Loom & Wheel

Some Friends You Always Miss

2012-01-24T14:34:00.004-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I discovered that my good friend from college days succumbed to some major medical issues on Christmas Eve. Don had a genuine spirit of humility about him. In his demeanor you could tell that he was one of those friends. You know the kind, they know nothing but love and kindness. It's really interesting that when he graduated the year before me from OBU, I knew we wouldn't see that much of each other. He was scheduled to wed his college fiancee, and move on to seminary in Kansas City. I had another semester to drudge through in undergrad work and was off to Southwestern in Ft. Worth.

When I talked to Don's wife via e-exchange after learning of his death, she reminded me of something--"Do you remember that song you wrote for us when we got married?" As a matter of fact I didn't and then she mentioned it, and I did.Interestingly, I was going through some old writing, thinking about Don, and found the rough draft of the lyric and a copy of the rough melody still in my possession. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to honor my buddy, Don, and his wife (and son) one more time by sharing this poem (no critics please, but if you'd like to comment an encouraging word to the family, I'll be sure they get it). Below you'll find a scan of the rough copy of the original music (and it's really rough).

Go Together

It's not very long until your graduation day
You'll soon be getting married and moving far away.
Please just remember to keep God in your plans
And then go together walking hand in hand.
Go together in life's tortures
Go together in life's joys
Go together, go together just like good ol' girls and boys.
Go together in the sunshine tho' life sometimes brings you rain
Go together in your happiness and even in your pain.

Then you'll know you're succeeding when your children praise the Lord.
You'll know God has blest you and your smiles they'll afford.
Just remember what I told you when things seem to get rough,
"Go together with each other and your Father up above."
Go together over mountains
Go together 'cross the sea
Go together, go together 'cause that's how it's meant to be.
Go together when you're crying and also when you smile
Go together, go together, go together all the while.

Go Together

Lost Art Challenge

2012-01-21T11:17:00.000-06:00

Technology, good. Technology, bad.

I like technology. It is good for us, makes things easier and more efficient. The advent of the computer and the Internet has brought about things like spreadsheets that calculate and prepare presentations for us, word processors that check our spelling (beware of over-dependence on spell-check and grammar-check software - some words are missed by spelling checkers because they are words even if we meant another word, and most grammar checking software was written by someone who doesn't really know the rules of proper usage, therefore it will indicate error where there is none and let actual errors get by), e-mail that is faster than the Pony Express, and social networking that helps us re-connect with our past. I personally have reconnected with friends from past days--college, high school, and even as far back a the grade and grammar schools I spent my formative years in. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't even be able to issue this challenge if it weren't for technological advances. Technology is a really good thing.

Even so, technology has its draw-backs. Personal connection has been relegated to cyberspace. We no longer FAX (anybody ever really do that anyway?). Instead we email, text (TXT for the younger audience), and Tweet. While these are great ways to communicate on the fly (because technology includes the faster, more efficient transportation available that has decreased the enormity of our globe), they have taken their toll. We have become lazy. Spelling has become a lost skill because we rely on our spelling checker (see above) or depend totally on our smart phones and Twitter which, out of necessity, has taught us to forgo vowels and substitute single letters or combinations of letters (i.e. "C U l8er") to limit the number of keystrokes in our message.

Handwriting itself has become a thing of the past. There are good and bad sides to this, for instance no longer do I write my sermon notes out longhand and consequently I can read them (which my church members may either thank or curse me for). School children are encouraged to learn keyboarding skills rather than learning to write legibly, spell consistently, or construct sentences coherently.

All of this leads to the lost art of letter-writing. While many are still composing communication for memos, email, and blogs (such as this one), we no longer write letters for the sake of communication. So, here's my challenge: choose a friend, an acquaintance, or perhaps engage the assistance of a new friend from your cyber-friends and start a penpal-type relationship with them. Some of my older readers will remember "penpals" from their grade school days. Two correspondents would get acquainted and learn of their different lives via postal communication. We made lasting friendships, learned of different cultures, and kept up with news in foreign (or at least regionally distant) lands. I am going to choose an old acquaintance, write a letter (by hand), explain my challenge, and see if they would like to participate in the experiment with me. Don't be surprised if you receive letter postmarked "Mulberry Grove" from me. If you get the letter, consider writing back (not via email or other electronic means, but with a letter written by hand).

Why, you might ask, am I making such a challenge? Well, I have encouraged my daughter (known here as Puddin' N Pie) to develop the skills required for letter-writing, so I thought I should bone up on those skills myself. If you would like to participate in my little experiment, be sure to leave a comment, and come back occasionally to let me know how your correspondence is progressing. If we start something big, maybe we can save the USPS from reverting back to the days of the Pony Express. What do you say? Want to pick up a pen and some nice stationery and start a trend with me?

A Sad Day for Snackers

2012-01-11T10:26:00.001-06:00

The headline reads "Twinkies Maker Hostess Files for Chapter 11" (click the link to read the article)

The sad truth of the matter is that Hostess is our go to source for all cakes snackable. CupCakes (not the homemade kind, but those dark chocolate, cream-filled, two-packed--so you can share 'em with a friend--cakes with the hard edible plastic cover that has a white curly design on top), which were followed by the DingDongs, and the HoHo's, and the multiple-flavored Zingers. There are a world of snack cakes out there, and now the maker of the premier ones (not the cheap-o knock-offs from other bakeries) is going belly-up!?

I blame our health-conscious nation, as well as the fast-food industry which turned eating snacks that are calorie-laden into an art form. My wish in all of this is that the shelves so stacked with preservative-filled, taste-bud-tempting treats will not disappear altogether. Why, they last forever, those Twinkies do.

And speaking of "Twinkie Doo", if Hostess goes under, where will we get that last bit of tasty Yum that sticks to the cardboard packaging? You know, that last bit that you scrape off with your finger so that you can get every crumb of the luscious Twinkie?

Snack cake lovers, beware!

First eCoupon of 2012

2012-01-09T14:17:00.000-06:00

By now, if you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I have used the services of Lulu.com to publish some of my short fiction and a couple of sermon collections. Today I received a coupon code for you to use when purchasing any or all of my titles. The neat thing about this coupon is that the offer is for 25% off (up to $50 savings) on your purchase. A couple of things you should note: this offer is for a single purchase (that means you can't use it today and decide to use it again tomorrow or next week, so make your decisions before purchasing), and the offer is good until January 31, 2012--that gives you a couple of weeks to make your selections.

So, click on the Lulu.com logo. Choose as many of my titles as you'd like then enter the coupon code LULUBOOK305 at checkout. Simple as that. Hurry!

Disclaimer: Use coupon code LULUBOOK305 at checkout and receive 25% off your order. The maximum savings with this promotion is $50. You can only use the code once per account, and you can't use this coupon in combination with other coupon codes. This great offer ends on January 31, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST. While very unlikely Lulu.com reserves the right to change or revoke this offer at anytime, and of course we cannot offer this coupon where it is against the law to do so. Finally, Lulu.com incurs the cost of this discount, so it does not impact the Author's proceeds of the book. This coupon does not work with self-purchases, i.e., if you are the author of the book you are trying to purchase, you cannot use this coupon. This coupon will work for multiple titles but savings cannot go past the maximum of $50.

