We have had a rather quiet two days after a very satisfying Thanksgiving Day.
To get a proper gauge on the atmosphere and emotions of our Thanksgiving, hop over to God's Design Not Mine - that's R.s new blog. I wanted her to get her"feet wet" before I sent the"teeming masses" to her site. . .
Okay, I would appreciate if ONE of you two readers will stick around while the other checks out R.'s blog, that way I am not all alone here.
I think you will find some great insights there and in a much better organized manner, and best of all, she is still saying nice stuff about me occasionally!
My Dad was able to be home for the day and that was nice - we didn't have as large a crowd at Mom's as usual, several had other family obligations so it was a little quieter than some years, but very sweet.
At R.'s family home we had supper and had a nice evening. We all sat around and watched a Christmas movie - this year it was Holiday Inn.
Today has been an ideal wintry day - if you didn't especially want to accomplish anything. We have a fire and have stayed near it most of the day.
I have been working on the blog lately to bring some Christmas appeal - 'hope you enjoy it.
AA. and I ran across the first music selection you will hear - Christmas Jam by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, we both loved the opening and so he asked that I put it first. It doesn't exactly provoke images of Currier & Ives but it is energizing.
Thanks for listening.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Traditions
I have big plans for December and this blog, however, I would recommend that - as a reader - you adopt a "wait and see" attitude. You see we have embarked upon what is my favorite season of the year. Fueled by anticipation, this time of year, is always preceded by a flourish of creativity and energy - usually during the month of November. Unfortunately, the brutal pace of the season, with parties, concerts, shopping, and things that have to be done, tend to beat the life out of any creativity and energy that emerged before Thanksgiving.
Again, - think "wait and see"
Today I want to talk about traditions since - traditionally in our household, we try to restrain any mention or focus on Christmas until after we have properly let Thanksgiving have its day.
Then the floodgates open and eleven months of pent-up Christmas celebration comes bursting through.
I believe traditions are an important part of families and the Christmas season especially. Some families think outside the box for Christmas - planning vacations to areas with warm climates is one example of thinking outside the box; that's not for me. In fact, it's just hard for me to fell Christmassy if the weather is warm.
The problem is traditions are not practical. Many times one has to do illogical things in order to keep traditions.
This fact was illustrated on the morning after Thanksgiving by my attempt to keep a tradition with the kids that began about four or five years ago.
I usually take off the day after Thanksgiving, R. seems to usually end up working that day.
So several years ago, I thought the kids and I would start a tradition of eating out for breakfast - at the Waffle House on the morning after Thanksgiving. I believe on the first year we did this, we actually went to a local shopping mall for awhile afterward just to be a part of the excitement.
One year, the tradition was threatened by some gastronomical difficulties Ab was experiencing at the time. We were able to go but had to leave pretty quickly. Last year we spent Thanksgiving with R.'s family in Memphis, Tennessee and so we skipped the tradition.
This year I was moving slowly and while I was getting ready - my wife gave in to the pleading of my children and fed them.
So when I emerged from my room all dressed and ready -there they sat with peanut-butter toast still in their wicked little hands -
"We're starving!" they had cried. And Mom gave in.
I am not sure what I would have wanted her to do. . . but I was not pleased with her response and sulked for a period of time. I think in my tradition-based-paranoia, I deduced that she had tried to sabotage my plans since she couldn't join us
It was almost as if the success or failure of my entire holiday year had hinged on getting to Waffle House with hungry kids in tow.
Anyway, I plan to tell you more about the rest of the day in an upcoming post, but suffice it to say I placed the importance of keeping a tradition higher than the importance of maintaining good relationships.
So I will be more careful not to be Clark Griswald this Christmas.
I do like traditions - I beam with pride when my children tell other people... "we ALWAYS...." I like the permanence of that. I like that these regular events become a part of who we are as a family.
I think God is okay with traditions... the Jewish calendar was filled with feasts, holidays, and various other traditions: bringing families together, addressing injustices or bitterness, bringing hearts back to God and History, celebrating victories, remembering struggles.
R. and I have had traditions that have come and gone ... some stayed.
For about two years we kept a tradition of decorating the tree on Thanksgiving night. Turkey fatigue got the best of us one year - I think - and so we never returned to that tradition.
Again, - think "wait and see"
Today I want to talk about traditions since - traditionally in our household, we try to restrain any mention or focus on Christmas until after we have properly let Thanksgiving have its day.
Then the floodgates open and eleven months of pent-up Christmas celebration comes bursting through.
I believe traditions are an important part of families and the Christmas season especially. Some families think outside the box for Christmas - planning vacations to areas with warm climates is one example of thinking outside the box; that's not for me. In fact, it's just hard for me to fell Christmassy if the weather is warm.
The problem is traditions are not practical. Many times one has to do illogical things in order to keep traditions.
This fact was illustrated on the morning after Thanksgiving by my attempt to keep a tradition with the kids that began about four or five years ago.
I usually take off the day after Thanksgiving, R. seems to usually end up working that day.
So several years ago, I thought the kids and I would start a tradition of eating out for breakfast - at the Waffle House on the morning after Thanksgiving. I believe on the first year we did this, we actually went to a local shopping mall for awhile afterward just to be a part of the excitement.
One year, the tradition was threatened by some gastronomical difficulties Ab was experiencing at the time. We were able to go but had to leave pretty quickly. Last year we spent Thanksgiving with R.'s family in Memphis, Tennessee and so we skipped the tradition.
This year I was moving slowly and while I was getting ready - my wife gave in to the pleading of my children and fed them.
So when I emerged from my room all dressed and ready -there they sat with peanut-butter toast still in their wicked little hands -
"We're starving!" they had cried. And Mom gave in.
I am not sure what I would have wanted her to do. . . but I was not pleased with her response and sulked for a period of time. I think in my tradition-based-paranoia, I deduced that she had tried to sabotage my plans since she couldn't join us
It was almost as if the success or failure of my entire holiday year had hinged on getting to Waffle House with hungry kids in tow.
Anyway, I plan to tell you more about the rest of the day in an upcoming post, but suffice it to say I placed the importance of keeping a tradition higher than the importance of maintaining good relationships.
So I will be more careful not to be Clark Griswald this Christmas.
I do like traditions - I beam with pride when my children tell other people... "we ALWAYS...." I like the permanence of that. I like that these regular events become a part of who we are as a family.
I think God is okay with traditions... the Jewish calendar was filled with feasts, holidays, and various other traditions: bringing families together, addressing injustices or bitterness, bringing hearts back to God and History, celebrating victories, remembering struggles.
R. and I have had traditions that have come and gone ... some stayed.
For about two years we kept a tradition of decorating the tree on Thanksgiving night. Turkey fatigue got the best of us one year - I think - and so we never returned to that tradition.
When Ab was a baby, we baked a "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" cake every Christmas Day. By the time AA had come along, there just wasn't enough time on Christmas morning to add one more baked item.
Since the year before R. and I married and for about 8 or 9 years, we went Caroling every year. It had begun as something to do during the "lull" that used to come about after all the parties and holiday events were over. There was very little planning, some folks just got a phone call saying -"we're going Caroling tonight". And someone would volunteer their home to serve coffee and snacks afterward. It was a lot of fun and we felt that we were really uplifting some of the folks we visited. But that tradition became too organized and large and we got too busy so it fell by the wayside.
