Recently, we worshipped at St Simon's on the Sound Episcopal Church, while visiting our son and his family in Ft Walton Beach, FL. It is a beautiful church, right on the water -- right at sea level! It has the traditional red front doors...a lovely church building with just as lovely people inside.
Johnny's neighbor across the street is the Rector of the church: a warm and friendly man with a sweet wife and two daughters. They have been very welcoming to our family, and it has been our pleasure getting to know them. Mark did not preach while we were there, as he had invited an interesting 77 year old priest to deliver the sermon. The guest preacher works with an organization which helps the Haitian people, and he is passionate about his calling. He is a gifted speaker...quite eloquent...who cares deeply about the desperate needs of the people of Haiti. He spoke right from his heart, with the gist of his message being: "Don't just talk about the stiuation; DO something about it!" It hit me squarely between the eyes, as it should have. I'll never think about our Sunday there without thinking about "Do-y, do-y instead of just talk-y, talk-y."
It's more than coincidental that earlier in the week I had spoken with an old friend who is very active with another ministry among the Haitian people. His primary focus is upon boys who have been living on the streets of Haiti; they can never be adopted, as they have no papers. His ministry is called Grangou, which means "hungry." They now house, feed, clothe, and educate 58 boys, ages 3-19. It is quite an undertaking and life-changing for those innocent and deserving boys. "Grangou" needs money and shoes and underwear and clothing for those boys, as it also provides water, medical attention and the gospel message in addition to the things listed above...such a worthwhile cause in the poorest of the poor countries.
Then, again more-than-coincidentally, I attended a funeral of an old friend in Norris, TN and got to talk with her children, four of whom are doctors. We studied Haiti in vacation Bible School when we were preschoolers, where David began a life-long love affair with Haiti and its people. After medical school, he lived there, where he ministered to the needs of the people medically and spiritually, as he is also an ordained priest. He married a beautiful Haitian woman and spent many years there, working as an infectious disease specialist. I thought it was so interesting that I would have the chance to once again talk with someone intimately involved with Haiti: the third person in just over a week. Add to these our friends who have been there on mission trips, those who have adopted Haitian orphans, and the many efforts we read about and/or see on the news. These are front-burner needs, as near to our country as any country can be. I get the message, Lord, and I want to help.
How can WE plug into these efforts?
We can pray...we can give...we can go...we can support missionaries and ministries with our tangible assets. These constitute "do-y, do-y!" We can talk up the efforts...we can encourage others...we can spread the word about the many needs we become aware of: "talk-y, talk-y!" We need to do both, as it can make such a difference in the lives of folks who just cannot make it on their own. Haiti has much devastation, very little fresh, running water...very little sanitation...very little infrastructure...no public education...and millions of orphans. We have so much; they have so little. It's a challenge to us all. Help us to know how best to help, and we will do it.
CONCORD CHRONICLE - Dedicated to God, the author of peace and lover of concord
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Bittersweet
Sometimes, after the best of times, bad things just happen. Know what I mean?
We just spent a wonderful nine days away, visiting our son, daughter-in-law and grandson. We had a wonderful trip down to sunny Florida - no problems with the car or weather or traffic...then a week full of fun times with the family. We played outdoors, hiked in the woods and along the sound, watched Barrett play at Parents' Day Out, went to the zoo, out to several good restaurants, to the beach. We played and read and watched funny old episodes of The Muppets on YouTube...we took walks, picked up acorns and "cones" (magnolia seed pods), grilled out, played puzzles and with the choochoo, danced and sang, chased each other, laughed and laughed. We went to church and to a meet-and-greet, with snacks, afterwards.
Yes, it was an altogether great week. We left happy and had a good trip home. When we were almost home, I said, "I hope we don't have any fires to put out when we get home." Famous last words...should have kept my thoughts to myself!
As we pulled into our driveway, we immediately noticed a job-gone-wrong on the homefront. We had had workmen there while we were gone (probably not a good idea, in hindsight), and that didn't settle too well. Then, when we opened the door from the garage into the kitchen, we were greeted by a foul odor...and I mean FOUL. Somehow, the ground fault switch had tripped, and the refrigerator was out...not the power in the house, just the refrigerator. So, for the second time in four months, we had to throw out every single thing from our refrigerator and freezer. NOT good. By the time we got the mess cleaned up, it was 9:30, and we had had no dinner, nor had we unpacked. It did not make for happy campers on the part of John and me. Just put us in a really grumpy mood and made us wish to be back with all the fun in Florida.