A Word About LOL

2012-01-07T22:23:00.000-06:00

I text. Mostly to church members and my Beautiful Blushing Bride. But I am not a fan of texting as it is done by the generation who made it up--they have this kookie language that has nothing to do with the rules of genteel spelling and grammar. It almost reminds me of what my Hebrew professor at seminary told me about the original language: "There were originally no vowels, the vowel points were added later by scribes who wanted to preserve the pronunciation."

Well, we're back. Back to no vowels again. I almost wonder why we bothered with them in the first place.

But, I digress. Let's get back to the issue at hand: a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad bag full of abbreviations - ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing), BFF (best friend forever), and the like. One of the most misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misused of the lot is LOL. For the uninformed and uninitiated old people who don't or won't text this acronym does not (nor has it ever) stand for "lots of love." Far from it, this little bit of joy stands for "Laugh (or Laughing, depending on your texting dictionary) Out Loud." It suggests that what ever precedes it is a good and funny joke--forcing one to, well, laugh out loud.

And now for the sad reality of using the LOL - decorum dictates that one should not use LOL for their own comments. This is the equivalent of the comic who laughs at his own jokes (even though they are not really funny jokes at all), or the preacher who constantly has to remind his congregation that he has said something with which they should all agree (can I get an Amen? LOL) So you see, if someone wants to LOL at something you've said it's cool (even if you didn't think you said something funny, because they did), and if you think the preacher has said something with which you agree, give a hearty Amen (you can even start your own corner if you like, preachers like that). But it is bad manners for the preacher to beg for Amens, for the comic to guffaw, or for the texter to LOL at his own posts. If it's funny, others will LOL at you. And if it's really funny they might even ROFL.

Go ahead, you can LOL in the comments section now.

Police Drama

2012-01-06T22:44:00.000-06:00

I've long been a fan of Police Drama. I like the mystery (that comes with shows like Columbo) and the police procedures. Understanding that shows like Hunter make us root for the officer who pushes the envelope in order to make the case. Any more, the newer police shows have the tendency to concentrate more on the officer (and his/her life) than the case--turning many of them into prime time soap opera a la NYPD Blue rather than the police procedural, or they concentrate on spinning off the name of another show (Law & Order, et.al.) with little or no connection to the original.

Because I like to read things like the 87th Precinct series, I like my TV Police shows to be well-written. Because I enjoy a well presented stage production, I enjoy the actors in these shows to know their craft. Setting aside my preference for Walker, Texas Ranger (writing and acting both fall short, but there are tons of great fight scenes thanks to Chuck Norris), I don't enjoy too many of the crime shows available for consumption these days. Friday evenings has become the exception, and I just finished watching two of the best examples:

CSI: NY -- while it is a name-copy series, and they have had some of the character-driven, soap opera-esque story lines, I have found them to be consistently well-written, and with a lead character played by veteran actor Gary Sinese you can't go wrong when you can settle in for an episode.
Blue Bloods -- I must admit that when it started a couple of seasons ago, I had my doubts. A family full of NY Police officers, headed by the commish himself? Bound to turn into dumpster diving into the tawdry lives of each separate character. Attempts at this very thing have been few and short-lived, because the family consistently focuses on the case. Another concern I had was Donnie Wahlberg in one of the chief roles, and I've been pleasantly surprised. The writers of this series have held to their guns with the character of the characters, the genuine faith of an Irish Catholic family of cops in New York (how's that for stereotyping?), and the commitment to family of the family. Plus you get to see them approach crime from a variety of viewpoints.

For two well-written, well-acted Police Procedural Dramas, do your TV watching on Fridays--or set your TiVo--you don't really need any other shows.

I Cried . . . Again (and again)

2012-01-05T14:35:00.001-06:00

Working on singing a special song in church this coming Sunday and I ran across the background cd for this song (not doing it this week, maybe another time). Anyway, I thought I'd do a quick go-over, and found myself unable to make it all the way through--not even once(t) without bawling like a baby. It speaks to me, maybe it will speak to you today, too:

What Did You Do on New Year's Day?

2012-01-01T15:24:00.000-06:00

It's 2012!

2012-01-01T06:37:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all my faithful readers(s).

For 2012, I suggest that we all determine to do something worthwhile--and you guessed it, I have a suggestion for how we might do that.

Let's make 2012 the year that we live for Jesus. For some that means we must actually let Jesus invade our lives. For others who are already followers of Christ, it means giving control back to Him. If we would simply connect with Christ, consult His wisdom, and correct our actions to what He commands 2012 will be the Best Year Ever!

Let's make it so!

It Snew!

2011-12-27T07:23:00.000-06:00

Went to bed to rain, woke up to snow. It's not a big blanket, certainly not enough for a snegovek (snowman), but the ground is white and it's new. So in the words of my baby brother: "I woke up and found that it snew!"

Bubba's Special Christmas Message

2011-12-26T07:51:00.000-06:00

Bubba had to have a breathing treatment as Christmas Day wound down. Aunt Liz got a video of his demeanor during the process:

It's Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:52:00.000-06:00

Today is Christmas Day – the day that we celebrate the birth of the Savior. We have a special privilege this year, since the special holiday falls on our regular day of worship. May I encourage you to take advantage of this particular happenstance and attend worship, celebrating Christ’s birth with Christ’s people in Christ’s house–the church.

For a special treat, I will be attempting to honor the “Twelve Days of Christmas” beginning tomorrow and going through Epiphany. (You can find my "Twelve Days of Christmas" series by clicking here.) Feel free to join me in continuing to celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the meantime, please enjoy these lyrics written several years ago:

Christmas Spirit Every Day

(Christmas 1989)

“Give me this! – Give me that!”

“—That one’s mine! – I want it!”

Pushing, shoving,

Kicking, screaming,

Hitting, hating,

—STOP!

Look around at Christmastime and what do you see?

There’s a little bit of lovin’, both in you and in me.

We want to give a little

Not worryin’ what we’ve got.

It makes us feel warm inside

Though the weather’s far from hot.

We need a little Christmas Spirit every day.

Givin’ a little smile along our way.

We need to give a little

To understand a lot

We need a little Christmas Spirit

Before the world goes all to pot.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 25: Christmas Day!

2011-12-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

Coming to Christmas Day, I wanted to share with you a special rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. We need to understand that this part of Handel's great oratorio was actually part of the Easter portion of the story. However, it has become one of the traditional parts of many communities' Christmas celebrations. You may click on the links to hear the Silent version of the chorus, or the Mall version. As for the video today, I'm sharing the Young Messiah version featuring Twila Paris (and beginning with the "Worthy Is the Lamb" introduction to the Chorus itself):

Countdown to Christmas - Day 24

2011-12-24T02:00:00.000-06:00

I've posted some of 4Him's Christmas music already. Even so, they were able to join in the presentation of Handel's Messiah. Their tight vocal harmony works really well on "The Trumpet Shall Sound"

Countdown to Christmas - Day 23

2011-12-23T02:00:00.000-06:00

In the midst of the 1994 tour of the Young Messiah CCM got a taste of their own version of "The Three Tenors". Here are Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, and Michael English sharing "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs"

Countdown to Christmas - Day 22

2011-12-22T02:00:00.000-06:00

Let's pause now for an instrumental in the middle of our Handel-fest, and enjoy "Pastorale" (and no, it's not Kenny G)

