Wow! Time does fly. Today marks the 19th anniversary of the first day I spent without my "Hon"(my nickname for Sam Thomas, my husband who died from prostate cancer). I remember waking up, seeing the other side of the bed vacant and aching. My house was full of Brandon's friends who had spent the night, so jumping into breakfast was necessary. As the day wore on, I could feel Sam's palpable presence around every corner. Brandon and I had to plan the ceremony for his funeral and pick out clothes for his body as well as a casket--not fun things to do, believe me.
And of course, thankfully, the phone was ringing every other minute with condolences. Thankfully one of the friends, I think it was Donjaleigh, was there to answer the phone. The next few hours were a flood of decisions and duties. All the while, worrying about Brandon and his feelings.
We could have never made it without God's help and the help of our friends. Thanks for all of you still! We loved and continue to love Sam.
Last night, we went to Olive Garden, and Ella wanted to know what Poppy (her name for Sam) would order and what he would eat for dessert. I am so thankful that Brandon has told his children stories about Sam and created the name Poppy for him. He stays alive in those stories (some of which are humdingers!).
Ronnie Lorenz (he and his wife are long-time friends) called last night and remembered with me. Thanks , Ronnie and Darla--love you!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesdays
I am leading the devotional each Tuesday at Ladies' Class for the next six weeks. I am trying to teach and model the spiritual disciplines of silence and meditation in the 5 minutes I am given.
I have them relax in their chairs ("melt into the chair) with everything off their laps, relax their neck, face and shoulders, and put their hands on their thighs. We began the first Tuesday by turning the lights off, playing instrumental "healing" music, and meditating on the word Peace. Today, we followed up on Josh's Sunday sermon by meditating on the Matt. 5:14 scripture You are the Light of the World (all work is sacred). Eventually, I will wean them off the music and help them to just sit in silence and listen for the voice of God. It seems to be going well, and many have said they wish we could do this in church. We Do Need More Moments of Silence in Church, don't we?
Today I accidently turned into the Brentwood Methodist parking lot. As I drove through it on the way to Hallmark, the leaves were doing their lovely slow dance from the trees to the ground. Beautiful!
I have them relax in their chairs ("melt into the chair) with everything off their laps, relax their neck, face and shoulders, and put their hands on their thighs. We began the first Tuesday by turning the lights off, playing instrumental "healing" music, and meditating on the word Peace. Today, we followed up on Josh's Sunday sermon by meditating on the Matt. 5:14 scripture You are the Light of the World (all work is sacred). Eventually, I will wean them off the music and help them to just sit in silence and listen for the voice of God. It seems to be going well, and many have said they wish we could do this in church. We Do Need More Moments of Silence in Church, don't we?
Today I accidently turned into the Brentwood Methodist parking lot. As I drove through it on the way to Hallmark, the leaves were doing their lovely slow dance from the trees to the ground. Beautiful!
Friday, October 08, 2010
Marine Band
I went with my small group to see the Marine Band perform at Lipscomb last night. It was excellent! And besides that, it was free.
How can anyone avoid tearing up when the "Stars and Stripes Forever" is played or when an entire audience sings "God Bless America" right after all those who served in the U. S. forces had just stood up? Very emotional. I wonder, are we losing that in all our "political" battles? Does anyone care anymore? Or do we just feed off of past battles won?
Band music brings back lots of memories--I actually remembered the notes I played in the Hamlin High School Pied Piper Band when we played "Semper Fidelis", while the Marine Band played it. Sousa marches are my favorites.
How can anyone avoid tearing up when the "Stars and Stripes Forever" is played or when an entire audience sings "God Bless America" right after all those who served in the U. S. forces had just stood up? Very emotional. I wonder, are we losing that in all our "political" battles? Does anyone care anymore? Or do we just feed off of past battles won?
Band music brings back lots of memories--I actually remembered the notes I played in the Hamlin High School Pied Piper Band when we played "Semper Fidelis", while the Marine Band played it. Sousa marches are my favorites.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
The Three Musketeers
Haven't blogged in a while--I've just been living life. Mainly visiting doctors trying to find out what is wrong with my legs.