I want to talk about a few of the things that we do -as a family- to keep the season special and hopefully to keep our focus on the birth of Jesus.
If you have any to share, feel free.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Forgotten Holiday
I love Thanksgiving Day - I think partly because it is something of the "underdog" of holidays.
It seems that most of our society does not to know what to do with Thanksgiving Day. Stores go all out to promote Halloween and then move right into Christmas. About the only marketable item related to Thanksgiving is food. So Thanksgiving Day becomes "Turkey Day" and the lead-in to the Christmas shopping season.
It seems that most of our society does not to know what to do with Thanksgiving Day. Stores go all out to promote Halloween and then move right into Christmas. About the only marketable item related to Thanksgiving is food. So Thanksgiving Day becomes "Turkey Day" and the lead-in to the Christmas shopping season.
Thanksgiving Day may be in its present dilemma for a couple of reasons: 1] It is a holiday that is defined by a specific attitude - gratefulness. 2] It is a holiday that is uniquely American and specifically designed to turn attention to God.
These are not popular concepts these days.
So I love Thanksgiving - it's the non-conformist holiday.
I am trying to pass along to my family, my love for this holiday and its traditions. But even this morning, my blogging is distracted severely by the fact that we have two family functions to attend and Ab and AA have been in a crisis over a play that they wrote and practiced most of last evening.
Creativity and Traditions - those are the hallmarks of this season. But this morning, R. and I have been trying to convince our kids that everyone may not want to sit and focus their attention on a kid's play that has a multitude of scene changes and no strong plot (although that describes most of what passes for entertainment these days).
I will include some pictures from their rehearsals.
But I need to go for now, since I can sense the level of tension rising sharply in this traditional holiday home, and I think I need to address the "attitude" part of Thanksgiving Day again.
Happy Thanksgiving Day!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Before Thanksgiving
As per my earlier "self-issued-challenge", I am slowly reading Plymouth Plantation, by William Bradford. There is an emphasis on the word: slowly. I don't even have the weary band of travelers out of the harbor at Southampton yet.
But I have noticed a trend and perhaps you will find it of some value as well.
In order for a time of thanksgiving to have it's full benefit, some things need to precede it: hardship and seeking heaven.
We can be thankful for good things that just sort of- happen; but the thanksgiving means a lot more when we have realized that we are in trouble, sought help, and been relieved of our trouble.
For instance, I am usually grateful when I have not had a flat tire on my way to work. But on one cold morning when I did have a flat tire - I was really grateful that my flat tire had occurred within about 20 yards of a dealer that repaired and sold tires (come to think of it - he was probably grateful, too).
What is often referred to as the first feast of Thanksgiving for the Pilgrims came on the heels of a near devastating drought. The leadership of the community had called a day of prayer and fasting and God responded with a gentle steady rain. With the crops revived and the hardship overcome - the band declared a time of thanksgiving.
This morning, I read yet another passage from Bradford's saga in which the congregation declared a day of fasting.
Persecution had driven them to the Netherlands, where they had spent twelve years laboring within a culture that was very strange to them. Most of them had lost or given up most all of their belongings in order to make that journey.
After a dozen years, they had hit upon what seemed to be a wonderful plan - they would establish a colony in the New World (America). But in attempting to arrange for a voyage, they had run into communication problems with their representatives, they had faced delay after delay and some that had once supported them, were changing their minds. In short - they found themselves in hardship.
It is amazing to me to think of the extreme difficulties they endured, just to have the opportunity to come to this land where they would start again with nothing and again, face unbelievable deprivation.
The small group of believers that were committed to go on the first voyage returned to England to prepare to embark. There they learned that - unbeknown to them - some parts of their original agreement with the sponsoring company, had been altered.
And they found themselves in great difficulty: should they back out of the deal altogether or should they accept this injustice? Many had already invested most everything they owned and committed to the voyage - the thought of having to return was too bitter to contemplate.
So they stopped. They declared a day of fasting.
And their Pastor began the day with this verse...
That may not always be the case. . . . for some, that is not even the case right now. Some are wrapping up a wretched year.
Then - when we listen and obey- I can assure you, there will be a time of thanksgiving.
But I have noticed a trend and perhaps you will find it of some value as well.
In order for a time of thanksgiving to have it's full benefit, some things need to precede it: hardship and seeking heaven.
We can be thankful for good things that just sort of- happen; but the thanksgiving means a lot more when we have realized that we are in trouble, sought help, and been relieved of our trouble.
For instance, I am usually grateful when I have not had a flat tire on my way to work. But on one cold morning when I did have a flat tire - I was really grateful that my flat tire had occurred within about 20 yards of a dealer that repaired and sold tires (come to think of it - he was probably grateful, too).
What is often referred to as the first feast of Thanksgiving for the Pilgrims came on the heels of a near devastating drought. The leadership of the community had called a day of prayer and fasting and God responded with a gentle steady rain. With the crops revived and the hardship overcome - the band declared a time of thanksgiving.
This morning, I read yet another passage from Bradford's saga in which the congregation declared a day of fasting.
Persecution had driven them to the Netherlands, where they had spent twelve years laboring within a culture that was very strange to them. Most of them had lost or given up most all of their belongings in order to make that journey.
After a dozen years, they had hit upon what seemed to be a wonderful plan - they would establish a colony in the New World (America). But in attempting to arrange for a voyage, they had run into communication problems with their representatives, they had faced delay after delay and some that had once supported them, were changing their minds. In short - they found themselves in hardship.
It is amazing to me to think of the extreme difficulties they endured, just to have the opportunity to come to this land where they would start again with nothing and again, face unbelievable deprivation.
The small group of believers that were committed to go on the first voyage returned to England to prepare to embark. There they learned that - unbeknown to them - some parts of their original agreement with the sponsoring company, had been altered.
And they found themselves in great difficulty: should they back out of the deal altogether or should they accept this injustice? Many had already invested most everything they owned and committed to the voyage - the thought of having to return was too bitter to contemplate.
So they stopped. They declared a day of fasting.
And their Pastor began the day with this verse...
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. Ezra 8:21 NKJV
In our culture today we have to endure very few hardships.
That may not always be the case. . . . for some, that is not even the case right now. Some are wrapping up a wretched year.
When difficulties arise, let's first humble ourselves before our God and seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.
Then - when we listen and obey- I can assure you, there will be a time of thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Teachable Moment - Yeah Right.
AA and I had Scouts tonight and it was the night of the Thanksgiving Feast!
In our Pack the boys earn "Scout Bucks" which they can spend in the Treasure Box in the monthly Pack meetings.
AA's leader normally keeps these for his group since the Tiger Cubs tend to let things slip away, but somehow AA had ended up bringing a small stack of Scout Bucks home. Recently I saw them sort of stuffed willy-nilly in his Scout Book so we straightened them out and stacked them all going in the same direction and put the in his book. And that was the last I saw of them except for one straggler that was left alone to tell the tale when I checked AA's book tonight.