Countdown to Christmas - Day 21

2011-12-21T02:00:00.000-06:00

I have always been a fan of Larnelle Harris. You might call it "vocal range envy." His version of this portion of Handel's Messiah spotlights that massive vocal range, as well as his incomparable style. Here's Larnelle with "Every Valley":

Countdown to Christmas - Day 20

2011-12-20T02:00:00.000-06:00

In drawing close to Christmas Day, I thought my musical gift to you would include portions of G.F. Handel's Messiah.Moving from the classic, I will be posting portions of the "Young Messiah" which was re-packaged and then re-re-packaged and started touring in the Contemporary Christian Music circles in the early nineties.The songs as they appear here will be somewhat out of Handel's original order, but they will get us thinking about the prophecy concerning Messiah all the way to His miraculous birth and purposeful Resurrection. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. We will begin our sampling of the Young Messiah with Matthew Ward singing "Comfort Ye":

Countdown to Christmas - Day 19

2011-12-19T02:00:00.000-06:00

You knew that I couldn't get through the Christmas season without a Steven Curtis Chapman song, didn't you? I like so many of his Yuletide offerings like "Christmas Is All in the Heart," his version of some of the old Christmas hymns like "Angels We Have Heard on High," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!" or "O Come All Ye Faithful." He penned today's song in the mid-1990s telling about how natural a baby the Savior was and how great a Savior this baby is. Here's SC(squared) with "This Baby"

Countdown to Christmas - Day 18

2011-12-18T02:00:00.000-06:00

Phillips, Craig, and Dean hit the music scene a number of years ago. Their blend of voices, strong songs about faith, and infectious sense of humor endeared them to audiences everywhere. Today's song is a story. Often people will sing one or two verses, but they miss the whole story when they leave out a verse or two. Listen as the story moves from the sky to the lamb to the boy to the king to the world while PC&D sing "Do You Hear What I Hear"

Countdown to Christmas - Day 17

2011-12-17T02:00:00.000-06:00

We continue our Bing-ish salute to Christmas with another collaboration with the Andrews Sisters. Have a good time with "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"

Holiday Mobbage

2011-12-16T10:20:00.000-06:00

If you haven't seen this flash mob from last Christmas yet, I hope you enjoy it. It falls easily into the category with the Mallelujah Chorus that burned up the Internet last year. This one's a medley telling all about the Christmas story:

Countdown to Christmas - Day 16

2011-12-16T02:00:00.000-06:00

While we listen to more of Bing's best Christmas, I debated on whether to post the Carol Richards version or the Rosemary Clooney version. Check out who won the debate as you enjoy "Silver Bells"

As with many of the old stand-bys this song has a little-known intro (that's even missing from today's video). For those of you who are interested here it is:

Christmas makes you feel emotional,
It may bring parties or thoughts devotional,
Whatever happens or what may be
This is what Christmastime means to me . . .

I like the world tour, don't you?

Countdown to Christmas - Day 15

2011-12-15T02:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, you heard me right a couple of days ago. I did say that Bing Crosby is Mr. Christmas. Since he bolstered his career on Christmas music and movies, I thought we'd have a little fun over the next few days and hear a few of my favorites. Why don't we start with "Jingle Bells"? When he sings it with the Andrews Sisters it just swings!

Countdown to Christmas - Day 14

2011-12-14T02:00:00.000-06:00

And speaking of Scrooge: I wanted to include several of the songs from the musical here (like "Father Christmas" or "I Hate People" or "I Like Life" or "December the 25th"). Even though many people don't include this song on their holiday listening list, they do include the play or the musical in their holiday viewing pleasure. And "Thank You Very (Very, Very) Much"

Countdown to Christmas - Day 13

2011-12-13T02:00:00.000-06:00

I make no secret that I not only like Christmas, but I'm a big fan of Charles Dickens' famous tale "A Christmas Carol." I like the redemptive value of a heart steeped in Christmas, and I like many of the re-tellings of that famous story. Some of them have some pretty good music. Take for instance the introduction to the audience of Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol:

Countdown to Christmas - Day 12

2011-12-12T02:00:00.000-06:00

[Almost] Everybody and their dog has recorded their version of "The Little Drummer Boy". David Bowie even did a duet with Mr. Christmas himself - Bing Crosby. Modern Christian artists Jars of Clay even released a short album that focused on the song. Based on the legend that became famous with a Rankin/Bass cartoon.The trick with this song is to get the pum-pum-pum-pums right. I think 4Him did an excellent job, what do you think:

Countdown to Christmas - Day 11

2011-12-11T02:00:00.000-06:00

Having sheet music is sometimes a horrible thing, and I have the sheet music to today's song. What makes it so horrible for me is that I wanted to find the artist that had the intro as well as the song, it gives the song character:

Over the ground lies a mantel of white
A heaven of diamonds shines down through the night
Two hearts are thrillin' in spite of the chill in the weather . . .

Here's my problem. The oldies section has a number of versions of the song (Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Aretha Franklin, Pat Boone), but all of them start after the intro. I did find a "newer" version by the Eurythmics (posted below) which includes the intro but changes the words in the second verse, I guess to remove the "violence" from the changed line.

Speaking of violence, my brother and I, in our teenage--more violent--years, parodied the song (changing the words) to say: "Later on, we'll perspire, as we sit in the fire." So, here is Annie Lennox and the Eurythmics version of "Winter Wonderland" (the changed line, by the way, is "until the other kiddies knock him down"):

Countdown to Christmas - Day 10

2011-12-10T02:00:00.000-06:00

One of the long-standing traditions of the season is Tchaikovsky's ballet, The Nutcracker. The story is superb, and the music is better. One of my favorite pieces from the work is The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The music is the star, so I'm posting the music. (If you've got to see the dance, I'm posting that, too.)

Countdown to Christmas - Day 9

2011-12-09T02:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we had Mary's song. Today I'd like to consider what it might have been like to be Joseph. The biblical record says little more than:

¹⁸Now the birth o Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
²³ "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel"
(which means, God with us). ²⁴When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, ²⁵but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (from Matthew 1, ESV)

This has been a fascination of mine for some time (scroll down past the video to read an excerpt from Just a Simple Carpenter). And a few years ago, the men from 4Him did some consideration about this musically. The result: "A Strange Way to Save the World" -

On the seventh day, I completed the cradle. It would beready to receive the child the next day, the day of his consecration—hisdedication to God. I looked forward to the ceremony. Zechariah made a specialpoint to invite me. He said that he had no other way to repay me for theexquisite bed I had fashioned for his miracle son. I gladly accepted theinvitation for it allowed me to be one of the first to see the baby, hismother, and her attendant—Mary.
            After thepriests finished with the ritual of circumcision and dedication to God in thecustom of Israel,I quickly scanned the faces behind the men. I could hardly believe my eyes whenI saw her face. Zechariah had spoken the truth. Not only was Mary most radiantamong women, not only did her face glow with the beaming smile I remembered,but as I saw her eyes, those eyes that smile into my heart, I could see thatshe was even more beautiful than my feeble mind could remember.
            And thenthe crowd moved. Then I saw Mary. I saw her fully. And my world crashed inaround me. Truth caved in from her obvious condition. Questions of her fidelityno longer nagged at my mind. One question replaced them all, “Why?”
            Why hadthat scoundrel Rajeesh, that poor excuse for a man, been right?
            Why hadMary betrayed me? She could not hide the fact that her time to deliver the babydrew near.
Why? Oh, why had I not seen it before? I had loved the youngwoman before me. This woman who now was obviously bearing a child. I hadthought that she loved me as well. I wanted to be angry, but I still loved her.I turned and walked away. I must pray; I must decide what to do. My wife, myvery life, had betrayed me. She had betrayed our vows. She had betrayed God.

