For this season of Lent, we have been praying The Jesus Prayer in our Vespers meeting on Wednesday nights at Otter. That prayer is Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.
This prayer has an interesting history: A 19th century traveler stopped in a Greek Orthodox church and heard Paul's phrase from I Thess. 5:17 "Pray without ceasing. Struggling with how he could do that and on the advice of a spiritual director, he began to pray The Jesus Prayer continuously as he walked. His director told him to pray it 12,000 times a day. As he prayed, he found that the prayer moved from his mind and lips to his heart (the prayer is now called 'a prayer of the heart')and finally to his whole body becoming so internalized that it was present with him whether he was awake or asleep. He wrote about his experience in a pamphlet called The Way of the Pilgrim. The book is now a treasured theological document of the Greek Orthodox Church.
In thinking about prayer and doing some research for my small group on Sunday night, I was struck with the idea that we really do not do much teaching on prayer except for intercessory prayer. Maybe our children think that is all that prayer is about.
So, for a while I will be mulling about the different kinds of prayer we can teach ourselves and our children.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Scores are up!
According to the latest report of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), elementary school kids are reading more and at a higher level--than they ever have in the last 35 years. Yea!!! Even the lower performing students are making prograss.
Trouble is, they can't quite figure out why. Thanks goodness they did not point to Accelerated Reading Programs. There is some evidence that Harry has helped reader interest There more parents reading to their children too. Some experts believe that switching to guided reading in the school curriculum--that is grouping kids to read books at appropriate reading levels (and not having every one struggle through the same old text). Many credit media promotion with the renewed interest--look at Lemony Snicket, Willy Wonka, Narnia and LOR--all movies recently.
A third grade teacher is quoted as saying that the more time parents put into their chil's education, the better they will do in school. Families who think literacy is important, who read to their kids--their kids are probably going to read above grade level." Another said, "The biggest thing is to have the kids read aloud and have them formulate opinions on what they are reading." AMEN, AMEN, AMEN, said the retired school librarian.
Trouble is, they can't quite figure out why. Thanks goodness they did not point to Accelerated Reading Programs. There is some evidence that Harry has helped reader interest There more parents reading to their children too. Some experts believe that switching to guided reading in the school curriculum--that is grouping kids to read books at appropriate reading levels (and not having every one struggle through the same old text). Many credit media promotion with the renewed interest--look at Lemony Snicket, Willy Wonka, Narnia and LOR--all movies recently.
A third grade teacher is quoted as saying that the more time parents put into their chil's education, the better they will do in school. Families who think literacy is important, who read to their kids--their kids are probably going to read above grade level." Another said, "The biggest thing is to have the kids read aloud and have them formulate opinions on what they are reading." AMEN, AMEN, AMEN, said the retired school librarian.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Ah, Spring!
The pansies are blooming their heads off; the tulips stand like tall soldiers in flower beds waiting to open; dogwoods and redbuds are gloriously popping out--Spring in Nashville is beautiful. It has to be my favorite time of year here, excepting fall and winter of course. No, I don't like summer--sweat and I don't get along.
Thank you God for the beauty you created. Stop us often so that we may look at the infinite beauties you have given us on this earth.
Thank you God for the beauty you created. Stop us often so that we may look at the infinite beauties you have given us on this earth.
Monday, March 20, 2006
What is "saute"?
According to a news article yesterday, cookbooks are having to "dumb down" the instructions in the their new publications, and they are including lots of step-by- step illustrations. At a recent conference, an executive for General Mills disclosed some of the e-mails and calls for advice the company has recently gotten.
One person who didn't have any eggs, asked if a peach would do instead. Another was upset by the instruction to "grease the bottom of the pan." Seems he greased the outside bottom of the pan and caused a fire.
All the food shows on TV haven't seemed to help any. So Kraft Foods recipes never include words such as "dredge" and "saute". Betty Crocker avoids "braise" and "truss" and Land O"Lakes has banned "fold" and "cream" from their recipes. Pillsbury doesn't use "simmer" nor "sear".
The mothers and grandmothers who used to teach cooking skills are evidently notdoing it anymore and home-ec cooking classes have disappeared from the school curriculum.
My mother, who was an excellent cook, didn't teach me much--I was relegated to
"stir this" or "watch this, don't let it boil over". Actually my husband taught me most of my cooking skills and reading cookbooks has supplemented my knowledge.
It was the joke of our senior year in high school that I won the "Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year" award--I had never heard of a popover (our first cooking lesson) and my mother had to finish the dress I started in sewing class. How did I win? By writing a good essay on a test, as I remember.
One person who didn't have any eggs, asked if a peach would do instead. Another was upset by the instruction to "grease the bottom of the pan." Seems he greased the outside bottom of the pan and caused a fire.
All the food shows on TV haven't seemed to help any. So Kraft Foods recipes never include words such as "dredge" and "saute". Betty Crocker avoids "braise" and "truss" and Land O"Lakes has banned "fold" and "cream" from their recipes. Pillsbury doesn't use "simmer" nor "sear".
The mothers and grandmothers who used to teach cooking skills are evidently notdoing it anymore and home-ec cooking classes have disappeared from the school curriculum.
My mother, who was an excellent cook, didn't teach me much--I was relegated to
"stir this" or "watch this, don't let it boil over". Actually my husband taught me most of my cooking skills and reading cookbooks has supplemented my knowledge.
It was the joke of our senior year in high school that I won the "Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year" award--I had never heard of a popover (our first cooking lesson) and my mother had to finish the dress I started in sewing class. How did I win? By writing a good essay on a test, as I remember.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
The African Children's Choir
The African Children's Choir was at Otter Friday night. These 25 orphans from Uganda and Kenya serenaded and worshipped with us. The evening was a delight.
The choir travels all over the U. S. raising funds for their countrymen back home. The money is used to support orphanages, schools, scholarships, and to supply food and lodging for those in need. All the children we saw were happy, well-fed, and comfortable with their "job". Many of them come from homes where both parents have died. They were being raised by an older sibling. Some came from hand-to-mouth existences. These children are 8, 9, and 10 years old.
Their joy at singing about Jesus was infectious and so inspirational to watch. It was hard to look at them and not cry when one imagined what they came from and what they go back to each year when the tour is ended. But without exception, all declared they wanted to go home and "help". One of the leaders asked the children what they wanted to be when they grew up; replies included lawyer, teacher, social worker, farmer.
They have a new supporter in me, and I hope others who were there will support them too. If you are interested, go to www.africanchildrenschoir.com.
The choir travels all over the U. S. raising funds for their countrymen back home. The money is used to support orphanages, schools, scholarships, and to supply food and lodging for those in need. All the children we saw were happy, well-fed, and comfortable with their "job". Many of them come from homes where both parents have died. They were being raised by an older sibling. Some came from hand-to-mouth existences. These children are 8, 9, and 10 years old.
Their joy at singing about Jesus was infectious and so inspirational to watch. It was hard to look at them and not cry when one imagined what they came from and what they go back to each year when the tour is ended. But without exception, all declared they wanted to go home and "help". One of the leaders asked the children what they wanted to be when they grew up; replies included lawyer, teacher, social worker, farmer.
They have a new supporter in me, and I hope others who were there will support them too. If you are interested, go to www.africanchildrenschoir.com.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Women of Faith--Selena Moore Holman
In the later years of the 1800's, the question "Shall the sisters pray and speak in public?" raged throughout the pulpits and religious periodicals of the church. In March of 1888, a man wrote David Lipscomb, then editor of The Gospel Advocate and asked if I Cor. 14:34 prohibited women from teaching children in Sunday school.
Lipscomb replied that they could teach children and even their husbands, but only in a modest, deferential manner, not assuming authority.
Silena Moore Holman, an elder's wife from Fayetteville, Tennessee responded to Lipscomb with this, "A learned Christian woman may expound the scriptures and urge obedience to them, to one hundred men and women at one time,as well as to one hundred, one at a time...and no more violate a scriptural command in ne instance than the other."
In several lengthy articles she wrote about the public ministries of Deborah, Anna, Priscilla, the women assembled at Pentecost, and Phillip's four daughters. She agreed with Lipscomb that man is the head of the woman and should take the lead; however, she wrote that women who possessed God-given gifts should be allowed to "go out in the world and tell of the "unsearchable riches of the gospel and to combat the social evils that threatened the home.
According to Leonard Allen in his book, Distant Voices, Lipscomb's replies to her
were often sharp, sometimes patronizing, and occasionally marked with exasperation. In those exchanges, Lipscomb revealed his allegiance to what historians of the period called "the cult of true womanhood." (an interesting study in itself--it is from this vision of the ideal woman that many of the constraints put on women today have their origins.)
In 1895, the Advocate and Lipscomb printed an attack on "the new woman"--these proponents supported woman's suffrage, women's reform societies like the temperance unions, higher education for women, and a more public role for women in the churches.
Holman wrote, "the days of 'the clinging vine woman' are gone forever." In her place "a husband will find walking by his side the bright wide-awake companion...a helpmeet in the best possible sense of the term."
Besides raising 8 children, Holman worked faithflly in her church, wrote many articles for publication, and served for 15 years at president of the Tennesse Women's Christian Temperance Union. At her funeral T. B. Larimore praised her wonderful intelligence as a public leader. Her portrait was hung in the Tennesse State Capitol two years later. She was only the 2nd woman up to that day accorded that honor.
You can see why I admire her. Thanks to Leonard Allen and Doug Foster for publishing information about her.
Lipscomb replied that they could teach children and even their husbands, but only in a modest, deferential manner, not assuming authority.
Silena Moore Holman, an elder's wife from Fayetteville, Tennessee responded to Lipscomb with this, "A learned Christian woman may expound the scriptures and urge obedience to them, to one hundred men and women at one time,as well as to one hundred, one at a time...and no more violate a scriptural command in ne instance than the other."
In several lengthy articles she wrote about the public ministries of Deborah, Anna, Priscilla, the women assembled at Pentecost, and Phillip's four daughters. She agreed with Lipscomb that man is the head of the woman and should take the lead; however, she wrote that women who possessed God-given gifts should be allowed to "go out in the world and tell of the "unsearchable riches of the gospel and to combat the social evils that threatened the home.
According to Leonard Allen in his book, Distant Voices, Lipscomb's replies to her
were often sharp, sometimes patronizing, and occasionally marked with exasperation. In those exchanges, Lipscomb revealed his allegiance to what historians of the period called "the cult of true womanhood." (an interesting study in itself--it is from this vision of the ideal woman that many of the constraints put on women today have their origins.)
In 1895, the Advocate and Lipscomb printed an attack on "the new woman"--these proponents supported woman's suffrage, women's reform societies like the temperance unions, higher education for women, and a more public role for women in the churches.
Holman wrote, "the days of 'the clinging vine woman' are gone forever." In her place "a husband will find walking by his side the bright wide-awake companion...a helpmeet in the best possible sense of the term."
Besides raising 8 children, Holman worked faithflly in her church, wrote many articles for publication, and served for 15 years at president of the Tennesse Women's Christian Temperance Union. At her funeral T. B. Larimore praised her wonderful intelligence as a public leader. Her portrait was hung in the Tennesse State Capitol two years later. She was only the 2nd woman up to that day accorded that honor.
You can see why I admire her. Thanks to Leonard Allen and Doug Foster for publishing information about her.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Women of Faith
Here's another woman of faith I admire:
Teresa of Avila
Teresa was born in Avila Spain in 1515. She was the "wild child" of a Spanish nobleman with impeccable morals. She loved riding her black horse at full gallop through the town with her black hair streaming behind her.
When her father heard that she was engaging in mild flirtations with the town boys, he immediately put her in a convent. She remained cloistered until her death in 1582.
While in the order, she became a reformer of the Carmelites and established 14 houses of nuns. Teresa often suffered life-threatening illnesses during which she heard voices and saw angels. She became a fervant "pray-er" and felt such an overwhelming presence of Christ in her life that she had to write about her experiences.
Her books Teresa of Jesus and The Interior Castle are religious classics .
Teresa of Avila
Teresa was born in Avila Spain in 1515. She was the "wild child" of a Spanish nobleman with impeccable morals. She loved riding her black horse at full gallop through the town with her black hair streaming behind her.
When her father heard that she was engaging in mild flirtations with the town boys, he immediately put her in a convent. She remained cloistered until her death in 1582.
While in the order, she became a reformer of the Carmelites and established 14 houses of nuns. Teresa often suffered life-threatening illnesses during which she heard voices and saw angels. She became a fervant "pray-er" and felt such an overwhelming presence of Christ in her life that she had to write about her experiences.
Her books Teresa of Jesus and The Interior Castle are religious classics .
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Honor to whom honor--Strong women of Christ
Since March is Women's History Month, I thought I would spend a little time talking about some of the strong women of Christ I admire.
Susanna Wesley
When her husband was attending a convocation in 17ll, Susanna (the mother of John and Charles Wesley)began reading and discussing "the best and most awakening sermons" she could find to her family on Sunday nights. Others asked if they could attend and soon the little meeting grew to over 200 people--many more than attended the church services in the morning. The curate of the church wrote her husband and objected to "these irregular proceedings". It seems he was not the best preacher and was slowly killing the church. Mr. Wesley wrote her that she should get someone else to read the sermons. She replied that theere was not a man there who could read a sermon without spoiling it.
The meetings continued and the Rector protested by writing a letter to Susanna this time. She replied, "If after all this, you think fit to dissolve this assembly do not tell me you desire me to do it, for that will not satisfy my conscience; but send your Positive Command in such full and express terms as may absolve me from all guilt and punishment for neglecting this opportunity for doing good when you and I shall appear before the great and awful tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ." She never heard from him again.
These were probably the first Methodist meetings held by the Wesleys. Who knows what influence they had on John (the founder of Methodism) and Charles (author of over 1,000 poems, most of which were hymns) who were at every meeting conducted by their mother.
Susanna Wesley
When her husband was attending a convocation in 17ll, Susanna (the mother of John and Charles Wesley)began reading and discussing "the best and most awakening sermons" she could find to her family on Sunday nights. Others asked if they could attend and soon the little meeting grew to over 200 people--many more than attended the church services in the morning. The curate of the church wrote her husband and objected to "these irregular proceedings". It seems he was not the best preacher and was slowly killing the church. Mr. Wesley wrote her that she should get someone else to read the sermons. She replied that theere was not a man there who could read a sermon without spoiling it.
The meetings continued and the Rector protested by writing a letter to Susanna this time. She replied, "If after all this, you think fit to dissolve this assembly do not tell me you desire me to do it, for that will not satisfy my conscience; but send your Positive Command in such full and express terms as may absolve me from all guilt and punishment for neglecting this opportunity for doing good when you and I shall appear before the great and awful tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ." She never heard from him again.
These were probably the first Methodist meetings held by the Wesleys. Who knows what influence they had on John (the founder of Methodism) and Charles (author of over 1,000 poems, most of which were hymns) who were at every meeting conducted by their mother.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Magazines
I have been trying to catch up on my magazine reading. I take too many magazines I know, but again they seem to mirror my interests and obsessions like my books.
I got to counting up the other day and was astonished to find just how many I did take. I have taken Time for many years and find I cannot do without it, although I am often a month behind in reading it. Then there is Country Living, Mary Englebrite's Home Companion, Tea Time, Cook's Country, AARP Magazine, Kraft's Food and Family (free and highly recommended for great recipes). I recently dropped Worship Leader Magazine for Discipleship Journal. I dropped Christianity Today this year too. A new one I had added is Grand (all about being grandparents). Another new one is Writer for which I dropped Southern Living ( I was not getting much from it but recipes which I never used). Then there are the book review magazines Bookmarks and Pages. I think that is 12.
There is the occasional ACU Alumni Magazine and Christian Chronicle. This year I tried Reader's Digest again--dropped it very soon. Nice Bathroom reading, but not good for much else.
Like I say, I am trying to catch up on all that reading. Then there is the stack of new books beside my chair I have trying to get to...is this an obsession or what???
I got to counting up the other day and was astonished to find just how many I did take. I have taken Time for many years and find I cannot do without it, although I am often a month behind in reading it. Then there is Country Living, Mary Englebrite's Home Companion, Tea Time, Cook's Country, AARP Magazine, Kraft's Food and Family (free and highly recommended for great recipes). I recently dropped Worship Leader Magazine for Discipleship Journal. I dropped Christianity Today this year too. A new one I had added is Grand (all about being grandparents). Another new one is Writer for which I dropped Southern Living ( I was not getting much from it but recipes which I never used). Then there are the book review magazines Bookmarks and Pages. I think that is 12.
There is the occasional ACU Alumni Magazine and Christian Chronicle. This year I tried Reader's Digest again--dropped it very soon. Nice Bathroom reading, but not good for much else.
Like I say, I am trying to catch up on all that reading. Then there is the stack of new books beside my chair I have trying to get to...is this an obsession or what???
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Second Chance
I had the opportunity to see Michael W.'s new movie Second Chance today. He acquitted himself pretty well as an actor--but the movie was weak.
It is not in wide release and probably never will be. I enjoyed seeing the Nashville scenes and Lindsley Ave. Church of Christ, and some from Otter who were more or less extras in the film.
No, it will never win an Oscar, but it will perhaps stimulate some discussion among Christians about where our work really is. Is it in the church or in the streets?
