I'm so Thankful...

Just a short note today about how thankful I am.
I'm so thankful that my work allows me to be with folks who need me. I've got friends who need someone to drive them to their doctor's visit today, and because my schedule is flexible, I'm able to do that.
I'm also thankful about my schedule, because some of our younger granddaughters may need to come stay with us this summer, because their parents both may have to have surgery during the same time. I'll be able to take care of them while their parents are recuperating; their parents won't have to worry about doing the things that little girls need and can get well quicker.
I'm glad I work from home, so I can do these things - the things I lose because I don't work in an office are nothing stacked up against the blessings I get from being at home with my family.

What Will You be Doing on Memorial Day?

Our county has truly served her country well- we have many veterans living among us, from World War II, Korea, Viet Nam and all the way to current-day conflicts.
I read a statistic that our country, on average, is losing over one thousand World War II veterans every day, and that’s not counting vets from other wars. What are we doing to insure that the history within those men and women doesn’t die with them? And more importantly, what are we doing to make sure all veterans know we hold them in honor and respect?
Whether we agree with the wars they fought in or not, we owe these men and women a debt of gratitude we can never repay.
I’d like to challenge you to do two things. First, if you know of someone who is a veteran, spend time with them. Get to know them- at some point, they may want to share their experiences with you. Whether they do or not, make sure you tell them how much you appreciate the sacrifices they made for you and your family.
Second, remember that we have many veterans who are buried in cemeteries in our area- and many of those cemeteries depend on the family members for maintenance. I’ve seen some graves that have gone untended, either because the family has moved away or died, or because family members are no longer able to keep them clean. If each one of us adopted a grave and made an effort to keep it cleaned up, what a difference it would make! The simple act of placing a small flag on the grave would be another way to show honor to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Someone once said we live in the land of the free, because of the brave. Please remember to thank those brave men and women who answered the call of their country.

Book Review- The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

One of my favorite authors is Francine Rivers. I discovered her about twelve years ago, when her book, The Scarlet Thread, was a featured book in the book club to which I belonged. I ordered the book, but wasn't able to start on it for a couple weeks. When we took the kids on vacation, I took it along to read while we drove at night and the kids slept.
I decided to start 'just the first chapter' as we left the house, and was never able to put it down after that.
For those not familiar with the story of Rahab in the Old Testament: Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho. When Israelite spies came to Jericho, she hid them in her home, to save them from the authorities. Even though she was not an Israelite, and was a prostitute, she recognized that the God the Israelites served was the true God.
The spies left under her guidance; they told her to hang a scarlet cord from her window and they promised her when the Israelites took Jericho, she and everyone who was in her household would be saved.
Rahab's story is a story of faith and redemption- and Francine Rivers uses those themes to tell the story of Sierra Madrid and her ancestor, Mary Kathryn McMurray. Both women are strong, stubborn women, who feel they know best for their families; but as their lives unfold they realize that they've tried to 'help' God to do the things that need doing.
I like this story because it reminds me that God is in charge, and that I don't need to help him do what needs to be done; I just need to be obedient...
I enjoy reading this story again and again, because it's a story of romance and love, with a lot of adventure thrown in.
It was published in '96, so you may have to look a bit for it, but trust me, it's worth it.
Some other great books by Francine Rivers are The Mark of the Lion (series of three books set in early Christian times), The Atonement Child, Leota's Garden and The Shofar Blew. She also has a series titled Sons of Encouragement, which tells the story of different men in the Bible.
Try any one of these books, and I'm sure you'll love them. Mrs. Rivers is a great author and I know you'll enjoy getting to know her and the people she writes about.

How Thankful I am...

