This Hallowed Ground

I had the honor of speaking to a women's group the other night. My topic was in reference to suffering and my scripture text was from 2 Corinthians. Paul lists a whole plethora of things our suffering does for us, but one that caught my attention was how suffering makes us revere those who have suffered honorably.

November, 1863, several months after the battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3), President Lincoln was invited to make a "few appropriate remarks" at the consecration of a cemetery for the Union war dead. It was delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA, on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863, Lincoln delivered a speech that was only three minutes in duration. The following is an excerpt from his Gettysburg Address.

“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”

Lincoln sensed that it didn't matter what he said, he could not consecrate what was already made reverent by the suffering of Union and Confederate soldiers dying in horrible pain for what they believed to be freedom. If you were to visit the Soldiers National Cemetery this summer, that same hallowedness would still permeate the atmosphere and you would hear people hush their voices, remove their hats and lower their gaze in honor of those laid to rest on that battlefield, and hopefully realize it was done on their behalf.

The elements of Communion are sacred because of the suffering they represent. The bread-the broken, crushed Body. The wine-the freely flowing Blood. As I hold them in my human hands, I am amazed at their holiness made available to me though the suffering of Christ, done on my behalf.

Today, I think of someone I would honor who has suffered for the things he has believed in, but I cannot make holy the "ground", for his suffering has already accomplished this task. However, to you, I do give my heart felt regards and undying respect.

Ho Hum!

Sometimes I sit down to a blank screen, knowing I really need to update my blog, but nothing that would interest you comes to mind. Not that I don't have huge issues going on in my life, they would probably just bore you. I could tell you that I finally got my flowers planted. They sat on my front porch for a week. The pansies almost croaked before they were planted, but they seem to be rebounding well (okay, that was very boring). My grand baby, Julian, came over yesterday. He's sooo adorable! He's eating rice cereal now...what? You say that's not of interest to you either? Tough crowd! Hmmm...

On those days when life seems to be the most usual to the outsider, the insider (that would be me) deals with the uncertainty of the future, the question of loyalties, the doubt of self-worth and a myriad of other issues. These are the things that we seldom share with our most intimate relationships let alone the entire world (okay, I know there are only 5 of you out there that actually read this blog). Life does tend to keep me humble and prayed up. I won't share all the "boring details". I know you also have issues you face everyday that are kept from the view of the world, as they should be. Some things are just to private (or boring) to share.

I propose a deal: You pray for me, I'll pray for you! And surely we'll all survive!

On my honor, I will come up with a really great entry for your reading enjoyment!

What To Do With Rosie

This last week we watched yet another of our 5 children march across a stage dressed as a scholar to receive a high school diploma. It's amazing, but 16 years ago a two year old girl with huge brown eyes, dark curly hair and a pixy grin came bouncing into our lives! She made us break the rule we had so rigidly clung to: We will not adopt foster children! When the social worker asked, "What will we do with Rosie?", "We'll keep her...adopt her." came flying out of my mouth before I even realized what I was saying! I have never regretted it.

Once again the question comes around, "What will we do with Rosie?" It would be more accurate to say that Rosie is asking, "What will I do with my life?" There's so much to consider. Obviously money plays a huge part in what direction she will go. College is so expensive and as her father would tell you, he was born good looking instead of rich, so the college of "choice" may not be the college chosen. There is always the sports issue, where can she go to benefit from the sports programs and who can benefit from her skills. What about a music ministry major? Where would be the best place to go to fulfill that calling? And what about mom? Where can Rosie go where mom can still make sure she is fed, clothed and safe? Obviously this entry is to be continued!

We will keep you posted on the Rosie saga. It's sure to be interesting, exciting and inspiring, just like Rosie.

Run For The Roses

I'm not a huge fan of horse racing, although I do love horses. But then I've never had to clean out a stall or make sure they have feed and water in -40 F weather. My husband, Tom, owned a horse for many years. Stormy wasn't a race horse but he did chase down a few cows now and then. He definitely had a western attitude and although he allowed the kids to ride him, he was a one man horse. I sat atop of him on occasion but we had an understanding: If you don't buck, I don't scream!!


I just happened to catch the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. Seeing the horses and hearing the crowds cheering brought up pleasant memories of the movie Sea Biscuit. The movie was such an inspiration to me that I HAD to read the book. It amazed me the way that horse, as mismatched for racing as he was, and despite any handicap they weighted him down with could maintain the desire to take the lead. It was his heart more than his brawn that made him win.

The "run for the roses" ended with the favorite, Big Brown, winning in grand style, but it was the little filly, Eight Belles, that caught my attention. After winning second place, Eight Belles collapsed on the track and before any accolades were handed her way, was "put down" due to both front ankles being broken. I am not a horse expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I would guess that this must have happened in that last burst of speed that takes place in the last stretch for the finish line. I have read that she was whipped mercilessly by her jockey, that it was sheer cruelty on the part of her owner, trainer and the racing industry as a whole, but in my naivety, I would like to believe her spirit for winning pushed her physical beyond endurance. I would like to believe she gave her all for the prize. Nevertheless, a sad but inspiring story.