Is it among us or among "them?" Is it clean, smooth-handed work, or do we have to get down and dirty? The answer probably lies in the middle of each question. Our 21st century is so unlike the era in which Christ lived that comparison is not possible--except in terms of where sin lies. We have to wend our own way among our own idols, complexities, and interpretations and do the best we can. As Mother Teresa said, "If you can't feed many people, just feed one...one...one." Our inability to focus on the one (while really feeling good about saving the world) has always been one of our besetting sins.
We sent missionaries to Europe after World War II while condemning our own neighbors to hell because they did not interpret the Bible the way we did. Our forefathers in the South collected funds in their churches during the Civil War to "help the people in Africa" while they were destroying their own slaves. We feel good when we give to the AIDs causes but we do not do what we can to help those down the street who are dying of AIDs. We would rather buy a goat or cow for those starving in other continents than work in a soup kitchen here or hand out sandwiches under the bridges downtown. I am condemning myself too. God, it is really hard to know what to do with our affluent culture. One...one...one.
It is not in wide release and probably never will be. I enjoyed seeing the Nashville scenes and Lindsley Ave. Church of Christ, and some from Otter who were more or less extras in the film.
No, it will never win an Oscar, but it will perhaps stimulate some discussion among Christians about where our work really is. Is it in the church or in the streets?
Is it among us or among "them?" Is it clean, smooth-handed work, or do we have to get down and dirty? The answer probably lies in the middle of each question. Our 21st century is so unlike the era in which Christ lived that comparison is not possible--except in terms of where sin lies. We have to wend our own way among our own idols, complexities, and interpretations and do the best we can. As Mother Teresa said, "If you can't feed many people, just feed one...one...one." Our inability to focus on the one (while really feeling good about saving the world) has always been one of our besetting sins.
We sent missionaries to Europe after World War II while condemning our own neighbors to hell because they did not interpret the Bible the way we did. Our forefathers in the South collected funds in their churches during the Civil War to "help the people in Africa" while they were destroying their own slaves. We feel good when we give to the AIDs causes but we do not do what we can to help those down the street who are dying of AIDs. We would rather buy a goat or cow for those starving in other continents than work in a soup kitchen here or hand out sandwiches under the bridges downtown. I am condemning myself too. God, it is really hard to know what to do with our affluent culture. One...one...one.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Simpler times
I confess, when I grow weary of the trash on the major networks, I turn to the Hallmark Channel and watch Matlock (which feeds my interest in mystery) and Little House on the Prairie.
There are no weirdos on either of those programs, although they did not hesitate to talk about the history of those days. There are no curses that have to be bleeped out (aren't you tired of watching celebrities today whose every other word has to be bleeped?); there are no characters dressed in handkerchiefs or less; there are no scenes showing blood and gore to turn the stomach....
Yes, I guess those were simpler times; what is wrong with that?
There are no weirdos on either of those programs, although they did not hesitate to talk about the history of those days. There are no curses that have to be bleeped out (aren't you tired of watching celebrities today whose every other word has to be bleeped?); there are no characters dressed in handkerchiefs or less; there are no scenes showing blood and gore to turn the stomach....
Yes, I guess those were simpler times; what is wrong with that?
Thursday, March 09, 2006
It started as a joke....
I'm so glad the authorities have finally caught the criminals who were burning churches in Alabama. I am just sorry that nine were destroyed by the college men who said that "it all started as a joke that got out of hand..."
What is so funny about burning a church down? I fail to see the humor in wealthy college students taking a place of worship away from poor country folks. In many of the scenes of the fires shown on TV, people were weeping as their church smoldered.
Forgive me, I think the devil is at work in the unlikliest of places and in the minds of those who should know better. Two of the young men attended a quasi-religious school, so one might surmise that they did know better. It will be interesting to see how their story plays out.
What is so funny about burning a church down? I fail to see the humor in wealthy college students taking a place of worship away from poor country folks. In many of the scenes of the fires shown on TV, people were weeping as their church smoldered.
Forgive me, I think the devil is at work in the unlikliest of places and in the minds of those who should know better. Two of the young men attended a quasi-religious school, so one might surmise that they did know better. It will be interesting to see how their story plays out.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
At a distance
I have always been fascinated by the women who followed Jesus, both up close (the woman with perfume) and "at a distance" (Luke 23:49, Matt. 27:55-56,) etc. They encouraged him, and supported him "out of their own means (Luke 8:2). Some are named: several Marys, including his mother and Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and Salome (Mark 16:1) and "many" are not named (Mark 15:41, Matt. 27:55, Luke 8:2).
It is challenging to think of 13 men traveling along the dusty roads of Galilee without women to cook, wash, etc. That DiVinci rendering of The Last Supper is missing women who were probably there too.
Following the death of Jesus, however, some of these women jumped from the distance to the forefront as they first observed his resurrection and broadcast that news, (M. M.) as they went out as missionaries (Priscilla) and served in the young churches (Romans 16:16).
It has been a blessing for me in my lifetime to see women in the church of Christ move from the distance to the front of the stage. Sunday morning at Otter, the "Shepherd's Welcome" was given not only by Steve Adams, but also by his wife Jeanine.(YES, SHE SPOKE!) I could not help but think that visiting women and girls could see that women are indeed a part of the ministry at Otter( as are the women praise team members, the women Children's Ministers, and the woemn head ministry teams.
Although there are still many steps to be taken before true inclusiveness, I am thankful for these first steps in that direction.
Gal. 3:28
It is challenging to think of 13 men traveling along the dusty roads of Galilee without women to cook, wash, etc. That DiVinci rendering of The Last Supper is missing women who were probably there too.
Following the death of Jesus, however, some of these women jumped from the distance to the forefront as they first observed his resurrection and broadcast that news, (M. M.) as they went out as missionaries (Priscilla) and served in the young churches (Romans 16:16).
It has been a blessing for me in my lifetime to see women in the church of Christ move from the distance to the front of the stage. Sunday morning at Otter, the "Shepherd's Welcome" was given not only by Steve Adams, but also by his wife Jeanine.(YES, SHE SPOKE!) I could not help but think that visiting women and girls could see that women are indeed a part of the ministry at Otter( as are the women praise team members, the women Children's Ministers, and the woemn head ministry teams.
Although there are still many steps to be taken before true inclusiveness, I am thankful for these first steps in that direction.
Gal. 3:28
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Monuments
We all brought our rocks we picked up while "crossing the creek" several weeks ago. We wrote our names on the rocks with silver permanent markers. And Tim's question is, "What do we do with the rocks now?" What kind of monument can we make to mark the occasion of our move to Franklin Road and a new beginning for Otter Creek?
The Old Testament is full of monuments and markers made by the patriarchs in their journeys across what we now call "The Holy Land." Often used to mark a momentous occasion, the monuments were real reminders of sometimes abstract truths played out in the soap-opera lives of those peripatetic nomads.
Monuments matter in our 20th century lives too--note the reverence we have for the Statue of Liberty, the Vietnam Memorial, the great statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington. However, in our religous tradition, momuments are sometimes suspect--we have come to equate them with icons which we avoid like the plague. Question--what monument do you know of that is associated with the Church of Christ? I can't think of even one.
So what do we do with our rocks now?
The Old Testament is full of monuments and markers made by the patriarchs in their journeys across what we now call "The Holy Land." Often used to mark a momentous occasion, the monuments were real reminders of sometimes abstract truths played out in the soap-opera lives of those peripatetic nomads.
Monuments matter in our 20th century lives too--note the reverence we have for the Statue of Liberty, the Vietnam Memorial, the great statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington. However, in our religous tradition, momuments are sometimes suspect--we have come to equate them with icons which we avoid like the plague. Question--what monument do you know of that is associated with the Church of Christ? I can't think of even one.
So what do we do with our rocks now?
Monday, March 06, 2006
Psalm 47
"Sing praises to God, sing praises! What can be more glorious (outside of heaven) than 1,400 people singing praises to God in a sanctuary built for wonderful sound?
Not much, we found out at Otter yesterday. It was a glorious day with almost every seat full (shades of a second service?). I do hope we can continue with only one service for a while until we get to know one another better. Brandon and those who worked with him, particularly Phil Wilson and Ben Mankin, pulled it off and led us all to the top of the mountain.
I am so thankful that God commanded us to sing--it is that heart-thing so missing in our rational tradition. Ruth Bell Graham once said, "We should sing when we feel like it, for it is a shame to miss such an opportunity; we should sing when we don't feel like it, for it is dangerous to remain in such a condition."
It is said that the Christians in North Korea, who have suffered so much for so long, still worship. When they get together in secrecy and sing, it must be done in silence. They open their mouths in unison, but they allow no sound from their voices for fear of being overheard." (Robert J. Morgan, Come Let Us Adore Him) What a tragedy!
For those of us who could not live without music, "silent" singing would be dangerous to our mental and spiritual health. Let's pray for those brethern in North Korea and thank God for our blessings of freedom.
Not much, we found out at Otter yesterday. It was a glorious day with almost every seat full (shades of a second service?). I do hope we can continue with only one service for a while until we get to know one another better. Brandon and those who worked with him, particularly Phil Wilson and Ben Mankin, pulled it off and led us all to the top of the mountain.
I am so thankful that God commanded us to sing--it is that heart-thing so missing in our rational tradition. Ruth Bell Graham once said, "We should sing when we feel like it, for it is a shame to miss such an opportunity; we should sing when we don't feel like it, for it is dangerous to remain in such a condition."
It is said that the Christians in North Korea, who have suffered so much for so long, still worship. When they get together in secrecy and sing, it must be done in silence. They open their mouths in unison, but they allow no sound from their voices for fear of being overheard." (Robert J. Morgan, Come Let Us Adore Him) What a tragedy!
For those of us who could not live without music, "silent" singing would be dangerous to our mental and spiritual health. Let's pray for those brethern in North Korea and thank God for our blessings of freedom.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Ah, Spring
Nashville sits poised on the edge of spring: the yellow forsythias are blooming, every twig and shrub is greening, and the Bradford pears are just about to show their glory.
O happy, happy spring--a new season of beginning again, a new chance to witness the wonders of God's creation, and a new energetic start to a new year with the blessings of the risen Christ surrounding us.
Otter will have its first service in the sanctuary tomorrow--a fitting event modeled on the excitement of new beginnings. I am looking forward to it and to the new and untried practices of faith which will follow.
O happy, happy spring--a new season of beginning again, a new chance to witness the wonders of God's creation, and a new energetic start to a new year with the blessings of the risen Christ surrounding us.
Otter will have its first service in the sanctuary tomorrow--a fitting event modeled on the excitement of new beginnings. I am looking forward to it and to the new and untried practices of faith which will follow.
Friday, March 03, 2006
O, Pioneers
Sitting in the Abilene airport and gazing at the flat hills surrounding south Abilene over which the buffalo ran, I wondered at the courage and foolhardiness of the early pioneers who settled Abilene.
This is a very flat country with sparce rainfall and scrubby mesquites--not at all like the Tennessee lands from which many of the settlers came. I think those early residents must have been sold "a bill of goods" as indeed the Eagle Colony of Germans which settled near Lytle Lake was. The settlers came through the Callahan Divide and over the large hills east of Abilene pushing their wagons and leaving exhausted livestock in the ditches by the side of the road. They first settled in Buffalo Gap, but then moved to a dusty space they called Abilene, hoping it would pattern itself after the cattle-rich Abilene, Kansas. Typical of their nature, they opened a Presbyterian Church even before the town was incorporated, which this month celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Fortunately Abilene was selected as a railroad town. It was first used to ship buffalo skin and bones back to the East. Now their descendents live in a town where the barrenness is forgotten in gorgeous sunsets and newly planted crepe myrtles.
Those of us who have grown up in the West appreciate their sacrifice for our benefit.
This is a very flat country with sparce rainfall and scrubby mesquites--not at all like the Tennessee lands from which many of the settlers came. I think those early residents must have been sold "a bill of goods" as indeed the Eagle Colony of Germans which settled near Lytle Lake was. The settlers came through the Callahan Divide and over the large hills east of Abilene pushing their wagons and leaving exhausted livestock in the ditches by the side of the road. They first settled in Buffalo Gap, but then moved to a dusty space they called Abilene, hoping it would pattern itself after the cattle-rich Abilene, Kansas. Typical of their nature, they opened a Presbyterian Church even before the town was incorporated, which this month celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Fortunately Abilene was selected as a railroad town. It was first used to ship buffalo skin and bones back to the East. Now their descendents live in a town where the barrenness is forgotten in gorgeous sunsets and newly planted crepe myrtles.
Those of us who have grown up in the West appreciate their sacrifice for our benefit.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Back Home in Tennessee
It is nice to be back home after spending 10 days in Abilene. It is even nicer to be back to my bed!
Good times there with friends, church and food. I ate Mexican food twice at El Fenix and Casa Herrera. That will have to do me until I return--no hope here of Tex-Mex. Church was wonderful, although I did miss the worship team at Otter.Hearing Mike speak at the Lectures was wonderful especially since he did not preach on Sunday.
The class I attended (my old class) is studying spiritual direction under David Wray ;it was top notch. Highland is so blessed to have good teachers.
My former small group met Sunday night and that was a blessing--such good people with the hearts of Christ.
And then there was the typical Abilene Weather. 20 degrees when we arrived and 86 when I departed with snow, rain, and wind in between.
My spiritual formation group met twice--also a blessing. Kaye, Jeanenne and Shirley Baber(who has taken my place at the table)are very special women of God.
Sunday morning at the communion, Charles Mattis, his wife Mary Lee and son Landon led. They had moved in their kitchen table which had belonged to his grandmother, and we were all invited to join them around it in fellowship (figuratively). There are so many creative ways to share the communion; I don't know why we still insist on sitting behind each other and passing trays. Even as I grouse, I think of those small groups still gathering around one cup.
All in all a wonderful week. My friends Ronnie and Darla were hard to leave--there will never be anyone like them in my life.
Thank you God for all the blessings of the past week. Bless the people who greeted me and those I didn't get to see. We are all your children and the work of your hands.
Good times there with friends, church and food. I ate Mexican food twice at El Fenix and Casa Herrera. That will have to do me until I return--no hope here of Tex-Mex. Church was wonderful, although I did miss the worship team at Otter.Hearing Mike speak at the Lectures was wonderful especially since he did not preach on Sunday.
The class I attended (my old class) is studying spiritual direction under David Wray ;it was top notch. Highland is so blessed to have good teachers.
My former small group met Sunday night and that was a blessing--such good people with the hearts of Christ.
And then there was the typical Abilene Weather. 20 degrees when we arrived and 86 when I departed with snow, rain, and wind in between.
My spiritual formation group met twice--also a blessing. Kaye, Jeanenne and Shirley Baber(who has taken my place at the table)are very special women of God.
Sunday morning at the communion, Charles Mattis, his wife Mary Lee and son Landon led. They had moved in their kitchen table which had belonged to his grandmother, and we were all invited to join them around it in fellowship (figuratively). There are so many creative ways to share the communion; I don't know why we still insist on sitting behind each other and passing trays. Even as I grouse, I think of those small groups still gathering around one cup.
All in all a wonderful week. My friends Ronnie and Darla were hard to leave--there will never be anyone like them in my life.
Thank you God for all the blessings of the past week. Bless the people who greeted me and those I didn't get to see. We are all your children and the work of your hands.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Abilene, Abilene, Prettiest Town I've Ever Seen
Now that I am living in Nashville, I cannot really adhere to that song title--Nashville is pretty even in its naked winter mode. No blogging for a few days.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Before and During the College Years
This again is for Maddie, Ella and Sam:
Lily Tomlin has been town recently, and advertisements for her show reminded me of my precollege year and those during the 4 years of college. Remember her skit as a switchboard operator with the "one ringy-dingy, two ringy-dingies," etc.?
While in high school, I really had no thought about going to college or what else I would do. We had a counselor, but she did no college advising. My parents were poor, and I thought there was no way I could afford to go to college. My two best friends at the time--Marylyn Fletcher and Rodney Spaulding--persuaded me otherwise. Marylyn was already in ACU and Rodney was headed that way, so naturally I should go too. A small scholarship for being salutatorian impelled me to think about going.
I moved to Abilene the summer after graduation, lived with my Granny Tucker and began working at Foremost Diaries there. My aunt Lynette had worked there for years, and she helped me get in. I worked full-time at first. My job entailed working in the office as a comptometer (I don't know if they still exist) operator and filling in as switchboard operator when she went to lunch or coffee or was out sick. The board was one of those old-fashioned boards with wires one stuck in holes to connect the parties. I developed a pleasant answering voice there which I still have on the phone. Working for a year full-time and living with my grandmother enabled me to save enough money to begin at ACU (one always had to have the cash to register!) and to become a student majoring in English there. I worked full-time every summer and in the Foremost office part-time during the school months for 5 years, thus funding most of my college expenses. I later took out a federal loan for teachers which I paid back over a period of 10 years. I actually got a 5 year pin at Foremost with a diamond in it. One of the things I learned while working there was that I did not want to work in that kind of job for the rest of my life. There were many good things about the job--nice people and bosses. And we were right across the street from the Dixie Pig on Butternut in Abilene where we went for break every day. I remember a luscious lemon pie similar to lemon ice box but it had a meringue on top.
Yum! I also worked in the ACU library for a couple of years at night making more money. There was a semester when I did not have the money to begin, but my friend Rodney called his folks, and they sent the $100 I needed to begin that semester. I shall always be grateful to them for that. My folks were not able to help me very much, as I still had 2 younger brothers at home. A big day came when I went to the post office, opened a letter, and found a $10 bill my dad had sent.
