SABBATH SNAPSHOT : stories of "des-TEA-ny"

We all have a story. We all have a destiny.

The Presbyterian pastor at today's Memphis Botanic Garden's sunrise service told the story of two men who lived a lesser story. 

One man gave himself to a zealous story of athletic pursuit, naming his daughter Crimson Tide and poisoning the iconic oak trees at Auburn University, a rival university. The pursuit of his story ended in capture. His destiny was prison.

In 2008, another man gave himself to the pursuit of money only to lose it in the plummeting stock market. The pursuit of his story ended in death. Broken down emotionally and financially, he shot his wife, three sons and mother-in-law. His destiny was suicide.

Then there is the great story. HIS story. The Bible story. A life not jaded by sin. A life freely given on behalf of all sinful men. Jesus Christ died for all; that we who live, may not now live to self, but live for Him and should make Christ, the end of our living and actions----for He died and rose again on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) His destiny---an on-going heavenly destiny, eternity.
Resurrection. The Easter reminder that there is no end to His story.

The timely dogwood blossoms continue to remind us of HIS story.

Jesus's story fulfilled his earthly destiny for our sake.

That's the des-TEA-ny cuppa I want---an eterni-TEA filled with Him.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: MAGIC OF MEMPHIS

Memphis Botanic Gardens Farmer's Mkt on Wed 2-6 pm

9/23/12 This week, with my eyes intentionally open to find the positive aspects of Memphis, I saw lots of good stuff---in just 3 days. Is it all merely one’s viewpoint?

Certainly negative words tend to run across our newspaper and top the “breaking news” intro on TV----But God…..reminded me that…..

With the blessing of decent people a city is raised up, but by the words of wicked people, it is torn down. (Proverbs:11:11)

So………….here's what I saw in places and people of Memphis in those 3 days.

Pop-up opera all over town for 30 days---Go Opera Memphis!

Art Classes for kids at the Dixon Gallery

Give 365 described in CA as philanthropy for young donors but they welcomed this Medicare gal as well----so many (11) worthy finalists for the "Eye on the Prize" grant money---

Catching up with Pi Phi Chum, Mimi, at GIVE365 meeting

A GREAT place to visit in the fall or spring....or anytime----a real Memphis treasure

View from Visible Music College toward Redbird's Stadium

Ekundayo Bandele, founder of Hattieloo presents his grant request for a technical theatre internship program at Give365. I LOVE Hattieloo---as all who know me can attest! Click to see renderings of new Overton Square proposed theatre district.

After school creative writing program at the Hooks library vying for one of the grants.

Wish I had a picture of the adorable Brady family who travel from Illinois to Memphis for St. Jude. They LOVE St. Jude and all of Memphis should as well!

Shakespeare as hubby likes it----FUNNY! Performance is such fun that we both recommend it for everyone!! TN Shakespeare Company----what an asset right here in our community!

Walkabout Wednesday: a reprise

30 Days of Pop-Up Opera (Photo by April, age 8)

9/19/12 Walkabout Wednesday took on a new twist this afternoon as my walking buddy, Ellen, has “turned” to swimming for exercise because of a foot malady. I miss our times together. I miss the different places we walk. I just miss her.

But.....today I had the granddaughter of friend Claudia Parlow to accompany me. We “walked” through the Farmer’s Market at the Botanic Gardens.  What a surprise we found there. The Opera Memphis folks were performing. Good music with great food. How serendipitous was that!

My young friend asked the OM director, “What are they singing?” When I asked her what he said, she replied, A word that tickles my tongue---“La Boheme.” 

I explained to her that this music was opera---and that they had been taking opera “to the people”----just popping up in different places like festivals, universities, parks, libraries and even the Greenline. I was thrilled that we had happened on one of their outside "free" productions!

When I asked her how she liked the music, I loved her response. “It crackles me up, and makes me shiver.”

Well done, Opera Memphis. That sounds like a rave review to me.

Since the group will be performing at Shelby Farms on October 6 (at the playground) I suggested a "walkabout reprise." Hearing the word playground, she was all for it.