PUT THERE TO STAY

One of the goals I have in working with children, is to teach them songs that they can call upon later in life. Now, you may think they will not remember, and they won't remember all of them, but, I have had several former students who are in high school or college now that can still sing to me the solos they did when they were in one of my programs, or that we did frequently in class.

Can you remember songs you learned when you were a child or a preschooler? There are several that I remember well. And I can recall almost every word. I am going to list some of them here. While this may not be terribly interesting to you, I do it here as a way to archive these in case, you know, I begin to forget, or start to lose my mind, or go suddenly stupid, as I have been accused of recently.

***WHO CAN MAKE A FLOWER?***
O who can make a 'flower?'
I'm sure I can't can you?
O, who can make a flower?
No one but God, it's true! (May substitute other things God made)

***SUNBEAM***
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
To shine for Him each day.
In every way try to please Him
At home, at school. at play.

A sunbeam, a sunbeam
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam
I'll be a sunbeam for Him.

***HE OWNS THE CATTLE***
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills
The rocks in every mine.
He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,
The stars and sun that shine.
Wonderful riches more than tongue can tell,
He is my Father so they're mine as well.
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,
I know that He will care for me.

***LET THE SUNSHINE IN***
My mommy told me something
A little girl should know.
And it's all about the devil
And I learned to hate him so.
She says he causes trouble
When you let him in your room
And he'll never, ever leave you
If your heart is filled with gloom.
So let the sunshine in,
Face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose
And frowners never win.
So let the sunshine in
Face it with a grin.
Open up your heart and
Let the sun shine in.

***FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY***
Have faith, hope and charity
That's the way the Lord would surely be.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.
Do good to your enemies
That's the way the Lord would surely be.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.
Don't worry about tomorrow
Just be real good today.
The Lord is right beside you
And he'll guide you all the way.
So have faith, hope, and charity
That's the way the Lord would surely be.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.

***QUE SERA, SERA***
When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother what would I be?
Will I be handsome, will I be rich?
Here's what she said to me:
Que sera, sera
What ever will be...will be.
The future's not ours to see
Oue sera, sera.

As I have tried to remember ...these are the ones that come easily to my mind. I think they are probably some others, but these must have been my favorites...along with*** JESUS LOVES ME*** and*** JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN***, of course.

Now there is one I must include that I learned when I was in the Youth Choir at our church, probably in the 8th or 9th grade. This was an anthem, and I am not sure why all these words stay with me, but they are beautiful and I hope I never forget them!

***LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY***
Christ is with me all the way
If I walk with Him each day.
Willing is He to share my load
While I dwell in this abode.
When I'm troubled, tempted, tried,
Then my care to him, I confide.
And I hear His sweet voice say,
"Lo, I am with you alway,
Lo, I am with you alway."

Christ is all the love I need
And his voice my heart will heed.
None just like Him ever be
He no stranger is to me.
But a trusted friend and true.
My help in all I say and do.
Leading me in ways He trod
Christ the man, and Christ the God.

I know as soon as I post this, some other song will come to mind, if so, I'll add it later. What about you? What are some of the earliest songs that you remember singing?

TO DO LIST.....FRIDAY

Yep, I think this is just about right!

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE 'REST' DAY !!!

It is Wednesday evening and I have just sat down to rest. I know...I said I was going to sleep all day, BUT...I should have known better!
My program went very well last night. The children sang their best...well, most of them, anyway. A few had to act out, as usual, but overall, I was very pleased. It is strange how from year to year there is a different 'feel' to the class as a whole...actually 4 classes. This class has always been a little reserved. And some years, it seems as if they all are high energy. But, whatever, they are all precious. It is a privilege indeed to be able to help guide their steps. Our program this year was called "Follow the Shepherd". It is one of my favorites. I wrote 3 of the songs and 3 poems for it, and the rest I compiled. After the program, our director, Bonnie, presented me with this beautiful painting! How appropriate...it will look perfect in my new house! And look at that frame! Thanks so much, Bonnie! You, and my new painting, are fabulous!