Since I had no car, I rode the city bus to and from ACU every day to Foremost which was way on the other side of town. I often stopped at the Kresge store downtown for lunch which always included pumpkin pie with ice cream. I managed to graduate in the alloted 4 years with honors despite my having to work.
Of course I missed out on some things at college because I had to work every afternoon, but the blessing of going far outweighed what I missed. Maddie, Ella and Sam, what I want you to know is that college is "doable" no matter what the money situation is. And I very strongly want all three of you to begin planning earlier than I did to attend. Mommy and Daddy are already saving money for you to go, but you may have to work as I did, and that is not all bad.
I later had the blessed opportunity to teach at ACU, and my office was the same one my esteemed major professor, Dr. Jim Culp, had used. I marvelled at the blessings of God which had enabled me to teach at the college which I once thought I would never be able to attend.
Lily Tomlin has been town recently, and advertisements for her show reminded me of my precollege year and those during the 4 years of college. Remember her skit as a switchboard operator with the "one ringy-dingy, two ringy-dingies," etc.?
While in high school, I really had no thought about going to college or what else I would do. We had a counselor, but she did no college advising. My parents were poor, and I thought there was no way I could afford to go to college. My two best friends at the time--Marylyn Fletcher and Rodney Spaulding--persuaded me otherwise. Marylyn was already in ACU and Rodney was headed that way, so naturally I should go too. A small scholarship for being salutatorian impelled me to think about going.
I moved to Abilene the summer after graduation, lived with my Granny Tucker and began working at Foremost Diaries there. My aunt Lynette had worked there for years, and she helped me get in. I worked full-time at first. My job entailed working in the office as a comptometer (I don't know if they still exist) operator and filling in as switchboard operator when she went to lunch or coffee or was out sick. The board was one of those old-fashioned boards with wires one stuck in holes to connect the parties. I developed a pleasant answering voice there which I still have on the phone. Working for a year full-time and living with my grandmother enabled me to save enough money to begin at ACU (one always had to have the cash to register!) and to become a student majoring in English there. I worked full-time every summer and in the Foremost office part-time during the school months for 5 years, thus funding most of my college expenses. I later took out a federal loan for teachers which I paid back over a period of 10 years. I actually got a 5 year pin at Foremost with a diamond in it. One of the things I learned while working there was that I did not want to work in that kind of job for the rest of my life. There were many good things about the job--nice people and bosses. And we were right across the street from the Dixie Pig on Butternut in Abilene where we went for break every day. I remember a luscious lemon pie similar to lemon ice box but it had a meringue on top.
Yum! I also worked in the ACU library for a couple of years at night making more money. There was a semester when I did not have the money to begin, but my friend Rodney called his folks, and they sent the $100 I needed to begin that semester. I shall always be grateful to them for that. My folks were not able to help me very much, as I still had 2 younger brothers at home. A big day came when I went to the post office, opened a letter, and found a $10 bill my dad had sent.
Since I had no car, I rode the city bus to and from ACU every day to Foremost which was way on the other side of town. I often stopped at the Kresge store downtown for lunch which always included pumpkin pie with ice cream. I managed to graduate in the alloted 4 years with honors despite my having to work.
Of course I missed out on some things at college because I had to work every afternoon, but the blessing of going far outweighed what I missed. Maddie, Ella and Sam, what I want you to know is that college is "doable" no matter what the money situation is. And I very strongly want all three of you to begin planning earlier than I did to attend. Mommy and Daddy are already saving money for you to go, but you may have to work as I did, and that is not all bad.
I later had the blessed opportunity to teach at ACU, and my office was the same one my esteemed major professor, Dr. Jim Culp, had used. I marvelled at the blessings of God which had enabled me to teach at the college which I once thought I would never be able to attend.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Lizzie Belle (Isabell) Herndon Tucker
This is for you Maddie, Ella and Sam:
Your great great-grandmother Lizzie Belle Herndon Tucker was born on this day February 13, 1889 in Bosque County, Texas. She preferred the name Isabell which her friends used. Some of her children called her "Ip." I called her Granny Tucker. She was one of 14 children (7 girls and 7 boys). The siblings were: Joe, William (whom they called Charlie), Fred, Arch, Alma, Viola (Ola), Lena, Bud, Lawrence (called Jip), Arthur (called Toff), Daisy (who died at the age of 6), LuNettie (called Bobby) and Willie.(Interestingly, Charlie married a distant relative of your Poppy's, Mary Rowell. And Viola married her twin brother Reuben Rowell. Sam and I did not know that until after we married.) I later taught with Charlie's granddaughter at Austin Elementary in Abilene. In Lizzie's early lineage was
William H. Herndon, who practiced law with Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Ill. before he became president; William Herndon wrote one of the first biographies of A. Lincoln, and it is still used by scholars. Another notable was Ellen Lewis Herndon, the wife of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States. In 1897 Lizzie moved with her parents William Samuel and Mary Ellis Lantrip Herndon to the Pleasant Hill Community of Jones County, Texas. Her father had heard that prime farm land was cheap there. Will first put his family in a digout in a bluff on his land while he began farming and building a house for them all. He eventually owned more than 2,000 acres there. In addition, he built a tabernacle on one corner of his land which he called Herndon Chapel. It was later replaced by a white church building. Neighbors who were members of the Church of Christ attended for years.
Lizzie was the oldest girl and thus became her ailing mother's primary helper. She would cook breakfast for the crowd, clean up the dishes and the house, and then go to the fields and pick cotton for the rest of the day. Her older brother Joe (5 years older) was an ogre who pushed her to work and pick more cotton than "the boys." After that, she would go into the house, cook supper, clean up, and then retire (or collapse) in her bed. She grew weary of all of that. In 1911, she and her younger sister Alma stepped out of the living room window (those were the days when the windows went from ceiling to floor) and eloped with their boyfriends. Two of Lizzie's brothers had helped the girls hide their trunks in a secluded area on the farm. Lizzie's husband-to-be picked her up in a horse and buggy belonging to Earl Scott whom Alma married.
Lizzie's husband was a newcomer to town and was definitely not appreciated by Lizzie's parents. Will promptly disinherited the girls and her brothers who helped them. I think the brothers who helped were Charlie and Bud. Turns out that the parents' opinion of Claude Edward Tucker was right. He was somewhat of a neer-do-well (more on that later).
In a story reminiscent of the prodigal son, Lizzie was reunited with her parents in this fashion: She and Alma had been banned by Will and Mary from returning home after the marriages. After about 2 years had passed, one morning Lizzie and Claude pulled up to the road leading to the big white house. Claude stayed in the buggy(I am sure he felt unwelcome still) while Lizzie began walking down the road home. Her father Will was sitting on the front porch and ran to her crying, welcoming her back home. He gave her a small cash inheritance and all was well. Will did not include any of his daughters in his will--just the boys when he died in 1918 at the age of 56. Mary lived until 1925 when she died of cancer. Her funeral was held on the porch of the Herndon home in Pleasant Hill.
Claude took it on himself to use the inheritance Lizzie was given to buy some land nearby which he eventually lost because he was a dismally poor farmer. They began to move around where he could find odd jobs. My mother, Pauline (your great-grandmother) graduated from high school in Rochester, Texas, where her dad owned a service station. Claude, who suffered from depression, never made enough money to support his wife and four children ( Who were: Hazel Pauline, Chloe Lynette, Otis Lee and Clarence Edward). He deserted the family and was eventually hospitalized after trying to commit suicide. They were never reunited, although Lizzie was heard to say that she never stopped loving him. He preceded her in death in 1957 and is buried with his family in Zephyr, Texas.
Lizzie and her children moved closer to home in Anson, Texas, where the children went to school. She rented out rooms in her house to boarders to make money during the Depression and all the children worked to help out. After the war in 1946, the family moved to Abilene, Texas. After all her children were married, Lizzie enjoyed living by herself in a duplex on Cedar Street where she raised roses and daisies. She had some company--Jimbo, a yellow canary who had a sweet song. She loved watching Days of Our Lives and General Hospital every day. Lizzie baby-sat your father occasionally and would bake sugar cookies which she called tea cakes for him. She hosted many family dinners replete with love and food in the small duplex. She lived near the Northside Church of Christ and walked to church through the alley for years. She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ as were her mother and father.
She died in October, 1982, at the age of 85 at Hendrick Hospital in Abilene. Cause of her death was congestive heart failure. She had been exceptionally healthy most of her life. She was the 10th of her siblings to die. She loved your Poppy (Sam Thomas), and he wrote a poem about her which he read at her funeral. Lizzie is buried in Elmwood Memorial Cemetery in Abilene, Texas.
Your great great-grandmother Lizzie Belle Herndon Tucker was born on this day February 13, 1889 in Bosque County, Texas. She preferred the name Isabell which her friends used. Some of her children called her "Ip." I called her Granny Tucker. She was one of 14 children (7 girls and 7 boys). The siblings were: Joe, William (whom they called Charlie), Fred, Arch, Alma, Viola (Ola), Lena, Bud, Lawrence (called Jip), Arthur (called Toff), Daisy (who died at the age of 6), LuNettie (called Bobby) and Willie.(Interestingly, Charlie married a distant relative of your Poppy's, Mary Rowell. And Viola married her twin brother Reuben Rowell. Sam and I did not know that until after we married.) I later taught with Charlie's granddaughter at Austin Elementary in Abilene. In Lizzie's early lineage was
William H. Herndon, who practiced law with Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Ill. before he became president; William Herndon wrote one of the first biographies of A. Lincoln, and it is still used by scholars. Another notable was Ellen Lewis Herndon, the wife of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States. In 1897 Lizzie moved with her parents William Samuel and Mary Ellis Lantrip Herndon to the Pleasant Hill Community of Jones County, Texas. Her father had heard that prime farm land was cheap there. Will first put his family in a digout in a bluff on his land while he began farming and building a house for them all. He eventually owned more than 2,000 acres there. In addition, he built a tabernacle on one corner of his land which he called Herndon Chapel. It was later replaced by a white church building. Neighbors who were members of the Church of Christ attended for years.
Lizzie was the oldest girl and thus became her ailing mother's primary helper. She would cook breakfast for the crowd, clean up the dishes and the house, and then go to the fields and pick cotton for the rest of the day. Her older brother Joe (5 years older) was an ogre who pushed her to work and pick more cotton than "the boys." After that, she would go into the house, cook supper, clean up, and then retire (or collapse) in her bed. She grew weary of all of that. In 1911, she and her younger sister Alma stepped out of the living room window (those were the days when the windows went from ceiling to floor) and eloped with their boyfriends. Two of Lizzie's brothers had helped the girls hide their trunks in a secluded area on the farm. Lizzie's husband-to-be picked her up in a horse and buggy belonging to Earl Scott whom Alma married.
Lizzie's husband was a newcomer to town and was definitely not appreciated by Lizzie's parents. Will promptly disinherited the girls and her brothers who helped them. I think the brothers who helped were Charlie and Bud. Turns out that the parents' opinion of Claude Edward Tucker was right. He was somewhat of a neer-do-well (more on that later).
In a story reminiscent of the prodigal son, Lizzie was reunited with her parents in this fashion: She and Alma had been banned by Will and Mary from returning home after the marriages. After about 2 years had passed, one morning Lizzie and Claude pulled up to the road leading to the big white house. Claude stayed in the buggy(I am sure he felt unwelcome still) while Lizzie began walking down the road home. Her father Will was sitting on the front porch and ran to her crying, welcoming her back home. He gave her a small cash inheritance and all was well. Will did not include any of his daughters in his will--just the boys when he died in 1918 at the age of 56. Mary lived until 1925 when she died of cancer. Her funeral was held on the porch of the Herndon home in Pleasant Hill.
Claude took it on himself to use the inheritance Lizzie was given to buy some land nearby which he eventually lost because he was a dismally poor farmer. They began to move around where he could find odd jobs. My mother, Pauline (your great-grandmother) graduated from high school in Rochester, Texas, where her dad owned a service station. Claude, who suffered from depression, never made enough money to support his wife and four children ( Who were: Hazel Pauline, Chloe Lynette, Otis Lee and Clarence Edward). He deserted the family and was eventually hospitalized after trying to commit suicide. They were never reunited, although Lizzie was heard to say that she never stopped loving him. He preceded her in death in 1957 and is buried with his family in Zephyr, Texas.
Lizzie and her children moved closer to home in Anson, Texas, where the children went to school. She rented out rooms in her house to boarders to make money during the Depression and all the children worked to help out. After the war in 1946, the family moved to Abilene, Texas. After all her children were married, Lizzie enjoyed living by herself in a duplex on Cedar Street where she raised roses and daisies. She had some company--Jimbo, a yellow canary who had a sweet song. She loved watching Days of Our Lives and General Hospital every day. Lizzie baby-sat your father occasionally and would bake sugar cookies which she called tea cakes for him. She hosted many family dinners replete with love and food in the small duplex. She lived near the Northside Church of Christ and walked to church through the alley for years. She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ as were her mother and father.
She died in October, 1982, at the age of 85 at Hendrick Hospital in Abilene. Cause of her death was congestive heart failure. She had been exceptionally healthy most of her life. She was the 10th of her siblings to die. She loved your Poppy (Sam Thomas), and he wrote a poem about her which he read at her funeral. Lizzie is buried in Elmwood Memorial Cemetery in Abilene, Texas.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
The Olympics
I am loving the Olympics. I thought the opening was especially beaufiful and the dove formed by the acrobats was spectacular.
-----
I am disappointed that Kwan had to withdraw. She is a very gracious person.
______
Our first morning in the Otter Creek gym was wonderful--I saw a lot of people I did not know. I guess they were first service people. I think we had close to 900 people in the gym with 200 more doing children's worship, nursery, etc.
______
Well, I still want to go to Italy. Our "first big snow" was a dud.
______
More provocative bloggin later.
-----
I am disappointed that Kwan had to withdraw. She is a very gracious person.
______
Our first morning in the Otter Creek gym was wonderful--I saw a lot of people I did not know. I guess they were first service people. I think we had close to 900 people in the gym with 200 more doing children's worship, nursery, etc.
______
Well, I still want to go to Italy. Our "first big snow" was a dud.
______
More provocative bloggin later.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Grrrr...
I just spent the better part of an hour taking labels off 8 red plastic plates, using warm water, liberal squirts of Goo Gone and lots of elbow grease. Why do merchants do that??????I know there are easy-peel labels out there.
________
I love the Olympics and am looking forward to the opening tonight. Makes me want to go to Italy tomorrow. But then I would miss our first real snow of the season.
________
I love the Olympics and am looking forward to the opening tonight. Makes me want to go to Italy tomorrow. But then I would miss our first real snow of the season.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Writing
I have always enjoyed writing of all kinds. In high school, I loved my Schaeffer torquoise or blue-black ink and a fountain pen with a wide nub. It made everything I wrote seem important.
The first job I had brought enough money to keep me in pen, ink and paper (Montage or Crane)for the month. I really didn't use it frequently--Bic Pens had not even been invented yet-just for reports and such. I didn't know anybody out of town, so I didn't write many letters. I did keep a little journal (not a diary--there is a difference) and wrote poems and essays there.
And here we are in the enlightened age writng on an Internet blog! How times have changed.
Incidently mothers and dads, one way to ready your child for school and help them get along in school is to provide a desk with a good light, lots of writing materials--different kinds of paper, note cards, newsprint, etc. (Some printing companies will let you come and clean out their wastebaskets for paper) Provide pens, pencils, crayons, markers, etc. to be used for writing letters, making menus, making advertisements, making note cards, and generally having literary fun. Who knows? They too may write a blog someday.
Incidentally, I recently traded my Martha Stewart Magazine in for a subscription to Writer's Magazine.
The first job I had brought enough money to keep me in pen, ink and paper (Montage or Crane)for the month. I really didn't use it frequently--Bic Pens had not even been invented yet-just for reports and such. I didn't know anybody out of town, so I didn't write many letters. I did keep a little journal (not a diary--there is a difference) and wrote poems and essays there.
And here we are in the enlightened age writng on an Internet blog! How times have changed.
Incidently mothers and dads, one way to ready your child for school and help them get along in school is to provide a desk with a good light, lots of writing materials--different kinds of paper, note cards, newsprint, etc. (Some printing companies will let you come and clean out their wastebaskets for paper) Provide pens, pencils, crayons, markers, etc. to be used for writing letters, making menus, making advertisements, making note cards, and generally having literary fun. Who knows? They too may write a blog someday.
Incidentally, I recently traded my Martha Stewart Magazine in for a subscription to Writer's Magazine.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Harper Lee II
While we are on the subject of To Kill A Mockingbird--
I was interested and a little shocked to note which watching the movie Capote that Harper Lee was one of his best friends, a confidant, his researcher, and his conscience (at least in the movie). I really did not know that they moved in the same circles-- she is very shy and runs from publicity today--NEVER gives an interview.
In the movie, her book To Kill....had just been picked up by Lippincott for publication. The literati in New York did not know what to do with the book: "Was it a book for children or an adult book with children as main characters?" asks one character in Capote. They just did not get it. (Much like Madeline L'Engle encountered with Wrinkle in Time.) Of course both became young adult classics and runaway best sellers.
