send blankets from another organization called Layers of Love and a book on living with cancer from an author that they work with. Please visit them and support the work that they do.  These are all ministries at work, in my humble opinion, because they show love and help people who are hurting and in need of some sort.  This is just a small sample of people in my circle of influence.

My daughter recently went to Haiti and worked in an orphanage where the love of God is at work trying to improve the lives of those they touch.  I intend to do a series of blog posts soon about some of the work being done there.  Here is a link to the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty through which she felt called to work on a recent missions trip. http://haitipoverty.org/Updates.aspx

I just want to recognize those who are about the business of doing the work of the Lord.  Thank you for the sacrifices of your time, your money, and your efforts. Never forget that the time is short and that God is coming soon.  He alone knows the day and the hour…so when you get weary or feel burdened; remember that the life that you connect to God will have the opportunity to go to Heaven rather than the destination of Hell, a place of eternal suffering. This reason alone is why God gave us his word in John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life”.

What type of work do you do for the kingdom of God?  What do you feel called to do or share?  Are you actively involved in some kind of outreach ministry? Have you ever felt in danger while doing your ministry work?  Will you tell us about it here? What do you do for the love of God?

The extra mile is what this organization does provide.  They often listen to a parent, of a young cancer patient, express their fears, anxieties and questions about what to expect when cancer hits their family.  Mark and Deloris Bailey, founders of the organization know what it is like as they have been in that position when their son was diagnosed and treated for cancer.  So they created Friends Like Us to meet the needs of young cancer patients by providing them with a chemo bear. 

This chemo bear comes with a medical bag which has tools that doctors and nurses can use to help explain treatments and procedures that the young child may be having to go through.  It is a wonderful tool.  This chemo bear even may have a port just like the child and can have it removed in a bear clinic when the child has his or her port removed.  In the meantime, the bear can be of service when the child is at it most vulnerable going through tests or long lonely nights in the hospital.

Because they are a nonprofit they must get their funds through fund-raising and sponsors.  It costs approximately $550 dollars for them to get 100 bears manufactured to be given to children.  Lately they have combined efforts with some other groups to add books about cancer, musical cds and blankets that wrap the child in warmth.  All of this is done in the name of healing and supporting patients while they are in the battle of their lives.

So if you are a business, a church or an organization that is willing to be a sponsor of Friends Like Us and donate one order of bears to their cause you can contact Mark Bailey  at (419) 557-8543 info@friendslikeus.org .   In exchange for that donation of 100 bears, they are willing to send you a bear with a t-shirt that says Friends Like Us , we helped make a difference, a card shipped with each chemo bear that says generously donated by “your company, church or organizations name on it” and three months of advertising on their front page of their website.

Not only would your business, church, or organization be helping 100 children and their families but you would also be getting exposure for yourself by the willingness of Friends Like Us to promote your name and give you credit for your generosity.   You will be instrumental in helping a child to heal and help to encourage a family who is dealing with a major medical crisis.  Thank you for considering this opportunity to be a friend to Friends Like Us and helping them to fulfill a vital role in the lives of those who are trying to recover their health and well-being!

Friends Like Us is a wonderful non-profit organization which makes it their goal to help support children and encourage their families in their battle against childhood cancer.  The organization was first started after Mark and Deloris Bailey began the journey of helping their own son heal from his battle with leukemia.

The chemo bears come with accessories.  There is a small medical bag that helps to educate the child as they go through their own treatment program.  Doctors, nurses and family members can use the accessories to help demonstrate some of what the child will be going through themselves in their journey to healing.  There is even a bear clinic that will remove the chemo bear’s port as the child gets his/her port removed; returning the bear to the child with it’s very own small scar resembling the child’s new battle scar.

There are times when a child is being treated for cancer, when they must face alone time either through testing, procedures or just moments when family members must go home to attend to siblings, household chores or something as basic as getting a shower and returning phone calls or earning a living.  These separations are hard for everyone.

The chemo bear can provide comfort during those moments and are invaluable.  They cost approximately $30 dollars and donations are always welcome.  When a chemo bear is purchased, you receive not only the bear; but you receive the accessories, a child’s book on living with cancer and a colorful bandanna.  This is really a great way to encourage a child.  The chemo bears are suggested for ages 3-12 because there are small parts which could lead to a choking hazard for younger children.   Siblings are not left out of the equation either.  The Bailey’s understand how delicate the balance is in meeting the needs of all of the family members as they try to meet everyone’s physical and emotional needs during this time.  Chemotherapy can take up to 2 years for a female childhood cancer patient and up to 3 years for a male.  This can be very difficult.  It is their desire to provide comfort and support during this challenging time in the life of the childhood cancer patient and their whole family.