This is my friend, Debbie, who is my pianist and dear friend! She is a mighty prayer warrior and we seem to see most things the same way...the world is full of 'crazies' and they all need to come to us for advice! She is a pastor's wife, and she would NEVER say that, but I will! Forgive me, Deb. :)

This is my new friend, Andi, who has been an aide for me the past few months. She is a breath of fresh air and a boost to my spirit. She has helped me tremendously, as well as shared 2 of her 3 little boys with me! I am blessed by her so often.

So, since I was so wiped out yesterday and last night, I did not finish cleaning out my room. Nor, did I get my things to my car that I needed to bring home. SOOOOO, I had to go in this morning and get that completed. Ian and Adam came by to load it up for me, and finally, I was through.

I managed to get into the car to head home, and our friend, Ron, called to say the new cars were in and my lease was up. I needed to come in today and look. So, Don picked me up and off we went to the Honda dealership. I have been driving a Pilot for several years, but the new ones are larger and it costs so blamed much to put the 'go juice' in them, that Don really wanted me to go with something smaller. So, I drove a CRV and then an Accord. I picked the CRV because I am just not ready to give up my SUV and having that extra space. So, tomorrow, I will go and pick up my new car. I had several colors to choose from, but settled on a new, funky green. Haven't seen any others this color. I'll show you a pic tomorrow. Now I have to go and clean out all the stuff in the inner recesses of the Pilot. YUCK!

OK...while we were there...Don got a call we needed to go check on something at the house...so, off we went to see about that. Here is a picture of the outside chimney...so you can see the mortar wash. I think it is going to be very pretty, especially when accented with another tone a little darker.


THEN...can you believe there is another THEN?...Ian met us at the new house and was starving! Moving is such hard work. and he has been unloading this truck for 2 days.
He is all moved in, except for stocking his kitchen. But, he and his roommate are leaving on their road trip to NYC Sunday, and all his cash is in lock-down mode. So, off we went for a late lunch. How very handy to live in the same town as Mom and Dad...!

NOW, I am home and sitting on the bed...filling you all in on my day. I will make no predictions on tomorrow...because I would most likely be wrong. But, soon...very soon...I am going to have that 'day of rest!'

WHIRLWIND DAYS

Whew! It's nice to catch my breath! We had a busy week-end in Birmingham with Ian, and his graduation. I drove his car to Dothan and Don left to go to a meeting in Callaway Gardens. Today, was my next to last day of school, and we had program practice. Kinda had a snafu with practice times, so it threw us all off. The kids were tired, and did not practice as well as I would have liked. Then when school was over, Don called me to go to the new house and we ended up staying there for a couple of hours. We are trying to get the mortar wash right on the brick. I don't want it too heavy where it looks like stucco, but I don't want it so light that it looks like painted brick. Trying to explain this to a group of men who do not speak English is not easy! I need my sister-friend Shirley...she has taught Spanish for about forever. Then the man came to talk about the sound system and security system and computer and TV stuff. Why does this have to be so complicated? I would like to just go to Wal-mart and get me a boom box and be done with it! LOL! At least I would know how to work that! Then we had some flooring issues, and some other things to work out. Don and I grabbed a bite to eat and Ian just called and said he's on the way home with a U-Haul full of his furniture...and it has to be turned back in tomorrow. Tomorrow is my last day of school and my big program is tomorrow night. Then on Wednesday, I think I'll sleep all day!

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #18

This is Ian and his roommate for the past 6 years, Houston. He is from Dothan also, but the boys did not really know each other during high school When Ian heard Houston was going to Samford, he called him and asked him to meet him for lunch. They then made plans to room together. At Samford, you have to live on campus unless you are married or your family lives in Birmingham. Somehow, Ian managed to get them assigned to the same room, and their great friendship began. They pledged the same fraternity, Sigma Nu, and managed to stay roommates for all but 1 semester. They moved out after graduation, and into an apt. They then started another 2 years of grad school.

It has been a blessing that these 2 boys have hit it off so well. Houston is quiet...Ian is not. But, they tend to balance each other out. They have the same kind of families and were both brought up going to church and learning important family values and morals. They have looked after each other thru sicknesses these 6 years, and have studied together, played together, partied together, and cleaned house together....but not too much of that last one.

