BUCK AND RIVET

I recently wrote a blog about the mother of a wonderful friend. Her name was Florida Thompson. Florida recently passed away at 91 years of age. While attending Florida's funeral I learned she worked for over 30 years at one of the air force bases either making air planes or repairing them. She was part of a two person team performing a job called a "riveting team". As the pastor giving her memorial spoke, he explained what the two person "riveting team" did on an air plane. Their is one person with a gun that installs a rivet through a hole in steel body/wing/or whatever of an aircraft. A bucking bar is used on the backside of a metal rivet to counter the force of the hammering with the gun on the other side. This enables the rivet to fit snugly into place. Modern day aircraft can have up to a million rivets. Though today, as they are built, they are inserted by machines, when replaced for repairs, they are hand done by man. During the war and until recent years, civil service workers held these jobs. Florida Thompson was one of these employees.

You see, it took two people to install every rivet. One to work the rivet gun and the other to be on the other side of the steel with a bucking bar. One person could not put a rivet into place alone. There had to be cooperation of both people at the same time. Each person needed the other in order that the rivets be attached properly. Though sometimes there were flaws due to human error (i.e. wrong angles when hold the rivet gun, or too much pressure when hold the gun, or holding the bucking bar to close or too long against the steel), each person needed to carefully follow each procedure so that the rivets would fit snugly and at the right angles.

This makes me think of how it is with us and our Lord. Though God himself is capable to do all things without our help, we are not able to do anything without His. When He calls us to do a job, to mend a fence, to forgive a person, to love someone who is unlovable, to feed the homeless, care for someone we don't even know, and so on and so on, there is no way we can do it alone. We may have the tools in finance, time, talents and desire, but without His involvement and help, it will never be right or perfect. It will always be flawed. It will never have His seal of approval because we have done it on our own and without Him. We would have the gun and rivet, but without Him holding the bucking bar, it will be flawed.

So you see, He is to be our partner in our riveting team. He is to be a part of everything we do. We can do nothing without Him.

Today, I am thankful I have a bucking bar holder. Thankful my teammate is always there, never to let me down. Always there holding the right angle, never too close or too far away. Always on time and always, always waiting for me. So thank you my BUCK AND RIVET partner. Thank you for your faithfulness.

MEDICINE FOR THE BODY AND SOUL

You know, at this time in our lives, most of us take some type of daily medication. Many of us take several a day. It could be for high blood pressure, cholesterol, acid reflux, hypertension, back pain, joint pain, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and the list could go on and on. Some times, when people take a variety of prescription drugs, there are occasions when a doctor must "play" with those meds to get just the right combination to take care of a person's needs.

My mom has high blood pressure. Her cardiologist in Lufkin (where she moved from) was going to change up her medicine but chose to wait and let her new cardiologist determine how he would treat her needs. She has been having problems regulating it. Then there are people like Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith who have used prescription drugs and have been prescribed certain drugs by a doctor/doctors who choose to give them drugs simply because they request them (allegedly). No matter what the reason...all over the world, prescription drugs are handed out every day to treat the needs of people in order to give us a better quality of life.

Now I know medicine is a gift from God. God has given man wisdom and knowledge and discernment in order to come up with these drugs. I also know God, THE great physician, has given man the brains to become doctors with minds of knowledge capable to help others. But I believe there is a medicine all of us have the capacity to hand out that we often forget to use. Laughter and joy. Laughter and joy lighten the load, lift the spirit, take away the stress, soothes the heart, gives us rest, comforts the pain, removes the anxiety and so forth. And one doesn't have to be a doctor or physicians assistant or nurse to dispense it. One only has to love others and be willing to pay it forward.

So today, I am thankful for smiles, lightheartedness, laughter and joy that comes from those around me. Those friends who share their fun stories, their awkward moments, things their children say, their "foot in mouth disease" moments, etc.

I am so glad my Lord has a wonderful sense of humor. Thankful He has given me many funny, "brainless" moments to share with others. So hey....share a moment with a friend today and make them smile. It's good medicine for the body and soul!

Happy Father's Day FATHER!

Jimmy, "Big Jim", Dad

Daddy

Pop

Many years ago, our family had the opportunity to celebrate my father-in-law's 75th birthday. As Jimmy and I contemplated what to get a man who had everything, we were stumped. What do you get a man that age who seems to have everything he needs and really wants nothing? A few days later, I came up with the idea that each of us (including Clark and Graham), write a poem or letter or something, that let's him know who he is or has been to us. I would type the writings out and have each of them famed. Each of us could give them to him for his birthday.

After everyone wrote what they wanted, I typed them on paper that matched what they had to say and had them famed in what would compliment their gift of words. Pop loved each gift. Each was from the heart, made with our own time and thought and presented with love. He hung each one in the entrance of his home. On Father's Day, I think about the poem I wrote and the man who meant much to me.

Jimmy's dad is no longer living and my dad no longer lives either. I did something similar for my dad on one of his birthdays. I had a picture, in the background, of the two of us as he walked me down the aisle at my wedding. In front of the picture, were financial records of all he spent raising me through the years. The last line was the total cost of a dad walking his daughter down the aisle and giving her away...total personal cost...PRICELESS!

Yes, dads are very, very special. Jimmy is dad, father, pop, Big Jim, "Jimmy" to our children and grandchildren. He is the "one" whom I am forever grateful, God gave me to be father to our children. He was always active in their lives when they were young. Because we both worked, he participated in all the daily duties necessary in their lives. He taught them to be men. Men of honor, integrity, and men of good character.

I am thankful today to my heavenly Father for the fathers He put in my life. My two fathers, Daddy and Pop, and Jimmy, the wonderful father of our children. But most of all, I am thankful for my Heavenly Father. It is His standards we should follow to live by. He is the one who is always there, by our side, in the good and bad times. He is the Father who comforts our pain, sooths our sorrows, shares in our joys and gives all good things.

So thank you Father. Thank you for being a loving, tender and faithful Father. And thank you for providing me with such wonderful earthly fathers here on earth.

Happy Father's Day!

HONORING PARENTS

Florida Thompson

Today is beautiful. The sun is shining, the temperature is warm and school is out. A perfect day for a.....funeral. Yes, a funeral for the mother of a dear friend of mine. Her name is Florida Thompson. She was 91 years old. A tall beautiful lady. An only child, who had and only child (my friend Shirley) with only one grandchild and great grandchild.

