Humbly Proud

Yesterday, my first "baby" turned 31. Brent is a kind, caring, smart, young man. In the areas of husband, father, son, minister, musician, and friend, he is exemplary. If I were a peacock, my tail feathers would be spread and I'd be strutting around. Instead, I thank God and quietly brag about this treasure.

I'd like to indulge some maternal meanderings and memories. Before Brent was born, I prayed for a child. When I did not become pregnant in a few months time, I bargained with God. I promised God that, if He would give us a child, I would give this child back to Him. Like in the Old Testament story of Hannah, I sincerely meant it and planned to name our child Samuel if it were a boy. Today, he IS Samuel Brent.

Like many first-time mothers, I probably hovered over Brent too much but I could not bear the thought of being separated from him when he was little. I was one of the biggest boo-hoo-ers in the Kindergarten "Mom's cry room" on the first day of school.

Imagine the joy I had when he showed an interest in, and a propensity for, music. The first recital, the first solo, the first time to accompany in church, the first time he played in our praise band ...

Brent's adolescent years did not bring the typical angst and trials to our family. Maybe I'm forgetful in my "mature years" but I can truly say that raising Brent was a joy. He has been a good brother to Tess, Philip, and Lana. When he fell in love with Kelly, married her, became a minister, had children of his own, my joy grew exponentially.

When Rob was suddenly sick last year, Brent was a rock. My internal plates made a tectonic shift as the world turned upside down. Brent helped keep me oriented and was a calm, steady presence thoughout the ordeal.

Though I know that God loves the humble and hates the proud, I think that God, as a Parent, gives a nod as I exclaim about a recent event that evoked enormous parental pride. Brent, who serves as Director or Worship Ministries at Hope UMC, recently preached at his church. He has done this several times in the past but we were not able to be present in those worship services. This particular Sunday, we took off from our respective ministry jobs and went to Dallas, GA, to hear Brent. Tears flooded my eyes as Brent eloquently spoke with sincerity and authority, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

The Hannah in me said, "Here he is, Lord. Thank-you."

We are women ... hear us ROAR!

*We are women... hear us ROAR*! Wow, I just finished my first 5K Race for the Cure (breast cancer) with 20,000+ other beautiful people. My dear friend, Faye, lost her sister to breast cancer last May and I wanted to do something for her. As it turns out, the event did something for me. From the moment I parked my car to join our team for the race, I was teary-eyed. The sight of mass humanity, coming together for one ultimate purpose --- the knowledge that many of these people had lost loved ones to breast cancer --- the realization that two women in our own team of 25 men and women were breast cancer survivors --- the feeling of community and like-mindedness with the goal to defeat this disease ---all these things caused my heart to swell and my eyes to fill.
The old Helen Reddy song ( see* ) ran through my mind, as well as the phrase, "No man (woman) is an island." Do we need each other? You bet we do... even those of us who by nature are independent spirits. Sorrows shared are halved. Encouragement and support are worth their weight in gold. Yeah for the sisterhood--and brotherhood-- of LIFE. God bless, heal, and encourage those who struggle with the disease. Holy Spirit comfort those who mourn. God give wisdom to researchers and medical personnel to BEAT this disease. In Jesus' Name.

On Eagle's Wings

Boy Scouts has been a part of our family for twenty-plus years. It is a great program that instills excellent values in young men, while letting them do "wild-at-heart-guy things" like camping, cooking over a fire, caving, rappelling, archery, and clay -disc shooting (whatever that's called!) Philip is almost at the end of his official time with Scouts. He's worked hard to earn all the required merit badges (21). Last Saturday, he organized and lead a team of 23 volunteers as they renovated and beautified the playground of an urban church that is used by an after-school program every weekday. I am so proud of him, of both the stick-to-it-tiveness he showed and the leadership qualities he exhibited.

Brent, our older son, achieved the high honor of Eagle, also, and it brought him to soaring heights on numerous occasions. When he interviewed for a scholarship at Furman University and also at his first job interview after college, his Scouting experience and, in particular, the rank of Eagle, were pulled out from his resume and discussed more than any other achievements.

Even I was a cub scout den mother one year! Corraling seven eight-year olds into some semblance of order was not my forte but we took some awesome trips and made some great crafts!

Hats off to all boyscouts and leaders!

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.

'Tis a gift to --- do nothing.

