LESSONS FROM DADDY

2/25/12 Peonies----I just love them. Mama Davenport had gorgeous ones on the rise in her back yard---her cutting garden. The peony bushes backed up to her neighbors’ fence and many a family picture was snapped there among all the blooms in her cutting garden. She would cut peonies and bring them in for her kitchen table. Before they made it to the table they would sit in a big watering can on the back steps outside Dang-Dang’s sleeping porch door. Those blooms full of petals would make us all smile. Blossoms of white with a few pink thrown in for interest.

She loved them first. Therefore I couldn’t help but love them.

They were Mama’s  “pee OWN nees”----regardless of how Webster says we’re to pronounce peony, Mama’s accent was always on the 2^nd syllable.

As a child, Daddy taught me to never make fun of another’s pronunciation when it was different from my own. I still remember the pain/shame I felt from that admonishment when I giggled at Mama’s pronunciation of our phone #---Tuxedo 5-3985. A lesson taken to heart. Kindness taught in a teachable moment. (Ephesians 4: 1-2, 32)

Hopefully, I will continue to afford this grace to others. Another of Daddy’s lessons well learned.

Got junk?

4/24/12 More specifically, got a junk drawer? According to organizing guru, Maryanne MacDonald, no drawer should be a junk drawer, ie a catchall. Each drawer should have a specific purpose. I assume she meant that junk wasn’t a worthy purpose. Our junk drawer evolved into a purpose on its own---a place for hubby and me to put things when we didn’t know where else to put them. “Tidy”ing said “junk” drawer wasn’t on my day’s “to do” list but it came about anyway when I was looking for a sturdy rubberband. I was too lazy to go upstairs and get one out of the “Rubberband” labeled drawer in my old card catalog. Excess “junk” had the drawer jammed----thus the tidying up began.

As I culled and organized, I mused how akin to my brain this drawer was. Crammed. Filled to overflowing. Some information was useless clutter (trivia comes to mind) making retrieval for important info virtually impossible at times.

Sadly, one’s mind can be too spiritually similar to a junk drawer. Truth is, some thoughts don’t need to take up permanent residence there. Those thoughts can build resentment and bitterness and can “jam” pure thoughts or spew over and affect other unrelated aspects of your life. Bitterness is known in the Bible as spiritual poison and a means by which many are defiled (Hebrews 12:15)

 

Some thoughts never need to be allowed access in the first place. Take every thought captive… (2 Corinthians 10:5)

If mind ”junk” continues to be a problem, “….be transformed by the renewing of your mind” through scripture. (Romans 12:2)

Of course, I tidied up my drawer and wrote it on my “to do” list, (after the fact) so I could ✔ it off and feel a sense of accomplishment. Just yesterday, Debbie P. told me she often does the same thing. Since she’s a pastor’s wife, that info made me feel much better.

✔Drawer accomplished. Beginning to work on my brain now because in one’s thought life..…..organized junk is still junk.

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!

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: People who make a difference

4/22/12 In our lives we have family members, friends, neighbors, even service industry folks who make a difference. That’s what I saw as I looked through my photos from this week. These plants reminded me of such people. I am thankful for each in my life.

Bloom from my “heritage” snowball bush---originally from my grandmother, Mama’s, childhood home in Hampton Station KY. She took a cutting with her when she married Robert Davenport (my Dang-Dang) and moved to Clarksville, TN. Mama was my spiritual mentor.

A Magnolia tree given by Nancy R., a former Longreen neighbor, in memory of that same grandmother. A real essence of sweetness comes from her memory tree, just as pure sweetness emanated from the very core of her being 

A snapshot from my Wednesday “walkabout” with long time friend and walking encourager, Ellen. We walked in my “hood” this week.

Honeysuckle where I park for my “local” library---there the librarians bless my heart with their recommendations of “good reads” and big smiles. The distinct smell of the honeysuckle had childhood love of libraries and other memories flooding my mind.

Dear friend Ann’s, son Brad, (in sunglasses) has always been a generous supporter of the university. I know how pleased she is with his continued generosity in Memphis-- from education, health, and church to the arts.

A single dogwood bloom on the tree outside the track area beside hubby’s office at the university—a man who puts up with me. Enough said.

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CELEBRATORY DAY

4/20/12 …..A Morning Centennial Event

What a day of events! More like a stroll down memory lane as I walked The University of Memphis campus. Some things changed but many things---were just the same. 

