Thursday, March 21, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
As I Look At YOU ~
As I look at you
I realized how
blessed I am
To see you grow
to see you play
to see you near
and far away.
To see you change
day by day.
To see you pray
everyday.
I never thought
that I will have
two beautiful sons
to brighten my life.
When you were born
to God I prayed
to let me see you
grow in His faith.
You'll still have
a lot to live
but I am blessed
you are here with me.
Monday, March 18, 2013
TED
TED and The Huffington Post are excited to bring you TEDWeekends, a curated weekend program that introduces a powerful "idea worth spreading" every Friday, anchored in an exceptional TEDTalk. This week's TEDTalk is accompanied by an original blog post from the featured speaker, along with new op-eds, thoughts and responses from the HuffPost community. Watch the talk above, read the blog post and tell us your thoughts below. Become part of the conversation!
Recently, I spoke to a class of at-risk high school kids. These kids, mostly non-white, have faced many different types of challenges. Some come from abusive parents. Some don't have parents. Some don't have a bed. Nearly all rely on the donated food they get at school as their daily sustenance. Every one faces economic challenges of varying proportions. For a few, it takes several buses and nearly two hours to get to school.
These kids are barely making it through high school -- at a time when many of my peers' kids are celebrating acceptances to upper echelon colleges. This school is their last chance. Simply getting to school on a daily basis is a hardship when you don't have any money or any food. Or anyone to motivate you to do so.
When I asked which of these students had experienced some adversity in their lives, all of them raised their hands. When I asked whether they felt these challenges had made them a better person, they nearly all raised their hands again.
I didn't grow up like they did. I've had a relatively privileged life. School was easy for me. I never had to worry about having a family who loved me, or food to eat, clothes, or a bed. I attended one of those top tier colleges. I've always been lucky.
But I now believe that most of us, if we live long enough, will experience one of those unexpected events in life that creates a seismic shift in perspective. This happened to me recently, and is the subject of my TEDTalk. I was 43, about to celebrate my first wedding anniversary with a wonderful guy. We had successfully negotiated a second marriage and a blending of two families. I was the happiest and healthiest that I had ever been.
The source of my cataclysm is better revealed in the short three-minute TEDTalk above, as I don't want to spoil the story for you. I'm guessing if you've made it this far into this post, you might be willing to invest the time to watch the video clip.I am very aware that not every cloud has a silver lining. I get it. -- Stacey Kramer
Sharing my story at TED was a remarkable opportunity. The very thought of being on stage gave me sweaty heart palpitations -- and that is why I knew I had to do it. I was so nervous the teleprompter wouldn't work that I bribed the AV techs with good chocolate, hoping they would pay extra attention to the prep for my insignificant short talk. When I walked onto the stage, the screens were blank, and they remained that way.
I wanted to share the positive side of a tough ordeal, and maybe inspire others to be able to see bad experiences as growth opportunities. I am very aware that not every cloud has a silver lining. I get it. I don't even know anyone who has experienced what I went through without some lingering physical disability, at best. I lost a friend and colleague last spring. His diagnosis was way worse than mine. He was not so lucky. He left behind a beautiful wife and two young children. I doubt they feel that losing him was a growth opportunity.
But maybe, too, there are some unexpected and unwanted things in life that will bring you down if you let them, and instead it's possible to shift your perspective and see the positives. I still feel lucky, even more so, and I wouldn't now choose to not have the experience that I did. I know that the next time I may not be so lucky, but until that time comes I will strive to embrace all the positives in my life and try not to dwell on the negatives.
Ideas are not set in stone. When exposed to thoughtful people, they morph and adapt into their most potent form. TEDWeekends will highlight some of today's most intriguing ideas and allow them to develop in real time through your voice! Tweet #TEDWeekends to share your perspective or email tedweekends@huffingtonpost.com to learn about future weekend's ideas to contribute as a writer.
