Friday, June 5, 2015

VerMeer's Top 10 List for Graduates

Congratulations graduates of 2015!  You are now ready to start your next adventure...here's a little help from your beloved teacher.

VerMeer's Wisdom List:


1.  Kindness is MORE important than popularity or being right.
1 Cor. 16:14 Let all you do be done in love.

2.  Today's choices build tomorrow's reputation.
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is MORE desirable than great riches.

3.  Get comfortable with being Uncomfortable; life is challenging and requires you to stick to your guns.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

4. Work at something you enjoy; something that is worthy of your time and energy.
Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; In your right hand there are pleasures forever.

5.  Forgive - yourself and others.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you.

6.  Happiness is NOT based on money, beauty, possessions, a killer pair of heels or prestige, but on loving and respectful relationships.
II Cor. 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you NEED, you will abound in every good work.

7.  Be Honest - give credit and take blame.
Phil. 4:8  Whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONEST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY; think on these things.

8.  Don't Gossip!
Ephesians 4:29  Do not let any unwelcome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is useful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

9.  Discipline yourself to save money, pray daily and NEVER kiss on the first date!
Isaiah 58:11  The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, whose waters do not fail.

10.  Never lie to your Doctor, Minister or Mother!
Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

Therefore, graduates remember your path is ordained and as Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, then who can be against us?"


Thursday, March 12, 2015

Eulogy for a Mentor-Friend

My friend, that I wrote about in my February 24, 2014 post, passed away this week.  Her fight to survive, live her faith and witness is over.  She was released from this disease that ravaged her body and delivered to Heaven.

Carol was a wonderful person and a beautiful addition to my life.  I am deeply grateful.

These are some of the things I learned from Carol:

Hang the laundry out to dry before going horseback riding, but definitely go horseback riding without guilt!



Encourage others pursue their dreams.

Give generously of your time, talents and energy.

Raise strong kids through tough love, genuine love and true love.

Love your husband unconditionally.


Go to church; every Sunday because worshipping and fellowshipping is important.

Go to bible study (a cute bible is not necessary but a good study bible will pay you back 10 times).


Make chocolate chip cookies often.

Hold your best recipes in secret; make them beg and drool.  You can always promise to pass them on after you die. (Psst! we are all waiting for the cheesecake and slushy recipes!)

Live life and don't be paralyzed by fear.  This means cantering in the woods, talking to everyone, traveling, and learning new things.

Really listen to your children but set boundaries of acceptable behavior.



Celebrate your children and help them know their strengths and weaknesses.



Your Mother is your best friend; treat her well.

Sisters are not limited to blood relatives.  Be a sister to a sister.


Don't gossip.

Be Positive because negativity is a waste of a good life.

Get an education and use it for the glory of God.

Be pragmatic, practical, in all things.

Say your peace; be honest.

Laugh loudly, have fun and joke.  The meek will inherit the earth but they will need to be entertained so go ahead and laugh.


Be a wise steward of your money so that you can give freely and splurge once in a while.

Sunday's are a day of rest and therefore, perfect for horseback riding!



Fight until God gives you permission to give up.  His timing is always perfect.  Healing can take place in Heaven.