Our Christmas 2010 Cast of Characters

As the time and date on this picture attests, everything was ready and waiting just moments before the first welcome headlights appeared from Arkansas. Laura with her husband David and children Nathan and Megan made the long trek from Ft. Smith on Wednesday, December 22. When they drove into the driveway, I could finally proclaim, "Christmas is here! Christmas is here!" We had a quiet dinner and cookie-decorating session with the kiddoes before everyone headed to bed. Ahhhhh. A house with people upstairs.

By early afternoon on the 23rd, Matt and his wife Katie with their sons Luke and Seth arrived from Wynne, Arkansas (via Birmingham where they had been with Katie's family). Shortly after that, Julie with her husband Brian and their four daughters came in from Huntsville and my Dad (better known as Gramps) and sweet Stepmom June arrived from Troy. Suddenly, the house was buzzing and VERY lively!

3-year-old Maggie found a comfortable spot in the den to enjoy some juice. She was a little under-the-weather on this occasion, but at Thanksgiving she announced to her boy cousins that she was a princess, so they needed to kiss her. They refused to comply, but her Cousin Megan was willing. :)

Matt and his wife Katie enjoyed some adult conversation with their brothers-in-law before dinnertime while Seth and Maggie worked on decorating the Mele Kalikimaka tree. Matt pastors Wynne Baptist Church, and Katie manages Matt, their boys, and all the challenges of being a pastor's wife. She's a jewel.

Penelope got a new pair of sunglasses to enhance her pretty Christmas dress. She's a little blonde-haired, blue-eyed waif who can slip away quickly and quietly if we're not careful to count noses on a regular basis. She's beginning to talk a lot but still needs an "interpreter" for a lot of her words.

My Dad (Gramps) looks remarkable to be 83 years old. Don't you think? We are all so blessed by his good health and very sharp mind. He keeps us all straight . . . still! Standing next to him is Julie's husband Brian, something of a Paul Bunyon look-alike. :) He has his own electrical substation repair and maintenance business called AMP -- in case you need anyone for that kind of job.

Laura's husband David is particularly fond of Facebook games right now -- Farmville and Frontierville -- in case you want to sent him some "gifts." On a normal workday, he works with prosthetics and orthotics. Laura teaches math for two on-line universities and is the MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) coordinator at her church.

Here is Julie holding Rosemary and my stepmom June Collier is holding Penelope. Rosemary arrived with a pretty outfit on, but, well, accidents happen and her clothes needed to be dried for a few minutes. Julie wears many hats. Besides homeschooling Allie and meeting the needs of her growing family, she is also active at Whitesburg Baptist and has many friends. Her home is a constant hub of hospitality.

Rosemary must be hoping that some new clothes are in some of the packages with her name on them. Her latest trick is waving. We're just beginning to uncover the nuances of her unique personality.

Nathan LOVES trains, so Granddaddy "just happened" to have a train set they needed to assemble together. They were both intent on their job while Megan quietly kept them company.

Sisters in the kitchen!! Don't I have pretty daughters??? They are both SO busy and live so far apart. Moments like this are rare.

5-year-old Luke is a great kid and a model kindergarten student. We like keeping up with the score during Auburn games. He got a camera from Steve and me and made hundreds of pictures starting the minute he opened it. He loves to arrange things and lets me know if my decorations need tweaking.

Nathan, Megan and I spent a little while decorating sugar cookies to be enjoyed by the rest of the crowd. I readily confess that tasting was involved, too. Megan particularly likes "doing it herself" and is convinced that she can do anything her brother Nathan can. :)

The first thing we needed to do when Seth arrived was celebrate his 4th birthday, which is actually on December 20. He was particularly glad to get this Cam Newton #2 jersey. I suspect he'll be wearing it on January 10 when Auburn plays for the National Championship. If you ever meet him, ask him to show you how his Daddy preaches and also ask him Cam Newton's phone number. :)

Before we opened presents, we had a short "program." Well, if your Grandmomma was an elementary music teacher I bet you'd have a program, too. Now wouldn't you? First, Allie read to us from Luke chapter 2 -- which was very impressive to the other grands. Then, we sang some Christmas songs, and Allie played "Jingle Bells" on her violin. She is pretty much self-taught and does a remarkable job (says the very biased grandmother).

Now, here's something that is not easy to do -- getting all 8 grandchildren in one place at one time so we can make their picture. We didn't promise that they would stand still, but aren't they beautiful? Going from Steve's lap to mine, you have Penelope, Megan, Luke, Allie, Seth, Nathan, Maggie and Rosemary is in the floor in front of Allie. Just think by next year there will be 2 or 3 MORE!!!! Julie's 5th child is due in June, and Matt and Katie will be adopting one or two children from Ethiopia within the next 5 or 6 months.

Julie's family left a little while after the presents were all unwrapped. Laura's and Matt's families spent the night and then headed on to their in-laws on Christmas Eve morning. Steve and I were alone for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, but we were savoring the moments we'd had, remembering the funny things said and done, and thanking God for His amazing blessings to us. What a treat to wake up to the beautiful snowfall on the 25th!

On Christmas Night, we hosted a gathering of my mother's siblings and their offspring that has gone on for as long as I can remember -- so, at least for 60 years. The icy roads kept a few at home, but 44 managed to make their way to our house. My Aunt Gloria brought her famous dressing, and my Aunt Joyce brought her much-anticipated creamed corn. My Aunt June came with a ham, and my Uncle Milton sent the shrimp. The others brought scrumptious casseroles, salads and desserts.
I am blessed to be a part of such an outstanding extended family -- all are godly people, pillars of their churches, and so loving to each other.

Steve and I consider our children, in-law children and grandchildren to be gifts from God, and we are so grateful to be a part of their lives. We love them unconditionally.

I have been aware this year of friends and acquaintances who faced this holiday season without a loved one who was with them just last year, and I have prayed for peace and comfort during this painful, sad time.

I don't want to ever take for granted the joys of this past week. So, now, in the next few days I'll put the decorations away and make my resolutions for 2011, and like Mary in the Bible, I'll "treasure up all these things, pondering them in my heart." Luke 2:19

Pea Pickin' Cake

Well, there are no peas in this cake, so I'm guessing that the name comes from the fact that it is "Pea Pickin' Good." Did you grow up with that expression as I did? I found the recipe in the Sharing the Legacy cookbook recently compiled by the ladies of First Baptist Church in Decatur, AL. specifically for the purpose of supporting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions (Southern Baptist Convention.)