Since his Scout Bucks were few, his choices were extremely limited.
He ended up with a plastic egg container for camping. It's probably one of those items that are made to sell rather than to actually use.
On the way home we talked a little about responsibility and I saw an opportunity to share one of those fatherly stories... you know, the kind Robert Young used to tell to "Bud" and "Princess" on Father Knows Best.
I love to tell those stories and there was a day that the kids would ask - cajole and sometimes even BEG - for me to tell them a story...
...that was before they got Nintendo DS and Dad crawled up onto the shelf with all the other forgotten toys of childhood.
AA will still listen sometimes - I think he feels sorry for me.
So I asked him if I could share a story and I gained his permission.
I told him about Jesus' parable of the ruler who issued talents to his servants ... only I put it in a twisted sort of modern day context.
The "ruler" became a "Boss" and instead of "talents" - he gave hundred-dollars... three, two and one, to his three servants respectively.
In my story, his last word of advice to each servant as he handed over the money was to "be fruitful - make it grow!".
When the Boss returned, I painted the scene as if he were walking home from the bus station carrying his bags.
The first servant met with the boss and gave account of his earnings... the $300.00 had grown to $600.00. The boss was very pleased because he had been responsible! He promoted him to Regional Chairman (it was the first title that popped into my head) and told him because he had been responsible with little he would now rule over much!
Enter servant number two... he too had doubled the boss's money and was congratulated and rewarded accordingly. Then he was promoted to Director of Operations (well, AA seemed to buy it).
Finally the servant that had only been given $100.00 stood sheepishly at the door - tapping timidly... he seemed proud that he had not put the boss's money at risk! After all, he was afraid of the boss and afraid to do anything with his money... so he buried it. Now he returned it to the boss, the same way the boss had left it - only slightly soiled.
The boss - in my account - asked the servant what advice he had shared just before he left on his trip. The servant couldn't or wouldn't remember... the boss reminded him: "Be fruitful - make it grow!"
The servant was summarily fired and his $100 was given to the one who had been most responsible with the boss's gift.
I asked AA if that made sense to him.
He said -"I thought if it was in the Bible they wouldn't have cars ..."
In our Pack the boys earn "Scout Bucks" which they can spend in the Treasure Box in the monthly Pack meetings.
AA's leader normally keeps these for his group since the Tiger Cubs tend to let things slip away, but somehow AA had ended up bringing a small stack of Scout Bucks home. Recently I saw them sort of stuffed willy-nilly in his Scout Book so we straightened them out and stacked them all going in the same direction and put the in his book. And that was the last I saw of them except for one straggler that was left alone to tell the tale when I checked AA's book tonight.
Since his Scout Bucks were few, his choices were extremely limited.
He ended up with a plastic egg container for camping. It's probably one of those items that are made to sell rather than to actually use.
On the way home we talked a little about responsibility and I saw an opportunity to share one of those fatherly stories... you know, the kind Robert Young used to tell to "Bud" and "Princess" on Father Knows Best.
I love to tell those stories and there was a day that the kids would ask - cajole and sometimes even BEG - for me to tell them a story...
...that was before they got Nintendo DS and Dad crawled up onto the shelf with all the other forgotten toys of childhood.
AA will still listen sometimes - I think he feels sorry for me.
So I asked him if I could share a story and I gained his permission.
I told him about Jesus' parable of the ruler who issued talents to his servants ... only I put it in a twisted sort of modern day context.
The "ruler" became a "Boss" and instead of "talents" - he gave hundred-dollars... three, two and one, to his three servants respectively.
In my story, his last word of advice to each servant as he handed over the money was to "be fruitful - make it grow!".
When the Boss returned, I painted the scene as if he were walking home from the bus station carrying his bags.
The first servant met with the boss and gave account of his earnings... the $300.00 had grown to $600.00. The boss was very pleased because he had been responsible! He promoted him to Regional Chairman (it was the first title that popped into my head) and told him because he had been responsible with little he would now rule over much!
Enter servant number two... he too had doubled the boss's money and was congratulated and rewarded accordingly. Then he was promoted to Director of Operations (well, AA seemed to buy it).
Finally the servant that had only been given $100.00 stood sheepishly at the door - tapping timidly... he seemed proud that he had not put the boss's money at risk! After all, he was afraid of the boss and afraid to do anything with his money... so he buried it. Now he returned it to the boss, the same way the boss had left it - only slightly soiled.
The boss - in my account - asked the servant what advice he had shared just before he left on his trip. The servant couldn't or wouldn't remember... the boss reminded him: "Be fruitful - make it grow!"
The servant was summarily fired and his $100 was given to the one who had been most responsible with the boss's gift.
I asked AA if that made sense to him.
He said -"I thought if it was in the Bible they wouldn't have cars ..."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Having it All
Does God get everything thing He wants?
It's a lesson we have been and are trying to teach our children. . . and to learn ourselves, for that matter: You can't have everything you want.
During times of economic downturns - people learn to live on less and they forgo some luxuries.
But God? God gets everything He wants, when He wants it - right?
Well I ran across a verse today that snagged with its sense of controversy.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. . 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV
Note the second half of that verse - God desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth.
Does He get everything He wants?
Why not?
I believe it is because he allows us to be free moral agents - we can choose not to accept what He has for us.
I believe He leaves an example for us in our dealing with others - particularly grown children. Sometimes we have to sit back and let them make their own decisions ... and then keep giving them our love in spite of their rejection.
Recently at work, I listened to a mother with a grown son who has moved away and is really being careless with his choices. I could hear some of the sadness and concern in her voice. But she still loves that boy.
The next verse in 1 Timothy 2 reveals how Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all men ... so there is Christ, paying the price for everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Yet some will reject even His great Gift.
I believe that He keeps loving, keeps giving, keeps waiting.
It's a lesson we have been and are trying to teach our children. . . and to learn ourselves, for that matter: You can't have everything you want.
During times of economic downturns - people learn to live on less and they forgo some luxuries.
But God? God gets everything He wants, when He wants it - right?
Well I ran across a verse today that snagged with its sense of controversy.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. . 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV
Note the second half of that verse - God desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth.
Does He get everything He wants?
Why not?
I believe it is because he allows us to be free moral agents - we can choose not to accept what He has for us.
I believe He leaves an example for us in our dealing with others - particularly grown children. Sometimes we have to sit back and let them make their own decisions ... and then keep giving them our love in spite of their rejection.
Recently at work, I listened to a mother with a grown son who has moved away and is really being careless with his choices. I could hear some of the sadness and concern in her voice. But she still loves that boy.
The next verse in 1 Timothy 2 reveals how Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all men ... so there is Christ, paying the price for everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Yet some will reject even His great Gift.
I believe that He keeps loving, keeps giving, keeps waiting.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Running
If you are an avid runner - perhaps you will want to excuse yourself from reading this post... hop on over to some Olympian blog where you will feel more comfortable.
Otherwise, I fear that you will lapse into a fit of "eye-rolling".
And don't bother to comment either. Thank you.
I mentioned in a previous blog, I have begun -well - jogging - sort of. Natural athleticism is not my strength and I don't even like running; but it's growing on me.
