musings

Have You Read......?

2012-01-22T15:21:00.000-06:00

A recent survey found that on the average household bookshelf there were at least 80 books the owners had not read. How many do you have? I think I have more than that.

I don't know what the problem is; maybe I just like to look at them. Or as a retired librarian, I like to pretend I have a library. Or is it just greed? There is no way I will ever read them all unless (God forbid) I am bedridden for several years.

Why then do I keep buying books? It is a puzzlement...... Lately I have been buying books I had to read, like books for the book club, or books for Sunday class, or books about Eccelesiastes to help me in my studies. I yearn for a good book just to enjoy reading! Know one?

Happy Birthday Sam!

2012-01-13T15:47:00.000-06:00

This would have been my hon's 79th birthday! Born on Friday the 13th--a perfect day for his puckish personality which compelled him to use plastic spiders, roaches, flies, snakes, etc. to other's disadvantage; it compelled him to stuff frightening dummies for the enjoyment of others; and to think of other devious plans to prank others. All in good fun--his. Because people loved him, they quickly forgave him for any uncomfortable moments he caused and often tried to get him back (usually failing).

He was a kind, compassionate man who loved children, his job as a teacher and principal, and his family. God was #1 on his list of those to be adored, and his life and conversation showed it.

I often wonder what he would have been like in old age because he never seemed to age. He loved me and his son Brandon with all his heart, and we returned the love and high esteem. I wish there could have been more days to spread the love.

I read at Thomas Elementary yesterday, and had to pause under his portrait in the hall and think about how much he would have loved his school (although he would have been very shocked and humbled by the honor of having a school named after him.)

Happy birthday Sam Thomas -- wonder if heaven has birthday cakes? Maybe angel food? With ambrosia and divinity on the side?

Sifting and dusting

2012-01-12T10:04:00.000-06:00

I'm sifting through Christmas cards; saving pictures and enjoying the cards one more time. Got the Christmas tree down thanks to the BST and Sheryl. So those little pieces of leaves from the tree have to be vacuumed--honestly, they seem to breed in the corners. Dusting is a must too--quotidian tasks after a great time!

Pictures are mostly up in my house. That makes such a difference in making the space seem like it is really mine. Plus, I get to look at them each time I enter a room.

Thank you God for such menial, small tasks that make us happy on this day in January.

Dog Days After Christmas

2011-12-27T10:22:00.001-06:00

Nope, not depressed. Just dog-sitting Cisco and Bear for a while. They are generally well-behaved except when Cisco is biting Bear's tail and getting retaliation.

Our Christmas Day was just as wonderful as expected--presents, fun, good food and church. Maddie read part of the Luke account and Ella was Mary in the nativity scene. Brandon and Sheryl led worship. There was a bigger crowd than I thought there would be.

The girls got some handsome clothes and hats which they wore to church. I told them that they looked as if they stepped out of Mademoiselle. I don't think that magazine exists anymore, but they were so stylish.

They received a Wii and the game Just Dance. It was SO fun to watch Sam perform the dances like a pro. His daddy would not perform.

Went to see War Horse with Ronnie and Darla. It is a good movie for the family--except for some scenes of WWI which are realistic. The horse gets tangled up in wire from the barracades. Although predictable, I enjoyed the film. I think it will be nominated for the Oscar.

I hope to see Sherlock Holmes for sheer entertaiment this season. And, of course, can't miss Tom Cruise. Looking forward to Meryl Streep's Margaret Thatcher too.
Why do all the good movies come out at once? The family and I enjoyed We Bought a Zoo. Recommended except for one word which could have been left out.
Boo!

All, in all, I think we had a very merry Christmas.

I already miss the Christmas carols on the radio.

The weather is weird; it is supposed to almost reach the 70's this week. It was very cold on Christmas Day, like winter is supposed to be. As they say, in Texas one has to wait only a minute until the weather changes.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T14:57:00.000-06:00

It is actually snowing in Abilene, Texas as I write this--melting as it touches the ground; but it is still snow....what a way to spend Christmas Eve!

We are having chicken spaghetti tonight as we open presents at my house--all my gifts to them. Probably will have trouble getting the kids to eat with the gifts under the tree calling to them. I was cooking Brandon's requested hash-brown casserole while the Christmas carols were playing on the radio, and I couldn't help but remember those days at Potosi when I did the same thing on Christmas Eve.

Tomorrow, I will go to the kids' house for Santa and opening more presents, then to church. We are having Sharon's brisket for lunch YUM. It all sounds like lots of family fun which it always is. Very often there is a tinge of nostalgia or longing as we remember the days when Sam was here, and we spent the holidays either in Pasadena or Groesbeck and sometimes at Dorothy's house in the Woodlands. Those days are all gone, but good memories still remain. Those memories thrust at us to try to create those good feelings for Maddie, Sam and Ella. I hope that is happening.

Then Monday the carcass of Christmas will remain with the attendant boxes, tissue, wrong sizes, and credit card bills. HOWEVER, it is worth it to watch children enjoy the days.

On, Donder and Blitzen!

2011-12-21T11:08:00.000-06:00

I read to Sam's class yesterday at Thomas Elementary. It was so fun; but even more moving was the thrill in Sam's eyes as he watched me read. I gave them a little history about Clement Clark Moore, the author of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" or as he titled it "A Visit from St. Nicholas".

And we discussed the difficult words like "coursers" ( do you know what they are?) and sugar plums and "threw up the sash". Bruce Whatley's illustrations of this old classic are beautifully surprising. And he adds a little side story about the man who saw Santa. It was such a trip to ask them questions and hear their answers. Kindergartners are very imaginative.

And to top it all off. Brandon was there after eating lunch with Sam, so he took some good pictures. They are on facebook. Sam has Nyla Rideout Davis for his teacher. My Sam and I taught her in Sunday School at Minter Lane, um, years ago. And now she has grandchildren.

Thank you God that children still enjoy good books, and that I got to read to them.
By the way "coursers" are a team that pulls something, like a team of oxen or a team of horses.

Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight. (This is the correct way to end the book as Moore wrote it.)

RIF

2011-12-17T12:20:00.001-06:00

Are you looking for a place to put tax deductable money at the end of the year? Try Reading is Fundamental This organization provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. I know it is hard to believe that there are millions of children in the U. S. who do not own a book of their own--but that is true.

We have today 33% of 4th graders who cannot read at the most basic level. Less than half of the families in the U. S. read to their kindergarten children on a daily basis. THIS IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FOREMOST INDICATORS OF DOING WELL IN SCHOOL LATER. Speaking of later, forty million adults in the U. S. can't read well enough to share a simple story with their children.

As a recent communication from RIF says, "these kids aren't just falling behind in school, they are falling behind in life.

RIF is the only organization of its kind; since its founding in 1966, RIF has provided more than 380 million books for children to choose and keep. RIF works through schools, libraries, child care centers, Head Start programs, Boys and Girls' Clubs, hospitals and homeless shelters.

83cents of every dollar given to RIF goes directly to support these literacy programs.

Give a child a big hand up and donate to RIF:

Reading is Fundamental
P. O. Box 96897
Washington, DC 20090-6897

And so the month goes... The Joy of December

2011-12-16T12:37:00.000-06:00

Mark Twain once said, "Never put off until tomorrow what you can put off until day after tomorrow." Hence, the blog suffers from being put off.

This is a month of many wonders: the decorated houses (some beautiful and some tacky), the bustling mall, the Dollar Tree store where one can buy for $1 what used to cost $3.95, crunchy leaves and softly falling rain (here in Abilene, thank goodness!), the rewards of getting most of the packages wrapped, and knowing that one only has one more thing to buy, radio stations that play continuous Christmas music, receiving picture Christmas cards from friends, the Christmas musical at church and more and more.....

It is also a month to grieve : for all those lost in Iraq (THANK YOU LORD, OUR TROOPS WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, JUST AS PRES. OBAMA PROMISED), for the bad news about Liam Lowe, for the invective still being spewed in debates and in Congress, for those who will have a missing person in their Christmas celebration, and for those who entirely miss the point of Christmas.

It is a month to look forward to: Santa's visit, the children's musical at church, the day or night when all the presents are open (and one can breathe a sigh of relief that the present is enjoyed and fits), sharing Christmas lunch with family, a quiet night for sitting in front of the fire, drinking hot chocolate and admiring the "kid-decorated" Christmas tree, reading the new books under the tree, hearing Maddie read "The Night Before Christmas", and more and more....

It is a month when one hears the mention of Jesus and his birth everywhere!

Thank you God for this month of wonders!

The Good and the Ugly

2011-12-08T22:39:00.001-06:00

Is there anything more fun and more maddening than Christmas shopping? O, for a magic wand to just wave and have it all complete.

In her book 1,000 Gifts, Ann Voscamp suggests that we give God gratitude not only for the good, but also for the ugly--that is, things that make us stop and realize how blessed we and have been.

There are so many good and ugly things happening at Highland these days--sicknesses and death; baptisms and disappointments; beautiful decorations and sad people. Good news and bad news.

Thank you God for Jimmie Gomez and her life encouraging others. Thank you for the apparent good news about Liam. Thank you for the life of Judy Fisher and the beautiful eulogy at her funeral J. New gave. She is why we have women in the ministry. Thank you for the promise of a life after this one--it is such a comfort to know we can mess up here and still go to be with You. Thank you for those good
thoughts that pour out of people as they drop off food for the Food Bank and feed 8,000 people a holiday meal (Thanks HEB). Forgive us for forgetting some of the people we serve now when the holidays are over. Thank you for the wonder and excitement in the eyes of children as they pour over Christmas catalogs and search the internet for gifts. Forgive the old curmudgeons who scrooge their way through Christmas--they don't know what they are missing. Actually they are missing the whole point. Bless those who are sad these days for various reasons. Help us to not overwhelm them with our joy.

Here with us

2011-12-05T17:34:00.001-06:00

Christmas and Christ were ushered in last night at the Paramount Theater in Abilene. Brandon, Sheryl and about 40 others presented a wonderful Christmas performance which not only honored God and Christ, but moved many people in the audience to tears in several places.

The band was great, the soloists terrific and the songs sung (many of them new to me) were heart-stirring. The next-to-last selection "Jesus Saves" rocked the house--it is one we need to learn acapella. SO MUCH BETTER than the old "Jesus Saves" in our hymnals.

Betty Hukill, the executive director of the Paramount, came in and took a picture of the stage. She said it was the most beautiful Christmas set they had ever had.

Thank you, thank you to all those who worked weeks on it--definitely one of my favorite spiritual experiences!

Owning a house

2011-12-01T20:36:00.001-06:00

Finally after six months, I am now the proud owner of my house at 918 Reeves. I am amazed that I have owned three different houses in less than ten years. No wonder I can't find anything!! I do remember where things were in Nashville--problem is, I'm in Abilene now. I guess it will all just take a while to feel really grounded in the house.

It is nice to know that this little piece of brick is mine (as long as I pay the payments), and that we can finally hang all the pictures. Isn't it strange how much difference that makes in feeling at home... I am really tired of stumbling over them on the floor.