It is easy to make and very light -- which would be good to serve after the upcoming heavy meals. I only had two decent cake pans, but the recipe calls for 3 layers. If possible, I think that would be the way to go.

Cake:

1 box Butter Recipe Golden Cake Mix

1 small can Mandarin oranges, undrained

4 eggs

1/2 c. vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, oranges, eggs, and oil. Pour batter into 3 well-greased cake pans. Bake for 23-25 minutes. Cool.

Icing:

1 lg. can crushed pineapple, undrained

1 small box vanilla instant pudding

1 lg. Cool Whip, thawed

In large bowl, combine pineapple with pudding mix. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread between layers and on the top and sides of cake. Refrigerate.

Happy Eating!

"Just the Right Amount of Wrong" -- Is that possible?

Giant Christmas ornaments shaped like Vegas showgirls?? Are you kidding me?

Acres upon acres of slot machines and gaming tables?

Hour after hour of putting money in and waiting for the bells and sirens signaling a big win . . . that never really comes.

Much to my consternation, I find myself this morning in a place I would have preferred to spend my entire life without ever visiting -- Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that is proudly nicknamed "Sin City." Steve is here for a state-of-the-art veterinary symposium. He is being taught by the best in his profession. He likes it when I travel with him, so here I am, the week before Christmas, when I should be home baking, finishing all the shopping, watching Hallmark holiday specials, and making sure the pipes don't freeze. There are several good newses in all of this. One is that the weather here is warm and sunny, whereas back home folks are facing record low temperatures. The natural scenery of mountains, desert sand, and cacti is beautiful and very different from North Alabama. Another piece of good news is that I'm known for being able to entertain myself. I refuse to be bored, and I love "scaring up a plan," as my oldest child likes to describe it. Steve is having all of his meals with colleagues at this symposium, except for tonight when we'll have a date. I've been researching shuttle schedules and good restaurants within walking distance of their stops and have a fun route planned for this evening. We should be able to get some exercise AND enjoy a delicious dinner.

The big bad news, of course, is the whole atmosphere, attitude and focus of this lavish, sensual, and yes, sinful city. My purpose today is not to debate the pros and cons of gambling. My worldview has been heavily influenced by an almost 40-year marriage to The World's Most Conservative Man and the belief that God desires that we be good stewards of all He has given us. My mind just doesn't work this way. The reasoning escapes me. I keep wondering which is more disturbing -- the young couples quickly getting off the plane shouting, "All right! Let's do Vegas!" or the elderly people with their walkers and wheelchairs maneuvered beside the slot machines? And the alcohol consumption. It matches the sign in the lobby -- "Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow."

The retail stores don't have much in common with my financial reality either. Yesterday as I was strolling one of the huge malls, I picked up a purse on one of the sale racks to get a closer look. Price tag? $995.00!!!!! And, I'm sure it wasn't the most expensive one. Give ME the money to go INSIDE the purse instead, please.

A billboard slogan we passed on the way from the airport a couple of days ago has stayed on my mind. As is true in many cases, the picture was suggestive, but the words were what grabbed my attention. "JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF WRONG" How could anything be further from the truth of God's Word? How could any words be more contradictory to what I tried to teach our children? Could there ever be "just the right amount of wrong" in ANYTHING? Doesn't the word "wrong" here mean sin? Does a perfectly-adjusted degree of sinfulness exist, according to God's standards?

I have been convicted this week about holiness. God's perfect holiness, yes, but also His instructions that we, too, are to be holy.

Leviticus 19:1-2 "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.' "

1 Peter 1:15 "But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior."

What does it mean to be holy? The definitions given include the phrases "to be separate," "set apart," and "consecrated to God." A quote from Lynne Chapman, an editor for Christian Living, says it this way: "We have never been holy, perfect or pure on our own and we cannot work hard enough to be deemed holy. We are sinful. God's mercy was extended to us when Jesus Christ died on the cross as payment for our sins. He took our sins and we received His holiness. In view of that mercy we are holy -- set apart for God's purpose."

My prayer for today and for the rest of our time here is that God will guard my heart, that He would give me the strength to resist sinful temptation, and that He would allow me to be salt and light in this very dark place. Already, my clothes and manner of dress stick out somewhat, and my prissy Southern-ness is obvious to everyone with whom I speak. Now, "let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

Two Great Recipes

Don't you just love having the holidays as a "good excuse" for trying yummy recipes? Tonight I fixed two new items that Steve pronounced stirring successes. The top picture shows the Spinach/Chicken/Mozzarella Bake before it went in the oven, and the second picture is a plate of the Peanut Butter Snickers cookies. If I had some confectioner's sugar, I would sprinkle a little on top just to make them look a little more festive. But, the taste makes up for any plain appearance on the outside.

SPINACH/CHICKEN/MOZZARELLA BAKE

9-oz. package prewashed spinach

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, uncooked

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

2 Roma tomatoes, sliced

1 c. sliced mushrooms

1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix, prepared with Balsamic vinegar

2 c. shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

1 6-0z. package angel hair pasta or rice, cooked

Place the spinach in the bottom of a coated 9" by 13" baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the spinach; season with the salt and pepper. Place the tomatoes and mushrooms on top of the chicken. Mix the Italian dressing mix according to the directions on the package, substituting Balsamic vinegar for the regular vinegar. Pour the dressing over the spinach, chicken, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Top with the cheese. Bake at 350-degrees for 40 minutes. Serve over the angel hair pasta or rice. Serves 4.

PEANUT BUTTER SNICKERS COOKIES

1 c. butter, softened (use real butter and not margarine)

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. white sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

Mix until fluffy.

Sift together -- 3 1/2 c. all purpose flour, 1 t. soda, and 1/2 t. salt

And add to the first mixture.

Refrigerate for a couple of hours or put the batter in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Also, put a package of Snickers miniatures in the freezer for awhile, too.

Wrap 1 to 2 tablespoons of batter around each Snicker and place on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake at 325-degrees for 16-18 minutes.

Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, if desired.

Makes 3 1/2 dozen.

After eating all that healthy spinach, maybe you'll feel better about savoring one of the cookies.

Tiger Walk, ANOTHER Scripture Illustration??

