LANGUAGE IN OUR LINEAGE!

Growing up in a small town in Kentucky, I had a definitive "hick" accent--not rural, but small town, informal. 

I think of it as a language with lots of apostrophes. 

I wadn't plannin' on goin' down to Miss'ippi! (Siri tried to re-spell all those words) Last year when we moved to western North Carolina, I heard some similar, yet familiar "talk"----the grammarian in me couldn't help but smile.

I still emphasize the use of lay as to put or place, and lie as to rest or recline! Just ask my kids or grands!

This past week I read Jan Karon's most recent book, Beloved. 

The book took me back to a similar language that was in her lineage growing up in western North Carolina. She added a few new characters who lacked certain enunciation skills but the story line, with a Christmas theme, still focused often on the kindness of Father Tim.

At 88, she now lives in Black Mountain, NC. 

Beloved began with a dedication For Candace, Beloved Child of Light 

The book's brief prologue read, 

Beloved, 

let us love one another, 

for love is from God.

1st John 4:7    

I was glad I read the book's AFTERWORD because i realized the challenging time in her own life which deeply affected her and kept her from writing. Her only child and beloved daughter, Candace Freeland died of Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer. Without her, life was "without savor", Karon said. (Beloved. p. 413) Five months later her brother, Barry died. 

Jan Karon returned to the language she knew best and started writing---

it became her balm....a metaphor/language for healing and comfort.

MONOGRAM

It could be more of a southern tradition but monograms seem important in my "neck of the woods."

My daughter's wardrobe, as a youngster, was filled with monogrammed items and on to baby dishes and other items.

Dresses. Ruffled panties. Burp cloths 

Lockets. Silver baby julep cups. You get the idea.

As a newlywed, I proudly "sported" my new monogram, as most of my newly married friends "sported" theirs. 

My T-Cup travelers have lots of monogrammed items-- purses, towels, travel cups, baskets,  T-shirts...and a few funny stories that accompany them!

These days too many believers seem to be in the throes of "identity amnesia" We have forgotten whose we are! (Tripp, 4/12)

Today, Christian, understand that the most eternally important monogram to wear proudly would be....

............CHILD OF GOD!(1John 3:1)

The monogram that truly counts!

BROTHERLY LOVE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROTHER BUDDY!

If one's birth order places her in the "middle" it can be a BIG blessing if she is the opposite gender---such was my placement. Born between two brothers who are caring and who carefully continue to follow Mother's final days instruction to "take care of Dotsy," I am doubly blessed. (Proverbs 6:20)

Beloved, let us love one another".......(1 John 4:7)

As my older brother reminded me two years ago, he has always been "beside" me. How right he is. He sent me the proof in the pix below. 

Even as we aged and "little" brother, Bobby, out grew us all at 6'5", there was always room for me in the middle----right between them.

Of all the folks left on this earth, brother Buddy has known me the longest, stood beside me the longest and loved me the longest. How grateful I am! 

On his birthday, I lift birthday prayers of praise and thanksgiving for him in my life----yet I know I'm the one who has received the gift of an "always beside me brother."

GRAMMAR LESSON FOR MEDITATION

4/23/12 First person singular

Grammatical person in nominative case English pronoun---tends to dominate the thought life of most Americans. 

CONVICTION!

What “I” want! What "I" desire! What “I” deserve! 1st person or the self. “I” is certainly the “person” easiest for folks to put FIRST.

But God….has shown me this week how that “self” focus is not God honoring or “other” honoring. sIn. prIde. “I” boldly occupies the middle of those 2 self-seeking words.

Meditate on these words from John as you seek to move self out of the limelight and focus on loving God and serving others.

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. (1 John 3:17-18)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

Yesterday, Cole’s sermon, along these same truths (Malachi 2:10-17), concluded with “the larger “I” gets in our lives, the less regard we have for God and others.”

End of lesson!