Thoughts to remember about this Christmas season...
HC Baker always had a Santa hat. I don't really remember him wearing it but it was always in our holiday decorations. Since I still haven't found some of our "stuff", I bought a new one this year. Don't know why but I did. I put it in one of the sideboard drawers and forgot about it. I did ask TR Baker if he wanted to wear it and his answer was no. I ended up hanging it on a brass hook on the inside of the powder room door. It just looked like it belonged there. Granddaughter Grace (9 years old) came by for a short visit on Christmas Eve and saw it. She came running to me asking what Santa's hat was doing in the bathroom. For once my brain worked quickly and I told her Santa had been here asking me about her behavior in the past year and he went to the bathroom before he left and forgot his hat. I assured her he had others he could wear and I would just keep it for him until he came again next year. She seemed satisfied with that explanation but did ask me what I told him. I said I told him she was a very well behaved young lady but sometimes did argue with her brother. She quickly assured me she was working hard to be a better sister.
*My thought about this...isn't it wonderful she still believes in Santa? What a sweet heart she has.
Christmas Day at Emily's was a brand new experience for TR and me. They work so hard at this time of year. They closed the candy store at 3pm on Christmas Eve and came home to R E S T! TR and I arrived at their home Christmas morning at 10:30 for breakfast. Emily prepared the exact same breakfast we always had every Christmas morning for all their lives. Sausage casserole, hash brown casserole, iced sweet rolls, and fresh fruit. She did add "piggies" to the menu because her family loves them. All of it was delicious. Her dad would have been proud! I was just sorry Libby, Daniel, Hannah, Isaac, and Adam couldn't be with us.
*My thought about this...no matter what's going on in my life, my family is a blessing to me.
Monday evening we all went to the movie theatre in Cheboygan. Emily, Brett, Garrett and TR saw the new Sherlock Holmes film and Grace and I saw We Bought a Zoo! It was wonderful and I highly recommend it. Tuesday evening Emily, Brett and Garrett returned to the theatre (TR had to work) to see the new Mission Impossible film. Grace came over to my house to play! We actually watched the movie E.T. as Grace had never seen it. It's one of my favorites. We had popcorn, bottled waters and turned the lights down low. Another great movie night! By the way, the others really enjoyed the Holmes and Mission Imp. movies too.
Footnote here: When Brett came into the house to collect Grace, she took him to the powder room and showed him Santa's hat that he had left behind.
*My thought about this...if you remember, HC Baker hated going to the movies. I think the movies are a wonderful way to spend a family evening no matter where you watch them!
In closing tonight, I want to say I had a wonderful Christmas with my family. We all love each other, look out for each other, hope the best for each other and pray for each other. Let me also say much is written about people in the world who experience great sadness during the holidays. In some ways I'm one of those people because I'm still adjusting to HC's death. On family focused holidays, the loss of a loved one is hard on everyone. This year I especially remembered the military families who lost their loved ones as they fought for our freedoms. I challenge you and encourage you to add all our military personnel to your prayers in 2012. The greatest gift to all of us was the birth of the tiny baby who grew to manhood and gave His life for all of us. The next best gift is that soldier who gave his life so that all of us are able to enjoy our many freedoms.
2012 is almost here. What commitments are you prepared to offer in the new year to make the world a better place. God Bless You.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve 2011
I've worried about this night for months. It's the second Christmas without HCB. I knew I wanted to do something very new to me so here it is.
Just a few steps from me is the Topinabee Community Church and I was told they have a Christmas Eve service at 7pm. I had met a few people who attend there and they told me it was a candlelight service, just what I wanted. I went. Up here in northern Michigan the churches are very small. This sanctuary held maybe 125 people packed. Tonight there were 67 people (I counted). That includes the choir (4 women/4 men), the organist who was also the pianist, and the pastor.
The service began with Christmas greetings followed by the first carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem. What followed was the singing of many carols interspersed with the reading of the Christmas story. And I must tell you the reader was a man who's voice brought tears to my eyes because I thought it was Jack Fox. Imagine that! I spoke to him later and he's a retired school teacher and he also announced the football and basketball games during his teaching years.
One of the solos I had never heard before touched everyone's heart as we couldn't help but remember all the soldiers in war torn areas of our world today. It's called Christmas in the Trenches and was written about World War I.
Many carols followed, all my favorites, and the pastor's message was about Joseph and his thoughts during Mary's pregnancy, delivery, and the first few days after Jesus' birth. The service ended with the lighting of everyone's candle and the singing of Silent Night. Perfect!
As I walked home in the snow and cold, my heart was filled with the true spirit of the season, the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The wonders of His love. May the love and joy that fill your heart tonight remain with you throughout the year. Merry Christmas to each of you.
Just a few steps from me is the Topinabee Community Church and I was told they have a Christmas Eve service at 7pm. I had met a few people who attend there and they told me it was a candlelight service, just what I wanted. I went. Up here in northern Michigan the churches are very small. This sanctuary held maybe 125 people packed. Tonight there were 67 people (I counted). That includes the choir (4 women/4 men), the organist who was also the pianist, and the pastor.
The service began with Christmas greetings followed by the first carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem. What followed was the singing of many carols interspersed with the reading of the Christmas story. And I must tell you the reader was a man who's voice brought tears to my eyes because I thought it was Jack Fox. Imagine that! I spoke to him later and he's a retired school teacher and he also announced the football and basketball games during his teaching years.
One of the solos I had never heard before touched everyone's heart as we couldn't help but remember all the soldiers in war torn areas of our world today. It's called Christmas in the Trenches and was written about World War I.
Many carols followed, all my favorites, and the pastor's message was about Joseph and his thoughts during Mary's pregnancy, delivery, and the first few days after Jesus' birth. The service ended with the lighting of everyone's candle and the singing of Silent Night. Perfect!
As I walked home in the snow and cold, my heart was filled with the true spirit of the season, the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The wonders of His love. May the love and joy that fill your heart tonight remain with you throughout the year. Merry Christmas to each of you.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I'll get back to HC Baker's India trip later...
What a day! It was almost 4 o'clock before the countertop people got here. But...it looks fabulous!!!!
Back to that in a minute.
Spent the morning and early afternoon putting stuff away. FYI...I still have 20+ boxes full of stuff from Louisville storage and the Witt cottage. Why do we do this? And if it's in a box and has been for some time what could it be and why do we need it? But then I found some old sterling pieces from way back that I love. AND...drum roll please...I found my dining room table pads! They were on the front porch buried under an old bedspread being used to cover spring stuff. Am so excited. Did not want to have to replace them.
Because TR Baker leaves for his work around 5pm I always try to have something prepared for him to eat before he goes. Today's menu was turkey breast and home made mac & cheese!!!!! YUM! Also wanted to get it ready before the countertop guys arrived (thinking it would be around 2pm - NOT!).