            I could notstay in the house of Zechariah that night. He had known. He must have known.But instead of telling me, instead of warning me, he said, “She is the mostradiant of women. Count the blessings of the Lord God.” And then he returned tothe tale of the angelic visit announcing the birth of John.
            I left Jerusalem and slept onthe side of the road that night. Tears filled my eyes as I laid down. I hadmade my decision. I could not bear to keep Mary as my wife; she had beenunfaithful. No one even mentioned that she had been attacked on the road to Jerusalem. She evenseemed to be happy to be having a baby—a baby that I knew was not my own. No,she could not remain my wife. She had defiled herself before man and beforeGod.
            Neithercould I hurt her. Yes, she was no longer the pure woman I had known at ourbetrothal just months before. But still my heart ached with love for her, alove I knew could never die. I had decided. I would divorce her. But I would doit quietly. I would find a way to keep her from having the disgrace of herunfaithfulness heaped upon her by a noisy public divorce. I would quietly go toher father. We would work out some way to keep Mary’s sin from being furtherbroadcast by the likes of Rajeesh and even my friend Hoshea. It could be done.And I would make it my last act of love for her.
            I weptbitterly as I made my final decision. The only solution that satisfied mydilemma also bored deeply into my heart of love for Mary. Sleep born only ofexhaustion overtook me, and I dreamed. I dreamed a dream like none I had everdreamt before. Nor have I ever dreamt a dream like it since. I dreamt an angel.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 8

2011-12-08T02:00:00.000-06:00

From the very first Christmas, Mary has been singing songs. Luke records the Magnificat for us:

⁴⁶And Mary said,

   ^"My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
   For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
⁵⁰And his mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
⁵¹He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
⁵²he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
⁵³he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and the rich he has sent away empty.
⁵⁴He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever." (from Luke 2, ESV)

Today, I hope you enjoy this more modern version of Mary's Song "Breath of Heaven" sung by Amy Grant. Say what you will about the artist, I believe that this is one of the most moving Christmas songs available today.

2011 Christmas Program (12.5.11)

2011-12-07T05:45:00.001-06:00

All of the children were in the Christmas program @ MGES this year. Here are a few of the selections-- (1) starring Little Bit; (2) featuring Bubba; and (3) the whole school (K-6). [Sorry, I didn't get the camera set right to feature Puddin' N Pie's class by herself.]

Countdown to Christmas - Day 7

2011-12-07T02:00:00.000-06:00

Just like Ebenezer Scrooge, what Christmas celebration is complete without seeing the heart transformation of the great green who who lived above Whoville? Please click on the link below to enjoy "Mister Grinch":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzXKWKaxt3c

(Sorry, couldn't embed this one, but it's the best of the versions out there.) For those who have to have an embedded video, try this version (I do like SNC):

Guitar Man

2011-12-06T15:52:00.000-06:00

For a quick pause from our Christmas music, I'd like to share a couple of videos with you. You see, Bubba had a birthday recently and one of his gifts was a real treat. To introduce this gift, I want to share David Gates and Bread's version of "Guitar Man"

And now for the REAL Guitar Man:

Countdown to Christmas - Day 6

2011-12-06T02:00:00.000-06:00

I know that there are words (see below), but there is just something about the instrumental version (especially by some city's "pops") that makes this song fun. For my comrades in arms from the old Mighty Maroon Band from Skeeterland days, you will remember the year that none of the trumpeters in the Concert Band (second string) seemed to be up to the task of the "neigh" at the end, so Lela did the honors.

Concerning today's video of the Boston Pops: watch for the guy with the slapstick--he seems to be having fun. Also watch the director (John Williams), he seems to be having more than his share of fun with this number (and like most band/orchestra directors, he's 'pom-pomming' right along with the music, even to the last note). Hope you like "Sleigh Ride" as much as I do:

Sleigh Ride

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling

Ring ting tingling too.

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you.

Outside the snow is falling

And friends are calling 'Yoo-hoo.'

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,

Let's go, Let's look at the show,

We're riding in a wonderland of snow.

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,

It's grand, Just holding your hand,

We're gliding along with a song

Of a wintry fairy land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy

And comfy cozy are we

We're snuggled up together

Like two birds of a feather would be.

Let's take that road before us

And sing a chorus or two

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you.

There's a birthday party

At the home of Farmer Gray

It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day

We'll be singing the songs

We love to sing without a single stop,

At the fireplace while we watch

The chestnuts pop.

Pop pop pop.

There's a happy feeling

Nothing in the world can buy,

When they pass around the chocolate

And the pumpkin pie

It'll nearly be like a picture print

By Currier and Ives

These wonderful things are the things

We remember all through our lives.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 5

2011-12-05T02:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas would not be complete without Jose. In this rendition, he's getting a little old and seems to forget the words from time to time (which is hard to believe no more words than there are), but he is singing in two languages. Feel free to sing along:

Countdown to Christmas - Day 4

2011-12-04T02:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, the movie is great, and Bing is the "go to" singer for songs like "White Christmas," but there is something endearing about the Drifters version. I first discovered this on the end of a cassette tape I'd gotten so that I could have a copy of "Under the Boardwalk". Enjoy -- "White Christmas" by the Drifters:

And since you asked, here's Bing's version:

Countdown to Christmas - Day 3

2011-12-03T02:00:00.000-06:00

When some songs get mainstream exposure, they get snatched up and re-recorded by everyone and their dog. Today's song is one of those. It's been reinterpreted by artists as wideflung (sure it's a word, and if it's not it ought to be) as Kenny Rogers, Donny Osmond, and Kutless. But I believe that it is best handled by the writers. So here (ignore Bill Gaither if you can) are Mark Lowry (words) and Buddy Greene (music) singing "Mary Did You Know?"

Happy Birthday!

2011-12-02T12:53:00.000-06:00

Today is Bubba's birthday - He is a Star Wars/Transformer fiend--actually anything with laser weapons or mechanical men or aliens will do.


Bubba, pictured here with Puddin 'n Pie and Lincoln (Photo taken earlier this year in Vandalia, IL)

Happy birthday, Bubba!

Countdown to Christmas - Day 2

2011-12-02T02:00:00.000-06:00

Being the child of the '70s that I am (born in the sixties, but formed most of my opinions in the next decade), no one singer says, "Christmas," to me more than the be-dimpled Evie. I must admit that I'm tempted to post a week's worth of Evie Christmas Tunes--but I'll spare those of you who think that's too much syrup. Instead, I hope you enjoy this version of "Mary's Boychild":

Countdown to Christmas - the Songs You Love

2011-12-01T12:28:00.000-06:00

Well, maybe you don't love them, but I do. And to celebrate the Holiday Season, I'm going to try to post a Christmas song a day. Some will be fun, others serious, all will be about Christmas, and I hope you enjoy them all.

I'll start with one that I haven't grown tired of since I discovered it three years ago (in fact, I've posted it every Christmas, but you don't have to search through the archives because I'm posting it again here). It makes sense to start down this musical countdown to Christmas with a Christmas counting song. From Straight No Chaser -- "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (from their college days):

And just for fun, here they are ten years later:

Christmas Contest at Multnomah

2011-11-30T14:02:00.001-06:00

Click on the logo to enter the Christmas Contest!

