Figuring It Out...or trying

Seems like John and I spend lots of driving time conversation trying to figure it out.  Driving does that to us; always has!  Some recent event or news item or article or observance will trigger the conversation, and before you know it, we're waxing philosophical. 

It might be a fashion item...a hairdo...a tattoo...an overheard conversation in a restaurant...someone's behavior...someone's driving blunder...an ad on tv...that gets our attention and gets the conversation started.  Invariably, as we ponder, one or the other will throw out his/her theory as to "why." 

We were listening to Fox News on Sirius recently, as we drove home from Florida.  What we love about Sirius is continuous music or talk without ads.  Fox is different.  Every other minute, an ad comes on.  And they are NOT children friendly ads, believe me.  I guess because Fox News Radio is really just the sound bites from Fox News on tv, they are obligated to fill time between spots with advertising.  It ruined it for us...we heard more ads for what used to be considered "private matters" than we could count!  Why?  Because that's what folks are interested in, I suppose.  Might just be a sign of the times?

It happens all the time.  We'll see a person completely covered with tattoos and just wonder "why?"  We'll see someone dressed completely inappropriately...say, in pajamas...at the mall and wonder why in the world they didn't bother to bathe and get dressed!  We'll overhear a young mother or father yelling at their young child, both completely out of control, and just wonder what the future holds for that child.  We'll see a news segment on riots or the occupy-movement and try to get inside those persons' heads to figure out "why."  We'll see a promo on an upcoming movie or tv show and wonder who would want to watch that!  It would give me nightmares for sure.

We don't, of course, have many answers.  It's just two persons' opinions.  We don't own the market...or have exclusive rights to what's what.  But we do care.  We don't want to see our values...or the country's collective morals...or the English language...or a decent way of life...go down the drain.  We try to be open-minded and inclusive...not overly critical or judgmental or stodgy.  It's a fine line we walk, in trying to figure "it" out and to respond appropriately.

We always seem to come to the same conclusion.  Some things that get our attention don't really matter so much.  Some do.  Some are done for attention...to make a statement...to show individuality...some show some rebellion...some are just trends...some show lack of home-training...some just plain ole bad manners...some laziness...some political views on display...some show some moral-decay...some show positivity on a different plane:  just a new way of espousing a view or belief...some show that time and society are just going too fast for two basically conservative persons who like things simpler and purer than they seem to be now.

So...I guess we'll just keep driving and keep trying to figure it out.  And hopefully, we'll display compassion rather than condemnation for the things which are different but not harmful.  For those actions which ARE harmful, may we stick to our beliefs, be strong, be tactful but bold.  May we do the right thing, have the right thoughts, in the right spirit.

Lemons

Those who know me well know of my love for lemons:  half 'n half iced tea with extra lemon;; lemon ice box pie; lemon poundcake; chicken picatta; lemon viniagrette, yogurt, sauce/curd...you get the picture.  It's that fresh tartness I enjoy, usually mixed with something slightly sweet. Very refreshing and pleasing to the palate.

I have often thought/threatened to write a book on my McDonald's experiences with my iced tea with extra lemon.  It is just comical how many times they don't get it right!  Either I get all unsweetened...or all sweetened...once half coffee/half tea (if you can imagine how awful that was!)...sometimes no ice, sometimes old and yucky...sometimes one tiny little lemon slice for 32 oz. of tea!  Occasionally about six lemon slices!  If it weren't for it being on the dollar menu, I'd boycott Mickey D's and go to Chik-fil-A or McAlister's instead.  But, it is convenient and cheap, so I keep going back.  It's my big vice, and I do enjoy my iced tea with extra lemon.  Could be worse!

All this to say, life can sometimes give you lemons you don't enjoy or anticipate.  The old saying tells us to make lemonade when this happens, and that's what I try to do.  I've been accused of seeing things with rose-colored glasses; some don't get it when an optimistic attitude is shown when it is so much easier to be mad or grumpy.  Don't get me wrong, I don't always succeed in making my lemonade when life gives me lemons.  I can get down and dirty with the rest of them.  A few weeks ago, our power went out AGAIN, and John was NOT happy...along with most of our neighbors and friends.  I wasn't happy about this, either...it happens way too often and at the most inopportune times.  It has cost us two refrigerator/freezer throw-aways and many a worrisome moment.  But I just can't stay upset; it could be so much worse.  Might as well make some lemonade!

