Murray Newsletter - January 7, 2026

 

 

To many of us, the start of a new year seems to bring a sense of wanting to better change ourselves in many different ways.

At the top of most everyone's list is physical change, as in losing weight or exercising more. Many want to tamper their spending and concentrate on building their financial future, while others just want to do a little better for their family, community, country and the world. After all, to change the world, you have to first start within yourself, then your family and friends.

Here's a short story I read many years ago and thought you might like it and possibly see yourself in it.

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A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so very hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed that as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She then pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The granddaughter then asked, "What does it mean, Grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity -- boiling water -- but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity? Do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor of your life. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level?

How do you handle adversity? Are you harshly changed by your surroundings or do you bring life and flavor to them?

So...are you going to be known as a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Author Unknown

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MCC BREAKFAST SAUSAGE BURRITOS FUNDRAISER

You'll receive a freshly-made burrito, with instructions on how to freeze and heat them up for only $5 each.

Payment and order due by January 24th.

Pick up Sunday, February 1st, 2026

11:30-12:30

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LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS, WE NEED YOUR UPDATED INFO!

Scrolling across the top of the Murray Newsletter, where it says "Commerce", business owners are encouraged to complete and submit this form:

"If your Business is noted Listed Click Here or Leave a VM at 402-968-0821 for a call back."

We are removing any business that does not submit their current information.

This is very necessary and long overdue. Thanks, Everyone!

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DO YOU NEED HELP with FOOD, HOUSING or OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES?
SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action) is HERE to HELP YOU!

To drop off donations or pick up food at the local food pantry, you need to make an appointment. 

Monday - Friday
8am - 4:30 pm
Call or text for appointment, 402-297-7418

SENCA Cass County Outreach
First Presbyterian Church, lower level
701 Chicago Ave.
Plattsmouth, NE 68048

(Please enter at the lower level on the north side of the church at the driveway directly across from Oakmont Drive, off of Chicago Avenue.) 

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SOMEWHERE, SOMEONE NEEDS YOUR BLOOD!

Grab some friends and schedule your blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation today.

Critical Need for Blood Donors!

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Elmwood, Nebraska's Community Center is open to all ages Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Lunch meals are served at noon for $6 and may be dine-in or carry-out, or $7 for delivery (to local addresses).
Please call, (402) 994-2145, at any time to make arrangements for lunch NO LATER THAN 9:30 on the day of your meal.

 

The facility is available for rental to the public. "Like" our Facebook page to keep up with all of our events!

Elmwood, NE Community Center Phone & Address:
144 N 4th St, Elmwood, NE 68349
(402) 994-2145

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 (P.A.R.C.)PLATTSMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB MEETING.  

WE'LL MEET NEXT on the LAST SUNDAY, (NOT SATURDAY), on JANUARY 25, 2026, CATFISH LAKE, 5 pm, in the BACK ROOM, ORDERING off the MENU.

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View auction inventory >>

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211 Main Street
Louisville, NE

SHOW ADMISSION:

$7 at the door;  Kids 12 & under, FREE!

UPCOMING:

FREE JAM SESSIIONS!

Second Sunday of the Month – Electric Jam Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)
Fourth Sunday of the Month – Acoustic Only Jam Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)

Bring your instruments and enjoy an afternoon of great music and good company!
Click the theater flyer above or HERE to read the latest CCMT news.
Call 402-949-0668 with any questions.

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Check out new website at www.happypawsplattsmouth.org

And download foster application!

Happy Paws Plattsmouth is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Cass, Sarpy, and Douglas Counties
with one mission: to transform the lives of animals in need while enriching the families who welcome them home.

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PLATTSMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (P.A.R.C.)
KB0SMX

P.A.R.C. members get together Tuesday evenings at Plattsmouth's Burger King at 6 pm.

Monthly meetings the last Saturday of most months at Mom's Cafe in Plattsmouth, 8 am.  

(NO December monthly meeting.)  

Click HERE or on the radio antenna logo above to read the latest newsletter and calendar.

For more info, contact Roger Behrns, rb55930@windstream.net or call 402-234-6775.

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(LOUISVILLE CARE CENTER)

has new job positions!!!

We have OPEN Positions!

Click HERE to Apply Online

FT/PT/Casual CNA/CMA-Click Here to see Job Description

FT/PT/Casual LPN/RN-Click Here to see Job Description

FT/PT/Casual C.M.A or Medication Aid with C.N.A-Click Here to see Job Description

PT Transport Driver-Click Here to see Job Description

HERE IS WHAT MAKES US A GREAT PLACE TO WORK!

LCC offers free healthcare premiums for ALL our full time employees. Click Here to see Our Benefit Summary
Evening, night and weekend shift differentials.
Competative Wages! Inquire within for wage ranges.
Hire on bonus for C.N.A's, C.M.A's, RN's, LPN's and Personal Care Assistants. Click Here to see Hire on Bonus Policy
New Baylor Pay position for Certified Nursing Assistants.Click Here for Baylor Pay Policy
For Inquiries please call or email H.R. at ktrauernicht@lccne.com E.O.E

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