Lessons learned?

I could sense on New Year's Eve eve that 2015 was unlikely to go out with a strong blog post by me. In fact, that's when I started writing this, hoping to stumble into a rhythm or plan while watching the Aggies try to win a bowl game with a third string quarterback starting by virtue of the two 5-star QBs ahead of him transferring out of the program after the final regular season game of the season. 

And maybe I do see some inspiration. Despite a very slow start (I think Jake Hubenak had no completed passes in the first quarter), there have been a couple of good scoring drives. It was 20-14 at the half and 27-21 with 1:40 minutes and A&M in the red zone. ... So anything is possible. I want the Aggies to win, but win or lose, it's been a good effort in less-than-optimal circumstances. (The Aggies didn't get that final score, but I'm more ok with it than I was with some of the non-victorious efforts this season.)

My point was trying to be: Just play ball!!

Or: Just live life. 

Or: Just do it. 

Don't decide whether to watch or participate based on what I think the outcome will be. 

And try to avoid the trap of letting the outcome dictate my attitude. 

Might that be a lesson learned from 2015? Time will tell. 

More good gifts

Maybe someday I will be able to express what is in my heart tonight. The journalist and writer in me never stops trying. But it really may be too personal to share. 

I just know I feel loved in a way I never have before. Love came down at Christmas. God sent His Son to save His  wayward people -- including a wretch like me!! Some of my wretchedness that I thought I had left in the past and might never have to own up to caught up with me this year. And finally, instead of running, lying or denying, I faced the truth and the consequences. 

And God in His great grace is restoring my hope and my possibilities. 

Impatience and lack of faith led to my wayward steps. And now I again find myself in need of patience. What took years to tear apart won't be repaired overnight. But great is God's faithfulness.  Morning by morning new mercies I see. 

That's why it's ok that I'm still not ready for Christmas gift exchanges at 9 p.m. Dec. 25. (Even though they won't happen until tomorrow, I'm out of time again!!)

It's ok that I only attended one of two Christmas Eve worship services at my church  last night and didn't sing with the choir, choosing instead to sit with my husband and even let tears flow as needed. 

I have to believe It's ok that today instead of volunteering to serve at a community meal, I went to see the new "Star Wars" movie with my husband. (I was inspired to do that after reading that it could be viewed as a Christmas story of good overcoming evil and light overcoming darkness. And even though surely that story will return -- there are so many loose ends and unanswered questions -- the finale of the Christmas story is known even as we await its fulfillment.)

I have hope that next Christmas will again include singing and also include serving and sharing more time with others.

But I trust that God will lead me where I need to be. 

I believe that things can be different -- better -- but that things won't change instantly. Change happens with baby steps. It may not even look like I'm moving forward. But small right steps add up to a positive difference. 

I am grateful for the love of my husband. It is a source of energy and hope and healing and joy. It is a gift from God and a reflection of God's love. May I never take it for granted. 

And I am grateful for God's love, at Christmas and always. May I never take it for granted. I pray to know and do His will, to love and serve Him, to trust and obey Him and to share the joy and light of His presence. 

Early Christmas surprise

For the first time in probably 20 years or more, we have a full-size Christmas tree in our house. My sweet semiretired husband surprised me with this when I got home from work Monday. It's actually the tree and decorations from all those years ago, with a few other cat ornaments I've received or bought even when I didn't put up a tree. Attic Angels took pretty good care of the tree!!!

I didn't realize how much I missed having a tree. We quit putting one up because we were never here for Christmas and the cats would not leave it alone. Now we don't have a cat -- and we will be here Christmas. Maybe next year we will have a kitty AND a Christmas tree. 

God's good gifts -- not just at Christmas

As I've struggled to feel "the Christmas spirit" this year, I've had to remind myself that God's good and perfect gifts -- to us and through us -- aren't limited to specific days on a calendar. That gives me so much hope. Great is God's love and faithfulness. 

These Scriptures and thoughts from Craig Denison's first15.org really helped me focus. 