I enjoyed Capote--I remember when the book In Cold Blood came out, and we got a copy at the Cooper High School Library where I was assitant librarian. I read it then and thought it was certainly unique--a non-fiction novel. Philip Seymour Hoffman should win an Oscar for his performance as Capote. I thought the movie was just as good as Good Night, Good Luck. I don't know which I would choose for the Oscar.
I was interested and a little shocked to note which watching the movie Capote that Harper Lee was one of his best friends, a confidant, his researcher, and his conscience (at least in the movie). I really did not know that they moved in the same circles-- she is very shy and runs from publicity today--NEVER gives an interview.
In the movie, her book To Kill....had just been picked up by Lippincott for publication. The literati in New York did not know what to do with the book: "Was it a book for children or an adult book with children as main characters?" asks one character in Capote. They just did not get it. (Much like Madeline L'Engle encountered with Wrinkle in Time.) Of course both became young adult classics and runaway best sellers.
I enjoyed Capote--I remember when the book In Cold Blood came out, and we got a copy at the Cooper High School Library where I was assitant librarian. I read it then and thought it was certainly unique--a non-fiction novel. Philip Seymour Hoffman should win an Oscar for his performance as Capote. I thought the movie was just as good as Good Night, Good Luck. I don't know which I would choose for the Oscar.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Harper Lee
They are at it again. A parent in Brentwood put letters in the mailboxes of the parents of one particular Middle School asking that they sign a petition to remove To Kill A Mockingbird from the library and the classrooms of that particular school. The parent did not sign his name on the request--coward.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a genuine classic--it will be read for the next fifty years and more. The unnamed parent objected to the book on the basis of profanity, obscenity and racism==Yes, racism==makes you wonder if he read the book?
Admittedly, I have always pictured TKAM as a high school book, not middle school. But I believe with a good teacher and a reading circle in which the book is discussed, 9th graders can gain a lot from the book. Unfortunately, that is not how many current teachers do classroom reading. Mostly they assign a chapter, give a test(probably an Accelerated Reader test on computer) and then move on. This is a book that begs discussion and examination. And while at it, why not watch the excellent movie with Gregory Peck?
I don't know what the procedure is here for the removal of a book, but I hope the newspaper will follow the trail and report. It would be a travesty for the unnamed parent to get away with this.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a genuine classic--it will be read for the next fifty years and more. The unnamed parent objected to the book on the basis of profanity, obscenity and racism==Yes, racism==makes you wonder if he read the book?
Admittedly, I have always pictured TKAM as a high school book, not middle school. But I believe with a good teacher and a reading circle in which the book is discussed, 9th graders can gain a lot from the book. Unfortunately, that is not how many current teachers do classroom reading. Mostly they assign a chapter, give a test(probably an Accelerated Reader test on computer) and then move on. This is a book that begs discussion and examination. And while at it, why not watch the excellent movie with Gregory Peck?
I don't know what the procedure is here for the removal of a book, but I hope the newspaper will follow the trail and report. It would be a travesty for the unnamed parent to get away with this.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Saying Goodbye
Over 1,000 worshippers said goodby to the Otter Creek Building today. It was a morning full of memories, old pictures, and sweet singing.
The theme was the faithfulness of God, and the importance of passing our faith on to the next generation. Beginning with the generation who attended the original Otter Creek as children and ending with a reading to the yet unborn member, the psalms read and hymns sung were so tightly integrated that the service just flowed so perfectly. I will have to brag on my son who planned most of the service. There was something for everyone from Rock of Ages to These are the Days of Elijah.
One particular song that really got me was Have You Been To Jesus. I don't when I had last sung this song, but it moved me as I remembered those old creaky wooden floors in the old church in Hamlin where my friends and I responded to God with this song and others.
And now on the bigger and better things for God.
The theme was the faithfulness of God, and the importance of passing our faith on to the next generation. Beginning with the generation who attended the original Otter Creek as children and ending with a reading to the yet unborn member, the psalms read and hymns sung were so tightly integrated that the service just flowed so perfectly. I will have to brag on my son who planned most of the service. There was something for everyone from Rock of Ages to These are the Days of Elijah.
One particular song that really got me was Have You Been To Jesus. I don't when I had last sung this song, but it moved me as I remembered those old creaky wooden floors in the old church in Hamlin where my friends and I responded to God with this song and others.
And now on the bigger and better things for God.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Ramblings
I had lunch with my friend Beth Williamson yesterday. We both love each other's children so much, it was a love feast. Beth is a good listener and one who always makes you feel good just for having shared conversation. She is insightful and has a good feel for things. Beth is auditing a class at Christ Community Church in Franklin. The class Spiritual Formation in a Post Modern Generation is being taught by Scotty Smith and is part of seminary training at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Discussing the class with her lit my fire and made me realize what I had been missing since I moved to Nashville--intellectual stimulation. It lay everywhere there--in my ACU contacts, at Highland in the pulpit and class, and in my spiritual formation group. I hereby resolve to take the next class offered at Christ Community.
_____
I recently had the opportunity to see the Academy Award nominee Good Night, Good Luck.It is the George Clooney- directed movie about Edward R. Murrow and his fight with Senator Joseph McCarthy's witch hunts of "Communists" in the 50's. Murrow was a part of my growing up days. I listened to him on the radio and television and admired him then. I remember having a very bad feeling about McCarthy when all that was rampaging through the news. The film is in black and white--that took some getting used to, but was appropriate. EVERYBODY smokes a lot in the movie, which made me realize how times have changed. Although I have not seen all the nominees, I definitely think this one is a winner--very thought-provoking. A movie for a thinking audience.
______
Otter cleared the building today. While things are not in their right places in the new building because the folks there were not out of some of the rooms, 409 Franklin is now home. Very exciting!
_____
I recently had the opportunity to see the Academy Award nominee Good Night, Good Luck.It is the George Clooney- directed movie about Edward R. Murrow and his fight with Senator Joseph McCarthy's witch hunts of "Communists" in the 50's. Murrow was a part of my growing up days. I listened to him on the radio and television and admired him then. I remember having a very bad feeling about McCarthy when all that was rampaging through the news. The film is in black and white--that took some getting used to, but was appropriate. EVERYBODY smokes a lot in the movie, which made me realize how times have changed. Although I have not seen all the nominees, I definitely think this one is a winner--very thought-provoking. A movie for a thinking audience.
______
Otter cleared the building today. While things are not in their right places in the new building because the folks there were not out of some of the rooms, 409 Franklin is now home. Very exciting!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Laughter
Prov. 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine...
After reading a recent Reader's Digest article about the value of laughter, I decided to spend some afternoon time watching reruns of "Family Ties." That program always made me laugh. Michael J. Fox is so droll. You are probably thinking that I need more to do, but wait and read the following:
Laughter therapy has been around a few years; it came into vogue after Norman Cousins wrote his book Anatomy of an Illness in which he claimed that laughing at old movies of the Three Stooges, etc. made him feel better. He found that 10 minutes of boisterous laughter brought him 2 hours of pain-free sleep.
One researcher has called laughter our sixth sense and he found that it helps dissolve tension, stress, anxiety, irritation, anger, grief and depression. Dr. James Walsh states that laughter is equivalent to small amounts of exercise. Other researchers say that laughter boosts the immune system and releases healing endorphins. Although the research is young, results are very positive.
God knew that. Prov. 15:15 "The cheerful heart has a continual feast..." Prov. 15:13 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful...."
William James wrote, "We don't laugh because we are happy; we are happy because we laugh." He needed to incorporate more laughter into the dreary, plodding novels he wrote.
So, enjoy Family Ties with me on the Hallmark Channel Monday.
After reading a recent Reader's Digest article about the value of laughter, I decided to spend some afternoon time watching reruns of "Family Ties." That program always made me laugh. Michael J. Fox is so droll. You are probably thinking that I need more to do, but wait and read the following:
Laughter therapy has been around a few years; it came into vogue after Norman Cousins wrote his book Anatomy of an Illness in which he claimed that laughing at old movies of the Three Stooges, etc. made him feel better. He found that 10 minutes of boisterous laughter brought him 2 hours of pain-free sleep.
One researcher has called laughter our sixth sense and he found that it helps dissolve tension, stress, anxiety, irritation, anger, grief and depression. Dr. James Walsh states that laughter is equivalent to small amounts of exercise. Other researchers say that laughter boosts the immune system and releases healing endorphins. Although the research is young, results are very positive.
God knew that. Prov. 15:15 "The cheerful heart has a continual feast..." Prov. 15:13 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful...."
William James wrote, "We don't laugh because we are happy; we are happy because we laugh." He needed to incorporate more laughter into the dreary, plodding novels he wrote.
So, enjoy Family Ties with me on the Hallmark Channel Monday.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
A Wedding in the Family
This one is for Maddie, Ella and Sam.
On this day (Feb. 2 Groundhog Day) your great-grandparents Ollis Elton Brandon (O. E.) and Hazel Pauline Tucker(Polly) got married in 1934. They were both almost 20 years old. Your Dad called them Paw-Paw and Granny.
They were married in the parlor of "Bro. Reeves, a minister of the Gospel" as the marriage license reads. I wish I knew more about all the event. I think they met at a party. Both lived in small communities surrounding Anson, Texas--He in the Hanna Community and she nearby in the "shinnery".
When they married, O. E. was a share-crop farmer and part-time clerk at a grocery store in town. She had graduated from high school at age 16, and gone to Draughton's Business College in Lubbock the next year. She had a scholarship to the business school, but when her father found she was using some of the money he was sending her to take dancing lessons, he came and got her and that was the end of her schooling. I don't know about the intervening two years; I wish I did.
They had been married for four years when I came along in 1938. When I was three, they moved to Hamlin where they lived until they died. Polly died from melanoma October 22, 1976 at the age of 62. O. E. died Aug. 26, 1990 at 76 of an aneurysm after surgery .
Although often operating below the poverty line in money, they had a good life with three children. Dad spent his life working in various jobs--he was a trucker when they first arrived in Hamlin. He hauled wheat, peanut hay, etc. He also worked for the Hamlin Hatchery driving a chicken bus to deliver baby chicks to farmers all around Texas. O. E. later became a carpenter--he learned the skill while working at Camp Barkley (a WWII camp outside of Abilene, Texas). Polly was a housewife, but went to work at a department store when I was in junior high and was the seamstress of 2 stores in Hamlin before her death. Her last job was seamstress and accounts payable/receivable clerk at Heidenheimer's Department Store in Hamlin.
I am so glad your dad got to know them. Granny Brandon loved him as much as I love you. She made a little coat for him, because she loved to see him dressed up. I will pass it down to you. Paw-Paw called your dad "Sonny-Boy" and loved to watch him play at our house in Potosi. Brandon was 5 when Granny Brandon died.
I miss them both.
On this day (Feb. 2 Groundhog Day) your great-grandparents Ollis Elton Brandon (O. E.) and Hazel Pauline Tucker(Polly) got married in 1934. They were both almost 20 years old. Your Dad called them Paw-Paw and Granny.
They were married in the parlor of "Bro. Reeves, a minister of the Gospel" as the marriage license reads. I wish I knew more about all the event. I think they met at a party. Both lived in small communities surrounding Anson, Texas--He in the Hanna Community and she nearby in the "shinnery".
When they married, O. E. was a share-crop farmer and part-time clerk at a grocery store in town. She had graduated from high school at age 16, and gone to Draughton's Business College in Lubbock the next year. She had a scholarship to the business school, but when her father found she was using some of the money he was sending her to take dancing lessons, he came and got her and that was the end of her schooling. I don't know about the intervening two years; I wish I did.
They had been married for four years when I came along in 1938. When I was three, they moved to Hamlin where they lived until they died. Polly died from melanoma October 22, 1976 at the age of 62. O. E. died Aug. 26, 1990 at 76 of an aneurysm after surgery .
Although often operating below the poverty line in money, they had a good life with three children. Dad spent his life working in various jobs--he was a trucker when they first arrived in Hamlin. He hauled wheat, peanut hay, etc. He also worked for the Hamlin Hatchery driving a chicken bus to deliver baby chicks to farmers all around Texas. O. E. later became a carpenter--he learned the skill while working at Camp Barkley (a WWII camp outside of Abilene, Texas). Polly was a housewife, but went to work at a department store when I was in junior high and was the seamstress of 2 stores in Hamlin before her death. Her last job was seamstress and accounts payable/receivable clerk at Heidenheimer's Department Store in Hamlin.
I am so glad your dad got to know them. Granny Brandon loved him as much as I love you. She made a little coat for him, because she loved to see him dressed up. I will pass it down to you. Paw-Paw called your dad "Sonny-Boy" and loved to watch him play at our house in Potosi. Brandon was 5 when Granny Brandon died.
I miss them both.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Heaven can wait
Oh, well...I am going to rant a while; you may want to tune out.
My current peeve of the month is:
Worrying about the Sunday morning service running over the appointed one hour.
Last Sunday, we had a young man come forward who even apologized about "prolonging" the service. Then there is always the confession and the tacit apology given in second service for "running over."
In her book Keeping the Sabbath holy, Marva Dawn writes, "The corporate worship in which we engage...is the main event that puts us in touch with the eternal presence of God." She later says, "We do not go to church; we enter into a worship experience." Sometimes, it seems to me, that it is an experience some cannot wait to get out of. It is not easy for me to watch when people get up to leave after communion so they will not have to suffer through the final hymn and ministry moments. (Maybe that is fodder for putting communion earlier in the service, Brandon.)
I wonder what it is that is so important that they have to get to...lunch? football game? baby's nap? Now those are really important eternally. I know there are occasions when one must leave early; however, that is not under discussion. Lunch can be found in almost any restaurant until 2:00 p.m. Football games are very minor eternally. Babies can cope with missed sleep; they have for generations. Then there are of course, the people keeping the nurseries, etc. If those who have volunteered to keep those cannot stand it for a few minutes longer, then perhaps they need not to volunteer.
Where is there time for the flow of the Holy Spirit if the worshippers are always "on the clock"? Is there time given for people to truly respond to God?
Is there time for silence in the service? Are worshippers given time to let the exalted feeling of heart-felt worship linger? Is there time for a more prolonged communion service or are the emblems passed as if there were a race on? Is there time for greeting the visitors?
It seems to me the answer is to announce that the Sunday morning worship service will no longer be contained in an hour or even an hour and thirty minutes, but will proceed as long as needed. That would give those who are frustrated when the time runs over an opportunity to go somewhere else.
My current peeve of the month is:
Worrying about the Sunday morning service running over the appointed one hour.
Last Sunday, we had a young man come forward who even apologized about "prolonging" the service. Then there is always the confession and the tacit apology given in second service for "running over."
In her book Keeping the Sabbath holy, Marva Dawn writes, "The corporate worship in which we engage...is the main event that puts us in touch with the eternal presence of God." She later says, "We do not go to church; we enter into a worship experience." Sometimes, it seems to me, that it is an experience some cannot wait to get out of. It is not easy for me to watch when people get up to leave after communion so they will not have to suffer through the final hymn and ministry moments. (Maybe that is fodder for putting communion earlier in the service, Brandon.)
I wonder what it is that is so important that they have to get to...lunch? football game? baby's nap? Now those are really important eternally. I know there are occasions when one must leave early; however, that is not under discussion. Lunch can be found in almost any restaurant until 2:00 p.m. Football games are very minor eternally. Babies can cope with missed sleep; they have for generations. Then there are of course, the people keeping the nurseries, etc. If those who have volunteered to keep those cannot stand it for a few minutes longer, then perhaps they need not to volunteer.
Where is there time for the flow of the Holy Spirit if the worshippers are always "on the clock"? Is there time given for people to truly respond to God?
Is there time for silence in the service? Are worshippers given time to let the exalted feeling of heart-felt worship linger? Is there time for a more prolonged communion service or are the emblems passed as if there were a race on? Is there time for greeting the visitors?
It seems to me the answer is to announce that the Sunday morning worship service will no longer be contained in an hour or even an hour and thirty minutes, but will proceed as long as needed. That would give those who are frustrated when the time runs over an opportunity to go somewhere else.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Leaving and arriving
I have been thinking about our leaving Otter for several days. Today in Ladies Meeting, Bernie Arnold said that we all ought to be excited about arriving. She is well into her 70's, is a fixture at Otter and the wife of the late revered worship leader Buddy.
I esteem her for her positive attitude--a person as admired as she could very well turn the tide against the move. So far, I have heard nothing but good comments from all who have visited our new building. We are moving on up and the Lord is blessing the arrival, and he will bless what transpires there.
P. S. It will be the first building I have worshipped in with a spire.
I esteem her for her positive attitude--a person as admired as she could very well turn the tide against the move. So far, I have heard nothing but good comments from all who have visited our new building. We are moving on up and the Lord is blessing the arrival, and he will bless what transpires there.
P. S. It will be the first building I have worshipped in with a spire.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
The Challenger
Twenty years ago this week I sat in my library surrounded by 100 fourth graders anxious to watch the lift off of the space shuttle Challenger.
We had studied the event all week in the classrooms and the library using materials sent us by NASA. We knew what each astronaut looked like, what they liked to eat, how many kids they had, etc. We were especially interested in Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who would be on board. We had done research on other space shuttles and the space program generally; answered math and science questions related to the event and some kids had built their own models of the space shuttles which were prominently displayed in the library.
And so we sat watching (along with Christa McAuliffe's class) as the shuttle blew up 73 seconds after lift off. The teachers and I looked at each other in disbelief as children began to cry realizing the drastic impact of the tragedy. Finally, we turned the TV off and one of the teachers led a prayer (only in Abilene!). Of course we sent home letters letting parents know that their children had watched the horrid scene. I am sure that many of the children will never forget that day.