Florida had been very sick over the past several months. In fact Shirley, her daughter and my friend, spent the last 6 weeks by her bedside, sleeping nights in a lounge chair in order to be there to care for her. Though Shirley is a retired nurse, we all know those times when we are at our own loved one's side are never easy...even if we are skilled. The emotional strain of watching someone you love, sick, is just plain hard.

Shirley never complained about being tired. She never complained about not enough sleep or the things Florida might be in constant need of. Shirley saw this time through the eyes of our Lord. Though she had not planned to retire as early as she did, she now realizes that God foreordained this opportunity so that she, an only child, could spend these past 6 weeks, unconditionally loving and caring for her dying mother. Why do we marvel so at God's work in our life? What a sweet time he provided for Shirley as she obediently honored her mother in Florida's last days.

Since I just moved my own mother her, it makes me even more aware what a privilege I am given to honor my own mother. The time I will be allowed to spend with her (since she has never lived near me in my 39 years of marriage). God calls each of us to honor our parents. Yet in today's world, we are so busy, so need "me time", think only about what "we" want, that we have forgotten not the "call" to honor our parents, but the "privilege" to honor them with what time any of us have left here on earth.

Father's Day is coming up this weekend. Jimmy nor I have our dads still with us. But what a day to celebrate the FANTASTIC earthly fathers we were privileged to have. I didn't have the opportunity to care for my dad when he was sick before he died, as Shirley did for her mother, but I will celebrate his life as I celebrate Florida Thompson's life today.

So today, I am thankful for parents. Thankful for the joy of loving, caring for and the privilege God has given me to honor my parents. What a BEAUTIFUL day to celebrate! Florida...say hi to daddy, will you?

BUCKET LIST

WOW! It has been over a month since I've written a thing! My, how time flies! It is truly amazing how one never notices the days tick away. Life just keeps on moving and one day, we open our eyes and a year or two have passed by. I will turn 60 in December and I can't believe it! Where have the years gone?

My mom moved to San Antonio this past week - into an Independent Living facility. She's 84 and will be 85 in December. Yet I still see her as I've always seen her - no certain age....just my mom. I seem to see myself in the same light. Perhaps when I get up in the morning, when I step out of bed and feel those extra aches and pains, have a hard time opening bottles because my hands hurt, stretch and get a crick in my shoulder or leg or have to be up for a while before my body feels "alive" do I feel "the same" as I always did.

I was thinking as I lay in bed this morning...60 years old...I never thought about my age before, but now, 60 means I have maybe 25 to 30 years max to live. I've lived two thirds of my life and it has just "gone by" It made me begin to think of how I would spend the last third of my life.

What have I done with the first two thirds to make a difference? Who's life have I touched that will count in eternity? Who has benefited from a kind word or a helping hand, a gentle smile, an open door, a listening ear or a needed hug? Is that all I have done? Have I really made a difference at all? I do believe we are all put on earth to make some kind of difference. I believe God allows people to cross our lives in order that we may be blessed by how we allow Him to bless others through us. But have I missed opportunities? Have I not been looking? Have I not asked Him to give me eyes to see, ears to hear and the wisdom to know who He is sending?

I realized that Jesus was only on this earth 30+ years...approximately one third of our life expectancy. Look what He accomplished. Look at how many lives He touched, how many people He helped, fed, healed, hugged, listened to, felt compassion for, etc. He made a difference in every life He came in contact with and more! He is our standard today. I should strive to make a difference, holding Him as my standard of living in order to make a difference in the lives of anyone I come in contact with.

So today, I am thankful for having another day, or year or even 30 if that's my Lord's desire. Thankful that my "bucket list" is headed by my desire to make a difference in the lives of others, using my Lord Jesus as my standard. Making a difference by loving unconditionally, giving of myself without complaint, serving others without complaint, being a peacemaker, speaking truth in love, showing kindness to the poor and needy, reserving anger for the sin, not the sinner, having patience and self control. Yes, thankful for another day to work on my "bucket list!"

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law." (Gal. 5:22-23)

SONS

May is such an unusual month. It always seems to be such a busy, busy month for everyone. No matter what, perhaps because the weather begins to be so nice, people are out and about, busying around, involved in outdoor activities, children's outdoor sports are in full gear, people are shopping in outdoor malls, joining classes for the summer, making summer vacation plans, preparing for end of the year activities at their kids schools and so on and so on. The list is endless and our schedules seem to get tighter and tighter as the month gets later and later.

However, one day in the month of May always seems to be protected. It's a special day were moms can take the day off. They usually don't need to cook, don't need to do dishes, don't need to do housework, and are encouraged to sit back, relax and are sometimes even served breakfast in bed. That special day is Mother's Day. Being a mom, it is the one day out of the year that makes me contemplate the two things that bring some of the greatest joy in my life...my children, Clark and Graham. My sons.

You know, you hear a lot about moms and their relationships with their children. Mother's with daughters often talk about sharing tea parties, dolls, painting finger nails and toe nails, bows and ribbons, and later, clothes, shoes, hair products, makeup, etc. You hear how girls argue with their moms, or use their mom as their sounding board when things are tough. A daughter's relationship can turn from sweet and tender to volatile in a matter of seconds. Yet no matter what, as they get older, like when a daughter is pregnant with her own child, it is her mom that she wants by her side in those tender moments. Her mom she wants by her side because mom can understand what she is going through. Her mom by her side when the children are driving her nuts and she needs advice. Her mom who comforts her when her day gets nuttier and she needs a break.

But sons...that is different. Mothers with sons have a very different bond. It is special, different, strong, silent, dependable, trusting, something that is unexplainable. A mother of sons loves deep and silent. She must be strong with out gushy, love deep without verbalizing too much, able to extend tough love when necessary without the tears inside overflowing outside, share the deep love she has with her sons with other women without jealousy or pain, support her sons when they are hurt or troubled without showing her own emotion and still letting them know she has their back. Yes, a mom of sons must appear to cut the apron strings with ease, letting them fly alone and to another while looking on with pride and yet mourning her loss inside. This mother-son bond is deep and strong.

