I am so thankful that my little house is removed from the Nashville hustle and bustle by a patch of country.
Country where minature horses graze on a block of hay in the front yard of a country house, where some plots of land are vacant, and one can see the mountains beyond them.
Country where a pick-up truck and small tractor sit parked in the field and a sign out front says, "Gardens plowed". Country where pavement does not cover every inch of dirt and where wild berry bushes grow along a tiny creek.
Country where a small, well-kept private cemetery graces a field covered in dandelions. Country where traffic sounds like sirens and horns cannot be heard, but where crickets and cicadas bring music to the evening.
Thank you Lord for the lovely things you created. Help us to sit in awe among them.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Friday, April 08, 2005
The Chicken and I
In my early childhood, my father drove a chicken bus delivering baby chicks from the Hamlin Hatchery to farmers in a large area of West Texas. I often heard him say, "Chickens are the dumbest creatures on the face of the earth!"
I suppose that is true. For example when one chick is injured and shows blood, the others, sensing his weakness, will then not rest until they have pecked him to death. But on the other hand, I have seen people with much larger brains do the same thing.
The time I spent around chickens at my grandmother's house was pleasant, especially when the rooster was penned up. He enjoyed chasing and spurring anyone who came around his flock.
I loved the sounds chickens make at dusk and when they trumpeted an egg's appearance. I selected one of the hens as my pet and called her Annie. I called her by name when I entered the chicken yard and petted her when I gathered her eggs.
Imagine my horror and surprise when I walked out on the back porch one morning and saw my Granny Dobbins wringing Annie's neck. Annie had been targeted for lunch.
The fried chicken was delicious with biscuits and white gravy, and I forgave my grandmother quickly. That day I learned a lesson about the balance of our family's eco-system.
I suppose that is true. For example when one chick is injured and shows blood, the others, sensing his weakness, will then not rest until they have pecked him to death. But on the other hand, I have seen people with much larger brains do the same thing.
The time I spent around chickens at my grandmother's house was pleasant, especially when the rooster was penned up. He enjoyed chasing and spurring anyone who came around his flock.
I loved the sounds chickens make at dusk and when they trumpeted an egg's appearance. I selected one of the hens as my pet and called her Annie. I called her by name when I entered the chicken yard and petted her when I gathered her eggs.
Imagine my horror and surprise when I walked out on the back porch one morning and saw my Granny Dobbins wringing Annie's neck. Annie had been targeted for lunch.
The fried chicken was delicious with biscuits and white gravy, and I forgave my grandmother quickly. That day I learned a lesson about the balance of our family's eco-system.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
The egg and I
Eggs rolled into my life when I was about eight years old. My grandmother Dobbins, who kept a chicken coop full of chickens, decided I was old enough to gather eggs. Of course, I had been eating those eggs for years oblivious to their origin. Until that day, my job was scattering the chicken feed "in the yard" and filling the water jars--those glass jars which screwed into a large metal bowl full of holes just right for beaks to imbibe.
I watched as my Granny Dobbins fearlessly reached under the chickens and pulled out 3-4 eggs. Some were white and some were brown. Also in some nests were glass eggs (I forget what those were for). She showed me which chickens were "nesting"--the gatherer NEVER reached under them. We returned to the kitchen where she gave me a cup towel-lined basket, and I stepped off the back porch with these words ringing in my ears: "Watch out for snakes." It seems that snakes love to eat eggs and baby chicks, so the chicken coop is a favorite hang-out.
I was less a scaredy-cat then; I actually enjoyed going in, making a soft clucking noise to the hens and pulling out warm eggs. Fortunately, I never encountered a snake. That would have been my last time in the hen house!
I watched as my Granny Dobbins fearlessly reached under the chickens and pulled out 3-4 eggs. Some were white and some were brown. Also in some nests were glass eggs (I forget what those were for). She showed me which chickens were "nesting"--the gatherer NEVER reached under them. We returned to the kitchen where she gave me a cup towel-lined basket, and I stepped off the back porch with these words ringing in my ears: "Watch out for snakes." It seems that snakes love to eat eggs and baby chicks, so the chicken coop is a favorite hang-out.