Isn't that just like life sometimes? We go from the highest high to a pretty low low in no time flat. John pulled me out of my temporary funk by saying, "Noone is sick or hurt or in the hospital. It's going to be ok. But what a pain, huh?" Very true. I can't say that we got back to our usual happy selves immediately; as a matter of fact, it got worse the next morning when I discovered even more of a mess with the job-gone-wrong. It was worse than we noticed at first, in the dark. Even John, who rarely gets mad, was pretty upset. It just looked like the molehill was quickly turning into a mountain. Oddly, I had a funeral to attend, and being with old friends from childhood, in the church of my childhood, and hearing the sermon and eulogy and scripture and hymns, pulled me back into the right attitude. Later, we had a fun evening with good friends on a boatride at the lake...followed by being treated to dinner out by those sweet people. It was good and needed and appreciated.
So...today, we made a few phone calls, said our say, and then went outside to work out our frustrations in the yard. John sowed grass seed and strawed his "project." And I planted flowers and weeded and cleaned up my flower beds. It was good therapy, and we felt so much better for the exercise. After a good shower and lunch out, we were ready to go to the grocery store and restock the now-clean but empty 'fridge. That accomplished, we sat on the screen porch and read and relaxed and then fixed a good healthy supper.
Yes, it's bittersweet to spend a perfectly wonderful week with wonderful people and an adorable child...only to come home to a bunch of problems. But circumstances helped to redirect our attention from our problems to our blessings. God, as usual, played a big part in this as He lined up people and events and "coincidences" to help us through these frustrations and bring us back to a happier place. It was actually good to be humbled and to realize how these were temporary inconveniences and not really worth all the energy and anger we felt and expressed.
Yes, bittersweet happens...and then it's back to looking up and out and forward...a good lesson learned, once again. It's a hard lesson for some of us slow-to-learn folks...but oh, so important when we want to follow Jesus and do what He would do. Thank you for this good lesson. May we learn it well this time and not so easily be brought down again by the bitter in bittersweet.
We just spent a wonderful nine days away, visiting our son, daughter-in-law and grandson. We had a wonderful trip down to sunny Florida - no problems with the car or weather or traffic...then a week full of fun times with the family. We played outdoors, hiked in the woods and along the sound, watched Barrett play at Parents' Day Out, went to the zoo, out to several good restaurants, to the beach. We played and read and watched funny old episodes of The Muppets on YouTube...we took walks, picked up acorns and "cones" (magnolia seed pods), grilled out, played puzzles and with the choochoo, danced and sang, chased each other, laughed and laughed. We went to church and to a meet-and-greet, with snacks, afterwards.
Yes, it was an altogether great week. We left happy and had a good trip home. When we were almost home, I said, "I hope we don't have any fires to put out when we get home." Famous last words...should have kept my thoughts to myself!
As we pulled into our driveway, we immediately noticed a job-gone-wrong on the homefront. We had had workmen there while we were gone (probably not a good idea, in hindsight), and that didn't settle too well. Then, when we opened the door from the garage into the kitchen, we were greeted by a foul odor...and I mean FOUL. Somehow, the ground fault switch had tripped, and the refrigerator was out...not the power in the house, just the refrigerator. So, for the second time in four months, we had to throw out every single thing from our refrigerator and freezer. NOT good. By the time we got the mess cleaned up, it was 9:30, and we had had no dinner, nor had we unpacked. It did not make for happy campers on the part of John and me. Just put us in a really grumpy mood and made us wish to be back with all the fun in Florida.
Isn't that just like life sometimes? We go from the highest high to a pretty low low in no time flat. John pulled me out of my temporary funk by saying, "Noone is sick or hurt or in the hospital. It's going to be ok. But what a pain, huh?" Very true. I can't say that we got back to our usual happy selves immediately; as a matter of fact, it got worse the next morning when I discovered even more of a mess with the job-gone-wrong. It was worse than we noticed at first, in the dark. Even John, who rarely gets mad, was pretty upset. It just looked like the molehill was quickly turning into a mountain. Oddly, I had a funeral to attend, and being with old friends from childhood, in the church of my childhood, and hearing the sermon and eulogy and scripture and hymns, pulled me back into the right attitude. Later, we had a fun evening with good friends on a boatride at the lake...followed by being treated to dinner out by those sweet people. It was good and needed and appreciated.
So...today, we made a few phone calls, said our say, and then went outside to work out our frustrations in the yard. John sowed grass seed and strawed his "project." And I planted flowers and weeded and cleaned up my flower beds. It was good therapy, and we felt so much better for the exercise. After a good shower and lunch out, we were ready to go to the grocery store and restock the now-clean but empty 'fridge. That accomplished, we sat on the screen porch and read and relaxed and then fixed a good healthy supper.
Yes, it's bittersweet to spend a perfectly wonderful week with wonderful people and an adorable child...only to come home to a bunch of problems. But circumstances helped to redirect our attention from our problems to our blessings. God, as usual, played a big part in this as He lined up people and events and "coincidences" to help us through these frustrations and bring us back to a happier place. It was actually good to be humbled and to realize how these were temporary inconveniences and not really worth all the energy and anger we felt and expressed.