My doctor's visit went well yesterday- this was my first followup after my surgery two weeks ago. Home health nurses have been coming in to change out packing/dressing in the incision, but my husband's been handling a large part of that task.
It's about a 45 minute job twice daily, and it's been pretty strange for both of us- I tense up expecting things to hurt (they do sometimes) and Randy is tense not wanting to hurt me.
The doctor checked everything yesterday and we can now stop doing the packing, which was a great relief to both of us- I don't think either of us realized how much stress it was putting on us until we could stop.
The tests have come back negative - the doctor said he had no idea what caused the abscess, but he thinks it could have been staph. I'm off all meds, just keeping everything clean and dry. I can now drive, and in a few weeks I'll be back completely on a normal schedule.
I am so thankful for so many things- first of all my husband, who has done some pretty amazing things over the past few weeks, and done it with a sense of humor. He hasn't let all this stuff gross him out and he hasn't let it change the way he looks at me. He's just a great guy all the way around, and I wouldn't take anything for him. (Don't get me wrong - if he'd told me he couldn't handle it, it wouldn't have bothered me at all - we would have worked out another solution).
I'm thankful for lots of good friends who have kept up with how I've done and followed up with me; I'd have calls most every day, just checking on me and reminding me that they love me. We had offers for meals, errands - most anything you can imagine.
I'm thankful for a great doctor who took good care of me.
I'm thankful for the home health nurses who came out and took care of me- it takes a special person to do what they do, and I admire them greatly.
I'm thankful that I'm in good health.
I'm thankful that God has shown me that even when I can't do the things I normally do, I can still do something - this time has really increased my prayer life, and it's also made me realize that I need to stay in contact with the people I love, so they know I love them.
Thank God for the good times and the bad times- we can learn from both!

Time sure flies!

I haven't been online much lately - so many things going on. Some ongoing situations here at home have been keeping us busy, both on our knees praying, and talking with others in the situation to get things taken care of.
I'll be having outpatient surgery on Thursday, so it will be another day or two after that before I feel like posting again- your prayers are appreciated!

Is having more than two kids being selfish?

Check this story - http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=424030.
My husband and I have a blended family of six children- my first husband and I had three children, a daughter and two sons. My husband and his first wife had two children - a daughter and a son. And Randy and I have a daughter together- that's right, six kids... just like the Brady Bunch (NOT).
And it doesn't stop there - our oldest daughter has a daughter and two sons; our oldest son has three daughters and a son; our next oldest daughter has a son and a daughter. Our next oldest son is expecting his first child this fall. And that's not counting how many children our two youngest will have when they get married. Ten grandchildren so far, and still counting... and I love each and every one. Some of our children we got the regular way, and some came as a package deal (some people call that steps, but we call them bonuses!) We love our grandchildren, and we don't make any differences in them.
So this story really hit a sore spot with me- I get grief from all kinds of people (including a lot more Christians than you might imagine) because we have a large family.
Now don't get me wrong- I think it's totally wrong to bring children into this world when you have no desire to take care of them, and your only reason for having them is to add to the number of checks you receive from the government every month.
But I have looked through the Bible, and I have yet to find any scripture anywhere that says God punished people by giving them children- quite the opposite. In some times, God punished people by withholding children from them.
Psalm 127 says:
3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

My husband and I are very blessed by our children- sure, they've messed up sometimes, just like we have, but I would not trade anything for them.
And even if you don't want to consider things from a biblical stand, consider this: the more children we have, the bigger the work force twenty years from now. As there are more workers, there are more wages to tax, and more services and products to sell.
And as far as there not being enough land or food for the people we have on earth now- that's a bunch of hogwash... if we're running out of food, why is the government paying farmers not to raise certain crops?

Oh, and as a balance on stopping life from beginning, check what Arlen Specter has to say about older folks who are at the end of their lives- http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=426486 - nice huh?

Do children really need cell phones?

Check out this blog post about children and cell phones- http://www.christianity.com/11599436/ - this guy is on the money- if we don't have time to monitor our children's phone and texting history, we don't have time for them to have a cell phone.
We sometimes tend to treat our kids like they're grownups, when they aren't. I saw a family movie a couple years ago, where the 15 year old daughter told her dad she had the right to date who she wanted, and the mother was standing there agreeing with her!
My fifteen year old is a very bright, loving, caring person, but she's still only fifteen, and she doesn't always have the wisdom or discernment to know that people can be other than what they seem- and it's my job, and my husband's job to help her find the right path.

Whatever happened to our right to protect ourselves and our property?

Check this story out - http://www.therant.us/usa.htm#0210.
When did it become a crime for us as US citizens to protect our families, property and homes from those who would destroy it?
This really gets my goat... our country is quickly turning into a socialist state, and this type of lawsuit is just the thing to start a drive to take property away from folks who have worked hard to get it, and give it away to anyone who wants it.
How long are we as citizens going to sit by and let our government destroy us? we need to remember that the main reason we were granted the right to bear arms, was to protect ourselves from our government.

