Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Take Time......

Take the time today to be thankful. I know that sounds awfully simplistic, but with all of the stuff that we do every day, it is easy to forget to be truly thankful.
My first chore this morning was to visit the Imaging for Women Clinic for my annual mammogram. It's the third anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis and I'm very thankful that these nice people found that lump three years ago and because of their expertise, and the grace of God.....I am alive. PTL!!
My second task was to check my email. An old friend sent me the on-line link to an obituary of a fine gentlemen. He was a former junior high and high school teacher of mine back in Pittsburg, Kansas. Ernie Nelson was a tough teacher, but we kids all knew he was dedicated to his profession. The obit said he was 97 years young, and although I had not seen him for years, I can still remember the words of 2 plaques that hung on his classroom wall. the first plaque was the "Wise Old Owl". (The wise old owl sat in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why can't we be like that wise old bird?) Oh, my life would be so much easier if I would listen more.
The second plaque was longer, but the message began with the words "He who knows not," etc, and ends with "he who knows and knows that he knows is wise, follow him." Wonderful advice from a wise man.
I am thankful today for Ernie Nelson and for all of those who have guided me in my path. God is good.....every day.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

PRETTY WOMAN

Plans for UMW Annual Meeeting have all been put into place. Registrations have been confirmed by Registrar Vicki, food orders have been turned in, and hotel rooms have been booked. Gail has all of her ducks, or shall I say barbeque, in a row and we are ready ladies!
Two years ago we found ourselves second guessing the decision to hold this event WAAAY DOWN in Poplar Bluff. "It's so far. No one will want to travel that far for a meeting," we all whispered. We wern't even quite sure how to pronouce the name of the place. But, we went ahead, on Faith of course, and we began the planning work.
Well, guess what. It appears that we will have a record crowd down there! Over 250 women, men, and children have registered. CHARLES BUCK look out! Here we come.
Oh, and this meeting will be my "Last Hurrah", so to speak. Mabel Unser will be installed as 2010 President of the Conference. Sometimes, I can't believe it's only been four years and other times these four years have seemed so short.
Now, here's a thought for you all.I sincerely believe that all the members of United Methodist Women are beautiful. Yes, they are. When I look out at any gathering of our Mission Warriors, I see beautiful women. I see thoughtful,caring, and loving women. OUR members think about others, they care about what happens to all of God's children and above all they love their God. Those things make them beautiful beyond words and appearance. Now sometimes, we get a little less pretty. We get fussy and prickly and we bicker about all kinds of stuff. But, then we get down to the Purpose of this organization and our beauty always shines through.
Blessings Beauties.

Monday, September 7, 2009

What's cookin?

Have you seen the curent movie "Julie and Julia"? Basically, it is a clever combination of two stories of two women. They never meet, but Julie tries to put purpose to her life by spending one whole year creating the recipes from Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.
I enjoyed the movie so much that I purchased a copy of Julia Child's book. I wanted to cook the infamous Beef Recipe from the movie. However, my cooking skills are such that I first had to buy a proper pan to cook the durn thing in. But VOILA'! I did it and it was tasty. Now, I can't wait to try other new recipes.
Why, I am telling you this? Well, because I think it is important that we, as Faithful Christians, try new things. Are you in a rut and always doing the same thing? (Cooking the same recipes, planning the same meetings, following the same worship service format, singing the same hymns....over and over) BTW, did you know that the Doxology may be sung to the tune of "Hernando's Hideaway?" OLE'!
Bon Appetit, mes amis! Get creative! Do something out of the ordinary. Try a Souffle' instead of that boring meatloaf! How about helping the congregation learn a new hymn? God knows that it might wake a few people up in that meeting or that worship service.
Let me know what you serve this week. Adieu.