Yes, bittersweet happens...and then it's back to looking up and out and forward...a good lesson learned, once again. It's a hard lesson for some of us slow-to-learn folks...but oh, so important when we want to follow Jesus and do what He would do. Thank you for this good lesson. May we learn it well this time and not so easily be brought down again by the bitter in bittersweet.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Amazing Little Grace
It's time for an update on little Miss Grace! Those of you who know her will know her story up to this point. For those of you who do not, let me quickly catch you up: Grace Olivia was born August 26 a year ago, to the sweetest young couple named Mark and Elizabeth. She is beautiful little baby, with lots of dark hair and big eyes...squishy soft skin and the sweetest personlity. She's been through a lot in her almost-14 months: surgery to fix her lip, BIG surgery to fix her palate, and a few smaller surgeries to help her ears and mouth and tongue. Feeding her has been challenging, but Mark and Elizabeth have persevered and gotten lots of good mama's milk into her with a special bottle and even with a syringe for quite a while after her big surgery. She LOVES her baby food, and her parents have risen to the occasion feeding it to her. She is a trooper for sure, as are her parents and grandparents. All of them have focused and sacrificed, and Grace is coming along very nicely. She faces more surgery in the future, probably in a few years; and I'm sure she'll do fine then, as well. She's that kind of little girl: a sweetie-pie who is a fighter and who shows great determination. Her engaging disposition and that cute little smile will take her far.
Grace celebrated her birthday several times and my, did she enjoy herself! She had a party at the Opryland Hotel with her mommy and daddy, and they got to ride the river together. Then they celebrated with family in Nashville, then in Knoxville, and again in Memphis. What a lucky little girl! Getting to have all those birthday parties, complete with pink and purple streamers, a polka dotted tablecloth, her own little cake with polka dots! And cupcakes and goodies for all the guests.
Recently Grace underwent some genetic testing that pinpointed a situation that she and her family are tackling...she will get to go to Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and a special program that will benefit her so much. They are excited to get started and expect great things from her sessions.
It is a privilege to know and love little Miss Grace and her family. They are so loving and so devoted to each other. I've been thinking: what can we do to help? Here's what I've come up with:
- pray for them. Ask God to guide her doctors and therapists as they work to help her...and pray for strength and wisdom for Mark and Elizabeth.
- encourage them. Just a card or call, to let them know they are in our thoughts.
- if you know Grace's grandparents, see if they might take a little toy or gift to Grace when they travel to Nashville...
- or perhaps a goody basket (with snacks or coffee or a favorite find from the grocery store)
- what about a bouquet of flowers! Always a hit
- anything to let this sweet family know we care
So, that our update on amazing little Grace. She a cutie alright, and I am just thanking God for her and asking His richest blessings upon her...and her parents...as she starts this new chapter. Stay tuned for updates on the good progress I'm sure she's going to make... because she's an amazing little girl :)
Grace celebrated her birthday several times and my, did she enjoy herself! She had a party at the Opryland Hotel with her mommy and daddy, and they got to ride the river together. Then they celebrated with family in Nashville, then in Knoxville, and again in Memphis. What a lucky little girl! Getting to have all those birthday parties, complete with pink and purple streamers, a polka dotted tablecloth, her own little cake with polka dots! And cupcakes and goodies for all the guests.
Recently Grace underwent some genetic testing that pinpointed a situation that she and her family are tackling...she will get to go to Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and a special program that will benefit her so much. They are excited to get started and expect great things from her sessions.
It is a privilege to know and love little Miss Grace and her family. They are so loving and so devoted to each other. I've been thinking: what can we do to help? Here's what I've come up with:
- pray for them. Ask God to guide her doctors and therapists as they work to help her...and pray for strength and wisdom for Mark and Elizabeth.
- encourage them. Just a card or call, to let them know they are in our thoughts.
- if you know Grace's grandparents, see if they might take a little toy or gift to Grace when they travel to Nashville...
- or perhaps a goody basket (with snacks or coffee or a favorite find from the grocery store)
- what about a bouquet of flowers! Always a hit
- anything to let this sweet family know we care
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fix it, please!
My tendency is to want to fix things that are broken or in need of adjustment: my watchband, the crooked picture on the wall, the crack in the driveway...my friend's weight problem, my other friend's challenging hair, (or MY challenging hair, on rainy or humid days!)...anything to do with our adult children and things in their lives...the overgrown shrubs, weeds in the garden, rose bushes that need deadheading...problems in the world like starving children in third world countries or in our own community, illiteracy, drought or floods or other natural disasters and their consequences, neediness in so many areas...areas of the house, like the upstairs closet which still has boxes and bags from our move 3 years ago!...dust on the baseboards, dust on the ceiling fans, dust on top of the tall wall-unit..the state of the economy, declines in our society's morals and values...brokenheartedness in the lives of those who are lonely or bereaved or lost....those who are struggling spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally...
