A Grab-bag of Thoughts...

If I were more scientifically smart like my friend Sonja, maybe I could title this in a more sophisticated way...at the moment, this title is all I've got!:) It seems like my last several posts have been pretty light and fluffy....never fear, dear friends, there are still deeper waters under all the froth....so here's a bit of what's on my mind:

~ Contrary to some thoughts from the last post, I think there can be too many pics in a post....no fixed number of course, but I know it when I see it....thus there will be none in this one!:)

~ Labels: ...not really a fan of putting them on blogs (of course that would lead to greater organization, but I just can't bring myself to do it! if you do that's perfectly great)....but more importantly I do not like how labels are used in life. I can't stand seeing some crazy TV-preacher person and then having the blanket description "evangelical" given to him!! Or some Christian-radio person gives some statement that supposedly represents all Christians...most of the time, not me! As for radio, I can hardly bring myself to listen to politics these days...I've taken to calling it "political gossip" and think it's so far removed from how we should be thinking as Christians that it disgusts me. And it troubles me that so many true Christians somehow think it's OK ! Thank goodness we don't even have access to fox news or I think I would have had a nervous breakdown by now. For whatever reason, it bothers me more when the supposed "good" option is so far off target than when the "liberal" (whatever that means) option is....might be an issue of hypocrisy, which is one of my pet peeves. Anyway, the games happening around political labels are pretty funny...just for the record, I am a latte-drinking, Whole Food lovin, Masters-Level educated, Southern, anti-racist, prolife, non-NRA fan, Israel defending, very disturbed about this war, and deeply concerned about what's happening in Africa person who votes!!! Not sure what box that puts me in!!! Labels...why do we like them so much? Can't we just be fine with allowing others to have an opinion (maybe even vastly different than our own) without seeking to have that define their whole character....who are we to judge motives in the 1st place. I think maybe labels somehow make us feel safe...but safe in a self-centered way....definitely not in the strength and assurance of who we are in the Lord.

~ Role-Definitions: (similar to labels)....invariably what will happen at a place where you haven't seen people for awhile (like campmeeting) is that folks will ask: "So what are you doing these days?" Frankly, that question pretty much makes me want to wring the person's neck! But (realizing there is no ill will meant and I must remove the chip from my shoulder) I smile sweetly and try to come up with some quick response to encapsulate what caregiving means. I don't think the person really wants to hear exactly what I'm doing....or more so, all I'm not doing in order to keep everything working in our little world. (but sometimes they do....if they're a true friend and really are concerned...believe me, you can tell the difference.) Why are we so defined by what we do?....and I don't mean in just a career sense....in our circles, the pressure is just as much on who you are with....what kind of family you're able to produce (for that matter, should it even be about what we can produce in any area, or rather a recognition of the grace of God at work in our lives...). How quickly we judge one another on these merits....and I'm often as bad as the next person! Shouldn't we wonder more about the depth of character we are developing...our values, our interests, our hopes & dreams? Obviously, that requires a longer answer and a committed conversation....are we up for that in each other's lives? (or even in blog world are we mainly up for recitations of lovely events?)

~ I have loved the "joking" we've been doing about "dancing" at mine and other dear friends' weddings. I truly hope that can happen!! At the same time, I want to make it clear that I really am OK "with myself". (Or at least for the most part!:)(I'm not going to get way spiritual here....but obviously any real peace is only because of a relationship with the Lord.) I wonder how many people really are OK with themselves?....or again, how much are we defined by our "relationships". It bothers me when I see very young people so in need of being with someone/anyone...when honestly, there is no way on earth they have any idea who they are individually! On the other hand, I do think we are created to be in communion with another (and I think that looks way different than many marriages) and to some degree understand ourselves in the light of relationship. (Whatever the case, this being OK with self has been one of my many "problems", I think...and perhaps being way too idealistic.) At any rate...keep me in your prayers, and keep on practicing your dance steps!:)

~ "Upbeat": I've come across this word a couple of times recently and I wonder what this means? Not sure...? What I do think is that there is a very large expectation that one appear "Happy" or at least to "have it all together". This expectation is a trap, I think, to live rather shallow or at the least insincere lives. If not our own personal struggles surely we should feel angst over the battles faced by others. I'm not calling for us all to walk around in depression (and thank God that is usually not something I have to deal with!) but must we put on a happy face at all costs...? In our brief visit at camp, Susan was sharing her realization that it's important to "feel" the pain we're experiencing and to respect those emotions in others....not always be rushing off to a need for resolution. Wise words and they ministered to me....and isn't that the point really...to share in each others lives...good and bad!