The gremlins must know that the house is mine now; I just spilled a glass of orange juice on the fireplace and carpet.---thank goodness for Resolve. The air outside smells of rain, and it has turned cold--we are supposed to get a real "norther" this weekend. I am really enjoying the gas heat in the house--so much warmer. This is the first gas heat I have had since living in Potosi.

The kids came over and decorated the tree on Monday night. Brandon asked if I minded a "kid decorated tree". Mind??? I love it!!! So much better than having to do it myself. The tree also makes the house seem more like my home.

Thank you God for my new-to-me warm house. May you be honored inside its doors!

Nostalgia

2011-11-19T16:20:00.000-06:00

"A wistful yearning for something past" says the dictionary. I have been a little nostalgic this week of Brandon's birthday and my 49th wedding anniversary.

I drove out to our old house in Potosi to see how the red maple we planted in front of the house is doing--it is beautiful. It turns red from the inside out--green leaves around the trunk and gorgeous flaming red leaves in front. Wish I had one here.

Sam would have been amazed at the change on Potosi Road--so many housing additions. He used to say that he bet a mall would one day be near our house. So far it is only a convenience store and a fire station, but he may be right with all the people around.

I, however, am so glad to be living in town a little closer to things. And I do have other trees in my backyard to look at--an old gnarled mesquite, some fruit trees, including a fig tree and others I can's identify. When God created, he went all out to do trees of all varieties. One that I am missing here is the magnolia tree (one I call the Christmas leaf tree since all Southerners use them for mantel and mail box decorations). I know they must grow in Abilene; I just have not seen one yet.

Christmas is stealthly entering my house and brain. I am playing Christmas music in the car and living room and making lists because the time seems so short between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

My favorite time of the year!!!

The Big Day

2011-11-15T13:37:00.001-06:00

He wasn't the billionith (sp?) child born--but he was the most important in my life--my one and only. Today is the 42nd birthday of Brandon Scott Thomas. Looking back on that cold November day when we brought him home to Potosi, I can't help but think of the blue blanket (made by Pat Phillips) in which he was wrapped, and the Manhattan Supper Soup she brought by--yum. We have eaten it every winter since.

We put him in the bed borrowed from Wanda and Fred Hughes, wound the little nursery rhyme mobile (still have it somewhere!) and hoped he would sleep a little while. Sam and I both just stood, looked and sighed over this treasure from heaven.

After listening to him cry for what seemed like hours, this little treasure lost some of its luster. Fortunately, my mother was visiting, and she knew just the right technique to soothe him. Sam and I wearily shook our heads about what we did not know about babies. We were bound to learn a lot in the next few years, and we enjoyed every minute around our red-haired, blue-eyed explosion. He made our lives exciting, energetic, (sometimes frenetic) and full of laughter and joy.

While Sam is gone, Brandon still does those things for me. I thank God every day for this sweet baby and fine man he has put in my life. I can't imagine my life without him, without all the memories, and without each day's joy. What a treasure!

Happy birthday, Babe. I love you. Mom

Age-Old Question

2011-11-09T11:55:00.000-06:00

With the death of an ACU student, killed last weekend in an auto accident, comes the eternal question, "Why?".

Here was a girl fresh and new in her young adulthood going on a mission trip--killed quickly in a wrecked bus.

Why? Why did she die, while evil terrorists still live in Afganistan? Why was the death necessary? Why didn't God lean down and change the circumstances? Why?

No human can answer these questions. God is God and we are not.

The spiraling circumstances continue in this world of pain and sorrow; but, God is in this place and He weeps with is as He did at the tomb of Lazarus. And so, we trust in Him and go forward in His grace

An attitude of gratitude

2011-11-03T14:07:00.001-05:00

We have been reading Ann Voscamp's book 1000 Gifts in ladies' class this semester. Listing the gifts of each day helps bring to one an attitude of gratitude for all that God has done. That is the premise of the book.
I like the premise; however, the writing is verbose and repetitive. She really needed a good editor. But every now and then, she comes up with some beautiful description. I would recommend this book for the premise and her occasional good words.

I am on 275 on my list and I thought I would add today's weather to it. The wind that blew in today has the bite of winter in it. And I am a fall-winter person who likes to huddle round the fireplace with an afghan around my lap and a book in my hand. So # 275 is the bite of winter in the air today.

The heritage of the table

2011-11-02T12:45:00.002-05:00

The communion speaker spoke Sunday of the table's heritage in our lives, and its power to draw us into community if we let it.

I had to think back to the various scenes in my history with the communion table. In my spiritual memoir, I write about the weekly Sunday morning ritual in my sleepy home town Hamlin, Tx. The table was always covered with a sparkling white ironed cloth which the table director ceremoniously folded as the ritual began. The servers (all men and always only men)dressed in suits and ties marched down the aisles and lined up in front of the table with their hands crossed over their stomachs. The grape juice and crackers were prayed over, generally with a doleful prayer emphasizing the death, blood, bones and burial of Jesus (but rarely the resurrection). There was never a song during the ceremony--but maybe one before it started. The whole ritual took about 10 minutes. Each evening, the same thing was repeated for "those who were providentally hindered" from attending the morning service.

Then there were the communions at youth meetings, sometimes outside near a rough cross or around a campfire. These were usually preceded by a homily noting that we should "search our minds to see if we were worthy to partake"--I don't think that was in the Christ-instituted one.

At Otter Creek, communion was often served on Wednesday night during vespers. The setting was candle-lit and often served by a woman or a woman and a man, with the communicants coming forward to the table which featured wine and unleavened bread. The screens were often filled with beautiful Renaissance art.

At Highland, we sometimes ask the whole congregation to come forward on a Sunday morning. Songs are included before, during and after the ritual. It is truly a time of bonding, because we get to see more of our community than the back of their heads.
On other Sundays, men, woman and children often serve the church down the aisles. Again in other Sundays, members gather in small groups in the corners of the sanctuary to partake very personally in
scenes which look very much like a family meal.

All this to say, I have experienced many kinds of communions. I believe they all have their place and are blessed by God.

I am thankful that I have a Maker who not only desires that I have communion with Him, but who also desires that his children come together as a family for the remembering.

Gains and Losses

2011-10-29T13:29:00.001-05:00

Not a good week for the Rangers! Maybe next year! I guess Academy will have send all those World Series shirts (with the Rangers on them) back. Seems a waste.

Really cool weather is here, and I tried out the heater in my house for the first time---I have never had one that heated so quickly and so warm! Thank you Lord. You knew I needed warmth for my thin blood and quaking bones.

Maddie and I played a game similar to Scrabble last night, and she won--and we had a good laugh when she made up a word to gain points, and I said "What is that?" She pronounced it phonetically and just laughed and said "I made it up." It looked like a Russian version of an English word to me. What a girl--she is way ahead of the rest of her class in a math race too.

And Ella, sweet Ella, was thrilled when I let her make pumpkin cupcakes this morning--she christened my new Kojie apron. Ella loves to cook, and she also got to do another favorite thing: Plant a flower--hope it doesn't freeze. But I think mums are almost industructable.

It is such a joy to be here close so I can watch them grow and change and enjoy life. Maddie hand-printed some Bible verses for me to put on my fridge. She has such a beautiful hand, unlike her grandmother whose handwriting is quickly deteriorating into hen scratching.

When they come, we usually watch the Disney channel, and I am always struck at the insistence of their marketing--always pushing new programs and new products and new stars. No wonder they make billions a year. I rather resent it, although I am glad that there is one station my grandkids can watch anytime of the day and night safely. And I really do like their new program "Jessie".

Today I am going to watch some of the programs I recorded while the Rangers were on--love that DVR.

I just might take time to read a book too. I am anxious to get into Mike Cope's new Megan's Secrets.

Trail Days

2011-10-26T15:53:00.001-05:00

Since the last post, many things have happened--can't remember them all, which is why I need to post every day or so....I can't believe how full each day is.

We are going through One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp in our Ladies' Bible Class at Highland. I am enjoying the book, although she is over the top at times--verbose and repetitive. She needed a good editor. However, the premise of the book is very affecting--listing for yourself 1,000 gifts of God in a journal to motivate the attitude of thankfulness to God in yourself. I have made several presentations on the idea of seeing God in the everyday mundane things which surround us. Perhaps I should have written a book about it as she has done--I understand the book is selling like hotcakes (now what does that mean?) At any rate, I am now on 270 in my journal and going strong. It is a wonderful idea worthy of praise. My latest entries happened last night when I kept the grands--271.
Seeing the thrill of my granddaughters as they received the small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion I got at the hotel this weekend. 272. Seeing Sam's face as he surveyed my freezer and saw popscicles (sp?) 273. The warmth in my heart as I watched them play with their father's wagon in the driveway.

Another big happening was my trip to a family reunion in Lubbock this weekend with my two cousins, Wanda and Linda. This is a yearly Carpenter-Brandon reunion. I am not big on family reunions, (which is strange, given my interest in writing spiritual autobiographies) but decided I would go. I had a wonderful time meeting strangers who are in my family tree. I met a first cousin of my dad's who looks very much like him, although shorter in stature. I couldn't keep my eyes off him--so much like Ollis Elton Brandon! At any rate, I found out a lot about my dad's family and gathered some pictures of my great-grandfather's "home place" in Winnsboro, Texas.

I have volunteered to teach Ecclesiastes in Ladies's Class next semester, so I am gathering a library of books for study. That is always fun. What is not fun is paying for them. I taught this class at Otter Creek about four years ago, and it went well, so here goes again ( I will miss Sandy Collins, my co-teacher).

So many years have passed, but we it seems we can't keep our minds off the Holocaust (nor should it ever be forgotten!). I saw the movie "Sarah's Key" last week--from the book of the same name by Titiana deRosnay. Sarah locks her younger brother in a secret closet as she and her family are taken away, saying that she would be back to get him. (She too is a child and has no idea where she is going). Months pass, and she is desperate to get back to him. Unexpectedly she is able to escape....to find him dead, of course, in the closet. The rest of the book tells the story of the journalist who began to do research into these incidents in France who found herself living in the very same apartment where Sarah lived.

The book details the collaboration of the French govt. with the Germans to get rid of the Jews--a fact almost lost to history. There is a lot of French in the film with subtitles, but that did not bother me. The movie is just as riviting as the book. Our Otter Creek book club read the book when it first went to paperback.

Must go and get ready for the World Series--Go Rangers!!!!

Homecoming

2011-10-17T11:15:00.001-05:00

The conceopt of coming home has always touched my heart. Homecoming at ACU is special to me and my family. I believe we really do bleed purple! One of the float featured a hospital situation where the IV had purple blood.

Best of all the weekend, besides seeing people we love, was the musical. While dated in some ways, The King and I contains some of my favorite musical music. And the dance scene never fails to thrill me. I have seen three (I am old!) of the King and I productions at ACU, but I do believe this one was the best. Thank you ACU theater department--you did it again!

Worship on Homecoming Sunday is always special; but yesterday was even more so because I was led in by my son and daughter-in-law. Sheryl sang "Redeemer" and made all of us cry in joy. Thank you Sheryl, daughter of my heart.

