It's Halloween.  My yard is decorated but I'm not a real Halloween fan.  Can't rememb
er ever going Trick or Treating myself except to take my kids.   Sara loved Halloween  --I once found her in the bed with a Pepsi and eating her entire bag of candy.

But me!   Not a big deal.  I even kept my porchlight off so I wouldn't have to answer the door.   I guess I am a humbug person at heart!

Sandy has done her worse!

I watched the television from morning until night yesterday and then got up this morning to see the aftermath.  It is devastating in so many ways.  My heart goes out to all of those affected by it and to the families of the l8 known dead.  I cannot comprehend its brutality.

Commentators have pointed out the fact that the election is 8 days away.  Chris Matthews talked about the "Black Swan Effect" in situations like this.  I had no idea what he meant so I did some research.

This Black Swan Theory is something that swoops in to a campaign or into an administration, that is a surprise, has a major effect, and "is often rationalized with the benefit of hindsight."  It became a buzzword when Nassim Nicholas Taleb  wrote a book which was concerned with financial events.  These happening are underrated and unpredicted.

Matthews talks about this Sandy hurricane the last week of the election as all of these:  surprise event, major event and must be looked at in hindsight.  Already, the news analysts are talking about Romney's remarks about FEMA, what role the President must play and what role Romney has to play, if any, as the week continues.   Books will be written about this event and its effect upon the election!  No one has the full answers but we need to remember that God is still in control...even of black and white swans!

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy is here and it is turning into New Jersey.   Power outages are already reported.  It is expected to come ashore near Atlantic City tonight.  60 million people are expected to be affected.  Up to 14 foot waves are expected in New Jersey.

 

It is ironic that this storm has called a halt to everything including political campaigns (that is a break for us war-weary watchers)  Television has two main subjects:  Floods and politics.  Everything impacts other things.   We can only feel for the people affected and hope they are all safe.   Danny Bickings is out there in New Jersey working to restore power.   It is so strange that weather can change everything!  Even more so, can God!

Baptist Student Center

Martha and Mary Project focuses on hospitality in ministry

Sunday, October 28, 2012

By Aaron Picar ~ Southeast Missourian

Gala Spinks, right, goes over the remodel of the kitchen in the Baptist Student Union with Betty Young on Oct. 21. The kitchen, rec room, student center, and restrooms were renovated through the Martha and Mary Project.
(Laura Simon)

Southeast Missouri State University has many commuter students. Organizers behind the Martha and Mary Project, a ministry through the Baptist Student Center near the university campus, hope to give them and the students living on campus a place to feel welcome.Matt Porter is a commuter student at Southeast and intern at the Baptist Student Center."Commuter students struggle to get involved on campus," Porter said. "We want to have a place to welcome students with hospitality."To help meet this goal the facility, at the corner of Normal Avenue and Pacific Street, has undergone updates. Fundraising began in November 2011 and work started in the spring. The first stage of renovations was finished this semester."We have an aging facility," said Dr. Bruce Gentry, director of the Baptist Student Center, "and we asked, 'What do we do next to have a physical presence on campus?'" According to Gentry, this meant updating the kitchen and student lounge, the two rooms which they believe do the most ministry. Gentry said he would like to see the Baptist Student Center become a hub for students. Organizers believe the center's location makes it a unique place to do ministry. "We want to get on people's radar," Gentry said. "We want to be a place to study, heat food, watch TV and be a place to meet and get to know people."Porter said the Martha and Mary Project has made the Baptist Student Center "a more inviting place.""We want to welcome all students and to reach students who are not typically reached and don't fit in elsewhere," Porter said. "It's not as much about having big events or the perfect program, but making people feel welcome as soon as they walk in. That's the biggest message we can get across." Jane Cooper Stacy, director emeritus of the university's alumni services, was involved in the fundraising. "I became interested in this project because I was an active member of the Baptist Student Center when I attended Southeast," Stacy said. "I saw the building and nothing had changed in all those years."The Martha and Mary Project was named after the biblical account of two sisters who greeted Jesus. Martha worked in the kitchen while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. "We are called to do both things," Stacy said. "We are called to take care of people and heed the words of Christ. We have to be working to meet the needs of college students where they are. Sitting down to a meal is important. That's ministry, that's love in action -- which is our theology."Organizers also hope the Martha and Mary Project will connect them to other students."We want to create a place of hospitality to build relationships," Porter said. "We want our actions to match our words. We can't expect people to start a relationship with Jesus if we don't first build relationships with them. People need Jesus and a Christian environment."On Oct. 21 the center had an open house to showcase the renovations. Gentry said it was met with a positive response. He said there was a good turnout with about 25 people on hand. The Baptist Student Center hosts free lunches for students every Tuesday. Chapel meetings are on Sundays and various prayer meetings, Bible studies and other events are held throughout the week.