Thanksvember Day 30

2011-11-30T02:00:00.000-06:00

On this final day of Thanksvember, I have decided to save the very best for the climactic moment:

#30: I am thankful for LIFE in Jesus Christ.

At the ripe old age of six years, having lived all my life in the home of a Baptist minister, I said, "Yes," to Jesus Christ. Why? because I am a sinner, falling short of God's design for my life. The only way, according to Scripture, for me to "make the grade" was to accept the payment Christ made on the Cross some 2000 years ago. And so I did. I've learned that I cannot be good enough, work hard enough, or pay dearly enough to earn the Life that is available simply by accepting the substitutionary payment Jesus made on the Cross.

The payment is sufficient for a couple of reasons: Jesus was not marred by the sin that corrupts the lives of all other humans. Secondly, Jesus was not defeated by that execution. Instead He rose again conquering Death for all of time and eternity. The way to this salvation? Through Him (for a more detailed description of how to have this LIFE, click here). I would love for you to say, "Yes," to my Jesus today.

For this I am fully thankful.

Thanksvember Day 29

2011-11-29T08:49:00.000-06:00

We're almost at the end of the month and I have two important posts (today's and tomorrow's), so you'll want to read these for sure.

#29: I am thankful for friends.

We've done the "family" thing, and the "church" thing, and all the different "things" things--now I want to get down to business. Today we're talking about friendship--not the Facebook kind (my page says I have over 850 friends, and I love you all, I really do), nor are we talking about those acquaintances who you're nice to or polite with when you pass them on the street (although I'll be meeting with a group of these in just a few minutes). No, today we're talking about those friends who are really friends. The brothers/sisters that you get to choose (because your parents didn't let you choose the ones you like when they came home with that one from the ~~pound~~ hospital). These are the people who meet your soul and know you. The ones who pick up where you left off a dozen years ago. The ones you know you can count on when you really need a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to bend, or a sage voice to advise you. You can probably count them on less than a handful of fingers--these people who are that kind of friend. One of mine has gone on to his reward. He was not only a friend but a mentor, a hero, and an inspiration to me. We called him Brother Bill.

Another is Jeff. He lives on the other side of the world. We really get in contact about once every five to seven years--besides Christmas cards and email. Even so, when we do see one another it is like I've found a missing coin--Knowing him enriches my life. Do you have a friend like this? Be thankful, let them know, and give them a "kudos" for being a friend right here in the comments section. Details aren't required, just a "shout out." Because I'd like to know who you're thinking about and being thankful for as your real friend. And together we can be . . .

Thankful.

(and now for the obligatory sappy song that you knew was coming today:)

Thanksvember Day 28

2011-11-28T14:15:00.000-06:00

#28: I am thankful for technology.

Today is "Cyber-Monday" and -- while I am not (I repeat not; let me say it louder NOT) shopping online today (but have been known to do so), I am grateful for the opportunity if I so desire (did I mention that I have been known to shop online?) -- I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for our cybernetic overlords.

I think technology is great, and I think you should think it, too. In the 500 years we have moved from walking (or at least riding animals or in animal-drawn vehicles) to iron horses, horseless carriages, and even to multi-horse powered cars. We looked to the skies and began to fly, audaciously walking on the moon, and in space and exploring strange new worlds in search of new civilizations.

We've advanced from two cans and a string, to operator-manipulated connections, to rotary, then pulse, then digitally dialed telephones (see that discussion here). These phones which once kept us tied to the kitchen wall or den desk became cordless, then wireless, and finally cell driven. Communication became easier.

We've (in the last 100 years) moved from radio waves to transistors and on to satellite radio. We learned to make movies, add sound to them, then give them color. We've learned to combine these radio and movie industries to create television which changes from year to year. Small distorted black & white pictures have given way to high definition ultra-detail color pictures on screens that are larger than life.

In the last fifty years we have seen the birth, re-birth, re-birth, and re-purposing of electronic computers. Information that once took entire rooms--no, buildings--to contain can be housed on a tiny chip small enough to rest on the tip of your finger. Business computers gave birth to personal computers which in turn gave birth to laptop and notebook computers. These opened the way for pocket-sized electronics which can carry applications as varied as gaming to calculating the appropriate tip at a restaurant. Technology has become the tool of choice that helps us communicate with one another, express ourselves, and do our jobs--you're reading this today because both you and I have access to modern (if not the very latest) technology. So. . . .

for this I am thankful.

To Tie or not to Tie

2011-11-27T13:14:00.000-06:00

The question of wearing a tie is usually not one that I raise often. When I was in the classroom as a teacher, I typically wore a tie every day. As a pastor I do when necessary (funerals, weddings, etc.) and when I preach it is often in an open-collar, but just as likely as with a tie on.

And then comes Christmas. I like wearing scenes of the season, but from the religious and the civilian traditions. So, when you visit our church during the Holiday season you'll see me "simply wearing a wonderful Christmas tie!" (enjoy the song that inspired this post:)

Thanksvember Day 27

2011-11-27T06:38:00.000-06:00

#27: I am thankful for grandparents.

I am fortunate to have known all of my grandparents. Although they have all moved on and out of this mortal life now, each of them was special. But today, I am thankful for my children's grandparents. It is special to me that not only do my kids have two sets of wonderful grandparents who love and teach love to my children, but that my children have had opportunity to get to know all four of their grandparents more than just through pictures.

But today, I am even more thankful for those grandparents who aren't really my children's grandparents, but are grandparents to my children anyway. Where I serve as pastor, there are several couples who fill the void of grandparenthood that is left by geographical distance from their "biological" grands.When it is only possible for our kids to be with their grands only once or twice (maybe) a year because of the physical distance and cost of travel, and when they are surrounded by friends whose grands live around the corner, down the street, or at most a two-hour drive away, it is a blessing to have these "surrogate" grands living near enough to provide that loving touch. Just yesterday, we were in need of grandparents to watch the children for an extended time while the Blushing Bride and I participated in an all day event (that would have seemed three to four times longer for both us and the kids had they been forced to come with us), and one of the couples from our church stepped in. (Specific thanks to D & J.)

There are enough of these couples in our church family that it is sometimes difficult to decide which grands to ask to watch the kids in an emergency or for a date night. We try to spread it around enough so that no one gets overworked and no one misses a turn. What makes this service so great for our family is that most of these couples are actual grands whose time is monopolized by their personal bundles of joy--and they take time to love our kids, too! Of course, often they try to find times when they will be entertaining their own grandchildren to have ours brood over so all the little children will entertain each other. What a service.

For this I am thankful.

Thanksvember Day 26

2011-11-26T07:08:00.000-06:00

#26: I am thankful for hugs.

Little Bit (my 5-year-old) came in this morning early, arms loaded with stuffed bears, and said, "I want to sit in your lap." She is one of the best huggers I know. And she's not stingy with them either. You need one? She's got one for you. It's okay, she'll make more.

We have some little ones at church who are good to hug the preacher's neck, too. And it always makes my day. Some are kind of shy about hugging, though, and that's all right, too. They'll usually pony up with a "five" for me.

When I pick up the kiddos from school, most of Little Bit's classmates are good with a high five for me, even if I'm not their pastor. Yep, I must say I love hugs (or high fives in a pinch).