I was helping Ab to train for the Pumpkin Run, so I thought I would let her see what it was really like to run alongside a pumpkin.
Anyway, the Pumpkin Run is over now, but I like (to some degree) the way running-er-trotting- makes me feel (after it's over). So I am still - uh -running(?).
The thing is, I am having to do this after dark most of the time. Which is alright because the cool night air is refreshing - but at the bottom of my course it is difficult to see.
I am also having a little more trouble getting someone to run along with me: Ab is fairly faithful but not as passionate as she was in the days leading up to the Pumpkin Run; AA is not big on commitment but he joins in at times.
Last night all three of us ran.
No one could seem to get up for running until I was about to walk out the door, then AA said he would join me. About the time he was suited up, Ab decided that she would also take the challenge.
Working flashlights are scarce around our house. I usually keep one sacred source of illumination near our bedside in case of emergencies, but if either of the kids ever gets their hands on it - it's over.
Their closets become a sort of graveyard for forgotten flashlights that "might work again if we get new batteries".
For running, we have one of those key rings with the tiny light. They last awhile and it is just not that interesting to take them apart.
Here's a tip: If you are going to run in a wooded area in the dark, and there are three runners and one of them is a comedian. Do NOT give the comedian the flashlight.
AA carried the light - it shone everywhere but on our pathway. And soon AA fell behind as he thought it would be funny to feign night blindness and "run" into one tree after another alongside the driveway.
He compounded his distraction factor by insisting on wearing cleats. So I advised him to run in the grass instead of the driveway.
Ab and I (the "serious" runners) did have time to talk a little and we were able to experience a majestic view of the stars in the crisp, clear night sky.
We finished one mile and Ab was done, so she and Tanner (our old Lab) crashed into two dark lumps at the top of our driveway. I went on to complete the second mile, which is my limit so far... okay, stop rolling your eyes!
AA had not completed his mile in fact I called into the darkness a few times for him to blink his light so I could locate him, which he finally did. He was sitting beside the driveway. I found out later that he had taken a real tumble and was nursing a skinned knee.
Tonight I ran again, AA joined me and Ab and Mom studied for upcoming tests.
I am trying to encourage them to sing while we run so that it will regulate our breathing. On the previous night, every song lapsed into "Jingle bell, Batman smells - Robin laid an egg; Batmobile lost a wheel...."
Tonight AA suggested that he and I sing the three Christmas songs he is learning for his guitar recital... but we could never finish more than two lines before he would burst into some excited chatter about something completely off-subject that had suddenly popped into his head.
He began to describe how he was "staying on the course" - or the driveway, even though it was difficult to see it at times. He told me that he was "a skilled courser" because he had figured out
how to stay on the driveway even in the dark.
Though his footfalls were heavy at times, the little man stayed with me... all the way until we made the full two miles.
Now I have spoken in the past about my dislike for running... but I have learned that any endeavor is somehow more tolerable if I am accompanied by my family. They just make life worth getting through.
Our family is an amazing gift the Heavenly Father has given us to reveal His own joy in the fellowship of His children.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Today's Headlines
Baby - "Booger" left on a bridge all alone...
A traveling preacher detained from his ministry for three months to help his two brothers get off a murder charge...
These stories and more in today's Sojourn post!
On Friday night I stopped by to see Dad who is still recuperating from bypass surgery back in early September. Dad has been in a nursing home/rehab center for almost two months. He is confused at times but is improving.
He tends to focus a little more on the past. He seems somewhat heartbroken over losing his parents - as if it happened recently - when his mother died over 47 years ago and his father has been gone for over 20 years.
Some stories he tells quite often now. I thought I would share a couple with you:
"Booger" was an affectionate (?) name given to one of my Dad's younger cousins. Since they lived in the same community (and sometimes in the same house) - it was not unusual for the children to play together.
Dad says he was "about grown" - at least he was old enough to be responsible when he was given charge of "Booger" one day. "Booger" was a toddler or young tike at the time.
It must have been a hot day and perhaps the field work was done for the day, so a gang of boys went down to Bear Creek near my Dad's home place, to cool off. Dad sat "Booger" down and along with all the older boys jumped in at a spot in which the creek got maybe knee-deep or so - just under a bridge.
After playing awhile the fellows all decided to move down the creek and explore. Dad went to "Booger" and said - "Now you sit right here 'til I get back".
He confesses now that he may have been gone as much as two hours before he returned.
He still shakes his head in disbelief when he recounts how he found "Booger" just sitting right there when he got back. He shakes his head when he thinks about what could have happened!
Dad's father - my grandfather - (isn't that usually how it works?) was a preacher. But he seldom if ever, presided over a church. He was a traveling preacher, styled after the Methodist Circuit Riders of the 18th century. Only Granddad didn't ride a horse; instead he rode Greyhound, or the train - or sometimes his thumb.
He traveled all over the regions of Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and at least some time in Texas (that's where he met my grandmother). He preached a brand of strict "holiness" that is almost non-existent today. His ministry might take place anywhere the Spirit moved him... on the street corner, in a courtyard where the jurors were taking a lunch break or possibly in a tent, school house or a borrowed church.
Dad has told me that sometimes he had the privilege of accompanying his father into town (there were ten children so I am sure they spread that opportunity around). He said his Dad might buy him an ice cream cone (probably for a nickel; nearly everything - it seems - cost a nickel in those days), and then suddenly Granddad might start singing a hymn or religious song. Dad said he would find a place to sit down and finish his ice cream because he knew his father was about to preach.
I could go on about this man that I have always deeply admired, but I will save it for another day.
Dad reminded me the other night that two of his uncles had not chosen the straight and narrow path. Both were "bad to drink" he says. And one was something of a "Lady's man" - or at least thought so. Dad said that uncle would look at himself in the mirror, run his fingers through his own hair and exclaim "Lord, I wish had been born rich and ugly instead of poor and good looking!".
When these two rascals would get into trouble or hit hard times because of their lifestyles - they would come to my grandfather for help. Often moving in for a time - along with their entire family. He said his Granddad wouldn't turn them away - he'd find some way to feed them.
Once, Dad said that his father left his ministry for what was probably three months. He went down to Macon to try and help his brothers. It seems that during a drunken brawl, one brother had been attacked and the other took up for him. Together, they killed the culprit.
My grandfather was familiar with the courts since he followed the circuits around to the various county seats in order to have an opportunity to share the gospel with those involved in the cases. Maybe he knew a few hot-shot lawyers, or maybe he provided testimony. I don't know what he did, but he stayed with those boys and they were eventually acquitted of the charges due to self-defense.
I had forgotten about that chapter in my family's history.
I asked my Dad on Friday why he thought those two chose such an opposite route for their lives; but the question didn't really register with Dad.
Stories. I am so glad we have a few of them around our house.
I realized that my Dad may be one of the people in my life that so inspired my love for stories.
Family stories can serve as lessons of warning or just plain entertainment. But they tell us a little about who we are and maybe why we are the way we are.
R. and I have made a point to share stories with our kids. It is a little more difficult to do that these days - too many other interests distract them.
You know, Jesus used that very same vehicle - stories - to explain the kingdom of heaven.
