Good evening! Welcome to the porch. Wonderful day today, wasn’t it? 70’s. Great day to be outside, beautiful cloudless blue sky. Perfect! Now a few days ago it was very cold and icy! But today-great.
Today is the last day of January. I am always glad when January is gone-over-then we are a little closer to spring. Anyway, January ..if I had to give it a title-a theme-a thought. January is a month of birth and death.
This was a thought I had been developing for a day or so but then after today I wanted to share. Today on the farm we had a birth! I knew birth was coming –just not in January. I have 2 sheep-Mary and Martha. When we got our little farm, got the horses, then the second year I wanted a couple of sheep. They are great at keeping the pasture clear of weeds…and will eat just about anything. Someday I’ll expand on the marvel of God’s ‘circle of life’ and how it works in such harmony. Someday I’ll also have to tell the story of how I acquired each of my critters.
Anyway, I . wanted a couple of little lambs. Couldn’t find them anywhere. I had also just acquired a little donkey..and had just visited the lady that was going to give him to me and passed a little house and there were some sheep there-little ones. I pulled in and asked the family if they had any for sale. They did. One of their sheep had just had 4 little lambs-one had already died and she had rejected one. They were bottle feeding this little lamb. I offered to buy the lamb and take her to my little farm…$20.00. I named her Mary. I bottle fed her much like one would a baby…every 2-3 hours it was interesting. I called the lady a few weeks later and said if she had any more little lambs I would like to get another one. Mary needed a little buddy. A week or so later, she called and I went and picked up Martha. Bottle feeding both of these babies was quite an experience! A year and half later I decided to get a ram and have my own little lambs. The following spring (last year) Mary and Martha each had a little lamb-March 3 Rebecca was born March 5 Samson arrived. I sold both of these little guys this past fall…just gotta be done. Anyway, today little Susanna arrived. I saw Mary pawing the ground and trying to make a little cozy place in the hay pile. She would lie down and pant and push. Get up and do it again-this went on and off for about 20 minutes. I sat down and just wanted to see the birth and ?assist?.
Anyway, this went on for about 20 minutes and then a pretty hard pant and push and I could see the head and front hooves. Lambs come out as if they are folded in half. At this point the part of the head and hooves were out and Mary got up as if she wanted this to just be over (I can relate to that!) I went over and gently pulled the lamb out and she just kinda of slid out and arrived into the world. Immediately began breathing, Mary began making soft noises to the lamb and cleaning her up. A few minutes later Mary nudged Susanna and she was struggling to get up. Up and looking for food. I got a stall ready so Mary and baby could have some shelter, privacy and be secure from the coyotes (I hope!). I took plenty of hay, fresh water and put additional fencing around the stall in hopes of keeping them in and other critters out. I also put Martha in the stall because she sure looks like she will have her own little lamb any day now. I checked on the three off and on during the afternoon ..so far so good. The little lamb is already playful, jumping around, and so far will let me hold her. Anyway January is a month of birth.
I told the Preacher I had a new baby lamb. He said, “That’s nice”. OK…..That’s about as interested as he gets in the life in the barnyard.
January a month of birth and death.
I have a sister born in January, Joe’s birthday is in January. Preacher has a couple of family members born in January. His dad’s birthday was in January…birth. Life begins… Circle of life.
Days begin to turn into years, we have our appointed days…what are we going to do with this allotment?
January is also a month of death. My friend lost her mother in January. She just got back from
PA attending the funeral of her brother-in-law. A friend recently lost his grandmother. Death…circle of life….January 30th was the 21st anniversary of my own father’s death.
21 years. My dad, a mystery, a puzzle, a man fighting his own demons-that never allowed him to enjoy this life.
This past May I had the privilege of taking a trip-just me- to visit my mom in Kentucky. While I was there we decided to take a ‘Thelma and Louse’ trip. We visited her old home place in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Ran into some of my Dad’s old relatives. We poked around in cemeteries, locating graves….digging up the past-puzzle by puzzle-piece by piece. There are still a lot of missing pieces. But, I got a little glimpse into who my dad was. Perhaps explain why he was so troubled, so driven by demons. A man of ‘constant sorrows’…..
He was the second of 2 children born to his parents. Shortly after his birth his mom died. We could not get the story straight..but as a little infant-his mother gone. The backdrop for this story was the Great Depression…add the bleakness and desperateness of Appalachia and the outlook was pretty grim. The story went….. my grandfather not being able to deal with the loss of wife, a 3 year old daughter and now an infant to raise, moved back in with his parents. This we found out per the census. However, through the years, Dad was passed from relative to relative-census records verify that as well. Story was that some of those relatives introduced Dad to Kentucky Moonshine at an early age…around 7 or 8. Dad also ‘quit’ school in the 4th grade. Story was because he didn’t have shoes and Somehow he got through the teenage years…a lost child who became a lost man who was never able to find his place in this world.
Mom knew Dad’s cousins, they were her good friends. She was visiting them and they introduced Dad and Mom. Mom said he was real shy, quiet. They would go to church together. I was so glad to hear that…Dad at least knew that although he had a rough life….God loved him. However, he allowed the alcohol to become his king….his world, his friend, ..his family and ultimately his destruction and death.
Mom said they would break up-get back together. He went into the army…they wrote letters back and forth. They got married, moved to Cincinnati…Dad got a good job at General Electric—post war boom…anybody could get a job…thank goodness. They found a little rent house on the Kentucky side…Alexandria…4 rooms and a path…much like they both grew up in. This was home for them for the next 20 years…until they were forced to move due to the landlady wanting the house for her relatives.
Dad drunk more and more as the years went by until alcohol consumed his whole being. He never expressed any emotion-except anger, aloofness, so distant. Him and mom fighting, things being broken, thrown, physical abuse, fear-what would he say or do next. Never enough money for food, clothes-not because Dad didn’t have a good job-but alcohol ate up his money – alcohol was his mistress, his family, his god. It drove him to madness and spur Dad into shooting a gun at Mom…I remember hiding Mom from him, him locking her out of the house in the dead of winter after he had torn her clothes off….me at 6 years old…running ..hiding…. begging God..’if you are really there…make him stop!” Minutes later …hearing him stumble to his bed and passing out. Going to court, the judge putting him on probation…praying dad would not stumble into the church on my wedding day…the one time I was grateful he was passed out… hoping he stay that way until after the wedding….
