Defending the Defenseless

I’ve probably read the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” three or four times. Each time I read it, I'll gleam something from it. It is one of those classic books where you get wrapped up in the characters and become part of the story. The characters are the father, Atticus Finch, who is a widow and lawyer in a small fictional southern town, and his children Jem and Scout. The story is also about Boo Radley and Tom Robinson.

 

Boo Radley is a grown man who got in trouble as a teen  and his father locked him in the house and wouldn't let him leave it. When his father dies, Boo's brother comes to live with him and take care of him. Boo had not ventured out of his house for probably 15 years.

Tom Robinson is a black man wrongly accused of rape and he finally is killed, even though he was an innocent man. Atticus defends him in a trial, knowing he will probably lose. Plus the trial upsets  people because Atticus is defending a black man.

In Chapter 10 of the book, Atticus tells Scout “Remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Scout was not sure about what her father had said so she asked Miss Maudie about it and Miss Maudie said,

 

 “Your father's right. Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin “to kill a mockingbird."

 

Tom's death is compared to "the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children".

Then when Boo protects Scout and Jem from a person trying to harm them, Scout tells Atticus that hurting Boo would be "sort of like shooting a mockingbird".

Boo never did anything to hurt anyone.

 

Tom Robinson and Boo Radley were very vulnerable.

Tom  was black, uneducated and poor, gentle of spirit and had only one good arm.

Boo  was poor and uneducated and mentally retarded and gentle of spirit.

 

I think about all the innocent mockingbirds in this world. The children in countries where war is an everyday happening,  the aborted babies who never had a chance to be a part of God's creation. I think about all the people who are made fun of just because they are a little bit different. People who have never hurt anyone, but are vulnerable to the hurts of the world.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;

 as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

What Surprises Lurk in Hidden Places!

Every once in a while (not very often), I try to get rid of some of my clutter. A lot of my clutter are treasures that I just can't let go of. To most people, they would be considered junk or trash. I have a few family members that tell me, "If it has no use, get rid of it."  I hope they never feel that way toward me as I get older.  Getting rid of things is easier said than done, especially since I'm the most nostalgic person in the world.

 

Well after over four years, I decided to go through my husband's brief cases. They were full of all of his favorite sermons that he had preached throughout the years. It was hard getting rid of them. They are all on CDs, but still the paper copies have all of his notes he wrote. I had to keep some of my favorites.

 

While going through his brief cases, I reached down into one of the pockets and to my surprise, I found a Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake. It was still wrapped. It had to be over five years old.

 

I think it was in the petrified state. What was so strange, there was not any mold on the cake at all. It made me wonder what kind of preservatives are in Little Debbie Cakes????

 

 

It is strange the things we hold on to and have a hard time letting go of. Especially things in the past.

We sometimes preserve them like the cake was and every once in a while we reach down into our hidden places and bring them back out. Sometimes it's a injustice someone has done to us or some bitterness we have toward another person. The past can never be changed. All a person can do is get rid of the bad things and only remember the good things.

 

I did decide to throw the cake away. I'm not that nostalgic!

Little Things that Bring Big Memories

The smell of coffee sometimes can stir my senses and bring back memories of another time. I'm usually reminded of being a little girl and being at my paternal Grandpa and Grandma's house. We called them Poppy and Mammy. They had an old percolator coffee pot. I can still remember how the coffee would smell in the morning. They always let me drink a little bit with cream (real cream). And then they would have toast. I remember it was one of those old shiny toasters with the old electrical cord. The toast would always blacken too much and they would have to scrape off the black. Then they would spread butter (real butter) all over it.

To me they were very happy times. Grandparents have this way about them. It is almost like their goal is to bring happiness into the life of their grandchildren. Maybe because around their grandchildren they can become kids once again.

 

My Poppy and Mammy when they lived on Florida Street. My brother is in the middle and front left to right are 3 of my cousins and I'm the little girl at the end in front of my Mammy.

 

 

My grandparents never had a lot. I remember their home on Florida Street in Evansville, Indiana. It still had an outhouse. This was in the early 1950's. But I still remember their home. I remember as a little girl having meals there and listening to the radio. I can still remember listening to "The Lone Ranger."

At the end of the broadcast, I can still hear the voice of the Lone Ranger riding off and yelling "Hi-yo Silver! Away!"

Such good times.

Later Poppy and Mammy moved into government housing. My Mammy would sew and make pillows and slipcovers and sell them to make a little money.

My Poppy taught me how to play cards. That probably wasn't a good thing to teach your granddaughter, but it sure was fun. I'd sit at the kitchen table with him and my uncles and play poker for hours. Also he taught me how to play solitaire.