Recently, I spoke to a class of at-risk high school kids. These kids, mostly non-white, have faced many different types of challenges. Some come from abusive parents. Some don't have parents. Some don't have a bed. Nearly all rely on the donated food they get at school as their daily sustenance. Every one faces economic challenges of varying proportions. For a few, it takes several buses and nearly two hours to get to school.
These kids are barely making it through high school -- at a time when many of my peers' kids are celebrating acceptances to upper echelon colleges. This school is their last chance. Simply getting to school on a daily basis is a hardship when you don't have any money or any food. Or anyone to motivate you to do so.
When I asked which of these students had experienced some adversity in their lives, all of them raised their hands. When I asked whether they felt these challenges had made them a better person, they nearly all raised their hands again.
I didn't grow up like they did. I've had a relatively privileged life. School was easy for me. I never had to worry about having a family who loved me, or food to eat, clothes, or a bed. I attended one of those top tier colleges. I've always been lucky.
But I now believe that most of us, if we live long enough, will experience one of those unexpected events in life that creates a seismic shift in perspective. This happened to me recently, and is the subject of my TEDTalk. I was 43, about to celebrate my first wedding anniversary with a wonderful guy. We had successfully negotiated a second marriage and a blending of two families. I was the happiest and healthiest that I had ever been.
The source of my cataclysm is better revealed in the short three-minute TEDTalk above, as I don't want to spoil the story for you. I'm guessing if you've made it this far into this post, you might be willing to invest the time to watch the video clip.I am very aware that not every cloud has a silver lining. I get it. -- Stacey Kramer
Sharing my story at TED was a remarkable opportunity. The very thought of being on stage gave me sweaty heart palpitations -- and that is why I knew I had to do it. I was so nervous the teleprompter wouldn't work that I bribed the AV techs with good chocolate, hoping they would pay extra attention to the prep for my insignificant short talk. When I walked onto the stage, the screens were blank, and they remained that way.
I wanted to share the positive side of a tough ordeal, and maybe inspire others to be able to see bad experiences as growth opportunities. I am very aware that not every cloud has a silver lining. I get it. I don't even know anyone who has experienced what I went through without some lingering physical disability, at best. I lost a friend and colleague last spring. His diagnosis was way worse than mine. He was not so lucky. He left behind a beautiful wife and two young children. I doubt they feel that losing him was a growth opportunity.
But maybe, too, there are some unexpected and unwanted things in life that will bring you down if you let them, and instead it's possible to shift your perspective and see the positives. I still feel lucky, even more so, and I wouldn't now choose to not have the experience that I did. I know that the next time I may not be so lucky, but until that time comes I will strive to embrace all the positives in my life and try not to dwell on the negatives.
Ideas are not set in stone. When exposed to thoughtful people, they morph and adapt into their most potent form. TEDWeekends will highlight some of today's most intriguing ideas and allow them to develop in real time through your voice! Tweet #TEDWeekends to share your perspective or email tedweekends@huffingtonpost.com to learn about future weekend's ideas to contribute as a writer.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Eyes Always Shining ~
Special and Rare
Happy 9 months
beautiful granddaughter of mine,
When I look at you,
your eyes always shine.
Your personality,
I truly admire,
Your love for life,
is here to inspire.
That I've been blessed,
with you my dear.
I would like to share,
With grand- daughter like you,
that is special and rare.
One of these wishes,
In my heart, I constantly feel,
It's the love that I have for you,
which is boundless and real.
Happy 9 months
beautiful granddaughter of mine,
When I look at you,
your eyes always shine.
Your personality,
I truly admire,
Your love for life,
is here to inspire.
That I've been blessed,
with you my dear.
I would like to share,
With grand- daughter like you,
that is special and rare.
One of these wishes,
In my heart, I constantly feel,
It's the love that I have for you,
which is boundless and real.