Last Saturday, a whole bunch of Pearsons and I started off our Game Day experience by getting in position for Tiger Walk, a tradition that really began in the early '60's but blossomed into a major event on December 2, 1989, when the University of Alabama football team came into town and played in our stadium for the first time in the history of this in-state rivalry. Some have said that more than 20,000 participated that day. I'm not good at estimating crowds, but there was solid representation of the Auburn faithful last week, too.
Tiger Walk was started as a way for the fans to wish the team well in the upcoming game and to line their path with cheers all the way from the athletic dorm to the entrance of the stadium. It has been called "the most copied tradition in all of college football." It is always held two hours before the kick-off, and for really big games, the fans get a chance to roar with pride, energy and passion and, hopefully, to fire up the team to bring in a victory.
For this most recent Tiger Walk, the "appointed time" was 12:30 p.m. and "the word on the street" was that we would need to claim a spot by 11:45 a.m. in order to get the best view of all the players and coaches. We were there close to that time and got some pretty good spots, but it was quite a trick to keep three grandchildren (ages 3, 4, and 5) happy while we waited in the hot sun. It wasn't a picnic for the adults, either, for that matter.
FINALLY, the band began to play and the players began to make their way down the densely-lined path toward the stadium. The shakers were waving furiously, and the yells were loud and encouraging. But, someone behind me said, "Listen! The roar is heading this way!" Without any other explanation, we all knew that Cam Newton must be making his way through Tiger Walk. After a week and a half of very negative press releases about our star quarterback, HE was the one everyone wanted to see the most. After all, it was widely-believed that if he played, we had a good chance of winning, but without him, we'd be "toast." Sure enough, the roar got closer and closer and those who had waited the longest and had claimed the prime locations, got a chance to see and maybe even touch, our current Auburn Superstar.
But, something disturbing struck me as soon as my fellow Tiger Walker mentioned the roar. All I could think about was the similarity of what I was witnessing to what the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem must have been like.
In both cases, there was a crowd who lined the way, there was tremendous anticipation, the yelling was loud, and there was a Hero who had performed miracles witnessed by hundreds and thousands.
Granted, Cam has done some amazing feats on the football field this year, but his "miracles" are reduced to ashes when compared with those of Jesus. There ARE NO true comparisons between Cam Newton and Jesus, so the whole analogy crumbles from this point on. However, the atmosphere gave me a picture of what it must have felt like to be a part of the throng in Jerusalem on that day. Instead of waving my orange and blue shaker, I'd like to think that in my heart I wave palm branches and lay down my coat in humility as I encounter the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I fervently want my "Hosannas!" to be far louder than any "War Eagle" I've ever shouted.

"And they brought the colt to Jesus and put their garments on it; and He sat upon it. And many spread their garments in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. And those who went before, and those who followed after, were crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!' And He entered Jerusalem . . . ." Mark 11:7-11a

Thinking about Cam Newton . . . and some regrets from my younger years

In case you don't live in the State of Alabama or in case you don't follow college football, my beloved Auburn University has been under a lot of scrutiny lately, and our star quarterback Cam Newton has been blasted with innuendos, criticism, rumors, accusations and attacks. At a time when Auburn's football team is headed into the final crescendo of what has been a surprisingly fantastic season, the timing of all this negative publicity has seemed "cruel and unusual," to say the very least. Most of the flack has been over events that may or may not have happened one, two or even three years ago. Since Cam is just now 21-years-old, then we're talking about actions and choices that MIGHT have happened when he was 18, 19, or 20.

I continue to believe good things about this young man, with the broad, winning smile and eye-popping athletic ability. Has he made some errors in judgment during his life to this point? Probably. Is he being required to live up to a higher standard than most college students have to attain? It seems so. Do I think he's 100% innocent on all counts? No. I'm sure that he has days and decisions in his life where he'd give anything for a "do-over." And, with this point, I feel some kinship to Cam and sympathize with the position he's in today.

Now, my brother and sister could probably give you a hefty list of mistakes they saw me make in my teenage years. My parents, friends and former teachers could add their fair share to the tally sheet, but I won't drag up all those deeds. First of all, you'd be more bored than entertained, and secondly, I'd be depressed for weeks. I do, however, have some regrets I'd be willing to share.



1) I wish I'd joined the band in high school. I can justify the choice by saying that I was busy practicing the piano, but, truthfully, I was in a high quality band environment (Richard Beasley at Charles Henderson High School and Johnny Long at Troy State University), and this would have enhanced my musical background a hundred-fold. You might be surprised to know that I wouldn't have chosen to play a flute or a clarinet. I would like to have been a percussionist. Oh, the choices in that section of the band!!!



2) I wish I had pushed myself more with my grades and with my music. Oh yeah. I made GOOD grades, and I did well at the piano, but I didn't strive hard enough to be the best.



3) I wish I had been kinder, especially to my parents and siblings. Again, I could blame my moodiness on teenage hormones, but often I just rebelled and refused to live the kind of Christian witness at home that I knew would have been God's will for my life.



Don't get me wrong. I wasn't a "bad kid." But, I just know I could have done a lot of things so much better. So, probably as Cam Newton has been doing this week, I can point to some regrets and wish I had made better choices along the way.



A key figure in the Bible who had some serious regrets to live with was Peter. After walking closely beside Jesus for three years and even being a part of His inner circle, he denied that he ever knew Jesus just hours after saying to Jesus: "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" Matthew 26:35 The Bible goes on to say that immediately after the rooster crowed and Peter remembered his conversation with Jesus, he "went out and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:75b



The good news in the life of Peter is that Jesus forgave him, and he went on to become one of the most important leaders in the Early Church and was a key figure in the gospel being preached to the Gentiles (Acts 10 and 11).



The good news for me is that God chose to use me IN SPITE OF less-than-perfect choices. And, He continues to affirm His love for me and His desire to keep molding me. As long as I'm alive, I'll assume that He still has something He wants me to do for Him.



The good news for Cam Newton?? We'll have to wait awhile longer to find out the "rest of his story." Will he lead Auburn to a perfect season? Will he win the Heisman trophy? Will evidence prove him guilty or will the facts find him to be innocent? Will his Christian witness be damaged?



The great news for ALL of us who are children of God is that no matter what we may have done or not done, He is able to forgive us and make us clean and usable once again.



"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9



""There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1

New Revelations from My Childhood

As I've mentioned before, Steve and I are once again on a search for the church through which God wants us to identify ourselves as members of the Body and to serve Him at this stage of our lives. This quest has brought two very different churches into our focus for consideration. One is very close to where we built our new house, and the other is the church of my early childhood.

Both have tremendous, "winning" qualities. One is in a rural setting but has a very modern and trendy approach in terms of worship style, outreach, terminology, and vision. The other is "downtown" and has a 190-year-old history and a rich tradition of excellence and solid faith in its preaching and teaching. The final choice will be made by Steve as the spiritual leader of our home, but I trust him to know my heart and to make a decision that will ultimately be best for both of us. (Ah, the joys of living with a godly man for 40 years).