And, so, it has been a BEAUTIFUL THING to watch their friendship grow into a strong and lasting relationship. His Mom and I were talking yesterday and we said that we both felt they would be friends for life. We both agreed that we had been blessed tremendously that they had had each other for 6 years...God worked it out and gave them both a Christian friend to lean on. They are going their separate ways this week. Ian is moving back to Dothan to begin learning more of our family business, which will one day be his. Houston is going to work with a firm in Birmingham. But, they are managing to have 1 last fling. Next week, they are taking a road trip up thru NC, Washington, DC., Boston, New York and Maine...or as long as their money holds out! But, then...they both have to face the real world! And the contribution they make will be significant! May God bless them both as they begin their careers. May they always put Him first.

And, they are both so handsome...that's a BEAUTIFUL THING, too!

IT'S OFFICIAL !!!

Donald and I with Ian today at Graduation. Do we look proud, or what?

SCHOOL IS FINISHED......FINALS ARE OVER

This is my youngest,Ian, who will graduate on Friday with his MBA in Business from The Brock School of Business at Samford University. He has worked hard...played hard...and has met his goal. I am so proud!

THE PITIFUL TALE OF A PARTICULARLY PATHETIC PURSE

I tell you today a sad, sad story of how one woman slid down the slippery slope of pitiful purse use. I'm betting she has a sister in your town.

She bought a purse back in 1995 for $6.99 and 50% off, and she is using it still! And she's going to use that bag every day of the year...maybe for the rest of her life. In the sweltering heat of summer, the cool fall weather, the snows of winter, and the sunny springtime....she will be clutching this purse. She just ignores the fact that the bottom and one side are no longer the original light tan...they are covered now with car floor dirt, restaurant floor grime, and a little restroom floor yuck! The other side is covered by a large red stain that happened when she tried to open the little ketchup packet at Dairy Queen. Of course, that helps to cover the large cola stain that was left when the baby sneezed with a mouthful of Diet Coke. And even though at one time the shoulder strap was attached with two bright, shiny almost gold rings, a diaper pin works just as well to replace that one that broke. And, to her credit, it does match the other almost gold ring now that it has taken on a dull, gray patina. But, to her credit, she has tried to dress it up a bit with her collection of key rings....including the green rubber frog whose tongue lashes out whenever you squeeze it, and the one that is shaped like granny panties and says 'put on your big girl panties and deal with it'...along with the replica of the juke box that plays 'Stand By Your Man'...and my personal favorite...the one designed like a giant nickel, which, when opened, contains 4 lip glosses including Bad Baby Brown, Pink Punk Princess , Rockin' Rosy Red, and Luscious Lady Lavender. The key chains all jingle and shake as she walks and occasionally, passersby are serenaded by a little Tammy Wynette...but, hey, the kids can always locate her if they get separated. Now, she's way too busy to take the extra time necessary to change purses, and so it goes with her to work, to church, to her niece's wedding and to great Aunt Sally's funeral. Unfortunately, this bag may soon be cited for being a health hazard. She keeps an extra diaper for the baby in there, and just exchanges the good for the bad. There are enough p-nut m&m's, squashed milk duds, and assorted Mentos to provide a nice little snack for the kids. It's too bad that the plant Little Johnny potted for Mother's Day dumped over in it on the way home from school...the candy may taste a little gritty now. And all that soil is going to get under her fingernails when she goes diving for the cell phone. Oh, and that smell? No one has ventured to look, but I'm thinking it may have something to do with that Easter Egg they never found.

If this description matches anyone you know...it is up to you to do the right thing.
Quick! When she's not looking...grab it...take it home...and burn it! Or it may be safer if you just called the Hazardous Materials Disposal Team!
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DISCLAIMER: It is possible that this almost true story may contain a few exaggerations...but, most facts are presented just as they were seen by a highly reliable witness...who knows a thing or two about purses...and lots of other stuff.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #17

THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS...........

This reminds me of a song I sometimes use with the kids at school. The title escapes me now, but some of the words are..."If you wanna be great in God's Kingdom...you've got to be a servant of all...". Wise words.