~Another Link: I've recently come across a really beautiful blog of a lady who has recently lost her husband to cancer, The Fruitful Vine. I immediately connected to her story of the intense emotions that come with serious illness and sorrow. And I also realized how little I really share all of that. This blog challenges me to live more authentically...and to have a clearer faith and trust even in times of loss. This is definitely worthwhile reading. (but be prepared for tears.)

~ A Show I'm Enjoying: is "Hopkins"...which follows the happenings of medical people at John Hopkins Hospital. For awhile after Mom's lengthy hospitalization I wasn't able to watch even medical dramas. But this one is good...I watch it and cry...identifying with the families and marveling at the professionals (quite cathartic!) For all the complaining the medical community receives, I still believe that there is nothing like interacting with a brilliant doctor who knows what he/she is doing. There is a feeling of safety (I know it's mostly perception) while in a really well run hospital, around the energy of these gifted people ~ and I am so grateful for the impact so many of them have for good. I love this show!

~ Finally: If you're still reading...bless your heart! The time I've taken to write this post should have been used in house-cleaning. We are sooooo excited that my cousin Janet is coming to visit next week....but before anyone sees this place, there is much to be accomplished!! So I will try to get back to that.....I bid you all a happy weekend!

Alabama...

We had a truly wonderful time on our long weekend trip to Bham...spending time with cousins, aunts and uncles, etc. then attending three services at Pell City campmeeting. I've got alot of pics so I'll dive right in....

Family:
When we arrived Thurs. evening we headed out for a "girls night out" of painting....yes, painting, as in art! Here we are getting set up...Rhonda and I (the self-proclaimed non-artistic ones) draw near to the amazing Sarah (who organized everything....we're hoping some of her artsyness will rub off on us!:)


~Other artists/cousins:)...Ruthanne, Rebekah, and Lydia


~The whole group with our finished masterpieces. We all left feeling kinda self-impressed! The evenings' highlight was definitely just being together...but it was also alot of fun to actually create something. (this place was called "Sips n Strokes"...i would definitely recommend finding something similar in your community!)



~The whole gang gathered on July 4th...great food and fun singing and playing music together. I think our version of "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" far surpassed Campmeeting's on Sunday morning...I'm serious! All of Aunt Rose and Uncle Ron's children were able to come. The Smiths are a brilliant group...but more importantly, have some of the most caring, generous hearts I know. It is such a privilege to be family with them and our visit together was a real blessing! This evening we also had a little celebration for Dad's 60th!!! Birthday. Aunt Rose made a delicious carrot cake...and there were lots of little ones happy to help with the cake! (My parents so enjoyed all the kiddos!)





I love this picture!






~Dad and Aunt Rose pulled out some priceless duets~




~This little guy was very interested in my violin..his song requests were "I have a new Girlfriend" and "We are the Champions"...cracked me up!


~Ruthanne was an awesome hostess...she teaches 1st grade and (since "retirement") Aunt Rose has been volunteering in her classroom...isn't that cool?




Campmeeting..."a curious affair":
I cannot claim to have coined this marvelous phrase...just quoting the evangelist (Rev. Sams). I believe I'll leave all "deep" thoughts aside and just share some more pics!:) I will say that there were excellent speakers and we enjoyed our time with all of the good folks at campmeeting. And it is a good thing to revisit a place where I made some important spiritual decisions. But certainly the highlight was seeing old friends (and their growing families) and feeling the encouragement of real, meaningful conversation.

~Here I am with my "little" friend Kenny S. (so handsome)....this makes me feel very old!


~Mom and Regina...truly one of our most favorite people. We will never forget the unbelievable support given to us by the Stetlers in our times of crisis. What beautiful ladies in every way!~


~It was sooo wonderful to be with Marty again and meet her boys~


...and here with "mini-Marty" (Carson, a real sweetie)


~I so enjoyed being with all of the Scarbrough sisters...here's Cheryl and her beautiful family~


...some HSBC friends (Susan, Marty, me, and Paula)


~We stopped on the way home at Olive Garden...and had a nice meal and ice-cream cake tonight for Dad's Bday. I feel somewhat tired and it's always nice to be back home...but I'm refreshed from the little trip. Hope ya'll enjoyed these many pics!!