Yes, there are many things that need fixing. Things both small and inconsequential...and great big things that are seemingly quite beyond my abilities to help or fix...yet I want to help. The question is: how?
How do I help but not interfere...how do I exert a positive influence without nosing into someone else's business...how do I "help" but not invade someone's private space? What is the best way to show someone I care? How can one person enact change in the world, by standing up for their beliefs without stepping on other's toes or infringing upon their right to their own opinion? How do I disagree agreeably, without argument or inflammation? How do I navigate in a world that has gone the way of liberality when I'm basically a very conservative person? in a world that is so sensitive to political correctness? How can I help someone who doesn't need or want help? How can I help someone with a chronically ill child? Or someone with a drug problem? Or someone in complete denial about their situation?
Each question brings about another question...it's a little overwhelming, isn't it. There are no easy answers for sure. I think maybe taking things one at a time, one day at a time, one problem or challenge at a time...is a start.
On the homefront, being organized is a key. I'm not too much that way, but I do like order, so I'm motivated to do that dusting and cleaning out and fixing up. I can get out the ladder and do that top-shelf cleaning! I can spackle and paint. I can take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend the morning in my garden. I can spend a day cooking and freezing things for that busy, stressful day that will rear its ugly head all too soon. I don't have little ones to tend to...or a day job that requires 40 or more hours of my week...so I have it easier than some/most. It's a matter of "just doing it."
Onto the bigger questions that loom in our lives: trying to understand, just listening, not enabling but rather offering a smile and a shoulder and a hand up. Volunteering, spending quality time...praying, giving, going. Doing simple things sometimes, and then again, not taking the easy way out. Being firm in our beliefs...and with our words...yet always compassionate and kind and caring. Not burying our heads in the sand....or looking the other way....or denying there is a problem...but just looking up to the One who is everywhere and who cares the most. Looking out instead of inward, unless the introspection is for positive reasons...taking a step out in faith...with hope and love, always with love as the driving force. Not taking things personally but with a look to the solution.
This is pretty weighty stuff, for sure, and sometimes just daunting, overwhelming, too stressful to even address.
But we CAN make a difference...in our own lives, in the lives of our family and those closest to us, in the lives of our neighbors, fellow church members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances in the community...those in our city, state, nation, and around the world. We can support local or national or international charities or movements...we can vote our convictions; we can work with a favorite faith-based organization, or coach a team of children or young people; we can exercise our spiritual gifts in so many ways, whether it be teaching, or showing mercy, or encouragement, or with our musical or artisitic gifts...we can visit the sick and beareaved or imprioned; we can help by babysitting or taking a meal, we can just sit and listen and be there. We can share of our resources...we can work in a warehouse, sorting and packing gifts or food or supplies for the underprivileged. We can to on mission trips or pray or give to support the efforts of others who go.
Yes, lots of things need fixing...and I can't fix them all. But I CAN make a difference. Lord, give me the strength and the courage and the initiative to step out in faith and find ways to just do it.
Yes, there are many things that need fixing. Things both small and inconsequential...and great big things that are seemingly quite beyond my abilities to help or fix...yet I want to help. The question is: how?
How do I help but not interfere...how do I exert a positive influence without nosing into someone else's business...how do I "help" but not invade someone's private space? What is the best way to show someone I care? How can one person enact change in the world, by standing up for their beliefs without stepping on other's toes or infringing upon their right to their own opinion? How do I disagree agreeably, without argument or inflammation? How do I navigate in a world that has gone the way of liberality when I'm basically a very conservative person? in a world that is so sensitive to political correctness? How can I help someone who doesn't need or want help? How can I help someone with a chronically ill child? Or someone with a drug problem? Or someone in complete denial about their situation?
Each question brings about another question...it's a little overwhelming, isn't it. There are no easy answers for sure. I think maybe taking things one at a time, one day at a time, one problem or challenge at a time...is a start.
On the homefront, being organized is a key. I'm not too much that way, but I do like order, so I'm motivated to do that dusting and cleaning out and fixing up. I can get out the ladder and do that top-shelf cleaning! I can spackle and paint. I can take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend the morning in my garden. I can spend a day cooking and freezing things for that busy, stressful day that will rear its ugly head all too soon. I don't have little ones to tend to...or a day job that requires 40 or more hours of my week...so I have it easier than some/most. It's a matter of "just doing it."