For the record, after an MRI and a EMG, the finding is that I have diabetic polyradiculo neuropathy which can be helped by neurontin and keeping my diabetes under control (which I carefully do). But looks like I will walk with a cane for the rest of my life. But, as Brandon says, the main word is WALK. And I am very thankful my back shows no problem. However, the triple whammy of the neuropathy, arthritis, and bad knees still don't make for a graceful standing up and sitting down, getting in and out of a car, etc. Still I take the diagnosis as positive.
I got to keep the 3 Musketeers this past weekend--we had a good time--they painted rocks to line a small flower bed and an old sign I had on my fence---but the most memorable event was the paint fight that followed. It was an acrilic washable paint thankfully. It did not come out of Sam's hair easily, however. They washed my car (I have the cleanest car in the county) too. Maddie was a trooper and a very hard worker. I hope she keeps this trait as she grows up. Sam just loved the water, and Ella was an expert at cleaning the very dirty tire covers. It was a great time, but my house is on disaster drill. Every room calls out for a general cleaning. It was a great time, however.
I loved the time, and I love them!!!
For the record, after an MRI and a EMG, the finding is that I have diabetic polyradiculo neuropathy which can be helped by neurontin and keeping my diabetes under control (which I carefully do). But looks like I will walk with a cane for the rest of my life. But, as Brandon says, the main word is WALK. And I am very thankful my back shows no problem. However, the triple whammy of the neuropathy, arthritis, and bad knees still don't make for a graceful standing up and sitting down, getting in and out of a car, etc. Still I take the diagnosis as positive.
I got to keep the 3 Musketeers this past weekend--we had a good time--they painted rocks to line a small flower bed and an old sign I had on my fence---but the most memorable event was the paint fight that followed. It was an acrilic washable paint thankfully. It did not come out of Sam's hair easily, however. They washed my car (I have the cleanest car in the county) too. Maddie was a trooper and a very hard worker. I hope she keeps this trait as she grows up. Sam just loved the water, and Ella was an expert at cleaning the very dirty tire covers. It was a great time, but my house is on disaster drill. Every room calls out for a general cleaning. It was a great time, however.
I loved the time, and I love them!!!
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Books People Ban
I think it is always interesting to know what books people choose to ban. The titles give me a little insight into them and their philosophy. However, I also look at some of them and say "Whyyyyy?????"
Banned Books Week runs from September to October 2. Here are some of the titles banned in the past--you can tell which ones are current by the dates given, although several have been censored throughout many years. This is from a feature article in the AARP Bulletin.
Too Political (thought by some to be):
Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
A Farewell to Arms, 1929
The Grapes of Wrath 1939 (our book club read this one as our classic this year)
Doctor Zhivago, 1957
Animal Farm, 1945
Too Much Sex:
Madame Bovary, 1856
Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891 (easily one of the most boring books I ever tried to read)
Peyton Place, 1956 (And it was badly written too)
Forever, 1975 (Hidden behind many student books at Cooper High School where I was librarian)
The Prince of Tides, 1986 ( a favorite of many baby-boomers)
Irreligious:
On the Origin of Species, 1859
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, 1954 (Whyyy??)
Bless Me, Ultima, 1972 (Now on every college reading list I know)
Harry Potter series, 1997-2009 (Whyyyyy????)
Socially Offensive: (This category stimies me? What is it really?)
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1791
The Scarlet Letter, 1850 (One of my all-time favorite books to teach)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Another all-time teachable book)
As I Lay Dying, 1930 (Another book I could never finish--I believe most people who read Faulkner have fallen love with his Southern persona more than with his books.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, 1947 (Why????)
The Catcher in the Rye, 1951 (The first book I got in trouble with as a librarian)
Fahrenheit 451, 1953 (A very important book that should be taught in every high school)
To Kill A Mockingbird, 1960 (Whyyy???)
James and the Giant Peach, 1961 (I just don't like Rouald Dahl)
The Color Purple, 1982
Cujo, 1981 ( I don't like Stephen King, either)
Of course not listed in the article and the most often censored book of all time is the Bible. Do you want a copy of it in your school library?
Banned Books Week runs from September to October 2. Here are some of the titles banned in the past--you can tell which ones are current by the dates given, although several have been censored throughout many years. This is from a feature article in the AARP Bulletin.