Next, I wrapped all the "local" Christmas presents. (Sent the out of town ones last week.) In past years due to work and other obligations, I have always been the person wrapping on Christmas Eve . Last year and this year since I have retired, wrapping is fun. And I think we should give a Nobel prize to the person who invented gift bags!!!! Love that person. And now you can buy them with the tissue paper already with it!!! Too cool!
The counter guys have arrived. My contractor is here too. I think he's avoiding me because I ask too many questions. Where's this? Where's that? When will it be here? I've decided not to take any more workers in until after Jan 1. And tomorrow these 2 fabulous women I met are coming to clean the house!!! Can't wait!
I had worked hard so I decided I'd sit down for a while and see what was happening on TV. Found the movie I Remember Mama and watched it from beginning to end. Irene Dunn, Barbara Bell Geddes when she was probably 16, Rudy Vallee, and lots more. Black and white and wonderful! It was on for 2 1/2 hours! EEK! Got to get up and do something else.
You might be wondering where I'm sitting, what room and on what????? (Aren't ya'?) I've been in every room in the house working around the re-model. Tonight I'm in my kitchen sitting at the peninsula working on top of my new countertop with my rear end on a brand new stool. I bought 4 of them the other day and when I went to customer pick-up to have them loaded, they put 2 medium sized boxes in the back end of my car. Oh my! I asked the young man if they didn't sell them already put together. He said not to worry. They're easy to put together. I just looked at him. This didn't feel like something I was interested in doing or would be able to do. So tonight after the movie, I said what the hell! Let's open the boxes and see what it looks like. 2 stools per box each in 6 pieces with instruction sheet, 8 screws and an allen wrench. (The only reason I know it was an allen wrench is it said so on the instruction sheet.) And I have 8 screws but the instruction sheet only shows me using 4 of them. I asked myself (I do that a lot) how difficult could this be? I'm a reasonably intelligent person. I can read and count and look at pictures. Let's do it! I started at 8:05 and at 9:14, I had all 4 put together! Hooray for me! I don't think I have ever done anything like that before. And they look like they're supposed to. I am sitting on one right now and it hasn't fallen apart! When TR Baker gets home he will ask me who came over and put these together. ME!!!!
NOTE: I did photograph this event but cannot find my digital camera so I found a disposal one that I'll have to get developed onto a disk. I want all of you to see what I did! OK enough boasting!
Have been listening to Christmas carols all day and they are the background music for tonight's writing. Don't you feel good when you know the words? And you know them because you have spent the "good" part of your life hearing them. Good for you! God is good!
Back to that in a minute.
Spent the morning and early afternoon putting stuff away. FYI...I still have 20+ boxes full of stuff from Louisville storage and the Witt cottage. Why do we do this? And if it's in a box and has been for some time what could it be and why do we need it? But then I found some old sterling pieces from way back that I love. AND...drum roll please...I found my dining room table pads! They were on the front porch buried under an old bedspread being used to cover spring stuff. Am so excited. Did not want to have to replace them.
Because TR Baker leaves for his work around 5pm I always try to have something prepared for him to eat before he goes. Today's menu was turkey breast and home made mac & cheese!!!!! YUM! Also wanted to get it ready before the countertop guys arrived (thinking it would be around 2pm - NOT!).
Next, I wrapped all the "local" Christmas presents. (Sent the out of town ones last week.) In past years due to work and other obligations, I have always been the person wrapping on Christmas Eve . Last year and this year since I have retired, wrapping is fun. And I think we should give a Nobel prize to the person who invented gift bags!!!! Love that person. And now you can buy them with the tissue paper already with it!!! Too cool!
The counter guys have arrived. My contractor is here too. I think he's avoiding me because I ask too many questions. Where's this? Where's that? When will it be here? I've decided not to take any more workers in until after Jan 1. And tomorrow these 2 fabulous women I met are coming to clean the house!!! Can't wait!
I had worked hard so I decided I'd sit down for a while and see what was happening on TV. Found the movie I Remember Mama and watched it from beginning to end. Irene Dunn, Barbara Bell Geddes when she was probably 16, Rudy Vallee, and lots more. Black and white and wonderful! It was on for 2 1/2 hours! EEK! Got to get up and do something else.
You might be wondering where I'm sitting, what room and on what????? (Aren't ya'?) I've been in every room in the house working around the re-model. Tonight I'm in my kitchen sitting at the peninsula working on top of my new countertop with my rear end on a brand new stool. I bought 4 of them the other day and when I went to customer pick-up to have them loaded, they put 2 medium sized boxes in the back end of my car. Oh my! I asked the young man if they didn't sell them already put together. He said not to worry. They're easy to put together. I just looked at him. This didn't feel like something I was interested in doing or would be able to do. So tonight after the movie, I said what the hell! Let's open the boxes and see what it looks like. 2 stools per box each in 6 pieces with instruction sheet, 8 screws and an allen wrench. (The only reason I know it was an allen wrench is it said so on the instruction sheet.) And I have 8 screws but the instruction sheet only shows me using 4 of them. I asked myself (I do that a lot) how difficult could this be? I'm a reasonably intelligent person. I can read and count and look at pictures. Let's do it! I started at 8:05 and at 9:14, I had all 4 put together! Hooray for me! I don't think I have ever done anything like that before. And they look like they're supposed to. I am sitting on one right now and it hasn't fallen apart! When TR Baker gets home he will ask me who came over and put these together. ME!!!!
NOTE: I did photograph this event but cannot find my digital camera so I found a disposal one that I'll have to get developed onto a disk. I want all of you to see what I did! OK enough boasting!
Have been listening to Christmas carols all day and they are the background music for tonight's writing. Don't you feel good when you know the words? And you know them because you have spent the "good" part of your life hearing them. Good for you! God is good!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Preparing for India cont.
9-2-05 10:30p Sunny
Went to flea market today with Jo Ann - Robin and TR. Not so great - We don't know why we still go. Went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and had a good time.
Got home - thought we would rest a bit - but Mary called and we went to Wayside to help Linda with a kids movie night. Had a good time - took a large bag of clothes for the people coming up from the storm.
Sent a note to Hilton -
Jo Ann and I stopped @ Dizzy Whiz for a burger - it was good food & good time.
9-3-05 8:15p Sunny
After church they (Les) had a commissioning for those going to Mississippi. We had the red & blue picnic - lots of people - lots of food (potluck) - a good time. Allen and Dora gave me money for the trip. Bless them!
Went to my favorite cousin's for a shower for Brooke. She's a doll and a sweet young lady! I have always liked her. Good time - good food - good to see some folks I had not seen for some time.
Trying to focus on getting ready for India and Mississippi and bills & work & yard & everything before I go - it will work!