Dad 3rd DWI’, license revoked…driving anyway-to get his alcohol, warnings at work…;'glassy eyed’……clean up his act or lose his job…..drunk, passed out on steps, in cars, in the front yard….until one Friday morning drunk…and fell off the porch…breaking several veterbra in his neck..Operations, therapy, 3 months in the hospital…walking again but never fully recovering…never to work again, drive again…but drinking continued. More drinking, 3 stints in AA….drinking, fighting…I’m long gone, married, but visits always ruined or a constant living in fear of what he would do…what ugliness would come out of his mouth..finally the seizures
begin..in hospitals, out, until finally a doctor tells him…if you take another drink you’ll be dead….in VA hospital again…another seizure and vomiting, choking on his own vomit and now brain dead…he’s alive but doctor’s tell us…he’s not there…on life support….until ‘plug pulled’ and he’s gone….January 30…. only 59 years old…looked 79….hard life, lonely life, sad life, miserable life, wasted life-never knowing his children, never once telling them he loved them, not caring if they ate or had clothes to wear, were they cold? were they embarrassed to have friends know who he was and where they lived? His emotions, his feelings, so seared by alcohol…not seeing the pain he caused…not caring?
Preacher and my mom were the last ones to see him and talk to him before the final seizure…Preacher asked him to pray with him…told Preacher he had been praying….that night his final seizure…the last time he would open his eyes, the last time his body would crave the poison alcohol, the last time he would breathe on his own the last time the demons would haunt and taunt him……..…he hung between life and death for several days….until he was released to life, to meet God and be set free from his demons.
January…a time of birth, living and death. We all have a given number of days on this earth…God has a plan for us-it’s good-it’s a plan for us to succeed-to excel…Satan has a plan too-to destroy, steal and kill…we have our part…we choose…to live in victory or be a victim. My Dad chose to be a victim …a victim of circumstances, a victim of bitterness, a victim of Satan’s snares and traps. I chose to break that curse in my life….I chose to live in victory that is found in having Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Victim or victory….looks like a ‘no brainer’ choice…as you leave the front porch today…think about where you are in your journey…..don’t allow anything to make you a victim….remember you are a victor because of Him….He allowed Himself to be a victim…to be beat, humiliated, humbled, bruised, abused…..so we don’t have to be………
Until next time…from my front porch to yours…. choose life and walk in victory that He has granted to each of us………
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
BLAST FROM THE PAST...feet on the ground
Thanks for stopping by...again...Since I had some extra time today...working on a project for Amy...gonna see her and the boys later this week. She will be in town for a birthday party. Since Kaden is signed up for soccer, promised I'd hunt out some of Tim's old soccer pictures. As I did I found others too. Want to post them. These are old photos I scanned in BUT the quality isn't very good. Suggestions all you techies out there in cyber space??
"TELL YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN!"
Good Morning from the front porch. IT’S COLD! and icy! Watch your step!
Therefore, an unexpected day off from school! The ice and cold weather is not a ‘norm’ here in North Texas BUT this is a cold front that has most of the mid-west to east in a freezy grip.
Talked to Mom in Northern Ky. They have several inches of snow, then ice and expected more snow. I can deal with this stuff vs. that stuff. It is expected to be gone by noon. That’s what I love about TEXAS!
Anyway, talked to Tim last night. Had not got to talk with him for a few days. He stays in touch pretty much..even with his super busy schedule. His church is going through a transition as Pastor Carter is ‘retiring’. I gave my tribute to him in an earlier blog. He has been a tremendous influence in Tim’s life and ministry this past 5 years. Tim chided me for telling some of his childhood adventures…I teasingly told him, ‘he’s just the kinda kid that had a lot of stories’.
Today I want to give each a little tribute. Love ya guys and those wonderful spouses you were given and all those extra special grandkiddos!
I can’t say enough of how proud the Preacher and I are of our children! I’m not just a proud ‘momma’, I am a blessed one indeed! Each of them are excelling and thriving in their own ‘little corner of the world’. Read Julie’s blog about her latest blessing! Julie has always excelled in whatever she endeavored to do. I remember when we lived in Maryland, she was in HS and taking some advanced courses, oh such as calculus and physics. and after her ‘chores’ aka dishes, etc. She would go to her room and her little desk and spend an average of 3 hours working on homework! That’s dedication! That’s determination! That’s Julie! We love and are proud of you Julie! Julie has a gift for communicating, writes some of the most heartfelt tributes in her birthday, Christmas cards. I still have several “Julmark” cards she made throughout the years. Julie has a promotion …vice president of something…sorry can’t keep these titles straight. Hey, maybe the future President of the United States…She could do it. Julie, you have mine and the Preacher’s vote. Thanks Julie, for all you are and have allowed God to accomplish through you!
Read Lori’s blog and find out her strengths. No, she’s not out there in the rat race –not everyone
is called to go into that ‘mission’ field. However, she excels as a wife, mother, pastor’s wife, daughter, sister… She is building the lives of her sons-home schooling-something I know I could never have done. She is a Proverbs 31 gal indeed. Good job, Lori! We love you and are proud of you! Lori is patient, standing by her ‘men’-would fight a roaring tiger if needed to protect her little guys and her ‘big guy’. I don’t know how Lori has been able to take her resources and accomplish all that she has…such as be a stay at home mom, keep her guys fed, clothed in want of nothing. Lori keeps in touch, calling, concerned, always keeping connected! Thanks Lori.
Joe..as I stated in an earlier blog…a preacher’s preacher…with a passion and vision far beyond his tender years. When I have the honor of sitting under his ministry, I am in awe of the intensity and passion with which he delivers the Word. Deep. Challenging. Cutting in to the soul…to te marrow and quick of our being…in order that we would become bigger and better for God’s Kingdom. He has a vision for building God’s Kingdom. He’s not afraid to tackle any assignment…not one to settle for ‘business as usual’ but has a zeal not seen too often in our day of ‘cushion and comfort’ in the church. We have seen him come through some battles and emerge triumph. (HMMMM, maybe that’s why he is currently serving at CHRIST TRIUMPH CHURCH!). We love you, Joe and are proud of you! Joe is not one for a lot of ‘chit chat’ on the phone…we don’t ‘hear’ from him via the phone very often. That’s Ok, Joe, I understand…more than you know. But he ‘twits-think that’s a word and we keep up with him- ( I am told I need to get into the twitter’ age….I am considering this guys….I’m not as tech illiterate as I appear sometimes!) BUT he does take time to come visit us and bring his little family to see us. Thanks Joe!
Tim, we come to Tim. “The Baby” (see an earlier blog on the significance of this title). Tim, much like the others, has had their ‘moments’, their challenges, their trials, their testings, their mountains and valleys. I think that is called ‘LIFE”. Anyway, back to Tim, we are so thankful he found his ‘place in this world’. We knew he had gifts and calling in the music ministry. But he also has proven he is a leader and gifted in training and equipping others in the ministry. Love ya Timbo..so proud of you. A side note….to show his wisdom…..a year or so ago when Preacher was going through a very difficult time here in the ministry at Prosper…(another blog ..another day). Tim called EVERDAY for about a month, the entire time this trial was going on, asking the Preacher how he was doing and praying with him and for him. Thanks Tim!
There is not a day, most days, several times a day, that I think of them, pray for them, wonder what they are doing, how they are doing, what the 8 grandkiddos are up to. I have pictures of everyone-everywhere. Julie in her thoughtfulness bought me one of those new fangled digital photo frames, I took it to school and I turn it on daily and get a dose of my family, my wonderful family.