Barrett calls them "memons," and he loves to fish them out of my tea and partake.  The expression on his face is priceless:  that little mouth all screwed around and that shudder we recognize...you'd think he wouldn't want another taste ever, but invariably he goes back to that slice again and again.  It's kind of ironic and a picture of how we adults get caught up in sourness.  We don't really like some things, but we are enticed to go back again and again.  Maybe it's just human nature; I don't know.  It could be a bawdy book...or a less-than-stellar movie...or a tv show that isn't appropriate...or music with bad lyrics...bad language...a trying situation that tries to rob us of our joy...or any vice/temptation that seems to draw us in.

Moral of story:  life is tough...sometimes ugly...sometimes sour...let's just suck it up and make some lemonade!  It'll make things sweeter and most palatible, I promise.  If we stick to the sweeter things in life...those things are true, righteous, pure, lovely...then we'll have a step-up on things, a headstart on life as it can be.  When we're tempted to let sour situations bring us down, we can just remember this and get through it so much better.

Mimi

Today is January 26, and it would have been my mother's 92nd birthday, if she were still with us.  She loved her birthday.  It was well-celebrated, and she did love to celebrate.  Daddy would shower her with all-things-girly:  flowers, a mushy card signed with "Guess who?"...a gown and robe, perfume, fancy dinner out.  He was one of the big romantics, and she loved it. 

When she turned 40, she was getting over a bout with German measles.  I was 10 years old and was worried she'd always limp...or maybe die, as in my small world, that would have been devastating.  She had developed a syndrome, as she recovered from measles...and it was slightly crippling for a while.  That was in the days of active polio, and that was my secret fear.  I didn't want my mommy to have to be in an iron lung.  But all ended well.  She recovered, and Daddy gave her a big party.  Their friends came to our house and celebrated well into the night, complete with confetti and horns.  I remember it well!

Often, her birthday celebration was shared with their dear friends, the McNeeley's, as Dr McNeeley's birthday was the 27th.  They looked forward to this get-together.  All four are gone now.  Wonder if they'll celebrate together tonight?

So...Happy Birthday, Mother/Mimi/MeMaw...we all miss you and D-daddy.  You were a good mother and grandmother, and we love you.  See you in the by-and-by!

't-is-it?

Today, Barrett is 23 months old!  We can't believe it.  Here he is, a talking, running, feed-yourself, singing little boy; wasn't it just yesterday he was tiny and cooing and newborn?  We watched some video of him the other night, at about age 8 months or so.  He was dancing, holding onto the coffee table, and was just the cubbiest little thing, with short little legs and a bald head.  In just  about a year's time span, he is tall and thin and has blonde curls covering that beautiful little head.  He can count and use his problem-solving-skills to figure out where puzzle pieces go...how to screw on the top to a water bottle...to build a tower...to hook magnets together. 

We marvel at his language development, as well as his motor skills.  He repeats just about everything and strings together 4 or 5 word sentences.  His latest word really isn't:  it is " 't-is-it "  At first, we thought he was saying "kiss it," as he had just laid a big one on his mommy...and was all about kissing!  But, as we observed him, it became obvious he was asking a question.  It's his shortened version of "What is it?"  And he asks it often! 

Because asking questions is one of the great toddler traits in general, and one of the ways they learn best, we spend lots of times answering him:  "It's a blimp."  "It's a ramp."  "It's a pelican."  "It's a mushroom."  On television, he sees a new dinosaur and asks " 't-is-it?"  If I haven't paid close attention, I don't know the answer!  I'm just learning all the types, from Dinosaur Train; if it's not a T-Rex, then I have to get help.  It's a whole new world out there for this E-mommy!

Observations

A few observations on this Sunday afternoon:

- Worship on Sunday morning just makes everything feel complete

- Worship with family is the best

- Participating in the Lord's Supper is humbling, spiritually moving, extraordinary

- Getting to sing "Jesus calls us, o'er the tumult..." takes me back to my childhood

- Grilled cheese sandwiches are classic, especially with a bowl of tomato soup

- There are no sweeter words, to my ears, than Mommy and Grandmommy ("E-mommy")

- Afternoon fog is kind of weird; it is expected in the morning, around the water

but is supposed to burn off as the day progresses.  Eerie!

- Sunday afternoon and naps are synonymous!

 - Meals and meal-planning are never-ending, in a good sort of way:

on the menu for tonight is Coke can Chicken on the grill - yum!