I would hope that I can take a lesson from this filly. Take a risk. Wager it all. Run with the big boys and give it all you got!

The Importance of "Stuff"

I should have known...March is the great deceiver! The melting was just a hoax. We now have snow again!!! The upside to the snow is that it won't last long. The April sun does have some warmth to it and the white stuff is disappearing quickly. I am longing for sunny beaches and the smell of sun screen.

Today I am feeling overwhelmed by the everyday "stuff." The dishes in the sink, the neglected journal on the coffee table, and yes, even this blog with outdated info makes me squirm with guilt. The everyday stuff that at the moment of processing seems so minor in importance, but when stacked upon each other in mega mountains of mess, screams for attention!

I will get to the "stuff", as soon as I drink my coffee, take my walk, read another chapter in my book and grab a quick snooze in the sunshine...sigh! I always intend to start a load of laundry, sweep the floors or write a thank you note when I get home from work, but catching up on the latest fashions on Opera, stopping at the library or meeting a friend for coffee at the local Starbucks tends to distract me and it's bedtime before I know it! And I do love bedtime! Just kick the laundry off on the floor and it's off to dreamland.

I keep telling myself, as soon as the kids are gone (there's only two left), some of the "stuff" I have trouble getting to will go with them...but I have suspicions that I'm only fooling myself.

Well, I have a lot of "stuff" to do, so I'd better run. Hmmmm! A rice bowl from Carrs sounds really good, and then maybe a snooze while I watch Dr. Phil..., and then I PROMISE I'll take care of the "stuff"!

Daffodils and Pot Holes

"When it's springtime in Alaska, it's forty-below." That's not quite how it is here. March is the odd month running warm and cold. We have icy mornings and melting afternoons. The days are getting longer than the nights and Easter is closer this year than ever! I guess we really can't call March springtime, but I do think spring quite a lot these days, and there are signs appearing.

For those of us who can't wait for the crocus, and tulips to emerge from the snow, we buy daffodils at the local grocery store. The idea is to buy them tightly closed with their "brown paper wrappers" still intact. It takes them about a day to come into full bloom and then you have the sunshine yellow and smell of spring right at your desk for several days! O joy! This makes me love those little trumpeters of spring....my favorite flower of March!

Pot holes are also a sure sign of spring. The thawing and freezing reeks havoc with our streets! The road to where my children attend school crumbled this month. Yes, crumbled would be the correct term. Small breaks in the pavement soon joined with other breaks and quickly became "Pot Hole Heaven", a name so dubbed by the morning radio DJs. It's been rumored that some of these pot holes have no bottoms...and neither do the cars who have dared not slow down for them!

My son TJ recently uttered these words of wisdom to his impatient mother who accused him of wasting her time: "Time is only a measurement for growth or decay, nothing more." I have to admit, it made me think. It seems the changing of seasons makes this even more real. Not only the seasons made evident by the tilt of the earth to the sun, the dirtiness of my car or even the grass beginning to show, brown as it is, along side the roads, but in the people I know as well. Just this week I have had sad news of three, no, four people I know or are acquainted with who have passed away. One elderly gentleman was the Rev. Harold Kennedy, who was for many years my pastor. He watched me grow up on church pews, heard me plunk away at hymns and learn to play choruses by ear, he performed my wedding and dedicated my babies. Another link to my childhood laid to rest. Decay. A measurement of time. Also this month we had news a new baby girl, born to my daughter's friend. A new little bundle of spring (I voted for the name Daffodil, it was vetoed). My little grandson, Julian, has new teeth and is beginning to reach for teethers, blankies and hair! Sure signs of life continuing as it should. Growth. A measurement of time.

In my endeavor to stay as "young" as possible heath wise, I try to keep a positive and "young" outlook on life. As time inevitably passes, I try to avoid the pot holes and smell the daffodils, and yet I realize both are a part of that growth and decay that marks the passing of time. The Apostle Paul makes the comment "...We never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day." With the passing of time, my daffodils will surrender to decay, as did the road, and try as I may, my body is slowing losing the battle (Ouch! My ankle hurts), but my spirit can experience everlasting spring when I "fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:16, 18 NLT

Me & The Queen

Oh, Royal Joy! My youngest daughter was voted Homecoming Queen of her highschool! What a shock for this mom who didn't even dream of attending the Homecoming let alone being queen. Rosie was voted in on the basis of grades, Christian Character and of course popularity. She is also on the Varsity Basketball team which adds to her visibility. She is a well rounded (character wise) young lady and her dad and I are so proud of her. Congrats to you Queenie! Love from who else? The Queen Mother! XXOO