I was less a scaredy-cat then; I actually enjoyed going in, making a soft clucking noise to the hens and pulling out warm eggs. Fortunately, I never encountered a snake. That would have been my last time in the hen house!
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Raised by appliances
Bill Moyers once said, "Our children are being raised by appliances." Noting the number of hours children spend watching TV in recent reports, I can see what he means.
When did this thing we sit goggle-eyes before at every opportunity take over our lives? We watch it for news (I am appalled at how few literate people read the newspaper), we watch it for entertainment, we watch it for .....and yet we say that our lives are so busy we don't know whether we are coming or going. Perhaps it is because we are so driven that we need the mindless 5-6 hours every evening to get our will built to go on the next day to more activity.
Maybe we just need to take a break every now and then to see how much we depend on it. Maybe our eyes would be opened to how addicted we are. The Sunday newspaper recently featured a woman who watches 8 hours of soap operas a day. She does have a job--just sets the recorder to catch all those she misses when working. What kind of mind set must that many hours of soap opera build? Can't be positive; can't be moral; can't be creative.
Lord, keeps us from idols whose arms entangle us with the world so tightly we cannot move or think.
When did this thing we sit goggle-eyes before at every opportunity take over our lives? We watch it for news (I am appalled at how few literate people read the newspaper), we watch it for entertainment, we watch it for .....and yet we say that our lives are so busy we don't know whether we are coming or going. Perhaps it is because we are so driven that we need the mindless 5-6 hours every evening to get our will built to go on the next day to more activity.
Maybe we just need to take a break every now and then to see how much we depend on it. Maybe our eyes would be opened to how addicted we are. The Sunday newspaper recently featured a woman who watches 8 hours of soap operas a day. She does have a job--just sets the recorder to catch all those she misses when working. What kind of mind set must that many hours of soap opera build? Can't be positive; can't be moral; can't be creative.
Lord, keeps us from idols whose arms entangle us with the world so tightly we cannot move or think.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
The Ugly Duckling
I missed it! April 2 was Hans Christian Andersen's 200th birthday. He is the father of modern folklore, as opposed to the Grimm Brothers being the collectors of ancient folklore.
Andersen had a very unhappy life. Born in poverty, his father was a shoemaker (how ironic) and his mother a washerwoman. His father died when he was 11, and Hans had to go to work. His sister became a prostitute and his mother died in a charity old folks' home. Before his father died, he did start Hans down the literary road and often took the young boy to the theatre. He even bought him a puppet theatre of his own, so his son could make his own puppets and compose his own plays. His father was literate and often read to his son plays and the Arabian Tales.
H. C. Andersen was extremely tall, had a very large nose, close-set eyes, and was quite effeminate--so he was the target for bullies of all ages. At age 14, H. C. moved to Copenhagen where he became associated with the Royal Theater because of his beautiful soprano voice. As his voice changed, he succeeded in gaining a mentor there who later paid his way to Copenhagen University. In 1928 he published a travel sketch and a poem called "The Dying Child". Later in 1829, he fell in love with a woman who was secretly engaged to another man. A letter from her was found around his neck in a leather pouch when he died.
Although he wrote many travel sketches, poems and novels, his fame rests on his book Fairy Tales and Stories, written between 1835 and 1872. The third volume of these stories contained "The Little Mermaid" and "The Emperor's New Clothes". He frequently identified with the poor and unfortunate which made his tales very appealing to the common reader. Many had very sad endings like "The Little Match Girl". His tale "The Nightingale" is considered a tribute to Jenny Lind a famous Swedish opera star known as the Swedish Nightingale. He fell in love with her in 1840, but the interest was not mutual. Andersen died in 1875.
My favorite story of his is "The Princess and the Pea".
Andersen had a very unhappy life. Born in poverty, his father was a shoemaker (how ironic) and his mother a washerwoman. His father died when he was 11, and Hans had to go to work. His sister became a prostitute and his mother died in a charity old folks' home. Before his father died, he did start Hans down the literary road and often took the young boy to the theatre. He even bought him a puppet theatre of his own, so his son could make his own puppets and compose his own plays. His father was literate and often read to his son plays and the Arabian Tales.
