Fall 2014

Serving the loved ones of homicide victims.

Solace in Service

Article by DailyOM

When we feel bad, often our first instinct is to isolate ourselves and focus on what's upsetting us. Sometimes we really do need some downtime, but many times the best way to get out of the blues quickly is to turn our attention to other people. In being of service to others, paradoxically, we often find answers to our own questions and solutions to our own problems. We also end up feeling more connected to the people around us, as well as empowered by the experience of helping someone.

When we reach out to people we can help, we confirm that we are not alone in our own need for support and inspiration, and we also remind ourselves that we are powerful and capable in certain ways. Even as our own problems or moods get the better of us sometimes, there is always someone else who can use our particular gifts and energy to help them out. They, in turn, remind us that we are not the only people in the world with difficulties or issues. We all struggle with the problems of life, and we all feel overwhelmed from time to time, but we can almost always find solace in service.

In the most ideal situation, the person we are helping sheds light on our own dilemma, sometimes with a direct piece of advice, and sometimes without saying anything at all. Sometimes just the act of getting our minds out of the obsessive mode of trying to figure out what to do about our own life does the trick. Many great inventors and artists have found that the inspiration they need to get to the next level in their work comes not when they're working but when they're walking around the block or doing dishes. We do ourselves and everyone else a great service when we take a break from our sorrows and extend ourselves to someone in need.

What do I want to take with me in the New Year?

What do I want to leave behind?

Meaning...

Meaning is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt. Meaning is something you build into your life---out of your past, out of your affections and loyalties, out of your own talent and understanding, out of the values for which you are willing to sacrifice something. You are the only one who can put these ingredients together into that unique pattern that will be your life. Let it be one that has dignity and meaning for you.

-John W. Gardner

In Memory of You

I find an old photograph

and see your smile.

As I feel your presence anew,

I am filled with warmth

and my heart remembers love.

I read an old card

sent many years ago

during a time of turmoil and confusion.

The soothing words written then

still caress my spirit

and bring me peace.

I remember who you used to be

the laughter we shared

and wonder what you have become.

Where are you now,

Where did you go,

When the body is left behind

and the spirit is released to fly?

Perhaps you are the morning bird

singing joyfully at sunrise,

or the butterfly that dances

so carelessly on the breeze

or the rainbow of colors

that brightens a stormy sky

or the fingers of afternoon mist

delicately reaching over the mountains

or the final few rays of the setting sun

lighting up the skies

edging the clouds with a magical glow.

I miss your being

but I feel your presence,

In whatever form you choose to take,

however you now choose to be.

Your spirit has become for me

a guardian angel on high

guiding, advising, and watching over me.

I remember you.

You are with me

and I am not afraid.

Actively Participating

Article by DailyOM

The way we walk into a room says a lot about the way we live our lives. When we walk into a room curious about what's happening, willing to engage, and perceiving ourselves as an active participant with something to offer, then we have really shown up to the party. When we walk into a room with our eyes down, or nervously smiling, we are holding ourselves back for one reason or another. We may be hurting inside and in need of healing, or we may lack the confidence required to really be present in the room. Still, just noticing that we're not really showing up, and having a vision of what it will look and feel like when we do, can give us the inspiration we need to recover ourselves.

Even if we are suffering, we can show up to that experience ready to fully engage in it and learn what it has to offer. When we show up for our life, we are actively participating in being a happy person, achieving our goals, and generally living the life our soul really wants. If we need healing, we begin the process of seeking out those who can help us heal. If we need experience, we find the places and opportunities that can give us the experience we need in order to do the work we want to do in the world. Whatever we need, we look for it, and when we find it, we engage in the process of letting ourselves have it. When we do this kind of work, we become lively, confident, and passionate individuals.

There is almost nothing better in the world than the feeling of showing up for our own lives. When we can do this, we become people that are more alive and who have the ability to make things happen in our lives and the lives of the people around us. We walk through the world with the knowledge that we have a lot to offer and the desire to share it.