One beautiful picture of this is that of our Lord Jesus. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, our Lord looked down and saw his mother, Mary, standing at the foot of the cross next to the apostle whom he loved, John. Jesus said to his Mother Mary, "Dear Woman, here is your son (John)," and to the disciple, "here is your mother (Mary)." Jesus cared so much for his mother. Even in his final moments he wanted to be sure his mother was cared for. Though it is believed Jesus had other brothers and sisters, it was believed they were not believers. Therefore, He wanted to leave His mother in the hands of someone whom He loved and who believed Him to be the Savior - John. He knew John would care well for His mother. Can't you see the special love our Lord had for his mother, Mary? This Son/Mother relationship? It is still like that today. Mothers and sons have a very special relationship that is hard to describe.

So today, a couple of days before Mother's day, I am thankful for sons. Thankful for the two special sons my Lord has given me. Thankful for Clark, who not only loves me, but loves his dad and his brother as well. He loves his younger brother so much that he often forgets he's not his father, but his brother. Clark, who watches over his brother, even from a distance, taking careful note to be sure he is okay. And I am thankful for Graham, my baby. Graham, who loves each of us, even if he is what seems to be a zillion miles away. Graham who too, loves his big brother and seeks his advice and wisdom when things get tough. I am thankful for two sons who love each other, for I can be assured that when the time comes, and I will no longer be here for them, I will KNOW they will have each other.

Thank you Lord for sons...in particular, my two sons. I am so thankful for Clark and Graham. Thank you boys for allowing me to be Mom!

HAPPILY EVER AFTER STORY

In the news the last couple of weeks, has been news surrounding a volcano in Iceland. According to reports, there has been volcanic ashes in the air floating toward and over a lot of Europe. Much air traffic was cancelled due to these ashes, as they could cause damage to an airplane's engine and that, of course, was very unsafe for planes in the air.

Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), the Bible study group I have been a member of for many years and am a current leader, was having a training group of people from all over the US and the world. Because of the cancelled flights, many were stranded by cancelled flights back to the UK, Kenya, etc. I had the privilege to take two such ladies (Helen Elston and Pam Faulkner) from Bristol England to lunch and then back to BSF headquarters after their visit to our our class last week while they awaited news of their flight home. Huston, Emery and I entertained them with a salad lunch and enjoyed hearing all about their class in Bristol.

The conversation at lunch varied from class comparisons, families, how we each came to BSF and so forth. After sharing about ourselves, Pam asked me how I came to know the Lord. I am always amazed at my answer. I feel like a light bulb lights up inside when I tell my story. Though I explain it was really a long process over a couple of years to begin with...the learning to walk with my Lord took many, many more. However, as I tell it, I feel like I begin to glow. It excites me to tell how my Lord brought me along step by step.

You know, people always say that you should know the exact moment when you are saved. But I think it is not always like that. I think it can be a process. Think about it. One first has to know what he/she is "saved" from. People used that word "saved" without thinking about the true meaning. Most people who aren't believers, don't think they need saving. However, what they don't realize is that we all need to be saved.

God tells us that there is a heaven and there is a hell. For those who do not know they are a sinner, the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God. For those who do not know God loved us so much - in order that we may have eternal life with Him, and was willing to send His Son to pay the penalty/wages for our sins past, present and future, THEY will spend eternity in hell - eternal - in a conscious state - wanting to die but cannot. Think about it...THAT is what we are saved FROM when we believe Jesus Christ is our Redeemer - HE paid the cost for our eternity in heaven. THAT is why I LOVE to tell about how good God is to save me.

So today, I am thankful for opportunities to tell others "my story." My story of being saved FROM eternal damnation in hell TO a glorious, majestic, wonderful, eternal life in heaven in the presence of my Father God. I don't want another living soul to spend eternity in hell. Perhaps telling my story could spark another to know their Redeemer too. So, thank you Helen and Pam for giving me the opportunity to tell my story.

Thank you Huston and Emery for being so patient and excellent at lunch so Lovey could share her story! My "Happily Ever After" story!

COMMUNICATION

This weekend, Jimmy and I are keeping our two grandchildren while our children are out of town on a, what they told the kids, a honeymoon trip. Huston, our four year old grandson, asked his mom why he couldn't go on the honey trip with them. Isn't it cute how children repeat the things we tell them in ways that sound so different than its original explanation?

Huston is four and Emery is two, and the communication with the two of them can sometimes be challenging. Huston is fairly easy. But sometimes, when he gets to talking fast, the words are very difficult to understand. Emery, is still in that two year old stage when one has to listen VERY carefully to really understand what she is trying to communicate. Often, we look to Huston, whom we call our interpreter, to let us know what she is trying to say. Usually, we are out of luck.

Tonight, when putting the kids to bed, Huston was asleep before Emery. I heard Em's little cry and went in to see what she needed. At first, from her pointing and grunting, of sorts, I knew she wanted her "Baby Mozart" music on. No problem...I was pretty sure of that need. Then again, I heard her. This time, trying to interpret her need was much different. She was pointing toward a blank wall next to her pack and play, whining a little more and saying something impossible for me to understand. I asked a massive amount of questions...do you want your Dora and Boots dolls?, do you want your milk?, do you want the little doggies in the bag?...nothing I asked was what she wanted. I even let her out of the bed and asked her to show me what she wanted. She simply stood outside the pack and play and pointed to the wall. I was very confused. FINALLY, I noticed a plug on the wall. OHHHHHH! Do you want a night light? YES, she nodded! I had begun to feel like Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher!

Communication is so important, and yet can produce one of the most frustrating and even helpless feelings one can have. Think about it...here in the US, we expect people to speak English. When you come to the US...speak English. Very few of us are fluent in any other language. In other countries, if for no other reason than geography, people are fluent in several languages. Communication with others is often not as difficult as it is for US citizens.

Communication in a language is not even as frustrating as it is with young children, or people with handicaps, those that are deaf or hard of hearing, or those who are unable to speak. Communication is most frustrating when it comes between people who misunderstand each other due to personalities conflicts or communication that is hindered by physical restraints or communication with inappropriate input by an outsider.

Communication can hinder or hurt relationships, depending on how it is given or received. Communication is vital in our lives. So why do we not put as much importance and care in the way we communicate with those we love and care for that we do about business, business relationships, networking, etc.?

