I believe they do, but we must consider what words we are using, our purpose in using them, and who we direct them to. Perhaps this statement embodies the sense of powerlessness in trying to understand and affect change with the challenges in our communities today. So many of us want to “fix” it, make it right, make everyone happy, and we feel that we don’t have the tools to do that.

Words are powerful tools. Do you remember the limerick of childhood, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me?” Well, that’s a lie!

Words are tremendously impactful! If they weren’t why do we remember the super hurtful or amazingly edifying things that have been said to or about us? I remember the pain words brought me when my father questioned my one “B” on a grade card full of “A’s” in elementary school, and in contrast the joy of hearing, “I’m so proud of you” from my mother when I graduated with honors from both high school and college. I remember the cajoling words of classmates in gym class when, the chubby, uncoordinated kid – me – was always last chosen for any team activity. I also remember while in high school the encouragement of coworkers at my first “real” job as they watched me grow, build confidence, and lose twenty-five pounds. Words…

Words can tear down, degrade, and negate, but they can also build up, motivate, and encourage. They are effective tools to hurt others or to help them.

If words don’t change anything, why do we create poems, write letters, preach sermons, pray, sing, read, or teach? To affect change? What we must remember is motivation, purpose, focus – what do we hope to achieve? We must also remember to listen as our audience will listen. What will they hear us communicate? Will it be our frustration or impatience, or will it be our compassion and desire to understand and support? Are we willing to hear others?

Scripture tells us that words can comfort and heal the soul. Proverbs 25:11 states, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” In Proverbs 16: 24, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” And in Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” If genuine love, compassion, acceptance, and respect are the motivations for why we speak, our words will have impact. Who we speak them to matters. Do we pray and speak to God about what is in our mind and on our heart? Do we ask His guidance, His will to be done? Do we seek His plan to be accomplished, or do we have a different one? The efficacy of our words will depend on these things.

Words do change things: “I hear you.” “I believe in you.” I’m praying for you.” “We can work on this together.” These are words with power to make a difference.

In working on my second book, Not as Planned, I am taking a deeper dive into the influencers in our lives…those people who in words and actions, changed the lives of others, including mine. Please visit my author pages on Facebook and Amazon for details and information on future events for this book and for Full Immersion (also available through Covered Treasures bookstore in Monument, CO and Barnes and Noble stores).

nancykoenig1@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/NancyKoenigAuthor

https://www.amazon.com/Full-Immersion-Nancy-Koenig/dp/1949021513

Love to connect with you through this blog https://nancykoenig.blog (there is a subscribe window at the bottom).

Have you called a friend just to say thank you? Have you had a friend call you just to say thank you? Those seemingly insignificant things can make such a big impact on how we view ourselves and what we’ve been trying to accomplish. Showing appreciation, simply expressing that you thought about someone is so important. We realize that we are not alone, but are connected, significant.

Especially if you are a caregiver you know the value of a thank you, of gratitude, of someone caring enough to tell you that you are appreciated. My prayer is that you have this someone, or better still several someones to support you in prayer and offer help. You may need to reach out and ask. Friends mean well but are often not sure how to help. Make these suggestions that they might: offer to run an errand for you, provide care for a few hours so you can have a break, offer to drive to a medical appointment so you have less to navigate, provide meal support, etc. Simply caring enough to offer assistance does wonders for your morale, emotional health, and certainly adds that beneficial social interaction. During the years I was caring for my mother and my brother, any of these was of huge significance. An occasional meal I did not have to prepare was a lovely respite, for sure!!

