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Thursday, May 9, 2013


Happy Mother-Lena’s Day
5/12/2013

An enduring, persevering survivor.  

Third child of ten, of German immigrant parents.

Farming on 700 acres of fertile southeast South Dakota soil,

Fostering responsibilities early and many.

Challenges of sustainability were large and pressing,

Directly shaping her eighty seven year life span. 

Emancipation brought her to Chicago, during the depression years,

Ultimately and fortuitously, landing her in Iowa, in her mid-thirties.

Embracing the challenges of marrying into an existing family of two,

Only to face assorted trials in relating to an ensconced extended family.

Fastidious in virtually every undertaking,

Household management was marked by virtuous cleanliness and dutifulness.

In short order, the Bender Boys Three, were co-created,

Adding to the already present step children, James and Emily.

Lacking a formal education beyond fourth grade,

She became a strong advocate for her children’s educational path,

Resisting her husband’s claim of corruptive influences therein.

Instilling messages her children had potential for a better life,

She created unconscious motivation in them to learn and explore.

Though steeped in strong ties to the Lutheran religion brand,

Her spiritual foundation was marked by authenticity and curiosity,

Endearing her to all who encountered her.

Most of all Mother Lena was MY mother,

Who gave me the foundation for living fully and joyfully.

Nathan John Bender

Wednesday, May 8, 2013


Happy Mother’s Day 2013 - Sandra


Throughout the passing years, 

Your Mothering status expands in quality,

Gaining laudatory acclaim from the recipients thereof.

Your enduring support of children and grandchildren,

Creates long-term merits and memories.

Blessed with skills to engage during troubling times, 

You create a safety net for seekers of your forthright input.

Your authenticity leaves an indelible mark,

Providing merits, holding long-term value.

Most of all, I salute your ability to engage my son,

Fostering a mother-son relationship so vital, endearing and strong.

From your ‘head of the class’ Hubby

Tuesday, May 7, 2013


Lucy @ 1
(5/18/2013)


We’re celebrating a special birthday today!

Lucy is now one year old!

She had a early start,

A bit like her grandfather once had.

Showing us early on,

A taste of her feisty spirit,

One that will carry her into the coming years.

Here’s a warning for her family.......

She will have Dad and brother wrapped around her little finger,

Indulging her every need (spoiling her?),

While her Mom resorts to counter measures! 

Happy Birthday Dear Lucy,

From your Grandfather in far-away Mississippi.

Monday, May 6, 2013


Emily @ 36!
(5/10/13)


Once fancy-free and adventure-seeking,
Now we find her less fancy in her freedom,
While remaining a seeker of life enrichment.
Mother of two, co-creator of the next generation,
Her imprint on an unfolding future is duly noted,
While facing the challenges of civilizing her spouse!
Her presence in our blended family circle 
Occupies an important place, 
Offering emotional intelligence 
And a zest for life.
Happy birthday Emily!

From your grateful and proud father-inlaw.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013


ARE YOU WITH THE RIGHT PARTNER?


During a seminar, a woman asked," How do I know if I am with the right person?"

The author then noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so he said, "It depends. Is that your partner?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?" Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind replied the author.

Here's the answer.

Every relationship has a cycle… In the beginning; you fall in love with your partner. You anticipate their calls, want their touch, and like their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love.

People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet."Picture the expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something happened TO YOU.

Falling in love is a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few months or years of being together, the euphoria of love fades. It's a natural cycle of EVERY relationship.

Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship; you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage.

At this point, you and/or your partner might start asking, "Am I with the right person?" And as you reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you
may begin to desire that experience with someone
else. This is when relationships breakdown.

The key to succeeding in a relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the person you found.

People blame their partners for their unhappiness and look outside for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes.

Infidelity is the most common. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your relationship. It lies within it.

I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later.

Because (listen carefully to this):

The key to succeeding in a Relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the Person you found.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. You have to work on it day in and day out. It takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it demands WISDOM. You have to know
WHAT TO DO to make it work. Make no mistake about it.

Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your partner), Just as there are physical laws Of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. If you know how to apply these laws, the results are predictable.

Love is therefore a "decision". Not just a feeling.

Remember this always: God determines who walks into your life. It is up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let GO! ♥

Friday, April 5, 2013

Landmark Education


Landmark Education is a global educational enterprise offering The Landmark Forum and graduate courses that are innovative, effective, and immediately relevant. Landmark’s leading-edge educational methodology enables people to produce extraordinary results and enhance the quality of their lives. Landmark Education’s courses and seminars are offered in more than 120 cities via 53 major offices around the world. More than 180,000 people participate in Landmark's courses each year. A fundamental principle of Landmark Education's work is that people — and the communities, organizations, and institutions with which they are engaged — have the possibility not only of success, but also of fulfillment and greatness. The ideas, insights, and distinctions on which Landmark's programs are based make Landmark a leader and innovator in the field of training and development. To date more than 1.4 million people have participated in Landmark's programs.

Specialties

Leadership, Personal Effectiveness, Communication, Empowerment, Collaboration