So, children if you read this, know the Preacher and I love you and are so very blessed by each of you. Are you four perfect? I think not…who is? I’ll be the first to admit I am not…and you are who you are in spite of me and my fumbling around as a mother. You are what you as sons and daughters, as husbands and wives, as sisters and brothers, as parents, as men and women of God, as employees, as church members, as ministers and missionaries, as ‘people’ because you have committed and submitted your lives, hearts and souls unto the Lord. You have spent time on the “Potter’s Wheel’ and allowed Him to mold and make you into the vessels of honor, fit for
His use! Now, take all that you have learned, all you have experienced, and all that you are and ‘transfer it, carry it, hand it, to the next generation-as I know that you are. That’s what it is really about…..’tell your children and your children’s children.. Acts 2:39…”For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as he Lord our God will call”.
From my ‘chilly’ front porch to yours….stay warm and be blessed!
Therefore, an unexpected day off from school! The ice and cold weather is not a ‘norm’ here in North Texas BUT this is a cold front that has most of the mid-west to east in a freezy grip.
Talked to Mom in Northern Ky. They have several inches of snow, then ice and expected more snow. I can deal with this stuff vs. that stuff. It is expected to be gone by noon. That’s what I love about TEXAS!
Anyway, talked to Tim last night. Had not got to talk with him for a few days. He stays in touch pretty much..even with his super busy schedule. His church is going through a transition as Pastor Carter is ‘retiring’. I gave my tribute to him in an earlier blog. He has been a tremendous influence in Tim’s life and ministry this past 5 years. Tim chided me for telling some of his childhood adventures…I teasingly told him, ‘he’s just the kinda kid that had a lot of stories’.
Today I want to give each a little tribute. Love ya guys and those wonderful spouses you were given and all those extra special grandkiddos!
I can’t say enough of how proud the Preacher and I are of our children! I’m not just a proud ‘momma’, I am a blessed one indeed! Each of them are excelling and thriving in their own ‘little corner of the world’. Read Julie’s blog about her latest blessing! Julie has always excelled in whatever she endeavored to do. I remember when we lived in Maryland, she was in HS and taking some advanced courses, oh such as calculus and physics. and after her ‘chores’ aka dishes, etc. She would go to her room and her little desk and spend an average of 3 hours working on homework! That’s dedication! That’s determination! That’s Julie! We love and are proud of you Julie! Julie has a gift for communicating, writes some of the most heartfelt tributes in her birthday, Christmas cards. I still have several “Julmark” cards she made throughout the years. Julie has a promotion …vice president of something…sorry can’t keep these titles straight. Hey, maybe the future President of the United States…She could do it. Julie, you have mine and the Preacher’s vote. Thanks Julie, for all you are and have allowed God to accomplish through you!
Read Lori’s blog and find out her strengths. No, she’s not out there in the rat race –not everyone
is called to go into that ‘mission’ field. However, she excels as a wife, mother, pastor’s wife, daughter, sister… She is building the lives of her sons-home schooling-something I know I could never have done. She is a Proverbs 31 gal indeed. Good job, Lori! We love you and are proud of you! Lori is patient, standing by her ‘men’-would fight a roaring tiger if needed to protect her little guys and her ‘big guy’. I don’t know how Lori has been able to take her resources and accomplish all that she has…such as be a stay at home mom, keep her guys fed, clothed in want of nothing. Lori keeps in touch, calling, concerned, always keeping connected! Thanks Lori.
Joe..as I stated in an earlier blog…a preacher’s preacher…with a passion and vision far beyond his tender years. When I have the honor of sitting under his ministry, I am in awe of the intensity and passion with which he delivers the Word. Deep. Challenging. Cutting in to the soul…to te marrow and quick of our being…in order that we would become bigger and better for God’s Kingdom. He has a vision for building God’s Kingdom. He’s not afraid to tackle any assignment…not one to settle for ‘business as usual’ but has a zeal not seen too often in our day of ‘cushion and comfort’ in the church. We have seen him come through some battles and emerge triumph. (HMMMM, maybe that’s why he is currently serving at CHRIST TRIUMPH CHURCH!). We love you, Joe and are proud of you! Joe is not one for a lot of ‘chit chat’ on the phone…we don’t ‘hear’ from him via the phone very often. That’s Ok, Joe, I understand…more than you know. But he ‘twits-think that’s a word and we keep up with him- ( I am told I need to get into the twitter’ age….I am considering this guys….I’m not as tech illiterate as I appear sometimes!) BUT he does take time to come visit us and bring his little family to see us. Thanks Joe!
Tim, we come to Tim. “The Baby” (see an earlier blog on the significance of this title). Tim, much like the others, has had their ‘moments’, their challenges, their trials, their testings, their mountains and valleys. I think that is called ‘LIFE”. Anyway, back to Tim, we are so thankful he found his ‘place in this world’. We knew he had gifts and calling in the music ministry. But he also has proven he is a leader and gifted in training and equipping others in the ministry. Love ya Timbo..so proud of you. A side note….to show his wisdom…..a year or so ago when Preacher was going through a very difficult time here in the ministry at Prosper…(another blog ..another day). Tim called EVERDAY for about a month, the entire time this trial was going on, asking the Preacher how he was doing and praying with him and for him. Thanks Tim!
There is not a day, most days, several times a day, that I think of them, pray for them, wonder what they are doing, how they are doing, what the 8 grandkiddos are up to. I have pictures of everyone-everywhere. Julie in her thoughtfulness bought me one of those new fangled digital photo frames, I took it to school and I turn it on daily and get a dose of my family, my wonderful family.
So, children if you read this, know the Preacher and I love you and are so very blessed by each of you. Are you four perfect? I think not…who is? I’ll be the first to admit I am not…and you are who you are in spite of me and my fumbling around as a mother. You are what you as sons and daughters, as husbands and wives, as sisters and brothers, as parents, as men and women of God, as employees, as church members, as ministers and missionaries, as ‘people’ because you have committed and submitted your lives, hearts and souls unto the Lord. You have spent time on the “Potter’s Wheel’ and allowed Him to mold and make you into the vessels of honor, fit for
His use! Now, take all that you have learned, all you have experienced, and all that you are and ‘transfer it, carry it, hand it, to the next generation-as I know that you are. That’s what it is really about…..’tell your children and your children’s children.. Acts 2:39…”For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as he Lord our God will call”.
From my ‘chilly’ front porch to yours….stay warm and be blessed!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
"THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HATH MADE'!
Good Sunday afternoon from my front porch to yours. Thanks for stopping by. Weather is a little cooler for a few days. Grab a hot cup of coffee or perhaps a cup of hot tea and let’s chat.
Interesting weekend! One of the few where I only had one thing on my to-do list: some paperwork together for taxes. Got it! We are waiting for a few more ‘documents’ and hope to file soon…hoping for a good refund!