9-5-05 Monday 6:10pm Sunny
I'm sure nobody will notice but I missed a day somewhere! Today is a holiday - as usual worked more today than normal. Cleaning - packing - calling - planning - shopping - got lots done - Sent TY notes to DHF, A&DK, S&SW for $ to India. We've got at least eleven people going to Mississippi - good friends! And all seems well right now.
9-6-05 at least 12:01 Sunny
A very long day at work - getting ready for trip tomorrow. At least 75 phone calls - maybe more - dinner tonight with JA TR & Robin - had a good time. Adam wants a pocket knife - sent Hilton an e-mail.
9-7-05 11:52p which is 12:52 in L Sunny
Dam! We left @ 8:00am on time but I do not know where the time went - well I know - We went to Selma AL to drop off two trailers. That's no big deal - but.....
Well the drive was OK but 8am - 11:30pm way way too much. We did eat at an interesting place in Selma - The Steak Pit! Cheap and OK steak potato salad! Not bad - Well the lights are out - 5 hours to sleep! Dear God please help me -
9-16-05 11:30p Cloudy & rain
Well - My intentions were good but something was weak! Wanted to write every day but the trip to Mississippi was more than I could keep up with. It was a great trip - looking back. but different and hard in ways I want to forget. Eleven souls made the trip - Patty H, Bobbie W, Jim Leeper - J. Cahoe, Steve Penn, Brian Mize, Rick, Mike M, Dong Yon (Billy Bob) Jac Jones and me.
Too long down. It was great to see friends from Florida & Alabama and meet new friends. The place was nice but too far from folks that needed us.
Still trying to get ready for India. Lunch with Jacob today - and read Mary Ellen's e-mail from India 2000. Jacob was helpful and a new friend. The e-mails had me laughing and crying reminding me of the great times I've had with christians on mission trips - all over. Well - only missed a few days in the scope of a lifetime - guess I won't be too discouraged - keep on trying.
9-28-05 6:20pm Sunny
Well the day before I leave for India is here - I'm as ready as I guess I can be - or I'm going to be. The wedding for Julie and Jeremy was great. I was as wet with sweat as I could be - it was outside @ Whitehall and it was 90 and I wore a robe. Overall they seemed to enjoy the whole thing so I guess it was OK!
(Julie was the server at Clifton Pizza and she and HC became fast friends. She asked HC Baker if he would perform the marriage ceremony at her wedding. He did wearing Les' black robe with Dr. Cromer as the "official" minister.)
The grandkids (less Dan) came over for dinner last night. Robin and TR came over - I had a good time. They have (T&R) moved into their new home. A very nice little place.
I don't know what to think about the trip - I'm not thinking anything yet - I'll let you know.
Jack took me to lunch @ a Bosnian place on Bardstown Road. Those Bosnians don't do much for the cooking world - but the time together was good - Jack is one hellava friend to me. Dave and Kevin and Jan and Vicki and others have called to say good bye. Friends like mine are nice to have around!
As I write these words from HC's journal I am reminded of how excited he was to go to India. The best airfare we found was departing from and returning to Cincinnati. The drive up was interesting in that HC was very quiet (and we all know that wasn't his "norm"). Even though he had been on quite a few mission trips and disaster relief trips, this trip was taking him so far away from "home". When we arrived at the airport, we had plenty of time before he had to check in so we had a late lunch in the airport and were able to find a quiet place and talk. His fear was that he wouldn't be able to help these people. They had lost everything and they didn't have that much to begin with. What would he do? We talked and talked and prayed and prayed. Finally it was time for him to head to the gate. With a very heavy heart I let him go. I knew that God was watching over him...plus I had my fingers crossed!
Went to flea market today with Jo Ann - Robin and TR. Not so great - We don't know why we still go. Went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and had a good time.
Got home - thought we would rest a bit - but Mary called and we went to Wayside to help Linda with a kids movie night. Had a good time - took a large bag of clothes for the people coming up from the storm.
Sent a note to Hilton -
Jo Ann and I stopped @ Dizzy Whiz for a burger - it was good food & good time.
9-3-05 8:15p Sunny
After church they (Les) had a commissioning for those going to Mississippi. We had the red & blue picnic - lots of people - lots of food (potluck) - a good time. Allen and Dora gave me money for the trip. Bless them!
Went to my favorite cousin's for a shower for Brooke. She's a doll and a sweet young lady! I have always liked her. Good time - good food - good to see some folks I had not seen for some time.
Trying to focus on getting ready for India and Mississippi and bills & work & yard & everything before I go - it will work!
9-5-05 Monday 6:10pm Sunny
I'm sure nobody will notice but I missed a day somewhere! Today is a holiday - as usual worked more today than normal. Cleaning - packing - calling - planning - shopping - got lots done - Sent TY notes to DHF, A&DK, S&SW for $ to India. We've got at least eleven people going to Mississippi - good friends! And all seems well right now.
9-6-05 at least 12:01 Sunny
A very long day at work - getting ready for trip tomorrow. At least 75 phone calls - maybe more - dinner tonight with JA TR & Robin - had a good time. Adam wants a pocket knife - sent Hilton an e-mail.
9-7-05 11:52p which is 12:52 in L Sunny
Dam! We left @ 8:00am on time but I do not know where the time went - well I know - We went to Selma AL to drop off two trailers. That's no big deal - but.....
Well the drive was OK but 8am - 11:30pm way way too much. We did eat at an interesting place in Selma - The Steak Pit! Cheap and OK steak potato salad! Not bad - Well the lights are out - 5 hours to sleep! Dear God please help me -
9-16-05 11:30p Cloudy & rain
Well - My intentions were good but something was weak! Wanted to write every day but the trip to Mississippi was more than I could keep up with. It was a great trip - looking back. but different and hard in ways I want to forget. Eleven souls made the trip - Patty H, Bobbie W, Jim Leeper - J. Cahoe, Steve Penn, Brian Mize, Rick, Mike M, Dong Yon (Billy Bob) Jac Jones and me.
Too long down. It was great to see friends from Florida & Alabama and meet new friends. The place was nice but too far from folks that needed us.
Still trying to get ready for India. Lunch with Jacob today - and read Mary Ellen's e-mail from India 2000. Jacob was helpful and a new friend. The e-mails had me laughing and crying reminding me of the great times I've had with christians on mission trips - all over. Well - only missed a few days in the scope of a lifetime - guess I won't be too discouraged - keep on trying.
9-28-05 6:20pm Sunny
Well the day before I leave for India is here - I'm as ready as I guess I can be - or I'm going to be. The wedding for Julie and Jeremy was great. I was as wet with sweat as I could be - it was outside @ Whitehall and it was 90 and I wore a robe. Overall they seemed to enjoy the whole thing so I guess it was OK!
(Julie was the server at Clifton Pizza and she and HC became fast friends. She asked HC Baker if he would perform the marriage ceremony at her wedding. He did wearing Les' black robe with Dr. Cromer as the "official" minister.)