And for this I'm thankful.

Thanksvember Day 25

2011-11-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

The Blushing Bride spelunking in NW Arkansas August 2011

#25: I'm thankful for my Blushing Bride

If this is so important, one might ask, why didn't it come up earlier in the month? Well for a special reason--today is the 11th anniversary of the day that we stood before our fathers, a company of others, and our Creator to pledge our love and troth to one another. Yep, today's my freedom day--free from the tyranny of wanting to find the right woman, and freedom to love her as Christ loved the church.

Just to let you know, here's why I'm thankful that she said, "I do" back in 2000:

She's my lovely
She's delightful
She's a great mother
She treats me like a king
She laughs at my jokes
She cooks for me
She looks good in a dress or in pants
She's a good kisser

So, for all these reasons and a million (or so) more, I am thankful.

Put on Your Traveling Shoes

2011-11-24T18:43:00.000-06:00

Check it out: Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights

A Thanksgiving Note

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today, I'd like to suggest that we adapt an old Andy Griffith commercial (sorry couldn't find it on YouTube): The old actor says, "What are you hungry for when you don't know what you're hungry for?" And then answers himself, "Something on a crisp Ritz(r) cracker."

Being as today is Thanksgiving Day, I say let's ask it this way, "What are you thankful for when you don't know what you're thankful for?"

May I also suggest the answer?
"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." (Jesus quoted in John 3:16, HCSB)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T03:00:00.000-06:00

This handout was included with our LifeWay Sunday school material for this past Sunday. I like LifeWay and their study helps for Bible Study. I'm not sure that it is a fine greeting to send someone on Thanksgiving Day if you are going to call them "Turkey" in the process. (I know that's not what was meant by this graphic, but the arrangement is kind of telling.)

So, Happy Thanksgiving Turkey! (mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc.)

Thanksvember Day 24

2011-11-24T02:00:00.000-06:00

#24: I am thankful for being thankful.

That's right. Today is Thanksgiving Day, the day set aside (at least in my neck of the woods) for people to express their gratitude. For the parades, for the football games, for the feasts, for the family, for the travel, for the staying at home, for the preparing for the Christmas season, for the cheesy TV specials, for all that Thanksgiving has come to mean . . .

. . . I am thankful.

A Tribute

2011-11-23T20:23:00.001-06:00

As a seminary student, I had the privilege of serving on staff at Edgemont Park Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas. One of the deacons was my good friend--he didn't necessarily mean to be, but he was. Periodically, I would reach into my suit jacket pocket (the decorative ones on the side of the jacket), and discover a twenty dollar bill there. The first time or two I was oblivious, and then one Sunday, I caught him. I felt the tug on my coat, and looked over my shoulder in time to see him with a sheepish, guilty grin.

He was also ready with sage advice--whether he agreed with you or not (and he had no qualms in letting you know he disagreed--but he did this agreeably), he loved you and you knew it. His love for the pastors and staff of his local church was simply an extension of his love for Jesus.

I learned today that he's gone to his reward. He will be missed. My heart aches with the memory and with the knowledge that some new Youth Guy won't have that touch and wisdom to bless him. Good-bye Doug Hendrix, you will be missed. Welcome to an eternity with your Savior.

Thanksvember Day 23

2011-11-23T02:00:00.000-06:00

#23: I am thankful for providence.

I don't know what else to call it--those times when for whatever reason you find everything falling into its proper place. Today (I'm writing this on Tuesday night), I needed to go to the big city to pray with a church member as she went in to surgery. I did not know when the surgery was. I did know that it was at one of the larger hospital complexes. So I decided to take a chance--if I missed praying with the patient before the surgery, I'd just find the family in the surgical waiting room and put in my pastoral appearance (I also had to get back to the village for our after school program--I was on schedule to do a Thanksgiving devotion this afternoon).

I arrived at the hospital, and as I was headed to the Information station to see if she was in surgery, recovery, or what, and looked to my right. There she sat with her daughter. The docs had postponed her procedure until early afternoon, she had about fifteen minutes before heading up to pre-op. I was able to visit a minute or two, pray with her before the procedure, and still make it home in time for the devotional. Thank you, Lord, for staying in control.

For this I am thankful.

Thanksvember Day 22

2011-11-22T06:24:00.000-06:00

#22: I am thankful for telephones.

As much as I despise getting what I like to call "ear-spam" (I like to call it that because it has a high gross-out factor and I'm still a Junior High boy at heart)--you know, those telemarketers that keep calling all the time, often just at the moment you're trying to put your children to bed, even when you've put all your numbers on the national "do not call" list (run-on sentence over). Even with all that, I love telephones. I like rotary dial, pulse dial, digital dial, land lines, cordless phones, bag phones, mobile phones, cell phones . . . I like 'em. And here's why:

If we use them properly, we can talk to people who aren't in the same room--not even in the same zip code, or the same country(!)--as we are. And we can also receive news about a need to pray for, a happening event, or just catch up with old friends or family. If you're not trying to sell me something or plug a political candidate, if you have news to share (good or bad), give me a call.

For phones, I am thankful.

Thanksvember Day 21

2011-11-21T02:00:00.000-06:00

#21: I am thankful for working together.

So often the churches in small communities battle against one another. They see the limited number of people available to fill their pews as something to be vied for. I don't live in one of those communities. I live in a place where we look for opportunities to work and serve together. Last evening, we did it again. We had our annual community Thanksgiving service. The Spirit was moving, the worship excelled, and the fellowship was fabulous.

For this I am thankful.

Thanksvember Day 20

2011-11-20T07:12:00.000-06:00

#20: I am thankful for the "frontliners" in the battle for orphans.

November is National Adoption Awareness month. Yesterday was National Adoption Day. You probably didn't know that, so now you do. As I celebrate Thanksvember and as Thanksgiving Day approaches apace, my mind turns to those who have so much less to be thankful for than I do.

I grew up in a stable, loving home; with my own Mom and Dad. I did not lose them at an early age to any outside source--crime, drugs, neglect, apathy, or death. Our world is running deep with children who are neglected or forgotten and in need of a loving home like yours and mine. Our country has foster programs which are designed to help these children have a more stable, normative life. But even more what they want and what they need is a family to call their own. With this in mind I'd like to highlight two of the organizations that work diligently to match these children who desperately need to have something for which to be thankful with the families that can provide that place, enhancing the lives of both the children and the parents/families.

First, I want to focus on what is known as Domestic Adoption--matching families with children in our own country. Since I am a resident of Illinois (and an Illinois Baptist) I want to introduce you to an organization that works specifically with Illinioans (Illini?) to find homes for children in need of adoption in this state. They are the Baptist Children's Home and Family Services (BCHFS). They started in Carmi, IL as the Baptist Orphan's Home. Today they work with troubled kids providing Residential Care, with individuals and families on the cusp of falling apart through the Pathways Counseling services, and with young women who are in crisis/unwanted pregnancies to help them make godly decisions and even to offer (if appropriate) their children to stable, loving homes through Angels' Cove.

(Click here for a video introduction to the Angels' Cove ministry of BCHFS.)

Another option for adoption services is an organization with headquarters in my native state of Texas. Their name is Buckner. Their mission is to care for the orphans around the world. If you are interested in making a difference through International Adoption, contact Buckner to learn more. Here's a testimony from one family who worked through Buckner to grow their family:

I am declaring today "Adoption Awareness Sunday". There are a number of agencies like these two who help orphans find families and families find orphans. Pray about what you should do with this information and like me be . . .

