Yesterday was Earth Day. It was quite illuminating to hear all the information being aired on the many talk shows and read all the information in our publications. We have a lot of responsibility in taking care of this world. I hope everyone is wanting to do his or her part.
I found it interesting last week to read of a severe drought threatening what is believed to be the site of the Garden of Eden region in Iraq. According to the article Saddam Hussein drained the lakes and swamps to punish the people of the region because of religious and political differences. This 8,000 square mile area of wetlands teemed with hundreds of species of birds and fish and included fertile farm land. Saddam, in punishing this area built dams and walls to deprive the area marshes of water. The previously lush and abundant area shrunk by ninety percent. After Saddam's downfall, the United Nations has tried to restore the area by removing the water barricades that had been built. Although, some of this project has been successful, now recent droughts have caused the rivers, of the area, levels to drop. It continues to be an ongoing restorative process.
If we humans, who were created to care for this earth, that God loved so much, can successfully destroy the most lush and beautiful place on the planet, we must be aware of what havoc we can wreak on the rest of it. Although Saddam Hussein knew what he was doing, I believe the vast amount of the destruction of our earth comes from simply being unaware that our individual actions are constantly chipping away at our earth.
It is my desire that each one of us takes ownership of the role of caretaker of our own space and pays attention to the results of our actions. It's never too late to start embracing the lifestyle of reuse, reduce, recycle. I've got to go hang up a load of clothes now, my favorite household chore. I hope you have a wonderful day. luv, Susan
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I Still Miss My Friend
Sunday was a beautiful day. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Easter! I was surrounded by family, so it was a great day for me. I attended my first sunrise service over at Mt. Gilead, our little country church. I'd assumed it would be outside, but it was in the worship chapel. Seventeen of us enjoyed a wonderful Easter sermon about our risen Lord and then we got to sing our favorite hymns. Always a good thing. We ventured outside at the end of the service, around 8:00, and the sun was just peeking over the three crosses on top of the hill behind our church. After a dreary, rainy, even stormy Good Friday, having the beautiful sunlight on Easter morning was, indeed, uplifting. What a special day!!!
I was reminded of a dear friend a couple weeks ago while watching CMT. One of the new music videos was one that I had heard of, by Alan Jackson. I previously heard him discuss this song,that he had written, after a close family friend and emplyee, had passed away. It really shook him and his family to their core, as this young woman was in their home on a daily basis, sharing their lives, so to speak. After she was killed in a motorcycle accident, Alan just couldn't make any sense of it. As a musician and songwriter, he put pen to paper and a beautiful tribute poured out. Initially, he only meant this to be for her family, but, I believe, at the urging of her family, he has included it on his latest album and made it into a music video. I hope you'll get the chance to hear "Sissy's Song".
When I heard it the first time, I immediately began to think of my friend, Lynn. She was a good friend ,who I knew for many years. We had our ups and downs, as friendships do, but we ended on a wonderfully high note, sharing our love of quilting. In 2003, we had travelled to Paducah to attend the AQS Annual Quilt Show and Contest. We had a great time and were looking forward to April 2004 to head back to Paducah, wanting to make it an annual trek. Well, she wasn't doing so well as the month of April 2004 came around. She had been fighting cancer for a while and it seemed to be taking it's toll.
As I was making a visit to Lexington to visit family, I mentioned to her that I'd be buying a book for my son about "what to do with my life". She asked me to pick up one for her and her daughter, as well. She figured because cancer had dealt her a severe hit, she would need to find a new career for her life, as she believed she would now be physically limited. Once back, with the book, I was unable to reach her at home. Christina called later that day, to let me know the sad news. So, now, five years to the day of losing our dear "daughter, wife and mother" and friend, it is nice to have a beautiful song to give us comfort and continued healing. And as I continue to work on my upcoming high school reunion, I can continue to look forward to that wonderful reunion in heaven, when I can see my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, my friend Lynn, and so many others. I hope you have a great day, luv, Susan
I was reminded of a dear friend a couple weeks ago while watching CMT. One of the new music videos was one that I had heard of, by Alan Jackson. I previously heard him discuss this song,that he had written, after a close family friend and emplyee, had passed away. It really shook him and his family to their core, as this young woman was in their home on a daily basis, sharing their lives, so to speak. After she was killed in a motorcycle accident, Alan just couldn't make any sense of it. As a musician and songwriter, he put pen to paper and a beautiful tribute poured out. Initially, he only meant this to be for her family, but, I believe, at the urging of her family, he has included it on his latest album and made it into a music video. I hope you'll get the chance to hear "Sissy's Song".
When I heard it the first time, I immediately began to think of my friend, Lynn. She was a good friend ,who I knew for many years. We had our ups and downs, as friendships do, but we ended on a wonderfully high note, sharing our love of quilting. In 2003, we had travelled to Paducah to attend the AQS Annual Quilt Show and Contest. We had a great time and were looking forward to April 2004 to head back to Paducah, wanting to make it an annual trek. Well, she wasn't doing so well as the month of April 2004 came around. She had been fighting cancer for a while and it seemed to be taking it's toll.