Both Mark and Deloris spend large quantities of time on the phone with family members supplying them with emotional support as well as information on resources and just practical tips on coping with the stress of having a child with cancer.  The work they do cannot be underestimated.  It is their personal goal to have chemo bear program available in all children’s hospitals around the United States.

Friends Like Us relies solely on donations and purchases of products through their gift shop to fund their organization as they do not get grants or any type of federal funding.  Volunteers are also needed to help sew the medical bags that are included with the accessories that come with a chemo bear.   Won’t you please consider volunteering, donating or purchasing products to help keep Friends Like Us helping families?  Spreading the word about the work that they do costs nothing and it may just get the information about Friends Like Us into the hands of a family in desperate need of support and encouragement.  Thanks for visiting!

I blog the same way that I cook.   If I begin my cooking using someone else’s recipe…I can’t help but tweak it a little.  You know, a little of this and a little of that.  Spice it up and toss in a few ingredients that normally, one wouldn’t think would go along with that kind of a dish.  Well, it is going to be absolutely no different here with this blog challenge.  Sorry, Karin…I just never was one to color strictly between the lines.  So, here goes…

I am thinking…I write because it is what I do.  If I were to “talk” the way I blog…my rambling, over the top, shout it out thought process about whatever moves me, on any given day; it would drive everyone out of my life-except the random, unsuspecting person who stumbled along my path that day.  See, if I start on a subject, I have to examine it closely.  If it’s something that I am passionate about it could, and often does, get lengthy; and let’s face it, I am passionate about everything I write…otherwise, why bother?

And as far as 10 reasons why you should read my blog…well, I am just not sure you should.  See, #10. I have things to say and my family gets tired of trying to invent ways to escape the room when I am trying to move them to my point of view-really, you are doing them a service by reading the blog;   #9.  I am TV free and the issues I blog about are often news items that other people get to view nightly on TV and they often accept that subject as fact-on my blog…we discuss what ifs and what you think about that kind of subject;   #8.  I give you an opportunity to express your opinions on things from relationship issues, to health concerns, to spiritual matters, as well as subjects you may have never even considered before;   #7.   I am all about family, friends and heart matters-some people have a hard time with all of that deep thinking on touchy feely matters;  #6.   I have a lot of curiosity about the world and I am not afraid to indulge myself;   #5.   I find that blogging is a way for me to explore my deep need to understand myself and the minds of other people-Just so you know…in real life…people get weirded out when you push them to think deep and “talk” about it; as my profile on Twitter says, I am addicted to interesting people, places, and subjects and I blog about it all;   #4.   I need feedback and blogging is the best place in the world to get it without getting “stuck” in an uncomfortable conversation with someone if they get a little too intense on a subject;   #3.   I am very entertaining most days and even when I get serious about something…I try to be very sensitive to the reader because I never know who will be reading the blog and how it will affect them;   #2.   My blog has been known to create relationships – I found this especially rewarding on subjects such as triple negative cancer patients who were trying to connect with others with information that impacted their lives;   The  #1.   reason you should read my blog is because I think there are too many places in this world that focus on the negative aspects of life and really…life is too short to be focused on negativity…we need to encourage one another and find joy where we can.

As for the twist on the recipe part of the blog…here are a few added ingredients…I was distracted much of this summer from my blogging.   I need to feel moved to write; that is just how I was created.   However, consistency is a main ingredient for any blogging success.  My last post was August 16^th and today is September 7th.   I have needed a shot in the arm to get the creative juices flowing…and since it is the back to school season…immunizations are a big thing right now.  I want to thank Karin for giving me my booster shot.

My twist on this challenge is that I should have turned in a list of 10 reasons why I DIDN’T write more this summer…but really, those reasons would just turn out to be excuses with some mundane explanations thrown in the kitchen soup.  The truth of the matter is… that I was very busy living my life and enjoying it immensely.  I make no apologies for that.  I have gained some wisdom over the years and one of the most important things I have learned is that if you don’t take the time to enjoy life and merely become an observer (which in my mind is what I do on my blog…observe, document, inspect, and regurgitate for the reader) then you find yourself with many regrets at the end of your life.  I want no regrets.  Life is precious…I am greedy…I want to see, do, hear, witness and participate in all that I can, so that I can feel peaceful about how I spend the days of my life.  Thanks for being a part of it all!

     Most people are familiar with mint in the form of a tasty tidbit whether it be a breath freshner, toothpaste, candy or maybe even their favorite herbal tea.  However, once you know about some of the healing properties of mint you begin to understand that mint matters are so much important than a person realizes.  For a person who has seen or felt it’s healing power…they know the value of keeping pure mint oil on hand!