The grandkids (less Dan) came over for dinner last night. Robin and TR came over - I had a good time. They have (T&R) moved into their new home. A very nice little place.
I don't know what to think about the trip - I'm not thinking anything yet - I'll let you know.
Jack took me to lunch @ a Bosnian place on Bardstown Road. Those Bosnians don't do much for the cooking world - but the time together was good - Jack is one hellava friend to me. Dave and Kevin and Jan and Vicki and others have called to say good bye. Friends like mine are nice to have around!
As I write these words from HC's journal I am reminded of how excited he was to go to India. The best airfare we found was departing from and returning to Cincinnati. The drive up was interesting in that HC was very quiet (and we all know that wasn't his "norm"). Even though he had been on quite a few mission trips and disaster relief trips, this trip was taking him so far away from "home". When we arrived at the airport, we had plenty of time before he had to check in so we had a late lunch in the airport and were able to find a quiet place and talk. His fear was that he wouldn't be able to help these people. They had lost everything and they didn't have that much to begin with. What would he do? We talked and talked and prayed and prayed. Finally it was time for him to head to the gate. With a very heavy heart I let him go. I knew that God was watching over him...plus I had my fingers crossed!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Preparations for India Trip
January 9, 2005 - HC Baker's birthday
In one of those wonderful Bardstown Road shops I found a journal with a cover and pages "made in India". Since HC Baker was planning an October trip to India with Habitat for Humanity for a re-build, I thought it was the perfect choice to record those experiences. Like many gifts HC received, he was very appreciative and I never saw the book again...until after he died. His writing begins August 29, 2005, and ends with his boarding the plane to return to Louisville after his time in India. I am copying his words from those pages. (I'll try and not offend anyone, but remember, you are reading his journal.)
8-29-05 10:45p Rain Flood Warning
This was supposed to be the "30 day Preface" before my India trip. It still is but Katrina hit and now it looks like a trip to Alabama or somewhere south before India. Accomplished today - HFH applications - doctors appt - visa stuff - and fund raising. I'm setting up the handbook and other info about India. A very busy day - work from home. Hospital visit to Shardine and Lisa Short. MBS - work again - some cooking for tomorrow with the kids. Will see how long I can keep this up.
8-30-05 10:30p Rain
Day two of the book - Katrina is much worse than anybody could imagine. Will be going where needed with 10-12 of my Saintly Friends who just can't wait to help. You watch the "looters" on TV and wonder about Mankind - but then you look at all the people who try and help - I'm impressed.
India was the reason for the book but - prepare me and my head - looks like I'll get some help by cooking.
Two calls from friends celebrating answered prayer - praise the Lord! The grand kids, Dave & Joyce, and Jo Ann had turkey tonight. The kids are growing and maturing. Very proud of them! Going to cook for painters @ Hilton's tomorrow - Continuing to pray for one of the good guys. Still working on paperwork - almost done.
8-31-05 11:15p Sunny
Hey what can I say - It's late - I just got home from church - I'm tired - not a great day. Lots of people have offered to go with me to Mississippi. That's good - Katrina is BAD - Still working on apps for India. The painting for Hilton was great - 6 guys from church there to help. That's good - Thank you God.
9-1-05 11:30pm Sunny
Late - tired - spent 2 1/2 hours with David G. His wife Linda passed away last week - He has no family home - Nice guy - just hurting a lot - He just needed to talk. I just pray it helped a little.
Lunch at Clifton was great! Shared about Julie's upcoming wedding and the trip to Mississippi - overflow crowd.
I worked on HFH health policy - what a joke. I cannot believe the hassle. But we prevailed - I think Mary got a great price. Also went to BGB to see Tim Kreckle. Steve and another Steve he works with went - Steve gave me a donation!! I dearly appreciate that and the thought.
Will continue tomorrow...JB
In one of those wonderful Bardstown Road shops I found a journal with a cover and pages "made in India". Since HC Baker was planning an October trip to India with Habitat for Humanity for a re-build, I thought it was the perfect choice to record those experiences. Like many gifts HC received, he was very appreciative and I never saw the book again...until after he died. His writing begins August 29, 2005, and ends with his boarding the plane to return to Louisville after his time in India. I am copying his words from those pages. (I'll try and not offend anyone, but remember, you are reading his journal.)
8-29-05 10:45p Rain Flood Warning
This was supposed to be the "30 day Preface" before my India trip. It still is but Katrina hit and now it looks like a trip to Alabama or somewhere south before India. Accomplished today - HFH applications - doctors appt - visa stuff - and fund raising. I'm setting up the handbook and other info about India. A very busy day - work from home. Hospital visit to Shardine and Lisa Short. MBS - work again - some cooking for tomorrow with the kids. Will see how long I can keep this up.
8-30-05 10:30p Rain
Day two of the book - Katrina is much worse than anybody could imagine. Will be going where needed with 10-12 of my Saintly Friends who just can't wait to help. You watch the "looters" on TV and wonder about Mankind - but then you look at all the people who try and help - I'm impressed.
India was the reason for the book but - prepare me and my head - looks like I'll get some help by cooking.
Two calls from friends celebrating answered prayer - praise the Lord! The grand kids, Dave & Joyce, and Jo Ann had turkey tonight. The kids are growing and maturing. Very proud of them! Going to cook for painters @ Hilton's tomorrow - Continuing to pray for one of the good guys. Still working on paperwork - almost done.
8-31-05 11:15p Sunny
Hey what can I say - It's late - I just got home from church - I'm tired - not a great day. Lots of people have offered to go with me to Mississippi. That's good - Katrina is BAD - Still working on apps for India. The painting for Hilton was great - 6 guys from church there to help. That's good - Thank you God.
9-1-05 11:30pm Sunny
Late - tired - spent 2 1/2 hours with David G. His wife Linda passed away last week - He has no family home - Nice guy - just hurting a lot - He just needed to talk. I just pray it helped a little.
Lunch at Clifton was great! Shared about Julie's upcoming wedding and the trip to Mississippi - overflow crowd.
I worked on HFH health policy - what a joke. I cannot believe the hassle. But we prevailed - I think Mary got a great price. Also went to BGB to see Tim Kreckle. Steve and another Steve he works with went - Steve gave me a donation!! I dearly appreciate that and the thought.
Will continue tomorrow...JB
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Pillows!
For all the years I was married to HC Baker, the only pillows we had were the ones you put your head on when you went to bed. Now there was a reason for that. HC Baker had no respect for any other kind of pillow. I tried early on in our marriage to decorate with a pillow or two here and there but they never lasted. HC thought every pillow was a pillow for his head! I would get so angry and explain to him these special pillows are for "pretty"!!!! He always said he thought they were pretty and would immediately fold it in half and put it under his neck. I quit buying pillows.