It was fun to see the grands so into Homecoming and ACU. They have new ACU shirts and wore them to church Sunday morning. It is surprising to have figured that Maddie will be in the freshman class of '17 if I counted correctly.

Thank you Lord for homecomings. We look forward to the grandest of all when you come.

Anniversary

2011-10-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

This is the 20th anniversary of my husband's death in 1991. (Actually he died a little after midnight, so officially it is October 14th). But this was the day on that Sunday when we spent all day watching his every movement and listening to his breathing, surrounded by family, friends and it seemed hundreds of ACU students.

Shortly after his death, an oak tree was planted in the courtyard of Austin Elementary where he spent so many years as a teacher and principal. One of his teachers and friends, Renee Collins wrote the following thoughts which are now on a plaque in front of the tree:

Sam Thomas (1933-1991)

One man's life:

Seconds of direction and advice

Minutes of jokes and laughter

Hours of sharing and encouragement

Days of tenderness and compassion

Weeks of leading and teaching

Months of strength and endurance

Years of knowledge and wisdom

a Lifetime of love.

Rain, rain, rain!

2011-10-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you Father for the soaking rain! We are refreshed and pliable and ready to pull the weeds out of our lives.

The Magical Universe

2011-10-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

"The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."

It is so easy to miss things as we go through our days--so easy to miss some of the gifts of God strewn upon our way, as the song says. For example, as a new season is turning here, it is easy to miss the first few signs of that--leaves slowly floating downward to the ground, a slight breeze from the north, the earlier darkening of the day...but, yet, it is fall here in Texas. Currently at 3:13 p. m. it is 88 degrees and was 56 this morning! So different from 110 and 78. Who knew that it would finally get cooler and we could rejoice at God's universal order?

Maddie has her first braces--Brandon's facebook has a neat picture. But I didn't know that they made braces in shapes until Maddie came by yesterday and showed me her heart-shaped metals. So cute! And magical. We have come a long way from George Washington's horse's teeth to heart-shaped braces.

I spent almost 2 hrs. this morning being examined and grilled by a new doctor. I was so impressed! She let nothing slip by, and she was quick to offer solutions to small problems that had been bothering me. I highly recommend a woman doctor for women. They empathize so much more readily--magical.

It was a glorious time Sunday as our church came forward to be served communion. I was fortunate enough to be one of the servers--such a blessing to look into the eyes and touch the shoulders of so many I love and so many I do not yet know. One of the eye-opening things was our company of really tall men college students. I had a hard time looking them in the eye without hurting my neck. There were so many good-looking men and beautiful college women. It was truly a commnuity-building event for me, and I hope for others. When we do something like we did on Sunday, it always makes me wonder why we don't have more "innovative" approaches to communion. It was definitely not the "let's see how fast we can get this done" approach in the early days of the church, nor was it the "let's sit in rows in front of one another , and get a guy to start the elements down the aisle." approach. It was a sitting around a common table or rock and really remembering the man who had not been gone too long with bread and wine.
In short, it was magical.

Monarch Migration

2011-09-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

The monarch butterflies are here as part of their 3,000 mile migration to Mexico--we get a front seat to their beauty as they hang from trees, covering the limbs in orange and black. Some of them are so huge, they look like birds from a distance. This Texas state insect replenishes on our flowers and in our ponds ready to finish their journey.

Who can look at them and not believe in Creator God????One would have to be very dense to try explain away this yearly migration on the same path as a yet further evolution of that wet amoeba. I know that Abilene is seeing thousands right now, and we will see them again in late March (it is said that some of the same butterflies will come back).

It makes me want to read Isaiah 40: 12-26 again and again.

Thank you Father for the work of your hands and mind.

This Week

2011-09-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

I am fortunate to be able to attend Summit this week--I have heard some very good speakers say things I never thought I would hear at ACU. Susan Campbell, author of Dating Jesus was forthright and very convincing about the importance of gender equality in the C of C and the damage the opposite can do to our growing girls. She would have been amazed to attend Highland a couple of Sundays ago when mothers were standing behind their 7-12 year- old daughters, helping them learn how to serve communion. It was a very bright moment for me, as I was one of the committee members who recommended more equality for women at Highland about 9 years ago.

Yesterday morning, I was fortunate enough to hear Jim Reynolds and Lisa Holland speak to how we can nourish and encourage artists in the church. They were funny, profound, and candid about our shortcomings in that area. That is one of my soap-boxes, but I will write on that later. Needless to say, the church needs their creativity and imagination so badly. Thank you, Jim and Lisa!

Rachel Heald Evans, author of Evolving in Monkey-Town spoke about how much faith was enough. She concluded that faith which takes risks is enough, and I agree. I was thrilled to see so many students in the audience listening to her story of doubting her heritage as "super Christian" and coming to a risky faith.

And then--I got to hear and see Josh Graves, my former minister at Otter Creek and a very good friend---sooogood to hear his voice and comments. His topic was about why young adults were leaving the church. He had a good crowd too, although he was in the Teague classroom and the outside noise sounded like a circus was surrounding us. Surely there better classrooms available at 4:00, Brady. Anyway, I am looking forward to hearing Josh again today and also Max Lucado at Moody. I am predicting a future when Josh Graves and Jonathan Storment fill Moody as the go-to preachers at Summit.

As a cap for yesterday's events, I attended the Women for ACU dinner. If people only knew what these ladies have done for ACU, they would marvel. Bob Hunter was at the door when it was over, greeting people--so good to see him looking healthy!

What a blessed day. Thank you God!

Autumn

2011-09-16T12:53:00.000-05:00

Emily Dickinson called autumn "a little this side of snow."

I love the season, and it has begun here! It is 66 degrees outside, and it rained last night (for five minutes). But the promise of fall remains--I am ready for pumpkin pie, turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce and fallen leaves. We all swell with thanksgiving during the season, and I am ready for that too--I've heard too much negative talk in the news lately. We must remember what we DO have and cherish, as opposed to what we DON'T have and covet.

Thank you Lord for those promises.

Answers to Quiz

2011-09-12T11:36:00.000-05:00

Is anyone reading? How did you do on the quiz? Here are the answers:

1. Tom's girlfriend if Becky Thatcher.

2. Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts.

3. The two cities are Paris and London.

4. The famous pig is Wilbur.

5. Max Lucado is celebrating his 25th year.

6. The help worked in Jackson MI.

7. Max found his warm dinner waiting for him.

8. Unbroken is set in WWII.

9. Green is the very visible color.

10. Richard Foster celebrates disciplines.

11. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.

That was fun! Have any questions to ask me?

I love Quizes About Books

2011-09-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

Here is a little quiz for my readers about some commonly read books:

1. Who was Tom's girl friend in Tom Sawyer?

2. What is the name of the school Harry Potter attends?

3. What two cities does Tale of Two Cities cover?

4. What is the name of the "famous" pig in Charlotte's Web?

5. Who is the preacher from San Antonio that celebrated his 25th year in publishing with the book Outlive Your Life?

6. In what southern city does The Help labor?

7. In Where the Wild Things Are what does Max find waiting for him when he gets home?

8. In what war is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand set?

9. What is the most noticable primary color in GoodNight Moon?

10. What does Richard Foster celebrate in his best-selling book?

11. What color fish follows in this title One Fishl, Two Fish, Red Fish, ???

Can you answer any or all of them? I will publish answers tomorrow.

On Reading and books Again

2011-09-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

Am I a bibliophile? Guess so. That is an English word that should be spelled bibliofile. Oh, Well...

Time for a little quiz: What are your favorite books of all time?

Although I have read many, many books, mine would have to be.....
(drum roll)

    1. To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
     2. Eat This Book, Eugene Peterson
     3. The Help, Katharine Stockett
     4. Traveling Mercies, Anne LaMott
     5.   Dakota, Kathleen Morris

If you ask me tomorrow, they might be different, as I tend to like whatever I read.
I do not waste my time reading boring books, except for a book club requirement.

And yours?

Inventive Ministry--Tea for Four

2011-09-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

"See how inventive you can be in encouraging one another to love and good deeds...." Hebrews 10:25

Last week three lovely ladies from Highland brought me tea. They came with a basket full of tea, cups, cookies, even hot water!, and napkins. We sat and had lively conversation for about two hours. They do this once a week--going to new members, the elderly, shut-ins or others who need a lift. What an inventive ministry!

It was a great encouragement to me, and a time of sharing good conversation and ideas. Loved it!

What kinds of ministry are out there that we haven't even thought of?

Read early

2011-09-02T16:31:00.000-05:00

According to the AP, recent research has found (again!) that experiences in preschool can predict outcomes several years later. Children whose preschool teachers read with them more and talked to them using sophisticated vocabulary had better language and reading skills in fourth grade than kids whose teachers did not engage them. (Time, Sept. 5, 2011)

Take that! those of you who feel Headstart is a waste of the taxpayers' money! So many studies have found exactly the same thing. When are we going to believe it?

Read to your child not matter his/her age--great benefits for the rest of their lives.

Tradition and Pagentry

2011-08-30T13:35:00.000-05:00

I attended ACU's opening ceremonies yesterday,and as always, was awed and impressed with the traditional elements--the parade of flags, the reading of Paul's sermon on Mars' Hill and the singing of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name. Chills

I also remembered with fondness walking with all the other teachers through the auditorium in our robes--a showing of respect for the academic area of the university. I remember being impressed with some of the more unusual robes--red and yellow. I got along with my blue hood. I do miss that showing off as we strode to our seats above the stage.

I miss the excitement of the first day in class--seeing what students I had, meeting them, sharing tidbits of our lives, and getting ready to meet Cinderella, C. S. Lewis, Katharine Paterson, and all the glorious illustrators in Childrens' Literature. Those were really fun days for me and I miss them more than any other segment of my teaching days.

Today I am wondering where the time went?

The Dome

2011-08-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

Rain is falling as I write in Hawley, C-City, Stamford, Winters, but not in Abilene!
Is there an invisible dome over this city? Strange. There are thunderstorms predicted for the county, so maybe...

I do pray that Irene will not act as predicted and that the major cities up east will be spared--too many people, too many tall buildings. They have already had an earthquake this week--they don't need another weather happening.

Friday night football begins tomorrow--gnerally viewed here as one of the most important entertainment venues around. I must say, I do miss the excitement of the games, the smell of popcorn, marching in the band, sitting on the very uncomfortable bleachers and gossiping with my fellow band members. (Football was secondary.) There is nothing that pulls small towns together like a good football team.

Dear Father,
Please bless those young men who play--keep them from harm, broken limbs, concussions, heat strokes (105 predicted tomorrow), sprains, and spinal problems...what fools are we just for a little entertainment!

School days

2011-08-23T12:11:00.001-05:00

I get restless and emotional these last few days of August because schools have always been a part of my life, and I treasure my time as a teacher-librarian.

I loved going to school with the kids on the first day at Sam Thomas Elementary. There is actually a front page story and very nice picture of Sheryl and Sam in the Reporter-News today. I loved watching the kids interact with the principal ( who stood at the front door and greeted every family unit); and seeing the wide-eyed wonder of the of both the parents and the kindergarten children (didn't see any tears); I loved absorbing the atmosphere of the clean school and the future days of promise; and, I must admit, I missed being a part of it-- NOT ENOUGH TO GO BACK TO IT THOUGH!