        For instance, did you know that mint (be it spearmint or peppermint) has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and is an analgesic?  That covers many ailments that a human being can experience.  Wow, can you think of any other product that has any kind of equal healing power in it?  It is amazing.  It also is a very tasty product and one that is fairly reasonable to purchase or to grow in your own backyard. 

        As some of my regular readers know, I supported a very special group of people who produce mint oil right here in Michigan.  It is the Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns, Michigan.  It is a family owned business and it has just celebrated their 99 harvest of mint oil this past weekend.  My family and I got to go on a tour of the farm with some very dear friends of ours this past weekend.  What a joy to see this farm that is a source of healing power for so many people around the world. 

       There is Peppermint Jim and his sister Linette who are the owners/operators.   Both of whom are knowledgable and very genuine personalities.   They have a wonderous staff of mint aficionados.  Their small, on farm, store is stocked with products sure to please.  From candles, to body spritz, to honey subtly flavored with mint, to bath salts and various sizes of bottles of pure essential mint oils to choose from; a person could surely find a way to utilize the products that they produce.

         If you have followed their story you know that they struggled in the last few years with a foreclosure and “lost” their farm to an auction.  The farm’s motto is “expect miracles” and through a very interesting turn of events they were able to buy back most of the farm and their family’s home which is a huge part of their legacy of producing mint for 99 harvests.   Their faith and the support of customers, media and community have come full circle which is going to allow for a great celebration next year of their 100th harvest. 

        I have seen the healing power of the pure mint oil that they produce; as my very own mother was relieved of  painful shingle sores in her mouth that prevented her from speaking and eating normally, for a period of time last winter.  When medicines perscribed for her, by her physician, failed to give her relief…I recommended the mint oil.  She applied the mint oil and in a matter of a few days she was finally free from the pain and inflammation in her mouth around her tongue and gums.  It was miraculous.  It was well worth the small cost of the bottle of oil to see her out of the pain and discomfort she had been in.

       There is also the story on Peppermint Jim’s website about a medical mission team that went to Nigeria and helped over 800 people there with mint oil that was donated from the Crosby Mint Farm.  You should find that story here: http://www.peppermintjim.com/mint-oil-across-the-world/  That is powerful to me.  Now understand, this is pure mint oil not imitation oil.  This is oil produced by plants designed and put on the Earth by the master physician himself, God.  Why aren’t we using this valuable product more in medicinal ways to promote health and well-being; as opposed to manufactured medications that have so many harmful side-effects? 

         One of the big things that we heard alot during our day spent at the mint festival is how the Crosbys want to help people.  By producing the best quality oil, they can help people to live healthier and enjoy their lives more when they are using the oil to live with less pain, less infection, less inflammation and so much more. 

       I have to tell you that the people who work on the farm from Carol, to Lori and her sister Kelly, to all of the others we met this weekend at the mint festival; both on the farm and at the booth at the festival, they know their stuff.  We went on a wonderful tour and gained so much information that I could have spent a week there, just asking questions and absorbing knowledge from these wonderful people.   They were gracious and allowed us to take pictures with them. 

       Did you know that it takes 1 acre of plant material (mint), or 4 tons, to fill the distillery equipment to make a batch of oil; which can yield as much as 35-40 lbs.  This is produced without chemicals or pesticides…and in fact, the Crosby Mint Farm is proud of the farming practices that they use, which are earth friendly.

        An interesting day it was for myself and my family.  Our friends were just as thrilled with all that we learned.  We were priveledged to be present for the filming of a television interview with chanel 6 in Lansing, Michigan, which has been a strong supporter of this farms efforts to not only stay in business; but, to continue the legacy that was started so long ago by Peppermint Jim and his wonderful sister Linette’s great grandfather, J.E. Crosby, Sr; way back in 1912.

        If you would like to learn more about the Crosby Mint Farm or the products that they produce you can go to their website here:  http://crosbymintfarm.com/ .  If you go there, do yourself a favor and purchase some of their products…trust me you wont be sorry.  I don’t have an affiliate link to them or any of their products…I just believe in what they do and why they do it.  I really believe you will too once you’ve tried some of it!

       It seems that times are tough financially, both for the man & the woman, and the ex-wife feels the need to move over 1,000 miles away to the state of Florida where she will live with her family to make ends meet.    They are about to lose their home.  There is not enough money to live on.  So she is making a plan that she feels is a good one.  But her children are young, ages 6 & 9.  I can’t help but wonder, don’t the children need more interaction, than 3 hours a week, with their father…ONLINE?