As I was making a visit to Lexington to visit family, I mentioned to her that I'd be buying a book for my son about "what to do with my life". She asked me to pick up one for her and her daughter, as well. She figured because cancer had dealt her a severe hit, she would need to find a new career for her life, as she believed she would now be physically limited. Once back, with the book, I was unable to reach her at home. Christina called later that day, to let me know the sad news. So, now, five years to the day of losing our dear "daughter, wife and mother" and friend, it is nice to have a beautiful song to give us comfort and continued healing. And as I continue to work on my upcoming high school reunion, I can continue to look forward to that wonderful reunion in heaven, when I can see my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, my friend Lynn, and so many others. I hope you have a great day, luv, Susan
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Good Example
I try each year to be a better informed Christian. As Holy Week comes around, I want to learn more about it. This week happens to be the most significant time in our Christian lives. Today is Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper for Jesus and his disciples. I'm not familiar with Jewish traditions and holidays. But, because Jesus was Jewish and was brought up among the Jewish people, his life was filled with those feasts and celebrations. Therefore, our Hoy Week is structured around some of those Jewish traditions.
Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem prior to Jewish Passover, became the first day of our Holy Week. Palm Sunday is celebrated with palms, as they were waved over Jesus as he was welcomed into the city. The entire week is full of significant events that led up to Easter Sunday. Thursday evening was when Jesus brought his disciples to the upperroom for their Passover meal. He also gave them their final instructions, so to speak, as he knew that he was to be leaving them soon.
At that time, he tried to tell them how much they meant to him, and the awesome job they had ahead. But, more than that, he showed them their assignment through one simple act. During the meal, he removed his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured a basin of water and began washing each of their feet. (John 13) This was a difficult thing for the twelve to have thier master doing such a thing. Peter even responded that "No, you shall never wash my feet". Jesus explained to Peter and the rest that by doing this for them, they should now be willing to wash each other's feet. He set the example of a servant to them, as they now were to be servants to others.
Jesus, at that time, had so much to tell his disciples before his time was nearing to an end. He then predicted some of the things that would happen in the days to come and promised them the coming of the Holy Spirit. But, the final thought he left with them was to love one another. Serving each other and loving one another. I hope we can at least get that from Jesus' final teachings on Maundry Thursday.
It looks to be a beautiful day today in Scott County. I've already watched many deer walk up the hill out back. It's going to be a busy weekend. I hope you get to spend special family time together with loved ones. I look forward to more reflection tomorrow and Saturday and a lot of celebration on Sunday. Have a great day, luv, Susan
Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem prior to Jewish Passover, became the first day of our Holy Week. Palm Sunday is celebrated with palms, as they were waved over Jesus as he was welcomed into the city. The entire week is full of significant events that led up to Easter Sunday. Thursday evening was when Jesus brought his disciples to the upperroom for their Passover meal. He also gave them their final instructions, so to speak, as he knew that he was to be leaving them soon.
At that time, he tried to tell them how much they meant to him, and the awesome job they had ahead. But, more than that, he showed them their assignment through one simple act. During the meal, he removed his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured a basin of water and began washing each of their feet. (John 13) This was a difficult thing for the twelve to have thier master doing such a thing. Peter even responded that "No, you shall never wash my feet". Jesus explained to Peter and the rest that by doing this for them, they should now be willing to wash each other's feet. He set the example of a servant to them, as they now were to be servants to others.
Jesus, at that time, had so much to tell his disciples before his time was nearing to an end. He then predicted some of the things that would happen in the days to come and promised them the coming of the Holy Spirit. But, the final thought he left with them was to love one another. Serving each other and loving one another. I hope we can at least get that from Jesus' final teachings on Maundry Thursday.
It looks to be a beautiful day today in Scott County. I've already watched many deer walk up the hill out back. It's going to be a busy weekend. I hope you get to spend special family time together with loved ones. I look forward to more reflection tomorrow and Saturday and a lot of celebration on Sunday. Have a great day, luv, Susan
Saturday, April 4, 2009
What A Difference A Week Makes
I am a Kentucky Wildcat fan. I am not one of the fanatics who yell and scream hatred and vile when we lose a game or two. I am not one of the fanatics who will boo at the athletes or coach in public. I am not one of the fanatics who will write ridiculous letters to the editor or call in to the radio shows criticizing every decision made on and off the courts. I am, however, the true blue fan who prays before every game that the teams will play their best and that no one will get hurt. I do watch every game and support this team, no matter what. I will defend the players, the coach, the University of Kentucky. I am a true blue fan!!!
Needless to say, Friday, March 27, was not a good day for me. As a follower of the drama that surrounded the program, I had hoped that Billy Gillispie would eventually, with the help of God and the players and people around him, get his life on track and then be a spectacular coach and role model. Well, that didn't happen. The firing was hard to take. I saw a storied program headed for a terrible downward spiral. I had prayed for Lee Todd and Mitch Barnhart to have wisdom and guidance from God in making this decision. I was afraid that they had made a mistake.