Well, guess what? Since he died I have filled every piece of furniture with pillows. I love pillows and there are some beautiful ones out there. I needed a good dose of shopping today so I drove to Gaylord. It's about 40 minutes south of me. There's a quaint downtown with a few specialty shops and 2 antique malls (small compared to any in Louisville), an adorable shop called Gallery 3 owned by 3 young women who re-purpose your furniture (everything's wonderful), and out in the "burbs", there's a TJ Max!!!!!! (They also have WalMart, Lowe's, the orange box store I hate, Kohl's, Hobby Lobby, Meijers (sp?), Big Lots (always a hoot!), and they even have a GFS!!!) Anyway, I went to TJ Max because I love their home stuff, and I came home with 3 new pillows. (plus 3 Christmas presents for ME!!!!!)
My favorite of the new pillows is a Christmas pillow, rectangle in shape, background in light blue, fringed on the long ends, lots of buttons and beads, and in letters across the front is says B E L I E V E. I loved the way it looked but most important, I loved the way it made me feel. It's at Christmastime when the word believe appears a lot. The other night I watched The Polar Express and "believe" was at the heart of the movie. But that's not the "believe" I think about at Christmastime. When we believe that the Savior of the world was born in that stable, our lives are blessed forever. But take a moment and think about the others who were blessed when they believed - Mary, Joseph (he had some big believin' to do!), Elizabeth, Zechariah, the shepherds, the kings, and on and on. A quick check on the internet revealed that in the New Testament of the King James version, the word believe is used 124 times. If there was a contest to see who could quote a bible verse the quickest with the word believe in it how fast could you do it? What is one of the first bible verses we memorized? It's a Christmas verse, it's an Easter verse, it's an every day verse. John 3:16 - Pray it now.
Well, guess what? Since he died I have filled every piece of furniture with pillows. I love pillows and there are some beautiful ones out there. I needed a good dose of shopping today so I drove to Gaylord. It's about 40 minutes south of me. There's a quaint downtown with a few specialty shops and 2 antique malls (small compared to any in Louisville), an adorable shop called Gallery 3 owned by 3 young women who re-purpose your furniture (everything's wonderful), and out in the "burbs", there's a TJ Max!!!!!! (They also have WalMart, Lowe's, the orange box store I hate, Kohl's, Hobby Lobby, Meijers (sp?), Big Lots (always a hoot!), and they even have a GFS!!!) Anyway, I went to TJ Max because I love their home stuff, and I came home with 3 new pillows. (plus 3 Christmas presents for ME!!!!!)
My favorite of the new pillows is a Christmas pillow, rectangle in shape, background in light blue, fringed on the long ends, lots of buttons and beads, and in letters across the front is says B E L I E V E. I loved the way it looked but most important, I loved the way it made me feel. It's at Christmastime when the word believe appears a lot. The other night I watched The Polar Express and "believe" was at the heart of the movie. But that's not the "believe" I think about at Christmastime. When we believe that the Savior of the world was born in that stable, our lives are blessed forever. But take a moment and think about the others who were blessed when they believed - Mary, Joseph (he had some big believin' to do!), Elizabeth, Zechariah, the shepherds, the kings, and on and on. A quick check on the internet revealed that in the New Testament of the King James version, the word believe is used 124 times. If there was a contest to see who could quote a bible verse the quickest with the word believe in it how fast could you do it? What is one of the first bible verses we memorized? It's a Christmas verse, it's an Easter verse, it's an every day verse. John 3:16 - Pray it now.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Problems!!!
Oh my goodness!
Spent a crazy weekend wondering what to do about my beautiful new kitchen floor. It's not looking the way it's supposed to and the floor guys have returned 3 times for a "fix". Hasn't worked so far. So this morning they came, ripped and re-installed using a different technique. Hope it works this time. It's covered now and will be "revealed" tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.
All that beautiful snow we received is completely gone. Yesterday the temperature was in the upper 40's and today it rained. All gone!!!!
The candy store is in high gear! This is the peak season for them and Brett is making candy as fast as possible and Emily is making gift baskets at that same speed. They will close hopefully by 4pm Christmas Eve, go home and collapse.
With all this going on it's still important to focus on the celebration of the birth of the tiny baby who grew "in wisdom and stature" and gave his life for each of us. I have found myself remembering past Christmases and the love within our hearts we shared with each other. My new home is across the street from Topinabee Community Church. I have met several members and asked them about what happens there. It is non-demoninational (what does that really mean?) and of course it's very small. BUT...Christmas Eve at 7pm is the candlelight community service. I will be there with an open heart and excited expectations.
The candlelight Christmas Eve service at St. Matthews Baptist Church was always a part of our family's Christmas experience and especially emotional for the past several years. I remember the last service Mike McCormick was to be with us. HC and I stood next to Mike and Carla and as beautiful as the service was, we knew it would be Mike's last. In 2008, HC had put one infection behind him and we thought we were home free. 2009 was an especially happy time because HC had survived 2 open heart surgeries and a month at the Mayo Clinic. Then in 2010 he was gone. Last year my entire family joined me at St. Matthews because it was the first Christmas Eve without HC Baker. I am amazed at what can happen in such a short period of time. You know the "life is short" saying? It is.
Because life is short, each of us needs to take full advantage of every moment. Say a prayer for each person who is special to you. They might not be where you want them to be but pray that the love of a tiny baby is in their hearts. Pray that they will take that love and share it with others. We all need prayers and we all want love. If you are reading this, I know you are blessed. Pass it on.
Spent a crazy weekend wondering what to do about my beautiful new kitchen floor. It's not looking the way it's supposed to and the floor guys have returned 3 times for a "fix". Hasn't worked so far. So this morning they came, ripped and re-installed using a different technique. Hope it works this time. It's covered now and will be "revealed" tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.
All that beautiful snow we received is completely gone. Yesterday the temperature was in the upper 40's and today it rained. All gone!!!!
The candy store is in high gear! This is the peak season for them and Brett is making candy as fast as possible and Emily is making gift baskets at that same speed. They will close hopefully by 4pm Christmas Eve, go home and collapse.
With all this going on it's still important to focus on the celebration of the birth of the tiny baby who grew "in wisdom and stature" and gave his life for each of us. I have found myself remembering past Christmases and the love within our hearts we shared with each other. My new home is across the street from Topinabee Community Church. I have met several members and asked them about what happens there. It is non-demoninational (what does that really mean?) and of course it's very small. BUT...Christmas Eve at 7pm is the candlelight community service. I will be there with an open heart and excited expectations.
The candlelight Christmas Eve service at St. Matthews Baptist Church was always a part of our family's Christmas experience and especially emotional for the past several years. I remember the last service Mike McCormick was to be with us. HC and I stood next to Mike and Carla and as beautiful as the service was, we knew it would be Mike's last. In 2008, HC had put one infection behind him and we thought we were home free. 2009 was an especially happy time because HC had survived 2 open heart surgeries and a month at the Mayo Clinic. Then in 2010 he was gone. Last year my entire family joined me at St. Matthews because it was the first Christmas Eve without HC Baker. I am amazed at what can happen in such a short period of time. You know the "life is short" saying? It is.