Saturday and a day of nothingness...

It's Saturday and I have nothing on the calendar.  I am going to get caught up on stuff without having to leave the house to go here or there.  I still have my robe on at 8:12 in the morning and I am not thinking about changing my clothes.  I wish and hope that I can find the energy to work on my book and make some real progress today and tomorrow.

My plans have all changed.  I was going to St. Louis but my Mansion meeting cancelled. The fund-raiser plans are going so good that I don't need to plan strategy.  Our strategy is working and we are practically sold out with just sponsors.  And that is a good thing!   So I am in Cape all week and I have nothing on my schedule....yet!

Time is such a valuable asset.  I must remember to take care of each day and guard it well and plan well.   Who knows how many days anyone has!

Miles to go before i sleep!

Who coined this word "retirement"?   They were sickos.   I work all the time on projects or stay busy visiting with people.  Today Kathleen is here (she helps me on Fridays) and she has done the wash and dishes, helped me on the computer and is numbering the pages of my book.   Then, while I go out to eat with Bev Hickam, she will go to Walmart and the bank and do those chores.   Who would have thought that I would have this much going on?

I am going to St. Louis next week and my schedule is full  --I have meetings with the Mansion committee, family, and alumni about the book.  These alumni are my family but I hope to see Janice and her children while I am there.  I have not seen her children except on Facebook.   One of the Mansion committee is an Edward Jones guy so I am looking forward to asking him some questions.

Anyway, I will be busy all weekend editing, setting up more interviews for next week, working with Laura on the Mansion event and making King Ranch Chicken to nibble on.   I have no set agenda this weekend but that will change with every call.  

Barb Kinsey was here this morning and she is the best proof-reader in the business and she took the copy to go over.  Yea!   Barb Kinsey has saved my life many, many times.  She continues to save my life and so does Bev Hickam.

 Like I said,
Joan Gohn called while I was writing this and we made dinner plans.   I feel the warmth every day!

Back to the editing process

I finished the writing of my second book some months ago and sent it off to Bobby Brune and Ron Hines for editing.  Then I forgot about it.  Today it will hit me again.   Ron is through with his editing and I need to go to Anna today to pick it up.  Greg Brune is taking me over.  When I get home, I will have a mound of work to be done before it is ready for the printer.

Thank goodness, I will be in St. Louis next week and I can work on it.   Maybe I can get some enthusiasm for the writing again.  I will never and I repeat, write another book.   But I am glad I wrote the first two.   That material will not be lost to history.

So we are back from Anna, Illinois and Bobby Brune went with us.   Ron Hines came and had his editing done.  We all decided that we should get Barb Kinsey involved so she is on her way over since she is the best proof-reader in history!   I am the poorest!

  Greg and Bobby Brune

  Ron Hines

 

 

Took time out this afternoon to take a red throw to Alton Bray at Chateau.  It was his birthday.  Hope he likes it.   Yuk, the proof-reading is staring me in the face!  But I want it done and in print and there is no other way!

One of the joys of a long association with the University is a continued association.   Yesterday Cindy Gannon (above) sat with me at Grace Hoover's funeral.   Greg Brune and I went to the Coach's show on Monday and we are going to Anna tomorrow to visit with Ron Hahs about my book.  I am lucky to have a raft of continued relationships.