Couple of reasons I slowed down this weekend. First, the weather turned cool..much cooler for us. So, no outside projects. Fed the horses and others in the barnyard and back inside. Then Preacher wanted to attend a Southern Gospel concert, promoted it at church and got one couple interested to go with us. This is a family that has been such a blessing to the church! They have two kiddos, ages 10 and 6. The 6 year old is my little buddy, who calls Glen the “Preacher’. Last Wednesday I wore some really ‘crazy’ socks, (Lukie would be so proud of me!) can’t remember where I got them, Annabeth looked at them and said “Why are you wearing the “Preacher’s socks?” This child is so precocious and could pass for the 2009 version of Shirley Temple! Anyway, we all rode together, meet at 3:00, so this was going to be an interesting event!
The auditorium was about an hour and half away. UGH..cold, gray, overcast day. But things brightened up when we decided we had time to stop in Mesquite at the Cracker Barrel. Good hot coffee of course and my favorite: catfish! I was challenged to a game of checkers by Andrew the 10 year old. He reminds me so much of Caleb! So, these two are my grandkiddos when my grandkiddos are away. Anyway, I held my own for a short time…but Andrew ‘creamed’ me …Our food came and my bruised ego was comforted by hot steaming catfish with all the ‘fixins’….then later Andrew challenged me to some game he had on his phone (kiddos and their gadgets these days) to “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?' didn't have to play this game I already know the answer.... ahhh….could have told him that…on most days, No…I’m not smarter than a 5th grader. He promised to ‘help me. Kiddos. This family may be leaving us soon-no I feel they will. Mac recently lost his job (like so many!) they have such faith however and feel it is all a part of God’s plan (its all in the attitude!). They are from West Texas and feel it is time to go back ‘home’. They’ve been in the Dallas area for several years (came here on a job assignment-he’s an engineer) and want to get back to the basics West Texas...where everything is a little slower...I know the feeling...Dallas can be just too busy, too many people, too many cars, too much traffic, just too much..... Pray for this family. I hate to see them go…but I know what is in their hearts…they want to go home.
Back to the concert, Preacher picked up the tickets at 'Will Call'. Walked in and it was LOUD!! You heard me LOUD!! The tenors could hit a few notes that could have broken glass…thought my own eyeglasses might break. Me and Annabeth both held our ears a couple of times and said ‘it so loud!”. Amazingly, I did NOT see anyone else, the older folks in front of us, beside us, to the left or right flinch, or hold their ears or seem to notice! Amazing-because I don’t know how many times through the years we have had the complaint in our church…’music is too loud”. You’ve got to be kidding! Right? Tim, I’m sure you will certainly appreciate this ‘observation’. We have had this discussion before about music and the perceived ‘loudness’. of it So what’s the difference?
Anyway, Preacher owes me! When one of us does something we really don’t want to do…we joking will say …’you owe me’ (whatever that means and we are still working on how we will do paybacks). Anyway, we got there ‘early’ to see some special presentation..the auditorium was nearly full-already. Seats weren’t that great-by this time. You know squeezing past people’s knees, holding your breath…they do likewise. For about 45 minutes we saw a video promotion of what I will call…’a Gaither Homecoming wanna be’. Phil Cross of Poet Voices claims this is his ‘project’ and is traveling all over promoting it….
I never saw so many gray/white heads, people using canes and wheelchairs, limping and ‘old’.
I mentioned this to the Preacher and he bristled somewhat and said something to the effect-that precisely, that also described us! He’s right of course. Still trying to figure just when and how this happened... the old and gray thing. Not too many young people at all. A few here and there-including the couple that came with us. Mostly older folks. My thought is where is this type of music going….if the vast majority of the fans are so ….old?
Overall, the ‘show’ (that’s what it really seemed to me’…was OK. I counted 3 songs I really enjoyed.. Poet Voices had a couple and Gold City had one that was patriotic. Other than that……
This family we went with are big Gabbard (from Butler, Ky) fans. They asked us why they weren’t there at this concert and said that the Gabbards were their favorite group-even from those groups we had just heard. If any Gabbards are reading this-this is a big compliment from this family! They even played their CD “Gravity” on the CD player in the car and their kiddos know all the words. I’ve come to the conclusion much like sports….if I’m not related to the Southern Gospel singers (even if it is by marriage only) I’m not too interested in it.
After hearing these groups I also wonder….why aren’t the Gabbards singing with these ‘big names”. Their music and songs are just as good….no better than most everything I heard last night.
Anyway, the Preacher compared it to something like this. Music can be compared to say, Cracker Barrel…not everyone will like everything on the menu. We all have our favorites…and some people like a little more variety than others. But it is still Cracker Barrel. I am still trying to dissect that word of wisdom from the Preacher. If anyone really gets the Preacher’s explanation of this, let me know!
Anyway, interesting evening, we got home LATE…me and the Preacher decided we don’t do well on Sunday morning when we have been out late on Saturday. I think this is called, ‘getting old’. So today kinda kicked back after Church and fed animals, put together lunch, cleaned up and that’s about it. I walked through the house right before coming to the front porch and felt God’s overwhelming peace and presence, so I stopped and told the Lord, “Thank you Lord for the gift of this day, to just be still and rest and say, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad”.
From my front porch to yours…God bless.
Interesting weekend! One of the few where I only had one thing on my to-do list: some paperwork together for taxes. Got it! We are waiting for a few more ‘documents’ and hope to file soon…hoping for a good refund!
Couple of reasons I slowed down this weekend. First, the weather turned cool..much cooler for us. So, no outside projects. Fed the horses and others in the barnyard and back inside. Then Preacher wanted to attend a Southern Gospel concert, promoted it at church and got one couple interested to go with us. This is a family that has been such a blessing to the church! They have two kiddos, ages 10 and 6. The 6 year old is my little buddy, who calls Glen the “Preacher’. Last Wednesday I wore some really ‘crazy’ socks, (Lukie would be so proud of me!) can’t remember where I got them, Annabeth looked at them and said “Why are you wearing the “Preacher’s socks?” This child is so precocious and could pass for the 2009 version of Shirley Temple! Anyway, we all rode together, meet at 3:00, so this was going to be an interesting event!
The auditorium was about an hour and half away. UGH..cold, gray, overcast day. But things brightened up when we decided we had time to stop in Mesquite at the Cracker Barrel. Good hot coffee of course and my favorite: catfish! I was challenged to a game of checkers by Andrew the 10 year old. He reminds me so much of Caleb! So, these two are my grandkiddos when my grandkiddos are away. Anyway, I held my own for a short time…but Andrew ‘creamed’ me …Our food came and my bruised ego was comforted by hot steaming catfish with all the ‘fixins’….then later Andrew challenged me to some game he had on his phone (kiddos and their gadgets these days) to “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?' didn't have to play this game I already know the answer.... ahhh….could have told him that…on most days, No…I’m not smarter than a 5th grader. He promised to ‘help me. Kiddos. This family may be leaving us soon-no I feel they will. Mac recently lost his job (like so many!) they have such faith however and feel it is all a part of God’s plan (its all in the attitude!). They are from West Texas and feel it is time to go back ‘home’. They’ve been in the Dallas area for several years (came here on a job assignment-he’s an engineer) and want to get back to the basics West Texas...where everything is a little slower...I know the feeling...Dallas can be just too busy, too many people, too many cars, too much traffic, just too much..... Pray for this family. I hate to see them go…but I know what is in their hearts…they want to go home.
