Living Into Lonliness: Update #2

Talk About It Tuesday

It's been some time since I referred to my experience with my 78-year-old neighbor. For those who had not joined me when those posts were made, or for those who would like to refresh their memory, here are links to the previous two posts.

Post #1- Living Into Lonliness
Post #2- Living Into Lonliness: Update

Since those posts, my neighbor has returned to the hospital twice. The late night, flashing lights of the ambulance were not a welcomed sight for me. At least I could run across the street this time, and ask if she'd like me to call her daughter. I WAS fully prepared with the phone number. This time there were cardiac symptoms, and I decided to go sit by her bedside so she would not be alone. Perhaps talking to someone could pass the time while the ominous test results were being processed.

All was well, she returned home the next day. I was able to pick her up and meet her sister--who was troubled that she did not know where her sister (my neighbor) had been. (Another phone number to put on my list, perhaps.)

So I'm learning the ongoing lessons that these challenges to her bring.

• I'm noticing that it's hard to ask for help when a person is used to being independent. Especially when a person does not have a large circle of friends or family to call on.
  
• I'm seeing how quickly a strong person's health can decline.
• I'm empathizing with the disappointment, discouragement and sometimes depression that can result from seemingly-permanent, unexpected change.
• I'm knowing that I must not be too busy to offer what I'm able to do, while keeping balance with my own priorities as well.

My neighbor is a very gracious lady who expresses gratitude constantly. I have benefited from her loving-kindness in ways that would not exist without her personal challenges factoring into my more frequent visits with her. She enriches my life!

We all need each other in one way or another. Sometimes our past experiences with trusting people get in our way of reaching out to others. We may fear pain. We may fear rejection. Who knows all the things we may fear or want to avoid! Sharpening our own discernment, however, is vital to knowing where to spend our time and energy. Not all experiences will turn out to be as beneficial and heart-warming as this has been for me. Yet all experiences can be learning experiences. We must decide for ourselves if the risk is worth taking. When we don't learn to trust those who are trustworthy, we may never know what we're missing.

What experiences have you had in learning to trust or serve?

Memory Lane Monday: 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy – Challenge #26: Google Books

Memory Lane Monday

Here’s your weekly genealogy challenge: Google Books

View the entire description of this week’s challenge, by using my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner link. Click here.

Remember to choose only the challenges that suit you and fit into your schedule.
These challenges are meant to be a blessing, not a burden!

Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the GeneaBloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other GeneaBloggers. Both sites have been voted among about the Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Memory Lane Monday: 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy – Challenge #25

Memory Lane Monday

Here’s your weekly genealogy challenge: Blog Comments

WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS FROM THIS WEEKS CHALLENGE!
I hope you’ll enjoy your visit and become a follower.

View the entire description of this week’s challenge, by using my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner link. Click here.

Remember to choose only the challenges that suit you and fit into your schedule.
These challenges are meant to be a blessing, not a burden!

Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the Geneabloggers website You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other GeneaBloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the GeneaBloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Oops! Father's Day video is now fixed.

Today, I visited my Examiner.com site and found that the video I posted about Christian Nielsen was missing from the article entitled Fathers Day: The influence of fathers The article spoke of my father's influence on his posterity and friends, and it also talked about the influence of Christian Nielsen on his family and others.

I fixed the problem and will also post the video here. Christian is a great example of the quotation: "The greatest thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother." --unknown
He and his wife survived a near-fatal plane crash. They were badly burned, and they still face their daily challenges with faith and courage. Although the video mainly features Stephanie, watch Christian--his loving support and his happiness in spite of enormous challenges.

Enjoy!

The Influence of Fathers: Happy Father's Day

I wrote an Examiner.com article and mentioned my dad. Click here to view the article.

I was adopted as an infant. Considering all the unfavorable circumstances that COULD have come my way, I feel blessed to have had the best parents in the world, for me. I could say so much more about his fun-loving, abiding influence in my life, but I'll save that for another time.
Picture: James Lynn Calton

In the article, I also talked about Christian Nielsen--a modern-day dad who inspires me beyond words.

Christian inspires me because he, in such a quiet, reserved way, is such a great husband and dad. In spite of he and his wife suffering extensive burns from a near-fatal plane crash in 2008, he serves his family out of great love. I've observed this first-hand, and I'm refreshed and amazed. Their struggles continue on, yet they remain hopeful, faithful and committed to eachother.