August-September have always been new beginning months for the Thomas family, and this year especially with new job, new school, new community. I pray it may be a wonderful one for us and all the others who know what an opportunity a new year brings.

I can't wait to hear what the kids bring from school about what they are learning and seeing, just as I look forward to seeing how the new year shapes Brandon and Sheryl.

May God bless us all as we strive to take Him into our days and months.

Are You Settled Yet?

2011-08-17T16:43:00.000-05:00

That is the question I am hearing now that most of the boxes are unpacked. And my answer is NO.

Actually a surface Yes is what I usually say, but I truthfully cannot feel settled until I close on my house. The house is under a guardianship in North Dakota, and evidently the children of the owner are not agreeing with each other about the sale. The legal proceedings have not even started, and I was supposed to close on the house June 25th! At this rate, it may be Christmas.

But as with the sale of Brandon's house, all this will come in God's timing, and I am trying to make the best of it.

Meanwhile, when Sheryl gets a few minutes, the pictures are going to go up on the wall even if I don't own the house yet. So there....

Rick Perry Announces--Run Away Fassssst

2011-08-16T21:51:00.003-05:00

While it defies belief, Rick Perry believes he can be president. Anyone who thinks he will make a good one, look at his track record on line about the cuts he has made to Texas schools and social programs. His touted jobs hooraw--most of the jobs were low income. A great quote in this week's Time, (speaking about people who might think that Perry is an intellectual lightweight,) one of his own strategists said, " Perry benefits from an uncluttered mind." And so he does.

And yes, I know he comes from my area and his folks are nice people.

The Help

2011-08-14T19:34:00.000-05:00

Well, they finally did it. A movie does justice to a book. The Help was all I had hoped it would be and more. A cinematic treatment of a sensitive subject is sometimes more emotional than reading the book (some might want to debate this).

The packed house in the movie (mostly women) applauded when the movie ended, and many stayed around outside discussing the movie.

All actors did a fantastic job portraying the characters created by Kathryn Stockett. Some should get Oscars. I hope the movie will be nominated--it will give a nod to serious, well-done drama.

Now, I want to read the book again. As I thought the first time I read the book, the people in Jackson MI must have cringed when the book was published.

I also want to see the movie again--to bask in the 50's when I grew up, and to see the things I missed. Some lines were dropped because of the audience reaction.

At any rate, this is a must-see movie, especially for those who are children of the 1950's.

Luxuriating

2011-08-13T11:44:00.000-05:00

Henry Miller said, "We should read to give our souls a chance to luxuriate."
I so agree!!! Been doing that this morning on my porch in the cool weather (caused by rain last night!) reading Victoria Magazine--my very favorite of the many mags I take. Gorgeous pictures, good writing from the artist in residence, rich recipies--it takes a while to read and absorb.

Going to see the movie The Help today--can't wait!

Spent a nice evening last night with Denice Emery, an old friend. We reminisced about out mutual friend Vicky Smith who died in February. We miss her so much--Abilene is diminished by her absence.

I've been listening in the car the The Pastor, a memoir of Eugene Peterson. It is excellent as usual. I hope to share it with some of my favorite pastors. Peterson remains my very favorite spiritual writer.

I'm Baaaack!

2011-08-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

It is ages since the last blog---several people have been asking when I plan to write again. I really have not been inspired--still processing that I am here in Abilene again. I have not closed on the house yet--so looong.
Yet hopeful soon.

We had 5 minutes of rain yesterday--nothing to brag about, but I saw children playing in the run-off with little boats. It was the first wet stuff since Easter--we are burning up!!

I have joined Hendrick Health Club desptite all the protests of my body. I realize I really need it to stay active, although I prefer to sit in my chair and read a good book.

Just finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand; slow start, but riviting to the end. It is a book men would enjoy too--all about WWII , B29's and Japanese prison of war camps.

I hope to see The Help this weekend. The book was a favorite of our book club. I am anxious to see how it has translated to the big screen.

I will try to write more now that I have begun again....

Signing off for a while

2011-06-19T21:35:00.001-05:00

This the last blog for a while; my computer is being disconnected tomorrow, and I am moving back to Abilene--the van will be there Saturday. I am leaving beautiful Nashville after seven wonderful years. Today was was long and tearful at church and small group, but it is a blessing to have so many wonderful friends who will be friends forever.

Thank you Nashville for your beautiful spring, summer, winter and fall.
For your lovely southern hospitality
for the blessings of the Otter Creek Church
for my sweet book club, the Church Chicks
for the Patterson small group who listened to me and actually agreed most of the time with what I said
for the best preacher in the realm--Josh Graves
for the elders at Otter Creek who are still growing in the Lord and showing the church their courage and faith
for your country music, entertainers, the Ryman, TPAC, who have all entertained me
for the Tennessean, a newspaper worth reading (compared to others in my experience)
for Davis and Kidd bookstore (now closed) which showed me what an independent book store can be
for all the wonderful places to eat that do not exist in Abilene (but I am going back to good Tex-Mex food and Sharon's barbeque
for your small-big town feel which welcomes all comers
for the excellent health givers I have encountered, especially Bill Serafin
for the cool air (most of the time)
for the many venues of Civil War history and Nashville's love for preserving it
for my little house in the burbs--just my size with nice neighbors
for the location of my house, 5 minutes from Publix (what am I going to do without Publix?), Kroger, the gas station and Starbucks (people in the drive-through know my name!)
for the caring spirit of Otter Creek that reaches into the inner city where people are homeless and hurting

Thank you God for all of these and many more memories of Nashville.
Thank you, thank you, and good-bye.

What Next?

2011-06-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

Found out that my seller in Abilene can't close until July 21--but the good news is that they will allow me to move into the house and pay rent until then--THANK YOU PEGGY MANNING!!!If my dear readers in Abilene or elsewhere need an excellent realtor--she is it!!!!

Meanwhile, trying to juggle doctor's appts. and cancellations, get my diabetic shoes before I leave, get utilities on in Abilene (what is is this craziness with electricity?) Deregulation has not accomplished anything but trouble and expense for the public and more money for the companies split. As usual, the little man gets gutted.

Although the moving company is packing most of the stuff, I am trying to pack some of what I call "Thomas Treasures". The contents of the Mow's chest, Brandon's old toys, books I want to get to first, etc. What a pain to see all that I have collected in seven years living here--talk aboout materialism.....forgive me Lord.

I plan to be on the road a week from tomorrow headed to Abilene.....please pray for smooth transition.

House Sold, Next Step

2011-05-31T20:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks be to God the house sold last weekend! So blessed in this very tough market! Now on to the other problem--finding a house in Abilene--not many available in my price range; but there will be one somewhere.

We are all in the throes of goodby parties and that sinking feeling that it is all really happening. There are so many people and so much about Nashville that I shall miss. Heard it was 111 degrees in Abilene last weekend--the cool weather here is something I will miss. But enough of that--we are going to the beach later this week to dip in the water and forget what is coming up. It will be so fun to be with the family for a while.

Abilene, Here We Come

2011-05-19T16:57:00.001-05:00

You have probably already read Brandon's blog about our new opportunity in Abilene, Texas. And that we are moving this summer.

I will move when my house sells--may that come soon. If you are interested in a one-level (we call them ranch houses) 3 bedroom small house (1304 sq. ft) in a quiet neighborhood just outside Nashville and near Nolensville---come quickly. My address is 8253 Ramstone Way, Antioch (or Cane Ridge) TN 37013. There are pictures on the Friedrich Clark web site.

I am having open house this Sunday May 22nd 2-4 p. m.

This is a perfect house for a grandmother who is wanting to come to Nashville to be near family, or a newly married couple wanting a first house. I love this house! It has a fireplace, an attached garage, separate shower in the master bath, it faces woods in the front and even more woods in the back, so that no one can build in front of the house. I have turned one of the smaller bedrooms into a study, and the master bedroom and living area have tall ceilings (there is a term for the ceiling, but I cannot think of it.). I have a wonderful handyman who has fixed everything up, so we are ready to go and sell.

As far as moving, as you know, I moved here to be with my children and grandchildren. It has been wonderful to watch the growth of the grands--I would not have seen this if I had not moved.

I love Nashville, I love my house, I love all the friends I have made here, I love Otter Creek church and Josh Graves, I love my small group, I love my book club, and my very close friend Doris Colvett. All have been exceptionally good to me, and have made this Nashville experience one I shall always treasure.

But I am followng my children and grandchildren back to Abilene with an excited heart for all that awaits us there. God has great blessings for us there, I am convinced.

Come buy me house so I can leave!

Libraries are important, as are the librarians who know all

2011-05-05T16:51:00.000-05:00

In these days when states are cutting funding to schools, and schools are cutting libraries, librarians, nurses, etc. Remember what Philip Pulman wrote:
"Libraries remind us there are things above profit, things that profit knows nothing about...things that stand for civic decency and public respect for imagination and knowledge and the value of simple delight."

Weather These Days

2011-04-27T23:12:00.000-05:00

I grew up in "Tornado Alley" in Texas--Hamlin, Texas near Abilene. However, I have never seen the weather situation as demanding as here in the last few days--the wather stations were on 24/7 showing radar and tracking tornado warnings (and now flood warnings). There were some tornados near here, but no deaths, thankfully. So sorry for Tuscaloosa. I heard the Antioch sirens several times--it is enough to scare one to death!

And the question comes, if one is alone, does she go to sleep, or stay up all night and watch TV or listen to the weather radio? Do I really go into the closet, or do I stay out and watch TV?

There is something going on with the weather??? Such a large area of storms and so much rain! Yet, Texas is dry as a bone. May be Al Gore is right.

Graduation Anniversary

2011-04-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

I was fortunate to travel to my 50th Graduation Anniversary from ACU recently. What a blessing! Brandon went with me to help me navigate walking. We mostly ate and fellowshiped about old times at ACU and how much the campus had changed since 1961. An old film made in the late 50's about ACU was shown, and it was striking--all the females were wearing dresses or skirts, the males were dressed in "golf shirts" and khakis. Buying books and registering for classes was done with pen, paper and adding machines. There were very few trees on the campus. The barracks and hutments were still up and full.

We met in the Hunter Center which is luxurious and so fit for large and small meetings. Trees and flowers were in evidence everywhere. However, it was not a Chamber of Commerce Weekend in Abilene--the wildfires burning 40 miles south threw smoke and ash into the whirling wind. A sandstorm joined them, and we couldn't see very far in front of our faces. Wow!

At any rate, it was fun; we were treated like royalty. I must say, we all looked pretty good for our age, even though 178 out of 300 in our class have gone on to glory (the largest mortality rate of any class so far).

ACU gave me so much--inspirational teachers, a great career, and lots of fond memories.

Things I Love about Nashville

2011-04-07T16:25:00.001-05:00

There many things I have talked about to love in Nashville. Right now, one thing is the lovely mix of red tulips and yellow pansies all over town--glorious!!!