Too Political (thought by some to be):
Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852
A Farewell to Arms, 1929
The Grapes of Wrath 1939 (our book club read this one as our classic this year)
Doctor Zhivago, 1957
Animal Farm, 1945
Too Much Sex:
Madame Bovary, 1856
Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891 (easily one of the most boring books I ever tried to read)
Peyton Place, 1956 (And it was badly written too)
Forever, 1975 (Hidden behind many student books at Cooper High School where I was librarian)
The Prince of Tides, 1986 ( a favorite of many baby-boomers)
Irreligious:
On the Origin of Species, 1859
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, 1954 (Whyyy??)
Bless Me, Ultima, 1972 (Now on every college reading list I know)
Harry Potter series, 1997-2009 (Whyyyyy????)
Socially Offensive: (This category stimies me? What is it really?)
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1791
The Scarlet Letter, 1850 (One of my all-time favorite books to teach)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Another all-time teachable book)
As I Lay Dying, 1930 (Another book I could never finish--I believe most people who read Faulkner have fallen love with his Southern persona more than with his books.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, 1947 (Why????)
The Catcher in the Rye, 1951 (The first book I got in trouble with as a librarian)
Fahrenheit 451, 1953 (A very important book that should be taught in every high school)
To Kill A Mockingbird, 1960 (Whyyy???)
James and the Giant Peach, 1961 (I just don't like Rouald Dahl)
The Color Purple, 1982
Cujo, 1981 ( I don't like Stephen King, either)
Of course not listed in the article and the most often censored book of all time is the Bible. Do you want a copy of it in your school library?
Monday, August 30, 2010
Hamburgers
I long ago used up my time ranting about the fact that Nashville has no truly good Mexican food (Tex-Mex food like that found in Abilene, Texas). This is another rant about the lack of good hamburgers here. The best burger I ever ate was at Mr. Fry's Cafe in Hamlin, Texas , my hometown. The buns had been buttered and heated on the greased grill so that the edges were nice and crispy. The meat was freshly ground, hand-shaped and cooked to medium -well. It was served open so that I could add as much or as little mayo, mustard, catsup as I desired. (Don't you hate it when the mayo-m-c drip from the hamburger on your blouse!) The tomatoes provided were home-grown, thick and wonderful. The fresh lettuce and onions were crisp. The cheese was custom fitted for the bun (again, leaky cheese drips are horrible) and the whole creation fit into my two hands without requiring that it be cut in half before I picked it up. Where are such creations today???? Of course, part of the joy of these burgers was that we high schoolers got to leave campus for lunch and walk with our group the two blocks to Mr. Fry's. Alas, Mr. Fry's is no longer there--and can't be found in Nashville.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Women's Equality Day
Today is the day that the 19th Amendment was certified giving women the right to vote. It is the 90th anniversary of this history changing amendment. Young women looking back can scarcely believe that there was a time when women could not vote because of their gender.
Tennessee was the final and deciding state for ratifying woman suffrage. Historian Howard Zinn has written in his book, A People's History of the United States about "the countless small actions of unknown people that lie at the roots of the great moments of history."
On August 18, 1920, it all came down to one lone vote in the Tennessee House. The youngest member of the House ,Rep. Harry Burn who had voted against ratification in an earlier vote changed his mind. He had received that morning a telegram from his mother saying, "Hurrah and vote for suffrage." With his one vote, women were given the right to participate in governing the U. S.
Today I honor those women who stepped out and marched, wheedled, made speeches, and sent telegrams for this right.
I can only hope that women's equality in churches will someday be celebrated, and young women reading church history can scarcely believe that women were denied the use of the gifts God showered upon them by
mind-closed, self-absorbed men.
Tennessee was the final and deciding state for ratifying woman suffrage. Historian Howard Zinn has written in his book, A People's History of the United States about "the countless small actions of unknown people that lie at the roots of the great moments of history."
On August 18, 1920, it all came down to one lone vote in the Tennessee House. The youngest member of the House ,Rep. Harry Burn who had voted against ratification in an earlier vote changed his mind. He had received that morning a telegram from his mother saying, "Hurrah and vote for suffrage." With his one vote, women were given the right to participate in governing the U. S.
Today I honor those women who stepped out and marched, wheedled, made speeches, and sent telegrams for this right.