In the midst of the current Covid pandemic stay-at-home restrictions, God has blessed me with an opportunity to share my story and make a new friend, Allison Robenstein. Who is she? She is a reporter for the Colorado Springs Gazette. So what? Well, she and I were supposed to meet. We were strangers who were to learn how much we have in common; the lack of a secure, loving relationship with our fathers, mothers we loved and lost to dementia, the guilt, anger, and frustration about not being able to “fix it” for them. Allison’s loss two years ago is still fresh and terribly painful. Mine twenty-one years ago has been a part of my life so long I have some perspective that allows me to be witness to the healing power of God’s love and the joy of friendships. He brought us together at the right time for His purpose, healing and supporting each other and reaching out to our Colorado Springs community for this same purpose. Please click on the article link below. I pray that this is a blessing in your life.

https://gazette.com/thetribune/local-author-recalls-embarking-on-her-own-life-after-decades-of-caregiving-for-loved-ones/article_62e845de-7f4d-11ea-bbe6-6f1db8312ecc.html

Another dear friend, Star shared this comment:

Full Immersion by Nancy Koenig is a quick read  and very relatable.  Her story is  heartfelt and inspirational  illustrating how submission to the Will of God may not be easy at the time, but reflection shows how we  are provided for and protected.  It is easy to see comparable events within  our personal lives while also pointing our hearts to a Higher Power of influence. It is not a book promoting her personal religious beliefs but includes the impact of personal conviction on the events in our lives.   I have recommended this book to many friends and am looking forward to the sequel. 
Star Harmon Colorado Springs, Colorado

Please connect with me at:

nancykoenig1@yahoo.com (Share your story with me!)

https//www.facebook.com/NancyKoenigAuthor

https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Koenig/e/B07ZWPTQSR/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

https://nancykoenig.blog (There is a subscribe window at the bottom.)

Full Immersion is also available through Covered Treasures bookstore in Monument, CO and Barnes and Noble stores.

Blessings, Nancy

I never really considered myself a technology person, using what I needed to and was comfortable with in my classroom, but I have always enjoyed keeping in touch with friends through email and Facebook. Since retiring from the classroom and writing more, I have discovered my computer and cell phone are constant companions. I’ve learned to do so many things I never knew before, experienced the wonders YouTube has to offer in managing the “how- to’s” of life, used Facebook and Instagram (haven’t found the user friendly piece of Twitter, yet) to share with “old” friends and connect with new ones, and learned how to blog – I think? I’ve experienced the joys of emotion-filled photos and stirring, inspirational music drawing me into a deeper appreciation of God’s love for His people and His desire that we love and support each other.

During this historic time of change and challenge, I’m thrilled to be discovering how much good still exists around us. We are so busy “doing” all the opportunities our society has as to offer we have lost sight of just “being”. Parents are overwhelmed by the requirements of their their jobs, caring for homes, rushing children to music lessons, sporting events, contests, and competitions at such a pace that they (and often the kiddos) are burnt out. Quality of life not exactly as desired. Now that we’ve been forced to slow down many can opt to spend some of this time differently: crossing off “to do” list items, reading those books we’ve been hoping to get to, adopting a pet. Often there is purpose in distraction, diversion, detours, and “holding patterns”. Sometimes Gods’s plan is that we are forced to look at what we are doing, take a breath and reassess.

Good is coming from this. Families are spending more quality time together, communicating, sharing, playing games, taking walks, bike rides, and reestablishing relationships. Children are able to continue learning through online resources. It’s amazing how many academic sites are offering free access to their programs during this time. Libraries are reinstating library cards for access to the electronic resources, videos of workouts, yoga classes, etc. are available through health clubs now closed. Museums are providing free virtual field trips and tours of great venues all over the world. Folks are offering support for others in their neighborhoods who have additional health restrictions and need groceries and supplies. We are phone calling, video chatting, and checking in with each other more than ever. Church services are still being held online. Old fashioned things in new fashioned ways.

We are being required to change our physical routines, to accommodate doing things differently, and to consider others in our plans (social distancing, working from home, etc.). As expected, some folks are struggling to do this, while many realize the validity and value in it. God’s directive to be still, to reframe, refocus, and reorganize our priorities is being recognized. Good will prevail! Jeremiah 29:11 tells of God’s plan for good to give us a future and a hope.

Thank you for being part of the GOOD!!

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you.

Tell me what I can do to help you.