It was only natural. My Poppy and his brothers had been riverboat gamblers and musicians on steamboats up and down the Ohio River. They could play any kind of instrument there was.

Unfortunately, the musical talent was never passed on to me. I'm sure it would have been more useful than playing cards.

They passed on several years ago. My Poppy going first and then Mammy years later. 

They were a great part of my life and I know their memory will always remain a part of me, especially when the smell of coffee fills the air.

 

I'm sure there are things in everyone's life that can spark a memory, a feeling of nostalgia, or maybe even a little sadness.

 

And Fall is always a special time. The chilly mornings with colored leaves bring back childhood memories that I always love. They are memories that always bring a good feeling inside.

 

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Fall

filled with wonderful days of making memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Election Year

I have never been much on politics.  I am a Republican, very conservative.

This election year amazes me. It has been a battle between two selfish children to see who is the best. There's been name calling, character assassination, bullying. I just want to hear what each candidate is going to do to bring back America to where she was when our founding fathers first signed the Declaration of Independence.

We were a united country with one goal in mind. To be the United States of America, one nation under God.

I have 12 grandchildren and I worry about the kind of country they are growing up in. The United States is not the United States I grew up in.

I was born in 1947. It was after World War II and the Korean War. We had been a country in battle, trying to keep the freedoms that we had fought for through the years. We had men and women give their lives for this country. Does that mean so little? Was their death in vain?

I would certainly hope not.

I grew up loving and respecting my country. As a little girl going to school, I learned the Star Spangled Banner, the Pledge of Allegiance to a wonderful flag that represents these United States. We prayed every morning. When I walked down the stairs of my school, there on the wall in huge letters was the Ten Commandments.

Every Memorial Day we would go to the cemetery to honor our dead loved ones and the soldiers who had fought for our freedoms.  On the fourth of July, it just wasn't a holiday. It meant something. It meant that we were a free nation, that we had freedoms that other countries didn't have. We were a prosperous nation, a strong nation.

We do have rights as an American. They are to see that our country remains the great nation that it was and that it can be again.

Please God, bless America again!!!

 

 

 

The Long Hot Summer

This summer seems like it is never going to end.  The weather has been unbearable some days. Remember I'm a cool weather person. I'm not sure what I'm doing living in North Carolina.

A lot has happened over the summer. I did my usual traveling to Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Texas.

I know I talk about God's timing. It was so apparent in my travels this summer.  Usually I always go to Indiana first on my trip. I decided to get out of my normal routine and go to Evansville at the end of my trip.

God was already in control of everything. I always look forward to seeing my dad when I go to Evansville, Indiana. He had been in a nursing home for almost three years. While I was there, he contacted a very severe infection and became very ill.  He passed away on August 2, 2016.

The Lord already knew the year, the month, the day, the hour, the minute that my dad would pass from this life into eternity. I'm thankful that my dad had given me testimony of when he had accepted Jesus as his savior.

I am going to miss my dad so much. I know he's in heaven with my mom and his parents and they are having a glorious reunion. And I know I'll get to see him again someday.

And I am so thankful that the Lord gave me two good days of visiting with my dad before he passed away.

Losing my dad is  part of the changing leaves of autumn. It's like a part of me is gone. Part of who made us who we are. The ones who molded and shaped your life.

I know as I'm in my autumn, there will be more changes. I pray that God will give me the grace I need to be strong and accept the changes.

My brother and I helping celebrate my Dad's 90th Birthday.

This Day Will Never Come Again

Today for some reason this thought entered my mind. I have thought about this a lot today.

Am I living my life to the fullest?  I don't think so.

Life is a gift. I know I don't appreciate that gift like I should.

I asked myself - Am I a blessing to people?  Have I encouraged anyone today? Have I thanked my God for all the wonderful blessings I receive each day?

Do I serve my God and worship Him the way I should.

I have freedom,  I have good health, I have a good church family,  I am saved and I know that Heaven is my eternal home, and I am blessed with the greatest family.

I have no complaints.

So every morning from now on, this will be the first thought that enters my mind. 

THIS DAY WILL NEVER COME AGAIN!!

 I pray that I can live each day with no regrets  and make good choices, because once this day is over it becomes yesterday and today is almost over and tomorrow is just a promise.

I'm Still Here

People that read my blog were probably wondering. I love writing, but I think I was going through a "BLAH" period. I don't like those times in my life.

Honestly, I never felt like this until after my husband passed away. It will soon be four years. Life is different. I enjoy all the wonderful things of life and all the wonderful blessings I have. I really have no complaints. But sometimes you miss someone to share it with.