It has been during our visits to my childhood church that I have fully and finally embraced some aspects of my early years that I undoubtedly knew on some level before but now get the amazing opportunity to savor at this juncture in my journey.



1) I had a great childhood.

And, 2) My salvation was personal and very real.



My parents. Oh my goodness. I could spend hours talking about their love for each other, for me and my siblings, for their extended family, and for their church. Growing up in the '50s, that was my world -- home, cousins/grandparents/aunts/uncles, and church (well, school came into play after I turned 6, but that's a subject for another day). But, what I've understood recently is the significant impact all of the people inside that church had on me. My parents had a strong support network in rearing me, and many of those people (or THEIR children) are still working and teaching and nurturing in that church.



The first Sunday that we attended Sunday School I walked into a ladies' class and introduced myself as Connie Collier Pearson. A voice behind me said, "No. Your name isn't Connie. It's Rose!" I couldn't believe my eyes or my ears. I turned to see the face of a lady who had been my Vacation Bible School teacher when I was about 7 years old. She remembered something that I had completely forgotten. My baby sister had just been born, and I must have needed some special attention that week. When I walked into my room on the first morning, they were busy making name tags, and since I was there every Sunday, I knew that they would quickly write "Connie." I said, "I want to be called Rose, please" (which was my middle name), and for that whole week, that was my name. And to make this even more remarkable, that is the ONLY time in my life that I've been called Rose. Ann Wallace Glaze remembered me and that incident for 53 years!!!

She is one of so many teachers I had during my first 10 years of life who invested their time and their faith into me, and I am so deeply grateful. Training Union, Sunbeams, children's choir, Vacation Bible School, Junior Memory drill -- I did it all, and there was a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounding me at every turn.

Even though I wasn't fully aware of it at the time, I know now what a valuable encouragement it was to me and to my parents. And even today, this realization is a powerful motivator for the rest of my life. I have a new prayer for my children as they are rearing our grandchildren. "Dear Lord, please provide a strong, wise, godly support network for them. Surround each child with loving examples of genuine faith, and place people in each of their lives who will notice and remember even the smallest details that reveal their needs and their heart. Allow this supporting cast to cheer them on in life's path."

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and for the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1



Then, just yesterday morning as we were leaving Sunday School and headed to the worship center, I noticed a doorway that looked familiar. We had a few minutes, so I asked Steve to follow me and allow me to explore a little. When we walked through the doorway, the first thing on my right was the entrance to the original church sanctuary, built in 1949. My parents stood in that entrance and were pronounced man and wife in June of 1949. The sanctuary wasn't quite completed yet, but they were determined to be "the first couple married in the new church," so by having their ceremony in that entrance, their names were included in the cornerstone -- a great source of pride for my Mom. :)

We went up the steps on the left, and I found myself in the sanctuary where I worshipped as a child. I had been there 25 years ago for my mother's funeral but was too consumed with grief to think of much else on that day. But, yesterday, I was bombarded with pictures of the past. I could "see" my granddaddy singing tenor in that choir loft. I could show Steve the second row pew where we sat many times, so we "could be close to the front when my Dad needed to make the Sunday School report." I could point to the place where the grand piano used to be. So many Sundays I watched spellbound while the pianist played (Martha Singleton) and wanted to play just like she did. But, the most sacred spot in the whole room was about 8 rows back on the left side. That was where the Holy Spirit drew me to Himself. I can vividly recall the "heart about to beat out of my chest" feelings that I had during the invitations for several Sundays in a row. At one point, I even crawled under the pew (literally!) trying to hide from whatever this powerful feeling was. I knew I needed to do something, and I knew that God was speaking directly to me. Finally, on an October Sunday morning in 1958, Brother Kermit Gore preached on heaven, and all the Bible lessons I'd had in my life came together. I comprehended that in order to go to heaven, Jesus had to be the Lord of my life. I didn't need anyone to walk with me. I left the pew, walked down the aisle, and with tears of relief, I told Brother Gore that I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. The battle that had been going on during those weeks was finally over, and I think it is BECAUSE of that intense and physical struggle I experienced with the Holy Spirit that I have never doubted my salvation. I walked down that very aisle again yesterday and saw the same baptistry where I was baptized a week later and sobbed again as I shared my salvation story with Steve. It HAD been real, and it was extremely personal. And for the past 52 years it has made ALL the difference.



To the present members of First Baptist, Athens -- Your church had a profound impact on my life for which I will be eternally grateful.



To the parents of young children who might read this -- I can't stress to you enough how important the sights, sounds, and experiences of those early years are for your children. Please be sure that you are in a church that will surround you and "yours" with the truth of God's word and with godly role models. Also, never doubt that the Holy Spirit can work in the life of a very young child.



To those who are saved -- Share your salvation testimony with someone today. It will bless both you and the person who hears it.



To those who aren't saved -- "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9

To Steve -- thank you for allowing and encouraging me during these past few weeks. This time to relive and remember has given me special insight and strength. I know you will make the best choice for us and our future.

Scripture Illustrations Everywhere I Look

One of the great joys and benefits of being the recipient of strong Bible teaching for 60 years is that examples of Scripture are EVERYWHERE. Whether I'm out in nature, interacting with friends, watching television, reading, cooking, cleaning, talking to Steve, or playing with grandchildren, a verse, phrase, or passage of Scripture is likely to pop into my mind, prompted, of course, by the Holy Spirit as a result of what is happening in my life at that moment. The key, to be sure, is being in the Word. Truths are not going to jump OFF the page unless I've been ON the page.


Between my upstairs study window and the river are trees of all shapes and sizes. They are especially noticeable now, in early November, as they turn vivid colors and shed their leaves. But, just a couple of months ago, they were vibrantly green, providing shelter for birds of an amazing variety. These aren't the kind that yield apples or pears, but they do drop lots of acorns and sweetgum balls. :) Today it is very windy, so leaves are coming off by the hundreds, and soon my view of the river will be virtually unobstructed with only the silhouettes of trunks and branches in sight.



The phrase that captured my thoughts today was from Psalm 1 verse 3. "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season. . . "

Hmmmm. A tree planted by the rivers of water. Strong. Well-nourished. Fruitful. How is it that a MAN can be like that?? The preceding verses make it very clear. There are 3 things NOT to do and 1 very important thing to consistently do. 1) Don't walk in ways that godless people advise or suggest. 2) Don't stand along the paths where sinners stand. 3) Don't sit down (and spend time) with those who scorn (God). Instead, enjoy/delight in/love God's word and meditate on/study it every day. Simple. The result? Everything this man does will prosper and succeed. I like having a formula that works every time, don't you? Hallelujah! Praise God for the power, truth, and instruction in His Word.