No longer do young ladies have to wear a trench coat to cover themselves if they are wearing shorts to their gym class. Old Scates Hall is still pretty. Our UM Liles graduates brick in front of Scates is much worn from trampling of many students and that’s a good thing. Mynders dorm still has the wrap porch where friends once got caught “spying” on a cute football player---I got so tickled, I left my mark right there in the grass. Jones Hall where I stood by as Janie B. steamed open a letter from D. B.’s girlfriend before putting it into his box. (Isn’t that a federal offense?) Rawls hall 5^th floor window that housed Molly Guard and me the semester before she married Nick. The 4^th floor window where Winslow and I were roomies and wrote notes on our windows for the world to see.  Also where W helped me climb in a back window when I was late for a Sunday night sign in. Of course, she had already signed me in. Not very spiritual--- but crazy, fun memories just the same.

 Not very spiritual came to mind because the reason I was on campus was an invitation as the former “Religion Editor” of the 1960s weekly campus newspaper the Tiger Rag. At that point in time,  I probably had more of a religiosity than a relationship with the Lord. Church attendance kept me “accountable” and I was more likely to be in church for some godly insurance on the Sunday before a BIG test than out of desire for truth.

Today, I joined other editors, photographers, etc. from those earlier years of the school’s publications and sat in on Otis Sanford’s “Diversity and Society” class. I was the only female visitor and I imagine the only one who had not pursued a journalism degree. Frankly, I probably did more writing with grants for Shelby County Schools than I even did as a member of that newspaper staff. As I recall, I put in schedules of events and “happenings” at the different “faith houses” on campus. Baptist Student Union, Hillel for my Jewish friends, Barth House for Episcopalians, Wesley House for Methodist students and I’m sure a Catholic one but I don’t remember an exact name. College students, according to my frosh roomie, (Carolyn ? from Collierville, a town foreign to this KY gal) only read faith news to see when there would be free food events.

The day’s lecture in a large lecture hall, a far cry from the cramped classroom we had in the basement of the old administration building, was “How Traditional Media is to Survive.” Mr. Sanford was a great prof---easy to listen to, with organized handouts which included practical tips and a visual presentation which ended on a positive note. He engaged the students in learning, accepted their thoughts, challenged their thinking and I gleaned much from the dialogue of the students themselves.

Today’s students’ reading habits have that same basis as readers of the old Tiger Rag---they just read for the info they want or need. It’s just rarely in a static form---most only know digital access these. Only wanting to be given the specific news they desire, they’d rather get it from twitter or a downloadable news or sports app. Bits of news between tweets and texts seems adequate.

I really did enjoy his class and the last words, I heard Mr. Sanford say to a student, though I don’t know the context, were “in spirit and in truth. And that comes from the Bible.” How right you are, Mr. Sanford. Those words are perfect words for an exiting religion editor, who today knows those words as a definition of true worship and that’s a real cause to celebrate.

AN AFTERNOON CENTENNIAL EVENT (“Stan the Man” was there.)

The unveiling of the Bronze Statue of Tom the Tiger with hubby was a fun way to celebrate along with others before traipsing off to lunch together. Rarely do the two of us have that privilege. That too is a reason to celebrate.

Posting pix so you other Memphis State/University of Memphis grads can get a glimpse of your campus. You’d be proud.

If you've forgotten the "Fight Song" words, they're written here. "Go Tigers go....."

Facing Manning Hall where those old science labs were once housed.

Signage by Panhellenic Building---not sure what it is now. Pi Phi and other sororities have their own houses elsewhere on campus.

CELEBRATORY NIGHT

 4/20/12 Oh what a night---Temptations Revue---centennial event---well, not exactly but as friend Doris said, “I thought they were all dead.” (or at least 100 yrs. old, maybe) Dennis was only one of the originals along with the son of original Temptation, Paul Williams. All still had the “moves” and could belt out that Motown sound, along with my favorite, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Hubby and I danced in the aisle on that one. Of course we did, that’s the rule!! A toe-tapping way to end a day of celebrations!

The unmistakable sound of "Motown"---the best beat and doo-wap music for "bop" steps.

LAMPS THAT GIVE LIGHT

4/19/12 If  you want to know the scoop on what to read, where to shop for…., or what’s on sale, etc. go to knitting at Drenda’s on Mondays. Those ladies are a wealth of information. They’re also nice---though they have all finished several 6” dolls for the Church Health Center, they still allow me to participate and I’m just now getting to the shoulder area on my first one.

