Wisdom for the Journey

By Xlibris US

"Wisdom for the Journey," is an inspiring collection of true life scenarios. Ellen Shuck shows that life is indeed a journey filled with bumps, and unpredictable perils and pitfalls. Yet in spite of the unpleasant and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that you encounter, life is filled with mountain tops, joy and promise as well. "One can never give up," says Shuck. She writes in a style that is both serious and meaningful, but also interesting and filled with hope. She stirs your curiosity and her stories and bits of wisdom inspire you to keep on reading. They are lessons in motivation, endurance and the resiliency of human beings.

Rather than presenting a dull wordy manuscript, Shuck has broken each life lesson into a brief section. Each story has a moral that you haven't thought of before. She presents her valuable insights, gleaned from life, in a way that everyone can relate to them. Shuck's morsels of wisdom keep the reader clamoring for more. She writes a newspaper column and people who read them cut them out and save them to refer back to, to use as devotionals and to send to others who benefit from them.

Many, who are depressed, have found solace merely from reading Shuck's reflections that are spiritual, psychological, and down to earth. God plays a major role is Shuck's outlook on life. She offers insights into why things happen and how you can best deal with them." Wisdom for the Journey" is a valuable tool for living a happier life and understanding that everything happens for a reason. She talks about how everyone can have true happiness and presents a formula for happiness. Shuck delves into discussions of death, work, and loving yourself--to giving someone a dream. Her reflections and stories appeal to all ages and walks of life. Shuck draws from life experience and her background and education in psychology, spirituality/religion and philosophy. If you need a boost, more insight or an interesting read, this book is for you. People have encouraged Shuck to write a book, so here it is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781499023473

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 by Ellen Shuck.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 07/03/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Actions Can Make or Break Your Spirit

The Bump in the Road

Appreciating Life’s Interruptions

Born To Die

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Playing Cloud Charades

Guests at my Table

Having a Good Day All the Time

Just Passing Through

Break Out of Your Shell and Live

Continue Taking Chances

Creative Monotony Helps One Find God

Don’t Play Small

Expecting Nothing In Return

Looking for Your Niche in Life

Formula for Happiness

How to Love Yourself

Looking Beyond the Mask

Loving the World As It Is

May One Never Die Too Soon

Nobody’s A Nobody

Now I Will Live

Is It Worth A Lifetime?

Stereotyping Others Distorts Reality

Choose to Love Again

Telling People Of Their Gifts

Empty the Container So God Can Enter!

We’re Worth More Than Our Efforts

What’s Your Escape?

When the Real Spiritual Journey Begins

Why Does One Work?

You Can’t Step In the Same River Twice

Giving Someone a Dream

Don’t Fill Your Plate Too Full

Leaning on Others

Learning the Lessons of Hard Times

Living with Limitations

Looking For a Portrait of Jesus

Making a Difference

Plucked Tulips

Preserving What Slips Away

Finding My Pot of Gold

Summer Is Time To Rest A While

Seeing Something New Every Day

Showing the Greatest Love

Taking Others For Granted

Thinking Happy Thoughts

Touching Jesus in Our Daily Lives

Painting a Portrait of a Transfigured Self

Looking for What Lurks Around the Corner

Celebrate Christmas with Reason

Being Available for God

Experiencing Peace for A Day

No One’s Like Mom

The Plus of the Cross

Riding On a Donkey

Moms Wear Many Hats

What Christmas Gift Will You Remember?

Thinking about Dad on Father’s Day

Experiencing Easter Everyday

Remembering Mom on Mother’s Day

Giving Thanks is Good Medicine

References

Foreword

T HE AFRICAN SAYING It takes a village to raise a child, is true, knowing that what has shaped many of us today stems from what we have heard, read and seen. Growing up as kids, we all can remember the simple advice and insights offered to us by a grandmother or grandfather and how they have changed the course of our lives.

In this particular collection of articles and reflections, Shuck strives to draw on that wisdom of old that has, and continues to, change the course of life events. Through reading and appropriating these messages, we may begin to live better.