IN HONOR OF MOM....PART 7

ANNOUNCING...
This title says it all...

Sis, Mom, and Me

Mom and Me


"I LOVE YOU, MOM"

You are the best,
I'd want no other.
You're the only one
I'd want for a Mother.
You understood
The likes of me.
And ssid,"It's fine
To just be me."
You showed me love,
You made me strong,
You kissed my hurts
And punished my wrongs.
Through you I learned
How love should be
I'm more than blessed-
You're Mom to me.
I pray my boys
Will someday say
They feel about me
This very same way.
Then I will know
I've done all right;
Cause Mom, you're perfect
In my sight.

IN HONOR OF MOM.....PART 6

Here are the 3 boys who call me "Mom"...

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OOPS! Here's a better picture.....

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Seriously, I am proud to be your Mom!
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"All your sons will be taught by the Lord; and great will be their peace."
Isaiah 54:13

SAMFORD INCIDENT....UPDATE

Just received notice that the security officer who filed the report about the gunman on campus this morning....was lying. He was extensively questioned by the police and finally admitted to the hoax. He is in police custody. Well....can you even imagine why someone would do that? Think of all the people that were involved and scared and inconvenienced.

However, as the president of SU said, it was confirmation that their emergency system worked. Everything was carried out in accordance with the plans and procedures which were in place. He stated that his biggest relief was that everyone was safe. To which I say, "AMEN", and just never mind about the new crop of gray hair that I sprouted today!

And, Ian....it won't hurt for you to just remember all those words of wisdom you heard from your Mom this morning! :)

A MOM'S HEART STOPS

I have been very busy with programs this week and today was the third one.(The biggie is still to come) Today we had our K-4 musical...72 4 year olds on 1 stage...and they did great!
After the program, my sweet boss, Bonnie, sat down and told me some heart stopping news that she had heard on the way out the door. She, wisely, didn't tell me about it until after the program. A single gunman pulled a gun on a security guard at Samford University this morning. No shots were fired, and the gunman ran away. The campus went into lockdown and the campus police as well as Birmingham police scoured the campus, but no sign of him anywhere. I immediately went to call Ian...no answer. I tried several more times and finally I got a return call. A very sleepy voice said,"What do you need, Mom?" He was asleep through the whole thing and didn't even know about it. He lives off campus...but close. His roommate was at home. So, all is well. But, what a feeling that is. Remembering the horror on other campuses just sends shivers all over me. The campus is secure and Ian is there now in the library studying for exams next week. He will graduate on Friday with his MBA. I always ask God to cover my children with His goodness and grace and protection. And He does. I thank Him for His protection of all the Samford students and faculty today. Of course, I had to do the Mom thing and remind him to be careful and not walk around by himself after dark and to watch out for strange characters, and to not talk to strangers and to lock his doors in the car,,,you know all the stuff we are taught to say in MOM SCHOOL. He just laughed and sweetly said, "Don't worry, Mom...I'm fine." And he is...thank God.

IN HONOR OF MOM....PART 5

Don't ever forget these words of wisdom...


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You must NEVER make her look like this...

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Remember...she can always do this...

IN HONOR OF MOM.....PART 4

DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHO SHE IS?........

IN HONOR OF MOM.....PART 3

There are all kinds of moms in this world. Moms who put up with a lot, who endlessly teach life's lessons, and are there to catch us when we fall...and with just a kiss or a nudge can make it better.





But we all like to get those pictures, don't we?

IN HONOR OF MOM......PART 2

She has to do a lot of this...every day...of every month...of every year..of forever.
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This is how she really feels.
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Whatever you do, don't let this happen!