Super Bowl Ads

There are always some very good Super Bowl ads; but there's one we apparently won't get to see this year.
Check the video out on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2CaBR3z85c - it's a very thought-provoking comment on how we view life. How many abortions are performed every year with no though to the third person involved- what that person could do if given the chance?
It's worth a look. Let me know what you think.

Injured Police Officer Dies

About ten days ago, a Montgomery police officer was injured in a wreck; his car was struck by another vehicle and pushed against a light pole. His car hit the pole hard enough to wrap around it. Then on last night's news, they announced that the officer had died.
His mother did a very short interview, and said that she wanted the family of the other driver to know that her family loved them, and was praying for them all and held no hard feelings towards any of them.
Can you imagine having the ability to do this, so quickly after losing a family member? It can only be the grace of God helping them through this.
My prayers go out to both families.


http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=9730565

Show Me Your Way

Show me your way, I want to walk with you.
Show me your way, I have my hope in you.
The cry of my heart is to love you more,
To live with the touch of your hand.
Stronger each day, show me your way.
Our new music/worship leader taught us this chorus a couple weeks ago, and it's hung in my head. I find myself singing it all the time- walking the dogs, taking a shower, driving - it's an awesome song and I love how it makes me feel.

A New Life

We had two young women make life-changing decisions this past weekend in our church. One young woman came back to God, after a long time away. Without going into details (those are hers alone to share), she's been living her life the way she wanted, instead of following God's leading.
She found her way back this last Sunday, and God swept her up into His loving arms. I know God is always happy when His children come home, and I'm sure He was overjoyed about this young woman. The angels rejoiced with us all...
I spoke to her a few minutes last night after prayer service, and gave her my numbers. I told her that I would be there for her when and if she needed me. I also made sure she understood that I'm not going to judge her, because I've messed up plenty of times myself. I think that's one place we Christians fail our new members, or folks coming back to God. We don't let them know that we fall down all the time; new Christians may think that once you get saved, you don't mess up anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth- and we need to make sure they know it. I mess up everyday, just like everybody else does. The only difference between me and someone who isn't saved is this- I've turned my life over to God, and He helps me when I do fall down. He brushes me off, reminds me that He loves me, and sets my feet back on the path again.
There's a song on Mark Lowry's "But Seriously" album (thanks to Bob Carlisle):

Cursing every step of the way, he bore a heavy load
To the market ten miles away, the journey took its toll
And every day he passed a monastery's high cathedral walls
And it made his life seem meaningless and small

And he wondered how it would be to live in such a place
To be warm, well fed and at peace; to shut the world away

So when he saw a priest who walked, for once, beyond the iron gate
He said, Tell me of your life inside the place...
And the priest replied...

We fall down, we get up
We fall down, we get up
We fall down, we get up
And the saints are just the sinners
Who fall down and get up

Disappointment followed him home; he'd hoped for so much more
But he saw himself in a light he had never seen before

Cause if the priest who fell could find the Grace of God to be enough
Then there must be some hope for the rest of us
There must be some hope left for us

We fall down, we get up
We fall down, we get up
We fall down, we get up
And the saints are just the sinners
Who fall down and get up

Isn't it great to know that when we fall down, God's there to pick us up? Thank God there are no limits to how many times...

Foxnews reports baby's body thrown away with trash...

This is not going to be for the faint of heart, so be warned before you read further.

The young woman in the story says she went into premature labor and delivered her baby alive on Dec. 21, but problems due to the early birth caused his death; doctors had worked with him for about 20 minutes before he passed away. The hospital is maintaining that the baby was stillborn.

The mother’s sister says that she accompanied a nurse who took the baby’s body to the hospital’s morgue. On Jan 2, the hospital contacted the mother, stating that the funeral home had come to pick up the baby’s body, but it couldn’t be found. Police say that the baby was thrown out in the garbage; searches have been underway, but the body hasn’t been found yet. The hospital hasn’t admitted that the baby was thrown away, but they aren’t disagreeing with the police report either.

This is a horrible thing to happen; the hospital says the baby was stillborn, but is that really an issue? Either way, the baby’s body is missing, and the hospital isn’t denying that they threw it away.