Thankful for those on the frontlines.

Thanksvember Day 19

2011-11-19T02:00:00.000-06:00

#19: I am thankful for health.

All that goes with it, too. The ability to get up in the morning, the intelligence to brush my teeth at night. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists--all the people who help me take care of this magnificent physique that is my gift from God. I'm thankful for the food that makes it strong, the sleep that keeps it fresh, and the ability to move from place to place. I'm thankful for the vitamin pills that make the course corrections needed when I eat more of the wrong stuff than I should. Just the ability to breathe in and breathe out.

For this I am thankful.

Life in the Rural Midwest

2011-11-18T07:26:00.000-06:00

My children are home from school today. My blushing bride (who works as a reading aide at the school in a neighboring town) is home from school today. No, they are not all sick. No, they are not playing hookey. It's a holiday. Didn't you know?

It's Deer Day!

Happy Hunting

Thanksvember Day 18

2011-11-18T02:00:00.000-06:00

#18: I am thankful for Hymns.

I know what you're thinking--isn't this guy thankful for anything besides music?--but then again, you should read Day 6 again. Even so, this is different. This is hymns--those songs that some people think are archaic (there are new hymn writers doing some really great things in the 21st century).

First of all I am thankful for the old, old hymns that spoke volumes to me as I learned faith from them. Hymns like "Fairest Lord Jesus", "The Haven of Rest", and "Face to Face with Christ My Savior." I'm thankful for some of the old hymns that are being rediscovered by some of today's artists, partly because of the words that say so much more than just the words--words like a new remix of the old hymn "One Day" (on Casting Crowns' latest release under the title "Glorious Day").

I'm also thankful for new writers like Chris Tomlin and Keith Getty who are writing new hymns in the old style. Songs that are filled with sound doctrine, and songs whose words speak to the deepest reaches of our hearts.

For this I am thankful.

Thanksvember Day 17

2011-11-17T06:24:00.000-06:00

#17: I am thankful for new life.

Yesterday, I had another pastor opportunity. One of the couples of my church became grandparents for the first time late on Tuesday evening. Naturally, I needed to make a trip to St. Louis to see the new boy. I got pictures to prove that I was indeed there, and I was again reminded of how precious, delicate, and promising new life is.

What a special memory his birth will bring, too. On Tuesday, we had the home-going celebration for this young mother's aunt (a 2-year battle with cancer). As the family gathered at our church for a meal after the graveside, one cousin (also expecting) left the hall with her family in tow (her little girl was born early on Wednesday morning--2:00). At that same moment, our deacon's wife was on the phone with her son-in-law with the understanding that they were on the way to the hospital. God, even as he welcomed one home, was giving to this extended family two bundles of joy! And life is a good thing.

Enjoy this new chapter Tiffany and Trevor. Count all the joy that your new little boy will bring. Thanks for letting me meet him.

Thanksvember Day 16

2011-11-16T02:00:00.000-06:00

#16: I am thankful for encouragement.

Preachers are a selfish, egocentric, and thin-skinned lot. We take things rather personally--even if we shouldn't. We think we are right--even when we aren't. And we think everyone should always agree with us--even when they don't, won't or can't.

Anyway, in the midst of feeling sorry for myself recently a friend and church member gave that bit of encouragement that I needed to start seeing things on a bit more of an even keel. Thanks to you, friend and church member.

So, to you church members, try to remember that your pastor is human, too, and that he needs your encouragement from time to time (just like you need his). And Preacher, don't take yourself so seriously--nobody else does.

Thanksvember Day 15

2011-11-15T02:00:00.000-06:00

#15: I am thankful for music (again).

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "I'm thankful for music." As I sat down to write this episode of my Thanksvember thankings, Puddin' N Pie is up in her room practicing the clarinet. I'm so proud of her I could burst--even when she makes the squeaky squawky noises of a learner. I just know she'll become a virtuoso one day--maybe even match Benny Goodman!

Anyway, music is a major part of my life--has been since I learned to sing "Jesus Loves Me," "Only a Boy Named David," and "Zaccheus Was a Wee Little Man" in Sunday school (that last one should be sung with an Irish accent since he was a 'wee little' man). Ever since I could for the motions to "Deep and Wide" and "Eensy Weensy Spider" music has made my day. Whether it be playing the radio, a CD/tape/LP/8-track, blaring out a number on the trombone, or banging out a ditty on the piano or guitar (notice the degeneration of expertise with each item on the list), I love music. I like to whistle, hum or sing along--even when I can't find the key.

So, I think it's worth two posts about music and I think we ought to let a little Elmo lead us:

La la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la-----

Now aren't you thankful?

Thanksvember Day 14

2011-11-14T05:29:00.001-06:00

#14: I am thankful for the weather.

While we lived overseas, we were exposed to some British Children's television that we can't get here in the 'States. One particular program had a weather song:

When the sun comes out, it shines on everyone
When the sun comes out, it shines on everyone
When the sun comes out, we'll all have lots of fun
'Cause the sun is part of the weather.

There was a verse about the wind and the clouds and the rain and the thunder--it was a really fun song (wish I could have found a video to post here). Well, we've been having the wind here, and I'm glad because the wind helps the world to move on to the next thing. I like the rain; it washes everything clean. I like the snow--so fun to play in (and the snow cream from the first snow of the season: YUM!). I like the sunshine. And believe it or not I like the thunder--it reminds me of God's power as well as gives me an opportunity to have the little ones crawl up in my lap to snuggle for safety.

I love the weather--with all its variety. And for it I am thankful.

500!

2011-11-13T02:30:00.000-06:00

		This is my 500th post.
Fiat 500

Thanksvember Day 13

2011-11-13T02:00:00.000-06:00

#13: I'm thankful for mentors.

Those people who invest their time and their lives to help you become a better you. The best of these are mentors unaware. Aside from my real-life Dad (who is one of my constant mentors even today), my two best mentors and heroes in both ministry and faith have gone on to be with our Savior. I'll name them here: CT Perkins and W. A. "Bill" Solesbee. Neither of these men would take credit for molding me into the person I am today (or maybe they would rather not take the blame), but their unassuming commitment to faith and to sharing Jesus--the time they spent with me when I was still a student--continues to challenge me today to be a better me for the Glory of God.

If you have mentors--thank them. If you see others who need one on one time to be more than they are--mentor them.

Thanksvember Day 12

2011-11-12T02:00:00.000-06:00

#12: I am thankful for weekends.

Sundays on the front and Saturdays on the back--they keep the week from leaking out. Isn't it great to put caps on both ends of the week? Weekends give us an opportunity to recoup from the week and regroup for another. We have time to rest, relax, and restore.

After a long week where we didn't have time to do all that we wanted to do because we were tired at the end of a hard day at work (or school, or whatever) Saturday lets us rest, do something fun for a change. Then Sunday provides another day to rest and also to recharge as we go to our house of worship to meet with God Almighty. What a great way to start and end a week--with weekends.

For this I am thankful.

Thanksvember Day 11

2011-11-11T02:00:00.000-06:00

#11: I am thankful for our veterans.

Some days are easier than others. Because today is Veteran's Day it is just natural that I would be thankful for veterans (past, present and future).