H. C. Andersen was extremely tall, had a very large nose, close-set eyes, and was quite effeminate--so he was the target for bullies of all ages. At age 14, H. C. moved to Copenhagen where he became associated with the Royal Theater because of his beautiful soprano voice. As his voice changed, he succeeded in gaining a mentor there who later paid his way to Copenhagen University. In 1928 he published a travel sketch and a poem called "The Dying Child". Later in 1829, he fell in love with a woman who was secretly engaged to another man. A letter from her was found around his neck in a leather pouch when he died.
Although he wrote many travel sketches, poems and novels, his fame rests on his book Fairy Tales and Stories, written between 1835 and 1872. The third volume of these stories contained "The Little Mermaid" and "The Emperor's New Clothes". He frequently identified with the poor and unfortunate which made his tales very appealing to the common reader. Many had very sad endings like "The Little Match Girl". His tale "The Nightingale" is considered a tribute to Jenny Lind a famous Swedish opera star known as the Swedish Nightingale. He fell in love with her in 1840, but the interest was not mutual. Andersen died in 1875.
My favorite story of his is "The Princess and the Pea".
Monday, April 04, 2005
The Sounds of Silence II
I have a friend who teaches communication at a Christian university who assigns her students a media fast during the first semester of school. They are to watch no TV or movies (DVD or theater), turn off the radio, the cd player, the computer, the fax machine, read no newspapers, etc. for one week. At the end of the week, they are to write their reactions to the deprivation.
Some of the students refuse to do the assignment; some do not get through the week. They take a lower grade rather than fast.
How would you do? Though some might say that since I am a widow with no one at home but me, I might do pretty well. That is not necessarily so because of my daily habit of Katie, Matt, Al and Anne and my love of Antiques Roadshow. How would a day go without music? I don't want to find out.
I read recently of a man who decided not to speak from dusk on Saturday to Sunday night as part of his celebration of Sabbath.
Any takers on either proposition? If you decide to do either, write and let me know how it went.
Some of the students refuse to do the assignment; some do not get through the week. They take a lower grade rather than fast.
How would you do? Though some might say that since I am a widow with no one at home but me, I might do pretty well. That is not necessarily so because of my daily habit of Katie, Matt, Al and Anne and my love of Antiques Roadshow. How would a day go without music? I don't want to find out.
I read recently of a man who decided not to speak from dusk on Saturday to Sunday night as part of his celebration of Sabbath.
Any takers on either proposition? If you decide to do either, write and let me know how it went.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
The Sounds of Silence
I heard a morning (mourning?) dove today. The lonesome wistful sound is so familiar and poignant. I heard it because the TV and radio were off. Madeliene L'Engle says, "We need both for our full development: the joy of the sense of sound and the equally great joy of its absence."
How did our world get so noisy? We allowed it. I remember when I first heard elevator music in the elevator at Minter's Department Store in Abilene. I thought it was an intrusion. We are no longer comfortable with silence, and some of our children have no first-hand knowledge of it. Much has been written about the demise of the front porch. I think silence "demised" when everybody moved inside.
Silence makes us more attentive to the little sounds which make our life more comfortable and enjoyable--the rhythmic ticking of the clock, the songs of birds outside an open window, the sizzling of bacon, the tune played by the coffee pot, and the padded thump of little feet coming down the stairs.
What can we do? For starters, turn everything off: the TV, the radio, cell phone, telephone, fax machine, cd player. Practice quiet moments around what one author calls "the edges of the day." Begin and end with silence. More tomorrow.
How did our world get so noisy? We allowed it. I remember when I first heard elevator music in the elevator at Minter's Department Store in Abilene. I thought it was an intrusion. We are no longer comfortable with silence, and some of our children have no first-hand knowledge of it. Much has been written about the demise of the front porch. I think silence "demised" when everybody moved inside.
Silence makes us more attentive to the little sounds which make our life more comfortable and enjoyable--the rhythmic ticking of the clock, the songs of birds outside an open window, the sizzling of bacon, the tune played by the coffee pot, and the padded thump of little feet coming down the stairs.