Of course, this brings to my mind another story in the news- a young teenager gave birth to a baby at home, and when it died, she threw it away. A body has been found but they haven’t determined whether it’s this girl’s baby or not. What does it say about our society that we find the bodies of thrownaway babies, and they have to run DNA tests to determine whose baby it is?

And as horrible as that is, consider this: the bodies of aborted babies are discarded in our country every day- where is the fine line that makes it OK to do this to an aborted baby (I refuse to call them a fetus, they’re babies) and a baby who was either born dead or died after birth? At what point is a baby a baby and not a fetus? At 6 months along in the pregnancy? At 8 months and two weeks? And if that’s the line, what about one day before the line? Or even one hour?

Our society has grown complacent about life itself – if abortion weren’t such an easy thing and so accepted a practice, I don’t believe our young people would feel so flippant about the rest of life. Abortion has become a form of birth control – if you decide that you don’t want to lose your waistline right now, then go ahead and abort that baby. It’s no one’s business but yours, right? And it’s certainly not hurting anyone, is it? I know, some of you are probably jumping up and down, screaming about rape, incest and the life of the mother… but look at the statistics – most abortions are performed on women who are ‘just not ready for a child’.

When we as a society decided that some forms of life aren't sacred, like the unborn babies, or those who are old and unable to care for themselves, or those who are ill and need assistance in their daily lives, or those who are mentally disabled and need some supervision - when those people aren't living a life that's worthy enough to save, then we've gone too far. Whose responsibility is it to say whose life has quality, and whose doesn't?

My sister in law had ALS for the last several years of her life. Although near the end, she couldn't do anything for herself, she was a wonderful gift to us all. We helped her when she needed help, and she helped us- she encouraged us, she lifted us up in prayer, she taught us so many things- how can a life as full as that not be a life of quality?

I would hate to think about a daughter of mine being raped, and becoming pregnant by that act. But the lasting effects of an abortion, both physical and mental, should be weighed against the effects an unwanted pregnancy might cause.

God help us- we're going down the road to hell and we don't even realize it.

How Great is God?

Our family and a friend's family have been going through a pretty rough situation over the last few months, and it seems to be getting worse instead of better, over the last few days. I haven't slept well the last two nights, thinking about what's going on, and what may happen. (and I know I'm not supposed to be doing that, but you know how that goes...)
This morning during my prayers, I apologized to God for not staying in His word more, and for not trusting Him in all things.
Several months ago, I had signed up for a daily devotional called Oil Change (sign up for it here), but I don't always take time to read it. It always includes some scriptures and a very good devotional...
so after I prayed this morning, I opened today's devotional, and what do I find as the scripture?

"Psalm 18:1-6
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears."

How is that for God being an on-time God? He knew yesterday that I'd start back reading the devotionals today, and He also knew that I'd be having trouble dealing with the situation going on... so He gave Rev. Rob exactly what I needed to read this morning.
I've seen this time and time again - God placing people and things in my path so that I come to them at exactly the time I need them. Friends, family, encouraging notes, money, an email with information I needed- no matter is too big or too small for God to help me with.
Now if I can just train myself to remember that when I need to. I can be a goober sometimes, but I sure am glad that God loves me, even when I am being a goober.

Our new worship leader

Hubby and I have attended the local Assembly of God church for the past six years or so; we both grew up in small-town Baptist churches, so it was a bit different worshiping in a pentecostal church. It's been an amazing thing to learn so much more about how the Spirit works- not that we weren't taught about the Holy Spirit in our earlier churches, but the attitude towards worship in our church is wonderful- no time constraints, just following the leading of God in how we worship and conduct our church services.
Since we've been at this church, our pastor has led the whole service, from start to finish. It's quite a job, working out the song service, helping the choir/worship team get ready, having a message prepared, and being ready to follow how God wants us to do the service each time.
We just hired a new worship leader and it's made a huge difference in the attitudes of everyone in church- our pastor is now able to worship along with us, and become refreshed and filled before he delivers the message God has for us. Our worship leader makes sure the service keeps moving, with no 'dead space', making sure we continue to sing or lead praise for as long as it's needed to get everyone in the place where they can feel His presence.
He's also doing something that I'd never thought about, but it's a great idea - he makes sure that our musicians are allowed at least one song where they don't have to play, but can worship freely too- sometimes he does this by leading us a Capella, sometimes we sing to pre-recorded music - but it's helped the musicians get in their worship mode as well.
He also encourages us to be ready to sing solo or small group songs as well.
I'm so glad that God moved our pastor to make this step, and I'm also very thankful that our worship leader agreed to come be a part of our church family- it's helped us all. Our pastor is able to worship with us, so he's more focused on his message, our choir is encouraged in what we're doing - we've already felt God's presence quicker and more strongly in the service, and I believe our congregation is being encouraged to worship more freely.
We've all been blessed by this experience, and I know it's going to help our church family grow.
My slogan for this year- BIG THINGS COMING! I believe a part of that is our church's growth into new areas...