I'm thankful for the American Vets of the past because they taught us that freedom was something worth fighting for, worth standing for, worth living and even dying for.They gave us principles--do the words "taxation without representation" mean anything to you? Later vets continued to defend freedom and to keep our country safe from invaders who would seek to remove from us the freedoms that had already been bought at an extremely high price.

Present vets are those who have retired from military service, but are still around for us to thank. Most served in battles like Viet Nam, and Desert Storm. Some may have even seen action in Korea (dare we reach all the way back to WWII--the Great War--or to WWI--the War to End All Wars). When you see them on the street, in the store, or at church this weekend, be sure to give them a hearty thank you for their service.

And let's not forget those who are currently serving our country--stateside, or deployed in places like Germany, Afghanistan, or elsewhere across the globe. You may know someone who's in one of our fine branches of the military so that you don't have to serve--thank 'em. You may be related (or perhaps even MARRIED) to one of these heroes (generic term)--thank 'em. You may not personally know anyone who is military, but when you see one as you travel around (you can usually point them out--they'll be the one in uniform) thank 'em. They don't get to be appreciated nearly as much as they ought.

Thanks Taylor, David, David, Beau and Jamie (some are present friends, others are former students, all are modern-day heroes).

I'm thankful for our Veterans.

Have You Hugged Your Vet Today?

2011-11-11T01:30:00.000-06:00

It's Veteran's Day. So . . .

or . . .

or . . .

Thanksvember Day 10

2011-11-10T02:00:00.000-06:00

#10: I am thankful for Mulligans.

For those who are not part of the golf scene, a Mulligan is a "do-over". Don't ask me all the rules about Mulligans, when I discovered them as a novice golfer (which I never went beyond), I thought I'd apply them to all those bad shots I had. Truthfully, I think you are allowed one per round (not one per hole, like I used to play).

Why am I thankful? Not because of the golf industry--I haven't played a hole, let alone a round in over 10 years--but because of the principle. Sometimes I mess up, hit the ball at a really bad angle, and make a big mistake. It's nice during those times to know that, once in a while, I'm afforded a "do-over." An opportunity to tee up again and take another try. Those opportunities don't come with every mistake or obstacle, but every so often I find that I'm back at the starting point ready to try again. This time I get to take my time, adjust my stance, and follow through properly.

And for this, I am thankful.

Headline Writing

2011-11-09T15:51:00.002-06:00

I am not now, nor have I ever been (nor plan to be) a journalist. I've never had a course on headline writing, but I read them all the time, and I want to point out something that I think is relevant: headlines should be useful. My limited understanding of headlines brings me to the conclusion that they should be characterized by three things: (1)Headlines should be concise; (2) headlines should be complete; (3) headlines should be correct.

In our small twice-weekly hometown paper we are constantly treated to headlines like: "Tables Extracurricular Drug, Alcohol Test Proposed" which may or may not be correct, but is incomplete (you have to look at the sub-title line to realize the article is dealing with the local school board meeting). Another school board related article on the same front page (different district in the county) reads, "Unit 1 Discusses Bus Lease Changes" with a subtitle of "Could Mean Changes to Routes". My question here is were these two separate articles headlined by the same writer? If so, how could one be done so well (example 2), and one so disjointed? But this is not really my point--just an on-going gripe I have. (Just a note: the paper has been showing a larger number of good headlines of late.)

So what is my point, you ask? Simply this: in a blog article today I read a headline that had a difficult time reaching mark. While we are trying to boil the information in the article down to a few words that will pique the interest of our readers (and cause them to read the whole article), we want to be truthful and work at being unoffensive even if we want to shock the readers. The article is a political piece located on a site designed to speak to and for Southern Baptists. (I'm not waving the "Church/State" flag here. Political opinions are part of being a Baptist--always have been, and probably always will.) My issue is with the headline (post title if you're a purist) compares a political candidate with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don't think that was the intention of the author of the article, nor do I think that it was the intention of the blog owners and contributors. The mistake was probably innocent enough, but if so they have inadvertently done it. In trying to be clever, they have equated the candidate with the Master--they may not even know it still.

So, be careful when you create your titles/headlines so that you make sure that they say what you want them to say, and if you choose to use puns or even literary reference you might be saying more than you intended something that you would be offended at having said yourself.

Just to let you know, I'm addressing this here because it's my beef, it's not really related to the article that got my dander up (so it wasn't the right place to throw into the 'comment' section), and it gave me another peeve to air in this format. Thanks.

Thanksvember Day 9

2011-11-09T02:00:00.000-06:00

#9: I am thankful for teachers.

Teachers come in all shapes and sizes, teaching all manner of material to their students who are (or are not) eager to be a part of the learning process. Some teach at church (those wonderful ladies and gentlemen who love our children during the Sunday school hour), some teach on the job--every new worker needs training, and still others follow the call to the classroom in a formal school setting (be it grammar, grade, high, or university). As an example, I'll just take a couple of examples from my own experience.

Mr. Young was a tall thin man of color who at some point before I knew him had somehow damaged the index finger on his right hand. The result was that, even when writing on the chalk board (it was the day before white or smart boards) he would point to nowhere in particular--that finger fascinated a variety of sixth-grade boys and perhaps some girls, too. Mr. Young taught sixth-grade spelling. What I remember most about him was that he took time during recess to help every one of the boys in his class celebrate their birthday. "Let's see, how old did you say you were today?" "Nine!" "Okay, hold 'im boys. One. Two. Three. Four. Say have any of you seen that new movie that's out. Wait, where was I, guess I'll just have to start over. One. Two . . ." Life was good, and we knew that we had a friend in our teacher (disclaimer: no students or teachers were harmed in the filming of the preceding scenes). It was Mr. Young who first called me "Professor"--which I hated (but secretly loved).

Mrs. Griffin. My 11th-grade English teacher identified in me a slight talent for the written word and encouraged me to exercise it. I still enjoy dabbling in writing (as you can tell). Mrs. Griffin is the one who entered my name in the National Council of Teachers of English annual writing contest. And the experience earned me the promise of possible scholarship from a number of prestigious universities (so I ignored them all and went to Howard Payne then OBU).

Bill Crider. I've made no secret about my admiration for my first college English teacher at HPU. Dr. Crider offered his unique sense of humor to his students (some of us still enjoy it as we read the adventures of Sheriff Dan Rhodes who was the brain-child of Dr. Crider and has kept the good doctor busy in retirement) as he taught us all about American Literature or the writing process.

I could go on--Dr. Ray Higgins, Dr. Bill Tillman, Dr. David Garland--but you get the picture.

Teachers are not in it for the money--if they were, they'd do something else. But aren't we glad they do what they do. For our own educations and that of our children, teachers are a must.

If you haven't seen the FB pass-it-on take a look:

Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or 10 months a year. It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - babysit! We can get that for less than minimum wage.That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. T......hat would be $19.50 a day (...7:45 to 3:00 PM with 45 min. off for lunch and planning-- that equals 6 1/2 hours). Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to babysit their children. Now how many students do they teach in a day? 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year. I am not going to pay them for any vacations. That's $585 X 180= $105,300 per year. What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master's degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6 1/2 hours X 30 children X 180 days = $280,800 per year. Wait a minute... The average teacher's salary (nation wide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77/per day/30 students=$9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student--a very inexpensive babysitter and they even EDUCATE your kids!

For all my teachers--past, present, and future--I am thankful.