I am looking forward to traveling again. That makes me feel good. I slowed down a little bit because my car is getting a little old. But she's been a good car and I want her to be around a while longer.

 

Last Sunday was Mother's Day. It was a great day.  I think it puts a lot of pressure on my sons figuring out how to make it a good day for me and their wives.

 

I am so thankful to be a Mother. That is my greatest fulfillment in life. I certainly made a lot of mistakes as a mother. It's not an easy job. You can read all the books in the world, but none of them really prepare you, because every one has their own unique personality.

 

Each one of my sons is different. I'm glad. It has kept life exciting. Each one of them have their own special talents and traits. But I love each one of them so very much and I'm so thankful that God blessed me with each one of them. Plus I get to enjoy the benefits of being a Mother -

 GRANDKIDS!!!!

 

Wanted!!! An American President!!

This is election year. I always vote, even if I'm not impressed with all the people that are nominated for office. I know presidents are just men who we choose because we think they will best serve us and our country.

The trouble is most of them do not believe that they are a servant of the United States. They want what they want and they almost become dictators. Instead of seeking the best for America and looking to God for wisdom and guidance, they think what will best serve them and their purpose.

 

I was reading about John Adams, the second president of the United States. He had 12 qualities that are almost impossible to find in the men that are in office today and that are seeking nomination.

 

 This article was written by Mike Myatt, a leadership adviser to Fortune 500.

 

The following list contains 12 qualities that make John Adams a great man, a great leader, and a great example we should all strive to emulate:

1. He valued education- Adams began his education at Harvard when he was fifteen. Here, he learned to learn and he never stopped learning. He stressed education to his children and played a large role in their learning.
2.  




He strove for a good reputation- As a young lawyer, Adams knew he would get nowhere without a good reputation. He therefore set out to become known in Boston for all the right reasons. He became well known in Boston as a good lawyer, but as you’ll see later, he wasn’t ready to compromise his principles in the name of maintaining a good reputation.
3. He loved his wife- There is perhaps no greater love story than that of John and Abigail Adams. Abigail was his love, his mentor, his confidant, and he shared everything with her. His marriage with Abigail is perhaps the single greatest factor in his success as a leader. He, as every leader should do, always sought council from others. But his most valued counsel just happened to be his best friend and spouse. Adams never operated in a bubble and neither should you.
4. He fought for what was right- Adams, always mindful of his reputation, knew that when he agreed to defend the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre, his reputation would be ruined, as the British were hated in Boston. But he knew it was the right thing to do. It was during the trial that Adams famously said, “Facts are stubborn things.” What I admire about Adams is that he, more than anyone, feared having his reputation tarnished, but he did not flinch when he was stuck between doing the right thing and maintaining his reputation.
5. He was a great communicator- It’s simply impossible to be a great leader without being a great communicator. Like his father, John Adams originally wanted to be a farmer. But when he saw the power of communication, he set out to become a great writer and speaker. He read books, essays, and poetry and worked his whole life to become an orator of the same magnitude as Cicero or Demosthenes.
6. He saw his shortcomings and recruited others to fill in the gaps- Nobody is perfect, nor is anyone the perfect person for every situation. John Adams had no qualms admitting he was not the right person for a job. And when he found himself in a situation where he felt inadequate, he did one of two things: recommend someone else, and if that was impossible, he’d buckle down, learn what he had to, and then work diligently to achieve the desired outcome.
7. He recognized talent- The ability to see ability in others is absolutely essential to a leader. This is perhaps where Adams shined the brightest. He was the first to submit George Washington’s name for general of the Continental Army, a post being clamored for by many. And as if that were not enough, he recruited the pen of Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence and the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin to help edit it.
8. He was brave in the face of physical danger- I debated whether or not to include this as many will never face a situation of great physical danger, but I decided to as many recent news stories revolve around violence, disasters, and bullying. These stories are full of people who risked their safety to save others, as well as those who stood idly by doing nothing. Leaders should always stand up for others and exhibit courage in the face of danger. Adams was no stranger to danger. On one of his voyages across the Atlantic, a British warship attacked his vessel, and Adams didn’t hesitate to grab a rifle to do his part in defending it. The ship’s captain had to order Adams below decks to get him out of the fray.
9. He had unwavering integrity- Adams unwavering integrity stands apart when contrasted to the very publicly documented failings of so many of our leaders today. There is no evidence of Adams ever being unfaithful to Abigail while spending years in Europe away from her. He was also known for keeping detailed reports of all his expenditures while overseas on congressional money when many of his contemporaries did not. Many people disliked Adams for his political views, but they never could say that he was not a man of integrity.
10. He had perseverance- As mentioned before, Adams readily admitted when he was unfit for a job. This was especially true while in France and Holland, serving as an emissary. He was staunchly patriotic and unashamed of his New England ways, which ruffled more than a few French and Dutch feathers. He was new to being a diplomat and found it tiring and ill suited for him. But he pressed on. He pressed on for America and after securing a substantial loan from the Dutch government he commented to Abigail that he’d accomplished this, not out of skill that others did not possess, but out of shear perseverance.
11. He could see the big picture- Many of the Founders commented on John Adams visionary leadership. He never seems to have had tunnel vision during the fight for independence. Adams warned of becoming too dependent on France while fighting for freedom from the British, during the same time many Americans were ready to essentially trade George III for Louis the XVI as their ruler. Adams saw what France was trying to do with America and always kept America’s interests first. Seeing the bigger picture is a trait that leaders must possess if they are going to be successful in the long-run.
12. He was a true servant- The public career of John Adams can be described as nothing other than service beyond self. He and Abigail spent much of their marriage apart from each other because they both recognized the part that he was to play in the formation of the United States. He gave his time, his education, and his health to the cause of liberty. He never sought power, once writing in his diary that he was no Caesar. He would have much preferred to be a Boston Lawyer and then settle down as a farmer in his hometown of Braintree. But Adams believed in something bigger – he literally gave his life so that every American might have the freedom and liberty to live the life we choose.