I can only hope that women's equality in churches will someday be celebrated, and young women reading church history can scarcely believe that women were denied the use of the gifts God showered upon them by
mind-closed, self-absorbed men.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Coolness reigns!!
It is 82 degees outside at 5:13 p. m. and it seems that fall is on the way! Thank you , God for relief from the heat wave that summer brought and for restoring the Tennessee I thought I had moved to.
Sheryl shared a photo of Maddie's first day in safety patrol. So proud of her--made me think of the days I enjoyed in various uniforms: The bright green uniform of the Hamlin High School Band, the pristine white coat of the CSO (Campus Service Organization at ACU (no longer an organization there), the brown and beige of a Kojie NuNu, and others I have probably forgotten. Being in such organizations brought a sense of belonging and unity to my life at the time, and I enjoyed every minute of the hard work involved. I hope such good times are in store for Maddie, Ella and Sam as they grow.
Thank you God for your instruction and emphasis on community life both out of and in the church. You know what we need every hour of the day.
Sheryl shared a photo of Maddie's first day in safety patrol. So proud of her--made me think of the days I enjoyed in various uniforms: The bright green uniform of the Hamlin High School Band, the pristine white coat of the CSO (Campus Service Organization at ACU (no longer an organization there), the brown and beige of a Kojie NuNu, and others I have probably forgotten. Being in such organizations brought a sense of belonging and unity to my life at the time, and I enjoyed every minute of the hard work involved. I hope such good times are in store for Maddie, Ella and Sam as they grow.
Thank you God for your instruction and emphasis on community life both out of and in the church. You know what we need every hour of the day.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Happy Anniversary
Today is the 12th anniversary of the marriage of Brandon and Sheryl. How time flies and yet still manages to bring us great moments of joy. I am so thankful that the marriage is still strong, that the children are healthy and smart, that there have been mostly ups rather than downs, that Sheryl is my daughter-in-law (who could ask for a more understanding, more beautiful and talented one?), that I have managed to be a mostly non-interfering mother-in-law, and that happiness abounds. Thank you God.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Taps and Reveille
I have been at the bedside of three people whom I watched give their last breath: my mother in 1976, my husband in 1991 and Dorothy Thompson (Doris Colvett's mom) in 2010. It is an awsome thing to be in the presence of one who is slipping from this life to another.
The observer cannot help but wonder just what happens in that instant--is there really a bright light, the sound of angel's wings, Peter welcoming at the gate? The Bible says virtually nothing about the time. Stephen fell asleep. Peter wrote about putting off his tabernacle, Paul said that the time of my departure is at hand. The only time the word dead is used is with qualification: the dead in Christ, the dead which die in the Lord.
So it is life's greatest mystery. We don't talk about it much and go to great lengths to avoid it. Yet the odds are great: 100 out of 100 die.
I like the account of Winston Churchill's funeral. There were stately hymns in St. Paul's Cathedral and an impressive liturgy. When the benediction was said, Churchill had arranged for a bugler high in the dome of St. Paul's to play "Taps", the universal signal that the day is over. But when that was finished, there was a long pause and a bugler on the other side played "Reveille", the signal of a new day beginning. And that is exactly what death is for a Christian--Taps and Reveille.
My favorite epitaph is that of Benjamin Franklin which I was privileged to see in Philadelphia:
The Body of
B. Franklin, Printer
Like the Cover of an old Book
It's Contents torn out
And Stript of its Lettering & Gilding
Lies here, Food for Worms
For, it will as he believed
appear once more
In a new and more elegant Edition
corrected and improved
By the Author.
The observer cannot help but wonder just what happens in that instant--is there really a bright light, the sound of angel's wings, Peter welcoming at the gate? The Bible says virtually nothing about the time. Stephen fell asleep. Peter wrote about putting off his tabernacle, Paul said that the time of my departure is at hand. The only time the word dead is used is with qualification: the dead in Christ, the dead which die in the Lord.
So it is life's greatest mystery. We don't talk about it much and go to great lengths to avoid it. Yet the odds are great: 100 out of 100 die.