...yeah, maybe I will see if I can dig a few more up while I still can.
A traveling preacher detained from his ministry for three months to help his two brothers get off a murder charge...
These stories and more in today's Sojourn post!
On Friday night I stopped by to see Dad who is still recuperating from bypass surgery back in early September. Dad has been in a nursing home/rehab center for almost two months. He is confused at times but is improving.
He tends to focus a little more on the past. He seems somewhat heartbroken over losing his parents - as if it happened recently - when his mother died over 47 years ago and his father has been gone for over 20 years.
Some stories he tells quite often now. I thought I would share a couple with you:
"Booger" was an affectionate (?) name given to one of my Dad's younger cousins. Since they lived in the same community (and sometimes in the same house) - it was not unusual for the children to play together.
Dad says he was "about grown" - at least he was old enough to be responsible when he was given charge of "Booger" one day. "Booger" was a toddler or young tike at the time.
It must have been a hot day and perhaps the field work was done for the day, so a gang of boys went down to Bear Creek near my Dad's home place, to cool off. Dad sat "Booger" down and along with all the older boys jumped in at a spot in which the creek got maybe knee-deep or so - just under a bridge.
After playing awhile the fellows all decided to move down the creek and explore. Dad went to "Booger" and said - "Now you sit right here 'til I get back".
He confesses now that he may have been gone as much as two hours before he returned.
He still shakes his head in disbelief when he recounts how he found "Booger" just sitting right there when he got back. He shakes his head when he thinks about what could have happened!
Dad's father - my grandfather - (isn't that usually how it works?) was a preacher. But he seldom if ever, presided over a church. He was a traveling preacher, styled after the Methodist Circuit Riders of the 18th century. Only Granddad didn't ride a horse; instead he rode Greyhound, or the train - or sometimes his thumb.
He traveled all over the regions of Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and at least some time in Texas (that's where he met my grandmother). He preached a brand of strict "holiness" that is almost non-existent today. His ministry might take place anywhere the Spirit moved him... on the street corner, in a courtyard where the jurors were taking a lunch break or possibly in a tent, school house or a borrowed church.
Dad has told me that sometimes he had the privilege of accompanying his father into town (there were ten children so I am sure they spread that opportunity around). He said his Dad might buy him an ice cream cone (probably for a nickel; nearly everything - it seems - cost a nickel in those days), and then suddenly Granddad might start singing a hymn or religious song. Dad said he would find a place to sit down and finish his ice cream because he knew his father was about to preach.
I could go on about this man that I have always deeply admired, but I will save it for another day.
Dad reminded me the other night that two of his uncles had not chosen the straight and narrow path. Both were "bad to drink" he says. And one was something of a "Lady's man" - or at least thought so. Dad said that uncle would look at himself in the mirror, run his fingers through his own hair and exclaim "Lord, I wish had been born rich and ugly instead of poor and good looking!".
When these two rascals would get into trouble or hit hard times because of their lifestyles - they would come to my grandfather for help. Often moving in for a time - along with their entire family. He said his Granddad wouldn't turn them away - he'd find some way to feed them.
Once, Dad said that his father left his ministry for what was probably three months. He went down to Macon to try and help his brothers. It seems that during a drunken brawl, one brother had been attacked and the other took up for him. Together, they killed the culprit.
My grandfather was familiar with the courts since he followed the circuits around to the various county seats in order to have an opportunity to share the gospel with those involved in the cases. Maybe he knew a few hot-shot lawyers, or maybe he provided testimony. I don't know what he did, but he stayed with those boys and they were eventually acquitted of the charges due to self-defense.
I had forgotten about that chapter in my family's history.
I asked my Dad on Friday why he thought those two chose such an opposite route for their lives; but the question didn't really register with Dad.
Stories. I am so glad we have a few of them around our house.
I realized that my Dad may be one of the people in my life that so inspired my love for stories.
Family stories can serve as lessons of warning or just plain entertainment. But they tell us a little about who we are and maybe why we are the way we are.
R. and I have made a point to share stories with our kids. It is a little more difficult to do that these days - too many other interests distract them.
You know, Jesus used that very same vehicle - stories - to explain the kingdom of heaven.
...yeah, maybe I will see if I can dig a few more up while I still can.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Take a Flying Leap
*If you visited this post earlier and the link did not work - sorry. It works now - I think.
Hey, today I am going to invite you to take a flying leap -
over to "Prodigal Jon's" site: Stuff Christians Like to check out yesterday's post on Living Better or New.
I like this site because it is replete with sarcasm and stuff that is funny to people that grew up immersed in church.
Yesterday's post hit me. And judging from the comments, I am in good company.
Hey, today I am going to invite you to take a flying leap -
over to "Prodigal Jon's" site: Stuff Christians Like to check out yesterday's post on Living Better or New.
I like this site because it is replete with sarcasm and stuff that is funny to people that grew up immersed in church.
Yesterday's post hit me. And judging from the comments, I am in good company.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Contrast
As long as I can remember, I have loved cold and gray days.
I think I hit upon one reason for that on recent cool and blustery fall morning: I had to go to work a little early that morning so it was still very dark when I left, but I could easily see the winds playing havoc with the limbs of the trees. I drove over to my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law's home to pick up a precious package.
It is a not-so-well kept secret that on two days of every week I stop by on my way to work, to pick up a breakfast "snack". On Tuesdays the fare is a seared English muffin with an egg and cheese inside. Sometimes during the holidays and on days when the folks are feeling particularly liberal with their prosperity, my muffin will also be graced with a slice of ham.
On Thursdays, it's a grilled cheese.
I tell you it gets me through my week. On numerous occasions I have found my attitude suddenly spinning into a positive direction when I remembered it was either Tuesday or Thursday.
Anyway, on that dark and early morning I found the inside of their home to be a wonderful contrast to the harsh elements outside. Everything there said: "warm & cozy"... the kitchen was bright and warm and busy feet were springing back and forth. The smells of coffee and breakfast lingered in the air tantalizing my senses... I think the radio was on, playing a local AM station. Everyone was fresh and smiling.
I realized that day, that it's not so much that I love cold, gray days; as much as I love the contrast provided by shelter.
I love cold weather. I get so excited with our 1.34 annual snowfalls of measurable precipitation in this part of the country. But what I really like about snowy days -or cold, wet days for that matter - is that I can enjoy them from a vantage point of warmth and safety.
A crackling fire in the fireplace and a warm cup of hot chocolate - that's the perfect contrast for a mean day outside.
We need contrast in order to appreciate things.
Ecclesiastes 11:7-8a says "Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. . . "
A glorious sunrise is so much more inspiring when it follows a dark and stormy night...
Home-cooking can best be appreciated only after one has had to eat out for a lengthy period of time...
Rest is so precious when one has been deprived of it for some time....
"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning" - that's the marvel of contrast.
In the recent election, the Republicans lost - in great part- because they offered no real contrast.
One of the indictments against Christians today as that there is no real difference... the maladies that plague the world are prevalent among the churched as well.
God called us to be "salt and light" ... to provide contrast by the flavor we bring and the enlightenment we reflect. In so doing we explain the kingdom of heaven with our lives.