Star - Filled Sky
Do you ever lean your head back and just stare at a star-filled sky? The majestic beauty of it can take your breath away…it leaves me in awe of the Creator who knows each bright light by name…
It’s with a starry sky that I’ll begin our journey…a journey that began thousands of years ago with a man named Abram. The Lord God had called to Abram’s heart: “I will make you a great nation and I will bless you,” He’d said. “I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen. 12:2-3) Abram, on faith, believed Him and followed God’s leading out of his homeland. Later down the road, Abram grew discouraged because he and his wife had not yet had children and he wondered how God’s promise would be fulfilled…but the Lord ‘took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars — if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.”
Picture the night sky and imagine Abram’s wonder at such a promise — try to feel the amazed anticipation he must have felt…descendents enough to fill the heavens — how humbling that night must have been for him. How blessed he must have felt. And what joy to have his faith counted as righteousness in the sight of his Holy God…
And though it didn’t happen until their old age, Abraham and Sarah had a son. True to God’s word, the number of their descendents grew and the nation of Israel (so named after Abraham’s grandson, Jacob-Israel) was formed. Through the generations, Israel’s faithfulness to God came and went…but His love never wavered. A mighty king named David led Israel into their most prosperous years, but civil war weakened the nation and it split into two countries: Israel to the north, Judah to the south. Eventually both sides abandoned their faith and were taken into captivity…after an exile, a remnant of Israelites were given permission to return to Jerusalem. They began to rebuild their city and their knowledge of Jehovah God. They held to the promises God had given through the prophets — one day, a Messiah would deliver them from their captivity. A King would come to establish a kingdom for their people that would be without end.
By the time we reach the age of the New Testament, Israel has regained their population but not their strength. Rome is the ruling power and the Jewish people still wait for their King to show up and throw off all foreign bondage.
Perhaps on the quiet nights, the people of Israel look up at the spread of sparkling lights and wonder about the promises made to their father, Abraham. Maybe they try to imagine the One who would come to be the Prince of Peace and the Wonderful Counselor.
I’d like to think that Zechariah and Elizabeth were people who took time to sit before God in stillness, thinking of all that had come before and all the promises still to be fulfilled. We do know, from the first chapter of Luke, that they were upright in the sight of God and observed all of his commandments.
When we meet this couple, both in the bloodline of God’s appointed priestly family, they are well along in years. They have no children and probably believe they never will experience parenthood…until God’s plan changes the course of their lives in an unbelievable way.
The angel, Gabriel, is sent by God Himself to tell Zechariah that his prayers have been heard and Elizabeth will give birth to a son.
This son is to be named John and Gabriel reveals that he will bring many hearts back to God…and he will “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
So God’s plan to send forth His Son is set in motion with an angel delivering good news and a stunned dad-to-be in silent jubilation…
…and God’s promise to Abraham to bless all nations through his descendents is on the brink of fulfillment. Because the One who knows each star in every galaxy by name will soon begin His life on earth. He knows each person in every generation…and He will lay down His life to redeem all who will call on His name.
Take your time when you walk outside after the sun sinks into slumber and the stars are there to light your way. Know that when He made that covenant with Abraham that He would bless all nations, God already knew it would be by His Son’s sacrifice. So look at those bright beacons and know that the promise made to Abraham so long ago was given by One who already loved you. And know that you have been blessed with a Savior.
It’s with a starry sky that I’ll begin our journey…a journey that began thousands of years ago with a man named Abram. The Lord God had called to Abram’s heart: “I will make you a great nation and I will bless you,” He’d said. “I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen. 12:2-3) Abram, on faith, believed Him and followed God’s leading out of his homeland. Later down the road, Abram grew discouraged because he and his wife had not yet had children and he wondered how God’s promise would be fulfilled…but the Lord ‘took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars — if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.”