Onto the bigger questions that loom in our lives: trying to understand, just listening, not enabling but rather offering a smile and a shoulder and a hand up. Volunteering, spending quality time...praying, giving, going. Doing simple things sometimes, and then again, not taking the easy way out. Being firm in our beliefs...and with our words...yet always compassionate and kind and caring. Not burying our heads in the sand....or looking the other way....or denying there is a problem...but just looking up to the One who is everywhere and who cares the most. Looking out instead of inward, unless the introspection is for positive reasons...taking a step out in faith...with hope and love, always with love as the driving force. Not taking things personally but with a look to the solution.
This is pretty weighty stuff, for sure, and sometimes just daunting, overwhelming, too stressful to even address.
But we CAN make a difference...in our own lives, in the lives of our family and those closest to us, in the lives of our neighbors, fellow church members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances in the community...those in our city, state, nation, and around the world. We can support local or national or international charities or movements...we can vote our convictions; we can work with a favorite faith-based organization, or coach a team of children or young people; we can exercise our spiritual gifts in so many ways, whether it be teaching, or showing mercy, or encouragement, or with our musical or artisitic gifts...we can visit the sick and beareaved or imprioned; we can help by babysitting or taking a meal, we can just sit and listen and be there. We can share of our resources...we can work in a warehouse, sorting and packing gifts or food or supplies for the underprivileged. We can to on mission trips or pray or give to support the efforts of others who go.
Yes, lots of things need fixing...and I can't fix them all. But I CAN make a difference. Lord, give me the strength and the courage and the initiative to step out in faith and find ways to just do it.
Monday, October 10, 2011
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things - 2011 edition
Well, it's time for my yearly list of my favorite things...not quite as exciting as Oprah's...nor as expensive:
- Smart Mouth - It's a two-bottle mouthwash system that is awesome. You mix the two, and it is SO refreshing and not nasty like Listerine. It'll take away onion or garlic. Kind of pricey but does the job.
- Lee jeans - The ad is correct; they are SO comfortable and not mom-jeans-like at all. Give them a try.
- Good Housekeeping Magazine - I hadn't read one in years, but I've really enjoyed some of the tips there. Pretty good publication. I got a free subscription and am glad I did. Southern Living is my first love still, but GH is A-ok.
- Foothills Milling Company - outstanding restaurant, in Maryville...wonderful menu, great ambiance, superb service. An altogether great place for a special occasion.
- The Centurymen and TN Baptist Chorales (Mens and Womens) - Wonderful music; try to find a concert and sit back and enjoy...or a CD if you can't go in person. Available online.
- Robeez shoes - If there's a baby or toddler in your life, check out these shoes. TOO CUTE! and so comfty for the little one.
- Greek yogurt...yummy and good for you.
- Tru Moo chocolate milk by Mayfield. Less sweet and caloric than traditional...very good! My bedsnack indulgence :)
- Pottery Barn - A classic store with so many great things. Hope they never go out of business.
- d365 - my favorite online devotional site. A joint effort of the Episcopal Church, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and Presbyterian Church (USA) Check it out! Outstanding and very meaningful, with beautiful music to boot
- Charleston, SC - Just about my favorite city. LOVE the food, weather, locale, people, architecture, the Inn at Middleton Place..and adjoining plantation..It's all interstate from Knoxville, so very convenient to get to~ Love the flowers and gardens and churches...great place!
- Autumn and everything about it: soup, hot chocolate, cool and crisp weather, no humidity, a fire in the fireplace, pumpkins and gourds and colorful leaves on the trees, mums, football...EVERYTHING! Just about my favorite season,
- Getting mail! I still like the old-fashioned kind, in the mailbox with a stamp! Just about a lost art. I for one hope it never goes away.
- Books, with pages...or in a Kindle or Nook...whatever form the words take...Reading is good for the soul.
- Babies and children...especially little 19 month old boys, with blonde hair and big blue eyes...maybe named Barrett Christopher! SOO glad to get to be his grandmommy. LOVE, love, love that child.
- Lentil Stew: so good and good for you. Easy to make. Scrumptious.
- Sweet smelling stuff for the bath: salts, bubbles, almond-scented soap, or pink Dove...smells so good!
- Moon-lit boat rides on Norris Lake with my sweetie
- Grilling out - pork chops, steaks, hamburgers, hotdogs...doesn't matter what we eat...just love grilling out!
- Conversations with our adult children...love sharing their interests and their days :)
- Having surrogate parents and surrogate grandchildren - just being a part of multi-generational things...good!
- Catching up with old friends
- Taking rides around the countryside with my sweetie and my doggy; nothing finer!
- Clean sheets
- Alice.com - wonderful website. Free shipping for 6 or more items...great prices and service
- Sunday School and church - the best place in the world to spend Sunday mornings: learning, praying, fellowshipping, worshiping, singing, listening, praising...nothing better in this world.
- A-ha! moments
- God's still, small voice speaking to me - and a listening ear for me to hear
- Counting my blessings - what a privilege - we are graced and blessed beyond measure, if we only look up and out
- Looking forward, another word for "hope."
