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Hello readers from a first time author, Kathryn Ransom, as of April 2019. Not only am I venturing into the publishing role, at the age of 84, I am attempting my first blog as an update to my first web site, www.kathrynransom.com. I love people, talking, and learning to write but oh! this social media world is almost a total mystery.
Perhaps some of you have ventured into my creation, Ransom Notes: Moments of Reflection, Courage, Engagement, Worship, and Humor. These simple essays generally begin with an adventure in life which I have experienced (often making fun of myself). Other times we begin with a news headline, or ear catching phrase or story. Each essay includes application from the scriptures.
One topic comes to mind, Limpy Daisy Duck. While driving down our lane, my eye blinked when seeing a duck walking in a very strange way, but following her mate into the woods. Each step alternated between step-limp-step-limp as she painfully crossed the road. My mind thought of the faithfulness of this pair, caring for each other as well as tenacity to keep on in tough times. It takes a real friendship to stay together.
Now, my question to you, my reader friends, what scriptural connection might I have included about friendship in times of need? I’ll give you a tiny hint. Think of David and maybe take a peek at I Samuel, chapters 18 – 24.
Then, if you would be ever so kind, share your thinking and ideas with our readers. Yes, I hope we have some readers. This new comer needs feedback. Maybe you might even want to open the book to page 120 for a hint and a look at Daisy.
About the Author
Kathryn Ransom
September 24, 2019 at 1:11 amHi Meghan, I just found my very first blog entry. Thanks for you help. Waiting to hear from you tomorrow.
jerry
September 24, 2019 at 2:38 amGreetings my friend. I love your book. God Bless…<
jerry
September 24, 2019 at 2:43 amGreetings, I love your book of reflections, God Bless!…<
Kathryn Ransom
September 24, 2019 at 6:42 pmThanks Jerry. Keep reading and reflecting.
Lynn
September 24, 2019 at 3:34 amHi, Kathy. The very first friend in a time of need that comes to mind is Jesus, of course! He told the disciples that he called them friends. Jesus is portrayed as a friend to the downtrodden and helpless. If that’s not a friend in a time of need, I don’t know what is. I did appreciate your essay on Limpy Daisy Duck. You have a knack for seeing God at work everywhere. Appreciate you entering into the world of blogging.
Kathryn Ransom
September 24, 2019 at 6:42 pmYou are gracious to respond, but also so pleased that you added to the original message with new focus. Hopefully other readers will respond in kind. Sometimes we just need to gently prod to encourage someone to put their thoughts out for the public to read. Thanks Lynn for modeling that skill as well as sharing your love for and dedication to the Lord.
Antonia Slaybaugh
September 24, 2019 at 11:59 amI love reading Ransom Notes! It’s a daily pleasure for me.
Patsy Lozosky
September 24, 2019 at 1:54 pmI enjoy reading your inspirational messages every week. Thank you
Kathryn Ransom
September 24, 2019 at 6:39 pmYou are so thoughtful to respond. Certainly one of my goals is to try to make them inspirational. Thank goodness the Holy Spirit helps a bit as I craft a new essay.
Jim
September 24, 2019 at 2:07 pmHey Kathryn
This makes me think of all the friends/family God blessed us with in Springfield. Newly married, soon to be first time parents. The first time my wife was farther than a few minutes from family and friends. But we were embraced by so many people in the church there…our kids had multiples of grandparents and we were so encouraged during what could have been a very scary, uncertain time of our life!
Kathryn Ransom
September 24, 2019 at 6:43 pmGood to be reminded of events when you lived in Springfield. I am so anxious to see you soon as I come to your town (Milwaukee) to share stories with new friends. Blessings to your family.
Kathryn Ransom
October 1, 2019 at 11:59 pmJim, We loved having you here in Spfld. Good to hear from you and looking forward to being in Milwaukee to share thoughts about Ransom Notes and meet your new set of friends. God bless.
Carol Shipp
September 24, 2019 at 2:54 pmGreetings!
Here’s a thought: Christmas is coming and Ransom Notes is a fine idea for a gift!!! Thanks for your blog, too, by the way!