I like the account of Winston Churchill's funeral. There were stately hymns in St. Paul's Cathedral and an impressive liturgy. When the benediction was said, Churchill had arranged for a bugler high in the dome of St. Paul's to play "Taps", the universal signal that the day is over. But when that was finished, there was a long pause and a bugler on the other side played "Reveille", the signal of a new day beginning. And that is exactly what death is for a Christian--Taps and Reveille.
My favorite epitaph is that of Benjamin Franklin which I was privileged to see in Philadelphia:
The Body of
B. Franklin, Printer
Like the Cover of an old Book
It's Contents torn out
And Stript of its Lettering & Gilding
Lies here, Food for Worms
For, it will as he believed
appear once more
In a new and more elegant Edition
corrected and improved
By the Author.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Taking the Bible Seriously
Yesterday Jerry Masterson, one of our elders, spoke on treating the Bible seriously. He stated that the Bible we have is, of course, not the original one, but that:
somebody wrote it
somebody copied it
somebody decided its content
somebody gathered it
somebody translated it.
It is historically connected to its time and not ours, it was not written to us, and it cannot be interpreted the same way in all its parts (poetry should be viewed differently than the law books, etc.). We are free to interpret it to our times, however, we should avoid absolutism, accept the unique authority of the Bible as the earliest and best witness of God .
Of course, the rub is in the interpretation. This sermon would have heretical years ago, but was a refreshing breath of air Sunday. Thanks, Jerry.
somebody wrote it
somebody copied it
somebody decided its content
somebody gathered it
somebody translated it.
It is historically connected to its time and not ours, it was not written to us, and it cannot be interpreted the same way in all its parts (poetry should be viewed differently than the law books, etc.). We are free to interpret it to our times, however, we should avoid absolutism, accept the unique authority of the Bible as the earliest and best witness of God .
Of course, the rub is in the interpretation. This sermon would have heretical years ago, but was a refreshing breath of air Sunday. Thanks, Jerry.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Reading the Bible
Here's a geat quote by Eugene Peterson about the Bible: "You can't reduce this book to what you can handle; you can't domesticate this book to what you are comfortable with. You can't make it your toy poodle, trained to respond to you commands."
If you haven't read Peterson's book Eat This Book about the Bible, I highly recommend it.
If you haven't read Peterson's book Eat This Book about the Bible, I highly recommend it.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Purple Musings about Reading the Bible
I love purple, hence the change. Wish I knew how to decorate further. I have seen blogs with flowers, vines, etc. But am still a novice.
Our teacher Sunday morning said that Christians must read the Bible today with new eyes--how would that play out in my fellowship which is often hidebound and closeminded? Did he mean there are actually new things there to see? Did he mean that God is actually adding new ideas to the Bible? Did he mean we should actually read the Bible with contemporary eyes as did Eugene Peterson? Did he mean the Spirit would help us in our myopia? Did he mean there are new contexts we should see? Or that the Bible changes meaning in different eras? Hmmmm....
Which do you prefer The Message, KJV or New International? Any of those preferences might change how one would answer the above questions. Oh, I know there are other versions--these are the ones I am more familiar with. The Cotton Patch Bible never caught on with me.
Our teacher Sunday morning said that Christians must read the Bible today with new eyes--how would that play out in my fellowship which is often hidebound and closeminded? Did he mean there are actually new things there to see? Did he mean that God is actually adding new ideas to the Bible? Did he mean we should actually read the Bible with contemporary eyes as did Eugene Peterson? Did he mean the Spirit would help us in our myopia? Did he mean there are new contexts we should see? Or that the Bible changes meaning in different eras? Hmmmm....
Which do you prefer The Message, KJV or New International? Any of those preferences might change how one would answer the above questions. Oh, I know there are other versions--these are the ones I am more familiar with. The Cotton Patch Bible never caught on with me.
Friday, July 30, 2010
2000th blog
Today marks the 2000th time I have sat down to share my thoughts with anyone who will read them. Back to the main purpose of Musings: So that my grandchildren will know more about me as they grow up and can assimilate what I have written.
That first blog on May 27, 2004 concerned a night of good sleep after several nights of not sleeping because of the pain in my leg. Well, not much has changed--still having trouble sleeping because of the pain in my legs. Wonder when I am going to do something about those knees? Although the pain I am now having is from a different cause--it still affords me the opportunity to be up at 11:30, 2:00, 4:00, 5:30, 6:30 and finally out of bed at 7:30. Who said growing old was fun!!!!