What can we do? For starters, turn everything off: the TV, the radio, cell phone, telephone, fax machine, cd player. Practice quiet moments around what one author calls "the edges of the day." Begin and end with silence. More tomorrow.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Making Beds
As I babysat last night while Zoe recorded, I was privileged to see one of those sweet moments I treasure.
I brought the girls new beach towels (on sale at the Disney store). Maddie, followed by Ella, of course, immediately began "making beds" all over the downstairs. Gathering a pillow here and a "blankie" there , any open space was open to being "made".
At one point in the evening, Maddie had labored for a long time spreading the towel over couch pillows until there was no wrinkle in sight (my own bed should be so smooth!). She positioned the right pillow in just the right place and spread a pink blanket over the bottom half for cover. Then she stood on the couch looking down at her handiwork and said, "That is so pretty!"
I pray that Maddie will always be enthralled by the simple work of her hands and by the soft gifts of rest she can create.
I brought the girls new beach towels (on sale at the Disney store). Maddie, followed by Ella, of course, immediately began "making beds" all over the downstairs. Gathering a pillow here and a "blankie" there , any open space was open to being "made".
At one point in the evening, Maddie had labored for a long time spreading the towel over couch pillows until there was no wrinkle in sight (my own bed should be so smooth!). She positioned the right pillow in just the right place and spread a pink blanket over the bottom half for cover. Then she stood on the couch looking down at her handiwork and said, "That is so pretty!"
I pray that Maddie will always be enthralled by the simple work of her hands and by the soft gifts of rest she can create.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Storytelling
I have just started to read a book called Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts. In the introduction, Roberts speaks of the importance of the stories her mother told her about a famous ancestor, William Claiborne who in the late 1700's was the sole representative to Congress from Tennessee. Of course, Roberts is now a political commentator for ABC. She writes about the dearth of information about those early women who stood behind the giants who formed our country because they did not write down much, or what they wrote was not saved. Abigal Adams was the most prolific writer of the day, but she asked her husband John to burn her letters and other correspondence. Fortunately, he refused, and we know more about her and him than most of the Revolutionary group.
When I began this blog, I stated my goal was to preserve some of my life for Maddie and Ella--and I hope that my writings will be fun for them to read in 30-40 years.
I want them to know their grandmother and her philosophy of life, to know what she was thinking and what she was passionate about.
However, I have realized that I am not telling enough stories--so every now and then from now on there will be a random story for them.
When I began this blog, I stated my goal was to preserve some of my life for Maddie and Ella--and I hope that my writings will be fun for them to read in 30-40 years.
I want them to know their grandmother and her philosophy of life, to know what she was thinking and what she was passionate about.
However, I have realized that I am not telling enough stories--so every now and then from now on there will be a random story for them.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
A new Tennessean
I spent the day getting a Tennessee driver's license. They don't make it easy here--the registration place is out in the boondocks in west Nashville. I am so thankful Brandon could take time to lead me there. I don't think I could ever have found it.
I guess I will have to learn the Tennessee state song. Come to think of it, I really know only the first two bars of the Texas state song. I have heard it thousands of time, but it never stuck. It is not a hummable tune, nor does it have memorable words.
So, Tennessee, here I am to stay.
I guess I will have to learn the Tennessee state song. Come to think of it, I really know only the first two bars of the Texas state song. I have heard it thousands of time, but it never stuck. It is not a hummable tune, nor does it have memorable words.
So, Tennessee, here I am to stay.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Twinkle, twinkle, little stars
Last night as I was babysitting (one of my favorite things to do), we were playing
"Let's Put on a Show". The girls have a microphone which is magnified (I need to buy another--it was hard to share). I had them wait behind the door in their little house in the play room, and then they would be announced--"Ladies and gentlemen, here's Miss Maddie Thomas singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." The spotlight would come on ( I needed a flashlight, but couldn't find one, so it was just pretend). Maddie would come out the door, do a deep bow and start singing. Meanwhile Ella waited in the wings for her turn.