Psalm 1

"Blessed (happy) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish."

FACEBOOK -- To Friend or Not to Friend

(My friend Talitha Culver and I reuniting after 40 years -- thanks to Facebook).
Through the wonders of Facebook, I had a very happy reunion last week with a dear friend I hadn't seen in over 40 years. We first met during junior high school days when we were in youth activities and choir groups at First Baptist, Huntsville. Then, we both ended up at Samford University. Even though our majors had us going in different directions, we connected loosely during those years, as well. Then our paths diverged. . . for a very long time. A few months ago, she spotted my name on a comment I made to a mutual friend's post, we "friended each other," and an opportunity to see each other again in person came to be.
We had a lively couple of hours getting caught up (while eating hushpuppies) and found that we probably have more in common now than ever before. Each with 3 children (2 girls and a boy), both of us have grandchildren we adore, we are staunch Auburn fans (she has even LIVED in Auburn for almost 20 years), we have wonderful husbands, and we care deeply about our Christian faith. Now, we're both looking forward to the next installment of this "friendship during our older-but-wiser years."
BUT, and this is a very BIG BUT, the very next night I was reading Facebook posts and typed a quick comment that was intended to be just light-hearted teasing to a young lady who is my daughter's age. That friend understood and took it the way it was meant, but HER friends, who "didn't know me from Adam's housecat" (as my mother used to say), took great offense to my comment and started typing some very scathing remarks using a lot of foul language. I was shocked!!! How could a social networking tool that had worked to bring about such a beautiful result the previous day turn into something so ugly just 24 hours later???
The lessons for me were painfully obvious. First of all, I must remember that words have tremendous power, both for good and for evil. Why, why, why do I have to KEEP learning that lesson? My typing fingers can edify or tear down, just as quickly as my spoken words are able to do.
Secondly, the "connection possibilities" with Facebook are endless. What I think is being read by just a few people might in fact be read by hundreds or even thousands. As a follower of Christ and, hopefully, an "imitator" of Him, I must put my thoughts and words through His filter. Will my comments and posts encourage, bring smiles, cause introspection, give insight or will they discourage, deflate, anger, hurt, or worst of all, damage the cause of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom here on earth?
The term "friend" is used as a verb and a noun on Facebook, and more often than not, it refers to acquaintances rather than to true friends. Because, honestly speaking, it is highly unlikely that any person on earth has 300+ true friends. True, deep, abiding friendships are precious . . . and rare.
The Bible has a lot to say about true friendship. Here are some verses from Proverbs that I particularly like (this time from the English Contemporary Version):
"Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other." Proverbs 27:17
"A truly good friend will openly correct you. You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies." Proverbs 27:5-6
"The sweet smell of incense can make you feel good, but true friendship is better still." Proverbs 27:9
"Making up with a friend you have offended is harder than breaking through a city wall. Make your words good -- you will be glad you did. Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say." Proverbs 18:19-21.
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly." Proverbs 18:24a
So, I will continue to enjoy the vast benefits of Facebook, with renewed caution, and try to imagine Jesus sitting beside me at this computer molding my thoughts and urging me to type words of healing, humor, happiness, and, of course, witness on His behalf.
Okay. Who wants to be my friend? :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Our Firstborn Child

A collection of early memories in celebration of Laura's 37th birthday, November 1, 2010.

What a great firstborn child she was! Other than being 3 weeks early and a little jaundiced, she was perfect. Even through her first months, she did everything "according to the book" and was a total delight. The Lord was there so many nights when her nursery became a temple, and our time in the rocking chair was full of praise and worship. From the Broadman hymnal and the 1957 Baptist humnal, I sang to Laura every night before bedtime. I knew from memory at least the first verse and the chorus of hundreds of them. I probably would have known many more verses if I had been singing with the congregation rather than playing the piano so much of the time, but she didn't seem to mind my strung-together medleys or low alto pitch. I sang "Jesus Loves Me," "Praise Him, All You Little Children," "Amazing Grace," "Down at the Cross," "Showers of Blessing," "Blessed Assurance," "I Surrender All," "At the Cross," "God Bless America," the "Doxology," "Just As I Am," "Bringing in the Sheaves," "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," To God Be the Glory" and probably at least the Top 100 Baptist favorites of the 50's, 60's, and 70's each week during those moments when I was quieting her down for the night. Since I had heard those songs from the beginning of my conscious memory, it was natural to extend the same upbringing to Laura. Amazingly, by the time she was about a year old, she was trying to sing along with me. She tried so hard, in fact, that she couldn't go to sleep as long as I was singing. So, I began to lay her down after 5 or 6 songs, and she would continue on her own until she had sung herself to sleep. What fun it was for Steve and me to stand outside her door and listen.

My parents wanted to host her 2nd birthday, so we have some wonderful pictures of Laura peering over my mother's dining room table to peek at her Raggedy Ann birthday cake. But, the sweetest memory of that night was of her standing in front of that roomful of adult guests singing, "At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away." It was pretty remarkable to hear a 2-year-old sing about "the burden of her heart," but to her, it had just become a part of her fiber. A few months later she was singing while visiting her Pearson grandparents, and Granddaddy Pearson had the good idea to get out his portable tape recorder. As a result, we have this precious tape of Laura, with a slightly runny nose, singing, "God Bwess Amerwica (sniff), Land that I love (sniff), Stand beside her (sniff) and guide her (sniff), through the night with a light from above (sniff). Was that wight, Granddaddy?"

Steve had the privilege of church-training our children, because, as I've mentioned before, I was usually at the piano bench. One day Laura, it seemed, had wiggled a tad too much during the morning service, and Steve felt it was necessary to give her a spanking when we got home. Mind you, my mild-mannered Steve was much too soft-hearted to inflict any real pain. For the children, it was always just the THOUGHT of a spanking from their Dad that was the real punishment. Anyway, Laura was such a compliant child we joked that "she never moved a muscle in church after that Sunday." Bless the hearts of firstborn children. Their parents have to learn so much at their expense. It's a wonder Laura grew up with a positive feeling about church, but it's NO wonder at all that as an adult she has chosen a more demonstrative style of worship in the churches she has attended. She evidently wants to move around a little more! :)

Laura started piano lessons at a very young age and quickly became very proficient. That talent allowed her many unique travel opportunities -- through the Hartselle High Performers, Celebrant Singers, and the Auburn Singers.