- The upcoming holidays: Thanksgiving, this year in FL with our little family - and the Christmas season, from Advent, to Christmas Day, then the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany, and the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Holy days and so meaningful for Christians everywhere
- Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, where millions of children in Third World countries get shoeboxes packed with the only Christmas gifts they will receive. Such a great thing, for those who give as well as those who receive
- Mission of Hope, the ToyStore, Angel Tree, Salvation Army bell-ringing...too many worthwhile ministries to mention.
- Roses...in the garden, on the roadside, from the florist or the grocery store...doesn't matter! Love me some roses...sunflowers, alstomeria, daisies...any flower is wonderful!
- The smell of fresh-baking bread...or rolls...or brownies. Homemade goodness! No better perfume.
Well, that's a sampling of the 2011 edition...any additions from you? Let me know, and I'll pass them along! Happy Fall, y'all! God's richest blessings to you and yours on this beautiful, breezy day in autumn from beautiful East Tennessee, one of the prettiest places on earth in the fall of the year.
- Smart Mouth - It's a two-bottle mouthwash system that is awesome. You mix the two, and it is SO refreshing and not nasty like Listerine. It'll take away onion or garlic. Kind of pricey but does the job.
- Lee jeans - The ad is correct; they are SO comfortable and not mom-jeans-like at all. Give them a try.
- Good Housekeeping Magazine - I hadn't read one in years, but I've really enjoyed some of the tips there. Pretty good publication. I got a free subscription and am glad I did. Southern Living is my first love still, but GH is A-ok.
- Foothills Milling Company - outstanding restaurant, in Maryville...wonderful menu, great ambiance, superb service. An altogether great place for a special occasion.
- The Centurymen and TN Baptist Chorales (Mens and Womens) - Wonderful music; try to find a concert and sit back and enjoy...or a CD if you can't go in person. Available online.
- Robeez shoes - If there's a baby or toddler in your life, check out these shoes. TOO CUTE! and so comfty for the little one.
- Greek yogurt...yummy and good for you.
- Tru Moo chocolate milk by Mayfield. Less sweet and caloric than traditional...very good! My bedsnack indulgence :)
- Pottery Barn - A classic store with so many great things. Hope they never go out of business.
- d365 - my favorite online devotional site. A joint effort of the Episcopal Church, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and Presbyterian Church (USA) Check it out! Outstanding and very meaningful, with beautiful music to boot
- Charleston, SC - Just about my favorite city. LOVE the food, weather, locale, people, architecture, the Inn at Middleton Place..and adjoining plantation..It's all interstate from Knoxville, so very convenient to get to~ Love the flowers and gardens and churches...great place!
- Autumn and everything about it: soup, hot chocolate, cool and crisp weather, no humidity, a fire in the fireplace, pumpkins and gourds and colorful leaves on the trees, mums, football...EVERYTHING! Just about my favorite season,
- Getting mail! I still like the old-fashioned kind, in the mailbox with a stamp! Just about a lost art. I for one hope it never goes away.
- Books, with pages...or in a Kindle or Nook...whatever form the words take...Reading is good for the soul.
- Babies and children...especially little 19 month old boys, with blonde hair and big blue eyes...maybe named Barrett Christopher! SOO glad to get to be his grandmommy. LOVE, love, love that child.
- Lentil Stew: so good and good for you. Easy to make. Scrumptious.
- Sweet smelling stuff for the bath: salts, bubbles, almond-scented soap, or pink Dove...smells so good!
- Moon-lit boat rides on Norris Lake with my sweetie
- Grilling out - pork chops, steaks, hamburgers, hotdogs...doesn't matter what we eat...just love grilling out!
- Conversations with our adult children...love sharing their interests and their days :)
- Having surrogate parents and surrogate grandchildren - just being a part of multi-generational things...good!
- Catching up with old friends
- Taking rides around the countryside with my sweetie and my doggy; nothing finer!
- Clean sheets
- Alice.com - wonderful website. Free shipping for 6 or more items...great prices and service
- Sunday School and church - the best place in the world to spend Sunday mornings: learning, praying, fellowshipping, worshiping, singing, listening, praising...nothing better in this world.
- A-ha! moments
- God's still, small voice speaking to me - and a listening ear for me to hear
- Counting my blessings - what a privilege - we are graced and blessed beyond measure, if we only look up and out
- Looking forward, another word for "hope."
- The upcoming holidays: Thanksgiving, this year in FL with our little family - and the Christmas season, from Advent, to Christmas Day, then the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany, and the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Holy days and so meaningful for Christians everywhere
- Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, where millions of children in Third World countries get shoeboxes packed with the only Christmas gifts they will receive. Such a great thing, for those who give as well as those who receive
- Mission of Hope, the ToyStore, Angel Tree, Salvation Army bell-ringing...too many worthwhile ministries to mention.