- It's hard to beat grilled asparagus and eggplant - unless it's

stir-fried veggies or roasted root veggies!

 - I am craving Chocolate Lava Cake; I NEED some soon!

- Barrett shows great intelligence while exploring:  he turns around backwards

while going through a thicket, to protect his face from scratches

- He has 20/20 vision for sure:  he can find a bobbypin or penny or button

when we think we've completely babyproofed a room

- You have to have quick reflexes when your little monkey is jumping on the bed: 

I caught him by one foot yesterday, as he nearly hit the floor.  "No more monkeys

jumping on the bed."

- There is nothing to compare with the sweet fragrance of Johnson's No More Tears

in the freshly washed curly blonde hair of our little guy.

- I am grateful for Cindy's recovery from her recent illness

 - I am grateful Dev is doing well in recovering from surgery

- I am proud of Johnny in his roles as husband, daddy, and author

- John and I are blessed beyond words with our family

- I think 63 is a pretty good age to be :)

 

Tuesday's Child

Monday's child is fair of face,

Tuesday's child is full of grace,

Wednesday's child is loving and giving,

Thursday's child has to work for a living,

Friday's child is full of woe,

Saturday's child has far to go.

But the child that is born on the Sabbath day

is fair and wise and good and gay.

Knowing that this is just poetry should make those born on Friday and Saturday feel a little better!  Of course, it's just silly to believe what each day's child is said to be, and I doubt many do.  I guess pretty people born on Monday might...and it would be great to be full of grace like Tuesday's...or to be loving and giving just because I might have been born on Wednesday!  Sunday is THE day, according to this:  what better could be said of us than to be fair and wise and good and happy!

All this to say:  we most all have some of all the attributes listed above.  We all have our attractive traits; we can pray to be as graceful as we have been graced; being loving and giving is certainly something to practice and become good at; most of us work....or have worked...during our lives.  And we all have our share of woe, hardship, bad luck, despair, grief...Certainly we have not arrived and have far to go.  I, for one, would love to be always fair; wisdom is much to be desired; being a good person and to be happy and joyful (gay) most of the time would be something wonderful.

Today is our daughter's birthday, and she was born on a Tuesday...thus my thoughts today being on the aforementioned ditty.  And she is full of grace, for sure.  She gives others the benefit of the doubt...she forgives...she is sunshine and moonlight...and one of the most giving persons I know.  I remember when she went to Washington on the safety patrol trip in fifth grade, she spent ALL her money on presents for me and her daddy and brother...All her spending money on others; nothing at all for herself.  And a gold Noah's Ark bracelet she gifted me with - a gift entirely too expensive for her to buy but for which she sacrificed in order to buy.  I treasure the sacrifice as much as the gift.  Her gift of giving to others could easily make her Wednesday's child.  Speaking of other days of the week, she could be Monday's child with her beauty...and working for a living:  she works TOO hard, even when she's sick...that is just the kind of dedicated employee she is.

I'll stop here, so as not to embarrass her...nor to be accused of being a braggart myself.  Happy Birthday, Cindy!  You bless us everyday with your life; we are glad you were born our daughter, no matter what day of the week.  Thank you for being you.  We love you!

The Peaceable Kingdom

Barrett has a barn, with all the familiar farm animals:  a piggy, a moo-cow, a billy goat, a horse, a doggy.  There is a ladder to climb to the second floor of the barn and a corral to keep the animals from wandering off.

He enjoys his farm and plays with it lots.  The animals start out in their "rooms" in the barn...then he lines them up, side by side.  Sometimes the animals kiss one another.  Sometimes they play roughly and  knock each other over.

What's interesting about this farm is that it also has some unusual animals who live and play alongside the traditional ones listed above.  There is a lion, a tiger, a fox, and a dinosaur...a T Rex at that!  King of carnivores!  This morning, the tiger took a ride on top of the horse...the fox was sitting beside the piggy, and the dinorsaur was right there by the moo-cow!

It is fascinating to watch Barrett and his animals at play.  It's like he has never heard of predators and prey... he doesn't understand that concept, of course.  His farm is a peaceable kingdom, where the lion truly does lie down with the lamb.  Such a picture of what God wants for His kingdom here on earth...and one which we'll experience someday in heaven!

