New Blog

Friendship Church held its annual Homecoming service yesterday morning, something I look forward to every year. I love learning more about the history of the church and the lives of some of the old-time saints. After morning worship there's always a huge meal followed by a quiet evening at home.

That's how I came to be watching Sixty Minutes last night when Andy Rooney came on with his weekly essay. He was talking about the job of writing and poking a little fun at himself. He said being a writer takes a certain level of ego. According to him, the basic assumption that one has something to say that someone else may want to read is egotistical.

Well, I guess I agree, but how about just opening one's mouth? Doesn't the talker assume that he has something to say that someone else wants to hear? And how about the listener? He has no choice in the matter. At least we bloggers give our readers some options!

For me blogging is a little like a heart-to-heart conversation, howbeit one-sided. Ideally, it goes a little beyond the trivia of life and into what matters more to us. Just by going through the writing process we take a little time to express ourselves more thoughtfully.

So I was so excited to get an email from our beautiful daughter-in-law Samantha saying that she and Blake have begun a blog. (I've been doing some broad hinting and gentle arm-twisting for awhile!) Sam's first post brought tears to my eyes, and I wanted to share it with you. I know you'll agree she has a lot to say. Welcome, Sam and Blake, to the world of blogging. And thanks so much for sharing your heart! http://www.blakeandsamallweare.blogspot.com/

Communion

Steve asked me today if I would assist in serving communion with him tomorrow, something our district superintendent and his wife routinely do together. The request gave me pause. I've come to think of the sacrament of communion without the fear and trepidation I was taught to have as a kid (see I Corinthians 11 in the King James Version), but it is still a very solemn and sacred occasion. So I've had it on my mind throughout the day.

Is it possible for anyone to eat the bread and drink the cup with worthiness? My heart whispers lines from favorite hymns: "Nothing in my hands I bring. Simply to Thy cross I cling," and "Just as I am without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me." Those words became more real to me three years ago than they had ever been before. I've learned to live them, and they become more and more true with time.

Last week our congregation gave us the thoughtful and generous gift of tickets to a Gaither concert. For the first time ever, I heard the incredible harmonies of the Gaither Vocal Band in person. During intermission I bought a couple of CDs, making sure to get the one with "I Then Shall Live." It takes Jean Sibelus's melody from "Be Still My Soul" and adds more prayerful words by Gloria Gaither.

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father -
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I gladly will obey.

Your kingdom come around, and through, and in me,
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

As another old hymn says, "I am not worthy...but Jesus left Heaven to die in my place. What mercy, what love, and what grace!"

Dreams for our Children

Brad with Tyler, the beautiful grandson I can't wait to meet!

It's been a busy month. The to-do list has been varied and often fun, but never finished. Somehow I've managed to get from one deadline to the next with some remnant of sanity (I think)!

Maybe that's why I enjoyed the parent-teacher conferences our school scheduled last week. It seemed like a luxury to actually have time to sit across from parents for one-on-one conversation about their children. We talked about grades and expectations, but almost always there was more. Parents talked about dreams.

There was the single mom who can't afford the music and art lessons her creative daughter longs to have. The mother of a vivacious daredevil who expects to see her on Xtreme sports TV someday. The parent of the child with sickle cell anemia. Some are amusing, like the rather large lady who takes great pride in the fact that her rotund son has sold the most cookie dough. Others are heartbreaking, like the tentative single mom who works nights and fears that her beautiful daughter is growing up too fast and falling prey to the wrong influences.

My heart instantly recognizes these parents and their dreams. The language of dreams is one we parents speak fluently. We're somewhat beyond youthful dreams ourselves --in my case probably closer to the "bucket" list! It is the season when our personal goals take a back seat while we try to provide the children and youth in our lives with the encouragement, resources, and foundations to help their dreams come true.

Sometimes we can get carried away, as in "cheerleader mom" or "stage dad." It's sad when otherwise level-headed, kind-hearted people get so caught up in living out their dreams through their children that they leave a trail of hurt in their wake - the collateral damage of unbridled ego - sometimes without even realizing it.

In the past couple of weeks it has been my delight to read - in bits and snatches - a sweet and wise little book called The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. When faced with terminal cancer, the author found time to dictate his story and dedicate it "with thanks to his parents who allowed him to dream, and with hopes for the dreams his children will have." It was his attempt to pass on to his children who he was and what was important to him. Although, sadly, the subject of faith is almost totally unaddressed, the book has a lot of food for thought - like the following:

"Having seen so many students go through my classrooms, I've come to know that a lot of parents don't realize the power of their words. Depending on a child's age and sense of self, an offhand comment from Mom or Dad can feel like a shove from a bulldozer.... I would just urge my kids to find their way with enthusiasm and passion."

Brayden would interrupt me right here to ask, "So, Mom, why are you making me take band when I'd rather play football?" Thankfully, it doesn't have to be an either/or choice, and I keep thinking that someday he'll be glad I "encouraged" him to add this skill to his life. Just call me a stage mom!

Basically though, I think Randy Pauch had it right - at least as far as he went. It's good to know our children are in the care and keeping of a Heavenly Father, the Giver and Fulfiller of our highest dreams.