Back to the concert, Preacher picked up the tickets at 'Will Call'. Walked in and it was LOUD!! You heard me LOUD!! The tenors could hit a few notes that could have broken glass…thought my own eyeglasses might break. Me and Annabeth both held our ears a couple of times and said ‘it so loud!”. Amazingly, I did NOT see anyone else, the older folks in front of us, beside us, to the left or right flinch, or hold their ears or seem to notice! Amazing-because I don’t know how many times through the years we have had the complaint in our church…’music is too loud”. You’ve got to be kidding! Right? Tim, I’m sure you will certainly appreciate this ‘observation’. We have had this discussion before about music and the perceived ‘loudness’. of it So what’s the difference?
Anyway, Preacher owes me! When one of us does something we really don’t want to do…we joking will say …’you owe me’ (whatever that means and we are still working on how we will do paybacks). Anyway, we got there ‘early’ to see some special presentation..the auditorium was nearly full-already. Seats weren’t that great-by this time. You know squeezing past people’s knees, holding your breath…they do likewise. For about 45 minutes we saw a video promotion of what I will call…’a Gaither Homecoming wanna be’. Phil Cross of Poet Voices claims this is his ‘project’ and is traveling all over promoting it….
I never saw so many gray/white heads, people using canes and wheelchairs, limping and ‘old’.
I mentioned this to the Preacher and he bristled somewhat and said something to the effect-that precisely, that also described us! He’s right of course. Still trying to figure just when and how this happened... the old and gray thing. Not too many young people at all. A few here and there-including the couple that came with us. Mostly older folks. My thought is where is this type of music going….if the vast majority of the fans are so ….old?
Overall, the ‘show’ (that’s what it really seemed to me’…was OK. I counted 3 songs I really enjoyed.. Poet Voices had a couple and Gold City had one that was patriotic. Other than that……
This family we went with are big Gabbard (from Butler, Ky) fans. They asked us why they weren’t there at this concert and said that the Gabbards were their favorite group-even from those groups we had just heard. If any Gabbards are reading this-this is a big compliment from this family! They even played their CD “Gravity” on the CD player in the car and their kiddos know all the words. I’ve come to the conclusion much like sports….if I’m not related to the Southern Gospel singers (even if it is by marriage only) I’m not too interested in it.
After hearing these groups I also wonder….why aren’t the Gabbards singing with these ‘big names”. Their music and songs are just as good….no better than most everything I heard last night.
Anyway, the Preacher compared it to something like this. Music can be compared to say, Cracker Barrel…not everyone will like everything on the menu. We all have our favorites…and some people like a little more variety than others. But it is still Cracker Barrel. I am still trying to dissect that word of wisdom from the Preacher. If anyone really gets the Preacher’s explanation of this, let me know!
Anyway, interesting evening, we got home LATE…me and the Preacher decided we don’t do well on Sunday morning when we have been out late on Saturday. I think this is called, ‘getting old’. So today kinda kicked back after Church and fed animals, put together lunch, cleaned up and that’s about it. I walked through the house right before coming to the front porch and felt God’s overwhelming peace and presence, so I stopped and told the Lord, “Thank you Lord for the gift of this day, to just be still and rest and say, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad”.
From my front porch to yours…God bless.
Friday, January 23, 2009
"LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!"
Good evening! TGIF. What is it about Fridays we look forward to and enjoy..even if it is just sitting around on the front porch. Weather has been so nice the past few days…the change is coming in later this evening. Let’s enjoy the time on the porch while we can.
Already fed the horses and the rest of the critters in the barnyard and filled up the water. After our little chat I plan on doing a little paperwork, maybe reading, we’ll see.
Anyway, talking about Tim and his’ feet on the ground’ and I briefly mentioned our family and music. I am the ‘odd man or in this case woman’ in that I really don’t play any musical instruments. Preacher gave me a few lessons on the piano/organ using chords. I practiced and got a few songs down but just didn’t seem to have,. time or opportunity. So be it.
Anyway, Preacher and his family have a talent and gift for music. A gift is probably more the correct word. Preacher started his piano lessons early. He didn’t get to take them very long…That’s another story too. Someday.
I was reflecting upon our family and music. Preacher and I from the beginning had music as a part of our lives. We had our favorite songs through the years of dating. Back then there wasn’t much to listen to in the ‘gospel’ field except the quartets, some trios, etc. Preacher and I even began singing together way back then. Preacher and I didn’t have too many exciting dates, we had 3 choices: church, church and church. We did eat out as a treat…usually Frisch’s…due to my family’s situation I had not eaten ‘out’ much (I was 15 and had my first McDonald’s hamburger….back when you walked up to window and they were about 19 cents)…so to eat at some fancy place like Frisch’s, was a real treat. Preacher has treated me to many a good meal through the years. Preacher for the most part has treated me like his queen…hey, that must make him my king (notice with a little k…I only have one King with a capital K!
Anyway, Preacher and I wanted about 8 kids…ended up with 4…just right. We knew each of the four children was a blessing and special indeed. Our dreams for each of them was not to be lawyers, doctors and such…but to find their own calling and place in the Lord’s work. To equip them and do our part, we decided early on, maybe after they had taken their second step, to get them involved in music.
I remember the girls’ first musical endeavor was with tambourines! Lori could barely walk and I remember the Christmas those two got tambourines. Lori’s was almost as big as she was. We have a picture of her holding hers in the cutest little red dress-her little Christmas dress. For years it was the tradition to get the girls little Christmas dresses. It so sweet to hear Julie does the same thing…although now it’s more like Christmas outfits…not too many little girls wear dress now.
Anyway, so Julie was barely 6 and through a relative on Glen’s side we found a piano teacher. We took her to the lesson-the teacher was a young lady but lived in an older Victoria house in Ft. Thomas…when we visit Kentucky I pass that house several times because my dear mother lives within walking distance. Anyway, Julie and her lessons. We had managed to get an old piano and Julie faithfully practiced. And Those little red John Thompson (I think is the name) piano books.
A few years later we felt like selling everything..absolutely everything, buy a travel trailer and evangelize. When we did this, there was no remorse, no second guessing the Call. We just did it.