Because life is short, each of us needs to take full advantage of every moment. Say a prayer for each person who is special to you. They might not be where you want them to be but pray that the love of a tiny baby is in their hearts. Pray that they will take that love and share it with others. We all need prayers and we all want love. If you are reading this, I know you are blessed. Pass it on.
Friday, December 9, 2011
First Snow Day!
It snowed last night and continued throughout the day. Once again the wind was so strong, the snow blew all over. There's several inches on the ground now with more to come all weekend. The wonderful thing is I don't have to go out anywhere. I have plenty of peach tea, hot chocolate, marshmallows, home made soup and the ever popular peanut butter oreos (got a new bag yesterday!). It looks beautiful outside and the moon just came up and is creating a winter glow. The lake is beginning to freeze and then the skiers and snowmobilers will arrive. Winter fun!
What a day with the re-modelers! The snow is beautiful but not so when it's tracked in over and over and over again. I had 3 groups of workers today and I mopped between each arrival. My kitchen floor is a large black and white diamond pattern and is dynamite when it's clean. (What was I thinking?????) I love it anyway!
The great news is the downstairs powder room off the kitchen is COMPLETE!!!!!! I have cleaned it top to bottom and there's just not a cooler looking 1/2 bath in the world! Black, white and silver with red accessories. Toilet seat and vanity mat are zebra print.
The pantry is also complete. I tried to do it myself but ran into a problem that required more knowledge than I had. One of the carpenters found the studs and mounted the shelves today. I'm was having trouble finding studs!!!!! Ha! Ha! With the pantry complete and cleaned that means the aluminum folding table in the dining room is gone!!!!! All of the items vacationing there are now in their proper home!
My gosh! It's beginning to feel like a home and it's beginning to look like a home. I must admit I was starting to doubt myself and I think I had allowed myself to fall into a slump. Not good! Slumps are for frumps. And that ain't me!
Right now, this very moment, without any hesitation, I'm inviting ALL OF YOU to come for a visit. (If I were you I'd wait until late spring or summer.) Lots of people verbally invite others but I really mean it. I told the carpenters and painters today that after the first of the year I would invite all of them for a Kentucky lunch. They all laughed at me and said every customer says that and I'd be the first to follow through with it. I couldn't believe it. I told them I was making a commitment to them and they would be invited. Commitment, what a word. If you made a list of your top five commitments, what would be on that list? Think about it.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!!
What a day with the re-modelers! The snow is beautiful but not so when it's tracked in over and over and over again. I had 3 groups of workers today and I mopped between each arrival. My kitchen floor is a large black and white diamond pattern and is dynamite when it's clean. (What was I thinking?????) I love it anyway!
The great news is the downstairs powder room off the kitchen is COMPLETE!!!!!! I have cleaned it top to bottom and there's just not a cooler looking 1/2 bath in the world! Black, white and silver with red accessories. Toilet seat and vanity mat are zebra print.
The pantry is also complete. I tried to do it myself but ran into a problem that required more knowledge than I had. One of the carpenters found the studs and mounted the shelves today. I'm was having trouble finding studs!!!!! Ha! Ha! With the pantry complete and cleaned that means the aluminum folding table in the dining room is gone!!!!! All of the items vacationing there are now in their proper home!
My gosh! It's beginning to feel like a home and it's beginning to look like a home. I must admit I was starting to doubt myself and I think I had allowed myself to fall into a slump. Not good! Slumps are for frumps. And that ain't me!
Right now, this very moment, without any hesitation, I'm inviting ALL OF YOU to come for a visit. (If I were you I'd wait until late spring or summer.) Lots of people verbally invite others but I really mean it. I told the carpenters and painters today that after the first of the year I would invite all of them for a Kentucky lunch. They all laughed at me and said every customer says that and I'd be the first to follow through with it. I couldn't believe it. I told them I was making a commitment to them and they would be invited. Commitment, what a word. If you made a list of your top five commitments, what would be on that list? Think about it.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
AMEN!
I'm sending a HUGE thank you to my "amen chorus". You all got me goin' and the big tree is decorated. It looks fantastic! And I probably gained 50 pounds because I ate the whole bag of peanut butter oreos! (And it was a new bag...I opened it, ate it all and then threw away the evidence!!!)
The Store House of Joy - to be added to in times of plenty and to be taken from in times of need. HCB/'98
In good conversation, we enter another person's world. HCB/'01
The high temperature here today was 23 and that's cold. It snowed most of the afternoon but the wind was blowing so hard there wasn't much accumulation. They are forecasting snow for the next 4 days. I understand it snowed in Louisville today too. You see...you might as well come and visit me. The weather's the same!
I know I have workers all over my first floor but today I made a decision and have started my own project. There was a coat closet just inside the back door. I decided to make that closet a pantry. I emptied it then used the electric screwdriver to remove the hanging bar and 5 hooks. I went to the "DoItCenter" (kinda like your neighborhood hardware store only I had to drive to the next town) and bought 12 brackets and 4 shelves. I have just completed applying the first coat of paint to the walls and ceiling. As soon as it's dry (or close to it) I will give it another coat of paint. Then, drum roll please, I am going to attach the brackets to the wall, attach the shelves to the brackets, and load it up with all the food on the dining room table!!!!!! Can't wait and plan to have this done before I go to bed tonight. Getting a new refrigerator tomorrow so I'm very close to organizing my kitchen. Praise the Lord!!!!
Life does go on regardless of whatever is happening all around you.
Just when you think you have control of your life there's a speed bump.
Prayer can always save your day.
There is nothing better than good friends, and I am blessed to have many!
I keep a list of those people and things I'm praying for and today each one of you is on it. And I love to picture you as I pray. Most of the images are you smiling and having a good time. In some of the images I see pain in your eyes because of a burden you are carrying right now. If you've done all you can, let the burden go. Often there are more ahead. It's what makes us wiser and gives us a clearer vision. Remember that phrase - Today is the first day of the rest of your life? It is.
The Store House of Joy - to be added to in times of plenty and to be taken from in times of need. HCB/'98
In good conversation, we enter another person's world. HCB/'01
The high temperature here today was 23 and that's cold. It snowed most of the afternoon but the wind was blowing so hard there wasn't much accumulation. They are forecasting snow for the next 4 days. I understand it snowed in Louisville today too. You see...you might as well come and visit me. The weather's the same!