Today I went up to the office and they were having a party for Trudy Lee who had gotten her doctorate and turned 50 this week.  I was delighted to be a part of that celebration.  Then Susan Burton faxed some papers for me and we are going out to lunch.   We just talked and talked.  This picture shows Barb Kinsey, Michelle Brune, me and Susan Burton --all great friends.  Barb picked me up for the service yesterday.

I like to think of the camaraderie of Jesus and his disciples.   He knew that he had a group to  train but they enjoyed their time together!   I know a small part of what he was talking about.

When righteous indignation turns you into a a-hole!

Today I am either righteously indignant or an a-hole!   The day started out with going to a funeral service for Grace Hoover and then two appointments which left me screaming.  I am power of attorney for my sister and I spend a great deal of time trying to take care of her financial matters.   Two firms want to hold on to her money and one says that I have not signed a form (although I have signed my life away) and the other says the paperwork was lost in the huddle.  No kidding, I finally exploded saying that all I wanted was money to take care of my sister who has round the clock care.
I added that I am not responsible for the mistakes of their companies and I was not interested in their excuses!  

The problem is that you have to become an a-hole in order to make companies listen to you!  Nothing works unless you scream and demand!  They turn people who like to be cordial and helpful into people who are shouting!   And I resent having to perform to their liking to get something done.  But I could do nothing else!

So I came home exhausted by it all and went to sleep!   But I don't feel better about my conduct or the company's plan of attack.   I have to keep playing your game but I don't have to like it!  There's something to be said about keeping your money in a sock!

The Last of the Debates

Yea!  Hallelujah, just a few more days and the election will be over!   I am tired of robocalls and ads and pacs and stories.   But I will be glued to the television tonight and never has theology been so enmeshed in an election.  

Joan Gohn and I went to Gordonville tonight to eat after going to the visitation for Grace Hoover and we talked and talked.  I can't imagine what life will be life without the television being saturated with other people's opinions.  I will be keeping my opinion to myself.  So will she.!   I am pro-life and I am tired of fighting wars for countries that will revert back at first opportunity.

Greg Brune and I drove downtown today and wanted to see the casino after -effects.  Yes, the price will be high in the end and if you want proof, go see Caruthersville.  Same firm.

The good thing is that each of us, like me, are entitled to our opinions about all of these issues!

Recovering from Homecoming

It was great to see the alumni partying all over town yesterday.  I made several events on Friday and Saturday and enjoyed everything.   I wanted to go to the Saturday breakfast because of my long association with Bob Lipscomb, age 96, who received the Distinguished Service Award.  On Friday night, I went to AMA Dinner.  One of the recipients was Dr. Judy Gallagher, who is now Dean of Humanities at Tarrant County College's South campus in Ft. Worth, Texas.   Judith spoke about how Dr. Jennie Cooper was her primary mentor and what she had learned from my sister, Jennie.  

Jordan and I had our picture made with her so he could take it to his grandmother and tell her about the speech and meeting her.  Jordan did me so proud as my escort for the evening.   Layne took me to the Diamond Club on Saturday evening.  I am so lucky to have this young family here and they both are so good to go with me to grown-up stuffy things.   Jordan charmed our table as he got up and got desserts for everyone.  It made me proud and he looked so handsome!

I managed to go downtown for Saturday afternoon coffee with Evelyn Boardman and we enjoyed the fun atmosphere at Cup and Cork.  The town was alive and kicking!   Enjoy every day --that is my theology for living--and kick yourself when you allow the negative to invade your mental space!

Homecoming Friday

  My theology includes
Homecoming.   It is a time when I gather with old friends and new friends to enjoy the Friday night Alumni Merit Awards.  Yes, I am happy that I don't have to plan it all and can just show up.  First I met my scholarship recipients --one for Jim Cooper's scholarship, Eric Miller from Jackson,  and Raphael Pellenard from France on my international scholarship.