Friday night, after absorbing all the negativity of a UK basketball soap opera, we settled in to watch the "other Kentucky" basketball team at the Sweet Sixteen. I wanted to root for Ricky P. and the Cardinals, but my emotions got the most of me. I began to feel overwhelmingly depressed over the fact that "our" coach was leading "that" team to a lopsided victory over Arizona and looked to be headed for a National Championship. This was more than I could take........I went to bed. I only remember feeling that bad (about basketball) a couple other times. The first was March 31, 1992 and the other was when Marquette beat a Travis Ford led team out of the NCAA tournament. I might also add that on that day, I had heard that Lewis Grizzard, my favorite writer and columnist, had died. It was a bad day for me, I went to bed.
Flash forward to a week later. Sadly......the Louisville Cardinals, with Pitino at the helm, did not make it to the Final Four, whew! And, Kentucky has a new head coach, a family man, who puts his players first and thought that this job would be his dream job. I feel much better about the decision that was made considering Billy Gillispie. Because Mitch Barnhart is a strong Christian, I feel confident that he sought God's guidance in everything he did during these past weeks. The sun is shining on the Big Blue Nation once again. Something I read in Job last week said something about accepting troubles from God as well as good things. I feel the majority of the Kentucky fanbase is willing to accept the troubles, be patient, learn and be the better for it. Envy our Past.....Fear our Future. ha
I really enjoyed the ER retrospect and final episode on Thursday, but I was reminded how the rest of the country sometimes views our state and population. Marilu Henner was playing the mother of the groom, who was in the ER with her son and new daughter in law. I was totally floored when she commented to the bride something about her in-bred Kentucky cousins. Wow, barefoot, uneducated, illiterate and in-bred hillbillies. Will Kentucky ever be able to shake such stereotypes?
I'm glad we Kentuckians have our Kentucky Wildcats to showcase our commonwealth. I am glad the month of May belongs to Kentucky with the Derby. I'm glad to read that the new editor of Southern Living Magazine is a Kentucky Wildcat fan. I believe that the month of March will again belong to Kentucky in future years.
It's going to be another beautiful day in Kentucky. I'm gonna take my dogs for a walk and hopefully greet some of my neighbors along the way. You have a great day, luv, Susan ps Spring football practice began this week, things are looking up on the football field as well, Go Big Blue!!!
Needless to say, Friday, March 27, was not a good day for me. As a follower of the drama that surrounded the program, I had hoped that Billy Gillispie would eventually, with the help of God and the players and people around him, get his life on track and then be a spectacular coach and role model. Well, that didn't happen. The firing was hard to take. I saw a storied program headed for a terrible downward spiral. I had prayed for Lee Todd and Mitch Barnhart to have wisdom and guidance from God in making this decision. I was afraid that they had made a mistake.
Friday night, after absorbing all the negativity of a UK basketball soap opera, we settled in to watch the "other Kentucky" basketball team at the Sweet Sixteen. I wanted to root for Ricky P. and the Cardinals, but my emotions got the most of me. I began to feel overwhelmingly depressed over the fact that "our" coach was leading "that" team to a lopsided victory over Arizona and looked to be headed for a National Championship. This was more than I could take........I went to bed. I only remember feeling that bad (about basketball) a couple other times. The first was March 31, 1992 and the other was when Marquette beat a Travis Ford led team out of the NCAA tournament. I might also add that on that day, I had heard that Lewis Grizzard, my favorite writer and columnist, had died. It was a bad day for me, I went to bed.
Flash forward to a week later. Sadly......the Louisville Cardinals, with Pitino at the helm, did not make it to the Final Four, whew! And, Kentucky has a new head coach, a family man, who puts his players first and thought that this job would be his dream job. I feel much better about the decision that was made considering Billy Gillispie. Because Mitch Barnhart is a strong Christian, I feel confident that he sought God's guidance in everything he did during these past weeks. The sun is shining on the Big Blue Nation once again. Something I read in Job last week said something about accepting troubles from God as well as good things. I feel the majority of the Kentucky fanbase is willing to accept the troubles, be patient, learn and be the better for it. Envy our Past.....Fear our Future. ha
I really enjoyed the ER retrospect and final episode on Thursday, but I was reminded how the rest of the country sometimes views our state and population. Marilu Henner was playing the mother of the groom, who was in the ER with her son and new daughter in law. I was totally floored when she commented to the bride something about her in-bred Kentucky cousins. Wow, barefoot, uneducated, illiterate and in-bred hillbillies. Will Kentucky ever be able to shake such stereotypes?
I'm glad we Kentuckians have our Kentucky Wildcats to showcase our commonwealth. I am glad the month of May belongs to Kentucky with the Derby. I'm glad to read that the new editor of Southern Living Magazine is a Kentucky Wildcat fan. I believe that the month of March will again belong to Kentucky in future years.
It's going to be another beautiful day in Kentucky. I'm gonna take my dogs for a walk and hopefully greet some of my neighbors along the way. You have a great day, luv, Susan ps Spring football practice began this week, things are looking up on the football field as well, Go Big Blue!!!
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