Heri-TEA-age : a memorable cuppa

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5, ESV)

I spent way too much time on the computer this morning. I was beginning reading 2 Timothy in prep for my church's "Leaving a Legacy of Eternal Significance" study and............... 

Following the assignment to read through the entire book, I went back to chapter 1 to answer questions. Then, a "reflection" question led me to google. I have always known of the sincere faith of my grandmothers---though one had a more grace-filled approach than my (possibly a little more legalistic) other one. But, for years I had also heard of the faith of Uncle Mabry's sister, Anna (aka "Stockade Annie") and the googling began.....and 3 hrs later...... I am filled with awe of a woman who had no children but became surrogate mom/grandmom to many. 

At Fort Campbell, KY, formerly Camp Campbell built on the Mabry's family farm land, Annie began a ministry. A ministry based on the mission stated in the New Testament for all Christians---visit the sick and those in prison. And that's what she did from the opening of the base (101^st Airborne Division) in 1942 until her death at 93 in the post hospital in 1969.*                                  

I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. (Matthew 25:36)

That's the cuppa heri-TEA-age I want to leave for my children and grands. A living faith. A faith that serves others.

Maybe I will use "Stockade Annie's" teaspoons at my next tea party with my grands. The silver was a gift to her, Anna Mabry Barr of Clarksville, TN---given to her  by the New Orleans parish of Layfayette Presbyterian Church to welcome her, the bride of their pastor, Dr. John Barr. (February 5, 1901)

*So much brewing on this "spirited" and spiritual relative, that another entry will probably be served.

"heredi-TEA" : an individual cuppa

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. (Psalm 78:4, NLT)

In the Christian faith, one is not born a Christian. Everyone comes to the Lord on his own. Acceptance of faith is not hereditary. Heredi-TEA in the Lord doesn't come through the bloodline of the parents, but through an individual's acceptance of the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. One claims faith for himself; it's not ascribed by birth.

However, God's word instructs us in several ways to guide one's children to that end: to share the goodness of the Lord; to tell of His deeds and power in one's own life; Recalling all the ways God has shown His hand.  

Legacy in the spiritual realm is a lifestyle as you can only leave what you live.

As DTS former professor, Howard Hendricks, said, "You cannot impart what you do not possess."

You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are.
Our older son brings each of his sons to Memphis the summer prior to his kindergarten year for a “heritage trip.”  A trip to Daddy’s hometown to see us, the paternal grandparents, along with Daddy’s former homes, schools and favorite places, and a side trip to Pickwick---where his daddy spent his growing up years.

A time of one-on-one events, coupled with lots of BBQ.

May each Liles generation "set its hope anew on God,..." (Psalm 78:7)

Building relationships is key to sharing a faith that "sticks"......"so the next 

generation might know them, even the children not yet born and they in turn 

will teach their own children." (Psalm 78:6)

"Heredi-TEA" : an individual cuppa of faith served singly (one by one) by the Lord Himself.

11-11-11

11-11-11 Not sure what all the hoopla is about this date. Of course, if you marry today, it's a pretty surefire way to have your spouse remember your wedding date.
For me it's only about Veteran's Day. This is the first year I have not been able to pick up the phone and call my favorite veteran. That saddens me in a way that surprises me. Daddy died 5 months ago. But....this past week has had all kind of memories catching me off guard.
This morning I used my purple pen in my journal---for my "purple heart" recipient, Daddy. I thanked the Lord for that purple heart because that wounding saved his life. The very next day as he recovered in the Philippines at the army hospital, the platoon sargeant who took his place and several members of his platoon, if not all, were killed by a Japanese ambush. Daddy rarely spoke of it. Maybe it was just too painful. Sometime those of us stateside forget what are troops are doing for us.

Freedom is so costly. Daddy, like many vets today, never saw the birth of his first born. Until his death, he bore the deep leg scars of a sniper's bullet and the deep emotional pain of losing his army buddies while he was allowed to live.

Today, I'm celebrating his memory by listening to the CD I recorded in 2002 of him reading aloud Brown Bear, Brown Bear along with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and What a Wonderful World as a keepsake for his great "grands." Thanks to him and all our vets who have contributed to making the USA a "wonderful world" for our families!!