And another thing today: I went to Target to purchase boxes for cleaning out my linen closet--There was no motorized cart immediately visible--TWO employees went looking for one for me. When the one they found wouldn't work, another employee left her post at the cashier line (there was no one in line to pay out) and fiddled with the cart until it worked.

When I got ready to check out, another employee offered to carry the boxes to my car for me and did so with cheerful conversation. Is this the meaning of Southern hospitality? One can readily see why I prefer Target over Walmart!

Spring in Tennessee

2011-03-18T11:54:00.000-05:00

Well, it's finally here, balky thing! There is no more beautiful place in the spring than Tennessee.

The white pear trees are especially full this year, and they look like cotton bolls as one looks into the forest of trees--quince bushes (peachy pink), the redbud trees, yellow daffodils, red tulips, and the very interesting state tree, the tulip poplar (whose blooms look like tulips on the end of the limb), and the thousands of yellow forsythia are all trying to outbloom each other. Even the pansies are still hanging on.

What a majestic palette God has given us this year. Thank you, thank you.

Overnight with Maddie

2011-02-26T13:06:00.001-06:00

Maddie and I finally got in a visit. We had Chinese (P. F. Chang's Sweet and Sour) I love this item in the freezer--the chicken is wonderful and the accompaning fruit is very good--can't beat pineapple in a sweet and sour sauce. Then we watched The Tale of Desperaux. Bolt (love that little dog) and went to bed to read.
Maddie is a prolific reader; she is now reading Louis Sachars Wayside Stories. I had a copy of There's A Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by the same author for her to take home. He is funny. I got a Junior Thesaurus and showed her how to use it. She already knew what it was.

This morning after the required Toaster Strudel breakfast, we played Apple Scrabble and SkipBo. Maddie is very good at words; I need to buy a regular Scrabble game and see how she does at that.

The we got out Brandon's Lincoln Logs (wood, not plastic) and she designed and built a two-story hotel, with a very fancy fence around it. What a girl!

Loved it all.

Vicky Smith

2011-02-11T09:14:00.000-06:00

My friend and teaching colleague died over the weekend from a horrible cancer .

Vicky and I shared a hall in the English Dept. She was a larger-than-life character--very straightforward. If you didn't want to know what she thought in aces, don't ask. Although she was very conservative, we had some really deep talks about the church.

She and I were virtually the only Democrats (except Mel Hailey) on the ACU campus, and we liked nothing better than to get people riled up. We always decorated our end of the hall with election posters, pictures and buttons.

Vicky was an excellent, dedicated teacher who was very vested in her students' lives. They trusted her with their problems, and she always had a spiritual answer for them.

Vicky enjoyed my bringing ideas from the public school classroom to her--she so wanted to move away from just lecture--which she did and the students loved it!

We swapped books, ideas, philosophy, and funny stories. I loved that girl and will miss her.

Jesus, thank you for opening your arms to Vicky Jan Smith. That is a great comfort.

Snow Again

2011-02-10T15:42:00.001-06:00

I am sitting at the kitchen table watching the birds land on the bird feeder. It has snowed about 2 inches of fluffy snow again--our 7th snow event of the year!
I am drinking Fresh Market's Christmas Blend and eating their pineapple coconut nut bread (to die for!). My computer has been down for several days, and I am trying to get caught up on all the business of my book club and ladies' bible class. It is a good day!

Swift Transition

2011-02-01T08:41:00.001-06:00

I found out yesteday that my friend and teaching colleague at ACU has a vile form of incurable cancer--which was just diagnosed last week. She is already in Hospice Care. Vicky Smith is a larger than life person, an excellent, creative teacher. She is single; her long-time friend Denise is caring for her.

I am just so sad and angry at this disease! We need to throw billions of dollars at it to find a cure!
Please add Vicky and Denise to your prayer list.

Our days are so sweet, and they ARE numbered. Make them count.

Fisher Gone

2011-01-28T10:15:00.001-06:00

Nashville's world was turned upside down last night with the announcement that Jeff Fisher was leaving as coach of the Titans. He has been here 16 years and has become not only a favored coach, but also a contributing citizen to city life and charitable causes.

He seems to be a kind, optimistic gentleman who has had more than his share of troubles with his team this year. If it is announced that he was fired, many will rouse up in arms against Bud Adams the 86-year-old owner of the team. Adams has seemed to be slipping into dementia the past year--it remains to be seen what has happened. It may be that Fisher is fleeing to a less troubled team--he will probably get another job in a week.

At any rate, I will miss seeing him on the sidelines and in the news.

More snow!

2011-01-26T10:02:00.001-06:00

Days like today make parents appreciate school even more! We are out again for the 4th series (count 'em) of snow days!

I thought Pres. Obama's State of the Union was good, although not as passionate nor inspiring at the one in Arizona. It was subdued, as was the audience. He is right, we do sell ourselves too short--we can and are pulling ourselves out of this dark period and moving forward. May we do it at a faster rate!

Glad to see his ratings up--I want him to succeed and be reelected. Some of the projected folks who are thinking about running are creepy and scary. I do not know how they think they can win.

Tennessee has a new Republican governor; we will see if he can outdo Gov. Bredesen. He did not begin on a positive note though.

I thought the Texas Legislature was poor at governing, but Tennessee has them beat! The bills that have been offered and passed since I came to Tennessee are a mockery of government for the people.

Thinking about College

2011-01-21T14:59:00.002-06:00

I heard a commentator say that fewer and fewer students could go to college in the years to come because of the cost. Then a recent newspaper article cited a research study which said that very little is learned by the student in college, no critical thinking, literary skills, skills which can be used in the "real" world, etc.

I would just like to say that this small-town girl gained so much and changed her life by going to college. Of course, I had to work my way through by staying out a year after high school and working every day of my college career from 1 to 5 in the office of Foremost Dairies.

We didn't even know what critical thinking was then (50 years ago), but I learned it and literary skills in the classes of teachers like Dr. William Culp (English), Dr.Orvil Filbeck (Education), Dr.Bob Johnson (Bible), Dr. Rita Garrett (English) Dr. Dale Hesser(English), and others whose names escape me. Majoring in English was the best thing I ever did, and it
prepared me for wide experiences after graduation. I later became a librarian after attending North Texas State University. Oh yes, I also got a masters in Secondary Education.

The challenging classes, the dorm life, joining a social club, clashing political and religious discussions with friends on the debate team, traveling with that team (Until college, I had never been out of my little geographical area) all changed and enriched me. I can't imagine what I would have become had I not gone to Abilene Christian College (now University). I am certainly a better person now that I would have been.

So I am supporting higher education with my money and my advice today.

Good movies

2011-01-17T09:53:00.000-06:00

It is almost unheard of--to see two good movies in one month! First came The King's Speech--wonderful acting and a great boost to speech therapists everywhere. Then Saturday, Doris and I saw True Grit.

I really didn't expect much for this remake, but it was funny, well-acted, almost poetic at the end, and the soundtrack was old hymns. The young girl was excellent, Haylee somebody, Jeff Bridges was Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon a very funny Texas Ranger. I don't see why it was not nominated for the best Golden Globe. Maybe because it is a remake? It was way better than that garbled mess Inception.

I am wishing I had seen The Social Network. Could it be better than the two I saw this month?

Finally

2011-01-15T09:35:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I finally got Christmas in allll its boxes. Why does it take so long to take it down? Now all I have to do is find space for all the boxes in my garage.

I have been in for 5 days because of the snow and ice--I'm ready for me some Starbucks and a trip to the grocery store!

I have loved being in--I never get stir-crazy--there is so much to do. Besides, there are all those books to read too. I think I have begun at least five books in the past month, so I must finish at least one of them. I did finish Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton. It is our book club selection for this month--a so-so book with strong characters.

Snow Day

2011-01-12T13:50:00.000-06:00

Today was a no school day--the school buses could not get on all roads. Maddie and Ella came and spent a few hours with me--they helped me finish taking down the Christmas tree and cleared most of my driveway of snow and ice! They are great help, and they think it is fun when they do it.

I loved watching them explore and play in the snow. They followed bunny tracks back to the woods as far as they could, slid down the berm with their sleds, and managed to get covered in snow.

We also had a tea party, of course.

A New Year

2011-01-11T11:01:00.000-06:00

I just finished preparing my date books for the year--yes, I have 2--one for my purse and one by the phone. One can't be too organized!

Birthdays are noted with the age of the day, some appointments circled. The monthly book club sits alone one the second Thursday. Phone numbers are listed at the end of the books, including doctors' offices.

Why is it we cling to these books? Because they tell us that future days are coming with the promise of celebration and excitement. Because, in my case, they help me to feel more organized and secure because my memory is slipping more and more. Because they keep me attuned to the needs of others--birthdays, the month I take food to others, the day I read at Wayne Reed, etc.

If I had a Blackberry, I'm sure the process would be easier, but that's a future purchase. Now, I rely on paper.

Snow

2011-01-10T20:51:00.000-06:00

Robert Frost must have stopped by the woods on a day like today:

     Whose woods these are I think I know.
      His house is in the village, though;
      He will not see me stopping here
      To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My woods are filling with snow as huge flakes fall making a white down duvet for the trees behind my house.

The birds are fighting over seed at the bird feeder, their yellow and red beaks a sharp contrast against the snow. A fat dove flies in and wins the fight. The small gray birds fly away to wait.

What a beautiful day here--the snow is wet and heavy--the kind that sticks to the branches of the trees. I hear that my grandkids are having a ball in it, sledding, throwing snowballs and building snowmen.

Me? I am not sticking one toe out until it melts.

Christmas Letters

2011-01-06T14:49:00.001-06:00

Christmas letters and fruitcakes have similar reputations. I am one person who enjoys both! The Christmas letter or note gives the writer more room to share important events, ages of children and their growth, what the year has brought to the family, and maybe a few little brags.

I just finished my 23rd Christmas letter and am in the throes of getting them in the mail at this late date--today is Epiphany--the end of Christmas. I enjoy doing the letter, even though I sometimes protest that I have nothing to write. I enjoy looking over the year to see what has happened and writing about my grandchildren. I enjoy decorating them a little bit (perhaps someday I will know how to put pictures with them or even send the letter by e-mail with pictures the way Brandon did this year.) I enjoy looking through my address book to see who I have added , who has moved and those with whom I no longer correspond--they have moved and I don't know their address or sadly, have died this past year.

I hope that those who receive them will enjoy them too.

Must-see movie

2011-01-04T19:47:00.001-06:00

The movies have not been that great this year, but Doris and I saw an excellent one last night. The King's Speech tells the story of George VI, a reluctant king, who stammered so much, he could hardly be understood.
Public speaking was torture both for him and for the audience. His wife found him a speech therapist who cured him of the problem, helped him see the reasons for his stuttering, and became his friend. Colin Firth, who plays the king should get an Oscar. Geoffrey Rush who playes the teacher should too. Why can't all movies be thoughtful, entertaining, and just plain good???

I remember seeing pictures of George VI and his wife during World War II.