Summery...

~Summery Shoes: I really love these lovely Crocs...a little bit of heaven on my feet! They are making my summer happy!:) I didn't choose them for the color scheme, but because they were the only ones my size in the clearance section...Yay!
Yep, it's definitely summer....sooo hot here in La. But there's a part of me that loves the steamy, heavy air and even the breathtaking humidity (as long as the hurricanes stay away!) Also loving the fresh tomatoes and blackberries....

~A Pool Update: We finished professional physical therapy for awhile back in May and for the past couple of weeks we've been back in aquatic "wellness" therapy. We decided to change facilities (many details but mainly because I can wheel Mom down into the pool on a ramp rather than having to transfer her into a pool chair...that has been very scary and basically unsafe, at best.) It was difficult to start at a new place but things have gone really well. At the old place, I had basically no help at all....and that was OK, just the way it was. At this new pool, the assistants can't do enough to help us...actually get in the pool with us, helping with exercises, etc. I haven't quite known how to react to having help (another subject, another time!)....at one point, Mom said I needed to stop trying to talk them out of helping us!! It's been a great experience so far and much better for Mom overall....we are thankful. On another note, I have shared about our vastly reduced insurance benefits which have greatly affected Mom's care. We have been informed that due to pressure from employers (like my Dad's benefits person) the insurance company will increase therapy credits. We are not sure what this means, but we are glad for what may be a return of a little justice on this issue.

~Just Some Jumbled Thoughts: Both pastors I heard yesterday spoke on coping with fear and uncertainty....by looking to an unchanging God. It was encouraging truth. I don't know about you, but there is often more reason for doubt and unsettledness than not in my little world. (if not your story, blessings on you!!) But the goal and the reality, I believe, is that faith makes a difference in our perspective and in our foundation, constrains our anxiety, and points our hope to what is lasting. Quote of the day: "The key to coping with fear is deciding who do we trust!" and (paraphrasing): "Realizing the depth of the Father's love at the Cross is the foundation for our belief that He can be trusted!" (Fr. John)

~Looking ahead: This Sat. I am having a garage sale. (I will hang big signs "in honor of Super-Dorinda!":) Not looking forward to it!! but hoping to add some badly needed cash to our "disposal income"! (gas prices are very bad w/my Dad's commute.) But we are very excited to spend some time next weekend over July 4th with family in Birmingham and then go to a couple campmeeting services at Pell City. (don't you know that will get me thinkin....)

[Update: The garage sale was not a complete failure, but enough of one that I have vowed to never do one again (unless someone else is runnin it!)...but some things did sale (and the buyers seemed very happy:), the rest of the junk I carted off to Goodwill so at least it's out of the garage (yay!), and there was some good talks with the neighbors....oh well!]

~A Link: While I mostly enjoy looking at blogs of friends...I will admit to being (at times) quite the surfer in blog world. I do prefer folks I at least have some small connection to (vs. random strangers)....but sometimes strangers are good, too, esp. the ones that you link to from those you do know to some small degree. Why do I (we) do this? not sure...mostly it's interesting to "see" the lives of others...sometimes it's just for the hoot of it all or just plain nosiness or to access very long link lists:)...sometimes just to read the unbelievably wild things others seem comfortable posting (And I know there are probably those saying the same for me!!:) At any rate, awhile back I stumbled onto a really great blog: the couch This is definitely one of the best I've seen. This girl (I think her name is Elizabeth) can write!! Very smart, quite witty, very sound perspectives, plus alot of depth. (The current post is about campmeeting!) Check her out!

~One more pic: We found this birdnest under the shattered crepe myrtle branches after a big storm. We've been amazed at the intricate design...but sad about the poor eggs. On that happy note!, hope everyone is enjoying summer!

It's Father's Day...