 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

Every morning with God can be like Christmas morning. From the moment our eyes open we have an opportunity to know a love that surpasses any gift we've been given. From the time our feet hit the ground we can experience perfect, pleasing plans the Lord has laid before us. 

Every moment in our day is a chance to receive more and more grace, more and more love. Every encounter with a person is a chance to see God move and work through us and through them. Every task given us is a chance to experience the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Even in trial and tribulations we are given an opportunity to experience a heavenly, eternal peace that transcends our circumstances. Even in pain and loss we are given a chance to experience the loving, compassionate heart of our Father that gets low with us and meets us where we are. 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Attitude of gratitude, one moment at a time

Grateful. Attitude of gratitude, one moment at a time. Played out at home, at work, at choir and then A 12-step meeting.  

One day at a time. Even in December. Even as many things on my list didn't get done today or this week. 

I am grateful for what occurred, and hopeful for what lies ahead. Grateful to God. 

And so it goes :)

Indeed!!! The saga of this year's #Healthy65 Challenge continues. 

I had tweaked my previous "That's the Spirit" post to meet a #Healthy65 newsroom blog deadline Friday.  But I finished a little later in the day than they expected, so mine won't run until at least Monday. And, amazingly, I am OK with that. Here was the update, subject to more revisions!!

Who knew?

Who knew it would be so easy? All I had to do was set a goal. 

And suddenly I had two days with a positive attitude, without complaining, whining or negativity (aside from some morning sounds that may have seemed like moans or groans as I was stretching before and as I got out of bed). 

My #Healthy65 Challenge/goal is to abstain from complaining and whining at least two days a week for 65 days.

After accomplishing that in the first two days of the first week, I realized I could break into negativity again for a while if I wanted to. But I didn’t want to. I really would like this more positive attitude to become a habit. 

Now, it’s Friday, and I’m on my fifth day of what to me seems a noticeably better attitude. 

What is different? Clearly, one thing is the awareness. Another is the motivation: I want to achieve my goal. A third thing likely is simply that it's new. 

Oh, and there’s this: I have a plan. Instead of whining and pointing out the negative when things go wrong, my plan is to say something positive or say nothing at all. On Monday and Tuesday, and many times since, when typically I would have whined or complained, I was able to remain silent, praying as needed, until I could think of something neutral or positive to say about the situation. And there were plenty of times that pause was needed – at home, at work and along the way.

I am amazed. This feels much more peaceful and satisfying. I hope I can keep it up. 

So, here's the continued approach: 

-- Try not to say anything until I work through to the gratitude or at least can be neutral. 

-- Instead of complain, I will strive to say (or at least think): What can I do?  How can I help? What can I be grateful for here?

-- Pray. Be still and listen for God. Trust and obey. 

The Healthy 65 Challenge is a life-improvement initiative launched by co-worker Juliana Keeping last year to cover 65 days from about Thanksgiving to after the first of the year. This year, we started Monday and will end Feb. 2. It’s an informal challenge, but I found last year that it helped me have a healthier mindset that went  beyond  the stated goal of significantly reducing my exorbitant chewing of gum.  I exceeded that goal and continue to follow the plan that helped me there.

That gives me hope that this year’s challenge also might bring about lasting change. These first few days notwithstanding, I don't think it will be easy. It will take some one-day/moment-at-time trust in God that I've never been able to sustain. I'm just glad that, for today, it seems possible.

Who knew?

Who knew it would be so easy? All I had to do was set a goal. 

And suddenly I had two days with a positive attitude, without complaining, whining or negativity (aside from some morning sounds that may have seemed like moans or groans as I was stretching before and as I got out of bed). 

My #Healthy65 Challenge/goal is to abstain from complaining and whining at least two days a week for 65 days.

After accomplishing that in the first two days of the first week, I realized I could break into negativity again for a while if I wanted to. But I didn’t want to. I really would like this more positive attitude to become a habit. 

What is different? Clearly, one thing is the awareness. Another is the motivation: I want to achieve my goal. A third thing likely is simply that it's new. 