I have begun reading "Of Plymouth Plantation", William Bradford's account of the Puritans.
This little band was cast about in Europe, trying to find a place in which they could just live without the constant badgering of the people around. After persecution arose heavily in England they purposed to move to the Netherlands. There they arrived in a land with strange customs, the people spoke an odd language. The Puritans had little or no money and very little prospect of finding work since the trades were different from that of their home.
After about a dozen years there they had left quite an impression on the locals. Bradford says one magistrate commented on what few complaints he had received about these people during their stay.
Like Daniel who displayed an "excellent spirit" - these godly people explained the kingdom of heaven by providing a stark contrast with their lifestyles.
On their journey over to the New World, these poor people were often taunted and tormented by the hard seamen. But they won many over with their diligent kindness.
I am grateful for their timeless example of Christ-like character.
If you are like me, and you find that sometimes you are clumsy and backward about sharing the gospel - maybe it's more important to keep in mind that we can explain a great deal about Christ and His effect on the world simply by living day to day for Him.
This season, may we bring warmth to every cold room, flavor to every empty place and bright light to the gray days.
In short, may we display the contrast of the kingdom.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The "NIV" and "New International Version" trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society.
I think I hit upon one reason for that on recent cool and blustery fall morning: I had to go to work a little early that morning so it was still very dark when I left, but I could easily see the winds playing havoc with the limbs of the trees. I drove over to my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law's home to pick up a precious package.
It is a not-so-well kept secret that on two days of every week I stop by on my way to work, to pick up a breakfast "snack". On Tuesdays the fare is a seared English muffin with an egg and cheese inside. Sometimes during the holidays and on days when the folks are feeling particularly liberal with their prosperity, my muffin will also be graced with a slice of ham.
On Thursdays, it's a grilled cheese.
I tell you it gets me through my week. On numerous occasions I have found my attitude suddenly spinning into a positive direction when I remembered it was either Tuesday or Thursday.
Anyway, on that dark and early morning I found the inside of their home to be a wonderful contrast to the harsh elements outside. Everything there said: "warm & cozy"... the kitchen was bright and warm and busy feet were springing back and forth. The smells of coffee and breakfast lingered in the air tantalizing my senses... I think the radio was on, playing a local AM station. Everyone was fresh and smiling.
I realized that day, that it's not so much that I love cold, gray days; as much as I love the contrast provided by shelter.
I love cold weather. I get so excited with our 1.34 annual snowfalls of measurable precipitation in this part of the country. But what I really like about snowy days -or cold, wet days for that matter - is that I can enjoy them from a vantage point of warmth and safety.
A crackling fire in the fireplace and a warm cup of hot chocolate - that's the perfect contrast for a mean day outside.
We need contrast in order to appreciate things.
Ecclesiastes 11:7-8a says "Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. . . "
A glorious sunrise is so much more inspiring when it follows a dark and stormy night...
Home-cooking can best be appreciated only after one has had to eat out for a lengthy period of time...
Rest is so precious when one has been deprived of it for some time....
"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning" - that's the marvel of contrast.
In the recent election, the Republicans lost - in great part- because they offered no real contrast.
One of the indictments against Christians today as that there is no real difference... the maladies that plague the world are prevalent among the churched as well.
God called us to be "salt and light" ... to provide contrast by the flavor we bring and the enlightenment we reflect. In so doing we explain the kingdom of heaven with our lives.
I have begun reading "Of Plymouth Plantation", William Bradford's account of the Puritans.
This little band was cast about in Europe, trying to find a place in which they could just live without the constant badgering of the people around. After persecution arose heavily in England they purposed to move to the Netherlands. There they arrived in a land with strange customs, the people spoke an odd language. The Puritans had little or no money and very little prospect of finding work since the trades were different from that of their home.
After about a dozen years there they had left quite an impression on the locals. Bradford says one magistrate commented on what few complaints he had received about these people during their stay.
Like Daniel who displayed an "excellent spirit" - these godly people explained the kingdom of heaven by providing a stark contrast with their lifestyles.
On their journey over to the New World, these poor people were often taunted and tormented by the hard seamen. But they won many over with their diligent kindness.
I am grateful for their timeless example of Christ-like character.
If you are like me, and you find that sometimes you are clumsy and backward about sharing the gospel - maybe it's more important to keep in mind that we can explain a great deal about Christ and His effect on the world simply by living day to day for Him.
This season, may we bring warmth to every cold room, flavor to every empty place and bright light to the gray days.
In short, may we display the contrast of the kingdom.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The "NIV" and "New International Version" trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society.
Monday, November 10, 2008
"Thank You" Seems So Small
Veteran's Day 2008
To those of you that have donned the uniform of the American Military... thank you.
To those of you that have hazarded your life in the service of our freedom ... thank you.
To those of you that have endured - and are enduring -the absence of a family member, friend, husband or wife so they could go away and serve this country ... thank you.
To those of you that are trying to continue on with something of a normal life after being told that loved one is not coming back . . . we remember you today. And say "thank you".
This is a video clip from a recent local Exchange Club meeting, honoring veterans of World War II. I feel such a deep indebtedness to these men.
To those of you that have donned the uniform of the American Military... thank you.
To those of you that have hazarded your life in the service of our freedom ... thank you.
To those of you that have endured - and are enduring -the absence of a family member, friend, husband or wife so they could go away and serve this country ... thank you.
To those of you that are trying to continue on with something of a normal life after being told that loved one is not coming back . . . we remember you today. And say "thank you".
This is a video clip from a recent local Exchange Club meeting, honoring veterans of World War II. I feel such a deep indebtedness to these men.
The thing is, the same spirit that compelled those men and women into military service during WWII, is alive today in the hearts and devotion of our world-class, all volunteer military!
I feel that same sense of indebtedness to the young men and women defending my freedom today in Iraq, Afghanistan and the world over.
Thank you!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Looking for a City
This post is related to our personal journey.
There is a lesson in here and writing about it may benefit no one but R. and I... but if you can get any good out of it- you are welcome to it.
Today I read a Psalm that I have read many times before, I have referred to it several times while teaching. It's sort of a familiar friend.
But today it suddenly fit where we are right now.
Before I talk about it, let me tell you a little about where we are right now:
For months now (maybe years) R. and I have been what we can only describe as restless. We have been searching.
We have attended - and been heavily involved in our home church for -more than -the near twenty years we have been married. But we have become restless there.
For the past eight years, she and I have led a Sunday school class - called the Rhema Class. It has been an amazing experience for us. The class is made up of wonderful folks: people that will act as if the class is interesting - even if it's not; and people that are strong in prayer.
Last week, we resigned. No bitterness - no ugly scenes. I told them the turmoil we were in and that I did not have answers or even a proper explanation. And they were supportive.
See what I mean, it's a great bunch!
R. and I just felt that we should take another step and be free to listen and do whatever He wants us to do.
Now, that provides a little backdrop. This is where the Psalm comes in.
Psalm 107 provides several interesting and true-to-life scenarios or situations in which people find themselves and in each case - God provides.
There is a recurring phrase - "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
It's about taking heart during crisis situations because of the potential for God to work on our behalf!