If only we could find leaders like John Adams today. Men of integrity, good reputations, and who love the United States.

 

"GOD BLESS AMERICA"

Spring Is Coming!!!!

Spring is coming!

Without winter, there can be no spring. Without mistakes, there can be no learning.

 Without doubts, there can be no faith Without fears, there can be no courage.

My mistakes, my fears, and my doubts are my path to wisdom

-Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

March 2, 2016.

My mother would have been 91 years old today. Twenty years ago on her 71st Birthday she had a massive stroke. She passed away the next morning.

I know I don't write many posts about my mother. But I do know, she's in Heaven. I know there was a time that she accepted Jesus as her savior.

My mother, Stella Burris, was born on March 2, 1925. She was the third of eight children.

She grew up in Paducah, Kentucky during the depression. I remember her telling me stories of the 1937 Great Ohio River Flood.

It was in January.  Her dad was in Indiana at the time, working. A boat had to come to their house to rescue them and take them to a local high school where a shelter was set up. She said her mom had the family put on as many layers of clothes that they could before they left the house. My mom said it was so cold, that her hands froze to a carton of milk she was carrying. It was a while before they could move back home. My mom remembered their house being full of mud from the flood waters.

1937 Flood in Paducah, Kentucky

My mother and her family had it better during the depression than a lot of people. Her dad had a job working for the electric company.

Later my mom and her family moved to Evansville, Indiana, where she met and married my dad.

I always believe my mom had a premonition  that something was going to happen. The Tuesday before her Birthday, I had visited her and took her a Birthday present and some flowers. I remember her saying, "I always tell people, if they don't give me flowers before I die, not to give me flowers at my funeral." Also, she wanted me to help her make out a will. The day before she had gotten out insurance policies and gone over them. It was very strange.

I have missed having a mom these past 20 years. I wish she could have seen all of her great grand children and to see what great young men my sons have become.

My mother was a very hospitable person. You never went to her house without her feeding you something or giving you something.

My mother wasn't a perfect mother. None of us are. I believe she did the best she could and with what she knew. I love my mom and I'm happy that one day I'll get to see her again.

                                    

What Super Power Would You Choose?

Recently, Bill Gates was asked what super power he would choose. His answer was more energy.

I was thinking, "what super power would I choose?"

Would I choose super strength, the ability to fly, able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, or super senses. Super senses wouldn't be bad. Able to see through things, super hearing. I'm not sure if I would like super hearing. I don't think I would want to know what some people are saying. Super speed wouldn't be bad. I would like super powers to be able to save people from disasters.

I think I would like teleportation. I thought how amazing that would be. I could see all of my family in one day. I could be in Cincinnati with my family there and have breakfast with them. Spend the morning with them. Go to Indiana at noon. I could see my family there and spend some time with my Dad. Then I would go to Kentucky and spend the afternoon with a couple of my grandkids that live there. And in the evening teleport myself to San Antonio, Texas and have supper. Yes, I think teleportation would be the super power I would choose.

I would just have to be careful when teleporting that I didn't show up at the wrong time. That could be embarrassing. But I would like that super power.