I know I have workers all over my first floor but today I made a decision and have started my own project. There was a coat closet just inside the back door. I decided to make that closet a pantry. I emptied it then used the electric screwdriver to remove the hanging bar and 5 hooks. I went to the "DoItCenter" (kinda like your neighborhood hardware store only I had to drive to the next town) and bought 12 brackets and 4 shelves. I have just completed applying the first coat of paint to the walls and ceiling. As soon as it's dry (or close to it) I will give it another coat of paint. Then, drum roll please, I am going to attach the brackets to the wall, attach the shelves to the brackets, and load it up with all the food on the dining room table!!!!!! Can't wait and plan to have this done before I go to bed tonight. Getting a new refrigerator tomorrow so I'm very close to organizing my kitchen. Praise the Lord!!!!
Life does go on regardless of whatever is happening all around you.
Just when you think you have control of your life there's a speed bump.
Prayer can always save your day.
There is nothing better than good friends, and I am blessed to have many!
I keep a list of those people and things I'm praying for and today each one of you is on it. And I love to picture you as I pray. Most of the images are you smiling and having a good time. In some of the images I see pain in your eyes because of a burden you are carrying right now. If you've done all you can, let the burden go. Often there are more ahead. It's what makes us wiser and gives us a clearer vision. Remember that phrase - Today is the first day of the rest of your life? It is.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Bearin' my soul talkin' about another first!
Last year at Christmastime I was in Louisville staying at my sister Linda's home. All my Louisville "stuff" was in storage so I was enjoying everyone else's holiday decorations and participating in their traditions. Not until today did I realize what a gift that was.
This afternoon Brett took me to the woods and we (he) cut down a Christmas tree for my living room. I had already found and unpacked the ornaments for what we always called the big tree. I do have my ballet tree up and decorated, but then again I have always done that by myself. Brett trimmed the bottom to fit in the stand and brought it in the house. It's standing straight and tall exactly where I wanted it. Brett left, TR went to work, today's assortment of re-modelers left (after making a mess of the kitchen floor AGAIN!!!), and I am left alone to decorate this tree. HC Baker hadn't decorated a Christmas tree in many a year but he was always the one to build the fire, make the hot chocolate, and of course...supervise!
So here I am...alone to decorate this tree. All the decorations are lined up on the coffee table, I have tested all the lights and they work, the garland is ready to "round" the tree, and the star is looking toward the it's place at the very top. I was able to find a Christmas music station on the TV because I have no idea where our CD player is nor do I know where the CD's are! I'm all set.
So why am I just sitting here looking at all this stuff? The excitement of doing this has completely left me. It's with a sense of dread that I have to do this...alone. If I really think about it, I could cry, but every time I think I might cry, I get angry with HC. Why???? Because it's all his fault I'm alone. Then when I get this way I begin to question everything I've done since he died. And I hate that! I can't even escape to the mall unless I want to drive 3 hours! And I don't. OK what to do?
Here's the plan. I'm going to fix myself some dinner. I think it will be one of those P.F. Changs frozen things. I love those and they fix fast! Then I'm going to treat myself to a bag of peanut butter oreos (I love those things too) and then I'm going to decorate this tree. Hopefully tomorrow I can boast that it's done! Do I hear an AMEN out there in "blogland"!!!!!
This afternoon Brett took me to the woods and we (he) cut down a Christmas tree for my living room. I had already found and unpacked the ornaments for what we always called the big tree. I do have my ballet tree up and decorated, but then again I have always done that by myself. Brett trimmed the bottom to fit in the stand and brought it in the house. It's standing straight and tall exactly where I wanted it. Brett left, TR went to work, today's assortment of re-modelers left (after making a mess of the kitchen floor AGAIN!!!), and I am left alone to decorate this tree. HC Baker hadn't decorated a Christmas tree in many a year but he was always the one to build the fire, make the hot chocolate, and of course...supervise!
So here I am...alone to decorate this tree. All the decorations are lined up on the coffee table, I have tested all the lights and they work, the garland is ready to "round" the tree, and the star is looking toward the it's place at the very top. I was able to find a Christmas music station on the TV because I have no idea where our CD player is nor do I know where the CD's are! I'm all set.
So why am I just sitting here looking at all this stuff? The excitement of doing this has completely left me. It's with a sense of dread that I have to do this...alone. If I really think about it, I could cry, but every time I think I might cry, I get angry with HC. Why???? Because it's all his fault I'm alone. Then when I get this way I begin to question everything I've done since he died. And I hate that! I can't even escape to the mall unless I want to drive 3 hours! And I don't. OK what to do?
Here's the plan. I'm going to fix myself some dinner. I think it will be one of those P.F. Changs frozen things. I love those and they fix fast! Then I'm going to treat myself to a bag of peanut butter oreos (I love those things too) and then I'm going to decorate this tree. Hopefully tomorrow I can boast that it's done! Do I hear an AMEN out there in "blogland"!!!!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Prayer according to HC Baker
First I must tell you in the past week I have received several wonderful phone calls from dear, dear friends as well as all the comments you leave for me on my FB page. All of you are so kind to share your appreciation for my "blogging". (As a former dancer at least it rhymes with clogging and that's close!) Anyway, FYI...I normally do not respond to comments readers post on FB. I would be writing all day. BUT...I want each of you to know how special you are to me. As most of you know, I can talk a lot. But words completely fail me when I try to tell you what you mean to me. All of our lives are journeys but when you are thrown into an unexpected journey the likes of which you have never experienced, it's quite a ride. And all along the way it's incredible to know that when you falter in any direction, friends are there to stand you up again. It's so true what the song says, Friends are friends forever!
I heard a great comment on a local christian radio station today, 105.9, The Promise. Do not know the source but here it is. "Life has a way of trashing our trophies!" In a nutshell, the story was about 2 teenage brothers who needed a prop to help with a household chore they were doing without anyone asking. They took it upon themselves to do this for their parents. The prop they chose to use to help dry out the basement carpet that was wet from a rain leak was a high school sports trophy hard earned by their father. The father, while pleased and proud of his sons, had a difficult time overlooking the now ruined trophy that meant so much to him. Fortunately (we should all be so lucky), he was able to get control of himself before he spoke and congratulated, thanked and hugged his sons. That comment applies to so much of our lives. Think about how it applies to you.
HC Baker was a great "pray-er". Sometimes I would forewarn him to watch his time. His prayers could go on and on and on even at our dinner table at home. But again...that was HC Baker. In his little black binder he must have a hundred comments, quotes, and articles about prayer. Many of them have been cut out of a magazine or newspaper article or where ever.
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire unuttered or expressed.
The motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear.
The upward glancing of an eye when none but God is near.
O thou by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way.
The path of prayer thyself hast trod Lord teach us how to pray.
Another comment...
"The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is to pray. It is not the only thing, but it is the chief thing. The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray. They do not have time. It must be taken from something else. This something else is important, very important and pressing, but still less important and less pressing than prayer."
And finally...