Here is the passage that fits us right now:
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
There is a lesson in here and writing about it may benefit no one but R. and I... but if you can get any good out of it- you are welcome to it.
Today I read a Psalm that I have read many times before, I have referred to it several times while teaching. It's sort of a familiar friend.
But today it suddenly fit where we are right now.
Before I talk about it, let me tell you a little about where we are right now:
For months now (maybe years) R. and I have been what we can only describe as restless. We have been searching.
We have attended - and been heavily involved in our home church for -more than -the near twenty years we have been married. But we have become restless there.
For the past eight years, she and I have led a Sunday school class - called the Rhema Class. It has been an amazing experience for us. The class is made up of wonderful folks: people that will act as if the class is interesting - even if it's not; and people that are strong in prayer.
Last week, we resigned. No bitterness - no ugly scenes. I told them the turmoil we were in and that I did not have answers or even a proper explanation. And they were supportive.
See what I mean, it's a great bunch!
R. and I just felt that we should take another step and be free to listen and do whatever He wants us to do.
Now, that provides a little backdrop. This is where the Psalm comes in.
Psalm 107 provides several interesting and true-to-life scenarios or situations in which people find themselves and in each case - God provides.
There is a recurring phrase - "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
It's about taking heart during crisis situations because of the potential for God to work on our behalf!
Here is the passage that fits us right now:
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalm 107:4-9 NKJV
Okay, so we are not expecting to move to another city. But we are potentially looking for the same things you go to a city for - education, food and sustenance, justice, work, other provisions.
As we watch and await God's leading, these are the things we hope to find in the ministry in which He involves us.
And while we have felt a little "desolate" and "solitary" at times, we believe that Christ will bring us to the place He has for us at this time.
This scripture was one of those -"It's okay - I know what's going on!" sort of messages for me.
I am so glad He cares enough to send those types of messages our way - through a word of encouragement from someone, or a song or written word - or sometimes through an old familiar scripture.
Monday, November 3, 2008
To Cast a Solitary Vote
When many of you are reading this it will be election day.
I hope that, if you haven't already, you will think and pray and go vote.
The privilege is a sacred one -it did not come cheap.
When this nation was in its embryonic stage, the founders knew the importance of a vote.
Two days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Delaware delegation seemed to be at an impasse. Read and McKean were preparing to vote on whether to declare independence from Britain or not. Read was not in favor of going that far - McKean was in favor. McKean sent a message to another member of the delegation who was away serving other duties with the state militia - Caesar Rodney.
Rodney had lived a live of civic service and had served the people of Delaware in many offices. When he received the note from McKean, he knew he must do his part to see that Delaware voted for liberty!
Caesar Rodney was said to be in failing health. On his face was a cancerous growth that he was neglecting because of his civic obligations; he was also suffering from asthma.
Yet he mounted his horse and made the eighty mile journey.
He arrived just as the closing arguments were being presented and though covered in mud and fatigued - he cast his vote for liberty.
I was doing a quick internet refresher on this subject and noted that one writer pointed out that the vote wasn't even close, so Rodney's vote didn't make that much of a difference.
What an example for us in this day of short-sighted politics and fragile, upper-crust politicians.
How much self-sacrifice would our leaders be willing to make?
Now that I think of it - I have taken nearly every opportunity possible (and even created some opportunities) to whine about standing in line for over and hour to vote last week
{By the way - I did tell you about that didn't I....}
Caesar Rodney stands tall as a symbol of the spirit that drove the founding of this nation - and though seemingly dormant for now - I believe that spirit still lurks sleepily beneath the surface.
Sources: http://www.state.de.us/facts/history/rodnbio.htm
I hope that, if you haven't already, you will think and pray and go vote.
The privilege is a sacred one -it did not come cheap.
When this nation was in its embryonic stage, the founders knew the importance of a vote.
Two days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Delaware delegation seemed to be at an impasse. Read and McKean were preparing to vote on whether to declare independence from Britain or not. Read was not in favor of going that far - McKean was in favor. McKean sent a message to another member of the delegation who was away serving other duties with the state militia - Caesar Rodney.
Rodney had lived a live of civic service and had served the people of Delaware in many offices. When he received the note from McKean, he knew he must do his part to see that Delaware voted for liberty!
Caesar Rodney was said to be in failing health. On his face was a cancerous growth that he was neglecting because of his civic obligations; he was also suffering from asthma.
Yet he mounted his horse and made the eighty mile journey.
He arrived just as the closing arguments were being presented and though covered in mud and fatigued - he cast his vote for liberty.
I was doing a quick internet refresher on this subject and noted that one writer pointed out that the vote wasn't even close, so Rodney's vote didn't make that much of a difference.
What an example for us in this day of short-sighted politics and fragile, upper-crust politicians.
How much self-sacrifice would our leaders be willing to make?
Now that I think of it - I have taken nearly every opportunity possible (and even created some opportunities) to whine about standing in line for over and hour to vote last week
{By the way - I did tell you about that didn't I....}
Caesar Rodney stands tall as a symbol of the spirit that drove the founding of this nation - and though seemingly dormant for now - I believe that spirit still lurks sleepily beneath the surface.
Sources: http://www.state.de.us/facts/history/rodnbio.htm
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Local Politics
I well remember my "challenge" from yesterday - to keep things in "thankful" mindset.
But I want to relate something that is back in the political realm - only different. I think a couple of events have tempered some of my angst about all the possible political scenarios that are out there.
A "Speaker of the House" - Tip O'Neil I think - once said that "all politics is local".
I experienced something of that a couple of times last week.
Once was on Tuesday night. The Christian school my children attend has an opportunity to purchase some property in hopes of building a new school there. Before that process can go very far, the land must be rezoned.
Well the final hearing on re-zoning was held last Tuesday night before our county Board of Commissioners. Quite a few folks showed up in support of the proposal, I was among them.
Having arrived a little late, I did not receive an agenda so I did not know that there were three hearings ahead of ours. Each time and new hearing began, I would look around and try to figure out where the opposition was sitting. And in each case I was checking people out to see if they might be there to oppose our request.
I saw an older guy with a book of maps, that I later learned was a "soil study" - I hoped he was not opposing us.
Finally, all the other hearings were over and it was our turn. Our appointed speakers spoke.
There was opposition but they were so kind and spoke so favorably about the school that you could hardly tell.
I believe it was an example of the favor of God!
The hearing was declared over and our request was approved. The commission also took into the account, the concerns of those neighbors in opposition and indicated that they would also be addressed. So after we left the meeting room, I spoke with some of the people in opposition and told them how much I appreciated their kind approach. I had a few moments of pleasant conversation and connectedness with one particular couple.
This was an example of the beauty of how this system of government - inspired by God and composed by our Founders - works.
I am thankful (there - I met the challenge!) for this opportunity to see local public discourse at work.
Next, was my early vote on Friday evening. I have already written about that experience but what struck me as I waited in that long line that snaked in seemingly endless undulations around that old civic center, was the congeniality of the people there.
I know that the campaigns have been rather bitter - but I didn't see that rancor among the constituents in line. I didn't spot resentful eyes peering around the room and sizing up the vote... it was just people participating in a sacred rite - a civic duty - the honorable deed of selecting the leadership of this nation.