Once, Ella grew tired of waiting and came out with Maddie, and they began singing together. Maddie's little sweet pitch-perfect version and Ella's raucous contralto, almost guttural version with her made-up words every now and then (sounding slightly German). It was the most hilarious things I have witnessed--wish I had a recording, because things like that don't happen again. What a joy. They also sang "Shout Hallelujah" with appropriate dancing.
That's the fun of living in Nashville, folks.
"Let's Put on a Show". The girls have a microphone which is magnified (I need to buy another--it was hard to share). I had them wait behind the door in their little house in the play room, and then they would be announced--"Ladies and gentlemen, here's Miss Maddie Thomas singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." The spotlight would come on ( I needed a flashlight, but couldn't find one, so it was just pretend). Maddie would come out the door, do a deep bow and start singing. Meanwhile Ella waited in the wings for her turn.
Once, Ella grew tired of waiting and came out with Maddie, and they began singing together. Maddie's little sweet pitch-perfect version and Ella's raucous contralto, almost guttural version with her made-up words every now and then (sounding slightly German). It was the most hilarious things I have witnessed--wish I had a recording, because things like that don't happen again. What a joy. They also sang "Shout Hallelujah" with appropriate dancing.
That's the fun of living in Nashville, folks.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Blue True Dream of Sky
Yippee! The sun is shining; the sky is blue; and it is 71 degrees!!!! All that reminded me of this snippet from e. e. cummings:
i thank you God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
Yes, Thank you God for spring.
i thank you God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
Yes, Thank you God for spring.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Which one is the salt?
On holidays, I often pour salt and pepper into decorative shakers--Easter rabbits, Mr. and Mrs. Santa, Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim, etc. So when we are sitting at the table, the question often comes, "Which one is the salt?"
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses it's saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is not longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matt. 5:13
I once heard Rick Atchley say, "When we show up, the kingdom of God ought to show up too."
On this day after Easter, I was thinking about what comes next after celebration.
Whether I am in church, at play, in a store, or in any social situation, I don't want anyone to say, "Which one is the salt?" I want my saltiness given by God to be obvious in my actions, life-style and conversation.
Lord, I pray that I be so attentive to the needs of others and to God's wishes for my life that my saltiness shows.
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses it's saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is not longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matt. 5:13
I once heard Rick Atchley say, "When we show up, the kingdom of God ought to show up too."
On this day after Easter, I was thinking about what comes next after celebration.
Whether I am in church, at play, in a store, or in any social situation, I don't want anyone to say, "Which one is the salt?" I want my saltiness given by God to be obvious in my actions, life-style and conversation.
Lord, I pray that I be so attentive to the needs of others and to God's wishes for my life that my saltiness shows.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
The sacramental table
Honeybaked ham, sweet potato souffle, Aunt Dot's potato salad, fresh green beans with feta cheese, Puffy Muffin's frozen cranberry salad, Brandon's favorite orange salad (also Aunt Dot's recipe), baked beans, coconut cake, Sister Schubert's rolls, iced tea--now is that a feast? We thought so today as 10 of us sat in my dining room.
Much has been written about Christ's eating and drinking in all sorts of places with all sorts of people. Even after his resurrection, there were table stories. He must have been on to something. There is definitely an important lesson going on there. The table we share is sacramental in so many ways--the hospitality, the stories, the food (especially food with history), the blending of ages, good conversation, etc. What a joy!
Another joy of Easter weekend is finding Easter grass in the house well into April.
I do think it multiplies. And seeing all the little folks dressed in new clothes looking so fresh. The service this morning was blessed by the Holy Spirit. As I sat in the "choir" group on stage I was blessed to be able to look into the faces of worshippers as they sang and listened.
All in all, Easter is a wonderful time of renewal. Thank you God for the gift of your risen Son.
Much has been written about Christ's eating and drinking in all sorts of places with all sorts of people. Even after his resurrection, there were table stories. He must have been on to something. There is definitely an important lesson going on there. The table we share is sacramental in so many ways--the hospitality, the stories, the food (especially food with history), the blending of ages, good conversation, etc. What a joy!
Another joy of Easter weekend is finding Easter grass in the house well into April.