- Roses...in the garden, on the roadside, from the florist or the grocery store...doesn't matter! Love me some roses...sunflowers, alstomeria, daisies...any flower is wonderful!
- The smell of fresh-baking bread...or rolls...or brownies. Homemade goodness! No better perfume.
Well, that's a sampling of the 2011 edition...any additions from you? Let me know, and I'll pass them along! Happy Fall, y'all! God's richest blessings to you and yours on this beautiful, breezy day in autumn from beautiful East Tennessee, one of the prettiest places on earth in the fall of the year.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Irony
Yesterday, I headed out on some errands in West Knoxville. I made it out of Fountain City fine, avoiding the Tazewell Pike at Jacksboro traffic backup by going mid-morning...merged onto Broadway, north of the interstate, without any problem...then headed up the I-640 entrance ramp when it got interesting. There was a large pickup truck barrelling down the outside lane as I tried to merge. I couldn't slow down much, as there was a car on my tailfeathers...and the ramp is very short, so not much time to do anything. The truck could have moved over into the inside lane, as there was nothing there...but he didn't! So I had to ride down the narrow shoulder til he passed. It made me mad for sure, and I reacted rather badly, laying down on my horn.
The irony of the situation is this: I was playing our favorite CD, one by Joel Raney when he was at our church for Composers' Weekend. We love his music; he is a master musician, and it soothes my soul as I listen. When I went for my horn-blowing, with my left hand, I hit the "back" button on the steering wheel, and it interrupted the music, starting it over. "Walk by Faith" was what I was about to hear! I was missing the very song I needed to hear. It was a lesson from above, and it got my attention immediately. Instead of getting myself all worked and into minor road rage, over some driver's rudeness, I could be experiencing some joy and peace in listening to and learning from a song of praise that I love. I'm thankful for that lesson and will remember it for sure.
Isn't that just like us humans? We know the right thing to do, but so often we, in our humanity, go off in the wrong direction with our bad reactions, our knee-jerks when someone or something irritates us. All my horn-blowing did was vent a little of my frustration, and it didn't do one thing for the other guy but show what a bad girl I was for behaving that way. I'll try, with a little Help, to not do that again. I'll try to show a little more mercy to the other driver, even if he is wrong, wrong, wrong. I'll be "walking with a little more faith" as I follow In His Steps a little more closely. For if we're to be salt and light, we're going to have to put away those nasty thoughts and bad attitudes and focus a little more on what's really important.
Yes, I'm thankful it happened. I'm thankful I didn't wreck...I'm thankful I for the lesson I'm learning about not reacting badly...I'm thankful for a God who knows and understands and forgives...and who interjects Himself into situations at the very moment we need Him and His wisdom. Here's to a day when perhaps I can show some of His mercy and grace, just as I have been graced by Him. I may even try to smile at the next rude driver I encounter!
The irony of the situation is this: I was playing our favorite CD, one by Joel Raney when he was at our church for Composers' Weekend. We love his music; he is a master musician, and it soothes my soul as I listen. When I went for my horn-blowing, with my left hand, I hit the "back" button on the steering wheel, and it interrupted the music, starting it over. "Walk by Faith" was what I was about to hear! I was missing the very song I needed to hear. It was a lesson from above, and it got my attention immediately. Instead of getting myself all worked and into minor road rage, over some driver's rudeness, I could be experiencing some joy and peace in listening to and learning from a song of praise that I love. I'm thankful for that lesson and will remember it for sure.
Isn't that just like us humans? We know the right thing to do, but so often we, in our humanity, go off in the wrong direction with our bad reactions, our knee-jerks when someone or something irritates us. All my horn-blowing did was vent a little of my frustration, and it didn't do one thing for the other guy but show what a bad girl I was for behaving that way. I'll try, with a little Help, to not do that again. I'll try to show a little more mercy to the other driver, even if he is wrong, wrong, wrong. I'll be "walking with a little more faith" as I follow In His Steps a little more closely. For if we're to be salt and light, we're going to have to put away those nasty thoughts and bad attitudes and focus a little more on what's really important.
Yes, I'm thankful it happened. I'm thankful I didn't wreck...I'm thankful I for the lesson I'm learning about not reacting badly...I'm thankful for a God who knows and understands and forgives...and who interjects Himself into situations at the very moment we need Him and His wisdom. Here's to a day when perhaps I can show some of His mercy and grace, just as I have been graced by Him. I may even try to smile at the next rude driver I encounter!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Discipline
My latest read, entitled On BecomingToddlerwise by Garry Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, is one of a series of eight or so books on childrearing. Having read the first few books in the series when our little grandson was an infant, I thought I should get the age-appropriate one for Barrett's current stage of development at 19 months. I really like the writers' ideas in dealing with everyday issues like schedules, activities, feeding, discipline, etc. They use common sense, kindness, love, consistency...words of wisdom for young parents...and grandparents.