She loves adventure, especially if it involves visiting new places and seeing new things. Since 1998, her partner-in-adventure (and in life) has been her husband David. One of my cherished memories of David was from their rehearsal dinner, the night before the wedding. Many of the attendants made speeches about how smart and talented Laura was (is), but when his turn came, he just talked about how very beautiful she was. How special that was to all of us!

Laura and David have two wonderful children now, who both exhibit a love for music that is being instilled in them in their home. Just as my mother's voice was "the voice in my head," Laura says that often she finds herself saying and doing things she saw me do as she was growing up. In SPITE of that, she has become a lovely, competent, kind, insightful, and deeply-spiritual woman, and I love her with all my heart.

"Children are a heritage from the Lord." Psalm 127:3a

A Chance to Touch Someone

God had to practically PUSH me out the door this morning. For some reason, I was just putting off my morning walk, making every imaginable excuse. I even showered first and made up my bed. I put on my make-up and "did a little something" to my hair. But, God just kept urging me on, so I laced up my shoes and headed out the front door. I am SO glad I did.
Before I even reached the end of my street, I was able to get a more positive impression of a new neighbor. He had seemed so burly and gruff when Steve and I stopped to introduce ourselves a few days ago. Today he was out in front of his house overseeing the delivery of some repair equipment and greeted me with a friendly "hello!" A few steps later I passed a couple of ladies from the other end of our neighborhood, one of whom I had not ever met, and they invited me to join them in the future on their twice-weekly walks. I think I just might do that! :) I continued on my way and was headed down a steep hill when I saw one of my new acquaintances, and I recognized "the look." My heart and my spirit immediately connected to the scene. A man was leaving her driveway on a motorcycle, dressed all in leather with a very impressive helmet. She watched him all the way to the front gates of our little community. You could almost SEE the heavy weight on her shoulders. I knew before I asked. That was not her husband on the motorcycle. It was her child. Oh yes. He was most definitely a fully-grown man, but he was still her child.
I gave her a few seconds and then made my way closer to her house and called out a greeting. "A man (or woman) who has friends must himself be friendly . . . " Proverbs 18:24 Right?? She came closer, so we could talk a few minutes. She was so glad he had surprised them with a visit and was so sorry to see him leave. And, her Momma Heart was deeply concerned for this grown man she loves so much. His safety. His choices. His future. I shared a few thoughts about how I could relate, and then one of my favorite verses came to mind. "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me . . . " Psalm 3:3 I told her that I often prayed that God would be a shield around my children. Somehow, I think it helped.
I made the picture of the solitary bird on the wire just yesterday afternoon and remembered it again this morning. I don't believe we're supposed to live our lives like this solitary bird. I think we need to connect to people, to help shoulder their burdens, and to share testimonies of our faith. One of the big reasons that God sees us through the hurts, the crises, and the challenges in our lives is so we can help someone else, so we can be a true friend. "Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." Proverbs 27:10b Thank you, God, for pushing me out the door this morning. You had a divine appointment for me and wanted me to be the "neighbor nearby."

III John 4 -- MY Personal 10-10-10

(Sorry girls. I didn't mean to put Matt's picture first or make him bigger or anything. The computer just "did it by itself." :) The point was to find pictures of just the three of you.)

The beauty of a blog, I've decided, is that you can type whatever is on your heart. Comments, clarifications, or rebuttals can come later, but a blog is YOURS. You own it and can use it for whatever purpose you choose. My purpose is to encourage and to teach/share lessons I've been taught.

Today I am once again sitting on my upper porch (is that like an "upper room?"), listening to hundreds of birds and at least a half a dozen boats, and anticipating tomorrow. We're looking forward to visiting new Sunday School classes and continuing our search for a church in close proximity to our new house. I've also read that many couples have chosen tomorrow as their wedding day because of the fun significance of the date -- 10-10-10. Hopefully, all those weddings-that-turn-into-marriages will become Perfect Tens, too.

I don't believe in numerology or any such hocus-pocus, but our daughter with the master's degree in math from Georgia Tech has a great time with numbers, as might be expected. Her name is Laura, and her roommate at Auburn was also named Laura. So, they became "Laura Squared." :) When her son Nathan was a little over 3 years old, if you asked him how old he was, he'd say, "I'm pi." He even had a cake on his 3.14 birthday! You get the idea.

This morning I woke up thinking about the "10's" in my life. Steve? Well, he almost goes without saying. Who doesn't love Steve Pearson?? What I did to deserve him I will never know, but he is a treasure and a blessing, and I love him with all my heart. But, and he would add a hearty "Amen!" to this, it is our children who are the True 10's in our lives. Are they perfect? Not quite. Do they always "get it right?" Nope! Do they fashion their marriages, their budgets, their activities, their friendships, their parenting, etc. exactly the way they saw Steve and me fashion ours?? Let's don't even "go there." Truthfully, they teach US in many of those areas. And, after all, we need to have plenty to pray about, now don't we?

When John wrote the verse in III John 4, I know that he was referring to his spiritual children -- the ones he had led to the Lord who were continuing to be faithful. But, I can apply this to my own flesh and blood children and feel so blessed by it.

"I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth."

Thank you, Father, that all three of them accepted Your Son Jesus as their Savior.

Thank you that they married spouses who are strong Christians.

Thank you that they are active in their churches.

Thank you that they are teaching THEIR children the truths of Your Word.

I truly have "no greater joy."

THIS MORNING THERE WERE DOVES (A Note to my Daughters from Quito, 2006)