Blessings,

Nancy

http://NancyKoenig.blog

http://amazon.com/Full-Immersion-Nancy-Koenig/dp/1949021513

http://amazon.com/author/nancykoenig

http://facebook.com/author/nancykoenig

Spotlight on local authors

 Saturday, March 14th, 2020 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Covered Treasures Bookstore http://coveredtreasures.com

Tommie Plank opened Covered Treasures bookstore in Monument 26 years ago. She says her storefront book sales are growing as consumers grow tired of “all things digital all the time.” She believes the look, feel and smell of books and bookstores satisfy sensual and cerebral desires computers, tablets and smartphones cannot match.

• Fred Laugesen/Special to The Gazette

One of many events hosted throughout the year, the Spotlight on Local Authors is highlighting the talent of Tri-Lakes area novelists and writers. Get to know more about authors Jean Alfieri, Nancy Kent-Koenig, Kim Myers and Luke Flowers, Donna Schlachter and Kim Yates, along with their works: Alfieri’s “Zuggy the Rescue Pug,” Kent-Koenig’s “Full Immersion,” Myers’ and Flowers’ “Rackitty and Theodora,” Schlachter’s “Double Jeopardy,” and Yates’ “Hobbelstocks.” Covered Treasures Bookstore features new and used books, toys, puzzles, bookmarks and unique cards. The independently owned general bookstore is located in historic Downtown Monument, housed in a century-old building on Second Street. It is a member of the American Booksellers Association and an Indiebound Store.

 Upcoming dates

• Sat, Mar 14 @ 1:00 pm

 Download schedule

 Schedules

• Occurs Saturday, March 14th, 2020 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

 Venue

Covered Treasures Bookstore

105 2nd St.
Monument, CO 80132 719-481-2665

My husband and I don’t have extravagant tastes, enjoying the simplest things. We walk the path in our neighborhood daily as the weather allows. It encircles the reservoir created by the mountain snowmelt runoff. The ducks have now begun to revisit the ponds. They “talk” to each other, and seemingly to us as we watch, expressing their joy in being able to once again access water and the food it provides. Little ducks paddle about their parents, young adults have found partners and cluster together forming new families. What other little creatures inhabit the swampy land is largely unknown, but the hawks and owls hang around hoping to spy their next meals. In this habitat, a seemingly less complicated environment to us as observers, there is a calmness and unity of focus; so much living is accomplished.

Perhaps there is a lesson in joy here for us? As quickly as our days go by consumed with hurry to accomplish our “to do list”, we miss those simple things that could bring joy, a centeredness, and sense of calm we crave. This is evident in the way many folks treat each other on the highways, in grocery stores, at public events, etc. That “me first” attitude models behavior for young people that continues this cycle of discontent and disregard for others. Simpler, slower, calmer might equate to centered and more joyful. And these might actually generate more contentment with ourselves and patience with others. Would we begin to see this influence our communities? Perhaps. And wouldn’t that be a welcome change?

Blessings,

Nancy

nancykoenig1@yahoo.com

http://facebook.com/AuthorNancyKoenig

http://Amazon.com/NancyKoenig Author

I must admit I find it so much easier to support and encourage my friends and family than to offer the same considerations to myself. My desire to do or say the “perfect” thing overshadows my ability to remember that God does not ask us to be perfect, instead to give the best we can and let Him create out of it what He wants it to be. I have to remind myself of this every time I write. Will my words capture the experiences, ideas, and emotions I want them to? Will they inspire those who read them?

Do you struggle with this? Does your drive for perfection cause you to procrastinate, putting things off until later when you might be able to do better with it? When “later ” arrives, is it easier to make it perfect? Usually my repsonse to this is “no” and now I have to rush to get it done because I waited! We read in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”, and in Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the work of thine own hands.” God just asks us to be willing to give our best so that He can make it perfect for His purpose.

Please plan to stop by the Spotlight on Local Authors event at Covered Treasures Bookstore 105 2nd Street, Monument, on Saturday, March 14, 1:00-3:00. There will be several authors sharing their work, refreshments, and of course BROWNIES!!!