Christmas has come and gone

2011-01-04T19:41:00.000-06:00

Wow! what a fast two weeks! We had so much fun at the Opryland Hotel. It is definitely Nashville's jewel.
Our rooms were very nice. We enjoyed room service for breakfast each day--quite a treat! We saw the Rockettes, did the Ice show, shopped--their shops are great places for stocking stuffers. We rode the boat in the Delta--the kids looked forward to that and we oohed and aahed at the beautiful decorations--the poinsettia tree was especially beautiful The kids swam . The hot tub was fun because when entering the pool area from the tub area outsid, steam would encompass the body.

Santa was good to all of us--as especially unique gift was the beautiful snowfall which began Christmas Eve and ended Christmas Day. The kids were able to use their new sleds to slide down the hill in the back yard.

And we had a feast for lunch. So, it was a wonderful day and time.

I'm almost done!

2010-12-16T15:20:00.001-06:00

Hooray, I have wrapped all the gifts and the stocking things. Today I have time to catch up, make a list of what I lack doing, and maybe even read a book. It is cold and rainy outside--perfect day to sit by the fire. I think I will try make hot chocolate. I forgot to buy Swiss Miss at the store.

Let It Snow

2010-12-12T09:40:00.000-06:00

Flakes are dancing their way to the ground on this Sunday. This will be predictably our first snow which will "stick to the ground". So Christmas shoppers, stay home and wrap. I plan to do just that. Hot chocolate would taste nice too. I do love this place where the seasons change.

Where did November go?

2010-12-02T16:56:00.000-06:00

November was a wonderful month, but first things first--at the end of October, Doris Colvett and I took a litttle trip to Charleston. The Smokies were awesome! And Charleston, that old town first begun in Revoltionary times, is still beautiful. With its combination of Revolutionary and Civil War history, it is full of things to see. We stayed at the King's Court Inn (circa 17860) right downtown. After taking the history tours in a carriage, and on the river, we were full of historical knowledge. The Gullah tour (history of the African Americans there) added to the aura. We also visited a working plantation on the edge of Mt. Pleasant. Our guides on every tour were excellent and seemed to delight in sharing the history of their town.

The best thing about the visit was that we got to see mutual friends Rodney and Pat Spalding in Mt. Pleasant.
Rodney and I grew up together, and Doris and he and Pat shared the Exodus Bay Shore experiement togeter. It was great to see them Pat is the historian of the Round Church in Charleston, and we went to church there with them on Sunday. It has a a yard full of historical graves and a beautiful interior. And yes, it is round.

Thanksgiving was different--I went to Kiki and Kevin's house and got to eat somebody else's food. It was a perfect day for the kids to play outside on a path through the woods and the adults to stay warm inside, smelling the dinner cooking.

Sheryl's parents have been here for two weeks, and I have enjoyed them so much! Although fragile and infirm in many ways, they have still retained their sense of humor. It was fun to hear stories of Sheryl and Gail growing up. They were over at my house last night for chili and fellowship.

So now its December and the shopping rush is on. We have agreed to cut down. I am taking everybody to the Opryland Christmas Celebration on the 22nd and 23rd and am looking forward to that. I've done the requisite American Doll shopping over the phone and am sticking to Target for other things. It will be a holly
jolly Christmas. The weather has changed to cold and with it getting dark at 4:30 each afternoon, the days seem especially short.

Brandon and Sheryl put up my tree last night, and now I have to decorate it--that's a good chore while watching TV.

Brandon's Birthday

2010-11-15T12:20:00.002-06:00

Today is the birthday of my one and only chick Brandon Scott Thomas, born in Hendrick Hospital, Abilene, Texas on this day. As Bruce Springsteen has said, "We all carry a landscape within us." At the time of Brandon's birth, we lived in the country on a dead end road--the perfect place to roam and play. It seems like only yesterday that he was picking flowers from the flower bed and presenting them to me, riding his horse Tiger, motoring around on his go-cart, chasing chickens (and being chased by a rooster), raising a championship pig, and going to Interscholastic League contests as a singer and the drum major of the Wylie High School Band. It was just a leap to Abilene Christian where he continued his love of singing by performing in Summer Stage (a presentation for several summers by the music and theater depts.), acting in the Homecoming Musicals, and traveling all over the country recruiting for ACU in singing groups like Reflections, etc. Of course we attended every presentation he was in and loved it.

The highlight of his time as ACU was appearing in Sing Song. Again from a front seat at every performance we loved him--Sam was so sick, he could hardly sit there, but he willed to be there. And then Brandon came to Nashville, became a worship leader and the leader of the Zoe Group. Here again were opportunities for me (now alone after Sam's death) to enjoy his presence, godliness and singing abilities from a front seat. Now he is a husband and father and excelling at that as with all other things. Of course, he has his failings, but mothers do not dwell on such things--they simply enjoy their sons.

Happy birthday Brandon, your mom loves you.

Demise of Book Stores

2010-11-12T16:14:00.003-06:00

It was shock to get up this morning and find out that Davis Kidd Bookstore is closing. It is one of my very favorite places in Nashville and one that I often visit--and oh the Lemon Tarragon Soup at the Bistro.
Independent bookstores are having a hard time these days because of Amazon and e-books. I will admit that I have bought the cheapest book where ever I could find it--helps my budget and salves my guilt about buying another book.

It is such a comfort to enter a store and find clerks who know books, and who don't answer with "Huh?" And to find good books displayed in a usuable fashion. For example, most chain bookstores display what are called "grandmother books" at the front of the children's section, so that book buyers never get past them to the really good books. I am grieving for those untutored buyers who settle for the shiniest, cutest things.

I do hope the corporate office that is closing the store will relent in the face of all who rise up against the decision. Such a sad day for Nashville.

Post-Elections

2010-11-07T14:23:00.000-06:00

I am so glad voting is over.The Tennessee races were the epitomy of got-cha and just plain lying.

Have you ever sung the third verse to America the Beautiful? It is my hope that those who were elected will remember it and love our country more than self or party and show mercy to the poor, the needy, and the homeless.

"Oh beautiful for heroes proved in liberting strife who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life."

19 Years

2010-10-14T17:06:00.000-05:00

Wow! Time does fly. Today marks the 19th anniversary of the first day I spent without my "Hon"(my nickname for Sam Thomas, my husband who died from prostate cancer). I remember waking up, seeing the other side of the bed vacant and aching. My house was full of Brandon's friends who had spent the night, so jumping into breakfast was necessary. As the day wore on, I could feel Sam's palpable presence around every corner. Brandon and I had to plan the ceremony for his funeral and pick out clothes for his body as well as a casket--not fun things to do, believe me.

And of course, thankfully, the phone was ringing every other minute with condolences. Thankfully one of the friends, I think it was Donjaleigh, was there to answer the phone. The next few hours were a flood of decisions and duties. All the while, worrying about Brandon and his feelings.

We could have never made it without God's help and the help of our friends. Thanks for all of you still! We loved and continue to love Sam.

Last night, we went to Olive Garden, and Ella wanted to know what Poppy (her name for Sam) would order and what he would eat for dessert. I am so thankful that Brandon has told his children stories about Sam and created the name Poppy for him. He stays alive in those stories (some of which are humdingers!).

Ronnie Lorenz (he and his wife are long-time friends) called last night and remembered with me. Thanks , Ronnie and Darla--love you!

Tuesdays

2010-10-12T20:43:00.000-05:00

I am leading the devotional each Tuesday at Ladies' Class for the next six weeks. I am trying to teach and model the spiritual disciplines of silence and meditation in the 5 minutes I am given.
I have them relax in their chairs ("melt into the chair) with everything off their laps, relax their neck, face and shoulders, and put their hands on their thighs. We began the first Tuesday by turning the lights off, playing instrumental "healing" music, and meditating on the word Peace. Today, we followed up on Josh's Sunday sermon by meditating on the Matt. 5:14 scripture You are the Light of the World (all work is sacred). Eventually, I will wean them off the music and help them to just sit in silence and listen for the voice of God. It seems to be going well, and many have said they wish we could do this in church. We Do Need More Moments of Silence in Church, don't we?

Today I accidently turned into the Brentwood Methodist parking lot. As I drove through it on the way to Hallmark, the leaves were doing their lovely slow dance from the trees to the ground. Beautiful!

Marine Band

2010-10-08T15:59:00.002-05:00

I went with my small group to see the Marine Band perform at Lipscomb last night. It was excellent! And besides that, it was free.

How can anyone avoid tearing up when the "Stars and Stripes Forever" is played or when an entire audience sings "God Bless America" right after all those who served in the U. S. forces had just stood up? Very emotional. I wonder, are we losing that in all our "political" battles? Does anyone care anymore? Or do we just feed off of past battles won?

Band music brings back lots of memories--I actually remembered the notes I played in the Hamlin High School Pied Piper Band when we played "Semper Fidelis", while the Marine Band played it. Sousa marches are my favorites.

The Three Musketeers

2010-10-05T15:13:00.001-05:00

Haven't blogged in a while--I've just been living life. Mainly visiting doctors trying to find out what is wrong with my legs.

For the record, after an MRI and a EMG, the finding is that I have diabetic polyradiculo neuropathy which can be helped by neurontin and keeping my diabetes under control (which I carefully do). But looks like I will walk with a cane for the rest of my life. But, as Brandon says, the main word is WALK. And I am very thankful my back shows no problem. However, the triple whammy of the neuropathy, arthritis, and bad knees still don't make for a graceful standing up and sitting down, getting in and out of a car, etc. Still I take the diagnosis as positive.

I got to keep the 3 Musketeers this past weekend--we had a good time--they painted rocks to line a small flower bed and an old sign I had on my fence---but the most memorable event was the paint fight that followed. It was an acrilic washable paint thankfully. It did not come out of Sam's hair easily, however. They washed my car (I have the cleanest car in the county) too. Maddie was a trooper and a very hard worker. I hope she keeps this trait as she grows up. Sam just loved the water, and Ella was an expert at cleaning the very dirty tire covers. It was a great time, but my house is on disaster drill. Every room calls out for a general cleaning. It was a great time, however.

I loved the time, and I love them!!!

Books People Ban

2010-09-05T19:40:00.001-05:00

I think it is always interesting to know what books people choose to ban. The titles give me a little insight into them and their philosophy. However, I also look at some of them and say "Whyyyyy?????"

Banned Books Week runs from September to October 2. Here are some of the titles banned in the past--you can tell which ones are current by the dates given, although several have been censored throughout many years. This is from a feature article in the AARP Bulletin.

Too Political (thought by some to be):

Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
A Farewell to Arms, 1929
The Grapes of Wrath 1939 (our book club read this one as our classic this year)
Doctor Zhivago, 1957
Animal Farm, 1945

Too Much Sex:

Madame Bovary, 1856
Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891 (easily one of the most boring books I ever tried to read)
Peyton Place, 1956 (And it was badly written too)
Forever, 1975 (Hidden behind many student books at Cooper High School where I was librarian)
The Prince of Tides, 1986 ( a favorite of many baby-boomers)

Irreligious:

On the Origin of Species, 1859
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, 1954 (Whyyy??)
Bless Me, Ultima, 1972 (Now on every college reading list I know)
Harry Potter series, 1997-2009 (Whyyyyy????)