Oh, and there’s this: I have a plan. Instead of whining and pointing out the negative when things go wrong, my plan is to say something positive or say nothing at all. On Monday and Tuesday, when typically I would have whined or complained, I was able to remain silent, praying as needed, until I could think of something neutral or positive to say about the situation. And there were plenty of times that pause was needed – at home, at work and along the way.

I am amazed. This feels much more peaceful and satisfying. I hope I can keep it up. 

So, here's the continued approach: 

-- Try not to say anything until I work through to the gratitude or at least can be neutral. 

-- Instead of complain, I will strive to say (or at least think): What can I do?  How can I help? What can I be grateful for here?

-- Pray. Be still and listen for God. Trust and obey. 

The Healthy 65 Challenge is a life-improvement initiative launched by co-worker Juliana Keeping last year to cover 65 days from about Thanksgiving to after the first of the year. This year, we started Monday and will end Feb. 2. It’s an informal challenge, but I found last year that it helped me have a healthier mindset that went  beyond  the stated goal of significantly reducing my exorbitant chewing of gum.  I exceeded that goal and continue to follow the plan that helped me there.

That gives me hope that this year’s challenge also might bring about lasting change. These first few days notwithstanding, I don't think it will be easy. It will take some one-day/moment-at-time trust in God that I've never been able to sustain. I'm just glad that, for today, it seems possible.

Gratitude and Thanks-living

I really wanted to end November with a long gratitude list. So, I'm starting a post once again, for the time stamp. 

But maybe it isn't even necessary to write a blog post. What was that concept I liked so much in past years? Thanks-living. Maybe that's why I haven't been able to write it out. I, with help from my husband, have been doing more to put living first, in an attitude of gratitude and actions of love and compassion. 

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
—Lamentations 3:22–26

A positively #Healthy65 start

Today, I started my latest Healthy 65 Challenge. This is a life-improvement initiative launched by co-worker Juliana Keeping last year to cover 65 days from about Thanksgiving to after the first of the next year. This time, it actually will end Ground Hog Day, Feb 2. It's an informal challenge, but I found last year that it helped me have a healthier mindset that went beyond the stated goal of significantly reducing my exorbitant gum consumption. I exceeded that goal and continue to follow the plan that helped me there. (It just occurred to me that Julianna says one thing she likes about 65 days is that it should be long enough to establish a new habit. But for me and my gum chewing, I'm very aware that reduced gum-chewing did not become a habit for me, and if I didn't keep daily track, I'm pretty sure I'd quickly be back to the super excessive amount. Seems crazy but I know it's true.)

Anyway, I wasn't sure I would participate this year. I couldn't think of a worthy physical challenge I wanted to take on.  But then a healthy behavior came to mind. So my #Healthy65 Challenge is to abstain from complaining. I want to quit whining and pointing out the negative. I want to say something positive or say nothing at all. And I want to somehow do this without denying or stuffing my feelings. 

Between Wednesday, when I came up with my goal, and Sunday, I was having second thoughts and even took comfort in knowing I didn't have to be perfect. If my goal is just one or two days a week, it wouldn't even have to be the first day. But of course, I did want a strong start. So I figured I might as well try.  

And now it's 9:45 pm, and I have succeeded so far. It seems every time I normally would have complained or whined, I was able to remain silent, praying as needed, until I could think of something neutral or positive to say about the situation. And there were plenty of times that pause was needed. After all, it is Monday, and I work a full-time job. Anyone who knows me knows what I am talking about. 

I am amazed. It felt very peaceful and satisfying. I hope I can keep this up. I really liked the result today. 

So, here's the continued approach: 

-- Try not to say anything until I work through to the gratitude or at least can be neutral. 

-- Instead of complain, I will strive to say (or at least think): What can I do?  How can I help? What can I be grateful for here?

-- Pray. Be still and listen for God. Trust and obey. 

Purging the system

On Monday, I'm starting a 65-day challenge in which I hope to abstain from complaining. I want to quit whining and pointing out the negative. I want to say something positive or say nothing at all. And I want to somehow do this without denying or stuffing my feelings. 