There were ups and downs along the way. Many times it was a walk of faith, but this is all part of the molding and making our of children and who they are. Back to the move, we just had an ongoing ‘yard sale’ and sold each piece of furniture and other ‘things’. Little Julie came home from school one day and in disbelief exclamined’ “You sold my bed, You sold my bed”. At that time we had her the cutest little princess white bedroom set with a gold trimmed bed, dresser and if I recall a chest, too. It was darling. Sorry, Julie, yes we sold your bed and everything else EXCEPT the few personal items we could put in the travel trailer.
No piano lessons for a while. But little Julie became part of our ‘music’ ministry. A little thing but not afraid to step up and sing. We evangelized until we found out we would be blessed with another little baby. The rest of that story will continue later. Anyway, we felt led to settle in the Hampton/Newport News, Virginia area. When we finally settled in a little home-and began putting a little house together-we decided that we would buy a brand new Baldwin piano! Quite pricey at the time-but we still have that piano. We have carried it all over the country, many a song has been played on that piano, and many little hands have practiced on those ivory keys. It is scratched up but represents so many memories. Preacher and I will still sing around it every once in a while. When the grandkids come they bang on it. But that’s OK.
Anyway, music has been and still is a very big part of our little family’s life, ministry and calling. At one time we had all four of our little ones taking piano lessons at one time. We encouraged them to get involved in school and church music programs. Preacher and I have ‘enjoyed’ many a school band program, fine arts competitions and on and on.
As I was reflecting on how important music is to our family. What might NOT have been if Preacher and I had not put in the time, effort and what little resources we had into music for our children. When I think of the ministries each of them are involved in, music is central. Tim, music minister at Longview. Tim was not the best piano student! He rarely practiced and just didn’t show a lot of interest in his early career. He played trombone and guitar and of course piano. But, look what the Lord has done with the seeds planted in his life! There’s more to this story later. What about Julie? Her musical training is now being utilized by her involvement with the children’s music ministry and the choir at Firewheel. What about Lori? Playing the flute for many a praise and worship song and her stepping into playing the piano and leading worship for the church her and Aaron would pastor. Even Joe who has giftings in communicating the Word has had his moments in playing the guitar and if he really needed to, could probably play the piano!
Anyway, when you look in the Word, music, singing, praise, worship-how vital it is and how much it is a part of our relationship with God.
This legacy is being passed down to the little ones-all eight of them. Take a look at Joe’s blog and see little Justice dancing to music. Kaylin can sing out like a little super star all while staying on perfect pitch. Karese has shown interest in music with his ‘singing’ and dancing. Kaden has already had his share of musical instruments: drums, little pianos. Camryn, Caleb and Lukie and even Jace all are poised and ready to receive the paton and carry on the ministry.
Music…it soothes, heals and blesses. Such a wonderful part of our life. So from my front porch to yours….’Sing unto the Lord a new song”….and let’s rejoice together!
Already fed the horses and the rest of the critters in the barnyard and filled up the water. After our little chat I plan on doing a little paperwork, maybe reading, we’ll see.
Anyway, talking about Tim and his’ feet on the ground’ and I briefly mentioned our family and music. I am the ‘odd man or in this case woman’ in that I really don’t play any musical instruments. Preacher gave me a few lessons on the piano/organ using chords. I practiced and got a few songs down but just didn’t seem to have,. time or opportunity. So be it.
Anyway, Preacher and his family have a talent and gift for music. A gift is probably more the correct word. Preacher started his piano lessons early. He didn’t get to take them very long…That’s another story too. Someday.
I was reflecting upon our family and music. Preacher and I from the beginning had music as a part of our lives. We had our favorite songs through the years of dating. Back then there wasn’t much to listen to in the ‘gospel’ field except the quartets, some trios, etc. Preacher and I even began singing together way back then. Preacher and I didn’t have too many exciting dates, we had 3 choices: church, church and church. We did eat out as a treat…usually Frisch’s…due to my family’s situation I had not eaten ‘out’ much (I was 15 and had my first McDonald’s hamburger….back when you walked up to window and they were about 19 cents)…so to eat at some fancy place like Frisch’s, was a real treat. Preacher has treated me to many a good meal through the years. Preacher for the most part has treated me like his queen…hey, that must make him my king (notice with a little k…I only have one King with a capital K!
Anyway, Preacher and I wanted about 8 kids…ended up with 4…just right. We knew each of the four children was a blessing and special indeed. Our dreams for each of them was not to be lawyers, doctors and such…but to find their own calling and place in the Lord’s work. To equip them and do our part, we decided early on, maybe after they had taken their second step, to get them involved in music.
I remember the girls’ first musical endeavor was with tambourines! Lori could barely walk and I remember the Christmas those two got tambourines. Lori’s was almost as big as she was. We have a picture of her holding hers in the cutest little red dress-her little Christmas dress. For years it was the tradition to get the girls little Christmas dresses. It so sweet to hear Julie does the same thing…although now it’s more like Christmas outfits…not too many little girls wear dress now.
Anyway, so Julie was barely 6 and through a relative on Glen’s side we found a piano teacher. We took her to the lesson-the teacher was a young lady but lived in an older Victoria house in Ft. Thomas…when we visit Kentucky I pass that house several times because my dear mother lives within walking distance. Anyway, Julie and her lessons. We had managed to get an old piano and Julie faithfully practiced. And Those little red John Thompson (I think is the name) piano books.
A few years later we felt like selling everything..absolutely everything, buy a travel trailer and evangelize. When we did this, there was no remorse, no second guessing the Call. We just did it.
There were ups and downs along the way. Many times it was a walk of faith, but this is all part of the molding and making our of children and who they are. Back to the move, we just had an ongoing ‘yard sale’ and sold each piece of furniture and other ‘things’. Little Julie came home from school one day and in disbelief exclamined’ “You sold my bed, You sold my bed”. At that time we had her the cutest little princess white bedroom set with a gold trimmed bed, dresser and if I recall a chest, too. It was darling. Sorry, Julie, yes we sold your bed and everything else EXCEPT the few personal items we could put in the travel trailer.
No piano lessons for a while. But little Julie became part of our ‘music’ ministry. A little thing but not afraid to step up and sing. We evangelized until we found out we would be blessed with another little baby. The rest of that story will continue later. Anyway, we felt led to settle in the Hampton/Newport News, Virginia area. When we finally settled in a little home-and began putting a little house together-we decided that we would buy a brand new Baldwin piano! Quite pricey at the time-but we still have that piano. We have carried it all over the country, many a song has been played on that piano, and many little hands have practiced on those ivory keys. It is scratched up but represents so many memories. Preacher and I will still sing around it every once in a while. When the grandkids come they bang on it. But that’s OK.
Anyway, music has been and still is a very big part of our little family’s life, ministry and calling. At one time we had all four of our little ones taking piano lessons at one time. We encouraged them to get involved in school and church music programs. Preacher and I have ‘enjoyed’ many a school band program, fine arts competitions and on and on.