Then I gather at our table with my great friends:  Joan Gohn, Judy Brown and Nona Chapman.  This guarantees a good time will be had by all.  They are all incredible women and friends!  Mike Gohn sees me stand up when they introduce the former AMA's and he comes to our table to see his Aunt Joan.  He is one handsome devil!

It was a fun night and I am looking forward to the day --albeit long!  Go SEMO!

Death of Grace Hoover today

I was out running around doing errands today when my cell phone called me to a sad message.  It was Joy who told me that Grace  (or Gracie Poo) as I knew her, Hoover had died this morning.  She had suffered a brain hemorrage yesterday morning and slipped away this morning.  Joy (her ex-daughter in law, said that she wanted me to put out the word because that would be the way Grace wanted it done.  (And she was right!)

Grace Richmond Hoover, native of Advance, was a piece of work.   She brought the Home Economics Department at the University up to snuff and she never missed anything.  I was so desolate from a divorce and scandal, that I went to Malaysia on a trip with her and others.  This was nearly twenty years ago!  I made up my mind that I would tell no one about any of this and Grace, my roommate, asked me nothing.  I shall forever treasure her for her never prompting me or saying one thing.  She wanted me to have a break and I got a hilarious break.  I owe her more than I could ever repay for her silence and kindness and her fun all the time.  Everyone going thru a sad time needs a tablespoon of Grace Hoover at a  critical time.  I have thanked her repeatedly for her giving me space and I will continue to do so.  Her death does not end my grateful memories.

I love the memories she has left me with.  But mostly I thank Gracie Poo for her kindness in what was the hardest time in my life.  She gave me the courage to think that I had life ahead of me to lead in ways I could not imagine.  Thanks, my friend.  I owe you more than one!  I owe you more than you could ever know!

Semo Alumnus is N. Y. Bomber

Opened the paper today to read that the man arrested in the N. Y. bomb plot is a former SeMO student.  Quazi Muhammad Rez-wanul Ahsen Nafis of Bangladesh tried to assemble a 1000 pound bomb to blow up the Federal Reserve System in New York.  He was a spring semester student of 2012 at SEMO University and earned 12 hours.  His declared major was cybersecurity.

I saw this national news item yesterday and checked out the picture.  Little did I know that this news would come home to roost.  

But it is the talk of the town.  What is the Bible verse about "Entertaining strangers unawares"?  I think it said "angels" but the same meaning can be written in--this world is getting smaller and smaller and more dangerous.   World-views are not the same and cultures are different!  It allows us to learn from the 800 students on our campus who come from other countries.  But it also reinforces to us that not everyone should be immediately trusted, whether they are native-born or international.

A difficult part of theology is withholding trust without having a proven reason  for doing so.  Or for doing so because of a prejudicial bias.  Most of us walk a fine line, like Johnny Cash taught us in his music.

Families, families, families

Families, you can't live with them but sometimes, you must live without them.  Families take the heart out of us, like no other people can.  And the feuds and fusses of families, including extended families, carry over to generations.    Some of the family throw up their hands and say they are through with all of the others.  That choice is theirs to make.   Some of the people keep trying to play peacemaker and the strain of it all eats at their gut and takes joy out of their lives.   Some of the people try to resolve the conflict and rejoice in the small steps of success. 

The truth is that each person who cares enough about the conflict to get involved faces a world of hurt going in.  It takes courage to love someone enough to intervene in a family conflict for you run the risk of losing!  Sometimes the ones in conflict turn on you and strip you of  your good intentions!
Sometimes the one who tries to help becomes the villain to all of those in conflict! 

Yesterday afternoon I visited with a family in conflict. I know something about this role (maybe from my own massive failures!) and my antenna of listening went up.  I made the statement to them,  "I had to remember that no family is static; and no family member is static."  Life is not like we remember it in the good old days;   it wasn't like that then, even, and we can't skip over the years of remembering life like it wasn't!   The truth is that we  all have a choice in whether we want to be family or whether we want to stop the drama and jump off the whirling tornado of anger and resentment!

Each of us have the right and the privilege of living in our own world and seeking to find our own unique happiness.  I claim that privilege and welcome those who seek the same laughter and joy!