If there can be a good memory of such a thing, my favorite memory is the ending of Pres. Reagan's speech to the American people in which he said the astronauts had
"slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God." O that we still had such eloquent leaders.
Lord, bless the families of those who were killed 20 years ago and help them to know that their sacrifice has inspired millions of us with memories of that day.
We had studied the event all week in the classrooms and the library using materials sent us by NASA. We knew what each astronaut looked like, what they liked to eat, how many kids they had, etc. We were especially interested in Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who would be on board. We had done research on other space shuttles and the space program generally; answered math and science questions related to the event and some kids had built their own models of the space shuttles which were prominently displayed in the library.
And so we sat watching (along with Christa McAuliffe's class) as the shuttle blew up 73 seconds after lift off. The teachers and I looked at each other in disbelief as children began to cry realizing the drastic impact of the tragedy. Finally, we turned the TV off and one of the teachers led a prayer (only in Abilene!). Of course we sent home letters letting parents know that their children had watched the horrid scene. I am sure that many of the children will never forget that day.
If there can be a good memory of such a thing, my favorite memory is the ending of Pres. Reagan's speech to the American people in which he said the astronauts had
"slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God." O that we still had such eloquent leaders.
Lord, bless the families of those who were killed 20 years ago and help them to know that their sacrifice has inspired millions of us with memories of that day.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
"Wolfie"
Yesterday was the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A certified genius, he managed to go through several fortunes in his lifetime as he wrote the 600 pieces he left at his death at age 35. He was buried in a pauper's grave.
Where would our culture be without him, Handel, Beethoven and others? I don't know how close to his life it was, but I enjoyed the movie Amadeus. I do wish there were contemporary movies about Handel and Beethoven. Their lives seem to be the stuff of movies too.
This afternoon, heat some tea, sit awhile and enjoy some Mozart. Happy Birthday!
Where would our culture be without him, Handel, Beethoven and others? I don't know how close to his life it was, but I enjoyed the movie Amadeus. I do wish there were contemporary movies about Handel and Beethoven. Their lives seem to be the stuff of movies too.
This afternoon, heat some tea, sit awhile and enjoy some Mozart. Happy Birthday!
Friday, January 27, 2006
The End of the Spear
I am usually somewhat cynical when paying money to see a "religious" movie. I have found them usually lightweight, poorly photogaphed and acted, and a waste of my time and money.
A movie now playing in regular theaters is just the opposite of all the above--The Eye of the Spear. I highly recommend this story about the unfortunate missionaries who went to Ecuador in the 1950's and were killed by one of the native tribes in the rain forest.
One thing that struck me as I watched is how much better we prepare missionaries today. We would never think of sending out missionaries to an unfamiliar place without language training. One of the reasons for the missionaries'deaths was that they could not understand what the Indians were saying, nor tell them why they had come to the rain forest. The missionaries had been there for awhile, and one of the missionaries had a sister who knew and spoke the language, yet the men who landed in the Ecuadorian jungle could not communicate. What a tragedy.
I remember reading the Life Magazine account of their deaths. And of course, Elisabeth Elliott's book about the event Through Gates of Splendor has become a classic.
Please go and support the movie--half of the monies made will go toward helping indegenous peoples. It ranked 8 on the attendance list last week. I saw buses of people from churches in Nashville at my theater.
A movie now playing in regular theaters is just the opposite of all the above--The Eye of the Spear. I highly recommend this story about the unfortunate missionaries who went to Ecuador in the 1950's and were killed by one of the native tribes in the rain forest.
One thing that struck me as I watched is how much better we prepare missionaries today. We would never think of sending out missionaries to an unfamiliar place without language training. One of the reasons for the missionaries'deaths was that they could not understand what the Indians were saying, nor tell them why they had come to the rain forest. The missionaries had been there for awhile, and one of the missionaries had a sister who knew and spoke the language, yet the men who landed in the Ecuadorian jungle could not communicate. What a tragedy.
I remember reading the Life Magazine account of their deaths. And of course, Elisabeth Elliott's book about the event Through Gates of Splendor has become a classic.
Please go and support the movie--half of the monies made will go toward helping indegenous peoples. It ranked 8 on the attendance list last week. I saw buses of people from churches in Nashville at my theater.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Find us Faithful
Sorry, I have been without a computer for a week. Back again thanks to a repairman.
My last post caused some activity! So glad to know there other folks in my boat.
Perhaps we are feeling nostalgic at Otter these days because of the move, but as we sang Find Us Faithful two Sundays ago, the words really hit me. Since then, I have been reviewing the great cloud of witnesses who are part of my story: William Samuel and Mary Herndon (great-grandparents), Lizzie Belle Tucker(grandmother), Hazel Pauline Brandon (mother)--all Church of Christ members from the 1880's forward. And then there were my Primitive Baptist relatives Emma and Joseph Brandon(grandparents) and Ollis Elton Brandon (father). I have no evidence that William Samuel ever met Barton W. Stone or any of his followers, but somewhere along the way in the South, he was introduced to the church (probably by his mother-in-law) and eventually planted a small church in West Texas (Anson). His daughter, my grandmother reared children in the church while she attended Northside and Central churches in Abilene, Tx. hearing such preachers as Frank Pack. My mom was in integral part of the church in Hamlin, Texas where I was baptized at the age of 12.
There others who were not relatives; W. L. and Maude Fletcher, Harold and Lottie Bonner (elder couples at Hamlin) Ed and Edna Brown. I can picture them now standing on the shoulders of the highway of my spiritual journey cheering me on. Bless them.
I do pray, Lord, that those who come behind me will find me faithful too.
My last post caused some activity! So glad to know there other folks in my boat.
Perhaps we are feeling nostalgic at Otter these days because of the move, but as we sang Find Us Faithful two Sundays ago, the words really hit me. Since then, I have been reviewing the great cloud of witnesses who are part of my story: William Samuel and Mary Herndon (great-grandparents), Lizzie Belle Tucker(grandmother), Hazel Pauline Brandon (mother)--all Church of Christ members from the 1880's forward. And then there were my Primitive Baptist relatives Emma and Joseph Brandon(grandparents) and Ollis Elton Brandon (father). I have no evidence that William Samuel ever met Barton W. Stone or any of his followers, but somewhere along the way in the South, he was introduced to the church (probably by his mother-in-law) and eventually planted a small church in West Texas (Anson). His daughter, my grandmother reared children in the church while she attended Northside and Central churches in Abilene, Tx. hearing such preachers as Frank Pack. My mom was in integral part of the church in Hamlin, Texas where I was baptized at the age of 12.
There others who were not relatives; W. L. and Maude Fletcher, Harold and Lottie Bonner (elder couples at Hamlin) Ed and Edna Brown. I can picture them now standing on the shoulders of the highway of my spiritual journey cheering me on. Bless them.
I do pray, Lord, that those who come behind me will find me faithful too.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Myths for the young
Last week, I was in a group of women who were laughing about what they were told as adolescents about the wine in the Bible. We were told that the wine at the wedding in Cana and in other places where Jesus and others drank it, was not fermented and therefore was not alcoholic. Another version was that the wine back then was not AS fermented as the wine today. What about the comment at the wedding about "saving the best for last."
Other myths we were told by youth ministers, elders and various other teachers:
The Church of Christ was founded in AD 33. (The university church actually had that on its cornerstone until just a few years ago). I wonder if Antioch knew it was the first Church of Christ?
Members of the Church of Christ are the only ones going to heaven. (And some of them are not going). This one is really hard to combat in people who have heard it from "Cambellites" all their lives. It was not what one could consider an evangelistic tool.
Women cannot be involved in any phase of leadership in the Church of Christ. And who were Phoebe, Priscilla, and Lydia?
Excuse the indelicacy of the following:
Masturbation brings insanity. No comment.
Dancing will lead to lust, fornication and unwed parenthood. (no comment--except, even square-dancing?) One of the regrets of my life is that I never learned to dance.
The same goes for "mixed bathing"--swimming with members of the opposite sex. A club in Abilene which had many members of the Church of Christ built a wall down the middle of the pool. I never learned to swim either.
The church's name should be The Church of Christ and that must be spelled with a small "c" for church to delineate it from the denominations--church of Christ. An affront to all the English teachers who ever taught that proper names should be capitalized.And oh yes, Church of God, The Redeemed, and other names can be found in that book we all revere.
God does not speak outside the Bible. That effectively shut-up the Holy Spirit in my growing up years. Fortunately, the Spirit is out of the box now.
Miracles ceased when the last apostle died. Why pray?
The Old Testament was of very little value--after all, it had been fulfilled in Christ. I am so sorry I spent all those years skipping the first half of my Bible.
Back to AD 33--we were never told what happened to the church after the 2nd century and where it went. Almost 17 centuries of its history are missing in my knowledge.
The Catholic Church and other denominations are part of the apostacy mentioned in Revelation. And we certainly do not have Churches of Christ which have gone astray? I have so much to learn about the sacraments and practices of others outside my fellowship.
Divorce is the unforgivable sin. Still believed by many.
Alexander Campbell is to be worshipped. He would scream, 'No, no. You have it wrong."
Acappella music is the only type accepted by God. Remember the Psalms don't matter.
Why was Bach created?
The New Testament gives the pattern for acceptable worship. Where?
Christians may not pray "The Lord's Prayer" because it contains the phrase "thy kingdom come." The kingdom has already come. It is the church. That leaves so many kingdom passages unexplainable.
What a sad commentary on my intelligence that I actually took all that in for a while without much questioning. I pray that I am not in position now as an "older woman" who is teaching others that I not perpetuate any similar myths.
God help our ignorance of you and your ways, and bless us as we continue to open our minds and drink of you.
Other myths we were told by youth ministers, elders and various other teachers:
The Church of Christ was founded in AD 33. (The university church actually had that on its cornerstone until just a few years ago). I wonder if Antioch knew it was the first Church of Christ?
Members of the Church of Christ are the only ones going to heaven. (And some of them are not going). This one is really hard to combat in people who have heard it from "Cambellites" all their lives. It was not what one could consider an evangelistic tool.
Women cannot be involved in any phase of leadership in the Church of Christ. And who were Phoebe, Priscilla, and Lydia?
Excuse the indelicacy of the following:
Masturbation brings insanity. No comment.
Dancing will lead to lust, fornication and unwed parenthood. (no comment--except, even square-dancing?) One of the regrets of my life is that I never learned to dance.
The same goes for "mixed bathing"--swimming with members of the opposite sex. A club in Abilene which had many members of the Church of Christ built a wall down the middle of the pool. I never learned to swim either.
The church's name should be The Church of Christ and that must be spelled with a small "c" for church to delineate it from the denominations--church of Christ. An affront to all the English teachers who ever taught that proper names should be capitalized.And oh yes, Church of God, The Redeemed, and other names can be found in that book we all revere.
God does not speak outside the Bible. That effectively shut-up the Holy Spirit in my growing up years. Fortunately, the Spirit is out of the box now.
Miracles ceased when the last apostle died. Why pray?
The Old Testament was of very little value--after all, it had been fulfilled in Christ. I am so sorry I spent all those years skipping the first half of my Bible.
Back to AD 33--we were never told what happened to the church after the 2nd century and where it went. Almost 17 centuries of its history are missing in my knowledge.
The Catholic Church and other denominations are part of the apostacy mentioned in Revelation. And we certainly do not have Churches of Christ which have gone astray? I have so much to learn about the sacraments and practices of others outside my fellowship.
Divorce is the unforgivable sin. Still believed by many.
Alexander Campbell is to be worshipped. He would scream, 'No, no. You have it wrong."
Acappella music is the only type accepted by God. Remember the Psalms don't matter.
Why was Bach created?
The New Testament gives the pattern for acceptable worship. Where?
Christians may not pray "The Lord's Prayer" because it contains the phrase "thy kingdom come." The kingdom has already come. It is the church. That leaves so many kingdom passages unexplainable.
What a sad commentary on my intelligence that I actually took all that in for a while without much questioning. I pray that I am not in position now as an "older woman" who is teaching others that I not perpetuate any similar myths.
God help our ignorance of you and your ways, and bless us as we continue to open our minds and drink of you.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Snowflake man
Some are large; some are small. They are lacy concoctions, full of holes and light. Some have airplanes in them; some have angels. They are the snowflakes my husband Sam cut over several Christmases. I put some of them up in my windows last week.
As I put them up, I remembered how excited students and teachers got as he left the principal's office each December to teach 4th and 5th grade students how to cut snowflakes. The cutting requires very sharp scissors and an artistic bent. I think he found the pattern in a teacher's magazine. They are all different--some are six-sided; some are round; some are octagonal. He put airplanes in one because of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene.
Brandon and I and some of our friends have some of his flakes framed and hanging on the wall. They are a remembrance of a school administrator who loved to teach children and of a man who loved beauty.
As I put them up, I remembered how excited students and teachers got as he left the principal's office each December to teach 4th and 5th grade students how to cut snowflakes. The cutting requires very sharp scissors and an artistic bent. I think he found the pattern in a teacher's magazine. They are all different--some are six-sided; some are round; some are octagonal. He put airplanes in one because of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene.
Brandon and I and some of our friends have some of his flakes framed and hanging on the wall. They are a remembrance of a school administrator who loved to teach children and of a man who loved beauty.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Happy Birthday, Sam
Today would have been Sam's 73rd birthday. He was born in the front bedroom of his parents' home in Groesbeck, Texas, on Friday, the 13th of January, 1933.
I can only imagine wht he would have looked like today. He would probably still be skinny and fit with a little roll above his belt line. There would be no gray in his hair (the Thomas men lost their hair before it grayed). He would be wrinkled (his mother's family wrinkled badly as they aged). I am sure he would have the zest for life he showed before his illness and death.
We would probably be living in Nashville because of Brandon and his family. He would have a little piece of land to grow things on.
He would be the world's most indulgent grandfather. I can hear him saying now, "Hey, let's go get the kids and go to the park." We would wind up at the ice cream place. The little girls (and Sam) who now call him Poppy would have loved every minute of his presence.
Happy Birthday Sam Thomas. I miss you.
I can only imagine wht he would have looked like today. He would probably still be skinny and fit with a little roll above his belt line. There would be no gray in his hair (the Thomas men lost their hair before it grayed). He would be wrinkled (his mother's family wrinkled badly as they aged). I am sure he would have the zest for life he showed before his illness and death.
We would probably be living in Nashville because of Brandon and his family. He would have a little piece of land to grow things on.
He would be the world's most indulgent grandfather. I can hear him saying now, "Hey, let's go get the kids and go to the park." We would wind up at the ice cream place. The little girls (and Sam) who now call him Poppy would have loved every minute of his presence.
Happy Birthday Sam Thomas. I miss you.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Let Us Be You
To cap the last 7 blogs about sins, I want to add this cap. Two talented members at Otter wrote it, and it on the newest Zoe recording. This is what we all should be in 2006.
Let Us Be You
Words and music by Clarissa Cox and Michael Lusk
Live in our hearts, fill this body.
Stir our spirits, help us serve!
Walk with our feet to the hurting.
Reach with our hands, touch this city Lord,
let our mouths speak your truth!
Use our blessings to bring justice.
Let us be You, revive your church!
Let us be You on this earth.
Let us be you when a wounded soul cries out for hope,
let us be you when the lonely need to know they're not alone.
Just as your stars pierce through the night,
let us forever shine your light!
Let us be you on this earth.
Let Us Be You
Words and music by Clarissa Cox and Michael Lusk
Live in our hearts, fill this body.
Stir our spirits, help us serve!
Walk with our feet to the hurting.
Reach with our hands, touch this city Lord,
let our mouths speak your truth!
Use our blessings to bring justice.
Let us be You, revive your church!
Let us be You on this earth.
Let us be you when a wounded soul cries out for hope,
let us be you when the lonely need to know they're not alone.
Just as your stars pierce through the night,
let us forever shine your light!
Let us be you on this earth.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The last deadly sin
This last one can be found at the foreground of all the others I have discussed. It is self-absorption.
Since when did we (or I) become the most important person in the universe? The one whose busyness says look how important and valuable I am. The one too busy or important to bend to the poor. The one who excuses all sins and lies lightly; the one whose body must be perfect to match my mind. The one whose consumption of sex and other addictions embody my desires to feed my ego. The one whose race is the only one blessed by God. When did this happen?
Have you ever had the experience of talking to someone whose eyes are looking over your shoulder for someone more interesting than you? That's self-absorption.
Do you have friends or relatives who are imprisoned by technology (cell phones and e-mails)and are so afraid they will miss a call or message, they check the things obsessively? That's self-absorption. Have you ever heard anyone at church yell that any deviation from the norm is sin? Everything has to meet his guidelines. That's self-absorption.
Do you know anyone who is so self-absorbed she can't share her life with anyone else? There is no time for church, social activities or even just plain fun. All that matters is her agenda.
The seventh deadly sin will kill us slowly and painfully. As we fade out of the consciousness of those who are tired of our agendas and self-absorption, our life will be one of depression and loneliness.
Father, deliver me from these seven deadly sins and others which surround them. I want to fade into you and to become lost in your grace and your love.
