How I Spend My Sept. 11's since 2001

I believe like most Americans do on this day since Sept. 11, 2001, I spend today reflecting and appreciating the blessings in my life: my parents, my husband, my children, my family, my friends, my country, and most of all, my relationship with my Lord and Savior.

One of the most famous pictures from 9/11, photo of three firemen raising the American flag at the site of the World Trade Center attacks. Shot by Thomas E. Franklin, of The Bergen Record, the photo first appeared on Sept 12, 2001 under the title, Ground Zero Spirit. The paper also put it on the Associated Press wire and it appeared on the covers of several newspapers around the world. The photo was a finalist in 2002 for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news photography.

Sept 11, 2001 ~  
"Where were you when the world stopped turning ....on that September day?"

The north face of Two World Trade Center (south tower) immediately after being struck by United Airlines Flight 175

I will be forever grateful that on that particular Tuesday morning, my day began like nearly every other day had been for me the previous four years.When my husband and I moved to Montana in 1997, the Milwaukee, WI/Lincoln, NE-based public relations and advertising agency I worked for then ~ Bader Rutter & Associates ~ allowed me the opportunity to continue working with them and set up an office in my home.

My husband had already left for work and our nine-month-old son was playing on the living room floor when I turned on NBC News in New York City to watch Katie, Matt, Ann and Al and catch the morning news. By that time, five hijackers had already crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into the World Trade Center's North Tower. I called my mom in Nebraska to see if she had been watching the news earlier that morning and had heard anything. She hadn't, so we said our "love you's" and hung up. Soon after, I watched in shocked as another five hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the South Tower.

At that point, I picked up my son and held him as tightly as I could. I knew what was happening could be no accident. I started to rock him more for my own comfort than his. Through tears, I prayed, "Dear Lord ~ please be with all those babies whose mommies and daddies went to work in those Towers today."

I called my husband's work and was talking with his boss when the five hijackers flew American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon. There was no doubt that our country was under attack and would never be the same.

 What Are You Thankful For Today?

What I was thankful for in 2001 and what I am thankful for and passionate about in 2012 has only intensified. Beyond the blessings I mentioned earlier, I consider it great honor and privilege that I continue to work with individuals and businesses in the public relations and marketing field advocating, promoting, educating, and sharing information about all aspects of agriculture.

Everyday I awaken with an attitude of gratitude for the ability to live and work in these United States of America. Herein lies my passion:

Meeting up with my fellow ag advocate and dear friend, Heidi Nelson of Harvest PR & Marketing, at the Ag Media Summit in Albuquerque, NM

"Amber Waves of Grain" ~ The beauty of an eastern Montana wheat field right before harvest

Talking with  Conrad Weaver, executive film director for the Great American Wheat Harvest (Wheat Harvest Movie) documentary film, and Tracy Zeorian of Zeorian Harvesting & Trucking, who was here all the way from Manley, NE to harvest spring wheat with her husband, Jim, near Jordan, MT. I wore my Husker hat and shirt to make Tracy & Jim feel at home. Melody Dobson, my business partner and national executive co-coordinator on GAWH took the pic.

Taking a pic of my co-National Executive Coordinator, Melody Dobson, as we meet up with the Zeorian Harvesting Crew, who are featured in the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film trailer.

May We Never Forget 

This week as I travel to Nebraska for Husker Harvest Days and Kansas with my co-National Executive Coordinator to represent the Great American Wheat Harvest, I find myself recommitted, dedicated and driven to fulfilling the purpose of the life God has granted me. I love what I do. I hope that you in turn love what you're doing, love who your are becoming and love who you are yet to become.

The events of 9/11/2001 are a reminder to us all that life is too short not to love every minute of it.

"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” -- President George W. Bush September 11, 2001.

 "Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue

And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?

Did you look up to Heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself and what really matters?"

"But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, Hope and Love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is Love......." 

Lyrics from "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning" by Alan Jackson

You've Got 52 Days. GO!!

Blogger's Note: Life continues to surprise me. You can be going along in what you have come to know as your daily routine, when someone or something can take it in a completely different direction. As I was working on this Bright Ideas! Brighter Future! blog post, "You've Got 52 Days. GO!!" a few days ago, I got message from my dear friend Kris Lupher, who wanted to let me know that his mother, Luci, had passed away earlier that day. The title of this blog post comes from Nehemiah's accomplishment of rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem in just 52 days. After hearing from Kris, I realized his current age, 52 years! That's the length of time his mother got to spend helping build her son's life before being called Home to join her husband, Kerm. So, somehow, what I was writing, seemed even more timely as we celebrate the glorious gift of Easter and I wanted to take time to reflect that message! Thank you for allowing me to share this spiritual journey with you and the thought of Leaving a Legacy for others to know, learn and grow from in their own lives. Praying for peace and celebration of the life of Kerm and Luci Lupher ~ May they be celebrating together again and smiling down on the legacy they left in their children, Kris and Jill, and their families.

 Not 52 weeks! Not 52 months! Not even 52 years did it take Nehemiah  to repair and rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and gates upon returning to the city in 445 B.C. as the provincial governor of Judah/Yehud. 