Love in action

I read Mike Parry's Facebook entry this morning and it struck a chord with me.  All it said was, "For I was hungry and you fed me".  These were words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35 but they have always been a standard for me in what Christianity was all about.  It still is.

Here in the middle of an election campaign, I am a one-issue person.  And that is the poor of this country.  Who is committed to feed the poor and means to do something about it?  Who will energize this country, or this city into feeding the poor in our midst without making them feel like pariahs?  Who can reach out to those who are too proud to say they are hungry.  I remember the example of my dad who would take money we desperately needed to share with those who needed a hand-out!  I will never forget his kindness to everyone.  He raised every person to his level and never had a clue what he was doing! 

l John 3:17-18 says:  "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth."   In other words, we, as followers, are obligated to put our money where our mouth is.  That is, after we wake up to the fact that people need all around us!

Getting ready for the season

 

 

 I love my front yard all decorated with a new carpet and new flowers and cornstalks, thanks to Annie and Greg!  I sit out on the porch and wait for people to pick me up to go eat and such.   I love the trees turning red and orange and I try to get out each pretty day to see Mother Nature doing her best to prepare us for the Season.

I need to dress up my brain also to prepare for the season--Ingathering for the Harvest.  We used to sing, "We gather together to ask the Lord's blessings".   I need to do more ingathering and ask the Lord's blessings instead of thinking about how life how changed with sickness and death and all the things that change our lives daily.  My mother used to say she didn't want to go to places with other old people;  she wanted to hang out with the young!

I think she just wanted to feel like she was preparing for whatever season was coming!

Oh, my aching back!

I have had a bad back which goes out at most inopportune moments since I was hurt in a carwreck when I was a senior in high school.   I know it as well as I do anything.  Today I came down to the kitchen, unloaded the dishwasher, and bam, I was down for the count!  I crept over to the couch and the heating pad and knew it was all over for me for a day.  All I could depend on was my brace when I could get upstairs to get it and Motrin and Ben Gay (when I could get to the downstairs bathroom to get it.)

So, cancel everything and sit down and enjoy the confinement.  It was not a major thing; but it was a thing to be reckoned with for a few hours.  Priorities had to be reset or given a holiday!   And I started rethinking my day in light of the enforced change of plans!  I still had the computer--I could think about stuff.  First, I would go thru my daily notebook which I cling to (Mattie Henry's composition book black/white) and I could list only the things I could do without standing or moving from the couch.   New listing becomes apparent easily.

This is theology in the raw!   Decide what you can do, in light and in spite of the circumstances dictated by your standing, and move from there.  It is like the 4 men who tore up their neighbor's roof and let the paralytic down in front of Jesus to be healed.   Jesus said to him, "Rise up and walk".  I love that story.  It has everything I love:  devotion of friends who would stop at nothing to help,  Christ healing.   They didn't just ask for prayer; they put "feets" to their prayers.

That's what I am going to do with this day.  Take the medicine I need and think about someone other than myself and my aching back.  Don't waste the day waiting for relief or sympathy or feeling sorry for oneself!  Think about my role as one of the four friends, instead of the paralytic.  I am far from being the paralytic.  How far am I from being a pallet-holder for someone?

The Parade Has Passed me By!

Homecoming starts next week at Southeast University  --For almost 30 years I was instrumental in making it happen and I rode in that parade and waved like I had no other responsibility.  It was fun to be associated with something which gave so many people so much pleasure.

Juan Crites sent a picture of me in the Parade last week and I loved it.  Her son, Luke, rode in the car with me (so young) and I enjoyed the memory of it all.    And am I sorry that I can truthfully say that the Parade has passed me by!  Absolutely not!   Time goes on.  Changes go on.   Do I spend time bemoaning the fact that things are not the same, etc.  Not a minute!

I have a life away from waving in a parade.  It was a great ride!  But I am so happy that I don't have to do that kind of work now for a weekend of events.  Now, I am happy that I have time to work on other projects and to spend my leisure time actually listening to television, friends and making life still happen for me.  