The minimum challenge is to do this at least two days each week during this 65-day period. Now I'm wondering if a goal of one day per week is more realistic. But since I attempt to approach all goals with a progress-not-perfection attitude, I'll go ahead and strive for two -- even as I also hope to achieve more!!!

I had hoped to use the time since I came up with this challenge Wednesday to purge some of the negativity I know I have in me. Here it is Sunday and I still haven't. Will I now??

Weather -- I hate cold conditions, and even more when it's icy or snowy. 

Cantata -- I love our church choir director (who happened to mention this in his own blog),  and the first three cantatas by Pepper Choplin were amazing. But I just cannot get into this one. Still trying. Hopefully. Writing this will keep me from voicing frustration. 

Hair -- I have reasons for wanting to let it grow. I have no clues how to style it. 

What to wear -- neverending anxiety for some unexplainable reason. 

Work -- too few people to do what's expected, and now some of those are off, trying to use the rest of their vacation before year's end. 

Christmas -- expectations vs. reality.

Balance -- marriage, other relationships, work, personal boundaries. 

Of course, the better approach than trying to get out all of the negativity is to start now with focusing on the positive instead. Try not to say anything until I work through to the gratitude. As I've written before, even when I complain, I usually come around to gratitude. But sometimes the damage is already done, whether that be fouling someone else's mood or just wasting time. 

Instead of complain, I will strive to say (or at least think): What can I do?  How can I help? What can I be grateful for here?

Pray. Be still and listen for God. Trust and obey. 

Counting some blessings

I could make a long list of things for which I am grateful. 

Instead, I'll hit just a few highlights:

Hope that springs eternal. Great is God's faithfulness. 

Oh yes, faith that connects to hope. 

And, of course, love. The greatest of these is love. 

My cup runneth over. God has been so good to me. Is he wasteful? No. He expects me to share the overflow. (This thought is courtesy of the Rev. Jim Goodwin, whom I knew when he was pastor of Whaley Memorial United Methodist Church.) I often fail to do share the overflow. 

Which leads me to something else for which I am grateful: second and third and additional chances to get it right. 

A healthy change of attitude

I've been trying to decide whether to do the #Healthy65 Challenge coordinated by a co-worker this year. And the answer, finally, is yes. It starts Monday. 

My #Healthy65 Challenge: attitude of gratitude. 

Here are some of  my starting thoughts:

I'm pretty good physically. I've continued to adhere to last year's #Healthy65 Challenge to reduce my gum consumption significantly (which saved me a very conservative minimum of $365 for the year).

 

I couldn't think of a physical challenge worth taking on this year.

 

But I think this challenge regarding my attitude will have positive results extending well beyond my bodily health.

 

Quit complaining. In all things, be thankful. 

 

I've been convicted by so many people sharing daily thanks in November. I had hoped to. I have not.

 

And I realize that often when I do give thanks and express gratitude, it comes after working through a complaint or problem.

 

For 65 days, or at least a day or two a week for 65 days, I want to abstain from complaining.

 

Instead of complain, I will strive to say (or at least think): what can I do?  how can I help?

 

(I may have a lot to get out of my system before that starts!!)

Just because

I can't resist posting this, but I also hate to. Everyone makes mistakes. But four times????? (OK, it may have just been three, but I'll err on the grand side.) I almost delivered it to the right house myself the second time it came, but instead just put it back in the mail slot. (An embarrassing aside is that the first time it came, I opened it, not realizing it wasn't addressed to me! It's a thank-you, apparently from possibly a college student to his grandmother. That was actually heartwarming. I want Meme to get her card!!!)

Update: On Thursday, this showed up one more time. I guess what friends said on Facebook is true; it will keep coming back unless I black out the code on the bottom. So I've done that now. Maybe it will get there. I hope so. 

More right choices, one at a time.

Surprisingly and thankfully, November started with a week of right (or at least much better than usual) choices. 

Prayer. 

Answered prayer. 

Gratitude. 

Sunday: quick Texas trip. 

Monday: praying in faith about work and time with Gene. 