I do think it multiplies. And seeing all the little folks dressed in new clothes looking so fresh. The service this morning was blessed by the Holy Spirit. As I sat in the "choir" group on stage I was blessed to be able to look into the faces of worshippers as they sang and listened.
All in all, Easter is a wonderful time of renewal. Thank you God for the gift of your risen Son.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Spring's Incarnation
The Bradford pears are blooming all over town--glorious trees of sheer white. Abilene ain't never seen anything like this!!!! I wish everyone could see the showy display of God's creation.
Along with Brother Lawrence who found God when he looked at a barren tree and realized that soon it would blossom and then bear fruit, I believe spring is incarnational for all of us. We see in it God's promise of everlasting life and His love of beauty. If one doesn't believe in God this season, of course, there are many other indications in nature and humanity; however, this is the season to rejoice and sing Hallelujah for His unceasing love and care for his creation--the earth and its inhabitants.
So, let us create a beautiful day tomorrow as we celebrate the resurrection of His
Son and the promise of eternal life with Him. Happy Easter.
Along with Brother Lawrence who found God when he looked at a barren tree and realized that soon it would blossom and then bear fruit, I believe spring is incarnational for all of us. We see in it God's promise of everlasting life and His love of beauty. If one doesn't believe in God this season, of course, there are many other indications in nature and humanity; however, this is the season to rejoice and sing Hallelujah for His unceasing love and care for his creation--the earth and its inhabitants.
So, let us create a beautiful day tomorrow as we celebrate the resurrection of His
Son and the promise of eternal life with Him. Happy Easter.
Friday, March 25, 2005
The men in my life
Sam Thomas was the God-sent love of my life. There other men in my 67 years of living whom I value, respect, and treasure affectionately (some are still living; some are not):
W. L. FLETCHER, JR., the father of my best friend in Hamlin. He was an elder, a kind, wise and gentle man. My major professor at ACU, DR. JAMES CULP, a brilliant, funny, and wonderful teacher. HAROLD LIPFORD, the husband of Jeanette Lipford, both strong and faithful friends through good and bad times. MORGAN PHILLIPS, DAVE JONES, and DON ROGERS, all Sam's teaching buddies whose lives have blessed me in so many different ways.
MIKE COPE--he and his family are entwined with ours, but I value his charm, intellect, soft and open heart. And last but foremost--RONNIE LORENZ, possibly the sweetest man I have ever known. Always willing to help, always ready to listen; a rock for me in many difficult times and a joy for me always.
Then there are those I love with a motherly love as well: CRAIG FISHER, STEPHEN BAILEY, and CHRIS DOGGETT (Brandon's college roommates), JASON MCARTHUR, VAL DURRINGTON, PAUL PHILLIPS and RYAN PORCHE--all of whom I would be glad to adopt as my sons.
There so many others who have enriched and blessed my life: ROLAND ORR, JOE SHARP, MARK LEWIS, GRADY JOLLY, DARRYL TIPPENS, STEVE WEATHERS. I do hope I will be forgiven if I have overlooked someone.
I must end with the major man in my life today. The cute, red-haired sweetie (think of Maddie with short hair) who grew up to be a strong, faithful, God-loving, articulate, sensitive man gifted in so many ways. Every mother should have a son
like Brandon Scott Thomas. I thank God for him everyday.
W. L. FLETCHER, JR., the father of my best friend in Hamlin. He was an elder, a kind, wise and gentle man. My major professor at ACU, DR. JAMES CULP, a brilliant, funny, and wonderful teacher. HAROLD LIPFORD, the husband of Jeanette Lipford, both strong and faithful friends through good and bad times. MORGAN PHILLIPS, DAVE JONES, and DON ROGERS, all Sam's teaching buddies whose lives have blessed me in so many different ways.
MIKE COPE--he and his family are entwined with ours, but I value his charm, intellect, soft and open heart. And last but foremost--RONNIE LORENZ, possibly the sweetest man I have ever known. Always willing to help, always ready to listen; a rock for me in many difficult times and a joy for me always.
Then there are those I love with a motherly love as well: CRAIG FISHER, STEPHEN BAILEY, and CHRIS DOGGETT (Brandon's college roommates), JASON MCARTHUR, VAL DURRINGTON, PAUL PHILLIPS and RYAN PORCHE--all of whom I would be glad to adopt as my sons.