Since when did we (or I) become the most important person in the universe? The one whose busyness says look how important and valuable I am. The one too busy or important to bend to the poor. The one who excuses all sins and lies lightly; the one whose body must be perfect to match my mind. The one whose consumption of sex and other addictions embody my desires to feed my ego. The one whose race is the only one blessed by God. When did this happen?
Have you ever had the experience of talking to someone whose eyes are looking over your shoulder for someone more interesting than you? That's self-absorption.
Do you have friends or relatives who are imprisoned by technology (cell phones and e-mails)and are so afraid they will miss a call or message, they check the things obsessively? That's self-absorption. Have you ever heard anyone at church yell that any deviation from the norm is sin? Everything has to meet his guidelines. That's self-absorption.
Do you know anyone who is so self-absorbed she can't share her life with anyone else? There is no time for church, social activities or even just plain fun. All that matters is her agenda.
The seventh deadly sin will kill us slowly and painfully. As we fade out of the consciousness of those who are tired of our agendas and self-absorption, our life will be one of depression and loneliness.
Father, deliver me from these seven deadly sins and others which surround them. I want to fade into you and to become lost in your grace and your love.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
The poor are with you always
The neglect of the poor in New Orleans stood out in bold relief against the suffering
in Hurricane Katrina.
Many who are not poor--who make the average salary in the U. S. of $47, 635 or more simply cannot imagine being poor, starving, or being homeless. I can at least emphasize. When my family first moved to Hamlin in the early 40's, we actually lived on the "wrong side of the tracks." Later we rented old, decaying apartments in the town. The only house my parents ever owned was a dilapidated farm house moved in from the country. With his carpentry skills, my father brought it back to life and remodeled it for a family of five.
My family didn't have a car until I was in high school. My dad had a truck and hauled things for a living. My family never took a vacation or took a trip very far out of Hamlin, because we five all had to sit in the cab of the truck. My first trip out of the state was on a debate trip in college.
My first job as an adolexcent was at the "variety store," and it paid 12 1/2 cents an hour. I worked my way through college at Foremost Dairies supplemented by various scholarships.
Sam and I had only one car in early marriage. My first paycheck for teaching averaged out about 36 cents a day. However, I have never felt poor, starving or homeless.
When I go to schools in the projects in Nashville and see the babies (K-1) coming to school in light sweaters and flip flops, I know how blessed I was and am.
Our country and churches can no longer ignore the poor around us. We do that now at the peril of our souls. One of my favorite passages in Isaiah 58:7-8 (the kind of fasting I like is this): "Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood. Then your light will breeak forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."
in Hurricane Katrina.
Many who are not poor--who make the average salary in the U. S. of $47, 635 or more simply cannot imagine being poor, starving, or being homeless. I can at least emphasize. When my family first moved to Hamlin in the early 40's, we actually lived on the "wrong side of the tracks." Later we rented old, decaying apartments in the town. The only house my parents ever owned was a dilapidated farm house moved in from the country. With his carpentry skills, my father brought it back to life and remodeled it for a family of five.
My family didn't have a car until I was in high school. My dad had a truck and hauled things for a living. My family never took a vacation or took a trip very far out of Hamlin, because we five all had to sit in the cab of the truck. My first trip out of the state was on a debate trip in college.
My first job as an adolexcent was at the "variety store," and it paid 12 1/2 cents an hour. I worked my way through college at Foremost Dairies supplemented by various scholarships.
Sam and I had only one car in early marriage. My first paycheck for teaching averaged out about 36 cents a day. However, I have never felt poor, starving or homeless.
When I go to schools in the projects in Nashville and see the babies (K-1) coming to school in light sweaters and flip flops, I know how blessed I was and am.
Our country and churches can no longer ignore the poor around us. We do that now at the peril of our souls. One of my favorite passages in Isaiah 58:7-8 (the kind of fasting I like is this): "Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood. Then your light will breeak forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."
Sunday, January 08, 2006
To tell the truth
Again, another scandal in Washington. Another man confessing bribes, lies and fraud.
Lying seems to be pandemic there.
But isn't it a temptation everywhere else too? In misleding ads, in silky smooth rhetoric, in promises made to children, in promises made to spouses, in promises made by companies to workers, in promises made by self-aggrandizing evangelists (Joel Osteen), in the sale of cars out of Katrina by dealers anxious to make a buck, in government's promises to care for the elderly, ill and homeless (Tenn Care), in all who promise more than can be delivered.
Paul urged Timothy in I Tim. 4:12 to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."
May that be our charge in the New Year too.
Lying seems to be pandemic there.
But isn't it a temptation everywhere else too? In misleding ads, in silky smooth rhetoric, in promises made to children, in promises made to spouses, in promises made by companies to workers, in promises made by self-aggrandizing evangelists (Joel Osteen), in the sale of cars out of Katrina by dealers anxious to make a buck, in government's promises to care for the elderly, ill and homeless (Tenn Care), in all who promise more than can be delivered.
Paul urged Timothy in I Tim. 4:12 to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."
May that be our charge in the New Year too.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Brokeback view of sex
All the hoopla about Brokeback Mountain is suspicious. I was glad to hear Gene Shalit of the Today Show say it was overrated. Because its subject is homosexual
"love," those who wish to appear cool and "with it" are jumping on the bandwagon for the movie, calling it a human love story for all time (like Romeo and Juliet?). Bah, Humbug!
Our culture's warped view of sexuality is taking over music, movies, young adult books, TV and advertisements. The most casual observer of the human body must know that the gay approach to "love" is warped. I am not judging or condemning those who are trapped in that lifestyle. In fact, I often feel drawn to their sweetness, gentleness and artistry (not sterotyping, just writing about those I know).
There are other warped views of sexuality in our culture I won't go into. In summary, our very large addictive consumption of the tales of sex served up in the various media mentioned is also a deadly sin. I just wish I could wash it all away.
Come to think of it, that is exactly what Jesus does. Come, Lord Jesus!
"love," those who wish to appear cool and "with it" are jumping on the bandwagon for the movie, calling it a human love story for all time (like Romeo and Juliet?). Bah, Humbug!
Our culture's warped view of sexuality is taking over music, movies, young adult books, TV and advertisements. The most casual observer of the human body must know that the gay approach to "love" is warped. I am not judging or condemning those who are trapped in that lifestyle. In fact, I often feel drawn to their sweetness, gentleness and artistry (not sterotyping, just writing about those I know).
There are other warped views of sexuality in our culture I won't go into. In summary, our very large addictive consumption of the tales of sex served up in the various media mentioned is also a deadly sin. I just wish I could wash it all away.
Come to think of it, that is exactly what Jesus does. Come, Lord Jesus!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Racism
One needs only to sit in a waiting room somewhere to find out that racism is alive and well in our culture. Waiting for my car last week, I got an earful from several others waiting.
No, we no longer have water fountains and bus seats marked "For Whites Only," but we still have unreasonably priced real estate which forces the poor (both whites and others) to live segregated, dangerous lives. Nashville downtown is full of "projects
where many shootings occur.
No, we don't have schools set aside for use by whites only, but fees and entrance exams rule out others who could attend.The lottery for places in magnet schools in Nashville was yesterday. There were 3,500 applicants. I will tell you later how many got in.
No, we don't have segretated lunch counters, but the salaries paid to many of other races prohibit them from eating out.
No, our churches are not segregated any more. How many folks of other races do you have in your pews? Last Sunday at Otter, I saw 5 in a crowd of 800.
If I hear anyone say again in my hearing, "The Hispanics are taking our jobs,"I may give a very unChristian response.
I am consciously guarding my life and thoughts this year to banish racism there.
No, we no longer have water fountains and bus seats marked "For Whites Only," but we still have unreasonably priced real estate which forces the poor (both whites and others) to live segregated, dangerous lives. Nashville downtown is full of "projects
where many shootings occur.
No, we don't have schools set aside for use by whites only, but fees and entrance exams rule out others who could attend.The lottery for places in magnet schools in Nashville was yesterday. There were 3,500 applicants. I will tell you later how many got in.
No, we don't have segretated lunch counters, but the salaries paid to many of other races prohibit them from eating out.
No, our churches are not segregated any more. How many folks of other races do you have in your pews? Last Sunday at Otter, I saw 5 in a crowd of 800.
If I hear anyone say again in my hearing, "The Hispanics are taking our jobs,"I may give a very unChristian response.
I am consciously guarding my life and thoughts this year to banish racism there.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Altogether lovely
The second deadly sin of our culture is body worship. A new "spa" opens every day in Nashville promising health, beauty and skin clear of wrinkles. Men and women pay thousands of dollars for eye lifts, nose straightening, chin augmentation, and various other fixes. These are not bad things in themselves. I had eye lifts myself when my eyesight was diminished. I recently saw a woman on TV who had suffered through 13 operations in one year hoping to regain her lost youth--that's excessive!
Young girls and older ones too fall into eating disorders trying to get as skinny as the newest teen model. Boys take sterioids to pass, punt and kick farther. And on and on it goes.
If we wish to be altogether lovely (S of S 5:16), then we would best emulate Christ in our inner being, and stop trying to turn back time.
Young girls and older ones too fall into eating disorders trying to get as skinny as the newest teen model. Boys take sterioids to pass, punt and kick farther. And on and on it goes.
If we wish to be altogether lovely (S of S 5:16), then we would best emulate Christ in our inner being, and stop trying to turn back time.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Busy Bees
I will attack my deadly sins one at a time for the next few blogs. Not preaching, just musing.
Busyness--a recent book called busyness a draining, ungodly sin akin to idolitry. So true. It wreaks havoc in homes by robbing families of family time and God time; it creates a frenzied, harried pace in life; it really says loudly that "No one can do this but me."
We wear busyness like a badge of honor expecting a reward for getting 42 things done in an hour. We excuse all manner of more important things like worship on Sunday because of a soccer game or visiting and giving love and care to relatives because of "pressing commitments." We miss family dinner time where communication thrives to take children to violin, archery or etiquette lessons. We have no quiet time with God because we are hooked on e-mails and cell phones. Our times are in God's hands; and the time we live is so short, one would think that we would learn what is important in this life. Alas, many do not.
Busyness--a recent book called busyness a draining, ungodly sin akin to idolitry. So true. It wreaks havoc in homes by robbing families of family time and God time; it creates a frenzied, harried pace in life; it really says loudly that "No one can do this but me."
We wear busyness like a badge of honor expecting a reward for getting 42 things done in an hour. We excuse all manner of more important things like worship on Sunday because of a soccer game or visiting and giving love and care to relatives because of "pressing commitments." We miss family dinner time where communication thrives to take children to violin, archery or etiquette lessons. We have no quiet time with God because we are hooked on e-mails and cell phones. Our times are in God's hands; and the time we live is so short, one would think that we would learn what is important in this life. Alas, many do not.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Sins and Resolutions
One cannot read ancient literature without running into them--even Chaucer mentioned them: The Seven Deadly Sins.
First posited by a Green monastic theologian, they have been changed some over the centuries and have become these: Pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth.
Ghandi made his list which fits our culture somewhat better and is more philosophical: wealth without work
pleasure without conscience
science without humanity
knowledge without character
politics without principle
commerce without morality
worship without sacrifice
I thought I would bring these even closer to home in our vernacular:
busyness
body worship
warped sexualtiy
neglect of the poor
racism
lying
self absorption
Any and all of these could damage ones' spirituality, and thus I think resolutions to avoid all on these lists would be a beginning to a new year.
First posited by a Green monastic theologian, they have been changed some over the centuries and have become these: Pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth.
Ghandi made his list which fits our culture somewhat better and is more philosophical: wealth without work
pleasure without conscience
science without humanity
knowledge without character
politics without principle
commerce without morality
worship without sacrifice
I thought I would bring these even closer to home in our vernacular:
busyness
body worship
warped sexualtiy
neglect of the poor
racism
lying
self absorption
Any and all of these could damage ones' spirituality, and thus I think resolutions to avoid all on these lists would be a beginning to a new year.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Musicals--Not!
In the past two weeks, I have seen the two Broadway musicals now at the movies--Rent and The Producers.
Where are Rogers and Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber when you need them?
Besides being very adult in content, neither musical contains one single singable song.
I don't often say this, but--Oh for the good old days when one left the theater bouyantly humming one of the feel-good songs?
Have all the lyicists and music makers lost their muse? I look forward to the day when it comes back.
Where are Rogers and Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber when you need them?
Besides being very adult in content, neither musical contains one single singable song.
I don't often say this, but--Oh for the good old days when one left the theater bouyantly humming one of the feel-good songs?
Have all the lyicists and music makers lost their muse? I look forward to the day when it comes back.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Good things in 2005
2005 was a good year. These are some good things that happened to me last year:
1. The birth of another Sam
2. Being closer to my family
3. Taking the girls to Peter Pan
4. Seeing the Rockettes with the girls and watching their faces
5. Being led in worship by BST every Sunday
6. Friday visits by the girls
7. Meeting new friends like Lynn Mott, Marge Roeder and Linda Giddens
8. Being closer to good bookstores
9. Being closer to good movie theaters
10. Being free of many volunteer obligations
1. The birth of another Sam
2. Being closer to my family
3. Taking the girls to Peter Pan
4. Seeing the Rockettes with the girls and watching their faces
5. Being led in worship by BST every Sunday
6. Friday visits by the girls
7. Meeting new friends like Lynn Mott, Marge Roeder and Linda Giddens
8. Being closer to good bookstores
9. Being closer to good movie theaters
10. Being free of many volunteer obligations
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Interim Days
The days between Christmas and New Years are days for:
finally reading all the Christmas magazines I bought
staring into the lights on the tree and remembering past Christmases
cashing in gift cards (Davis Kidd and I thank you BST and Sheryl)
finding bargains on Christmas stuff at Target(I found some ornaments that were duplicates of those my mom and dad had on our tree)
enjoying the whole aura of the Christmas season punctuated by the looks and sounds of children who still believe
looking through Christmas cards and wondering how the children of friends can grow up so fast
Reveling in the good life that God has given me at this time of my life.
Thank you Father for the warm circle of family and friends this last day in 2005.
finally reading all the Christmas magazines I bought
staring into the lights on the tree and remembering past Christmases
cashing in gift cards (Davis Kidd and I thank you BST and Sheryl)
finding bargains on Christmas stuff at Target(I found some ornaments that were duplicates of those my mom and dad had on our tree)
enjoying the whole aura of the Christmas season punctuated by the looks and sounds of children who still believe
looking through Christmas cards and wondering how the children of friends can grow up so fast
Reveling in the good life that God has given me at this time of my life.
Thank you Father for the warm circle of family and friends this last day in 2005.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Christmas at Potosi
Christmas at Potosi began the last day of school when Sam came home with boxes of goodie gifts like cakes, candy, cookies, etc.
Because Sam was a little boy at heart, Christmas was a big deal at our house. Stockings filled to the brim, lights outside, wonderfully decorated tree. He got so much fun from choosing the right gift for Brandon. The Christmas Brandon got his go-cart, Sam made him go from place to place suffering through a series of hints, until finally he got to the big gift in the garage.
When we were home, our menu was virtually the same every year. Turkey and Cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, fruit salad, jellied cranberry sauce, and various cakes.
We were sometimes in either Groesbeck, Pasadena or Hamlin for a portion of the holidays, but the best Christmases were in Potosi.
Because Sam was a little boy at heart, Christmas was a big deal at our house. Stockings filled to the brim, lights outside, wonderfully decorated tree. He got so much fun from choosing the right gift for Brandon. The Christmas Brandon got his go-cart, Sam made him go from place to place suffering through a series of hints, until finally he got to the big gift in the garage.
When we were home, our menu was virtually the same every year. Turkey and Cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, fruit salad, jellied cranberry sauce, and various cakes.
We were sometimes in either Groesbeck, Pasadena or Hamlin for a portion of the holidays, but the best Christmases were in Potosi.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Christmas moments
My computer has had a glitch for the past few days, sorry, but I will continue Christmas thoughts that I want to keep.
Best moments of Christmas:
Watching the girls putting out oats for the reindeer
Seeing Ella's delight at her new baby doll. At church that morning, as the other kids sat around the story teller, Ella chose to sit at the lip of the stage looking at the audience. She had the baby doll in her arms and wore such a beatific smile, I wanted a picture.
Maddie playing with her Mulan doll and changing her clothes four times every 15 minutes.
Watching Brandon wrapping the huge box full of balloons broadcasting that the family was going to Disney after New year's. He looked so much like Sam, it caught my breath.
Seeing Sheryl's delight with her digital tape recorder on which she caught Ella singing Away in a Manger and Tinkle, Tinkle Little Star.
And my delight in being here to help ready Santa, and celebrate the next morning.
Best moments of Christmas:
Watching the girls putting out oats for the reindeer
Seeing Ella's delight at her new baby doll. At church that morning, as the other kids sat around the story teller, Ella chose to sit at the lip of the stage looking at the audience. She had the baby doll in her arms and wore such a beatific smile, I wanted a picture.
Maddie playing with her Mulan doll and changing her clothes four times every 15 minutes.
Watching Brandon wrapping the huge box full of balloons broadcasting that the family was going to Disney after New year's. He looked so much like Sam, it caught my breath.
Seeing Sheryl's delight with her digital tape recorder on which she caught Ella singing Away in a Manger and Tinkle, Tinkle Little Star.
And my delight in being here to help ready Santa, and celebrate the next morning.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Overflow
We have had so many good experiences the past few days, it is hard to say which was best: The Otter Christmas Concert, the Rockettes, or driving around Nashville looking at the amazing lights with friends and relatives. All of it was a treat! Thank you God for good memorable times with the people we love.