Tuesday: more faith and action; making the most of Gene's trip to my office for a meeting that wasn't. 

Wednesday: gratitude as things worked out despite my lack of planning. 

Thursday: selfie fun and more. 

Friday: work so much better than I could ever have dreamed, for the week and Friday. 

Saturday: stepping out for something new. 

One small, right choice

I really want to close out October with one more post. But what would I say? God is at work. 

The part of me that wants to be a writer just won't die. I guess it's why I keep trying to chronicle events on Facebook and here. Most recently was Becky's birthday and the fourth anniversary of Daddy's death. May we never forget our loved ones. 

I often fall short, but one thing I did intentionally this year, for which I am grateful, was to keep the public focus Oct. 30 on Becky's birthday and to wait until the next day to focus on Daddy, an anniversary that also occurred Oct. 30. It was a small, right choice. I strive to make more of those as I go forward. 

What's next?

The only shows I follow on TV are "Nashville" and "my" sports teams, basically the Aggies, Rangers, Mavericks, Cowboys and sometimes the Thunder. And it's looking like even that is too much for me. I'm pretty sure my life would be better if I just left the TV off. So why is it so hard to do??

Still searching

Now it's Oct. 27, and I still can't find the spirit for a good blog post. Changes are going on in my life, and I guess taking the time to flesh out thoughts for the blog is not a priority. I miss doing it but can't justify taking the time. I wish blogging came easily, but part of the change is that I'm trying to be more honest and realistic in my approach to life. And the truth is that writing has never been easy for me. It is a passion and a desire, but it is not easy. It comes down to the same thing that is most difficult about life in general for me: deciding or knowing what I want .... to do, to be, to say, to have. I'm still searching for those answers. 

Random thoughts that ended up being sports-centered

Random thoughts as I notice it's Oct. 11 and I haven't posted anything at all in October!!:

I wanted to blog a response to the pre-Red River Rivalry game focus in The Oklahoman about why Oklahomans hate Texas. Mine would be thoughts from someone who has lived in Oklahoma 33 years and still considers herself a Texan living in Oklahoma, rather than an Oklahoman. A year or so ago, this momentarily became an issue at the place I have worked for 33 years -- a newspaper that had adopted a new catchphrase: because "We are Oklahomans" (or something like that). 

I didn't get around to composing my post. And even though I am not a fan of the lowly Texas university team that got bashed all week in print and on air, I took some pleasure that the Longhorns somehow eked out a beatdown of the Sooners. It may be because my teams tend to be the underdog, so I have a soft spot for others in such situations. 

Unfortunately, that could backfire on me this week as the college team I DO care about -- the Texas Aggies -- put their undefeated season on the line against once-defeated but always good Alabama. But the difference is, as much as I want my team to win each game, I am so accustomed to being the underdog that it doesn't surprise me when they don't. I'm a fan anyway. 

You might say I avoid disappointment by not setting my expectations too high.  That's what it was like when the Aggie women's basketball team and the NBA's Dallas Mavericks won national championships, and when the Texas Rangers came oh-so close two years in a row in the MLB. A variation may have been at play when the OSU Cowboys and the Kansas Jayhawks came closer than anyone would have ever expected. The Jayhawks took advantage of some breaks in scheduling and another team's misfortunes; I always felt the Cowboys were victims of a random occurrence.

This year, similar things could possibly happen with the Rangers and the Aggies. Dare I even write down the scenarios that have come into my mind? Because the thing is, nothing matters except how you play each game. (Aggies could win out and not be in championship playoff because the SEC isn't as strong this year. The Rangers in their first World Series, as I recall, had a disadvantage from the American League's All Star game loss; and in the second visit, they were playing a wild card team that would have been less likely to have even advanced with the rules now in place.)

I'm not sure where I intended to be going with all of this. Mainly I just noticed it's Oct. 11 and I have yet to post anything for October. So here goes something. And maybe I will be back to edit and fill in lots of gaps soon!! 