There so many others who have enriched and blessed my life: ROLAND ORR, JOE SHARP, MARK LEWIS, GRADY JOLLY, DARRYL TIPPENS, STEVE WEATHERS. I do hope I will be forgiven if I have overlooked someone.
I must end with the major man in my life today. The cute, red-haired sweetie (think of Maddie with short hair) who grew up to be a strong, faithful, God-loving, articulate, sensitive man gifted in so many ways. Every mother should have a son
like Brandon Scott Thomas. I thank God for him everyday.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
The presence of the sacred
Darryl Tippens recently said, "The potential for the sacred is everywhere." Doesn't that apply to the Ashley Smith-Brian Nichols encounter?
In a beautiful essay in the March 28th issue of Time, Andrew Sullivan says, ...every day we have smaller, calmer chances to turn another's life around, to serve, to listen. How often do we simply not see what is in front of us? Sullivan quotes a Leonard Cohen song(also quoted in Patches of Godlight by Jan Karon): Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."
I am reminded of John Wesley's admonition (which I think I have written about before--but it can't be used too many times):
Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can.
In a beautiful essay in the March 28th issue of Time, Andrew Sullivan says, ...every day we have smaller, calmer chances to turn another's life around, to serve, to listen. How often do we simply not see what is in front of us? Sullivan quotes a Leonard Cohen song(also quoted in Patches of Godlight by Jan Karon): Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."
I am reminded of John Wesley's admonition (which I think I have written about before--but it can't be used too many times):
Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Junior Bacon Cheeseburger
The rain began as I pulled into Wendy's in Franklin to get a junior bacon cheeseburger for lunch. I suddenly had a flashback to a time years ago.
Take One and Reflections were recruiting musical groups paid by ACU to go out and gather in students. They sang in churches, youth group meetings, camps, etc. One summer Brandon was a member of one of them (can't remember which one), and I was privileged to chaperone them for a few days on one of their trips. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I learned how hard they worked, how much young students admired them, and what they did on the road (some things do not bear repeating.)
One night they were scheduled to sing at Camp Bandina in the Hill country ( I think--I know Brandon will straighten out the details). It was raining cats and dogs, so not only were we tired and cranky, but also dripping wet. We were invited to join the evening meal and mix with the campers, and then the perfomance would commence.
After the performance and the sales of cassettes, we loaded up in a driving rain and set out on unfamiliar roads, in a darkness unlit by street lights, for the next destination. I think Val was driving. I am so glad he did not know how scared I was--I always tend to get scared when driving in hills or mountains. It seemed to me we were careening off the hills, parting flood waters, gaining speed and energy listening to Steven Curtis Chapman singing "Get on Your Horses."
I very relieved when we reached the next town where we stopped at Wendy's for a bite--we were all starving because the camp food was not particularly appealing. This was where I had my first junior bacon cheeseburger. (Abilene did not have a Wendy's at that time.) I was never so thankful for a cheeseburger in my life!
Thanks to the group for the experience, to Val for being a good driver, and for the sweet memories.
Take One and Reflections were recruiting musical groups paid by ACU to go out and gather in students. They sang in churches, youth group meetings, camps, etc. One summer Brandon was a member of one of them (can't remember which one), and I was privileged to chaperone them for a few days on one of their trips. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I learned how hard they worked, how much young students admired them, and what they did on the road (some things do not bear repeating.)
One night they were scheduled to sing at Camp Bandina in the Hill country ( I think--I know Brandon will straighten out the details). It was raining cats and dogs, so not only were we tired and cranky, but also dripping wet. We were invited to join the evening meal and mix with the campers, and then the perfomance would commence.
After the performance and the sales of cassettes, we loaded up in a driving rain and set out on unfamiliar roads, in a darkness unlit by street lights, for the next destination. I think Val was driving. I am so glad he did not know how scared I was--I always tend to get scared when driving in hills or mountains. It seemed to me we were careening off the hills, parting flood waters, gaining speed and energy listening to Steven Curtis Chapman singing "Get on Your Horses."
