I was trying for a new, more fallish looking pic, but I'm unsure....should it stay or should it go?! (had a really difficult time making it fit!)(but I did make a "change" so feeling self-impressed!)

On an unrelated topic: I have recently finished up the VERY great book real sex: the naked truth about chastity by Lauren Winner. I highly recommend it! I rarely enter into the periodic discussions on modesty...i don't really have much to say on the issues and sometimes in discussions of this topic, a bit of "objectification of women" (shall we say) occurs, and i'm never sure how to get around that....) but I have reread and reread and marked this quote from Winner....it's that good! (pgs. 74 and 77)

"Modest dress-appropriate dress, if you will-is not simply about covering up potentially enticing body parts. What's lost when we let it all hang out is not simply the allure-or the Victorian primness-of modesty. What's lost is a whole vocabulary, a sartorial liturgy. What's lost is the recognition that how we dress shapes how we carry ourselves, how we interact with others, how we engage in our communities and institutions. ~~~There is, it seems to me, a certain power in modest dressing, an assertion that though my body is beautiful, I am more than a sex object designed for your passing entertainment. But the power of dressing is also the power of narrative. For our clothes tell stories, and it would be naive and irresponsible to pretend otherwise. Clothes tell stories about sex and chastity, to be sure, but they also narrate a stance toward our environments; our dress suggests a set of priorities. That is why we enjoy clothing so much, of course-because we reinvent ourselves and our narratives when we try out a new look. So the question for Christians is not an absolute one about skirt length, but rather something about communication. What stories do we want to tell ourselves and others through our choices of clothing?"

My "about the title" thoughts apply here....please refer.....

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(It's Friday morning, and I'm adding what hopefully will be my last stab at anything political this season (SO GLAD IT"S ALMOST OVER!!!) When I was reading my normal Peggy Noonan Friday column in the WSJ, I saw this article by Fouad Ajami: "Obama and the Politics of Crowds". My family has enjoyed Mr. Ajami's commentary ever since the first Gulf War....and this is good stuff.)

News?

Well.....the news is certainly wild these days, isn't it? Here are just 2 stories from this morning:

1)World's Heaviest Man Marries (*link)
.....just goes to prove that ANY man apparently can find a wife.....Wow! (bless their hearts...i'm happy for them!)

2)Lawsuit Against Obama Dismissed (*link)
.....I have NOT been into this issue at all, but it does make me wonder IF Obama is elected, will there be a segment of the population who will always question his legitimacy. Kinda makes you empathize w/the folks who never quit thinking the supreme court decided the 2000 election for Bush. Ahhh, the discomfort of the shoe being on the other foot......And while I'm wondering political things (at least the wondering I'm willing to share), I just wonder if all the current prayer chains will adopt a praying FOR Obama policy if he becomes our Prez. I would hope so.....and I think most of them probably would.
(btw.....we voted Sat.....the deed is done, and the lines were CRAZY! "Luckily" we got to cut to the front w/a wheelchair.....)
(ps: If you're into political theatre in general, I highly recommend the John Adams mini-series...a really interesting look at the founding of the country, political philosophy, and (even) marriage. It's based on the David McCullough book which maybe someday i'll read. There are only a couple "unnecessary" moments....but on the whole it is fantastic!)

3) We Have A New Computer!!! (news really just important to us!:)
.....but if you have visited me and seen our ancient computer ("Forsake not the ancient paths?")
you understand the significance of this event. Now the joy of getting it all set-up. Good thing Dad is so smart, cause I will freely admit I am a complete idiot about anything technical! I have been Sooo Enjoying seeing all of your blogs the way they are meant to be seen....everybody looks so pretty!! Yes, I have been a bit obsessive w/it all....so if your sitemeters are blowing up from a weird place in La....that would be ME!:) On a related OCD issue.....I have been wildly perusing new template options....but can't find anything I like better than what I have.....I just wish this one were Wider...not so skinny (now that's a 1st!!:) I may try to have Dad tinker w/the programming of this one.....any ideas?
Yes, I have issues with making change....I feel quite comfortable with the "sameness" of things (even blog templates for crying out loud!!!) and amaze myself sometimes with just how little I seem to need "the new"....I'm not sure this routineness is a good thing....I think I am hopelessly old fashioned and will never quite "catch up" with technology....but how does this apply in other areas? It's not that i'm an uncurious person....i love learning new things, new ideas. And I'm happy enough with some changes...and even like and participate in new stuff if I have enough "want to" to want to! Anyway, welcome to my little world!:) Soooo....I "may" be making some changes on this here blog.....we'll see.

"Called to Congruency"

Congruence = the state achieved by coming together, the state of agreement. The Latin congruere means to come together, agree. In psychology and neuro-linguistic programing, congruence could be defined as rapport within oneself, or internal and external consistency, perceived by others as sincerity, certainty, authenticity.

"Called to Congruency"....I heard this phrase used several weeks ago in a sermon, and it has stuck with me. It's not quite as catchy as the phrase "Called unto Holiness" that we sometimes sing!....but I wonder if there is a gem of truth here. So often there seems to be a disconnect between what is said and what is done. The temptation to categorize ourselves, our lives, our loves is a powerful one....and it's so easy to do! Both society at large and even church society at times invite us to put on a good front...to present the best but not necessarily the real truth of who we are. It is amazingly simple to "clean up"...fit into a certain mold. But how deep does it go? Do the inside and the outside match up?