So far, Barrett has not been very challenging in the area of discipline. He is pretty easy to handle and isn't prone to much misbehavior, tantrums, or major meltdowns. He does have one "habit" that his parents are dealing with, and we got to watch discipline-with-love in action on our recent visit with them.
When Barrett is finished eating...or not interested in a particular food, he simply tosses or drops it onto the floor. He knows better; he's been told "No!" and he understands that it is not appropriate behavior to throw his food. His parents firmly grasp his arm, saying "Do not throw your food onto the floor." But he seems to do it at least once per mealtime. His daddy has a new tactic for dealing with this behavior. He unbuckles Barrett's high chair seatbelt, lifts him to the floor, bends down and says, "You made a mess; now you have to clean it up." Barrett, looking kind of worried, says, "Daddy? Mess?" John replies, "Daddy loves you, but you made the mess, and you have to clean it up." He holds a napkin or paper towel for Barrett to deposit the cheerios or bites of banana or meat or whatever has hit the floor. Barrett is learning to pick them up...and it looks like the tactic is making an impression.
We are proud for them for disciplining their child with love, as they teach him right from wrong...about consequences...about doing what he's told...about minding Mommy and Daddy. It's the first of many lessons he'll need to know, as he grows from toddlerhood into the preschool stage and on into childrhood and the teenage years to young adulthood. It's better to learn those lessons early...rather than having to learn them the hard way later.
According to Toddlerwise...and common sense would agree...misbehavior at 19 months old is not malicious but rather innocent immaturity. Willful defiance may come later in development and is another matter altogether, requiring greater disciliplinary action. So the discipline should fit the "crime." No punishment at this point but rather consistent, firm but kind actions on the part of the caregiver to guide the little one back onto the straight path. Making eye contact, expecting the child to respond with "Yes, Mommy" (or Daddy,) being consistent, giving instructions rather than suggestions...and using appropriate methods like redirection, isolation, natural consequences, loss of privileges, naptime...are all part of discipline for this age group.
All this makes me think of what a big part discipline is in all our lives. Certainly as children, we needed and hopefully got our fair share, so that we didn't get into major trouble or make horrible decisions with serious consequences. As we grew, discipline changed as we matured and realized the benefits of acting responsibly. Still, we are human, and we sometimes act in ways that aren't appropriate...or say things that aren't respectful or kind. Then discipline again becomes necessary. Just as a parent who loves his/her child will not let that child stray far, our heavenly Father loves us too much to allow us to wallow in our sin, to keep on doing things that aren't right without disciplining us in love. I, for one, am grateful for that fact; I need to be reminded of how easy but harmful it is to harbor bad feelings, to react badly, to speak unkindly, to have a bad attitude, to act selfishly, to be jealous...I need to be jolted out of my self-centeredness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Ps 51. I love that. I need that. I'm grateful for that. Just like Barrett, I need to learn my lessons...to be reminded what I need to do...or not to do. There is security in being within the boundary of good living...of following the straight and narrow...of keeping our eye on the prize, instead of going down the rough road of our own bidding. Being taught self-control early on will reap great benefits later on...something for which we can all be grateful! It's a win/win for parent and child alike...and we, in our adult years, can be glad that we been the recipients of loving discipline from our earthly parents and from our Father in heaven as well.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Supper Club
For the past 25 years or so, we have been in a supper club with three other couples. It's been a wonderful experience sharing life with this group. We've been friends through thick and thin, good times and bad, happiness and grief. We've shared each others' joys and sorrows; we've laughed and cried and supported each other through surgeries, weddings, funerals, and now in the birth of another generation: grandchildren!...we've traveled down many roads together, literally and figuratively.
It's kind of a microcosm of life, being with good friends down through the years. Whether we see each other each month...or more frequently or infrequently, we are there for each other; we share; we care; we listen; we pray; we help carry their burdens; we rejoice in their good news. And sharing meals together has been a big part of what has kept us together for so long. There's something about breaking bread together that is good and right. The sense of belonging...family...community is very real when folks sit at a common table, enjoying a good meal together.
So...I say "thank you" to our good friends for being a big part of our lives. Thank you for being there for us. Thank you for embracing us with love that is tangible. Thank you for giving of yourselves to us. Thank you for enriching our lives so beautifully. Hopefully we can keep up our tradition throughout these, our senior years, as our lives and family dynamics change and grow. It's a journey, for sure, and one that will present its own set of challenges as well as joys. From our pasts together, I have an idea all will be well! It's a shared journey, and one we enjoy immensely...one that is just plain ole good.
Here's to you, our soul-mates, our friends. We treasure you guys and look forward to life in the future alongside you. Bon Appetit!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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