I'm not sure that I've ever shared this, but for many years now I have associated birds with the reminder that God is present and that He cares. In my mind it began when you both were small and we were living on Moss Chapel Road. One morning in particular I was extremely tired and troubled. Perhaps one of you had been sick all night or I was concerned about finances or how to get everything done that I was expected to do. At any rate, I was sitting at the kitchen table and saw an entire covey of quail sweep en masse across the back yard. It was beautiful, and I immediately thought of the verse "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" -- Matthew 6:26 After all, mine and your Daddy's particular passage of Scripture since the day we were married has been Matthew 6:19-34. The sight of those birds that day gave me such a lift, and many times since then, something similar has happened.
Driving back and forth to my teaching job at Danville-Neel Elementary, I loved spotting hawks perched on the telephone lines along the way. They always seemed so watchful and powerful. When we lived at Cedar Cove, there were many different kinds of birds that we could see and hear -- martins, bluebirds, woodpeckers, etc. -- but my favorites were always the hummingbirds. In Cuenca, our first home here in Ecuador, we had a hummingbird feeder right outside the dining room window. It was uncanny how often hummingbirds would be there when I was teaching my ladies' Bible study.
Here in Quito we put the treadmill in one of the outside rooms which made it possible to open the door and face our small side yard where we have a few flowers. Many mornings I am able to watch long-tailed hummingbirds while I exercise or small sparrow-like birds or the big black ones with bright orange beaks. But, this morning there were doves and only doves the whole 45 minutes. To me, the message was unmistakable. God wanted me to have peace.
If I am peaceful, then I'm better able to help your Dad be peaceful about tomorrow's biopsy and the possible results. If I am peaceful, I can put you two and your brother in God's hands and not try to "fix" everything in your lives but trust Him to work everything for good. If I am peaceful, I can face our future calmly, expectantly and with joy. I'm happy that God sent doves for me today, and I just thought I'd let you know.
P.S. Now to October 7, 2010. That particular biopsy of Steve's was negative, but one a few months later was positive. Subsequently, he had surgery, but all follow-up tests have been very good. Praise the Lord. Today as I was returning home from my walk, I spotted a red-headed woodpecker on the highest point of our roof. I think today's message was simply: "Smile and enjoy!"

PRIDEBUSTER!!!

God must have thought I was getting just a little bit too big for my britches. I have the house all shining with everything in place. And, I have a great meal planned for my brother and sister-in-law. I splurged on a prime rib roast, and we're having a corn casserole, baked potatoes, salad with lots of veggies, biscuits and apple dumplings. I can hardly wait to share it with them while we laugh and talk. As an added bonus, Steve is home today and is loving his new nest right along with me. The weather and temperature are perfect. What could possibly go wrong?
A little while ago I reached into my NEW pantry to pull out some ingredients I needed, and "what to my wondering eyes I beheld," but clear evidence that mice had been there. YIKES!!!! How in the world????? I have spent the last hour or so pulling out everything that had been nibbled, throwing previously-perfectly-good groceries away, putting potential enticements into airtight plastic containers, washing, scrubbing and waiting for Steve to get back from town with some traps. YUCK!!!
Now, every little noise will be suspect. And, instead of opening the pantry door with a sense of pride and joy, I will open and close it quickly and hope I don't see anything furry or hear any squeaking.
Why am I surprised? After all, we live right in the middle of an open field. We DID invade their turf, after all. But still . . . .
Okay, God. Lesson learned. . . . AGAIN. You have given us this place and this time to share and enjoy, but You're in charge and can take it away or "tweak" it whenever You want. During the next few nights, I will be extra alert for "things that go bump (or squeak) in the night."
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" -- Proverbs 16:18

SEASONS!

I have been fortunate to spend the majority of my life in North Alabama where we have four distinct seasons. Except for the extreme heat and humidity in late July and August, we mostly experience a mild version of each one. Spring is glorious with dogwoods, azaleas, buttercups and tulips. Summer is long and hot, but at least we have lakes, swimming pools, watermelon and homemade ice cream. Fall is crisp and colorful. We may not have as many trees as North Carolina and East Tennessee, but we certainly have better football! :) Winter is relatively brief and is cold enough to cause us to doubt the validity of "global warming," with just enough snow about every other year for a decent snowman and a bowl of snow cream. Sleds and ice-fishing equipment, however, are not big sellers around these parts.
We lived for four years, though, where the seasons consisted of "wet" and "dry," and other changes were almost imperceptible. There were definite advantages to Ecuador's predictability and consistency in terms of temperature and amount of sunlight (12 1/2 hours a day EVERY day). A biggie was the constant flow of bananas, pineapples, papayas and long-stemmed roses fresh from the fields to the markets. But, another plus was the fact that you only needed ONE SET of clothes. Seriously, I wore the same ones the whole four years! Long pants or skirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters and sturdy shoes. I laughed out loud when I saw this verse one day in Deuteronomy 29:5. God reminded the Children of Israel: "And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet." Ha! Some of my friends who are "shoe people" would have had some serious issues. :) But, to me, it felt like a kind of extra blessing for being in His service. When it was time to move back to the States, I just gave all of those clothes away and bought some new ones that were hopefully more up-to-date before I returned to the classroom.
When I apply the idea of seasons to this particular time in my life, I am taken completely aback. My mind believes that I am barely out of spring and into summer, but my body and my birth certificate tell me that I'm into fall now and had better start gathering some nuts for the winter. Yikes! I don't know how short my fall or my winter might be, but there are some questions for which I need the answers.
What new friends are still to be met?
Which old friends should be cherished?
What amazing new "worlds" am I yet to discover?
How many memories do I still have time to make with my loved ones?
How much more time do I have to demonstrate unconditional love to my children and grandchildren?
Who is waiting to hear MY testimony while the Holy Spirit is drawing them?
How many more opportunities will I be given to say "I love you" to Steve and have him hug me and say "I love you, too?"
What does God want me to do now that He has brought me to this point in my life? What ministry has He fashioned me for?
What lessons does He still want to teach me?
For today, in this season, I will claim the promise that "He who began a good work in you (me) will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

From my Mom to Me and from Me to My Daughters, Granddaughters and You -- LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO . . . . LEAVE OFF THE MARSHMALLOWS!

This, of course, is a picture of Allie and me making reindeer cookies during our first Christmas visit home from Ecuador. We were in the kitchen of dear friends Dave and Debi Russell who GAVE us their house for several days so we would have a place to "be a family." Allie was the only grandchild at the time. Since then, I've made chocolate chip cookies with Maggie and reindeer cookies with Nathan and will make many more yummy treats whenever the opportunity rears its head. Other grandmothers can do the healthy stuff. I choose to make cookies.

I remember one day in our apartment in Ecuador when some English-speaking ladies had gathered for a Bible study. I asked my friend Pat to pass the hot chocolate mix. Her question back to me was, "Do you want the kind with marshmallows?" My knee-jerk, long-ingrained response was, "Of course! Life is too short to leave off the marshmallows!" My mother said that or something similar practically every day when I was growing up, and it was very graphically demonstrated when she died quickly and unexpectedly at the age of 55. Mother was the type of lady who didn't "save her best perfume for special occasions." She splashed it on generously on a daily basis. In fact, the thing that my youngest daughter (who was 7 when she died) remembers about her the most was that "she always smelled so good." She also planned the dessert first when inviting company over for a meal. She figured you could always decide about the meat and vegetables later, but that wonderful last sweet taste was supposed to be memorable and worth her time in the kitchen and her grocery money. In the first months after her death, my Dad said on a number of occasions, things like "I'm so glad we went ahead and made that trip to Israel . . . or Hawaii . . . or wherever," and "It makes me feel so good that I replaced her lost diamond ring last Christmas." He seemed to take a lot of comfort in realizing that my mother had experienced a full, though short, life and that he had done everything he could to add pleasure to it.