Not to have this blog totally negative, my life in Nashville is wonderful and I love it. EXCEPT for the heat wave we are suffering now--I might as well be in Texas--my toes are generally in the house these days.
I am trying to read Gone with the Wind again--it is the summer book for our club. I am on chapter 17; maybe if I read three chapters a day, I can finish it next year. Wow is it long! However, I have not gotten the feeling I often do with long books that it needed lots of editing. Mitchell tells her story well, keeps the reader moving and inserts pertinent history very well.. I am enjoying it. I am longing for a REALLY GOOD book to round out the summer. Haven't found one yet.
Nothing profound today.
That first blog on May 27, 2004 concerned a night of good sleep after several nights of not sleeping because of the pain in my leg. Well, not much has changed--still having trouble sleeping because of the pain in my legs. Wonder when I am going to do something about those knees? Although the pain I am now having is from a different cause--it still affords me the opportunity to be up at 11:30, 2:00, 4:00, 5:30, 6:30 and finally out of bed at 7:30. Who said growing old was fun!!!!
Not to have this blog totally negative, my life in Nashville is wonderful and I love it. EXCEPT for the heat wave we are suffering now--I might as well be in Texas--my toes are generally in the house these days.
I am trying to read Gone with the Wind again--it is the summer book for our club. I am on chapter 17; maybe if I read three chapters a day, I can finish it next year. Wow is it long! However, I have not gotten the feeling I often do with long books that it needed lots of editing. Mitchell tells her story well, keeps the reader moving and inserts pertinent history very well.. I am enjoying it. I am longing for a REALLY GOOD book to round out the summer. Haven't found one yet.
Nothing profound today.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Life's Lessons
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Still More Life Lessons
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative--dying young.
37. Your children only get one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative--dying young.
37. Your children only get one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Life Lessons
More food for thought:
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wer purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost evrything. Give time, time.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wer purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost evrything. Give time, time.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Life Lessons
More life lessons from Regina Brett:
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life with others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship is a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry, God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. if you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life with others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship is a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry, God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. if you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lessons in Life
Regina Brett, a columnist at the Beacon Journal in Akron Ohio wrote these during a time she was being treated for breast cancer. We will take them 10 at a time, so my faithful readers can muse on them:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
I agree with all except # 10. I can live without chocolate.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
I agree with all except # 10. I can live without chocolate.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
For Your Thoughts
Here are a few quotes for the week:
We catch grace like a man filling up his cup under a waterfall. Annie Dillard
A critic once asked Eudora Welty to explain the symbolism of a marble cake in one of her stories. She replied, 'It's a recipe that's been in my family for sometime."
That brought to my mind the one by Robert Frost when someone asked him about the "miles to go before I sleep" line in Stopping By Woods". He said, "It just means I want to get the hell home."
No Christian excapes a taste of the wilderness on the way to the promised land. Evelyn Underhill
My mother always used to say, "The older you get, the better you get. Unless you're a banana." Betty White
Television is the only electrical appliance that is most useful when it's turned off. Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)
When you pray, you walk to God; but when you sing, you run to God. An anonymous Dominican sister
There is nothing more frightening than an active ignorance. Goethe
Never mistake endurance for hospitality. Anon.
If at first you don't succeed, welcome to the group. Anon.
We catch grace like a man filling up his cup under a waterfall. Annie Dillard
A critic once asked Eudora Welty to explain the symbolism of a marble cake in one of her stories. She replied, 'It's a recipe that's been in my family for sometime."
That brought to my mind the one by Robert Frost when someone asked him about the "miles to go before I sleep" line in Stopping By Woods". He said, "It just means I want to get the hell home."
No Christian excapes a taste of the wilderness on the way to the promised land. Evelyn Underhill
My mother always used to say, "The older you get, the better you get. Unless you're a banana." Betty White
Television is the only electrical appliance that is most useful when it's turned off. Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)
When you pray, you walk to God; but when you sing, you run to God. An anonymous Dominican sister
There is nothing more frightening than an active ignorance. Goethe
Never mistake endurance for hospitality. Anon.
If at first you don't succeed, welcome to the group. Anon.
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