Our standard of communication should be that of the Lord Jesus and how He communicated with those he came in contact with. Not just with His disciples and His family. But how He communicated with those who followed Him and even those who persecuted and tried to kill Him. Last week in our lesson on John, Jesus responded to questions from Pilate with truth, reason, and even meekness. He is God. He could have said one world and Pilate would have fallen back as the soldiers did in the garden. But he didn't. He communicated exactly what God, His Father sent Him to communicate and in an way that was to be our standard of behavior in communicating with others.

I have to ask myself. When others mistreat me, do I respond in a way that communicates truth, reason, meekness? Considering meekness, to be a strength and not a weakness (anyone can be a bully and loose control or bully, but it takes the strength of self control to be meek), how am I perceived? These are questions I must answer honestly. My Lord will be asking these of me when I meet Him.

So today, I am thankful for the standard by which my Lord lays out in His Word, directing me and guiding me to communicate with others in my daily life. These two little munchkins are an awesome reminder, as I patiently struggle to communicate or understand what they try to communicate, to do so with truth, reason, kindness and meekness, the standard by which my Lord set before me.

So thanks Ems. I'm glad I finally found that night light for your tonight! No go to sleep!

BIRTHDAYS

Today is April 14th. A normal day by most standards. But today is a special day for some people. One of those people who consider this day special is a little boy (or should I say a big little boy) grown up. Yes...grown to be a real adult...in fact, heading to the seniors! He's always been considered a baby by some. Mostly because he is the baby of the family. He was a funny little boy. Bigger than his siblings when they were his age, cute as a button, funny as the dickens and very, very mischievous! Remembering back on events of their childhood brings much laughter and rolled eyes when commenting about some of the antics of this little boy.

There was one event when he and a brother were playing a game called "split." "Split" is where two opponents face each other with feet together. One holds a knife and throws the knife to the outside of one of the opponent's foot and the opponent must move that foot out to reach the distance of knife from where his foot previously lay. This action is repeated by the receiving opponent to the other. The action plays out until one of the opponents have stretched his feet and legs so wide, they are open to a split and he can't stand up. The one who falls first, looses. Well, you can imagine two young boys with a knife!!! Can you say EMERGENCY ROOM too often????? Yes, this little boy and his older brother were an accident ready to happen. I'm not sure which had the emergency room appointment, but you can be sure, but no one was surprised the little boy was involved.

Then there was the time when he and his siblings were lined up by their mom to receive a liquid dose of medicine for fighting outside and embarrassing her in front of the neighbors. The older four took theirs like champs (at least that is how they remember it). But the baby brother bolts out the door, down the street. Well, the siblings weren't going to let the little guy get away with that....so they chased after him, drug him home, forced him to the floor only to have his mom unsuccessfully try to force feed his dose of medicine down his throat. He was in hot water that night - by Mom, Dad and his siblings.

Yes, this little guy was a master of energy and talent. Adorable, mischievous, tough and a force to deal with. Sometimes too cute for his own good.

He's a big boy now. All grown up. In fact, today, that big little boy is approaching the senior adult stage. He's still bigger than his siblings, can arm wrestle any one of them and win. Still has that big smile and belly laugh. That twinkle in his eye is a dead give away of the mischief still in him. Yes, this little guy is my baby brother and today, is his birthday.

What a special day birthdays are. They are days we remember special people in our lives and the things about them we love. Days to remember people here and people who are no longer here. Days to remember the sweet memories of times past. Days that are a time to celebrate, a time to remember, a time to be thankful. Thankful for the memories, the laughter, the tears of joy, the tears of sadness even though what brought sadness may have grown the person in a special way. Thankful for joyful moments when we see them again after a long period, thankful for the privilege to watch them grow and leave, making lives of their own. Thankful for the memories of how much we loved them when they were still with us and now they are no longer here on earth.

So today, I am thankful for birthdays. One in particular...our Lords. I am thankful because I not only remember the reason he was born (sent by the Father to free me from sin so I may have everlasting life with Him), but a time to remember that He still dwells within me through His Holy Spirit, living inside me, counselling, guiding, comforting and loving me each day.

Yes, I am thankful for birthdays. And what a great day each day is. Because an old man once said..."Every day is some body's birthday!" What a great day today is! Happy Birthday Roggie!!!!!! Let's celebrate!

TENDER, LOVING CARE

Johnny Mercer's grave - Bonaventure Cemetery

One of my dear friends, Juju, is on a girl trip to Savannah. I love it when Juju goes on trips - (especially with me) but even when she goes with others. I have her e-mail, or in this case, Facebook me to tell me all she is doing and seeing along the way. She sends pictures along with descriptions of the various sights and foods she experiences. Juju takes great pictures. We scrapbook our trips together and she has begun, I believe to do a little digital stuff of her own.

Since she is in Savannah, she has posted, on my behalf (and others - I just like to think it is on my behalf because I BEG her to do so) pictures of some great looking historical sights in Savannah. Savannah is one of the old southern places with huge trees covered with hanging moss. It never stops amazing me how beautiful the south is. The lush foliage really appeals to me..

Today's picture posted was of Johnny Mercer's graveside in Bonaventure cemetery. As you can see from the picture above, it is stunning. The plants, trees and lush foliage is fantastic! I mentioned to Juju that it reminded me of the beautiful cemeteries in Europe where each grave sight was sectioned off, usually by a small cement border. Inside the border, families brought flowering plants and ferns, etc. to fill in over the grave. They were beautiful places for their loved ones, cared for, manicured, tended to and nurtured for one they lost. Each plot was different in its own unique way. Each with a different and unique headstone. I loved taking pictures of the cemeteries in Europe. They were tranquil, peaceful, beautiful, tender and one could tell, tenderly cared for.

It makes me think of the way our Lord cares for us. We are each individual to Him. Not just bunched in with others, but sectioned off, made seperate and special. He is so tender and nurturing. He tenderly prunes and fertilizes by guiding, comforting, teaching and providing. He receives great joy as we bloom and produce fruit. He must smile when we please Him as we grow the way He planned.

So today, I am thankful for the loving, tender care of my Lord. The times he must prune to make me grow more beautiful in His sight. The times He fertilizes to grow me, weed out the bad, help me grow anew and nourish me with His Word. Thank you Father for your tender, loving care.

And Juju, thanks for the beautiful, visual reminder. You are a sweet aroma to the Lord!