I'm glad of the reminder, from the play table of a precious little 22-month old child, that we CAN all get along a little better.  Maybe not totally yet, not like things are now, but little by little, one day at a time...then perfectly in the by-and-by.  We can work at it, we humans.  There's so much to be gained from living peaceably, in harmony, in concord with one another.  It's a tall order, for sure, but one that can happen with attitude and action modifications on all our parts.

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes, on Barrett's farm.  We may just see some more examples of harmonious living, like the fox sleeping with the chickens or the doggy and the kitten sharing a bed in the hay.  They may have learned something important from the lion and the lamb!     

War Horse

We ventured out to the movie theatre yesterday afternoon,

to see the film War Horse.

It is a beautifully done film but very hard to watch.

It is full of tragedy, war...and thus suffering and death.

It is also full of love and devotion...and many relationships.

It is the story of relationship between:

- mother horse and colt

 - boy and horse

 - boy and parents

-landlord and tenants

- horse and horse

-soldier and soldier

- soldier and horse

-girl and grandfather

- girl and horse

- soldier and enemy

- soldier and friends

- man and grandfather

- man and horse

I won't spoil the movie by telling the story line or elaborating on any of the above,

other than to say it is VERY well done and a wonderful movie.

I highly recommend it...but must warn folks that it IS difficult to watch,

if you're sensitive.

I, for one, am very glad I persevered and watched til the end.

Life is full of relationships, and this movie makes one aware, again,

that there are good ones and bad ones and priceless ones.

Enemies can become friends, parents and children can work out their differences,

the grandparent/grandchild relationship is special indeed,

and animals can be one of our richest blessings.

I'll leave it with that - enjoy the movie!

Randomness

Yesterday was a special day at church.  Our pastor is preaching a sermon series on Christianity 101, and yesterday's topic was Trust Jesus.  The message was very encouraging and uplifting to me personally.  At the end of the service, a man went forward and asked to speak a few words to the congregation.  He grew up at CBCFC and has been a member there all his life.  His wife has fought aggressive cancer for quite a while, and after being in remission last spring, has had a recurrence requiring radiation that is potentially harmful to her heart.  The man thanked the church for their prayers and support and tearfully asked for continuing prayers as she begins the next step in her treatment regimen.  His words were poignant, moving, heart-wrenching, sweet...The sermon he had just heard was PERFECT for his situation.  God is so good, in hearing and speaking to our every need.  Trusting Jesus is exactly what we all need, everyday but especially in our greatest hours of need.  His timing is perfect, as well.  He spoke, through our pastor, exactly what Ray needed to hear.

On another subject, I spend part of my Monday mornning updating security on our old desktop computer.  It is rarely used, but it's needs to be secure.  Because it is old, it runs slowly; it seemed to take forever to do what it needed to do, in the update.  I used the time, as I waited, to go through some old files I had inherited from my parents:  old letters, to and from their parents...old pictures, one of my dad's college projects in the school of engineering, etc.  It was fun and intriguing to read what was going on, from the letters.  One told of some of my high school escapades...one about my skiing adventures at Camp Sequoyah...one about my brother's search for a summer job in Birmingham...one about his awaiting orders from the Air Force as he was being called up...All these things happened 40-50+ years ago.  In ways it seems like yesterday; in ways an eternity ago.  I'm glad I have these blasts-from-the-past.  They are like mini-history books of our family's past.  One day they'll need to be discarded; but for now, they are back to "sleep" in the trusty old filing cabinet.

Lastly, a friend of ours challenged the readers of her blog to ask God for a word for the year...The one He gave her is "Hope."  When I asked Him for mine, almost immediately I heard "Quiet."  It could mean many things...and probably does...but what I hear Him saying to me is, "Be still and know that I am God."  And listen to His "still, small voice."  I spend lots of time reading and writing and talking and visiting.  But how much time do I spend just being still and quiet and listening?  When we do set aside that time to be absolutely quiet...to turn off all our distracting technology and devices, the ability to listen and to hear, in our spirits, is so abundantly enhanced.  We live in a busy and noisy world, full of so many loud and disrupting distractions, that rarely do we take time to go to our quiet places to be still and listen.  I think the allure of such quiet times is what makes meditation so appealing.  So...now that I have my word, I intend to do just what it says and means.  2012 will be a quieter year...and hopefully a very meaningful one.  I'll let you know!