Socially Offensive: (This category stimies me? What is it really?)

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1791
The Scarlet Letter, 1850 (One of my all-time favorite books to teach)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Another all-time teachable book)
As I Lay Dying, 1930 (Another book I could never finish--I believe most people who read Faulkner have fallen love with his Southern persona more than with his books.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, 1947 (Why????)
The Catcher in the Rye, 1951 (The first book I got in trouble with as a librarian)
Fahrenheit 451, 1953 (A very important book that should be taught in every high school)
To Kill A Mockingbird, 1960 (Whyyy???)
James and the Giant Peach, 1961 (I just don't like Rouald Dahl)
The Color Purple, 1982
Cujo, 1981 ( I don't like Stephen King, either)

Of course not listed in the article and the most often censored book of all time is the Bible. Do you want a copy of it in your school library?

Hamburgers

2010-08-30T16:55:00.002-05:00

I long ago used up my time ranting about the fact that Nashville has no truly good Mexican food (Tex-Mex food like that found in Abilene, Texas). This is another rant about the lack of good hamburgers here. The best burger I ever ate was at Mr. Fry's Cafe in Hamlin, Texas , my hometown. The buns had been buttered and heated on the greased grill so that the edges were nice and crispy. The meat was freshly ground, hand-shaped and cooked to medium -well. It was served open so that I could add as much or as little mayo, mustard, catsup as I desired. (Don't you hate it when the mayo-m-c drip from the hamburger on your blouse!) The tomatoes provided were home-grown, thick and wonderful. The fresh lettuce and onions were crisp. The cheese was custom fitted for the bun (again, leaky cheese drips are horrible) and the whole creation fit into my two hands without requiring that it be cut in half before I picked it up. Where are such creations today???? Of course, part of the joy of these burgers was that we high schoolers got to leave campus for lunch and walk with our group the two blocks to Mr. Fry's. Alas, Mr. Fry's is no longer there--and can't be found in Nashville.

Women's Equality Day

2010-08-26T10:10:00.002-05:00

Today is the day that the 19th Amendment was certified giving women the right to vote. It is the 90th anniversary of this history changing amendment. Young women looking back can scarcely believe that there was a time when women could not vote because of their gender.

Tennessee was the final and deciding state for ratifying woman suffrage. Historian Howard Zinn has written in his book, A People's History of the United States about "the countless small actions of unknown people that lie at the roots of the great moments of history."
On August 18, 1920, it all came down to one lone vote in the Tennessee House. The youngest member of the House ,Rep. Harry Burn who had voted against ratification in an earlier vote changed his mind. He had received that morning a telegram from his mother saying, "Hurrah and vote for suffrage." With his one vote, women were given the right to participate in governing the U. S.

Today I honor those women who stepped out and marched, wheedled, made speeches, and sent telegrams for this right.

I can only hope that women's equality in churches will someday be celebrated, and young women reading church history can scarcely believe that women were denied the use of the gifts God showered upon them by
mind-closed, self-absorbed men.

Coolness reigns!!

2010-08-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

It is 82 degees outside at 5:13 p. m. and it seems that fall is on the way! Thank you , God for relief from the heat wave that summer brought and for restoring the Tennessee I thought I had moved to.

Sheryl shared a photo of Maddie's first day in safety patrol. So proud of her--made me think of the days I enjoyed in various uniforms: The bright green uniform of the Hamlin High School Band, the pristine white coat of the CSO (Campus Service Organization at ACU (no longer an organization there), the brown and beige of a Kojie NuNu, and others I have probably forgotten. Being in such organizations brought a sense of belonging and unity to my life at the time, and I enjoyed every minute of the hard work involved. I hope such good times are in store for Maddie, Ella and Sam as they grow.

Thank you God for your instruction and emphasis on community life both out of and in the church. You know what we need every hour of the day.

Happy Anniversary

2010-08-15T22:21:00.000-05:00

Today is the 12th anniversary of the marriage of Brandon and Sheryl. How time flies and yet still manages to bring us great moments of joy. I am so thankful that the marriage is still strong, that the children are healthy and smart, that there have been mostly ups rather than downs, that Sheryl is my daughter-in-law (who could ask for a more understanding, more beautiful and talented one?), that I have managed to be a mostly non-interfering mother-in-law, and that happiness abounds. Thank you God.

Taps and Reveille

2010-08-11T16:31:00.002-05:00

I have been at the bedside of three people whom I watched give their last breath: my mother in 1976, my husband in 1991 and Dorothy Thompson (Doris Colvett's mom) in 2010. It is an awsome thing to be in the presence of one who is slipping from this life to another.

The observer cannot help but wonder just what happens in that instant--is there really a bright light, the sound of angel's wings, Peter welcoming at the gate? The Bible says virtually nothing about the time. Stephen fell asleep. Peter wrote about putting off his tabernacle, Paul said that the time of my departure is at hand.   The only time the word dead is used is with qualification: the dead in Christ, the dead which die in the Lord.

So it is life's greatest mystery. We don't talk about it much and go to great lengths to avoid it. Yet the odds are great: 100 out of 100 die.

I like the account of Winston Churchill's funeral. There were stately hymns in St. Paul's Cathedral and an impressive liturgy. When the benediction was said, Churchill had arranged for a bugler high in the dome of St. Paul's to play "Taps", the universal signal that the day is over. But when that was finished, there was a long pause and a bugler on the other side played "Reveille", the signal of a new day beginning. And that is exactly what death is for a Christian--Taps and Reveille.

My favorite epitaph is that of Benjamin Franklin which I was privileged to see in Philadelphia:

                                                           The Body of
                                                      B. Franklin, Printer
                                           Like the Cover of an old Book
                                                      It's Contents torn out
                                         And Stript of its Lettering & Gilding
                                                    Lies here, Food for Worms
                                                    For, it will as he believed
                                                         appear once more
                                          In a new and more elegant Edition
                                                         corrected and improved
                                                             By the Author.

Taking the Bible Seriously

2010-08-10T10:08:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Jerry Masterson, one of our elders, spoke on treating the Bible seriously. He stated that the Bible we have is, of course, not the original one, but that:

somebody wrote it
somebody copied it
somebody decided its content
somebody gathered it
somebody translated it.

It is historically connected to its time and not ours, it was not written to us, and it cannot be interpreted the same way in all its parts (poetry should be viewed differently than the law books, etc.). We are free to interpret it to our times, however, we should avoid absolutism, accept the unique authority of the Bible as the earliest and best witness of God .

Of course, the rub is in the interpretation. This sermon would have heretical years ago, but was a refreshing breath of air Sunday. Thanks, Jerry.

Reading the Bible

2010-08-03T15:44:00.000-05:00

Here's a geat quote by Eugene Peterson about the Bible: "You can't reduce this book to what you can handle; you can't domesticate this book to what you are comfortable with. You can't make it your toy poodle, trained to respond to you commands."

If you haven't read Peterson's book Eat This Book about the Bible, I highly recommend it.

Purple Musings about Reading the Bible

2010-08-02T15:17:00.000-05:00

I love purple, hence the change. Wish I knew how to decorate further. I have seen blogs with flowers, vines, etc. But am still a novice.

Our teacher Sunday morning said that Christians must read the Bible today with new eyes--how would that play out in my fellowship which is often hidebound and closeminded? Did he mean there are actually new things there to see? Did he mean that God is actually adding new ideas to the Bible? Did he mean we should actually read the Bible with contemporary eyes as did Eugene Peterson? Did he mean the Spirit would help us in our myopia? Did he mean there are new contexts we should see? Or that the Bible changes meaning in different eras? Hmmmm....

Which do you prefer The Message, KJV or New International? Any of those preferences might change how one would answer the above questions. Oh, I know there are other versions--these are the ones I am more familiar with. The Cotton Patch Bible never caught on with me.

2000th blog

2010-07-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

Today marks the 2000th time I have sat down to share my thoughts with anyone who will read them. Back to the main purpose of Musings: So that my grandchildren will know more about me as they grow up and can assimilate what I have written.

That first blog on May 27, 2004 concerned a night of good sleep after several nights of not sleeping because of the pain in my leg. Well, not much has changed--still having trouble sleeping because of the pain in my legs. Wonder when I am going to do something about those knees? Although the pain I am now having is from a different cause--it still affords me the opportunity to be up at 11:30, 2:00, 4:00, 5:30, 6:30 and finally out of bed at 7:30. Who said growing old was fun!!!!

Not to have this blog totally negative, my life in Nashville is wonderful and I love it. EXCEPT for the heat wave we are suffering now--I might as well be in Texas--my toes are generally in the house these days.

I am trying to read Gone with the Wind again--it is the summer book for our club. I am on chapter 17; maybe if I read three chapters a day, I can finish it next year. Wow is it long! However, I have not gotten the feeling I often do with long books that it needed lots of editing. Mitchell tells her story well, keeps the reader moving and inserts pertinent history very well.. I am enjoying it. I am longing for a REALLY GOOD book to round out the summer. Haven't found one yet.

Nothing profound today.

Life's Lessons

2010-07-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Still More Life Lessons

2010-07-18T16:53:00.001-05:00

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative--dying young.

37. Your children only get one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back.

Life Lessons

2010-07-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

More food for thought:

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wer purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone, everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost evrything. Give time, time.

Life Lessons

2010-07-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

More life lessons from Regina Brett:

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life with others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship is a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry, God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. if you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

Lessons in Life

2010-07-14T16:15:00.002-05:00

Regina Brett, a columnist at the Beacon Journal in Akron Ohio wrote these during a time she was being treated for breast cancer. We will take them 10 at a time, so my faithful readers can muse on them:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

I agree with all except # 10. I can live without chocolate.

For Your Thoughts

2010-07-13T16:22:00.000-05:00

Here are a few quotes for the week:

We catch grace like a man filling up his cup under a waterfall. Annie Dillard

A critic once asked Eudora Welty to explain the symbolism of a marble cake in one of her stories. She replied, 'It's a recipe that's been in my family for sometime."

That brought to my mind the one by Robert Frost when someone asked him about the "miles to go before I sleep" line in Stopping By Woods". He said, "It just means I want to get the hell home."

No Christian excapes a taste of the wilderness on the way to the promised land. Evelyn Underhill

My mother always used to say, "The older you get, the better you get. Unless you're a banana." Betty White

Television is the only electrical appliance that is most useful when it's turned off. Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)

When you pray, you walk to God; but when you sing, you run to God. An anonymous Dominican sister

There is nothing more frightening than an active ignorance. Goethe

Never mistake endurance for hospitality. Anon.

If at first you don't succeed, welcome to the group. Anon.

Zoe Evening

2010-07-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

The moon hung in the ebony sky like a half-eaten sugar cookie last Thursday night. The temperature was 80 with a slight breeze. It was a perfect night for the Zoe concert in the Lipscomb Amphitheater.

Listening to those men and women is a feast for the soul's hunger for God. They have been together for 13 years and can anticipate each other's every nuance, tone, and lilt as they sing. God's praise just pours out so naturally and ebulliently. Nothing is forced or "performed".