• 

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorNancyKoenig

http://www.amazon.com/author/nancykoenig

NancyKoenig.blog

nancykoenig1@yahoo.com

Look forward to talking with you!

Blessings! Nancy

NancyKoenig.blog

nancykoenig1@yahoo.com

amazon.com/author/nancykoenig

facebook.com/author/nancykoenig

“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Empathy is putting yourself in the place of another and understanding their perspective. It is identifying with them such that you feel what they are feeling and are moved to respond compassionately out of genuine care. These behaviors create attitudes of acceptance and validity, nuturing relationship building Empathy is lacking in our world today and the evidence of its absence is everywhere: on our roadways, in our shopping centers, etc. So many folks feel underappreciated, undervalued, and undersupported in their work, for the work is viewed simply as the means to the end goal. In education, this equates to higher standardized test scores. Sadly, it seems that we’ve come to measure success (and worth) predominantly from data.

As an educator for nearly forty years, I tried to model caring, respect, and trust for my students. The simple idea of being a team, encouraging and supporting each other so that everyone could achieve applied to students, parents, and colleagues. Listening, truly hearing the needs of others, shows that we care and encourages and empowers children and adults to be their best, but more importantly to be happier, more engaged, and more caring of others. Feeling connected and cared about influences how we connect and care for others. The excerpt below is from my book, Full Immersion:

                     Brownies (Little Silver Packets) Because Everybody Needs a Cheering Section

                   Don’t let your job define your happiness is a saying I have heard before but never applied to my life prior to the last few years of my career.  Teaching was my life, my passion, my hobby, my identity.  I thought about my students more than their parents did in some cases, and continuously worked to improve my instruction.  I began to see many of my colleagues increasingly frustrated, overworked, and exhausted.  Most of us were feeling underappreciated in our school and devalued by parents and society as a whole.  I could see burnout eminent for several of my teammates.  

     Joyce Meyers states, “Happiness is not a feeling, it is a choice.  To be happy, one must choose to be happy, not respond to a circumstance that now controls your happiness.”

     Hoping that I might bring encouragement, if only briefly, I began doing something that I love – baking (Remember the zucchini?)- specifically brownies.  I started by bringing them for special events: birthdays and Friday treats. This escalated into movie nights, bake sales, classroom achievement celebrations, etc.  I honored requests, but sometimes would simply show up with a little foil wrapped package for someone having more struggle than usual.   This little treat was enough to make a smile appear every time.   What a sweet surprise to walk into your classroom or office and find a small silver packet waiting for you!  Smiles of recognition would greet me as I walked through the building with these treats and I developed a following –- literally, a following! Eyes would follow me down the hallway until I was out of sight and the realization settled in that the treat was for someone else.  I was told that I had become famous for my brownies. One of my administrators said: “I am a happy man” as he realized he had been the recipient of the coveted silver packet.  Students called me the “brownie teacher” and requested being in my classroom when they reached 4^th grade.  I have received more smiles, hugs, and tears of joy over little silver packages than I can count.  I was told that a parent, at a movie night, offered five dollars for the brownies that remained on a plate on the dessert table! This simple idea took on a life of its own.  One person can make a difference – one little silver brownie packet at a time! Everybody needs a cheering section.

     Just prior to Christmas of my first retirement year, I scheduled a time to deliver multiple pans of deliciousness to the teachers’ lunch room. You never know the impact you’ve had on others until you are not there any longer and suddenly pop in for a visit. To see my colleagues struggling with exhaustion, work overload, and frustration with too many needy students was difficult, yet providing them with a treat, words of encouragement and hugs, hopefully made the day a bit easier.  My former students, now fifth graders, were gone on a field trip so I did not get to see them…good reason to make a return visit.  It seemed odd to walk down hallways that were still so familiar to me, to peek into the classroom that had been mine for twelve years, and to see it rearranged and filled with another teacher’s things.  Remembering the struggle of trying to meet all the needs of students and all the requirements of assessment, I was flooded with gratitude that I did these things to the best of my ability and ministered to the kiddos as if they were my own, but that those days were in the past.