DO OVERS

On in One!
Ballet or Golf? Not sure about that stance and followthrough :(

Whip it! Whip it Good!

Jimmy, Clark, our friend Randy and I played San Antonio's new Marriott TPC golf course yesterday afternoon. It is a beautiful course. We played the canyon course, not the players course. The resort is getting ready for the upcoming Valero Players Championship and the players course will be closing soon. Many of the grandstands are going up and the course is in pristine condition. The canyons course is also in excellent condition. It is a long course (at least for this lady), and has much sand. However, it has nice wide fairways with a LOT less trees than our Oak Hills club.

When we started the day, or I should say afternoon (1:20), it was very damp and drizzly. I usually don't play in these conditions, but was wanting badly to play this new course. The drizzle cleared up but was still overcast the rest of the day. By the end of the day, it began to drizzle again. The course was very damp and I guess I can blame my score on wet fairways and greens.

I road on a cart with Clark and he kept my score. I decided that because I had been playing so badly at our home course lately, I wouldn't look at my score until after the round was over. Clark kept the score and I would ask him after the round. I started out with an 8 on the first two holes. No, that's not good. The lower one's score is, the better. I knew it would be a VERY long day if I kept up this kind of play. I progressed as the day went on, but wasn't about to look at my score. Now remember, 72 is scratch golf. That means if one scores a 72 for the entire round (1 holes), he/she has played the course in regulation/par/even.

Leaving the course after we were finished, I asked Clark to e-mail me my scores when he got home. I knew I did better on the back 9, but I had no idea what my score was. When I got Clark's e-mail, I was shocked. I made a 55 on the front 9 and a 44 on the back 9. A 44? Are you kidding me? I've never shot a 44 on our course! And it's 11 strokes less than the front 9!!! I'm in heaven! I just wanted to go back to the course and do over the front 9 to see if I could make a better score and bring down my 99 total score! But still...I am totally pumped!

You know, it really makes me think about do overs. I've been really frustrated with my game lately. Jimmy and I often play on a Sunday afternoon and decide not to keep score, but to simply play each shot and do over those that suck. Practice to see if we can make it or do it right like we should have the first time. That's what I call a do over. Sometimes I feel like that about things in life. I wish I could turn back the clock and do over something I wish I had done or said or responded to differently. Do you ever have those do over moments too? Those do over moments you regret the way you behaved or perhaps something you didn't do but wish you had? Yes, missed opportunities that we either handled wrong or missed all together.

You know, with God, we get do overs. We get second chances. We get to say we are sorry and are forgiven and it's never to be brought up again. With God, if we miss a chance, that chance is missed, but He can bring another. He is a God of second chances. We can mess up, but when we belong to Him, He is a God of many chances. He lets us do over when we mess up and repent.

I have to ask myself, what is that I need to do over today? Have I missed calling a friend for too long? Perhaps they are in need and today is just the right day. Is there someone I need to forgive that I have been holding back on? God expects us to do that immediately anyway. What is it God would have me do over that I keep messing up?

Today, I am thankful for do overs. The opportunities to do over things I have messed up on, prayers I have forgotten to pray for people, hugs I have neglected to give, "I love Yous" I have forgotten to say enough, acts of kindness I have completely missed opportunities to do, words of kindness I have failed to share. There are so many do overs. I'm thankful for second chances to do over things I can.

I think I will do over my closet today (Huston says it needs "fixing")

REMEMBERING

Mrs. Neva Bailey Ritter Cunningham

1932 - 2010

This week, I found out some sad news. The mother of an old friend passed away. I knew she had been sick. She had been in and out of the hospital three or four times in one month. Not so good. My friend came from Hawaii to be with her this last hospital visit. Few knew about her latest development because she didn't want to worry anyone. The last message I got from my friend was that her mom was doing better, getting out of ICU and hopefully going home soon.

Two days ago, I received an e-mail that her mom passed away. I began thinking about Mrs. Cunningham and trying to remember the things I knew about her. Donna and I had been friends all through high school. She was one of my Three Musketeer friends I have spoken about before. Mrs. Cunningham was Donna's mother, but had been divorced and remarried for many years. Donna lived with her dad and step mom, and I therefore was really more familiar with her step mom than I was Mrs. Cunningham. However, I did visit her mom many times with Donna and remember her always to be very sweet and kind to all Donna's friends. In seeing her picture in her obituary, it looks like Donna staring back at me in a few years. I didn't realize Mrs. Cunningham was so young. Though Donna, the oldest in her family and I the middle child in mine, Mrs. Cunningham is much younger than my mother. I was surprised. After reading her obituary, I didn't know she had been in real estate or had worked for the Moodye Williamson Agency - one my uncle Franklin Williamson worked with his brother Moodye in. There was so much I did not know about her. To me...she was Donna's mom. I guess to me, that was the most important roll or job she ever had.

As I think about Mrs. Cunningham, it reminds me that there are so many people we know, or run into or are even family members with that we know so little about when we get right down to it. In fact, when one of Jimmy's two cousins died, we were astounded at the honors and accolades he achieved in his lifespan in the music and arts world. It is that way with most all people. People in our own families...we often have no knowledge of what they achieved or how many lives they have touched. Is it because we don't take the time to stop and talk, or listen when we have such precious little time with them? Those times with Mrs. Cunningham, why did I not know she worked for a company my own uncle worked at? I was a teen, I was old enough to put two and two together.

Then, I think about my Lord. Though I know so little about so many I come in contact with or even am a relative to, He knows EVERYTHING! He knows where we have been, what we have done, how we feel, what we will do, how we will respond, how things will affect us, how He will comfort us, how He will guide us, how He will carry us through each difficulty and how He will be with us always. He knows EVERYTHING about us from before we were ever formed in our mother's womb. He knew Mrs. Cunningham and he knows me.

So today, I am thankful for the privilege of knowing sweet wonderful people God has placed in my life. The parents of my friends who loved me and were kind to me through those difficult years of school. Thankful for my sweet friends, not only those who stood beside me and did dance contest in gym class each day (aka Donna) but those today who keep me informed when others need our prayers in love (thank you John G). Thankful for those Bible study friends who remain constant and prayerful with and fore me through the years. Thankful for my siblings and cousins, my parents and children and mostly, my husband who supports me and knows me even better than I know myself sometimes. Yes, all those people God has placed in my life.