It's Father's Day....here are probably my favorite pictures of Dad and me. I have clear memories of us "making faces" in the mirror. This time it was in a photo booth (he thinks I was maybe 3.) So many good things could be said about my Dad...but here are some of the attributes I am thinking of today:

~ Good and Godly (to the core)

~ Funny and Brilliant

~ Diligent and Hardworking

~ Unwaveringly committed

~ Forgiving...always sees the best in others

(except maybe in politics....:)

~ Giving...gives more than he expects

~ Humble and Unassuming

~ Loving and Tender

Happy Father's Day Dad! Love you Lots! These words are insufficient but true. (he will definitely read this....he had to scan the pics for me...he was "all about" getting his picture on the blog!:) "joking"!)

His card for today sums it up well..."You're a shining example of love and goodness in the world." And I am very blessed.

"The Great Debaters"

I was able to watch this DVD this weekend...and want to recommend it. I know....it's only loosely based on history...there are a couple questionable scenes and some doubtful themes...but all in all, it is a great story with some sound truths (that perhaps we don't hear enough of) mixed in. There is a particularly jarring lynching scene. Sometimes I think we sugarcoat this ugly part of our history. Unbelievable that people were still being lynched into the 1930's and even post-WWII....(and not just in the South.) I've read on this subject a bit...terrible! Anyway, that's just one piece of the movie. Mostly it's an idealistic, inspiring message of overcoming. Rent it!....I think it's quite interesting especially in light of all that's happening politically. Trying to honestly understand the history of others can be enlightening...and humbling.

"On Our Watch"....

This evening's showing on PBS of Frontline: On Our Watch (on the humanitarian crisis/genocide in Darfur) is worth recommending. This was originally played in Nov. 2007, but I must have missed it then. I believe you can actually watch the whole program through the link. It is painful to watch....painful to see the reality of suffering and a mostly unconcerned international community. I have tried to pay attention to this issue....interestingly, you do have to work to access information. Some evangelicals have been leaders in this fight. I understand this is a highly complicated issue....but the reality of innocent souls dying is not so complicated that all of us should not have some interest in making change happen. I urge you to check out this link as well as the Save Darfur link on the side.

This famous WWII era quote from Pastor Martin Niemoller is a magnet on my fridge (not the most upbeat magnet in the world! I bought it at the Houston Holocaust Museum). I thought of it tonight:
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out."

Writing Aloud...

Should be asleep....(you know...resting)...unfortunately, had coffee a little too late and I'm jazzed up, as they say. So here's what's on my little mind....been thinkin of starting a Facebook...should I or should I not? Probably not, without 1st having a decent computer....but give me your thoughts...why should I? Here's why I should not:
1) I don't get it....
2) I will become more paranoid...
3) It was started by some guy who now is responsible for a lot of the networking that has helped Obama win this thing....got to be something up with that...Wow, what a phenomenon! (but shouldn't one catch up with the times?)
4) I will become more overwhelmed....
5) I will stop being able to be condescending about Facebook if I join it myself...wouldn't that be a loss!!!
Seriously, give me some thoughts here....but whatever anyone says, probably won't do it for awhile at least...I like to take oh at least 5 to 10 years to work up to something.

Here's another tangent...it's the wedding season...always a lovely time. Attending a shower for a sweet young friend and doing a last minute wedding job this weekend. The 1st pianist is in the hospital, so luckily for me, the bride's sister knew me from Catholic church and called me up. Easy $....gotta love that!:) Happy that the music is easy and that it's in a Protestant church so I can play a more "worldly" prelude. (Including one of my faves "The Gift".) The groom is called "Bear" (EVEN IN THE PROGRAM!). Perhaps this is one of my "single" problems...not being more open to getting together w/a guy named "Bear." (From my brief look tonight, he seems a good enough soul and they seem a sweet couple.) But here's this quote I saw in a Newsweek article about the "SATC" movie....(no I have not gone to see that...quit hyperventilating!!)...."Some people are settling down, some are settling, and some people refuse to settle for anything else~than butterflies." Yep.....it's the wedding season...

Perhaps this semi-sentimental mood is related to just finishing watching my borrowed copy of "Enchanted"....so enjoyed it...cute stuff and sweet music. But I could really talk for awhile about the themes raised....does "wearing your heart on your sleeve" really get you anywhere?...can't convince me that it does. But wouldn't it be somethin if we just said what we felt more of the time? Maybe the idea of believing in "ever after" shouldn't be completely abandoned. Well...are you tired yet...I think I am...And A Happy Weekend to All....
(thanks for hearing my silliness...)