God is great and worth a thousand Hallelujahs! Ps. 96:4 The Message.
Indeed, ten thousand hallelujahs! If you have not read or heard Amazing Peace, A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou, please get one. It is only $9.95 and a great stocking stuffer. As always, Angelou brings a lump to my throat as I read. The last verse:
"We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, my brother.
Peace, my sister.
Peace, my Soul.
God is great and worth a thousand Hallelujahs! Ps. 96:4 The Message.
Indeed, ten thousand hallelujahs! If you have not read or heard Amazing Peace, A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou, please get one. It is only $9.95 and a great stocking stuffer. As always, Angelou brings a lump to my throat as I read. The last verse:
"We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, my brother.
Peace, my sister.
Peace, my Soul.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Paise Him
The whole earth comes to attention.
Look--God's work of salvation!
Shout your praises to God, everybody!
Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
Round up an orchestra to play for God,
Add a hundred voice choir.
Feature trumpets and big trombones,
Fill the air with praises to King God.
Psalm 98: 4-7 The Message
That sounds a lot like the Living Nativity Scene I saw last night at the Rockette show. It was gorgeous--the only word I can think of. Beautiful kingly costumes ( I have never seen the three kings dressed so magnificently. Camels, sheep, shepherds, stately processions, gifts, and----a manger in straw surrounded by Mary and Joseph who were also worshipping Him. Praise God for the gift of His Son.
Look--God's work of salvation!
Shout your praises to God, everybody!
Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
Round up an orchestra to play for God,
Add a hundred voice choir.
Feature trumpets and big trombones,
Fill the air with praises to King God.
Psalm 98: 4-7 The Message
That sounds a lot like the Living Nativity Scene I saw last night at the Rockette show. It was gorgeous--the only word I can think of. Beautiful kingly costumes ( I have never seen the three kings dressed so magnificently. Camels, sheep, shepherds, stately processions, gifts, and----a manger in straw surrounded by Mary and Joseph who were also worshipping Him. Praise God for the gift of His Son.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Remembering
Remembering past Christmases as I put final touches on wrapping, etc., I remember the visits to my grandmother's house in Abilene. Granny Tucker was a younger grandmother than I am although she seemed old at the time. I have still not figured out how my parents got our presents (especially the bikes) to her house. The Christmas we all got bikes is a standout Christmas. I still remember my Dad running along side of me as I went down a hill on my new bike.
Those Christmases there were eating holidays!!That is mostly what we did. Granny loved making candy--especially date loaf candy ( which I have never eaten since). A special cake she would only make on Christmas was a four layer (yes-4) Pecan Cake. It had pecans throughout, and a pecan praline frosting that was sumptious and covered with whole pecans. It took a while to eat the huge thing--but we slurped every piece. It was especially good with cold milk. I have never been able to make a 4 layer--but I have done 13x 9's. Not the same , but close. I am mourning the lack of good pecans here. But I will make one before the winter is over--can't do without it.
The table was already covered with food when the aunts and uncles got there bringing
their special dishes. Granny loved making "Coke" salad for the occasion too. I remember one aunt always brought sweet potatoes with cherries. My mother always contributed either her fresh coconut cake (yum) or her date cake and of course, there were many vegetables (my mom's macroni and cheese was to die for).and salads. When we finished, a tablecloth was put over the food (couldn't get it all in the fridge) and we picked on it all afternoon--what a delight.
We cousins spent the time playing hide and seek in Granny's back porch and garage. When the sun went down, warm up of the food would begin (it took a while, no microwaves then)and we would all dive into Supper like we had not eaten in two weeks.
It seemed like paradise--and maybe it was.
Got to go check the recipe box for what I can cook next weekend.
Those Christmases there were eating holidays!!That is mostly what we did. Granny loved making candy--especially date loaf candy ( which I have never eaten since). A special cake she would only make on Christmas was a four layer (yes-4) Pecan Cake. It had pecans throughout, and a pecan praline frosting that was sumptious and covered with whole pecans. It took a while to eat the huge thing--but we slurped every piece. It was especially good with cold milk. I have never been able to make a 4 layer--but I have done 13x 9's. Not the same , but close. I am mourning the lack of good pecans here. But I will make one before the winter is over--can't do without it.
The table was already covered with food when the aunts and uncles got there bringing
their special dishes. Granny loved making "Coke" salad for the occasion too. I remember one aunt always brought sweet potatoes with cherries. My mother always contributed either her fresh coconut cake (yum) or her date cake and of course, there were many vegetables (my mom's macroni and cheese was to die for).and salads. When we finished, a tablecloth was put over the food (couldn't get it all in the fridge) and we picked on it all afternoon--what a delight.
We cousins spent the time playing hide and seek in Granny's back porch and garage. When the sun went down, warm up of the food would begin (it took a while, no microwaves then)and we would all dive into Supper like we had not eaten in two weeks.
It seemed like paradise--and maybe it was.
Got to go check the recipe box for what I can cook next weekend.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Point of Light
I loved former Pres. Bush's project several years ago--A Thousand Points of Light in which ordinary folks making a difference in the world were rewarded. This past
Friday's Tennessean told the story of a 13-year old girl here in Nashville who deserves the award.
She felt that God was putting in her heart the urge to do something for the homeless. (She volunteers at our Nashville Rescue Center where the homeless go.) She told her parents that this project was all she wanted for Christmas. So she took her savings, held bakesales, etc. and spent $3,000.00 to do this for ten homeless men last week:
They were all taken to Uncle Dave's and given a huge barbeque dinner where she asked them to share their Christmas memories (most had none). Then in a stretch limo, they were driven around Nashville to see Christmas lights starting first at the famous Opryland Hotel. (None of the men had ever seen the lights there.) Arriving back at the center, she gave each man a bag filled with hygenic necessities, sweat shirts, gloves, etc.
The men were enthralled with the lights and the whole experience and the fact that a young girl would do that for them. Such a simple thing--but the photographs of the men looking at the lights were poignant and heart-tugging.
Let us all be hospitable to someone this week following her and the example of Jesus as we try to serve others in this season of "I Want...."
Friday's Tennessean told the story of a 13-year old girl here in Nashville who deserves the award.
She felt that God was putting in her heart the urge to do something for the homeless. (She volunteers at our Nashville Rescue Center where the homeless go.) She told her parents that this project was all she wanted for Christmas. So she took her savings, held bakesales, etc. and spent $3,000.00 to do this for ten homeless men last week:
They were all taken to Uncle Dave's and given a huge barbeque dinner where she asked them to share their Christmas memories (most had none). Then in a stretch limo, they were driven around Nashville to see Christmas lights starting first at the famous Opryland Hotel. (None of the men had ever seen the lights there.) Arriving back at the center, she gave each man a bag filled with hygenic necessities, sweat shirts, gloves, etc.
The men were enthralled with the lights and the whole experience and the fact that a young girl would do that for them. Such a simple thing--but the photographs of the men looking at the lights were poignant and heart-tugging.
Let us all be hospitable to someone this week following her and the example of Jesus as we try to serve others in this season of "I Want...."
Saturday, December 17, 2005
POG
I was privileged to attend the Point of Grace Winter Wonderland concert Wednesday night. In a previous blog, I reviewed their CD project for the tour--excellent.
The concert was in Christ Church on Old Hickory--holds about 3,000 people. It was packed with chairs in the aisle. The stage was beaufifully decorated with white Christmas trees, a sleigh and cotton snow. Very festive.
The concert itself was God and family based--half of the concert was performed with the Christ Church choir. My favorite moment was when the girls called their children up on stage--all dressed in red flannel pjs. So cute! And then they called all children in the audience from ages 4-10 up to sing a song with them. Surely one of the highlights for those children. The biggest applause of the evening came when POG sang "In the First Light" accapella.
As a side note, I had not been there 30 minutes when a member at Christ Church asked if I was a member and then began telling me about the church. She even left to go get class information, the mission statement, and other print materials. Impressive.
The concert was in Christ Church on Old Hickory--holds about 3,000 people. It was packed with chairs in the aisle. The stage was beaufifully decorated with white Christmas trees, a sleigh and cotton snow. Very festive.
The concert itself was God and family based--half of the concert was performed with the Christ Church choir. My favorite moment was when the girls called their children up on stage--all dressed in red flannel pjs. So cute! And then they called all children in the audience from ages 4-10 up to sing a song with them. Surely one of the highlights for those children. The biggest applause of the evening came when POG sang "In the First Light" accapella.
As a side note, I had not been there 30 minutes when a member at Christ Church asked if I was a member and then began telling me about the church. She even left to go get class information, the mission statement, and other print materials. Impressive.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
One year
One year ago today, I became an official resident of Tennessee. It hardly seems possible. 525,600 minutes--how does one measure a year? I have measured it with new adventures, new friends, new church, new grandchild, new beginnings.
It has been a wonderful year--I think my blog attests to that. And again--I am so glad I moved. Of course, I miss my friends and Highland, but one cannot go back there--one can only go forward.
Christmas preparation has stolen my blog moments. Try to do better!
Today was the Christmas program for Maddie and Ella--all the kids were so cute in all their Christmas finery. I will repeat what Beth Williamson said, "There is probably 1/2 million dollars worth of video and digital cameras in this room." It is fun to see Brandon take pictures in abundance like his father did.
It has been a wonderful year--I think my blog attests to that. And again--I am so glad I moved. Of course, I miss my friends and Highland, but one cannot go back there--one can only go forward.
Christmas preparation has stolen my blog moments. Try to do better!
Today was the Christmas program for Maddie and Ella--all the kids were so cute in all their Christmas finery. I will repeat what Beth Williamson said, "There is probably 1/2 million dollars worth of video and digital cameras in this room." It is fun to see Brandon take pictures in abundance like his father did.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Narnia
Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia is in a word: superb. As much as I can remember, it is very close to the book in its adaptation. There were so many scenes which were thrilling. The one that gave me chills was when the girls went up to the table to comfort the already dead Aslan. Shades of the Marys! So powerful. The crucifixation/slaughter scene was handled very tastefully, but packed a sharp punch.
Not for very young children, I think. The wolves and ogres are very scary, but Everbody Else must see it. I would like to see it again soon.
Not for very young children, I think. The wolves and ogres are very scary, but Everbody Else must see it. I would like to see it again soon.
Friday, December 09, 2005
To celebrate or not to celebrate
I may ruffle a few feathers with this one--just being honest here,however. I don't understand Christians who don't believe in celebrating Christmas. When most of the world is focused on Christ, why turn away? Oh, I know, we often focus more on presents than giving and on spending than the birth. That is not my point.
When I was in high school, a very strong church family decided that celebrating Christmas was wrong. They gave no presents, had no tree nor any decorations, and went out of their way to tell others how wrong they were to join the world in celebrating a secular holiday. That puzzled me then and still does.
Celebration is just another form of thankfulness. Why are we so afraid of celebration? If the world is joined in celebrating the One we love and follow, must we refuse to do so and appear strange and quirky? And if you reply that the world really does not understand what or who they are celebrating--maybe they need a little tutelage from those of us who are steeped in the meaning of the Incarnation. In their last issue, The Christian Chronicle interviewed a woman who said she was known to walk out of a worship service when they sang Silent Night in December. She felt it should be sung all through the year, and perhaps she is right--we do need to celebrate the birth of Christ more than one time a year. Another interviewee said that she felt that churches who put up trees, sang "Christmas" songs, etc. were participating in the "secularization of the church." Do sound systems, song books, Power Point, and radio and TV programs count in that too?
The Incarnation is too important to miss. It may well be the most caring thing God ever did for His creation outside of the death of His son, and I think it is well worth celebrating any time of the year.
When I was in high school, a very strong church family decided that celebrating Christmas was wrong. They gave no presents, had no tree nor any decorations, and went out of their way to tell others how wrong they were to join the world in celebrating a secular holiday. That puzzled me then and still does.
Celebration is just another form of thankfulness. Why are we so afraid of celebration? If the world is joined in celebrating the One we love and follow, must we refuse to do so and appear strange and quirky? And if you reply that the world really does not understand what or who they are celebrating--maybe they need a little tutelage from those of us who are steeped in the meaning of the Incarnation. In their last issue, The Christian Chronicle interviewed a woman who said she was known to walk out of a worship service when they sang Silent Night in December. She felt it should be sung all through the year, and perhaps she is right--we do need to celebrate the birth of Christ more than one time a year. Another interviewee said that she felt that churches who put up trees, sang "Christmas" songs, etc. were participating in the "secularization of the church." Do sound systems, song books, Power Point, and radio and TV programs count in that too?
The Incarnation is too important to miss. It may well be the most caring thing God ever did for His creation outside of the death of His son, and I think it is well worth celebrating any time of the year.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Silent night, holy night
I reviewed several children's books about this old Christmas hymn today at book club.
One book tells the story of the 1914 Christmas truce.It seems that late in December, fighting had slowed, and soldiers began to celebrate their commonality--observing Christmas by singing carols and lighting Tannenbaums along the trenches. As the English line was singing Silent Night, Holy Night, the Germans began to cross the lines to hear this "old familiar Austrian tune." Before the Christmas celebration was over, the boys played soccer in No Man's Land, shared their food with one another and had a joint prayer service honoring their dead whom they buried in the dark frozen ground side by side. Knowing that man had devised tools of war for that conflict that would kill more soldiers (10 million before the war was over), I could not help but think about the bombs the insurgents are using to kill our boys (most of whom were not more than 20 years old (much like their WWI counterparts). God, we sorely need Silent Night, Holy Night once more, please!!!!
One book tells the story of the 1914 Christmas truce.It seems that late in December, fighting had slowed, and soldiers began to celebrate their commonality--observing Christmas by singing carols and lighting Tannenbaums along the trenches. As the English line was singing Silent Night, Holy Night, the Germans began to cross the lines to hear this "old familiar Austrian tune." Before the Christmas celebration was over, the boys played soccer in No Man's Land, shared their food with one another and had a joint prayer service honoring their dead whom they buried in the dark frozen ground side by side. Knowing that man had devised tools of war for that conflict that would kill more soldiers (10 million before the war was over), I could not help but think about the bombs the insurgents are using to kill our boys (most of whom were not more than 20 years old (much like their WWI counterparts). God, we sorely need Silent Night, Holy Night once more, please!!!!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
It's time to end it
The 17th soldier from Fort Campbell (just down the road in Kentucky) was killed on Saturday. The 17th in two weeks!
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired,signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, from those who are cold and not clothed. The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children."
Dwight David Eishenhower
Looking at the situation in New Orleans, and the fact that the Metro School Board is considering cutting millions in the education of its children (including all art, music and P. E. teachers!) this is not a time to be spending 1/2 million dollars on a fortified hummer. We must keep those who are there safe, I agree, but it is time to end it all now. What a gift for Christmas that would be.
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired,signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, from those who are cold and not clothed. The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children."
Dwight David Eishenhower
Looking at the situation in New Orleans, and the fact that the Metro School Board is considering cutting millions in the education of its children (including all art, music and P. E. teachers!) this is not a time to be spending 1/2 million dollars on a fortified hummer. We must keep those who are there safe, I agree, but it is time to end it all now. What a gift for Christmas that would be.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Mary's Story
As we hear the story of Christ's birth over and over in this season, I am thinking of Mary, the mother of the Son of God. This is story I wrote several years ago. I want to save it for Maddie, Ella and Sam.
Mary's Story
He cried softly. Mary sighed and raised her head. Smiling, she rocked the Son of God in her arms.
As he began to scream, she thought, "Why did I say 'yes' to that angel? Where is Gabriel now? Where are those shepherds and kings? What am I doing in this smelly, dark place?"
Then as she fed him, Mary reflected, "I am blessed among all women--I am the mother of a baby unlike any other child--one truly come from God, and here he is in my arms: red-faced, squirming, hungry." She asked herself, "How can a mere girl like me guide this God-child?"
Like all mothers, she pondered in her heart what would become of him. She anticipated his growth in mind and body. What would be his first word? When would he walk? Would he be a good student? Will he be tall and handsome? Will he have my eyes and nose? What will others think of him? How would he and Joseph get along? Would he become a carpenter or a rabbi? Her heart catching, she thought, someday, he will leave my house for the last time. She did not know that one dark day his dripping blood would stain her robe as she stood at the cross.
Weary of thinking, Mary bowed her head and whispered, "God has done mighty things for me. Holy is his name." Stroking the hair of Jesus, she yielded herself and her baby to God his father.
Mary's Story
He cried softly. Mary sighed and raised her head. Smiling, she rocked the Son of God in her arms.
As he began to scream, she thought, "Why did I say 'yes' to that angel? Where is Gabriel now? Where are those shepherds and kings? What am I doing in this smelly, dark place?"
Then as she fed him, Mary reflected, "I am blessed among all women--I am the mother of a baby unlike any other child--one truly come from God, and here he is in my arms: red-faced, squirming, hungry." She asked herself, "How can a mere girl like me guide this God-child?"
Like all mothers, she pondered in her heart what would become of him. She anticipated his growth in mind and body. What would be his first word? When would he walk? Would he be a good student? Will he be tall and handsome? Will he have my eyes and nose? What will others think of him? How would he and Joseph get along? Would he become a carpenter or a rabbi? Her heart catching, she thought, someday, he will leave my house for the last time. She did not know that one dark day his dripping blood would stain her robe as she stood at the cross.