As I was reflecting on how important music is to our family. What might NOT have been if Preacher and I had not put in the time, effort and what little resources we had into music for our children. When I think of the ministries each of them are involved in, music is central. Tim, music minister at Longview. Tim was not the best piano student! He rarely practiced and just didn’t show a lot of interest in his early career. He played trombone and guitar and of course piano. But, look what the Lord has done with the seeds planted in his life! There’s more to this story later. What about Julie? Her musical training is now being utilized by her involvement with the children’s music ministry and the choir at Firewheel. What about Lori? Playing the flute for many a praise and worship song and her stepping into playing the piano and leading worship for the church her and Aaron would pastor. Even Joe who has giftings in communicating the Word has had his moments in playing the guitar and if he really needed to, could probably play the piano!
Anyway, when you look in the Word, music, singing, praise, worship-how vital it is and how much it is a part of our relationship with God.
This legacy is being passed down to the little ones-all eight of them. Take a look at Joe’s blog and see little Justice dancing to music. Kaylin can sing out like a little super star all while staying on perfect pitch. Karese has shown interest in music with his ‘singing’ and dancing. Kaden has already had his share of musical instruments: drums, little pianos. Camryn, Caleb and Lukie and even Jace all are poised and ready to receive the paton and carry on the ministry.
Music…it soothes, heals and blesses. Such a wonderful part of our life. So from my front porch to yours….’Sing unto the Lord a new song”….and let’s rejoice together!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"FEET ON THE GROUND!" PART 2
Good evening! I was on the front porch had my chat all prepared not once—but twice and lost it. Didn’t nean to ‘snub’ ya’ll..I just gave up. Some key I hit and the screen goes blank…ok you teckies what am I doing wrong??
Technology can’t live with it..can’t live without it. Speaking of blogs ….check Amy’s and see Karsen’s first steps. Too cool!
Another busy day…but here on the porch even though its getting late…I’ve been trying to get back on the subject I had started a few days ago. Gonna call this one “Feet on the Ground”.
My inspiration is dear, dear Amy. She has just signed Kaden up for soccer. Great move Ames. (I hope) after you read this blog you may have doubts…hope not
Anyway we chatted about Tim the youngest of the four or the ‘baby’ of the family as we called him. This was NOT one of Tim’s favorite nicknames. Sometimes in a moment of endearment I will forget and introduce Tim as ‘my baby’ or the baby of the family….and I can see those sparkly blue eyes blaze just a bit. Just a tad bit ruffled…I’d say.
Anyway, Tim’s older brother, Joe, was barely walking and already playing football. He was a natural at it. So as soon as possible he was signed up on a little league football team. At the time we lived in Virginia and the community had some great sports leagues. Joe made it look so easy…was a super star immediately. I’m sure little Bro looked at big Bro and thought something like this…”anything you can do I can do better (or at least just as good!). So we paid the dues, got the equipment and sent our baby off with his older brother to be a football superstar.
Time to pick the boys up…Joe comes bounding off the field-peppy, excited feeling good about practice. We looked for Tim. We shaded our eyes searching the field and finally way out in the field, was a little elfish figure, dragging his helmet, barely putting one foot in front of the other, head hanging low and ‘whipped’. Where were those sparkly blue eyes? Where was the little ‘happy go lucky guy? Where was the little guy, just happy to a part of the gang?
He finally made it to the car. Fell into the back seat, moaning and groaning, something to the effect, “don’t make me go back, they’re killing me!”.
What? Who’s killing him? He could barely mumble. We chalked it up as ‘’first day jitters. Besides, the Preacher (by the way I picked this name for Glen because we have a little adorable girl about 6 years old at our church and I teach her Daisy’s class and that’s what she calls Glen, The Preacher)
Anyway we didn’t birth no sissies…no quitters, especially on the first day!
So next night, we took Tim back, along with Joe to more football ‘torture”. Sure enough repeat of the night before..Joe’s peppy and Tim’s all pooed out-this time the claim he’s being killed is even more vocal with a little higher pitch in his voice maybe just a little whine added for drama.
Finally, we did not even make it through the first week of practice. We gave in and let the kid quit. I never saw such a look of relief on an elfin’s little face. He got his pep and bounce back pretty quickly…even the sparkle in his 'baby blues' came back.
Well, the story is according to Tim,,,,(I’m sure Joe’s version has another twist to it) Joe and his buddies decided to elect Tim to be their punching bag, their tackle bag, their whatever you use in football to beat up on! Only those 2 know the ‘real’ story. Anyway, we let the kid quit. Walk away....Sometimes, that’s just what you gotta do. The singer, Kenny Rogers, had a song with a line in it, ‘know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em and know when to walk away’. Sounds like good advise when you put it into perspective.....know when it is time to walk way.....don't continue to get 'beat up!'. Tim knew. Fast forward a few years later and Tim and Joe did team up on a football team later in high school and Tim did hold his own on the East Texas Christian School!
Well, the Preacher did not get to play sports as a kid…that can be another story sometime. He loves to talk about sports and WATCH it…must be a ‘gabby’ Gabbard thing. I refuse to watch grown men chasing a little piece of pig skin UNLESS I have been involved in their birth. Anyway, the Preacher took great joy in ALL of his children being involved in two of his passions: SPORTS and MUSIC. Therefore, all our kiddos , even the girls, were involved in sports: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, etc. Julie played baseball and was very good at it…I think she can still hit a homerun in softball! Lori, much like me, not too interested-except in tennis and she is probably the best swimmer.
Piano lessons, flute lessons- a variety of instruments, all four were also very involved in music, lessons, band camps, marching band, programs, etc. Tim and his piano lessons that can be another blog! Tim, I’m really not picking on you…you just have a lot of ‘stories!”
Anyway, back to the ‘feet on the ground’. On to Maryland and once again everyone signs up for some kind of sports. Tim is ready now-for soccer. So here we go again, sign him up and off to practice and he tada!! he enjoys it! However, the Preacher and I have never met such loud, ‘’over enthusiastic parents and coach…. ever. Tim’s coach…was a mild mannered, quiet, conservative, polite undertaker-funeral director by day and on Saturdays…he transformed into the meanest, loudest, craziest, unpredictable soccer coach..(maybe it was those soccer cleats that did the transformation.) The Preacher and I attended many funerals in the community with this undertaker/soccer coach. Preacher and I’d ride to the cementary in the hearse (Preacher and I had this ‘honor’. ) We would have a nice civilized conversation about life, death, liberty, the pursuit of happiness-nice, calm, ‘normal'-if you can really have a normal conversation in a hearse! Then at the games the coach, aka, undertaker, would scream, run up and down the field, take his hat off and throw it, and sometimes even throw himself facedown on the sidelines, kicking and screaming like a MANIAC!. Preacher and I sat there-flabbergasted…Parents (except for Preacher and me-no, not us…we sat prim and proper in our little lawn chairs barely able to see the game for these hyperactive , screaming parents) anyway, they would run up and down the sidelines screaming too. The Coach’s most shouted words were, ‘FEET ON THE GROUND”. Preacher and I still will say that to each other every once in a while…just for kicks (no pun intended here). I never understood those four words until recently when the Preacher told me in soccer, the players must keep their feet on the ground during playing or it’s a foul or penalty or something…(oops my sports illiteracy is showing). Hence, ‘feet on the ground’.