Well, I hope this blog doesn't end up being "deleted into oblivion" because it is really going to be a collection of life lessons I've learned and been encouraged to share. I feel a new urgency about putting my blessings, blunders, adventures, and personal revelations from God into words. After all, LIFE IS TOO SHORT to keep them locked up inside rather than knowing that maybe you might laugh a little, shed a tear or two, raise an eyebrow, learn something the easy way through me rather than the hard way on your own, get a fresh perspective or idea or just sigh and remember a similar time of your own. For Steve, the children, and grandchildren, maybe they will get a fresh glimpse into what has been making me tick, but mostly, I want to praise my Heavenly Father who "knit me together in my mother's womb" and has bestowed abundant blessings on this person He wove together. Thank you, Father. You made me just as I am for Your honor and glory.

"Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" -- James 4:14

". . . I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" --John 10:10

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. . . . a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b

I think maybe this is my "time to speak" . . . in this blog.

WORSHIP -- and searching for a new church home

I confess that I've done way too much fretting lately over the choice of a new home church now that we've moved into a new community. I have been a member of some incredible church families during the first 60 years of my life, and I've learned so much from each one. Now, at this stage, when I figure that this next church will be "my buryin' church," I want to really find one that fits. But, is that really the issue? Isn't our assignment as Christians to worship Him -- no matter the setting? Here is what I wrote from the perspective of our missionary time in Ecuador.
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God." Psalm 42:1
Not quite three years ago (late 2001), I sat at the bench of a magnificent pipe organ in a stained-glass sanctuary accompanying the predominantly-white, middle-to-upper-middle-class congregation in such stirring hymns as "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" and "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Our service was broadcast on television, and our pastor had a doctoral degree from seminary.
This morning (2004) I sat in a very humble wood and concrete block home in Cojitambo, Ecuador, singing choruses in Spanish to a slightly out-of-tune guitar, lacking in rhythm, but making up for it in enthusiasm. There were eight people in the room, both mestizo and indigenous, assembled to pray, praise and study the Bible. Most appeared oblivious to the dozens of flies swarming in the room with us. Two had been believers exactly one month, and two others were yet to receive Christ as their Savior. The greeter was a round, sweaty lady who placed a very wet kiss on my cheek. Music blaring from the loudspeakers on top of a nearby Catholic church competed for our attention. As we closed the door to drown out the sound, we were also blocking the view of disapproving, suspicious passersby.
Was I worshipping and praising God on both of these occasions? I believe so. That was certainly my intention. Were both "gatherings" centered on Christ in order to glorify God? I hope so. That is what they were designed to do.
In the first case, I understood every word that was said within my hearing. Today I struggled to keep up and likely missed many important points. Even so, I studied the body language of the participants, watching for signs of response, and I maintained a continuous internal conversation with God. One type of worship experience was majestic, but it didn't seem to require much effort from me. The other was a challenge and took more of my energy to stay focused on God.
I'm sure my children wonder why their Momma can't get through a single service in the States now without tears rolling down her cheeks. It is such an awesome privilege to sing and to participate in my heart language. I want to always remember what a challenge it was to pray, sing and understand in Spanish and what a pleasure it is to finally grasp most of what is being spoken. When I return to the States in the future, I want to continue this feeling of longing to worship God and desiring to know Him more intimately.
"One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple." Psalm 27:4
I think it would be good for me to ponder this lesson God taught me when He had my full attention.

Why "The Proverbs 32 Woman?"

I immediately want to dispel the notion that the Bible is inadequate, so I need to add a chapter to it. Absolutely not! No, this label was bestowed upon me by my son during a conversation in which I totally blew the concepts present in the 31 full, rich chapters of Proverbs as given to us by God. I asked him to talk to one of our daughters' boyfriends about spiritual things. He said, "But Mom, what do you want me to say? I don't know how to begin." I (now famously) replied, "Son, just keep talking till you say something good." Matt rolled his eyes and said "Words to live by from my Mom, the Proverbs 32 Woman." Fortunately, he knew, from years of Sunday School lessons and sermons, that Proverbs teaches just the opposite. Words are to be used sparingly and carefully. Proverbs 10:19 specifically says, "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." I took Matt's rebuke in the lighthearted manner in which it was uttered, but I continued to think about my never-ending quest to fit the description of the "The Virtuous Wife" given in Proverbs 31.
King Lemuel's mother gave him an amazing list of characteristics to look for as he chose his life partner. I've heard preachers say that no one woman was to have had ALL of these traits, but that Lemuel's choice should exhibit many of them, with the overarching one being her "fear of the Lord." Lemuel's mother even made it easy for him to memorize by putting this in the form of an acrostic with each of the 22 verses starting with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Well, the list is daunting. Her sleep habits alone eliminate me from consideration. Verse 15 says she "rises while it is yet night," and verse 18 says "her lamp does not go out by night," which seems to suggest that this woman works from Dark to Dark. Read Proverbs 31:10-31 sometime and be challenged and amazed along with me.
My sanctified imagination started getting out of hand, and I began to wonder what that list might look like if Lemuel and his mother were living in 2010, and if they were searching for "a virtuous woman" among the women in today's churches (I call them Southern Belle Baptists). If we used the English alphabet for our acrostic, maybe it would go something like this:

A = She is very much AWARE of the difference between AUBURN University and the University of ALABAMA, but she wouldn't dare express her preference in the middle of church. She is in AWE of the majesty and wonder of God's power and creation. She APPRECIATES the blessings that have been poured on her. And, she "stands AMAZED in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene and wonders how He could love her, a sinner, condemned, unclean."

B = She's a BAPTIST and knows how to lead her family in a race with the Methodists to the restaurants after church on Sundays, but she's also a BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER in the BIRTH, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

C = She loves pretty CHINA patterns, CASSEROLES, and The Cotton Country Cookbook, and is the most enthusiastic CHEERLEADER for her husband and children. She is a CHRISTIAN, a fact that is genuinely felt and understood by all who know her.

Get the idea? If you'd like to hear the rest of my 26, invite me to come and speak at your church. I'd love to see you in person and share some of the lessons God has taught me.