Today, I remember one of those precious people I am thankful for...I pray she will be waiting in heaven at the place God has prepared for me, and I will see her again one day. So it's not goodbye Mrs. Cunningham...I will see you again...save a place for me!

SPRING & PURGING

Mom on Easter Sunday 2009

Well, it's getting about that time of year again. Spring is in the air. Trees and plants are blooming. Pollen is floating in the air so bad that there is yellow dust all over cars and sidewalks and front porches. People are sneezing and coughing. Yet, everyone is so excited to be outdoors exercising, working in their yards, biking, strolling children, playing golf and tennis or just standing visiting with their neighbors in their front yard. Yes, there is a newness in the air that comes with each Spring season. A freshness that makes people feel excited, energized and want to do something different. It is as if people have been hibernating for a long time and are ready to break out into a new world!

Spring is also a time for many people to relocate. When I was working for a real estate company (in my early 20's), Spring was a busy season for real estate sales people. People would begin to "look" for that new place they wanted to buy - that change they wanted to make. Many times, it was the time their employer would relocate them - especially if they had families. Kids would soon be out of school - a perfect time to relocate before the new school year.

Yet with a move, comes much. Much planning, much organization, much purging of personal items, much labor, much anxiety of leaving behind family, friends, churches, neighborhoods, sports teams, weekly activities, etc. It's the anxiety of purging and leaving behind that sometimes outweighs the original excitement we get with the coming of Spring and the first rush we remember of the new we are about to experience.

My mom is thinking of leaving her home and moving to an independent living facility in Lufkin or here in San Antonio. We (meaning me and my siblings) are extremely excited for her. I believe she too, is excited. It will mean no more worrying about paying someone to care for her lawn and worrying why they haven't come to take care of it after much rain and it looking so bad to the neighbors. It means no more having to worry if the housekeeper will be there that day, no more having to find a "fix it" person to do minor repairs and pay half her monthly stipend to get it done. It means no more worrying if the vents in each room are closed or open to help save on air or heat in order to keep her electric bill from overtaking her income. No more of many, many worries the normal homeowner shares each and every day that weigh on our minds. She will now be able to socialize with friends, join in game days, outings, eat at white table cloth dining two times a day, and much more. Her time will be her own without the many worries of home upkeep.

Yet in the beginning, along with this new found freedom, there will be a price. Before it all begins, there is a cost. The cost is the purging. How hard it is for many of us to purge those things we all hold so dear. There are pictures, trinkets, gifts from our children, furniture, even things like marriage certificates, vaccination records, I even have my two dog's ashes (I know...but I had to put each to sleep after 15 years and I just couldn't put them in the ground!). And for many, the purging is great. My mom will have to purge much. She will even have to downsize her furniture, meaning she will have to leave it behind and buy new. Yes, it is fun for us to buy new furniture, buy new things for a new place to live. But many of us bring so much with us when we do, we are able to mix the trinkets and the pictures, the gifts, family heirlooms and etc. that when we get it all together, it looks like we have had it forever. With others who are having to purge so much, the difficulty is purging much and picking so little you are able to take and still making it feel like home. Moving from a three bedroom home to a one bedroom apartment will be a challenge. Purging will be tough.

It makes me think of Christ. He left His home in heaven to come as a child to earth. I think...life on earth was NOTHING like life in heaven. Talk about PURGING! He left a majestic, kingdom and came into a rotten, sinful world to live among men, only to take upon his white as snow, pure body, the repulsive sins of man and be placed in a dark tomb. However, He did return to His kingdom. He did return to that majestic place. It is beautiful and it is not purged of anything!

For believers, Christ has promised that He has prepared a place, a home, for us in His kingdom. A place where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sickness, no anger....pure majesty. It is a HOME where nothing is purged. We will have EVERYTHING we need, everything will be as it should and we will be overjoyed. It will always be as if it is Spring with even more excitement! However, we won't want to do or move or make a change as we do here on earth. We will already be changed into a new body, a new life, a new creation!

So today, I am thankful for Spring, purging of the old and putting on the new! You see, that is what our Lord did when He died for us and rose again in three days. That is what we celebrate at Easter. For believers, he paid for our sins and they are removed at the cross. He rose from the dead having victory over death, giving us a new life, in Him.

So celebrate Spring! Celebrate purging the old! Celebrate Easter all year round!

DADDY

Today is Good Friday. I was curious and wanted to know why today would be considered "good", since it was celebrated as the day our Lord Jesus was crucified. After looking it up on line... and we know EVERYTHING we find on line is ABSOLUTELY TRUE (yeaaaaaaah...), I have come to a somewhat conclusion that God's people always celebrated Friday as a holy/feast day. Since Friday marked the anniversary of Christ's death, it came to be called the Great or the Holy or the "Good Friday." It is also true, as Christians know, that unless our Lord Jesus died, God's purpose could not be fulfilled...meaning our redemption and salvation = eternal life. I would say that is Good!

Yes, this is a very good day. But to me...this Saturday is a day of mourning. The Saturday before Easter - the day Christians celebrate as Christ's resurrection day, is the day I mourn for the death of my dad. Though my dad actually died on March 26th (a Saturday), it was the Saturday before Easter. Therefore, I will always remember the Saturday before Easter as a day of mourning for me.

I loved my dad. He was a character. He had this huge smile, sparkling eyes, loved to tease, loved big band music, had false teeth he would take out at night (we used to tease him about it), he loved jump suites - you know...the kind old men think are soooo comfortable!!! (Elvis must have thought so too!), he wore one of those terrible pocket protectors that men wore in the 1950's (until the 1990's I think - YUK!), loved to bowl, and could be the life of a party. My dad would never offer advice unless you would ask him for it. But if you did ask him for advice and you didn't take it, and things didn't work out...you best not come back complaining...he would just ignore you and say you should have taken his advise. He never spoke ugly of others, LOVED Thanksgiving, was fair minded and would listen to your side of an opinion or request even if he didn't agree - before making a decision. He was content with his work, his home and what he had. He never wanted in excess, but had a contented heart. My dad was a man of his word. He was not perfect, had many flaws, but was loved by his family and loved his family even more.