At this week's gathering I got the “scoop” on an OTT. That’s a "must have" lamp for folks with eyes needing a little help. According to Sharon and Dren its white light helps one focus without a harsh glare and the details of a written page or a pair knitting needles become incredibly clear. So…..I drove immediately to Tuesday Morning because they were also “ON SALE.” Two words that resonate with this retiree.

This lamp does just as “advertised” by my knitting friends. It illumines with clearness more than just brightness. It’s bendable gooseneck directs the light right where I need it!!!

It helps me focus on my Bible and all those books that are right by my prayer chair---so that’s where I put it! Home décor folks beware---it might not blend with my traditional furniture but I don’t care! It meets my need!

It even shone brightly on that day’s (4/16/12) Upper Room entry, “A Lamp and A Light.” The title alone affirmed my decision but the real deal sealer was the verse.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
 and a light unto my path.  (Psalm 119:105)

God’s word is truly the lamp that lights the pathway I should follow.

My OTT literally gives perfect light that illumines God’s written word for me. But it’s the Holy Spirit that illumines my heart and gives understanding to those words, which my eyes can now see.

BEDTIME PRAYERS

4/18/12 Remember those first prayers you uttered? Mine were:

Now I lay me down to sleep.

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die, before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

God bless Mother, Daddy, Bobby, Buddy, myself and everyone in the whole-wide world. A-men!

(I probably added Buster our dog, when he became a family member.)

 Scripted? Yes. Ineffectual? Not necessarily. Scripted prayers can be an effective beginning point--- giving us words when we have no words. Whether it’s age or inability to form deep cries of our heart, “script” can help. Scripture being just that---a great guide for praying. All ready written out in God’s word for our use---to encourage us in developing a deep prayer life.

For me, praying scripture is different from a prayer “model” as scripture is often used to incorporate verses or an entire psalm within my own prayers.

The Lord’s Prayer is a model. We’re even instructed to “model” that in Matthew 6:9. “This, then, is how you should pray:”

Pray over one’s infant who’s lying in a crib or “sitting” on a grandparent’s bed, before he/she can even talk is important---soothing for both baby and adult. 

Whereas “Now I lay me down to sleep” gets a toddler started, the Lord’s Prayer becomes an outline for “prayer” for the older set, though possibly used more often in group settings, than at bedtime.

As a youngster, my “scripted” prayers were at mealtimes (“saying grace”) and my bedtime prayers were at night. Nowadays, though, as I pray before falling asleep, it’s more of a thankful reflection of my day. My “biggie” more consistent bedtime prayers occur in the morning before my feet even hit the floor.

Bedtime prayers have no prescribed words, as they vary with each pray-er. Nor is there a prescribed time. The important factor is having bedtime prayers. How will our children and grandchildren ever learn if we don’t join them bedside and show the way!

CONGRATULATIONS

4/17/12 Congrats to “my” man.

Lawrence E. Liles----University of Memphis  COE Centennial Hall of Fame

Dr. Donald Wagner, University of Memphis Dean of College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, honors hubby, Larry, as one of the 20 outstanding COE graduates from the past 100 years. The founding program of UM dates back to 1912, when West Tennessee State Normal School first opened its doors to students.

MONDAY MEDS

4/16/12 An RX meditation for spiritual apathy.

According to yesterday’s sermon notes, “acedia” is an old Latin term for sloth and boredom, ie. laziness for God. It is the antithesis of awe. It’s the spiritual sloth that can creep in when one does not cultivate delight and awe in the Lord. Too often it’s what happens as folks age. Does that disease reside in your soul?

Wouldn’t you like to rid yourself of this malady so that the Lord could say about you  (and me) what he said about Levi?

"My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. (Malachi 2:5-6)

Consider this worthy spiritual goal on “Meditation Monday"---a good dose of this could lead to a cure for spiritual apathy.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: HANDIWORK

4/15/12 From God’s creation to God’s gifting of his people and times when He blends the two, I have seen “God's handiwork" in many ways this week.

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, (Psalm 127:3)

God's creation in the hands of creative friend, Peggy.

Daughter's gift of creativity even extends to the culinary realm.

Measuring God's handiwork from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. 

I think I'll have to take that door frame with me to the"old folks home"