There is nothing I enjoy more than getting to see my family and spending time with them. If one of my grand kids had something special at school or church, or it was their Birthday, I could be there with a blink of the eye. I would never miss another celebration or special event.

I know teleportation is impossible, but I know my heart is always with my family. Part of my heart is with each one of them. Whenever they go through something, or have a special day and I can't be there, I'm thinking of them, praying for them, and loving them.

My Two Cents

I'll admit that I probably watch too much television. But honestly, there are so many shows on right now that embarrass me. As soon as they come on, I change the station.

It seems like the shows today always have a gay person, the families have so many diverse relationships, sex, and words that should not be allowed.

 

When our sons were growing up, we had a rule - if the show embarrassed me while we were watching it, I changed the station. I embarrass very easily. Our one son always would tell people that he never got to watch a whole show his entire life.

I would probably be considered very old fashion. But I don't care. I grew up watching "The Donna Reed Show," "Leave it to Beaver," "Andy Griffith," "Father Knows Best," and so many other wholesome shows. They showed normal families with moral values. Also I loved the old westerns -

"Roy Rogers Show," "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke."

"Father Knows Best"

"The Donna Reed Show"

 

 

The shows I grew up watching, they influenced my life. I still remember watching some of these shows and thinking, "I want to have a family like that some day."

If the shows today are influencing our children, it is sad.

 

 

 

 

We live in a scary world, where our kids are growing up thinking that what they see on television is the new normal. Give me a family like "Father Knows Best" any old day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Well like I said that's my Two Cents worth.

Living In The Past

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it as not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering."

 

I once joined ancestry.com and tried to find links to the past and to our ancestors. One day as I was searching, I thought, "What am I doing?"

I've been studying the past, instead of making my own legacy. It is interesting to know where you came from, the people and genetics that made you who you are, give you your features, etc.

But I don't want to live in the past. What counts is right now. I want to leave a legacy for my generations to come. I want to make my life so worth remembering that someday, my family will look back on me and say, my great, great, great............grandma did this. "She was an exciting person who encouraged and added love and joy to the world." (I hope I do that)

 

Some people spend a lot of time living in the past and saying, "If only I could change this or that, or if only....."  You can't change the past, it's gone. And you can't spend your life planning for the future.

Life doesn't always turn out like you plan. I have some very special wonderful memories from my past that I never want to forget. But right now, I need to make new memories with the people who in my life now.

One of my favorite songs is "Let's Reach the Next Generation."

 

https://youtu.be/-2nNF5hlxZQ

 

It talks about the dates on your tombstone - Your date of birth and your date of death.  But what matters is how you lived that dash between those two date.

 

I pray that I live that dash between my dates that when I leave this earth, they can say that I lived my dash to the fullest and that I made a difference.

 

 

Old At Any Age If......

I was reading an article the other day from a medical association which said -

You are old at any age if:

You feel old.
You feel you have learned all there is to learn.
You find yourself saying, "I'm too old to do that."
You feel tomorrow holds no promise.
You take no interest in the activities of youth.
You would rather talk than listen.
You long for the "good old days.", feeling they were the best.

I don't think I need to write anything else.  They said it all!!!!

The Beginning

I have wanted to change my blog for a while. I love writing and I always pray that my blog will be a blessing to the people who read it.
I realize more and more lately that I have reached the Autumn of my life. I know my future is much shorter than my past.
My past is full of memories that have made me who I am, but I still want to make more memories to add to the pages of my life. I still have dreams and goals.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

- C.S. Lewis

 

With Autumn comes many changes. Autumn has always been my favorite season. I'm hoping it will be the best season of my life. But there are a lot of changes.

Our bodies don't always work the way they are suppose to, our skin develops lines and dots and turns into crepe paper. We start to notice that the obituaries contain a lot of people our age. We have even lost some of our friends. Most of us are retiring, but are too poor to do all the things we had planned on when we finally reach that grand age of leisure.

After working your whole life and raising a family, you suddenly find yourself this person who feels like you lost your purpose. It's a hard transition. Your children are grown and busy with their lives and families;  and as much as you love your wonderful grandchildren, you still want a life of your own.

Also, I'm a widow. As most of you know, I lost my husband three years ago to acute leukemia.

So, I no longer have the fulfillment that comes with having a partner to share my autumn with. Sometimes I feel very lonely.

 

I want the leaves of my autumn to remain a beautiful color for a long time and share the beauty of my autumn to those around me.

So, I'm going to keep on following my dreams wherever they may lead and enjoy the autumn of my life.