On these Saturdays before Easter, I remember all these things about my dad. Emotions flow no matter how many years he has been gone. I don't go to the grave site...he's not there. I do know he's in my heart. But these Saturdays are a day of grief for me. An emotional time. Though I must say, even though they are emotional, they become sweeter as the years pass. Sweeter in the memories of things like when I was young and I was standing on his feet at my Uncle Raymond's house, dancing with him to some big band music playing on a record (that's how long ago it was - there were records!). Sweet in memories like the look of pride on his face as my mom came home one day and walked into our bedroom and discovered a new Singer sewing machine he bought her (she still has it). Sweet in memories like the day he walked me down the aisle to give me away to marry Jimmy. Sweet, sweet memories.

All this makes me think about the feelings and memories Mary, the mother of Jesus, the other Mary, and Jesus' friends must have been feeling the day after our Lord was crucified. They had just witnessed a horrific death of their most beloved. And Jesus had willingly given himself up to suffer this death - and for what --not only them, but the very ones who were crucifying him. What kind of feelings must they have been feeling that day and the day after? That next day, how devastated his loved ones must have felt and how they too must have been remembering all the wonderful things he said and did. They must have thought about the sparkle in his eyes, the compassion he had for the hungry (5000), the love he had for children (whom he called to himself), the tender heart for the young couple who ran out of wine at their wedding feast, the deep love for his friends like his buddy Lazarus and the sick who needed healing like the blind man and the leper. What an example of perfect obedience to His heavenly Father they had for such a short time.

We all mourn at some time at the loss of a loved one. Perhaps to death, or even a friendship or a pet, a job we love or a hometown or neighborhood we lived and raised our children in. Perhaps a church family we grew up in or raised our family in, worshiped all our lives in. We mourn having to leave an organization we been a part of for so many years that we've bonded with special friends. We all mourn losses at different times.

But though I mourn my dad, I CAN be thankful today. I am thankful for memories. Though we all have some memories that are not always pleasant, we have many that bring us great joy (even in our tears). Memories of our families, memories of our friends, memories of experiences that have surprised us, memories that confirm our Lords great care for us in certain circumstances, memories of our Lord's care for those we love, and memories of the promises our Lord makes to us. Though some circumstances we remember were tough, as we are thankful for God's provision, those memories too, become sweeter as time passes and even those memories can give us great joy, if for no other reason than it was by God's grace we made it through.

So today, I 'm thinking sweet, sweet memories of Daddy.

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION

Two weeks ago when we took Huston to Disney World, we took him on the MUST ride for all children in the Magic Kingdom. "It's A Small World" has been THE ride for over 50 years. In fact, I think Jimmy rode it on opening weekend, in 1955, when he visited Disney Land with his parents and grand parents. We rode it with our boys when they were teens. And, I think every person who ever goes to Disney Land or Disney World rides this ride because it is one of those stations in life one has to experience. It somehow helps us understand we are all connected to each other in some way. People all around the world are basically the same in some way or another. In fact, no matter who travels through this wonderful experience, each come out with a smile and a spring in their step as they watched the children from each nation sing and twirl in joyful celebration.

Last night, Jimmy and I were at a United Way banquet. After it was over, as we walked out, Jimmy was stopped by a young couple. The young man (in his 40's) was a gentleman Jimmy knew from the Boy Scout board (I believe.) Jimmy introduced me to the couple and we had a very nice visit for several minutes. Our visit continue as we walked out with them to get our cars and I discovered the wife was going to come to our BSF Introduction class in April. Not only was she going to come to the intro class, but her mother and sister were members of our class and her sister was going to be a new children's leader. Needless to say, I was excited and thrilled to meet this young woman and we hit it off right away. We immediately had a common bond besides the fact that she had three sons.

You know, what's that thing about "six degrees of separation?" Yes, you never know who you will run into that you will have someone in common with - especially here in San Antonio! Though San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the US, it really is like a small town.

As I think about this, I realize this is what it is like for all Christians. "Six degrees of separation to God." Even if a person is not a believer, he/she is probably connected to Him by six degrees of separation. He/she knows someone who knows someone...who has a personal relationship with the heavenly Father. Then there are those who are part of His family. We are all much closer than six degrees...we are all siblings - there are no degrees of separation among believers. Hallelujah!

So today...I am thankful for those opportunities when I come in contact with others that reminds me to always be on my toes, prepared to meet and share with those who may not be siblings but have six degrees of separation to God. Opportunities that I may share of His wondrous love and sacrifice on our behalf so that one day, there is no separation for them, but that they become His child, heir to His throne.

So though my new friend is not separated either...I am thankful for the opportunity to meet and the reminder to be watchful. You know...six degrees is really a lot!

Huston & Lovey ride the boat in "It's A Small World"!

Huge tower ending ride of "It's a Small World"

TIME

Time. How come there never seems to be enough time in the day? No matter what one plans, no matter how organized a person may be, no matter how many listS one makes...there never seems to be enough time to finish what we need to do or intend to get done in a day. Some people HATE to have things left over for the next day. Some people, like myself, think - oh well, I'll get to it tomorrow (or the next, or whenever)! Yet, there is ALWAYS something left to be done. Take my closet...Jimmy says it's the one "room" in the house that NEVER gets organized. True, it is very unorganized. And granted, I do try to keep it organized. But there are so many other areas of our house that are seen by others or are used by other family members that need to be kept organized. Therefore, my closet is the last place that gets my attention. I guess it's the truth...it's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil.

That's true with people in our life too. There are those who require a lot of attention. Then there are those whom we love dearly that we can go for months or years without hearing from or taking time to stop and call, yet when we do we pick up right where we left off, as if it were only yesterday. Yes, even our attention to people is often prioritized, if for no other reason but for their needs - like a squeaky wheel.

But you know what is so good to know? With God...there is no priority. There is no squeaky wheel. There is no situation more important than another. There is no life more important than another. If one person is on the verge of life or death and another is simply mourning the loss of a friendship...it is all of the same important to the Lord. Can you imagine? His love for us and everything about us is that important? How encouraging is that? How comforting is that?

Today, I am thankful for time. Each second, minute, hour and day. I am thankful that our heavenly Father cares about every second of our life, and has an abundance of time to spend with us. He is aware of every moment we have and wastes none of it, but spends it all for our good. Yes time with God, no matter how we use it, is always time well spent. How will you spend your time today?