The Parade has passed me by!  But life has not passed me by!  It is out there for my choosing and taking.  And I am so grateful for each day.  Another lesson I have learned!

Vice presidential Debate

I watched the debate last night with voiceless enthusiasm.   Theology was intertwined and I had to listen carefully as they dealt with the theology of war, of civil liberty, of the haves vs. have nots, and then to the issue of abortion.  Martha Radentz, who was superb as moderator, asked questions that meant something to her.   One of those was what responsibility we have for countries who do not share our values!   Especially when those two credit card wars have eroded our free enterprise systems and unemployment is raging.

We talk about the right all the time but the left has the same stakes in the decision.  I am in that category of liberal -- I am for feeding the poor and giving people a chance.  I am in a no-war mode because I don't think we can make any difference in the end to a country who intends on calling its own shots.   I am not pro-abortion nor do I think it should be used as a contraceptive but I am pro-abortion about a mother's right to choose--rape, incest, health or even when a mother has too many children and cannot mentally raise another child.  So I am a liberal.  My consuming thought is that every child has the right to come into a household where that child is wanted and can be nourished and treasured.

Radentz asked Biden and Ryan both --Both Catholics --what their difference was in the abortion issue and there were big differences.   Ryan said he was for no abortions at all, in actuality, and wanted it to be made illegal;  Biden said that he was pro-choice in certain cases but he did not think he had the right to impose his choice on everyone.

I agree with Biden.   I respect them both for their views.  But I am a woman and I want my granddaughter and her friends to have their own choice in a clean medical environment.

Is Heaven For Real?

This morning the web is full of stories about Dr.Eben Alexander, Harvard neurosurgeon, who was in a coma after an operation and describes what he saw as Heaven.It is a cinch that we give him more credibility than we do a "mere" person who does not know the difference between medically induced sightings and real experiences!   But he talks about what he saw:   no angels except someone who comforted him and told him he had no one to fear, wonderful animals who are indescribable,  majestic clouds and sights far beyond any dream.

I want to believe all of this.  I don't want to think that life ends when one closes one's eyes.   I want to know that I will see my parents again and my brothers and my sister and my niece and my wonderful friends like Mark and Pearl Scully, Francine, Peggy, Lyman Evans, Jack Wimp and on and on.  I want to see my Grandfather again  --such a gentle kind man!   Heaven holds many treasures for me and I want to believe.  I think that Dr. Alexander wanted to believe also!

Showing courtesy in simple ways

I went to a meeting last Friday at The Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City with the Board.   It was a rainy, stormy day from start to finish and by the time I arrived, I had dealt with problems at home on the phone, worried about the weather, left the house at 6:30 a.m. and worried about whether I would even make the meeting, and struggled with my aching back which does not do well in cars when it is stormy.

I walked in and the men kept talking as did many of the women.  No one stood to greet me and asked if they could help me get in carrying all the books and parasols, or told me where my packet was and to get a cup of coffee.  Most of them had driven less than a mile to get there.   Some of us came from many miles away.  I was aghast at their lack of courtesy.  I have hosted many meetings and never have I not been there to welcome members (or had someone briefed to handle this).  The men were in conversation and did not bother to stop their conversation or rise to greet the speaker of the morning.
Sheer rudeness.   Courtesy is such a simple art.  

  So what did I do?   First I wondered what the Bible said about such simple courtesy and it was right on target.  Titus 3:2 says, "..to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."   This was far from perfect courtesy.

To even add to it, I wrote several members of the board and told them my thoughts and feelings.  We shall see what their idea of courtesy is.   At age 74, one has the right to speak up!  I consider that benign courtesy!

Monday morning coming down

I got up tired this morning.  I had spent the weekend cleaning out closets and Cathy was supposed to be here to pick up clothes and she got here at 8:30.  Meleia called and said her daughter was sick so I had to put all those tasks on hold.  Debbie came to do my hair.