A WEEK TO HONOR MOMS

I have had fun finding all sorts of fun things about Moms and have decided to do a weeks worth of posts on the subject! I hope you find these enjoyable, and good for a laugh along the way. Here are some interesting quotes I found....
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"A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled."
Emily Dickinson

“A mother's love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking”.
Helen Rice

“A mother understands what a child does not say."
Unknown

”The mother loves her child most divinely, not when she surrounds him with comfort and anticipates his wants, but when she resolutely holds him to the highest standards and is content with nothing less than his best.”
Hamilton Mable


"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool Mom."
Marion Garriety

"One of the oldest human needs is having someone to wonder where you are when you don't come home at night."
Margaret Mead


"When it comes to love, Mom's the word."
Unknown

"A mother will take what she is given...and give twice as much in return."
Lynn

"A mother's love is never divided when there is more than 1 child. Magically, her love is multiplied to include them all."
Lynn

"Sometimes the greatest sermon a Mom can preach is to be silent. A wise child will hear her loud and strong."
Lynn

"LOOK! There's your mother! She's she prettiest one up there! And, she's mine!"
Clyde Townsend

IN HONOR OF MOM.....PART 1

Mom's are responsible for bringing these into the world...well, she does have a little help. But, the hardest work is hers alone.

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Some day's are just harder than others....you understand, I'm sure.

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Moms must help their children make wise decisions...even if it hurts a little....

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Sometimes, she has to play the 'bad guy'.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING #16

Dove Dark Chocolate....heavenly! Remember...the proper way to eat this is to let it melt in your mouth, coat your tongue and taste buds, and fill your senses with a taste of the divine. Never...never...NEVER chew it up! All the true goodness escapes that way..and it is gone waaay too fast. Eat it slowly...savoring the chocolaty goodness. If this is not medicinal...nothing is!

HERE'S ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT...

Does anyone remember that song from loooooong ago? When I would spend summers in NC as a little girl, I have such vivid memories of my cousin Harry singing this song. He would come in from the field....filthy...leave his work shoes on the porch lined up with all the other work shoes, and go get all spiffed up for a night out. There was 1 bathroom in Aunt Marie's house...and we had better all be out of the way when Harry came home. All the time he was getting ready, I could hear him singing....loud and proud..."Here's another Sad'day night and I ain't got nobody. I got some money 'cause I just got paid. How I wish I had someone to talk to...I'm in an awful way." * And that must have been all the words he knew because that is all I ever remember hearing...actually every one in the vicinity would hear him. Finally he would come out, his nicely pressed clothes...loafers...and sweater....and smelling
good. Not a care in all the world. I thought he was so cool. But more importantly...HE thought he was cool! Then he would make some funny joke or poke fun at somebody (usually me) or something (all in fun). And off he would go...still singing those same 'ole 4 lines....as the screen door slammed behind him and he slid under the wheel...and drove out the long dirt driveway, and hit the highway. Aunt Marie would finish up in the kitchen,,,maybe begin preparing for Sunday dinner, and I would sit and watch TV with Uncle Arthur Lee. After she finished, she would bring Uncle Arthur a big slab of cake, and a glass of iced tea. If it wasn't too late, I could have some too.
There's was just a little house...with bead board ceilings, that was built many years ago. But, to me, on those evenings, it felt like the grandest place on earth. A place of love and comfort and belonging. A home that felt welcoming when you stepped into the little screen porch...and like a big, warm hug when you stepped into the den. A special place for a 'city girl' to make sweet memories to cherish still today.
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* "Another Saturday Night" by Sam Cooke

ALWAYS ACCESSORIZE !!!

Just a little week-end humor! How matchy-matchy are you?

MAY DAY

The maypole is a tall wooden pole (traditionally of maple, hawthorn or birch), sometimes erected with several long colored ribbons suspended from the top, festooned with flowers, draped in greenery and strapped with large circular wreaths. It is usually a shorter, plainer maypole that people (usually school children) perform dances around, weaving the ribbons in and out to create striking patterns.

This beautiful little flower is know as 'muguet des bois' in France...or Lily of the Valley here in the US. May Day is celebrated in France by the giving and receiving of little bouquets or pots of this charming flower. The scent is heavenly! I actually remember having some "perfume" when I was a teenager that was called Muguet. The flowers are said to be the 'bringers of happiness' to whomever has them. Sort of a good luck charm. They are also frequently used in wedding flowers also.
Below is a vintage postcard from Paris that celebrates this custom.

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Whether you celebrate it or not...here's to a HAPPY MAY !!!

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH?

Can I get a witness?????

FYI.....

I'm just saying......