Don't let someone steal your Christmas

We were at my MIL's house last night for our Christmas eve celebration. My hubby's three sisters were there, along with most of the rest of the family.
I'm sure Christmas at most folks' houses was like it was at ours- not as much extra money to spend on gifts, and not doing as much traveling. I'll admit, I'd allowed that to make me feel like Christmas wasn't coming this year.
But after we got there, and I started talking to the kids, I felt much better. Tanner, 2nd grade, whose letter to Santa made the paper, had to decipher one part of his letter (they print them just as the kids spell them- so cute), and we discussed his wishes for an all Alabama Christmas (I'm a big Auburn fan).
Then granddaughters Chloe, Destiny and Neveah all had to tell me what Santa brought them (he comes to their house a night early, because of blended family issues). Granddaughter Lanie also told me her latest news - she has a wonderful imagination and she always perks me up.
Grandson Hunter, who is a teenager now, is one of the sweetest, most polite young men you'll ever meet. Even when I asked about the website I'd heard was devoted to his girlfriends, he went along with the joke, teasing me right back. He's so good with his little sister, and a natural when it comes to taking care of his new baby brother.
And speaking of babies - who can turn down a chance to cuddle with a baby? They always have a smile or a giggle for you. We were lucky enough to spend last night with two babies, both as cute as can be.
Don't let the economy or your surroundings steal your Christmas - remember that there are people out there who love you and don't care if you've got a bunch of money. They love you because of who you are to them.
And remember that the real reason for our celebration is a special baby who was born a long time ago, and who gave us all the best Christmas gift ever- because He made it possible for us to get past our own sinful natures and become a part of God's kingdom.
Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving thoughts

Well, Thanksgiving has passed for another year. We had all the fixings at MIL's house, and got to see family members we haven't seen in a while; then off to my mom's house, where we had sandwiches, finger foods and a veggie tray, which was a very nice change. It's hard to eat two big meals in a day, especially when you're not used to it.
It was good to see everyone, but we missed a lot of loved ones... hubby's daughter couldn't come because her husband was on call and couldn't leave the base. She's missed seeing him the last two Thanksgivings, so we certainly understood why she wanted to stay home with him. She's a good daughter, mom and wife and we're proud of her. My daughter's family spent the day with her honey's family, so we missed seeing them too, but we understand - it's hard to get everywhere, when there's such an extended family to see.
Hubby's son and his wife came, but their kids were all visiting other relatives, and my older son is back overseas, so we missed about half of our family. It's tough having a blended family, and even more tough during the holidays.
But we have lots to be thankful for - our grandchildren are healthy and happy, they have good parents and good homes, they're intelligent and they're being raised by responsible people.
My husband's mother and both my parents are still living, and they're all in reasonably good health;while they may have problems from time to time, they have a good quality of life, and we all live near enough to see them often.
Hubby and I both enjoy life and have lots of interests to keep up going - besides our immediate family, our church family always has things going on, and of course our riding friends are ALWAYS up to something!
Last but not least, we're thankful that we live in a country where we've got to right to speak our minds, and to believe as we wish, whether it suits someone else or not.
What are YOU thankful for?