OUR HERITAGE

Jefferson Memorial at night

Lincoln Memorial at night

Capitol Dome at night

Iwo Jima Memorial at night


Stephen F Austin in Hall of Columns

Statuary Hall just off the Capitol Rotunda

Jimmy and I just got home from a trip to Washington DC. Washington is one of my FAVORITE places in the US to visit. There is so much to see! Though I've been many times, I never tire of seeing the monuments and beautiful buildings in our nation's capital. Jimmy was there to meet with legislators about banking stuff. I was there to play!

I did something I have never done before...I went touring around with a group on a segway. Yes, you heard right...a SEGWAY. It was so much fun! Now, I've been in most of the buildings I saw along the way, so it didn't matter that we didn't actually stop and go inside the buildings. But we road by the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, many of the Smithsonian buildings and many other monuments and buildings. They were beautiful and fun to see again. There is such energy in this city. There is such history in each building. The architecture is so beautiful and it is so fascinating to realize that this is a city, if not the only city in the world, that was actually built "as a capitol" and not already a city before becoming a capitol of a nation. The heritage of so many and so much in this city is just overwhelming to me as I go from place to place and listen to what has gone on through the 200+ years of our nations history here.

We also had the opportunity to take a night tour of the city viewing government buildings and the monuments. Jimmy and I have never done this before and we were awed by the beauty and the completely different view we got at that time of day. It was majestic - crystal and fantastic. Even a little romantic.

Yes, our nation's capitol is quite young compared to other parts of the world, yet very beautiful. And our heritage is the same. It is filled with people who came here with hope and fortitude. People looking for a new life. A life reborn in a new world. This too is the life each new Christian comes to. A life in a new world...one of hope and salvation. A life in a new kingdom, God's. A life no longer filled with suffering under a kingship of heavy burdens, but one paid for in full, all debts redeemed. Yes, we believers have a new heritage, we are now adopted children of God, heirs to His kingdom.

So today, I am thankful for the heritage I have. Not only for that of this wonderful country we live in, but I am most thankful for the one I now have as an adopted child of God, heir to His kingdom through the blood of Jesus Christ. May our country always remember the foundation by which it was founded..."one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty & justice for all." What a heritage!

GRACE

Frank with daughter Rene'

While I was on vacation this week, I got a call from my family, informing me that my oldest brother, Frank, living in California, had been in a serious motorcycle accident. Frank is a very cautious, safe biker, which surprised me that he, of all people, would end up in an accident. I had always been told that it usually wasn't the person on the bike that was the cause of a bike accident, but the driver of a car. Seeing most of the people driving here in San Antonio, I can tell you now...I would say that statement is totally false. However, knowing Frank, I would believe that to be true in his case. He is very, very cautious. He not only wears a helmet, ALWAYS, but he also, ALWAYS wears a leather jacket and chaps for protection. He has taken many safety courses and rides often with a group. This is why I was shocked that he would end up in an accident.

Since I have had two cousins killed in bike accidents at a young age, motorcycles are not my favorite mode of transportation. Now, they would be my LEAST favorite mode of transportation! Frank ended up breaking his knee cap and shattering his right leg so bad, he has pins down the entire leg, every inch, all the way down. The doctors were afraid they would have to amputate it because the damage was so bad. It is truly a miracle he came out with his leg in tact. His friend told us that since he was dressed the way he was, there was not a scratch on him. He simply had to lay the bike down in order not to run into a truck that stopped suddenly in front of him. The bike crushed his leg beneath it. We are just glad he is alive.

You know, no matter how cautious a person can be, or how many safety courses a person can take, or how much protective gear a person can wear or place around them....there is always the unexpected. And when that unexpected happens, it is by the grace of God we, as human beings, make it out alive of situations we place ourselves in. It is by God's grace we overcome and are able to walk away from situations, though often scarred, or even crippled by them, we are able to continue on. Yet, how we fail to see that it is truly only by His grace that it is possible. Frank will have many, many months of recuperation and therapy before he will walk or even be able to drive (it was his right leg). But he is alive. He will have his leg to use. He will walk and return to his routine. It is by God's grace he is still here.

So today, I am thankful for the unmistakable grace of God. Thankful that He protected Frank from any greater danger than he already had. Thankful for the return of the pulse in his leg so he would not have to have it amputated. I am thankful for the friends who will care and nurture him during the next period of time that will be so difficult for him. Thankful for all the provisions God is making during this time and for what is to come. THIS, is GRACE! Undeserved GRACE!

CHILDREN

Children. A word that stirs at a mother's heart strings. A mom spends 9 months carrying a child in her womb, goes through the labor pains of birth, delivers, and her whole world changes. No matter what anyone says...the change is spectacular. Not easy, but spectacular! And when she has the opportunity to experience it more than once, each time is as if it were the first. Each child is loved the same, each child is worth the same, each child is as spectacular as the first, yet each their own special person.


As children grow, life with each child grows in different directions. Though some may be closer, geographically wise, there is still the same fullness in a mom's heart whether they are far or near. Jimmy and I had the opportunity as adults to move from the comfy, cosy, closeness of our homes. Geographically, we moved five hours away from our parents which, at that time, could have been the same as moving up north. Though we were away and on our own, I know the hearts of our parents were as close to us then as they were when we were living in the same town.


Sometimes, we as children, no matter the age, go through difficulties and situations that break the hearts of our parents, leaving them in mourning for us as we travel through these times. No child can ever know the agony of a parent until they themselves become one and have that experience. Moms in particular carry the emotional stress of wishing they themselves could take the pain of a child in order to relieve or eliminate the child from an awful experience. And no matter what else is going on around her...that child is forefront in her mind.


I think that is the way it is with our heavenly Father. Except, He DID take the pain and agony. He DID suffer so we would not have to. He DID stand in the gap that we might have joy and peace instead of heartache. It is ours to have NOW. All we have to do is believe, trust and accept the gift He has to offer. Why is it so hard sometimes. Why do we think we are so undeserving? He paid the cost and made us deserving.


So today, I am thankful for my children, all four. I am thankful for the joy they bring. I am thankful for the opportunity I have to pray for them, intercede for them and for their heavenly Father who has made them worthy to love and be cherished.


I am not a perfect parent as He is. But I love them so deeply and am able to do so because He loves them through me. Thank you Clark, Alix, Graham and Whit.