While Kathy and I were visiting with people after church last Sunday, I was standing by the preacher and gentleman told us that he came to church with a heavy heart. My first thought was not what I expected it to be. The individual stated that the family had to make a decision on pulling the plug on his niece who was 30 years old. He stated she was born with an illness and was not expected to live past the age of two. Now they are just waiting for the Lord to take her home.
My first thought was there something going on with the gentleman and his health, his job or home. The individual later told me that he had lost his left arm in a farming accident nearly thirty years ago. This person heard that during church they needed volunteers to help delivery the Poinsettias from Christmas to the shut ins. He was wanting to help make the deliveries. He was wanting to help others in their time of need more than worrying about his own concerns.
This made me think that no matter what our problems might be, there is always someone out there who are really struggling with their own problems, whether it be health, family, housing, clothing, food, etc.
So as the year draws to an end I want to reflect and count my blessings from the Lord especially my faith:
Family: My wife Kathy, Matt, Annie, Brynn, brothers, sister, and in-laws.
Masonry: This year I was honored to be appointed by the Grand Master of MN Mason to the position of Junior Grand Steward. I have been involved with the new Kids ID Program be rolled out by the Grand Lodge. Taking a plural membership with Monticello Lodge #16. Attending different masonic events around the area, including visiting lodges and Order of Eastern Star events. I also have such wonderful brothers and sisters in masonry that are truly like family to Kathy and I. I don't know what we would do without them.
Friends: We have been blessed with some wonderful friends from church and work who are not part of the masonic family, but they are still like family to us.
Health: I am thankful for my continued improvement after having my right hip completely replaced on December 7 th. A new hip with less pain than I had before. The good Lord does answer prayers.
My thought and prayers go out to each and everyone of you. I hope that no matter what might be taking place in your life that you will take a moment to reflect and count your blessings!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Mentoring
Most of us will agree that mentoring is very import in a new brothers journey in the Masonry. Lodges that are having great success in raising and retaining new brothers have a Mentoring program in place. Mentoring is not a new concept. It is very important in our daily lives and in our jobs. Businesses have used mentoring programs for years to help develop new managers and CEO's.
Mentoring can be done in several different ways or styles. What is important is that a lodge develops and implements a Mentoring Program for their new brothers. It is also important that a lodge uses mentors to help develop the future leaders of their lodge.
If a lodge is looking for mentoring information, they can go to the Grand Lodge of MN website and type in mentoring in the search box or can you can find the new Mentor Resources tab located in the Lodge Resources Information. Thank you to RWB Doug Campbell for setting up the new tab.
The mentoring resources are tools a lodge can use to set up their program. Remember what works in one lodge might need to be changed a little to work in your lodge. The mentoring program is also important in the Lodge Recognition Program.
Sometimes we can be a mentor by our actions and the help we provide for brothers and we might not even know we were acting as a mentor to the brother. Recently I received an email from a Master of a lodge and it really made my day. He stated he want to thank me for my help and guidance and he considered me a a mentor during his term as master. I never even realized I was being a mentor to him. I was just trying to be a good mason and brother. Thank you to the brother who sent me the email.
Just remember our action speak louder than our words. So I leave you with this one thought, please include being a mentor your New Years Resolution. It will be very rewarding and hard to break once you are involved.
Mentoring can be done in several different ways or styles. What is important is that a lodge develops and implements a Mentoring Program for their new brothers. It is also important that a lodge uses mentors to help develop the future leaders of their lodge.
If a lodge is looking for mentoring information, they can go to the Grand Lodge of MN website and type in mentoring in the search box or can you can find the new Mentor Resources tab located in the Lodge Resources Information. Thank you to RWB Doug Campbell for setting up the new tab.
The mentoring resources are tools a lodge can use to set up their program. Remember what works in one lodge might need to be changed a little to work in your lodge. The mentoring program is also important in the Lodge Recognition Program.
Sometimes we can be a mentor by our actions and the help we provide for brothers and we might not even know we were acting as a mentor to the brother. Recently I received an email from a Master of a lodge and it really made my day. He stated he want to thank me for my help and guidance and he considered me a a mentor during his term as master. I never even realized I was being a mentor to him. I was just trying to be a good mason and brother. Thank you to the brother who sent me the email.
Just remember our action speak louder than our words. So I leave you with this one thought, please include being a mentor your New Years Resolution. It will be very rewarding and hard to break once you are involved.
Monday, December 21, 2009
"30" Years Ago
I want to wish my wife, Kathy a Happy Anniversary today. It was years years ago today (December 21, 1979) that we got married. If it wasn't for her and her family, I would not be involved with Masonry. Her family was very active with Masonry and the Order of the Eastern Star. To them, I say thank you for introducing Masonry and Eastern Star to me.
Second, without her love and support I would not have accomplished the things that I have in Masonry. She has been there every step of the way, and what a wonderful Blessing it has been. I love her with all of my heart. Remember to take time today and tell your special lady thank you for being there and supporting you in Masonry!
Second, without her love and support I would not have accomplished the things that I have in Masonry. She has been there every step of the way, and what a wonderful Blessing it has been. I love her with all of my heart. Remember to take time today and tell your special lady thank you for being there and supporting you in Masonry!
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