Never.ever.give.up

I am second-guessing myself more than ever in some areas of my life. Too often lately, almost immediately after I make some well-intentioned comment that is intended to be positive, helpful and supportive, I realize how it could be misconstrued as criticizing, judging,  complaining or interfering with another person's business.  

Fortunately, those are areas in which I think I still have room and time to learn and grow. 

An area of greater confusion is finally clear. I never quit trying and praying, but my hope and effort had certainly diminished. And then the miracle happened.

Never.ever.give.up. It's more than a baseball team slogan. It gives me hope in all areas of my life. 

Nothing changes if nothing changes

It's time for action. Nothing changes if nothing changes. 

What can I do differently? 

I still don't know the answer, but I hope to find out as I go.

I'm praying and striving to maintain a positive and grateful attitude and willingness to change.

And as always I need to trust God. Trust God. Trust God. 

This says it better than I can

1 Corinthians 13

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. ... 

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

What God Allows

God redeems what He allows. That's a concept that has stayed with me since I read it a year or two ago in writings of Jim Denison, on his Denison Forum on Faith and Culture. 

My choices are my own, not God's. I've made poor choices even as I've continued to pray. 

And God constantly works to redeem my actions, to work things for good, to make it right.

I am currently experiencing that in a major way. 

What I want to shout from the highest hill: never give up on God. 

And, perhaps related to the second of Christ's most important commandments: never give up on people. 

Never stop praying and believing and working in whatever way you can, even if it seems small, to know and do God's will. Even if it seems impossible that you can resolve a bad situation, don't rule out what God can do. 

I believe I am seeing answers to a lifetime of sometimes feeble prayers. 

I pray it is so. And I thank God that it is even possible. 

One more chance

Not much new to report. Still standing in the need of God's mercy, love and grace, and praying in faith that I will receive the gifts he offers, one moment at a time. Among those gifts is one more chance to be the person I believe I am. 

Ok, I guess I should add: Grief is a many layered and complex thing. I must not deceive myself about that. 

Standing in the need of prayer

Maybe I'm finally, truly putting my faith in God. Time will tell. I pray that God will find me faithful. I am truly unworthy of another chance. But the Father runs to embrace His prodigal children, even if they only come to their senses and repent because they can no longer deceive themselves about the pain their choices are causing so many people. 

I'm grateful to God. And I'm praying in faith that His sovereign love, mercy and grace can heal and protect and raise up all standing in the need of His mercy, love, grace and healing. 

‘Just a Few of Our Favorite Things’

.....

Tribute to Mom (Alice Davidson)

Aug. 16, 2015

.....

The tune was “Edelweiss,” but the inspiration was “The Sound of Music” and “My Favorite Things” or, more accurately, Our Favorite Things About Mom.

And it became clear pretty quickly they wouldn’t fit nicely into a few rhymed couplets. And thus we get the story behind the song.

The question that was asked: What are some of your favorite things about Mom?

So, on the occasion of the 80th birthday of Alice Ruth Siegmund Davidson (Mom) ... a celebration of family, faith and friends ... inspired by the sweet music of life that has flowed from her heart and soul:

Here are “Just a Few of Our Favorite Things” about her.

.....

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – Seeing the best, never giving up: In her parents, siblings and extended family of origin ... In the family she married into … In the family she and Daddy gave birth to and that continues to flourish and grow through new generations.

.....

If she ever feels disappointment, she quickly or slowly lets it go. (I may think I disappoint her sometimes, but when I express this, she quickly convinces me otherwise.) I know of only a few grudges she ever held for long, and I doubt she holds any now. 'Taint worthwhile, I can imagine her saying.

.....

Singing in the car. Taking us to church and making that a life priority for us.

.....

Stressing the importance of education and knowing that she thought we were smart and didn't hesitate to tell others. I also thought I had the prettiest mom when I was in school and I still do. I had family, faith and friends put on her cake, what seemed to me to be her priorities.

.....

Morning walks on the farm, folksy Facebook posts. … the bread and the special homecooked meals. … windmills and wildflowers …

.....

Home movies, “pink things” perms. Though the last is not really a favorite. Just something I remember ;)

.....

