Monarch Migration

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

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

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

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

This Week

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

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

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

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

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

What a blessed day.  Thank you God!

Autumn

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

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

Thank you Lord for those promises.

Answers to Quiz

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

1.  Tom's girlfriend if Becky Thatcher.

2.  Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts.

3.  The two cities are Paris and London.

4.  The famous pig is Wilbur.

5.  Max Lucado is celebrating his 25th year.

6.  The help worked in Jackson MI.

7.  Max found his warm dinner waiting for him.

8.  Unbroken is set in WWII.

9.  Green is the very visible color.

10. Richard Foster celebrates disciplines.

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

That was fun!  Have any questions to ask me?

I love Quizes About Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.  In what southern city does The Help labor?

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Reading and books Again

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

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

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

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

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

And yours?

Inventive Ministry--Tea for Four

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

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

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

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

Read early

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

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

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

Tradition and Pagentry

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

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

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

Today I am wondering where the time went?

The Dome

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

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

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

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

School days

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Settled Yet?

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

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

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

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

Rick Perry Announces--Run Away Fassssst

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

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

The Help

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luxuriating

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

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

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

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

I'm Baaaack!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signing off for a while

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

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

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

What Next?

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

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

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

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

House Sold, Next Step

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

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

Abilene, Here We Come

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come buy me house so I can leave!