However, when you think of it…this is a good life principle. Running the race for God, keep your feet on the ground. Climbing any mountains before you today, keep your feet on the ground. Going through a valley that seems like the dark of night, keep your feet on the ground. Maybe, this coach’s shout should be our battle cry. “FEET ON THE GROUND!”
So until we meet again on the front porch, “Keep your feet on the ground!
Technology can’t live with it..can’t live without it. Speaking of blogs ….check Amy’s and see Karsen’s first steps. Too cool!
Another busy day…but here on the porch even though its getting late…I’ve been trying to get back on the subject I had started a few days ago. Gonna call this one “Feet on the Ground”.
My inspiration is dear, dear Amy. She has just signed Kaden up for soccer. Great move Ames. (I hope) after you read this blog you may have doubts…hope not
Anyway we chatted about Tim the youngest of the four or the ‘baby’ of the family as we called him. This was NOT one of Tim’s favorite nicknames. Sometimes in a moment of endearment I will forget and introduce Tim as ‘my baby’ or the baby of the family….and I can see those sparkly blue eyes blaze just a bit. Just a tad bit ruffled…I’d say.
Anyway, Tim’s older brother, Joe, was barely walking and already playing football. He was a natural at it. So as soon as possible he was signed up on a little league football team. At the time we lived in Virginia and the community had some great sports leagues. Joe made it look so easy…was a super star immediately. I’m sure little Bro looked at big Bro and thought something like this…”anything you can do I can do better (or at least just as good!). So we paid the dues, got the equipment and sent our baby off with his older brother to be a football superstar.
Time to pick the boys up…Joe comes bounding off the field-peppy, excited feeling good about practice. We looked for Tim. We shaded our eyes searching the field and finally way out in the field, was a little elfish figure, dragging his helmet, barely putting one foot in front of the other, head hanging low and ‘whipped’. Where were those sparkly blue eyes? Where was the little ‘happy go lucky guy? Where was the little guy, just happy to a part of the gang?
He finally made it to the car. Fell into the back seat, moaning and groaning, something to the effect, “don’t make me go back, they’re killing me!”.
What? Who’s killing him? He could barely mumble. We chalked it up as ‘’first day jitters. Besides, the Preacher (by the way I picked this name for Glen because we have a little adorable girl about 6 years old at our church and I teach her Daisy’s class and that’s what she calls Glen, The Preacher)
Anyway we didn’t birth no sissies…no quitters, especially on the first day!
So next night, we took Tim back, along with Joe to more football ‘torture”. Sure enough repeat of the night before..Joe’s peppy and Tim’s all pooed out-this time the claim he’s being killed is even more vocal with a little higher pitch in his voice maybe just a little whine added for drama.
Finally, we did not even make it through the first week of practice. We gave in and let the kid quit. I never saw such a look of relief on an elfin’s little face. He got his pep and bounce back pretty quickly…even the sparkle in his 'baby blues' came back.
Well, the story is according to Tim,,,,(I’m sure Joe’s version has another twist to it) Joe and his buddies decided to elect Tim to be their punching bag, their tackle bag, their whatever you use in football to beat up on! Only those 2 know the ‘real’ story. Anyway, we let the kid quit. Walk away....Sometimes, that’s just what you gotta do. The singer, Kenny Rogers, had a song with a line in it, ‘know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em and know when to walk away’. Sounds like good advise when you put it into perspective.....know when it is time to walk way.....don't continue to get 'beat up!'. Tim knew. Fast forward a few years later and Tim and Joe did team up on a football team later in high school and Tim did hold his own on the East Texas Christian School!
Well, the Preacher did not get to play sports as a kid…that can be another story sometime. He loves to talk about sports and WATCH it…must be a ‘gabby’ Gabbard thing. I refuse to watch grown men chasing a little piece of pig skin UNLESS I have been involved in their birth. Anyway, the Preacher took great joy in ALL of his children being involved in two of his passions: SPORTS and MUSIC. Therefore, all our kiddos , even the girls, were involved in sports: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, etc. Julie played baseball and was very good at it…I think she can still hit a homerun in softball! Lori, much like me, not too interested-except in tennis and she is probably the best swimmer.
Piano lessons, flute lessons- a variety of instruments, all four were also very involved in music, lessons, band camps, marching band, programs, etc. Tim and his piano lessons that can be another blog! Tim, I’m really not picking on you…you just have a lot of ‘stories!”
Anyway, back to the ‘feet on the ground’. On to Maryland and once again everyone signs up for some kind of sports. Tim is ready now-for soccer. So here we go again, sign him up and off to practice and he tada!! he enjoys it! However, the Preacher and I have never met such loud, ‘’over enthusiastic parents and coach…. ever. Tim’s coach…was a mild mannered, quiet, conservative, polite undertaker-funeral director by day and on Saturdays…he transformed into the meanest, loudest, craziest, unpredictable soccer coach..(maybe it was those soccer cleats that did the transformation.) The Preacher and I attended many funerals in the community with this undertaker/soccer coach. Preacher and I’d ride to the cementary in the hearse (Preacher and I had this ‘honor’. ) We would have a nice civilized conversation about life, death, liberty, the pursuit of happiness-nice, calm, ‘normal'-if you can really have a normal conversation in a hearse! Then at the games the coach, aka, undertaker, would scream, run up and down the field, take his hat off and throw it, and sometimes even throw himself facedown on the sidelines, kicking and screaming like a MANIAC!. Preacher and I sat there-flabbergasted…Parents (except for Preacher and me-no, not us…we sat prim and proper in our little lawn chairs barely able to see the game for these hyperactive , screaming parents) anyway, they would run up and down the sidelines screaming too. The Coach’s most shouted words were, ‘FEET ON THE GROUND”. Preacher and I still will say that to each other every once in a while…just for kicks (no pun intended here). I never understood those four words until recently when the Preacher told me in soccer, the players must keep their feet on the ground during playing or it’s a foul or penalty or something…(oops my sports illiteracy is showing). Hence, ‘feet on the ground’.
However, when you think of it…this is a good life principle. Running the race for God, keep your feet on the ground. Climbing any mountains before you today, keep your feet on the ground. Going through a valley that seems like the dark of night, keep your feet on the ground. Maybe, this coach’s shout should be our battle cry. “FEET ON THE GROUND!”
So until we meet again on the front porch, “Keep your feet on the ground!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
FEET ON THE GROUND"
Good evening! Glad you stopped by on the front porch this evening. I have worked for almost 2 hours tonight for our meeting on the front porch. I keep losing my post. One of those days I guess. So I will continue this thought another time
Until then...from my front porch to yours..
Until then...from my front porch to yours..
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