So I have been asking myself some questions:

• ~ Do I do the "service" I do out of a sense of obligation or out of love?
• ~ Do I make decisions more to maintain the norm or because truth underlies the reasoning?
• ~ As a believer in "Relationship evangelism", do I actually take the time to strengthen relationships?..... (do I have the patience to make a phone call or do I choose self-comforting isolation?)
• ~ Do I make prerequisites on what should constitute "community"....basically, do I require that others agree with me/my definitions....or do I work to find consensus and maintain unity with others?
• ~ Do my political/social views mostly reflect men's theories.....or are they based in the principles of extending charity and respecting the dignity of others?
• ~ Do I truly see and seek to understand the neediness of others.....or am I stuck in my "own story". Do I have concern for others (locally or abroad) or do I limit the resources of God to extend to the hurting?
• ~Do I "handle with care" the emotions of others.....bearing burdens...acknowledging frailties?
• ~Am I open to possibilities of forgiving/accepting relationships.....or do I cocoon myself in self-protection?
• ~ How well do I truly represent the things that matter to God....and how closely do I walk with Him so that He can enable me to be a true representative?

Yeah, just a few light questions! And the distance to the answers sometimes seems very far from me. Actually, the "answer" to some of these dilemma's might lie (in part) in some of the words in that old anthem: "Called Unto Holiness, Children of Light, Walking with Jesus in garments of white; Raiment unsullied, nor tarnished with sin; God's Holy Spirit abiding within. Called unto Holiness, Praise His Dear Name! This blessed secret to faith now made plain: Not our own righteousness, but Christ within, Living, and reigning, and saving from sin." (Mrs. C.H.Morris) I want to keep asking the questions and keep seeking to live the answers.....I want a life defined by sincerity, certainty, and authenticity!

October Days....

October has only just begun, and it has been busy. Remember when I posted about "too many pictures"?....well I fear I will backslide on that belief with this post.:) Last Sat. my friend Andrea and I went to the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge. It is held on the grounds of the La. State Capital, a beautiful area. (built by the infamous Huey Long. Inside, you can see the bullet hole in the wall from when he was assassinated!!) It is a very cool event! Surely, it makes one a geek to be excited about a book festival....even more so if one takes along a book to be autographed by an author. Oh well. We were able to hear authors Jennifer Anne Moses and Rick Bragg speak. Moses wrote Bagels and Grits: A Jew On The Bayou which has to be one of the best titles ever! The quote of the day came from her: "I can only compare my life to the one I have had...not the one I might have had somewhere else. There is such light and love in this corner of the world." I am a big fan of Rick Bragg (author of All Over but the Shoutin' and other things) so it was exciting to see him in person. He has the goods on southern culture and a wonderful Alabama accent...I could listen to him all day.

We were very moved that the Rick Bragg reading was held in the House Chambers. He said "this is probably the largest group of unindicted people ever gathered in this room." Ha!

You can see Bragg behind me in this pic. I had optimistically worn this fallish shirt...but the temps. were in the 80's! (i am amused that the shirt's color is "teal abyss") Don't I look like a powerful politician!:) (a silly one, anyway!)

After I posted, Andrea sent me this pic. of me getting RB's autograph. Of course I had to add it to this already picture heavy post!:)

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It has been so nice to have family visiting from OKC and Bham this week. We have really enjoyed spending time together....lots of shared encouragement and laughter. My Dad and his siblings share a spirit of optimism and faith that has held strong even in some tough times. I am thankful to have such a heritage.

Aunt Rose, Aunt Glenda, and Dad

It was a joy to have Aunt Barbara here for the 1st time since Uncle Jimmy's passing. We all missed him.

Billy and Patty

Seems like I'm always posting a family shot, but I liked this one.

This might be my favorite picture of the week...Mom and Uncle CH, kindred in laws!

The whole gang went to New Orleans....here we are at Cafe DuMonde.

It was so great of my cousin Rebekah to drive Aunt Rose down. She was the taker of alot of the pics...and as always the giver of much warmth and comfort.
It is always necessary to pose with a friendly crawfish! Jackson Square...everyone was so helpful with Mom.

(Billy and Patty, Mom, Aunt Rose, and Aunt Glenda)

It was a beautiful La. day...low humidity and almost fall. Mr. Billy really got into the spirit of things!!

When we were all back home (after a big catfish dinner) Dad pulled out the guitar and accordion. Honestly, we were all too tired and full of catfish to make music! but he and Aunt Rose made a valiant effort! We so appreciate all of these dear family members!

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Last, but not least, I want to share these beautiful pictures of our new sanctuary. Tomorrow will be our 1st Sunday to worship in it. We are very blessed!

(The official dedication as well as our church's 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Sunday, November 30th. All are Welcome!)

Alleluia

"The Majesty and Glory of Your Name"

(Johnson/Fettke)

When I gaze into the night skies

And see the work of Your fingers;

The moon and stars suspended in space.

Oh what is man that You are mindful of him?

You have given man a crown of glory and honor,

And have made him a little lower than the angels.

You have put him in charge of all creation:

The beasts of the field,The birds of the air,The fish of the sea.

But what is man, oh, what is man that You are mindful of him?

O Lord, our God, the majesty and glory of Your name

Transcends the earth and fills the heavens.

O Lord, our God, little children praise You perfectly,

And so would we and so would we.

Alleluia, Alleluia, the majesty and glory of Your name.

Alleluia, Alleluia, the majesty and glory of Your name.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

I've enjoyed this beautiful song for a long time...can't remember when I first heard it. The lyrics (based on Psalm 8) and music are awe inspiring. I had never sung it, but (surprisingly) we are singing it in my community/university chorus this semester and it's so fun! This is quite an unusual choice for this group, and I wonder how it was chosen. Even in a "nonreligious" setting, my heart can't help but be tuned to His praise. I don't think my praise is ever anywhere near to "perfect" (oh for that childlike attitude again....) but the awesome thought is that He somehow finds it acceptable and desires it. Alleluia!