She, like many of us, believes that Elevating another’s gifts makes the world a better place. This ensemble of thoughts, reflections, articles and simple wisdom seeks to elevate that which is innate in all of us—so that through reading this collection—you may once again rediscover that which lies dormant and reawaken the gifts that God has so generously given to you. In so doing you will be transformed and raised to new heights.

In the pages of these reflections, you will find that Shuck has masterfully put together simple wisdom and teachings that are meant to help you become the best person you can be. This collection is a catalyst for you to live better and move from a life of mediocrity to excellence.

I am confident that all of you who read this book will find that it contains practical, and straight to the point, advice that will transform and change your life for good.

Enjoy!

Reverend Patrick Ike Nwokoye PHD

Acknowledgements

I WOULD LIKE TO dedicate this book, Wisdom for the Journey to, first of all, my very supportive family. My husband Don has listened patiently to all these reflections, stories and bits of wisdom numerous time and given me his expert opinion. I offer appreciation to my three children, Roger, Barry and Heather and their families, for backing my efforts also. Many other family members and friends have readily encouraged me to continue writing, telling me the world needs to hear what I have to say and informing me of how much the writings have helped them in their lives. To all of you I offer my heart felt thanks and love.

Introduction

T HE BOOK WISDOM for the Journey attempts to show the many ways that the seemingly insignificant attains noteworthy status. My friends called me serious and said that I was older than my years in wisdom. I like to take things apart in my life, unravel and dissect whatever happens—or doesn’t happen. I find that everything has a reason and a season and I’ve learned much from which I feel others might benefit. Since I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and a Masters Degree in Religious Education, the combination of psychology and Spirituality makes an excellent blend for figuring out and understanding life. My love for and reading of philosophy has given me food for thought, as well. God plays a major role.

It’s wonderful to know that everything has a reason and a season. It’s often the mere contemplation and spiritual insights that give you the wisdom to know and understand the lessons of life. The reflections in this book Wisdom for the Journey are scenarios that I have chosen to offer to you. Numerous people relate they have derived great value from reading them. Those who are depressed and looking for knowledge, gleaned from the ordinary, will benefit from reading Wisdom for the Journey. The book is the perfect resource for devotionals as well.

I now present these stories and messages to you. May they lift your spirits and be an asset to you as you journey through life.

God Bless,

Ellen Shuck

Actions Can Make or Break Your Spirit

I DIDN’T REALLY MEAN it, or I’ve had a bad day are common reasons people use to excuse themselves for treating other people badly. The emotional damage one can inflict upon someone was abruptly brought to my attention recently as I listened to a friend. She vented her frustration and anger.

Sally had gone shopping at a local grocery store. That cashier needs to realize the effect she has on people so maybe she would be nicer, she raged. Sally ranted on explaining that as she stood in line to be checked out, she noticed a man standing alone—waiting for a job application. He looked dreadfully forlorn and dejected. And to add to the condition, the weather was rainy, cold and dreary. Finally, he gained enough courage to timidly ask the cashier for the application. She hurriedly answered, I think we’re out of them. Then, she quickly glanced underneath the counter and said, Yep, we’re out, and went back to cashiering. The man dejectedly slunk out. Sally said the woman at the register acted rudely to everyone—failing to say, Hello, how are you?, or extend any sort of hospitality. Too, Sally was somewhat miserable that morning, as well, and needed a lift rather then to be ignored. Because she was treated badly at the store, Sally felt disgruntled the rest of the day.

As she related the story to me I found myself questioning, Do I bring happiness to people or do I make them feel worthless by the way I behave towards them? Even though I, too, encounter occasional unpleasant experiences I feel if I’m allowed the privilege of serving people through a public position, I have an obligation to treat them as Jesus would, remembering that Whatever I do for others, I do for Jesus Matt. 25:40. People fail to realize the power they exert over others by the way they treat them. Since I know that depression is rampant in our society I hope I always remember that a kind word or compliment might be the only encouragement someone receives. The way you act towards another could indeed make or break him, especially if he’s already in a vulnerable position emotionally. People who continue to live in a state of depression should seek professional help. Often, however, when people feel down in the dumps they simply need to know that someone cares. You want to be assured that you’re lovable and loved. Paul encountered many who expressed bitterness and anger towards one another, so consequently Paul advised the Ephesians to be kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you 4:32.