Nehemiah had served as the high official in the Persian court of King Artaxerxes I at the capital city of Susa, when he heard about the sad state of affairs in Judah. He acquired the king’s permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city and its fortifications. He is even given letters from the king to ensure safe passage and to obtain timber from the king’s forest for the gates and walls of Jerusalem.

Upon arriving, he immediately surveyed the damage to the entire city on his well-known night journey around the walls (Nehemiah 2:12–15). Enlisted the help of the people to quickly repair the breaches in the wall. Urged them to set up guards to defend against the constant threat of those who opposed their efforts, including the armies of Samaria, the Ammonites and the Ashdodites.

He didn’t take advantage of food and land allotments that were allowed him due to his office. He made the other nobles and officials forgive all outstanding debts and ordered them to return all land and money that had been taken as taxes so the people would be able to feed themselves and their families.

 Just 52 Days

Nehemiah's work on the wall was completed in just 52 days! The Book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament represents one man's example facing an overwhelming task, yet staying GOAL FIXATED!! We recently finished a series at Harvest Church called "Out of the Rubble", based on the Book of Nehemiah. Pastor Vern's  messages throughout the series reflected that ""When you're doing God's will, you will always be criticized." Especially by those who want to impede your progress. But rather than retaliate ( a normal human response), we are to respond in Prayer. Then, Continue to Work. Stay Focused on the Goal. Respect the Vision that God has set before you.

At the top of the eastern ridge of the City of David, Nehemiah and the returned exiles built a new city wall. Although they simply repaired the pre-existing walls elsewhere in the city, the wall just above the steep Kidron Valley was too damaged and too difficult to mend. So they relocated the eastern wall higher up the slope and, according to author Eilat Mazar, built it directly on top of a ruined wall of King David’s palace (also known as the Large Stone Structure) and its massive rampart (known as the Stepped Stone Structure). Zev Radovan

To this day, you can go to Jerusalem and see the wall that Nehemiah helped direct and rebuild. It has sustained the test of time and enemies for more than 2,500 years. Nehemiah was able to create a Revival amongst God's people, who had become careless towards the Lord. Pastor Vern shared a Big Idea! with us that after a Revival, there must be Reform ~ a change in us for their to be a change in the world. He challenged us to change our ways to make something Good, Right and Beautiful.


As we reflect on this day, Good Friday, the day that we, as Christians, commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the cross, let's think about what we are doing in our lives to leave a spiritual heritage ~ a Legacy. Who of us could say that if we were given just 52 Days to tackle one of God's assignments, could survive both the opposition and apathy it would take to leave a lasting impression that would last more 2,500 years?

Let's work together to becoming Reforming Agents of Christ's sacrifice 

and love for us. Happy Easter, my friends!

Leaving a Legacy ~ the Lupher's! 

In loving memory of Luci Benzel Lupher 

(Dec. 7, 1934 - April 4, 2012)

 Luci Benzel (Lupher's) high school graduation picture ~ Scottsbluff High School 1953

Lupher's Elevator 

In western Nebraska, you don't even have to refer to the town of Minatare for folks to know where the iconic symbol of agriculture is located. I remember as a little girl going to Lupher's  with my dad. Back then,I didn't understand or realize all the crops and products associated with the grain and feed mill, I just knew that's where we bought our horse feed.

But what I did realize was that the "Lupher" name and elevator was an iconic symbol to our town of 800-some residences and synonymous to Minatare itself.  From the perspective L.P. Lupher's  grandson and my good friend, Kris Lupher, I share his thoughts from the legacy that was handed down to him:

"The cement storage house was state-of-the art when it was built in the 1940's by elevator contractor L.P. Lupher Jr. (2nd youngest of my grandpa L.P.'s 4 sons Marvin, Jack, L.P. Jr, and my father Kerm).

The foundation for my respect and admiration for those in the Agriculture field was built right here at Lupher's. My Grandpa L.P."Dave" Lupher, my dad, Kerm, and my uncle Jack all took part in teaching me that more than sore muscles are to be gained from hard work... the work ethic and self respect that I gained here were the greatest gifts."

Lupher's sold the elevator in 1989 and Kerm passed away April 10, 1999. Just 13 years later, within a week of each other, Kerm's lovely, but feisty, Luci, joined in him in their heavenly home, on April 4, 2012.

Lucille E. Lupher, 77, of Minatare, was born Dec. 7, 1934, on the family farm near Haig, to C. Pete Benzel and Anna Elizabeth (Bott) Benzel. She proudly grew up on the farm in Mitchell Valley, attended Haig School, and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1953. She married Kermit Lupher on Nov. 19, 1956, at Raton, N.M., at which point she realized she also married into the world of sports. She started out as her husband Kerm’s biggest fan as she followed all his baseball and basketball games and later in life developed a fierce competitive spirit while following her children’s and grand children’s events. 