Thank you Zoe!

Slowing in Prayer

2010-07-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

Here is a wonderful prayer by Michael Schut that ends the slowing discussion well:

Creator God, you come to us in the stillness of this hour. Speak to us the words our lives need to hear. Grant us stillness, turn us from frantic striving, calm our drivenness. Help us to discern your presence through all of life and in all that you have made. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see and hearts to know your grace. Slow us Lord.

Rewards of Slowing

2010-07-01T16:41:00.000-05:00

1. Spiritual strength will come if we wait upon the Lord. (As the song says)

2. A deeper relationship with God.

3. Freedom from the responsibility for everything--you don't have to hold things so tightly--God is in charge!

4. You become more present to the moment and to the people you love.

5. You have time for reflection, deep thinking. Richard Foster said, "We don't need more intelligent people in the world; we need more reflective people."

6. You begin to notice things around you--creation, the smell of spring, bird song, blue sky. Noticing these gifts engenders gratitiude to God for all He has given.

The process of slowing is not easy or fast. We are in the words of II Cor. 3:18 being transformed into his likeness--we are people in the making.

Hurry sickness remedies

2010-06-30T16:45:00.000-05:00

Here are some short-term remedies for hurry sickness:

1. Drive in the slow lane on the highway; say a prayer for everyone who passes you.

2. Join the longest line at the grocery store, or, better yet, give up your spot to the mother with the three crying babies behind you.

3. Eat more slowly savoring every bite.

4. Schedule small solitudes: early in the morning, at noon, late at night.

5. Say no to all extra activities for a month--even if they are good.

6. Clean out all clutter--give yourself room to breathe.

7. Unplug all electronics for an hour or day. Bask in the silence.

8. Declare a fast from honking your car horn.

9. Begin to notice the small things in nature--athe wildflower, the blue sky, the constellations at night.

10. Unclench your fists and relax your neck and shoulders periodically.

11. Go through a whole day without your watch.

12. Deliberately choose waiting when you can; spend the time with God.

The rewards of slowing tomorrow.

Hurry Sickness--Remedies

2010-06-26T12:40:00.000-05:00

Did you decide you had hurry sickness? I guess we all have some. Here are some remedies I am going to suggest tomorrow:
1. Intentionality--You must decide to do as Ezra did in Ezra 7:10. My version says he devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law. Another verson says, "he set his mind". So you must set your mind to
RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATING HURRY FROM YOUR LIFE.

2. Follow the example of Jesus. He often withdrew to a lonely place or to a moountain or to a boat to pray and think about God. It sounds like he chose solitude which is also a spiritural discipline. No, you don't have to become a hermit or a monastic. It just means you take time to turn aside, look at your life and follow his example. His ministry only lasted three years, yet he says in John 17:4 "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." You might choose to eat lunch alone and seek a respite, or you could get up early before everyone else, or go into and lock the bathroom door for a while to "cool down" from the hurry of the day.

3. It helps me to practice Examen. At night as you lie down, review the day. Ask what moment of the day was most grateful? At what moment was I least grateful? Or you could couch it this way, when did I feel most alive today or when did I feel the life draining out of me today. Pledge to rid you life of the life-diminishing things and to seek more the life-enhancing moments tomorrow.

4. You can also seek longer times of solitude--create a sabbath day in your week.

5. You must learn the practice of saying no. There is and will always be the tyranny of the urgent and the unimportant. Yes is a very seductive word--It means somebody wants you, and wants you to do something you do well. After all, we are assisting in repairing the world (oops, there's that delusion of grandeur--God has already created the world and can run it without you).

6. And of course, you cannot do it, that is, unhurry your life without prayer.

7. You should seek accountability in the process. Tell someone you can trust what you are attempting to do and ask them to keep you on the right path.

Yes, this all takes perseverance, and it often may seem like a waste of valuable time; that's because we are so programmed to stay busy doing rather than being. And doing often seems more holy. Have you ever thought that the devil uses good things to tempt us away from God?

Tomorrow some smaller, more immediate ways to eliminate hurry.

Hurry Sickness

2010-06-25T16:35:00.001-05:00

Some of the symptoms of hurry sickness, as promised yesterday: (these are from several authors; I am sure you could add to them)

1. You are haunted by the fear there are just not enough hours in a day to do what needs to be done. You have a constant sense of strain and burden.
2. You subsist on fast food. (The American contribution to world cuisine is fast food--food which can be held and eaten from one hand while you are doing something else. And we get no real pleasure from it.!
3. You buy anything which promises to help you read, talk, sell or drive faster.
4. You are always searching for the shortest line--in the grocery store, dept. store or the fastest lane on the highway.
5. You have a time-organizer the sice of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and you also carry a Blackberry.
6. You take great pride in multi-tasking and being available 24/7.
7. Your life is full of unfinished tasks--unopened mail and e-mail, unread books, unreturned calls, unfolded clothing in the dryer
8. You may not be feverish, but your days are full of feverish and frenzied activities.
9. Your are addicted to filling up every kind of space--time, closets, cabinets,
10. You have delusions of grandeur--nobody can do it as well or as fast as you can.
11. You honk your car horn at every opportunity.
12. You eat your meals in 10 minutes while you do something else.
13. You are always late.
14. You don't have tme to cultivate new relationships.
15. You rely on TV for news, because it takes too long to read the newspaper.

If very many of these fit you, my friend, you are sick. Possible remedies tomorrow.

Slowing

2010-06-24T16:17:00.000-05:00

I am teaching Bible Class Sunday morning on the topic "Slowing". It is a spiritual discipline in which one deliberately develops patience by putting oneself in positions of waiting. The main idea is to slow down life to a place where a closer relatinship to God can be developed. We are using John Ortberg's book The Life You've Always Wanted in our classes this semester, stressing the importance of spiritual disciplines.

John Ortberg asked a friend, "What must I do to be spiritually healthy?" The friend replied,
"YOU MUST RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATE HURRY FROM YOUR LIFE." Ortberg goes on to explain that many Americans today are suffering from "hurry sickness"--that is, the constant attempts to add more and more things and to attend more and more events in our lives in a shorter amount of time. It is true that our culture overstresses doing rather than being. With the advent of multi-tasking and being available 24/7, we have gone into overdrive. I think those two things are inventions of the devil.

Among the risks of "hurry sickness" besides high blood pressure is the sabotaging of our closeness to God.
We just don't have time because we are too busy working, going to the mall, watching TV, checking our Blackberry and cell phone, answering e-mails, contributing to Facebook and Twitter (we talk to those friends far more than we talk to God!).

Some of the symptoms of "hurry sickness" tomorrow.

Reading at Wayne Reed

2010-06-17T13:52:00.000-05:00

I read today to the pre-school children at the Wayne Reed Christian Child Care Center (CCCC). These children who live in the toughest part of town and whose parents both work were so well-behaved, sweet and responsive, I just had to hug them all. They all insisted on helping me out of a very low chair and inviting me back. It was a great experience!

I do miss reading to children--something I did nearly every day of my professional life as a public-school librarian. Maddie and Ella have told me that their librarian never reads to them--what a shame. Children treated to a visit to the library ought to hear a good book before they leave as part of their experience. Yes, of course their teachers read to them (especially at Grandbery Elem.) yet, I am hearing from teachers who say they have no time to read anymore because of all the emphasis on testing. Yes, their parents read to them--but sometimes they are not hearing the best of books there. I think it is part of a librarian's job to point both children and their teachers to the best of books available--there is so much junk out there, that a professional is sometimes needed to point the way.

Read on, kids!

Sam is 5

2010-06-13T16:40:00.000-05:00

We spend yesterday morning celebrating Sam's birthday--it is actually the 6th, but the party had to be yesterday. About 9 little boys and girls came to go up in a rocket (the trampoline), plant the flag on the moon after going down the slip and slide, and play games in the pool. It was extremely hot--so glad the activities had to do with water. The kids also made "moon mud" (somewhat like play dough), threw rockets as far as they could, and enjoyed cake and ice cream. They took home the moon mud, a pool toy, and a moon pie.

Sheryl is very good at planning theme parties and this one proved to be one of the best. Sam was beaming. I can't believe he is already 5 years old. Happy birthday, Sam.

NIMBY

2010-05-29T12:20:00.000-05:00

NIMBY (not in my backyard) seems to be the operative word in Nashville these days. This week a campaign to stop the building of a mosque in Wilson Pike succeeded. The Tent City homeless, searching for a place to put up their tents since the flood destroyed their site, were loaned (only for two weeks, as I understand it) a site on personal land by Lee and Kelly Beaman. Residents and churches nearby immediately howled protests. As I looked at the picture of the land, I did not really see any residents nor businesses nearby, but nevertheless.....

Let's see, what would Jesus do for these folks? I don't know what he would do about the mosque, but for the homeless there are many passages about taking care of them. The Otter Creek Outreach Minister, Doug Sanders, has been instrumental in trying to find a place for the homeless. There is a plan in the works with several cooperating churches and businessmen to find a more permanent place for those who wish to go there. Surely those in the Hickory Hollow area (not too far from me) can wait with Christian patience for that plan to develop.

Mrs. Stark

2010-05-25T10:49:00.000-05:00

I taught in elementary schools for almost 25 years and worked with many magical teachers, but outshining them is Ella's first-grade teacher Mrs. Stark. Dedicated, compassionate, loving, and yes--magical--Mrs. Stark had the knack of making each student sure that that student was her favorite. She nicknamed Ella--Ella Enchanted--and winked and squeezed her everyday.

There were the usual first-grade experiences like field trip to the farm, the symphony and theater, incubating chicks, field day, art projects and history lessons. I loved that she had each student choose an historical figure, research in the library and on computer on that person and do an oral presentation as well as a written essay. The presentation was accompanied by dressing the way the person would have dressed. Ella chose Sacajawea and did a wonderful job with both the speech, essay and costume.

She stressed the value of friendship and moral values and was always, always smiling.What a wonderful year for Ella.

Brandon has a video on his blog showing Ella singing Pray for Me at the end of their program last night.

To lament or not

2010-05-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

David Rubio preached on Psalm 19 Sunday: " How long O Lord, how long?..." Then we spent time in our small group discussing why we are so reluctant to broach the topic. Kerry transitioned into it with a video on You Tube about an evangelical church in Hungary dancing in the town square on Easter Sunday--we are also reluctant to show extreme praise.

What is it with us? Is our tribe so ingrown with Victorian rationalism that we just don't like for anything to show in our faces and bodies as we worship? We also got into the topic of "dancing before the Lord" and liturgical dance. We have had a few examples of this in special programs at Otter, thanks to Brandon's inclusion--but most think it very strange and uncomfortable.

As for myself, I just can't see me dancing before the Lord--I don't want to dance before anybody--but is beautiful to watch when done well. One of my favorite things about the Zoe conferences is Teresa's
deaf interpretations.

Maybe the youth who follow us can do better. God does not care (I think) how we express worship--but it is enriching to others to see full-blown praise of Him.

Speaking of lamenting: How long O Lord will it continue to rain in Nashville? Turn it off, please!