But I want to relate something that is back in the political realm - only different. I think a couple of events have tempered some of my angst about all the possible political scenarios that are out there.
A "Speaker of the House" - Tip O'Neil I think - once said that "all politics is local".
I experienced something of that a couple of times last week.
Once was on Tuesday night. The Christian school my children attend has an opportunity to purchase some property in hopes of building a new school there. Before that process can go very far, the land must be rezoned.
Well the final hearing on re-zoning was held last Tuesday night before our county Board of Commissioners. Quite a few folks showed up in support of the proposal, I was among them.
Having arrived a little late, I did not receive an agenda so I did not know that there were three hearings ahead of ours. Each time and new hearing began, I would look around and try to figure out where the opposition was sitting. And in each case I was checking people out to see if they might be there to oppose our request.
I saw an older guy with a book of maps, that I later learned was a "soil study" - I hoped he was not opposing us.
Finally, all the other hearings were over and it was our turn. Our appointed speakers spoke.
There was opposition but they were so kind and spoke so favorably about the school that you could hardly tell.
I believe it was an example of the favor of God!
The hearing was declared over and our request was approved. The commission also took into the account, the concerns of those neighbors in opposition and indicated that they would also be addressed. So after we left the meeting room, I spoke with some of the people in opposition and told them how much I appreciated their kind approach. I had a few moments of pleasant conversation and connectedness with one particular couple.
This was an example of the beauty of how this system of government - inspired by God and composed by our Founders - works.
I am thankful (there - I met the challenge!) for this opportunity to see local public discourse at work.
Next, was my early vote on Friday evening. I have already written about that experience but what struck me as I waited in that long line that snaked in seemingly endless undulations around that old civic center, was the congeniality of the people there.
I know that the campaigns have been rather bitter - but I didn't see that rancor among the constituents in line. I didn't spot resentful eyes peering around the room and sizing up the vote... it was just people participating in a sacred rite - a civic duty - the honorable deed of selecting the leadership of this nation.
I heard conversations about high school football, trick or treating, work and the like, but not much about politics except to wonder at the turnout.
This country is alright and there are still good people that make up this miracle of a nation.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
November, You Are Welcome!
It's a new month and one of my favorites.
The main reason November is one of my favorite months is because it contains Thanksgiving Day... the other holiday.
Thanksgiving remains very special to me. I think I like it because it is an exclusively American Holiday - oh other nations may celebrate a Thanksgiving Day, but ours is built around the stories that are uniquely American.
It is also a holiday with a distinctly Christian theme - which may be one reason it seems to be passed over by many. The day is all about pausing to give thanks to God. We cheapen it when we refer to it as "Turkey Day" as if food provided the significance of the event. Or when we focus just on football or the prelude to Christmas.
I am challenging myself to two things this season:
- First, I would like to start now and read, Of Plymouth Colony, by Governor William Bradford. Every couple of years, I check that book out of the library around this time of year and will read portions of it. But thanks to R. and the Christian Book Distributor's organization - I now have my own copy and so I would like to read the entire story. I will need to start that one right away.
- Secondly - and you can help me with this one - I want each and every post this month to be given from a perspective or attitude of thanksgiving.
Now I know that could be monotonous. I remember when we had to write and present speeches in the 5th grade on the subject of "Freedom in America" - or something like that.
There was a guy in our class named "Champ" whom I and my friends detested. I never picked on other kids very much - more times than not, I was in the position of the "pickee" rather than the "picker". But I felt justified in picking on Champ at times because he was so effected. He was a great fan of the television show "Bewitched" and would blink and snap his fingers(since he couldn't wiggle his nose like Samantha) as if he were snapping out of existence those that rose against him.
Anyway, Champ gave his speech and he did it from memory... he just presented a list: I am glad that in America I have freedom of speech; I am glad that in American I have freedom of worship; I am glad that in America I have freedom to eat ice cream...or this or that... on and on he went as we all groaned.
So I do not intend to present lists of things I am Thankful for, but I do hope to present everything through the filter of thankfulness.
And I would like to ask YOU to let me know if I step out of line.
I voted yesterday - Ab, AA and I braved the line for nearly one and one-half hours to cast our votes, so I feel some sense of closure about the election. At least my lot has been cast.
If things don't go the way I want them to, I will possibly find it difficult to be Thankful - but that is where the challenge of this month's challenge will come into play.
Incidentally, back in Mrs. Thornhill's fifth grade class - all the guys had to do their speeches over - except for "Champ" and some other nameless peon. She said it was because they were the only two boys that had made an attempt to present their speeches from memory. I think it was more likely her way of helping out a boy that the other guys wouldn't befriend.
The main reason November is one of my favorite months is because it contains Thanksgiving Day... the other holiday.
Thanksgiving remains very special to me. I think I like it because it is an exclusively American Holiday - oh other nations may celebrate a Thanksgiving Day, but ours is built around the stories that are uniquely American.
It is also a holiday with a distinctly Christian theme - which may be one reason it seems to be passed over by many. The day is all about pausing to give thanks to God. We cheapen it when we refer to it as "Turkey Day" as if food provided the significance of the event. Or when we focus just on football or the prelude to Christmas.
I am challenging myself to two things this season:
- First, I would like to start now and read, Of Plymouth Colony, by Governor William Bradford. Every couple of years, I check that book out of the library around this time of year and will read portions of it. But thanks to R. and the Christian Book Distributor's organization - I now have my own copy and so I would like to read the entire story. I will need to start that one right away.
- Secondly - and you can help me with this one - I want each and every post this month to be given from a perspective or attitude of thanksgiving.
Now I know that could be monotonous. I remember when we had to write and present speeches in the 5th grade on the subject of "Freedom in America" - or something like that.
There was a guy in our class named "Champ" whom I and my friends detested. I never picked on other kids very much - more times than not, I was in the position of the "pickee" rather than the "picker". But I felt justified in picking on Champ at times because he was so effected. He was a great fan of the television show "Bewitched" and would blink and snap his fingers(since he couldn't wiggle his nose like Samantha) as if he were snapping out of existence those that rose against him.
Anyway, Champ gave his speech and he did it from memory... he just presented a list: I am glad that in America I have freedom of speech; I am glad that in American I have freedom of worship; I am glad that in America I have freedom to eat ice cream...or this or that... on and on he went as we all groaned.
So I do not intend to present lists of things I am Thankful for, but I do hope to present everything through the filter of thankfulness.
And I would like to ask YOU to let me know if I step out of line.
I voted yesterday - Ab, AA and I braved the line for nearly one and one-half hours to cast our votes, so I feel some sense of closure about the election. At least my lot has been cast.
If things don't go the way I want them to, I will possibly find it difficult to be Thankful - but that is where the challenge of this month's challenge will come into play.
Incidentally, back in Mrs. Thornhill's fifth grade class - all the guys had to do their speeches over - except for "Champ" and some other nameless peon. She said it was because they were the only two boys that had made an attempt to present their speeches from memory. I think it was more likely her way of helping out a boy that the other guys wouldn't befriend.
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