Computers, Blackberries, Facebook, Tivo, NetFlix, microwave ovens--I'm not a big fan of technology but have to admit I use--and take advantage of--it. Sometimes I feel like a hamster on a treadmill--or one of those desk gadgets that has the silver balls and once you drop one ball to hit another, the balls will continue to force the other balls to move and they, in turn, will force those same balls to move-----you get the picture.

Slowly, I am warping into a new phase in my life. We won't say it's old age--just a realization that SO many things I do are unnecessary and SO much of life is missed as I hurl myself into the human rat race. Let's call it maturity. The #1 contributing factor to this new recognition is Justice. Mi nieta tienes quince meses. All my grandkids are the BEST but I am especially blessed to live close enough to Justice to spend time with her one or two days a week. When I say time--I mean time. Not the hurried, multi-tasking, hell-bent acitivities that too often fill my day. No, this is time in another dimension--the baby dimension. Time that caters to no technology, no schedule (except her naptime). This together-time is all the sweeter because I have to give her my absolute full attention. She's walking and exploring things that I've long ignored but that bring squeals of delight from her, followed by squeals of delight from me! How can dropping the pool table balls into the pool table pockets be so fun for the 100th time? How many times do you flip on and off the lightswitch before it's no longer considered a learning time? From this grandma's perspective, the answer is, "As many times as she wants." I'd much rather watch every nuance of expression on her face and try to figure out what, "Ba-ba," "cu-cu," and "ta-to" mean than listen to the most fascinating lecturer on earth.

I have a new favorite phrase, "Doce far niente." Translated, this Italian phrase means, "The sweetness of doing nothing." The very idea is so antithetical to my nature--the old nature--I should say. With Justice, I can't really say I'm doing nothing but that I'm doing nothing in my usual way--so, truthfully, there IS a sweetness in doing nothing with her.

Oh well, I'm rambling but just so thankful the Lord is giving these special times to do nothing and the sweetness that that brings.

Survived-- no---Thrived! Thanks, FaceBook

Yesterday came and went but, as birthdays go, it was actually special. I not only survived, but thrived! One of the nicest gifts I received was all the well-wishes from friends on FaceBook. This technological cyber giant (FB)usually frustrates me b/c I do not have time to check it everyday and, therefore, am lost in many general conversations at home and work that begin with, "Did you see on FB where ... ?" But, now, I have a new respect for FB. One of the joys of getting older (and YES, there are joys) is having many friends and the memories that go with them. As people bade, "Happy Birthday," on FB, my mind's eye pulled up their faces and I recalled memorable events and situations where our lives intersected. Tons of fun!
Dear Friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

The Power and Gift of Memory

Two weeks ago, we returned home to Brentwood after spending five fabulous weeks in Costa Rica. I kid you not, there are many times each day when I ask myself if that trip really happened. It seems the only way to answer my question is to pull out the photos (still on Rob's computer) and share with Rob what we remember. We may be "back in the swing of things," here-- full force -- but thank God for our memories of CR. Now, if it sounds like escapism, it is. The power of memory and the sights and stories of places and people we came to love give refreshment to these hectic days. As we sit still, smile, and take deep breaths, our blood pressure lowers and heart rate slows down--sort of Yoga for the mind.
The class I teach in Old Testament Worship emphasizes the power of memory, how God commanded (in loving parent-fashion) that His people remember God's mighty acts done in their behalf (thus the Passover and other feasts). God also tells His people to constantly tell these stories to their children so that they, too, will remember and have knowledge of God's loving care. God gave us the power of memory--a gift that increases in value as I get older.
Count Your Blessings, a hymn we don't sing much any more, is a good reminder to remember all the things God has done for me. Just as photos of CR remind me of wonderful times and help set my present world back in order, memories of God's blessings do the same and even more. Beyond the blessings of this life, we have the promise and hope of eternal glory. Remember that!!

Abundant Life!

Dear Lord, forgive me for any time that I may have rolled my eyes or listened half-heartedly to other Grandma's as they showed pictures and waxed on-and-on about the wonders of their grandchildren. I so completely understand them, now. Thank-you for giving these little people gifts at this point in my life: gifts that add purpose and meaning to existence and gifts that fulfill your promise that we will have life, and have it to the FULL (John 10:10)! My cup runneth over with joy. Surely heaven is filled with precious child-like people, innocent, inquisitive, energetic (well--maybe not that energetic!), sensitive, and loving. Help me to be the SuSu that loves, listens, and gently leads. In Jesus' name, AMEN.