Picture the night sky and imagine Abram’s wonder at such a promise — try to feel the amazed anticipation he must have felt…descendents enough to fill the heavens — how humbling that night must have been for him. How blessed he must have felt. And what joy to have his faith counted as righteousness in the sight of his Holy God…
And though it didn’t happen until their old age, Abraham and Sarah had a son. True to God’s word, the number of their descendents grew and the nation of Israel (so named after Abraham’s grandson, Jacob-Israel) was formed. Through the generations, Israel’s faithfulness to God came and went…but His love never wavered. A mighty king named David led Israel into their most prosperous years, but civil war weakened the nation and it split into two countries: Israel to the north, Judah to the south. Eventually both sides abandoned their faith and were taken into captivity…after an exile, a remnant of Israelites were given permission to return to Jerusalem. They began to rebuild their city and their knowledge of Jehovah God. They held to the promises God had given through the prophets — one day, a Messiah would deliver them from their captivity. A King would come to establish a kingdom for their people that would be without end.
By the time we reach the age of the New Testament, Israel has regained their population but not their strength. Rome is the ruling power and the Jewish people still wait for their King to show up and throw off all foreign bondage.
Perhaps on the quiet nights, the people of Israel look up at the spread of sparkling lights and wonder about the promises made to their father, Abraham. Maybe they try to imagine the One who would come to be the Prince of Peace and the Wonderful Counselor.
I’d like to think that Zechariah and Elizabeth were people who took time to sit before God in stillness, thinking of all that had come before and all the promises still to be fulfilled. We do know, from the first chapter of Luke, that they were upright in the sight of God and observed all of his commandments.
When we meet this couple, both in the bloodline of God’s appointed priestly family, they are well along in years. They have no children and probably believe they never will experience parenthood…until God’s plan changes the course of their lives in an unbelievable way.
The angel, Gabriel, is sent by God Himself to tell Zechariah that his prayers have been heard and Elizabeth will give birth to a son.
This son is to be named John and Gabriel reveals that he will bring many hearts back to God…and he will “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
So God’s plan to send forth His Son is set in motion with an angel delivering good news and a stunned dad-to-be in silent jubilation…
…and God’s promise to Abraham to bless all nations through his descendents is on the brink of fulfillment. Because the One who knows each star in every galaxy by name will soon begin His life on earth. He knows each person in every generation…and He will lay down His life to redeem all who will call on His name.
Take your time when you walk outside after the sun sinks into slumber and the stars are there to light your way. Know that when He made that covenant with Abraham that He would bless all nations, God already knew it would be by His Son’s sacrifice. So look at those bright beacons and know that the promise made to Abraham so long ago was given by One who already loved you. And know that you have been blessed with a Savior.
"Zemer Nugeh"
The Hebrew poet known only as Rahel (1889-1931, born Rahel Bluwstein) expressed her love for the land of Israel through her beautiful and evocative poetry.
Today, her grave beside her beloved Lake Kinneret is visited by tourists, pilgrims, and Rahel's many Israeli admirers.
When Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut, perished aboard the space shuttle Columbia, one of Rahel's poems received renewed attention and popularity in Israel; Ramon had chosen to listen in space to a song whose lyrics were the Rahel poem "Sad Song" ("Zemer Nugeh" in Hebrew), which is also commonly known by its opening line, "Can you hear my voice?" ("Ha-tishma koli?").
The poem is reprinted below in Hebrew and in English translation, with the permission of the Jewish Agency. For more on Ilan Ramon, see the Jewish Agency's website.
The poem is reprinted below in Hebrew and in English translation, with the permission of the Jewish Agency. For more on Ilan Ramon, see the Jewish Agency's website.
Sad Song |  |
| Do you hear me, you who are So far away from me, my dear? Do you hear me crying aloud, Wishing you were well, wishing you were near? The world is vast, its ways diverse, Brief meetings, partings long, Men, with unsure feet, post on never to return, too weak To find the treasure they have lost. My last day drawing near Of the tears of separation I will await you until my life leaves as Rahel did her beloved. |  |
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