Appreciation for reading (books, newspapers, the Bible, Sunday school lessons and other inspirational and faithful devotions).

.....

Sunday dinner or picnics after church at the roadside park between Muenster and St. Jo. … Coming home from church to the smell of roast in the oven, with onion-mushroom gravy. Mashed potatoes (the real ones, not those from a box!!!) … Lots of fruit cocktail cherry jello. … fried Spam (as opposed to the dreaded plain Spam); but what I really liked was the pan-fried ham and anything smothered in cream of mushroom soup.

.....

Mom could cut a chicken into about 20 pieces. I didn’t know you could cook one in halves or even quarters until I was probably a teenager.

.....

I love that she was born into the Siegmund family and that she married into the Davidson family, with rural and small-town Texas roots. Era, Muenster, Hood, Walnut Bend, Hayes, Marysville, St. Jo, Gainesville. She enjoys traveling and experiencing other places, but she’s still on the farm! And yet, I think if she had been born into a different set of circumstances but with the same people, she would have made just as much of it and we would still have the same values!!!

.....

Substance over style. And yet, so much style! Through it all, a smile.

.....

Always there. Always fair.

.....

I don’t know whether I knew this growing up, but as an adult, I know that Mom has no favorites – or we all are her favorites. Her unconditional and complete love and appreciation for each of us (and the grandkids and great-grandkids and all the spouses) continues to grow.

.....

A peacemaker with a smile.

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Willing to help, even if it takes a while!

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So much patience and acceptance.

.....

A recent comment from Mom on Facebook, after a gorgeous picture was posted from her young-adult days: She got around, in a good way!

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Smart. Beautiful. Wise. Wry. Happy. Resourceful. Helpful. Persevering. Respectful and respected.

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Encouraging – our greatest cheerleader!

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Not afraid to share wisdom, advice, opinions and maybe some gossip, but always with sensitivity to the situation.

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Willing to back off, let her kids and others have their space and find their way.

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Ability to talk to anyone about anything.

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Unwavering faith and trust in God.

.....

Perhaps above all, that combination of faith, optimism, confidence, integrity, humility, gratitude and so many other things that looks for, sees and builds up the good in any situation and lets go of the rest. And as a result, it does seem as if it’s all good, that the memories are precious and each new day is a gift filled with promise.

Bless My Mama Forever!

....

Tribute to 80 years of Alice

(somewhat to the tune of “Edelweiss”)

....

Alice Ruth Davidson:

You’re our Mom and we love you.

Full of cheer – faith, not fear …

There is no one above you!

Cooking and sewing and fixing hair;

Raising six kids, with so much care!

All you’ve done – and you’ve made it fun!

You’re our Mom and we love you!

....

Alice Ruth Siegmund Davidson:

80 years God has blessed you.

Daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend,

Then grand and great – bonds that never end.

Teaching and helping and spreading love,

Seeing the best; never giving up.

Praying and singing; happiness bringing …

We thank God for you forever!

Discipline, devotion and progress not perfection

A week ago Saturday, I briefly pondered a desire to make a fresh start in some areas. Although I didn't get started on the first day of the month, I did by the second, and it has been positive, even as it continues to be a work in progress. 

A key area involves some discipline (which recently was suggested to me could be viewed as devotion) regarding how I eat. Another involves boundaries around work. Despite positive outcomes so far in both areas, it requires new commitment and thought each day. I pray for grace and humility to stay willing and able. 

On the note of devotion, a couple of my devotional readings from the week were helpful. 

Craig Denison's First15 on Monday brought to mind this question with the second of three points in guided prayer:  Wisdom? Or lack of courage?

The point: 

2. Where do you need courage to pursue the life to which God has called you? What is God calling you to today that seems impossible? What has God spoken over  

you in the past that fear has crippled you from pursuing? 