And the rest of the time, I did emails and answered phone calls to Tom Rackers, Laura Bennett-Smith, Greg Brune and Jackie Majoris.  Just business as usual with the frustration of so much I can't do on computer.

So what is my theological lesson on this today!  There is none. Just get thru the day and try to make it count for something.  Don't expect miracles every day!  Some days it is just hum-drum busy work!

This is Monday.  This says it all! for me today

When Heaven is Silent

Sometimes, you can listen and listen for God to speak to you or solve your problems and you hear nothing.   It is almost like God is saying, "It's your problem.  Handle it!"

  Matthew Henry wrote about the same subject, "The God of Israel, the  Savior, is sometimes a God that hides himself but never a God that is absent; sometimes in the dark but never in the distance."

I believe Matthew Henry but the dark, distance is sometimes desolate and disillusioning to those who need to know that a God is out their listening.  I guess that is what faith is all about!

Missouri Mansion

What a dreary day of driving through storms practically all day yesterday.  Layne, my niece, took me to the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City for a meeting where I was to speak on fund-raising, etc.  The drive was awful and the drive was long but we made it back okay.   Many problems at home so we stayed on the telephone all the way home.

How does this apply to theology?  It really does.  How do we treat our history and our past?   How does one adapt the past to the present.  Do we throw out the baby with the bathwater or do we allow the baby to continue to bathe long after that time is past?  Has my theology changed to meet the needs of the present day?  Or does it need to?

I hope to explore these thoughts today.   Was too tired to think yesterday and dealing with the phone calls, my aching back and wishing I could fly away from home under an assumed name and lose my past forever.  Won't happen!  But I can wish, can't I!  If only for a few minutes---when that infernal phone rings!
 

Lawyers

Lawyers, lawyers, lawyers.   We can't live with them and we can't live without them.   I have talked to my friends who are lawyers this week and they talk legalese and litigation.  Somehow I find myself in certain situations where I want to know how to extricate myself from situations and I want to live my life in sheer and utter peace.  I do not want to play fencing games where I have to protect someone else.  I want them to protect themselves!  I am not keeper of the world!

 

Nor do I want to play the role.  So get me out of all this so that I can enjoy my years without worry.  (actually the dentist visit yesterday did little to help my nerves, either, but I have to do this.)  Mike Richey, an old friend and lawyer, came over this morning and we commisserated on matters.  I said, " I don't want to get even;  I want to get out."  When you try to get even or help settle someone else's problems, you continue to think about the matters and stay upset!  I am way past wanting to help settle problems that have been here since Christ came to earth;  I WANT OUT!

 

Galatians 5: 24 says:  "You shall love your neighbor as yourself".  If everyone did that, who would need lawyers or someone to listen to the pleas of someone who wants out!  The adage, "If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again!" should have another sentence added on ot it, "But if you have given it your best shot, and no one is better by it and you are worse mentally and physically with worry over it, kick the dirt off your shoes, walk out and put a piece of mistletoe on your lower backside."

 

The mistletoe is on the back of my outfit for today.

 

I love children!

I love children.  They don't have to be kin to me or anything.  I love listening to and learning from them!   Psalm 127:3-5 says:  "Children are a gift from God".  And I believe that.

Yesterday I met Greg and Bobby Brune and Brady Brune at Port Cape for the Coach'es show.   So fun.  Brady was so excited about seeing Coach Samuels and I asked him if he wanted me to take their picture.   First, he said no but then he jumped up.

I love the enthusiasm of children.  I feel like I am bound down by worries about everything and then there is this kid's smile.   Funny thing, I helped set up his mother and Dad!

Change my focus, it's dentist time!

Just about the time that I think I'm wiser and more adult, I face a trip to the dentist's office and then i realize, anew, that I am the world's biggest baby.  That's where I am today and I hate it. Last week I went and couldn't do it because of the coughing and sneezing which I do every morning after coffee.  i think this is baby, too!

So how can I help anyone when I can't help myself.  Excuse me, I am mad at myself today and I want to avoid my pecadillos at all cost.  So I am signing off on Blog and me today.  I am too immature to live today and I hate it!