Kathryn Ransom
September 24, 2019 at 6:38 pmThanks for idea Carol. I thought about putting a ribbon on my book, taking a picture, posting it on a blog and then suggest gently that the book might make a great gift for folk of all ages, including “little old ladies”, young people, worried 20’s, or even men needing a moment of silence for reflection.
Shirley Bell
September 24, 2019 at 3:11 pmLOVE Your Blog Kathryn… but No Surprise there, Right?!? … As I seem to appreciate everything you put pen to paper. Seriously, You are SUCH an Inspiration and Encourager.
I think we probably All have found ourselves in the role of “Limpy Duck”. I have been Blessed to have someone come along to help me trod through those limpy days and come out strong. I TOO desire to help lead others who find themselves in a “Limpy” position.
I am Impressed with your Website and Excited to see you now “Blogging” TOO! I will keep you in my prayers and also those who read your Ramblings, that the Holy Spirit used your words to Bless them.
God Bless.
Kathryn Ransom
October 24, 2019 at 12:28 amGoodness but you are kind. Tonight I am trying to update the blog. We will see what happens. I just had dinner at a new Indian food restaurant behind MCL and probably that food should charge me up to make the fingers fly over the keys.
Today has absolutely NOT been a “Limpy Duck” day, but I agree, we each have them. (For those not familiar) Limpy Duck is the essay on page 120 in our book, “Ransom Notes”. If you sometimes have real challenges in your life, you might want to read about Limpy.
Kathryn Ransom
October 24, 2019 at 12:36 amThanks for your kind remarks. Today was certainly not a “Limpy Duck” day but each of often experience them. That is where God steps in and lends a helping hand.
Dear readers of this blog, if you have not done so already, I would encourage you to turn to page 120 in my book, Ransom Notes, and read about my friend “Limpy Duck”. Perhaps his story will bring you comfort as you too experience rough days.
Pauline Eustice
September 24, 2019 at 5:33 pmHi, Kathryn, you did it! You created your own blog. I never read a blog before. So a first for me too!!
Brian Kennett
September 24, 2019 at 9:56 pmI first of all got your blog posting. I think first off of Jesus as our ultimate never leaving or forsaking friend in good times and bad. Also i think of Jonathan as he stripped himself of all his things and gave them to David. Giving up alot of his things to his friend and soul as it says.. Anyway welcome to the blog world Kathryn. God Bless and have a great rest of your week!!
Phylilis lape
September 26, 2019 at 2:58 amEnjoyed your first blog!
You just keep on doing!,
Always enjoy reading your “stuff”!
Lorene Brill
October 1, 2019 at 6:59 pmHi Kathryn,
You look great! Congratulations and good luck on all your new endeavors.
Your friend
Kathryn Ransom
October 2, 2019 at 12:05 amLorene, How exciting to hear from you. College days seem so long ago. (1955-58) I believe. Hope you are doing well. I have found it rather exciting to explore new directions as I approach some senior days in my life. Maybe you have a group of friends who need a speaker some day. Give me a buzz. I am having fun traveling and sharing. Just set up a speaking date in Indianapolis for April, 2020.
Kathryn Ransom
October 11, 2019 at 3:51 pmSometimes I seem to get discouraged as I view the confusion, distrust, lack of kindness toward others, and self-interest of some of the world’s leaders. What is happening?
Yesterday I attended two different serious presentations. In the afternoon our Academy of Lifelong Learners had two speakers sharing information about the effects of the oceans upon our world. Obviously that included some talk and Q & A about global warming as well as challenges for each of us to be a person of one focused on helping improve our global habitat, despite a variety of opinions about the topic.
Later in the evening it was off to the university and the World Affairs Council to listen to a presentation of challenges and updates on many of the countries in South American. When we grumble and worry about conditions in our USA, it is nothing in comparison to the challenges in some of these countries. Again, disinformation and lack of trust permeate the conversation and beliefs of so many.
Then, as I was about to be downcast, my mind reflected on the wonderful leader we as Christians have. How grateful we should be as we realize we can trust what the Lord, our shepherd, tells us. We have such super great promises for the future, as well as the promise that he will be with us daily, even right in the 21st century and the confusion and mistrust. Have we taken time to thank Him.
I challenge each of you to take seventeen seconds, right now at your computer, and say a little prayer of thanks. I plan to do that as soon as I post this message.