Peace Within

"May there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Memorial List

Abens, Gina

Banes, Krystel
Batty, Dennis
Baugh, Jonathan
Bentler, Sandra
Bentler, Shayne
Bentler, Sheena
Bentler, Shelby
Blankenship, Robert
Blewer, Marilyn
Bohlken, Cathy
Blough, Amy
Blough, Mercedes
Bowman, Abby
Brainard, Jennifer
Brocks, Willie
Brown, Brian
Bryant, Raymone
Budde, Marty
Carson, Tracy
Carter, Matthew
Cerveny, Emily
Crawford, Roberta
Crisp, Kevin
Cook, Melanie
Cuevas, Brenda
Curran, Jamison
Dallner, Denise
Davis, Dustin 'Dusty'
Davis, Julie
Daugherty, Michelle
Degeus, Terry
DeWoody, Lance
Downing, Ruth
Duncan, Lori
Duthler, Elizabeth
Eatman, Kevin
Eisbach, Dawn
Erikson, Gregory (Sky)
Fish, Ronald
Gabel, Angela
Garcia, Cipriano
Gephart, Amy
Gerot, Sharon
Gilbert, Tyrone
Glime, Brittany
Gonnerman, Shelley
Goodyear, Gregory (Scott)
Gray, Rylee
Guajardo, Mercedes
Hackman, James
Harding, Chris
Harvey, Sarah
Hauser, Rebecca
Hayek, Phillip
Hebert, Donald
Helble, John
Herman, Angel
Herron, Andre
Hill, Donnisha
Horak, Daniel
Hugh, Emma
Hugh, Tabitha
Jarnagin, Mitchell
Johnson, Kenny
Jones Jr., Anthony
Kehoe, Seth
Kersey, Steven
Keyes, Joshua
Keyes, Sandra
Kim, MichaelL
Kirk, Mathew
Kohn, Robby
Kowalsky, Linda
Labkon, Anita
Larson, Joshua
LaRue, Cinda
Lee, Curtis
Lindsey, Donelle
Lowe, James
Marburger, Alysia
Martinez, Toni
Massey, Evan
McBride, Mary
McKay, Sarah
McLaren, Kelly
Meade, Daniel
Meeks, Dexter
Naughton, Jared
Nelson, Mike
Nelson, Robert
Newman, Crystal
Newman, Michael
Nguyen, Ha
Nicholson, Dwight
Novak, Ronald
Perkins, Kylie
Petit, Terri
Post, Dick
Quandt, Gehlen
Rapacki, Patti
Razor-Markwell, Shelley
Roundtree, Latasha
Sanoubane, Christina
Schwener, William
Shoup, Cyrus
Simmons, Brandi
Simmons, Sierrah
Squire, Charles
St. Clair, Audrey
Stahl, Kelsey
Staley, Robbie
Stewart, Bart
Stewart, Jaxson
Stout, Barry
Stringer, Calvin
Sueppel, Eleanor
Sueppel, Ethan
Sweet, Janet
Sweet, Rick
Thomann, JoAnn
Vanderlinden, Gene
Versypt, John
Wagehoft, Ryan
Walker, Tracy
Wells, Greg
Widman, Randy
Wilkins, Martin
Wohlman, Joshua
Wright, Edward Charles

Join us for a "Taste" of Horizons!

Interested in volunteering, donating, or generally learning about Horizons? We invite you to join us on Thursday, November 6 for a free Lunch & Learn event at Horizons. You will get a "flavor" of our services and have the opportunity to connect with community members. All are welcome in the Horizons Family!

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Let's face it. Everyone needs help from time to time. Whether clients are facing a financial crisis or experiencing a difficult life situation, Horizons helps with the following services:

Consumer Credit Counseling
Meals On Wheels
Mental Health Counseling
Family Support Programs
Survivors of Homicide Victims

You are not alone. We help thousands of people feeling stuck, anxious, and overwhelmed by bringing balance back into their lives. Give us a call today!

There is Help. There is Hope. There is Horizons.

Our Mission: Instill hope, change lives, and brighten futures

Horizons Board of Directors

Horizons Board of Trustees

Board Chair Tom Petersen
Vice Chair Kent Mattison
Secretary Quinn Pettifer
Treasurer Casey Drew
Brittney Clarke
Rod Dooley

Amy Hubbell

Marcia Hughes
Pam Oldham
Jon Oswood
Paul Pelletier

Leah Rodenberg

Susie Weinacht

Board Chair Steve Pace

John Bickel

Kathy Eno

Nancy Evans
Dick Johnson
Deborah Linberg-Gertsen

Joel Schmidt

Mick Starcevich
Gary Streit

Horizons, A Family Service Alliance

819 5th St. SE, PO Box 667

Cedar Rapids, IA 52406

319.398.3943 | www.horizonsfamily.org