An email I received from someone, recently, impressed me enormously. A teacher asked her class to write a list of the nicest things they could say about their classmates. Many pretended to give it little importance. However, after the class received their sheets the following Monday morning, revealing all the nice things their classmates had said about them, the entire class was soon smiling. Many whispered, I never knew I meant anything to anyone! and, I didn’t know others liked me so much. The teacher found out later that most of the class had kept those papers. Many had been stored in notebooks, wedding albums and billfolds. One was read at a young man’s funeral (author unknown). Evidently most students needed to know they were noticed and they were special. However, if they had received a list of criticisms it would have left them dejected and depressed rather than feeling joyful and like they were loved.

After I listened to Sally’s description of how the cashier in the store had ignored most of the people in line, and read the email concerning the complimentary lists written in the classroom, I examined my own behavior and declared that, from now on, I would be doubly careful in my dealings with others. For my behavior has the ability to lift or shatter a person’s spirit.

The Bump in the Road

H AVE YOU EVER considered turning your vehicle around and going home because you experienced a bumpy road, unending highway work or a detour? You’ve found the inconvenience too overwhelming, troublesome or dangerous to bother with. You’ve thrown up your hands and said, Forget the trip!

Life is like that. It’s the stuff life is made of. But one must refrain from giving up his journey merely because there’s a bump in the road. It’s awesome to hear how people continue to persevere! Survivors of hurricanes and other calamities of nature are prime examples of the seemingly indomitable spirit of people in crisis. Adversity can bring out the strength of mind, body and character that one never noticed. The terrorist attack of 911 in New York City was certainly a horrible catastrophe where people were forced to pick up the pieces and keep on going while claiming some sort of existence. However, eventually, the road straightened out and bumps were driven over. Although things were not the same as before, people found new purpose and their spirits were enlivened. Numerous individuals were taught that God would sustain them the rest of their days. Many people learned that, they, too, could relate to a statement that St. Paul’s made. I take pleasure in persecutions and distresses for Christ’s sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong 11Corinthians 12:10. If one possesses faith in God he’s confident his needs shall be met when they must. One is tempted, numerous times, to give up and retreat from unpleasant, difficult, or perceived insurmountable situations. My eyes were opened as I recently listened to an author, Janie, being interviewed on television. She had lost her husband and a daughter within an unbelievably short time span. She had no children left and was, consequently, alone except for nephews and nieces. However, rather than giving up, she pondered her predicament and tried to discern what God desired she learn from her heart breaking losses. In trying to resolve her pain, she wrote a book attempting to reach inside herself and touch her feelings. The book proved to be a healing antidote for her loneliness and suffering. It was her way of coping with misfortune and everyone needs to find how they can best cope with the unfortunate situations that occur.

The reporter then asked Janie How did you keep going and dealing with the pain? She answered You do what you have to do. What choice do you have? It’s amazing what one can endure when he’s forced to. I learned that God truly never gave me more than I could handle. She said she learned and found renewed courage by reading one Scripture passage particularly. Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light Matthew 11:28, 30.

Her experience is merely one of many accounts revealing the courage and tenacity of the human spirit. Each story one hears seems to surpass the one before it. But when you are encountering a time of grief, attempting a seemingly impossible climb to the top of your mountain, or suffering from exhaustion it’s difficult to see beyond the moment.

Indeed, everyone encounters times when he wonders when the detour will end and he can get on with his trip. Life becomes even more complicated and you feel like giving up. Often your job becomes too much or a project appears insurmountable. Children seem impossible to deal with, and living in general, becomes too much. You think you can’t do it!

Another often overlooked prescription for exhaustion and unhappiness is simply rest, obtaining a good night’s sleep and recharging one’s batteries. During this achievement oriented time in history, one sometimes feels that