The things I listed included aspects of my way of eating; boundaries around work; housekeeping;  and the need to strive harder to make acts of kindness toward others a higher priority -- speaking and acting in love, to Your glory, Lord

First 15 went on to say: Don't settle for a life of mediocrity today. God has a plan and purpose for everything you do. He longs to turn your relationships, job, finances and passions into good works of eternal significance. His calling will satisfy your heart like nothing else. And the empowerment of his Spirit for his plans will transform you into a passionate, effective and loving man or woman of valor. May you pursue wholeheartedly the life to which you have been called by your loving heavenly Father.

The suggested scripture reading was 1 Peter 2, including this: 

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

I also read something from Jim Denison (Craig's dad), that I almost posted on Facebook, but backed off. Is that wisdom or lack of courage? (Praying to know and do YOUR will, Lord!)

From the Denison Forum for Truth and Culture: Dorothy Sayers, in her classic 1947 essay, "The Lost Tools of Learning," observed that effective learning progresses through three stages. ...

I wonder what Sayers would think of learning in our digital age.  Educators worry that the Internet makes cheating easy, and shortens attention spans, and affects our work ethic.  Most significantly, they note that we don't feel the need to learn information as we once did.  So long as your smartphone is handy, the world is a few clicks away.  But we cannot understand what we don't know.  And we can't apply what we don't understand.

As I once heard Henry Kissinger say, we have more information than ever before, but less wisdom.

These are things I'm very aware of in a time of many emotions regarding deaths, births, milestone birthdays of loved ones, health issues and a neverending desire to improve, to God's glory. But it's still hard to just put down the smartphone, turn off the computer, TV and music, get quiet and try to think or remember or just be. Or better yet: just be still and know God!! Maybe this growing awareness of the need is an important step. 

I didn't even have time to pray

On a Sunday when I set lofty goals for the start of some personal changes, I'm grateful for a kind, perceptive and helpful man from Ardmore in a black Avalanche who happened to be in the west Norman Walmart parking lot when I went to buy groceries after church.  

After sitting in my car awhile, going through several weeks of newspaper coupon (and becoming very aware that despite light morning and midday rain showers, it was getting hot!) I got out and headed to the store. But when I pushed the key button to lock my car, nothing happened. I tried several times, before finally deciding to use my key to lock the door. 

Fortunately, my brain suddenly engaged, and I realized I should make sure my car would start before I bought a bunch of groceries. 

So, I got back in and tried to start it. 
And all it did was click. I started thumbing through the owner's manual trying to figure out what to do, and really could not find anything describing my situation. 

I was just about to call my husband -- who is in New York, by the way -- when a man came to my open car door and asked if my battery had died. I said I didn't know; I just knew my car wouldn't start. 

It turns out he works in an auto parts store and knows a lot about cars. He thought it just needed a jump-start. The space next to my car was vacant, so he pulled in from a couple of spaces down. (I couldn't even get the trunk to open, but he had jumper cables. Later, I realized, yes I could open the trunk, using the key. Ha!)

With juice from his Avalanche, my Mustang started right up. He noted that the cable connections were corroded and suggested I drive around to Walmart's auto service department and get my Walmart battery checked out. So I did, but not before thanking him profusely. 

I told him he showed up before I even had a chance to consciously pray, but I still thanked God for him. (And my husband probably does, too, since he didn't have to try to talk me through this over the phone.)

The Ardmore man had been in Edmond visiting daughter and stopped in Norman on the way. I'm so glad he was here. 

I did not get his name. (That's why I am not a reporter any more -- I hate to intrude and ask for details. I don't know where that reluctance comes from. I admire people who can easily engage and get to know people that way and then remember the details.)

I drove over to Walmart's auto service department and they checked the battery (it's fine, according to the diagnostics) and cleaned the connections. 

Something perhaps worth noting is that the corrosion might have been prompted by all the rain. That's what the Walmart guy said. 

I'm just grateful for the goodness of God and the people He sends my way, especially on this day when I'm trying to make some positive life changes. This wasn't directly among my goals, but awareness of an unexpected blessing is always a good thing.

It also serves as a reminder that God knows what I need before I do. As the lyrics of a worship song that has been with me since Friday go: Be still my soul and know: You are God alone. Stop thinking so much and just let go.

Amen.