Was it worth it?  Yes.  Did I make a difference? Yes.   

My purpose in being there, again, was to share friendship, inspiration, and little silver packets of brownie happiness!   

Was it worth it? Yes.  Did I make a difference? Yes.  

“Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

Empathy is caring enough to make difference. We all can do something!

Full Immersion is available at Amazon.com/Full-Immersion/Nancy-Koenig and Barnes & Noble stores.

Please visit me at: Facebook.com/AuthorNancyKoenig, NancyKoenig.blog, my Amazon author page (Just click on my name under the book title.), and email me at nancykoenig1@yahoo.com.

Watch for information about my upcoming author event at Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument, Saturday, March 14, 1:00-3:00.

Who do you know who needs encouragement? The list of names coming to mind is probably huge. In reality, we all do. Often people appear to be strong, brave, moving forward unchallenged in their lives, however, if you asked them honestly to say how they are doing you might be surprised at the response.

Scripture tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 In my own life, I can definitely testify to needing power in weakness.

I recently began having a constant ringing in my ears after a cold created inflammation. Two courses of antibiotics took care of the inflammation but did nothing for the ringing. I tolerated this for about a month until my annual doctor’s appointment. My physician suggested a referral to an ENT specialist, whom I saw a week later. An exam and an audiogram revealed my Tinnitus was related to my hearing loss. Being aware that my response to a good deal of conversation at home was, “What?”, I did not realize that hearing aids were in the near future. After a significant financial investment and multiple appointments for adjustments in the digital settings, I have improved hearing and some Tinnitus relief. Who knew that there was such a thing as Tinnitus maskers (like white noise) in hearing aids now? Who knew how prevalent this ringing ear, annoyance is. I am not alone. Many other folks are dealing with this every day, too. For me somedays are better than others. Somedays I pray for strength to cope looking to Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Experts say your brain habituates/acclimates to the sound so that it is less intrusive – still waiting for this.

Who do you know who needs encouragement? We all do, even when we don’t seem as though we do. Thankfully, it is often the simplest gestures that encourage…a smile, holding a door, asking someone how they are, listening to what they say, and offering to help. Caring enough to notice is an encouragement itself. See what happens!

Please visit: http://Facebook.com/AuthorNancyKoenig, http://Amazon.com/Full-Immersion/Nancy-Koenig Author Link, and email me at nancykoenig1@yahoo.com. Full Immersion is also available at Barnes & Noble stores and online.

Work continues on my second book, Not as Planned, which explores the lives of three women who impacted my life in ways they never anticipated simply by caring enough to encourage me. My grandmother Nellie, my mother Lorraine, and my aunt Helen. Each had challenges to overcome and decisions to make demonstrating strength of character, perseverence, and a dedication to doing what is right. Watch for updates!

Blessings!

Nancy

The holiday season is here, again. I realize that some of us are saying “finally” and some are saying “already”!?! Whatever your reaction is, I pray that you are able to make time for what is important to you; family, friends, church services, but also time for yourself. Don’t forget to stop and take in the abundant beauty all around. Share a smile, a handshake, a hug…you may be surprised how much these gifts are valued.

Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, and prayers for my journey with Full Immersion during these past months. I have received wonderful feedback, been fortunate to reconnect with friends and family that might not have been possible without the experience of sharing the book. If you were blessed by my story, book reviews are always welcome!

Blessings and Love,

Nancy

As the Christmas season approaches and the “To Do” list gets longer, I want to suggest that you make a bit of space for yourself. Prioritize and ask for help with the essentials. If you give yourself permission not to take responsibility for everything this holiday, you will be much more likely to enjoy the celebrations rather than work through them.

Just a quick reminder…I have one remaining book signing event this coming Saturday, December 7, 11:00-3:00 at the Barnes and Noble, Citadel Mall store, 795 Citadel Drive East. Books will be available as will brownies!! Looking forward to seeing you then!

Please check out my Amazon author site. Just click on my name on the Full Immersion page. My eBook is now available, too!