Weary of thinking, Mary bowed her head and whispered, "God has done mighty things for me. Holy is his name." Stroking the hair of Jesus, she yielded herself and her baby to God his father.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Tinkle, tinkle little star
Last night was movie night at the Thomas house. We watched the Wizard of Oz showing on TNT. Maddie wanted to fast forward a certain part--not possible in network land.
We were also entertained with Ella's rendition of "Tinkle, Tinkle" Little Star--on pitch and word for word. Pretty good for age 2 almost 3. I think I have mentioned before that we have Brandon on cassette singing the same song at age 2--intersperced every now and then with the words "let me hold it (microphone)", "let me hold it." Ever the performer, even then.
This morning the church at Otter honored Brandon for his 10 years of service there.
The comments were gratifying for a mother to hear. I am glad I was there.
We were also entertained with Ella's rendition of "Tinkle, Tinkle" Little Star--on pitch and word for word. Pretty good for age 2 almost 3. I think I have mentioned before that we have Brandon on cassette singing the same song at age 2--intersperced every now and then with the words "let me hold it (microphone)", "let me hold it." Ever the performer, even then.
This morning the church at Otter honored Brandon for his 10 years of service there.
The comments were gratifying for a mother to hear. I am glad I was there.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Three Wishes
Every now and then, networks add programming that is worthwhile for family viewing. Three Wishes, added by NBC this year, is such a program. It is a bright spot on Friday night and is a good show for all the family to sit down, watch and count their blessings.
This week NBC announced they were not buying any more episodes--tantamount to cancelling the program. They had announced earlier last month that the show would be carried. The network cited budget constraints as their reason. Why don't they drop one of the many sleazy shows they carry instead? I don't know.
If you agree that the show is worth saving, please e-mail NBC at : threewishes@nbcuni.com to complain. Maybe we can save this one.
This week NBC announced they were not buying any more episodes--tantamount to cancelling the program. They had announced earlier last month that the show would be carried. The network cited budget constraints as their reason. Why don't they drop one of the many sleazy shows they carry instead? I don't know.
If you agree that the show is worth saving, please e-mail NBC at : threewishes@nbcuni.com to complain. Maybe we can save this one.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Silly Christmas songs
A local radio station is sponsoring a contest about silly Christmas songs. Some winners from the past include: I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, etc.
I like the hippo song. What is your favorite Silly Christmas song?
P. S. I understand there is a whole album featuring Christmas cows.
I like the hippo song. What is your favorite Silly Christmas song?
P. S. I understand there is a whole album featuring Christmas cows.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Babies R Us
I visited Babies R Us today to find Sam an "exersaucer". (No,I had never heard of one either.) There were so many choices!!! from the Ford to Cadillac.
I was struck as I watched the shoppers. They were having so much fun--grandmothers shopping for just the right look in clothing; fathers shopping the sports-themed gear; mothers acting as moderators. This was a store where the holiday spirit reigned. I could have stayed all day, but other errands called.
I was struck as I watched the shoppers. They were having so much fun--grandmothers shopping for just the right look in clothing; fathers shopping the sports-themed gear; mothers acting as moderators. This was a store where the holiday spirit reigned. I could have stayed all day, but other errands called.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The Bears
I was so sorry to read that Stan Berenstain, co-creator with his wife Jan of the Berenstain Bears, died yesterday at 82 of cancer.
Their 200 books over a period of 40 years gave children much enjoyment and parents ammunition for knotty family problems. I particularly liked the BB Go On Vacation, and The BB Mind Their Manners.
Last year they exhibited their life's work at the National Center for Children's Literature in Abilene. It was one of our most successful events. Their son Michael, who has helped them on the newest books, came and gave a delightful gallery talk about the long career of his parents.
Thanks for sharing your gift with children for over 40 years.
Their 200 books over a period of 40 years gave children much enjoyment and parents ammunition for knotty family problems. I particularly liked the BB Go On Vacation, and The BB Mind Their Manners.
Last year they exhibited their life's work at the National Center for Children's Literature in Abilene. It was one of our most successful events. Their son Michael, who has helped them on the newest books, came and gave a delightful gallery talk about the long career of his parents.
Thanks for sharing your gift with children for over 40 years.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Walk the line
I finally got in to see Walk the Line about Johnny Cash. It was a very good movie with a few slow moments; however, I am glad I went. I never thought of Jouquin Phoenix (what kind of name is that?)as a good actor, but he became Johnny Cash before the movie was over. I didn't know that Cash started out with Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis at the beginning of the rock and roll movement. The music and the devotion of Johnny's June Carter (played well by Nashville's Reese Witherspoon) are worth the price of admission.
The movie is also a commentary about the importance of good fathering. Cash's father was a violent drunk who constantly compared him to his older brother who was killed in an accident. Even in adulthood fame, his father could find nothing good to say to him or about Johnny. I am so glad that Brandon and his father had a wonderful relationship. Sam was such an encourager and lover of his son. I am sorry he did not live to see the model Brandon has become and to see the benefits of all those performances we attended.
Thank you God for being our father and for all the good fathers I have known.
The movie is also a commentary about the importance of good fathering. Cash's father was a violent drunk who constantly compared him to his older brother who was killed in an accident. Even in adulthood fame, his father could find nothing good to say to him or about Johnny. I am so glad that Brandon and his father had a wonderful relationship. Sam was such an encourager and lover of his son. I am sorry he did not live to see the model Brandon has become and to see the benefits of all those performances we attended.
Thank you God for being our father and for all the good fathers I have known.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Unpacking Christmas
Last year I arrived in Nashville too late to decorate for Christmas. I have spent this day looking for Christmas among all the boxes in the garage AND trying to figure out how to fit what I have into a new house.
Nevertheless, the opening of each box brings priceless memories. I finally have a mantle with a lip on which to hang the sequined balls done by Claranell Murray, a teacher at Bowie in Abilene. She gave us one each year covered painstakingly with sequins with Brandon's school picture highlighted in the middle. On the back were sequins noting the year. She did the first one 31 years ago. They are a beautiful treasure.
I ordered Sam a stocking to add to the others. Naturally it doesn't match, but that's o. k. Our family is big about stocking gifts. We enjoy opening them almost as much as the larger gifts. The package may contain paper clips, but it is still fun to wrap and open it.
Back to the boxes! I think I am going to have help putting up the tree tonight.
Nevertheless, the opening of each box brings priceless memories. I finally have a mantle with a lip on which to hang the sequined balls done by Claranell Murray, a teacher at Bowie in Abilene. She gave us one each year covered painstakingly with sequins with Brandon's school picture highlighted in the middle. On the back were sequins noting the year. She did the first one 31 years ago. They are a beautiful treasure.
I ordered Sam a stocking to add to the others. Naturally it doesn't match, but that's o. k. Our family is big about stocking gifts. We enjoy opening them almost as much as the larger gifts. The package may contain paper clips, but it is still fun to wrap and open it.
Back to the boxes! I think I am going to have help putting up the tree tonight.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Christmas music
I do love Christmas music! I start playing it about Nov. 1 and end after New Year's. Thankfully there is a station here in Nashville which began playing Christmas music on Nov. 22 all day every day until Christmas.
I usually buy at least two new albums every Christmas. My favorite this year is Point of Grace's Winterwonderland. It is short--only 10 songs, but they are all good including a new one Let There Be Light featuring John David Webster. Among my all-time favorites are any of Amy Grant's and any album featuring the Morman Tabernacle Choir.
How about you--what are your favorites?
I usually buy at least two new albums every Christmas. My favorite this year is Point of Grace's Winterwonderland. It is short--only 10 songs, but they are all good including a new one Let There Be Light featuring John David Webster. Among my all-time favorites are any of Amy Grant's and any album featuring the Morman Tabernacle Choir.
How about you--what are your favorites?
Saturday, November 26, 2005
The day after
I thought I might take in a movie the day after Thanksgiving. After all, everybody else would be shopping on Black Friday--Wrong!
The line at the movie was out the door and while waiting, I missed showings of two of the movies I wanted to see: Rent and Walk the Line. So I was forced to go to Pride and Prejudice.
P & P will go down as one of my favorite movies of the year. Beautifully videogaphed, great acting, true to the novel, romantic--Wow! I highly recommend it.
I do love good movies.
The line at the movie was out the door and while waiting, I missed showings of two of the movies I wanted to see: Rent and Walk the Line. So I was forced to go to Pride and Prejudice.
P & P will go down as one of my favorite movies of the year. Beautifully videogaphed, great acting, true to the novel, romantic--Wow! I highly recommend it.
I do love good movies.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Thanksgiving, 2005
Over Old Hickory, down Nolensville Road to Nonnie's house we go....A few recollections of yesterday, saved for Maddie, Ella and Sam:
From the sound of the first band in the Macy's Parade, to the last bite of turkey, the day was picture-perfect--family, friends and good food. Sheryl brought green bean casserole, a new sweet potato dish (Yummy!) and a pumpkin cheesecake. Brandon made his orange jello favorite salad. Here there was turkey, regular and smoked, gravy, cornbread dressing (thanks to the Roeders for the hint to cook the celery and onions in the cornbread), fruit salad (apples, oranges and whipped cream in great-grandmother Granny Tucker's 100-year old bowl), hot pineapple casserole (a new dish), cranberry sauce,
hash brown casserole, olives and Sister Schubert rolls (which I forgot to cook). And
there was pumpkin pie with whipped cream, pumpkin cheesecake and coffee with Bailey's for dessert. A new hit for the girls were the Clementine oranges--lots of Vitamin C dispensed!
Maddie and Ella brought suitcases readied for taking naps at Nonnie's for the first time. Sam slept on his blue blanket. After lunch, with pallets on the study floor, and Sam in the bedroom, they bedded down for a Thanksgiving nap. The adults, Kiki and Kyle, Nonnie, Mommy and Daddy played cards.
Reading books, playing with Nonnie's toys and watching the "Muffet" Christmas movie were also part of the day.
It was dark when everyone left--I had to sit in my chair and smile over the day when my best and brightest came to visit.
From the sound of the first band in the Macy's Parade, to the last bite of turkey, the day was picture-perfect--family, friends and good food. Sheryl brought green bean casserole, a new sweet potato dish (Yummy!) and a pumpkin cheesecake. Brandon made his orange jello favorite salad. Here there was turkey, regular and smoked, gravy, cornbread dressing (thanks to the Roeders for the hint to cook the celery and onions in the cornbread), fruit salad (apples, oranges and whipped cream in great-grandmother Granny Tucker's 100-year old bowl), hot pineapple casserole (a new dish), cranberry sauce,
hash brown casserole, olives and Sister Schubert rolls (which I forgot to cook). And
there was pumpkin pie with whipped cream, pumpkin cheesecake and coffee with Bailey's for dessert. A new hit for the girls were the Clementine oranges--lots of Vitamin C dispensed!
Maddie and Ella brought suitcases readied for taking naps at Nonnie's for the first time. Sam slept on his blue blanket. After lunch, with pallets on the study floor, and Sam in the bedroom, they bedded down for a Thanksgiving nap. The adults, Kiki and Kyle, Nonnie, Mommy and Daddy played cards.
Reading books, playing with Nonnie's toys and watching the "Muffet" Christmas movie were also part of the day.
It was dark when everyone left--I had to sit in my chair and smile over the day when my best and brightest came to visit.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Christmas movies
Joining the demise of singable Broadway musicals has come the Christmas movie. I don't when it began, I just know I miss them.
One of my favorites is the old "Holiday Inn" movie in which Bing Crosby first sings "White Christmas." Now that is way back--World War II inspired many such movies which some would call cloying today. Where are the movies inspired by the Iraq conflicts? Please, not "Jarhead."
Then there is the warm Christmas scene in "Auntie Mame" which brought us "We Need a Little Christmas." I do like "Meet Me in St. Louis" and Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in it. As I remember, "Little Women" also had a memorable Christmas scene.
I have grown weary of "It's a Wonderful Life." What is your favorite Christmas scene or movie?
Father, thank you for your son--the reason for all the gifts and warm feelings.
One of my favorites is the old "Holiday Inn" movie in which Bing Crosby first sings "White Christmas." Now that is way back--World War II inspired many such movies which some would call cloying today. Where are the movies inspired by the Iraq conflicts? Please, not "Jarhead."
Then there is the warm Christmas scene in "Auntie Mame" which brought us "We Need a Little Christmas." I do like "Meet Me in St. Louis" and Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in it. As I remember, "Little Women" also had a memorable Christmas scene.
I have grown weary of "It's a Wonderful Life." What is your favorite Christmas scene or movie?
Father, thank you for your son--the reason for all the gifts and warm feelings.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Anniversary
43 years ago today I married Sam Thomas, a tall, gangling auburn-haired teacher from Pasadena, Texas. I was 24, and he was 29. His family had long given up his marrying anyone. But fortunately, we were introduced by mutual friends,and after a rocky beginning, made it to the altar. My long-time friend Rodney Spaulding performed the ceremony at the University Church chapel in Abilene.
Our rehearsal dinner was rather unorthodox--Sam's family hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the home of friends in Abilene, Raborn and Velma Powell. That way the families really got to know each other over turkey and pumpkin pie.
The next day was beautiful. Over 300 friends watched as Sam and I exchanged vows which we wrote to each other. Neither of us knew much about married life--we were green and idealistic, but gradually worked through the eccentricities of each other and began to enjoy it. We moved into a new apartment near ACU and with one car and began to live the lives of teachers--lots of time planning, programs almost every night ( I was teaching in Eula nearby and had duties selling concessions at the basketball games twice a week), and church at Minter Lane on the weekend.
The 29 years we spent together before his death were full of fun, laughter, tears, ups and downs--but were very blessed by God. Thank you God for Sam Thomas and our married time together.
Our rehearsal dinner was rather unorthodox--Sam's family hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the home of friends in Abilene, Raborn and Velma Powell. That way the families really got to know each other over turkey and pumpkin pie.
The next day was beautiful. Over 300 friends watched as Sam and I exchanged vows which we wrote to each other. Neither of us knew much about married life--we were green and idealistic, but gradually worked through the eccentricities of each other and began to enjoy it. We moved into a new apartment near ACU and with one car and began to live the lives of teachers--lots of time planning, programs almost every night ( I was teaching in Eula nearby and had duties selling concessions at the basketball games twice a week), and church at Minter Lane on the weekend.
The 29 years we spent together before his death were full of fun, laughter, tears, ups and downs--but were very blessed by God. Thank you God for Sam Thomas and our married time together.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Baby sitting
I got to baby-sit for a whole day with the girls while Brandon, Sheryl and Sam are gone to Texas.
Is there anything quite as delightful as the giggles of little girls playing hide and seek while they wait to be found? I took a very large "bag of tricks" to the house to make the day move along. By 10:00 am we had colored in all the coloring books, played with Flown (kind of a new Play-Doh), they had painted my fingernails, and finished the bag of tricks including the "fruities."
Fortunately Sheryl and Kinsey Wilson came over to play about that time, and we made the day successfully.
I do love being in Nashville!
Is there anything quite as delightful as the giggles of little girls playing hide and seek while they wait to be found? I took a very large "bag of tricks" to the house to make the day move along. By 10:00 am we had colored in all the coloring books, played with Flown (kind of a new Play-Doh), they had painted my fingernails, and finished the bag of tricks including the "fruities."
Fortunately Sheryl and Kinsey Wilson came over to play about that time, and we made the day successfully.
I do love being in Nashville!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Just say no to guilt
Word was on Tuesday morning when our study of the semester was complete that several women (including many young mothers) were feeling guilty because of their inability to live up to the challenges in Elizabeth George's A Woman After God's Own Heart.
I believe guilt is highly overrated as a Christian virtue. It takes prisoners of all ages and backgrounds. It grinds down those on the cusp of spiritual growth. It wearies those who still believe that "doing" is better than "being." Of course, there are behaviors and attitudes worthy of guilt--outrageous sins and omissions which should not characterize God's children.
However, to suffer depression of spirit because one cannot "do" enough (how much is enough?) is an egregious negation of the price Christ paid for our salvation.
Women often have a more sensitive approach to "serving" God, and they pass this down to their children.
Young mothers, you are to be hailed, not condemned for your vitally important roles as mothers and caregivers--there are days in which you barely manage to survive, muchless "serve" God by ministering to the sick or attending church. There is NOTHING more important and worthy than rearing your children and giving them a heart for God.
"Impress (these commandments) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Deut. 8:7
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!" I John 3:1
"Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him." Romans 12: 1
The Message
I believe guilt is highly overrated as a Christian virtue. It takes prisoners of all ages and backgrounds. It grinds down those on the cusp of spiritual growth. It wearies those who still believe that "doing" is better than "being." Of course, there are behaviors and attitudes worthy of guilt--outrageous sins and omissions which should not characterize God's children.
However, to suffer depression of spirit because one cannot "do" enough (how much is enough?) is an egregious negation of the price Christ paid for our salvation.
Women often have a more sensitive approach to "serving" God, and they pass this down to their children.
Young mothers, you are to be hailed, not condemned for your vitally important roles as mothers and caregivers--there are days in which you barely manage to survive, muchless "serve" God by ministering to the sick or attending church. There is NOTHING more important and worthy than rearing your children and giving them a heart for God.
"Impress (these commandments) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Deut. 8:7
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!" I John 3:1
"Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him." Romans 12: 1
The Message
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