ATTACK

We were waiting at the drug store, for a prescription to be filled.  Because we had more than a few minutes to wait, we were sitting in the car...looking up, we noticed four birds flying after another one.  I commented that four against one didn't look fair!  John noticed that the one being chased was a hawk.  Each one of the attackers was taking a turn at the enemy, but he evaded each one in turn.  Another bird joined in, but the hawk escaped all five.  One by one. the attackers dropped out of the contest, til just two were left against the lone hawk.  This contest went on for probably 10 minutes or so.  The attackers were all the same color so we figured the hawk must have been trying to get at their nests or young.  I don't know the outcome, as we left before there was a victor.

Along the same line, as far as "attack" goes:  I read a facebook post from a young friend who mentioned that it was a shame that social media had become an avenue for folks to voice unkind comments about others.  I don't know what was going on to prompt the comment, but I did recognize, from some of the others' posts, that she was probably the target of someone's unkindness:  she was the attackee.  Again, not fair.  Not the purpose of social media at all.

Third example:  we were watching an old Shirley Temple movie called, "The Little Princess."  I am a big fan of that precious and precocious child and had received a whole set of DVDs for Christmas, courtesy of our sweet daughter.  In this particular movie, "Sarah" moved into an exclusive boarding school in London when her military father was called away to war in Africa.  Immediately, the wicked school marm and many of the spoiled children began to pick on her.  I don't know the motives (jealousy, probably...or perhaps greed); but it was just a crying shame to watch them mistreat Sarah, who was just as sweet and kind as can be, to everyone regardless of social status.

Moral of stories:  there seem to be attackers all around.  If anyone has ever been a victim (the "attackee")...and who hasn't...you can identify with the feeling.  It isn't one bit fun.  If any have been "the attacker," then you can also identify with the pseudo-power...the feeling of superiority...the adrenalin rush, perhaps, that the power-player feels. 

It is bullying-at-its-worst to attack.  It's letting the devil be in control as that's one of the tactics he uses against the vulnerable.  Bottom line:  be on guard, lest he get a foot-hold and tempts us to attack those with whom we disagree...or have a problem with...or who get in our way...or who are just different...or who have more...or who have less, etc, etc. 

We don't want to be attackers.  It is just about as far away from being Christ-like as can be.  Yes, we want to defend our young...we want to stand up for our principles...we don't want to be wimps.  But we can do all the above without attacking. 

...just something to think about this cold but beautiful winter morning.

Birthday Thoughts

Well, today is January 2, and it's my birthday...my 63rd birthday! 

Seems impossible.  I remember my life 61 years ago...clear memories of a

child living in Oak Ridge, just having celebrated birthday #2, the day we moved

from Alabama for Daddy's new job.  We lived in an apartment complex where each apartment

had a different color panel on the building.  My brother had gotten a Hopalong Cassidy

bicycle, with training wheels and a rifle attached, for Christmas; he rode by and hollered,

"THERE'S A SNAKE ON OUR PORCH!"

My Aunt Laura, who was visiting with us and whose hand I was holding, said,

"Harry, don't tease us!  That's not nice!"

Well, guess what?  There WAS a snake on our porch, all coiled up and watching us intently.

After many shrieks and screams, someone got rid of him, thank goodness!  I detest snakes to this day.

I don't know why I am thinking of this today, except that it is one of my farthest-back memories.

It must have been a traumatic one, for it is indelibly written on my mind.  I also remember being in a

train wreck when I was a toddler, and that obviously was traumatic, as well!

I remember lots of birthdays along the way:  one when I got a bicycle that I was "expecting" at

Christmastime...and my garnet birthstone ring...

one when I got to have a slumber party...one when I was VERY pregnant

and hoping our baby would come a little early as my present :)  And many where my

sweet husband brought me red roses and funny cards with animals, as is our tradition.

I'm always happy and blessed on my birthday...and grateful just to be here and healthy.

Because it occurs so close to Christmas...and right at the new year's dawn...it's a

wonderful time to start again...to be renewed...to hope and to plan and to resolve to

walk a little closer to Him, to be better, to have positive thoughts and words,

to be still and to know that He is God..(QUIET might just be my word for 2012)

...to serve, to love, to help, to be all that I can be. 

 It's also a great time to share the Good News, to serve Him better,

to be a friend who is always trusted

and to be the best wife and mother and grandmother

I can be.

I'm thankful to my parents for making life possible for me, and to God for blessing me with

wonderful family and friends...and for loving me enough to give His Son for me and for all mankind,

so that we might have life, abundant and everlasting, both here on earth and then in heaven.

Yes, it's my birthday, and I'm feeling very blessed!