On Speaking Publicly

This past weekend, I had to represent our town at a family reunion. Most of the family had moved away from our area, so the hostess asked me to speak on the history of the town.
I contacted someone from our historical society and got some great information, and sat down to write my speech. I'm sure that my speech wouldn't win any prizes, but I do think I did rather well, and most folks seemed to enjoy listening to what I had to say. Here are some of the things I did.
First I thought about how long I wanted to speak. I personally despise listening to long, dry, boring political speeches, and I hate to think about putting anyone else through that. I decided that 15 minutes was my limit, and I hoped to keep it less than that.
Next, I thought about all the things I wanted to say - I made about three pages of notes and ideas. My own personality is quirky, to say the least, so I knew I needed the speech to sound like me, and not a professional writer. I knew I wanted to bring some humor about living in a small town, but I didn't want to sound like I was making fun of our town. I also knew I wanted to pique the interest of those who were learning about Rutledge, so they'd be encouraged to learn more on their own.
You also need to know that the hostess found out I ride a motorcycle, so she asked me to invite as many of my riding friends as possible, to escort me in. The clothes I ride in (jeans, t-shirt, leather gloves and boots, etc) do not lend themselves to what you normally expect from a speaker, so I knew I had to keep things light.
Then I sat down and wrote what I'd like to say, adding things from my notes, and deleting things, until it flowed like my normal speaking pattern. I printed it out on half-sheets stapled together on one corner to keep them together, and read through it in front of my mirror until I was comfortable with how it sounded, practicing the parts where I tended to stumble over phrases.
I didn't memorize the speech, but I was so familiar with it, that I could work through it without looking like I was reading it, and I was able to vary a little on what I said.
By the time I was in front of the group, I was comfortable enough to make eye contact with different areas of the crowd while speaking.
I'm not going to say it was hugely successful, because only the listeners know for sure. But I was able to move through it, without my knees knocking too badly, and I did have several people tell me that they had learned something new about our town. That was my goal, so I feel good about it.
By the way, my friends sat in several areas of the group, so I was able to look at them while I spoke- it's amazing how a friendly face in a crowd can help you get through public speaking!

Back into the sunshine

Only two weeks ago, I was preparing myself to lose a very dear friend. We prayed over him, and trusted God that He would work things out for good, but I still traveled through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
I know each of us owes a life, and I know none of us will get off this world alive, unless Jesus comes back first. It doesn't make it any easier to think about losing your friends and loved ones.
Well, today I'm celebrating! I saw with my own eyes how God handles things. My friend is up walking around, talking, seeing and hearing - even though doctors were afraid he would lose all those things. He spoke to us this morning about concerns for our town, and he was as sharp as ever. He came in to the meeting under his own power. He heard what we said, saw us, and was able to tell us what he thought about things; he remembered details from earlier discussions, and knew details about the projects we're currently working on.
I struggle each day to praise God in all things, good and bad;I have a song that encourages me to do just that - it's one of my favorite songs "I'll Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns; here are the words:

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
(words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms)

What I learned

I'll hit the half-century mark in just a few days - boy, that sounds old! I don't feel that old, but apparently I am, because my kids say so... they think some of my views on life are wacky and outdated, but I know why I feel that way.
Some of my favorite memories of childhood involve what's now called classic TV. I grew up when 'Leave it To Beaver', 'I Love Lucy', 'Bonanza', 'Dick Van Dyke' and 'Andy Griffith' were seen on television. I look at the world today through eyes that grew up on those shows, and I learned the truths of life watching them.
Uncle Jed was always as meek as a lamb, but wise as a serpent. He saw the best in folks, always tried to help out the less fortunate, but he didn't let folks take advantage of him, and he stood up for what was right. He didn't let all that money change him from the good man he was.
Laura Petrey always met Rob at the door, glad to see him, and she was sexy in her capri pants.
Lucy's hairbrained schemes rarely worked, but she always had good sense of humor when she messed up.
Ward wanted his boys to behave their best, and sometimes went too far in his expectations, but he also was man enough to admit when he'd messed up, and would ask their forgiveness when he did.
Pa Cartwirght expected his sons to work hard and play fair. He used the power his money and land brought him to help those around him, and make the whole community a better place.

My kids and I watched a movie called "Pleasantville" when it first came on television, and their response to the black and white section was 'that is so boring'... as a parent in today's society, I think sometimes boring might be a good thing. School shootings, teen pregnancy, drugs, and a general sense from most folks that there's no such thing as the sanctity of human life - those things might be exciting, but I don't think that makes them very good.