        Some people would say, well…why doesn’t the father move to Florida as well?  It seems he just had cancer surgery.  And in my opinion, if neither the mother, nor the father, is financially stable…how is it that either of them will find the finances to get set up to communicate digitally if they don’t already have the equipment or the software.  That all costs money. 

         Can a parent meet the emotional needs of their children stictly by being online at the same time?  Is it enough interaction to chat with your children?  Is the Skype program going to replace physical hugs, going places together, putting them to bed at night, joining them in their after-school activities?  Nothing against Skype but, it lacks the physical component of parenting in my opinion.  I can’t imagine a mother or a father thinking that this kind of visitation is “enough” in a long term situation. 

       Are the co-parenting responsibilities and priviledges going to be able to be satisfactory?  Will one parent end up with more of one and less of the other?   Will the children feel abandoned or cheated?  I wonder if there will be enough of an opportunity for natural bonding to be maintained in this type of arrangement.

         Was there NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE than moving so far from the children’s father?  No other affordable place to live in NY?  No other job that would increase the family’s financial situation?  Maybe we weren’t told all of the pertinent information regarding the situation that the family is facing.  Still, I wonder for any parent; father or mother, is digital visitation enough when it comes to parenting your children?   What do you think?

        Dealing with the paperwork, the care of other siblings and spouse, working a full time job;  not to mention hands on care between treatments, paying bills, chauffeuring back and forth between doctor and hospital visits; it can become overwhelming.  However, the most important thing is meeting the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of your childhood cancer patient.  You can’t be all things to all of the people in your life at the same time and there are moments when you have to be away from your child in the hospital.  Finding a way to still provide comfort and security for your child, even when you aren’t there, is of the utmost importance to you.    This is extremely important for the positive outcome of the battle against cancer.  There is someone who has been there and is trying to make a difference for other families in the same battle.

        There is a non-profit organization called, Friends Like Us.  Friends like us was started by the parents of a childhood cancer patient named Brandon.  Mark and Delores Bailey are those parents and they created something called the chemo bear.  This bear provided comfort to their son when he fought his battle.  The chemo bear is customized in a way with interactionable parts which simulates the treatments that the cancer patient goes through.  This helps to open the door for positive communication between the child-patient and the medical staff who are providing care.

       Children with cancer have to deal with so many life changes and it can be frightening and lonely.  Treatments are often unpleasant or uncomfortable.   These bears can provide great physical and emotional comfort to a child who is suffering during this time in unfamiliar locations sometimes seperated from friends or family. 

       The Bailey’s have started a program which provides chemo bears free of charge to child cancer patients through social workers in cancer hospitals.  The bears cost about 24 dollars to make and ship…and so the Getting Better Together program thrives on fundraising.  This week, June 28-July 5th, they are having a fundraising event called, Adopt A Bear.  For each $25 dollar donation, a bear will be given to a child with cancer.  Want to learn more about this wonderful program?  Are you associated with a hospital or cancer clinic that has not heard of this great program?  Check out their website for more information here:  http://www.friendslikeus.org/  or follow them on Twitter here:  http://www.twitter.com/friendslikeus . 

        If you can find it in your heart to help spread the word or to donate much needed dollars to provide comfort to a little one please do so.  If you want donate in the memory of someone who’s life has been affected by cancer; please do.   I think that is a great way to honor someone.  Thank you!

       In any case, Jessica Angelique who is on Twitter as @DefinitveVoices and as @Jesicaangelique is a person who shines a light on organizations and non-profits that help people better the world through better living conditions, better self-esteem, and through building people up, one person at a time.  She is a strong voice for cancer-livestrong organization, for children, clean water, self-esteem & empowerment, and for foster care.  She is an author and a speaker; and, she is not afraid to connect to people who are in the position to effectively make changes that open the doorway to a better life for thousands of people everyday.   She puts her money where her mouth is and donates money to help children in foster care.

        She needs your help to win this grant.  Pepsi is running a voting contest and you can go here to register and vote to help her to implement her vision in a large way; should she win the vote.  http://www.refresheverything.com/definitivevoices  Once you arrive there, at the bottom of the screen there will be a sign in spot.  Sign in by entering an email and create a password.   She is entered to win the $250,000 category to educate.  Please help.  Lives will be changed and improved and children will especially be blessed. 

        Jessica has connections with people from all over the globe who are like minded; it will be a powerful television show.  Again I say, why can’t television be used to build people up instead of tearing them down?  Be a vessel of empowerment…please register and vote daily until the 28th of February, 2010.  It is very important to do this; you won’t be sorry that you took the time to do so!