View my article by clicking here.

There are many people in the world who are Generational Change-makers. Stories of overcoming great odds continue to inspire us all. No matter the past, we can build a wonderful future by the power of our positive influence.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Congratulations to Generation Maps

Congratulations to Generation Maps for being one of the very few companies to now hold TWO FamilySearch Software awards. See my press release post.

Janet Hovorka, Development Directory for Generation Maps--an online genealogy chart printing service--has been super busy with giving lectures, running booths and attending genealogy conferences. Her product Family ChArtist is extraordinary!

I am pleased to announce that Generation Maps is now my affiliate. You will be hearing more about Family ChArtist when I reveal new plans to help those who are Generational Change-Makers.

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Generational Change-Makers are people who have joined the "Family Tree Quest" (see www.familytreequest.com) They create positive change in their family lines using the power of their positive influence. They are committed to doing their part to change negative family patterns, relieve lingering sorrow and stress, and create healthy relationships in their "Family Trees"

Are you a Generational Change-Maker? Join the Family Tree Quest at www.familytreequest.com and stay tuned for more exciting information.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am an affiliate of Generation Maps (Family ChArtist).

Family Search Announced Award Recipients

Here is the press release from Family Search. Perhaps there are some products or features that may interest you.


For Immediate Release

19 May 2010

2010 FamilySearch Software Award Recipients Announced

SALT LAKE CITY—Recipients of the 2010 FamilySearch Software Awards were announced at the FamilySearch Developers Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 14 recipients were recognized for their outstanding and innovative work in advancing products and technologies that integrate with FamilySearch’s emerging suite of products and services.

The annual FamilySearch Software Awards has been established to encourage and recognize software development that benefits the growing demands and needs of family history consumers. “The awards formally recognize the software achievements of those developers and companies that are making important contributions to the family history and genealogy industry,” said Gordon Clarke, FamilySearch developer services product manager.

The Best New Product awards were given to applicants in different platform categories. Products with specific features deemed important to the growth of the industry received the Best New Feature award. Community Player awards recognized individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the software developer community.

The following recipients were announced and awards presented at the FamilySearch Developers Conference:

Best New Product Awards
• The MagiKey for the “Best New Windows” product
• Arcalife for the “Best New Web site”
• MobileTree for “Best New Mobile” product
• FamilyInsight for “Best New Macintosh” product
Best New Feature Awards
• OurFamilogy for “Best Research” feature
• SharingTime for “Best Collaboration” feature
• Genetree for “Best DNA” feature
• Ancestral Hunt for the “Best Geo-Mapping” feature
• FamilyPursuit for the “Best Groups” feature
• Photoloom for the “Best Media” feature
• FamilyChArtist for the “Best Print” feature
• AppleTree for the “Best Celebrity Tree” feature
Community Player Awards
• Gaylon Finlay, Incline Software, “Bug Hunter” award
• Michael Booth and Bruce Buzbee, Roots Magic, “Trailblazer” award

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch has been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Patrons can access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,600 family history centers, in 142 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am an affiliate of Generation Maps (Family ChArtist)

Memory Lane Monday: 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy – Challenge #24

Memory Lane Monday

Here’s your weekly genealogy challenge: Ways of Classification

View the entire description of this week’s challenge, by using my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner link. Click here.

Remember to choose only the challenges that suit you and fit into your schedule.
These challenges are meant to be a blessing, not a burden!

Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the GeneaBloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other GeneaBloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree
Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.AS

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Memory Lane Monday- 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy, Challenge #23

Memory Lane Monday

Here’s your weekly genealogy challenge: Choose your own challenge.

View the entire description of this week’s challenge, by using my Examiner.com, Phoenix Genealogy Examiner link. Click here.

I will be installing Roots Magic on my laptop and learning to use this new (to me) program. What will you do?

Amy Coffin of the We Tree blog has put together the helpful 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series. These prompts are hosted on the GeneaBloggers website. You may be interested in seeing posts about the challenge from other GeneaBloggers. Both sites have been voted among Family Tree Magazine’s Top 40 Genealogy Websites this year.

Choose only the challenges that suit you. They are meant to be a blessing, not a burden.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am listed on the Genea Bloggers Blog Roll because I find it to be a valuable, shared community resource. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”