I very relieved when we reached the next town where we stopped at Wendy's for a bite--we were all starving because the camp food was not particularly appealing. This was where I had my first junior bacon cheeseburger. (Abilene did not have a Wendy's at that time.) I was never so thankful for a cheeseburger in my life!
Thanks to the group for the experience, to Val for being a good driver, and for the sweet memories.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Multi-tasking
I firmly believe that multi-tasking and 24-7 are ideas from Satan--to keep us from being still and knowing God and knowing our family.
Sunday's paper carried an article about how our culture is becoming a child-dominated society in which parents spend as many as 18 hours a day carrying children hither and yon.
Kim and Gary Zeiss are keeping their children busy by design. They believe it's a key to being a successful adult in a culture that rewards multi-taskers. "You know the old saying, 'If you want something done, give it to a busy person.' They are learning how to be that." A typical Monday for the family has four or five after- school- events. They are in constant touch by cell-phone, Blackberry and pager.
They get together for dinner on Monday, but not until the son returns from fencing practice (now that's a life-time skill) at`10:30 p.m.
My parents would say hogwash to such stuff. When my Dad returned home (we had only one car), he was too tired to go anywhere else. When my brothers began playing sports, we did go to Little League games, football, etc., but never lessons of any kind. We did homework, finished chores, and played outside.
Lord, forgive us for avoiding you with busyness and going out of our way to find other things to do than to be still and know you.
Sunday's paper carried an article about how our culture is becoming a child-dominated society in which parents spend as many as 18 hours a day carrying children hither and yon.
Kim and Gary Zeiss are keeping their children busy by design. They believe it's a key to being a successful adult in a culture that rewards multi-taskers. "You know the old saying, 'If you want something done, give it to a busy person.' They are learning how to be that." A typical Monday for the family has four or five after- school- events. They are in constant touch by cell-phone, Blackberry and pager.
They get together for dinner on Monday, but not until the son returns from fencing practice (now that's a life-time skill) at`10:30 p.m.
My parents would say hogwash to such stuff. When my Dad returned home (we had only one car), he was too tired to go anywhere else. When my brothers began playing sports, we did go to Little League games, football, etc., but never lessons of any kind. We did homework, finished chores, and played outside.
Lord, forgive us for avoiding you with busyness and going out of our way to find other things to do than to be still and know you.
Monday, March 21, 2005
On the right footing
Last night I watched Maddie (age 3) "read" The Foot Book word for word. Ella was there too copying, trying to read 10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. I thought what an advantage these girls had with parents who are willing to take time to read to them and to hold books while they "read".
The morning paper interviewed the Teacher of the Year at Granbury Elem. School Christina Ward. She does not apologize for continuing the use of learning centers in her room while other kindergarten teachers have opted out of centers to incorporate more academics into the curriculum. Along with the usual reading, math, and writing centers, she has some which stimulate creativity and imagination. She says, "The pretend center, where they act out stories we've read or create their own with puppets...is very much about literacy and language. Ward tries to encourage the parents of her children by teaching them about the development of children. She says, "As far as helping children learn no complex computer games or toy can replace the simple act of reading. If they (parents) could just read to their child 10 minutes a night that would prepare them for kindergarten so much better than anything else they could do. Every kindergarten teacher would be happy if parents would just do that."
Music to my ears. But I must put one foot in front of the other and go fold clothes.
The morning paper interviewed the Teacher of the Year at Granbury Elem. School Christina Ward. She does not apologize for continuing the use of learning centers in her room while other kindergarten teachers have opted out of centers to incorporate more academics into the curriculum. Along with the usual reading, math, and writing centers, she has some which stimulate creativity and imagination. She says, "The pretend center, where they act out stories we've read or create their own with puppets...is very much about literacy and language. Ward tries to encourage the parents of her children by teaching them about the development of children. She says, "As far as helping children learn no complex computer games or toy can replace the simple act of reading. If they (parents) could just read to their child 10 minutes a night that would prepare them for kindergarten so much better than anything else they could do. Every kindergarten teacher would be happy if parents would just do that."
Music to my ears. But I must put one foot in front of the other and go fold clothes.
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