The Lupher's around 1963: Luci and Kermit with children, Kris and Jill

She was an avid bowler for many years acting as league secretary for several years. The Luphers purchased the Gambles Store in Minatare, and owned and operated it until 1958. They then owned and operated Lupher’s Elevator in Minatare until 1988. “Luci” had a great love of animals especially her most favorite scotty- Beans.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Kris and Debra (Stricker) Lupher of Gering; daughter Jill and Loren Hill of Reding,CT; grandchildren Marlee and Alex Lupher both of Gering and her brother Harold Benzel and sister-in-law Gloria Benzel of Dixon, CA along with her many cherished nieces and nephews.

Kris, Luci and Jill: April 2009

 When I think of iconic figures and the people that I know that have made a lasting impression in my life, I will think of my friend, Kris Lupher and his family. 

God Blessing's to you all!

"Remember me with favor, O my God" ~ Nehemiah

An Agricultural Metaphor ~ Back Home!

It takes about 6.5 hours to drive the 450-mile stretch between our home in Billings, Mont., to my former stomping grounds in western Nebraska. After 15 years, I know nearly every crack and crevice of the two interstates and two-lane highways just about as well as I'm beginning to know the wrinkles carving their way onto my 43-year-old forehead. With the entire family (hubby or Papa & two kiddos) or by myself, the trek continues to require a couple necessary pit stops in Wyoming.  

Having lived away from my Nebraska Panhandle now longer than I lived there, I remain a Husker at Heart! Other than seeing the faces of my mom, step dad, three sisters, family and friends, nothing says "YOU'RE 'BACK HOME'" more to me than the view of the Scotts Bluff National Monument in my windshield. I admit, I've shed a happy tear or two even seeing that sandstone rock from the window seat of an airplane upon returning home for a visit from college.

Not only for myself, but I'm certain for other former Panhandle residents, the Monument serves as a natural "landing page" in our memory-recall. Even diaries and journals of 19th century westward emigrants, who traveled by covered wagons along the Oregon, Mormon and California trails, noted the natural marvel. History reflects that more than 250,000 travelers made their way through the area between 1843 and 1869. 

Scottsbluff and Gering, a.k.a., the Twin Cities, today boasts about 22,000+ residents. Besides the North Platte River, a little cross-town rivalry occasionally separates the two cities. But you see residents pulling together like recently, when Teresa Scanlan, from Gering was named Miss Nebraska 2010 and later Miss America 2011, becoming the youngest Miss America crowned since 1937. And when the 2011-2012 Scottsbluff High School Boys Basketball team brought home the state Class B Championship trophy for the first time since 1955.

Sunday = Fun Day!
I know its easy to take every essence of the people and environment around you for granted when it's all that your eyes see daily. Objects and emotions become sedentary......complacent.......unattached. For those reasons, that why I appreciate going "Back Home" to Nebraska. I always look forward to recalling the memories I made during my formative years and the new ones I make with my own children and extended family now.


Sunday's have and will continue to be my favorite day of the week: waking up to read the Sunday paper....hearing meadowlarks sing from fence post perches....heading off to Sunday school and then church.....anticipating the mmmmm....mmmmm...goodness of my mom's fried chicken and mashed potatoes.......responding to my dad's desire to go for a Sunday drive to only-God-knows-where....and topping off the day with some ice cream from the local creamery and a good Disney movie on TV. 


Sunday's have been days of celebrating births.....baptisms........Easter holidays......graduations......visits from friends........reaping the harvest for which we have sewn..... and most importantly for me now than ever before, listening intently to God's word. 


On this last trip back home, I was able to attend church service with my sister and mom in the same church that my hubby and I were married in nearly 16 years ago. The scripture reading for the day came from John 12:20-36. As I looked to find the passage in my Bible, my ears perked when I heard the worship leader say, "Today's timeless word is an 'Agricultural Metaphor', in which Jesus predicts His own death and explains to His disciples in verse 24: I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

"AGvocacy"
 I sat in amazement of God's grace and steadfastness when I realized how much he has always made Agricultural an integral part of my life. From as early as being a 4-H'er in Scotts Bluff County; showing market lambs and stocker feeders; participating in livestock judging; majoring in journalism and getting the "Ag Beat" for my J-School newspaper; writing for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agricultural & Natural Resources; being hired as an agricultural reporter and photographer my first year out of college; only later to be recruited by a public relations and advertising agency to write for one of the largest fertilizer company's; and now having my own public relations and marketing business to work with those associated with agriculture.


Which, when you drum it down, we ALL are associated with Agriculture. Farmers and ranchers grow and raise food. We, as consumers, eat food for nourishment and sustainability. Pretty simple! 


So, when I have remained faithful and obedient to God's nudging, He has always brought something to do with Agricultural into my life. I look forward to being the New Ag Columnist for the Gering Citizen Newspaper and helping meet the public relations and marketing needs for the upcoming documentary film, the Wheat Harvest Movie.   Looking forward to both adventures and having additional outlets to "agvocate" for our American farmers and ranchers.


I hope you will join me on this journey! Because, as in life, recalling the Agricultural Metaphor of Jesus, when you have a seed and it sits by itself ~ it bears no fruit! We need to work as a community of "seeds" to thrive!