"Prayer is simply carrying on a conversation with God. That's what Jesus told his disciples. Prayer is talking to God about His will and our needs. It's talking to Him just as if He were with us, because He is.
Talk to God right now about His will and your needs. You don't need churchy language. Just be yourself."
You are all in my prayers and trust me, there's no "churchy language" out of my mouth. Oh that reminds me of a funny story about HC and me. Many years ago after a Sunday morning service, HC Baker was speaking with a visitor. He was doin' his thing! I went over to him about the time the visitor asked HC if he was one of the ministers. I burst out laughing and said the only way we'd know the Lord had called HC to the ministry would be if at the same time he called HC, he struck me dead!!!!! See how fun our life together was?
Blessings to you all! xxoo
I heard a great comment on a local christian radio station today, 105.9, The Promise. Do not know the source but here it is. "Life has a way of trashing our trophies!" In a nutshell, the story was about 2 teenage brothers who needed a prop to help with a household chore they were doing without anyone asking. They took it upon themselves to do this for their parents. The prop they chose to use to help dry out the basement carpet that was wet from a rain leak was a high school sports trophy hard earned by their father. The father, while pleased and proud of his sons, had a difficult time overlooking the now ruined trophy that meant so much to him. Fortunately (we should all be so lucky), he was able to get control of himself before he spoke and congratulated, thanked and hugged his sons. That comment applies to so much of our lives. Think about how it applies to you.
HC Baker was a great "pray-er". Sometimes I would forewarn him to watch his time. His prayers could go on and on and on even at our dinner table at home. But again...that was HC Baker. In his little black binder he must have a hundred comments, quotes, and articles about prayer. Many of them have been cut out of a magazine or newspaper article or where ever.
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire unuttered or expressed.
The motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear.
The upward glancing of an eye when none but God is near.
O thou by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way.
The path of prayer thyself hast trod Lord teach us how to pray.
Another comment...
"The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is to pray. It is not the only thing, but it is the chief thing. The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray. They do not have time. It must be taken from something else. This something else is important, very important and pressing, but still less important and less pressing than prayer."
And finally...
"Prayer is simply carrying on a conversation with God. That's what Jesus told his disciples. Prayer is talking to God about His will and our needs. It's talking to Him just as if He were with us, because He is.
Talk to God right now about His will and your needs. You don't need churchy language. Just be yourself."
You are all in my prayers and trust me, there's no "churchy language" out of my mouth. Oh that reminds me of a funny story about HC and me. Many years ago after a Sunday morning service, HC Baker was speaking with a visitor. He was doin' his thing! I went over to him about the time the visitor asked HC if he was one of the ministers. I burst out laughing and said the only way we'd know the Lord had called HC to the ministry would be if at the same time he called HC, he struck me dead!!!!! See how fun our life together was?
Blessings to you all! xxoo
Sunday, December 4, 2011
More from HC Baker!
I have found this old small 6 ring binder that is full of clippings, original writings, pictures and personal thoughts. (I'm finally getting to empty boxes from Barrington Court.)
FYI...HC Baker's father died when HC was 5 years old. He died in the polio epidemic of the early '50's. He was taken from home in an ambulance to the VA hospital where he died. Because of the disease, the funerals were "closed" with immediate burial. HC never saw him again after he left their home. He once told me he was never really sure his dad died because he didn't see him dead. There is no doubt HC Baker's one true desire was to meet his Lord and Savior, and I am certain he did. There is also no doubt in my mind HC Baker had quite a few questions for the Lord and once those questions were answered, I'm sure HC went in search of his dad. I found this today.
"Not unlike Moses, who for 40 years wandered lost in the desert, I still wake at times looking for you. Was that you on the street ahead of me today...Did you pass me in the hallway that day some twenty years ago?
Oh, I don't know.
You know all those stories about you I heard as a kid? They were like beautiful music when you weren't there. How I still like to hear them. I would rather have been your son one more hour.
Oh well.
By the way...I never did say good-bye, When you're five, good-byes seem like they are forever. Maybe that's why I didn't do it...I don't know...
When you left, I was so confused and hurt...I still am sometimes.
Oh well.
You know they sold or gave away or took most of the material things you had. I guess they didn't want what was most important to you. I found it though...
Without you and your faith in God, I would never have made it.
Thanks, I needed Him!
I remember what you were wearing the last time I saw you. I haven't liked white since. Those white sheets that covered your lifeless body as they carried you from the house covered everything but the kind of fear that was new to a kid my age.
Oh well.
You would have been proud of Mom. I guess you knew that when you married her. She worked real hard. She gave so much of herself to us kids that sometimes I'm sure God gave her 26 hours in a day to get it done.
When you've only got one...it's nice when she can love so much.
For some who knew you and knew that you weren't perfect, that's OK...I do too. And I don't guess it's so strange to want to have or want to be the very thing we cannot have. But there's so much about you I don't know. I've constructed me without all the pieces.
Oh well...I'm doing the best I can.
I had hoped as a father or husband or person, I could do more, or be more, or give more. But the irony of life is that what I learned to give was only time. The time I never had before. I cannot seem to give away the love that is hidden away inside.
Oh well...I'll keep trying."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't know who wrote this but it was in the binder taped to a page.
On this day
Mend a quarrel
Search out a forgotten friend
Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust
Write a letter to someone who misses you
Encourage a youth who has lost faith
Keep a promise
Forget an old grudge
Examine your demands on others and vow to reduce them
Fight for a principle
Express your gratitude
Overcome an old fear
Take two minutes to appreciate the beauty of nature
Tell someone you love them
Tell them again
And again
And again.
FYI...HC Baker's father died when HC was 5 years old. He died in the polio epidemic of the early '50's. He was taken from home in an ambulance to the VA hospital where he died. Because of the disease, the funerals were "closed" with immediate burial. HC never saw him again after he left their home. He once told me he was never really sure his dad died because he didn't see him dead. There is no doubt HC Baker's one true desire was to meet his Lord and Savior, and I am certain he did. There is also no doubt in my mind HC Baker had quite a few questions for the Lord and once those questions were answered, I'm sure HC went in search of his dad. I found this today.
"Not unlike Moses, who for 40 years wandered lost in the desert, I still wake at times looking for you. Was that you on the street ahead of me today...Did you pass me in the hallway that day some twenty years ago?
Oh, I don't know.
You know all those stories about you I heard as a kid? They were like beautiful music when you weren't there. How I still like to hear them. I would rather have been your son one more hour.
Oh well.
By the way...I never did say good-bye, When you're five, good-byes seem like they are forever. Maybe that's why I didn't do it...I don't know...
When you left, I was so confused and hurt...I still am sometimes.
Oh well.
You know they sold or gave away or took most of the material things you had. I guess they didn't want what was most important to you. I found it though...
Without you and your faith in God, I would never have made it.
Thanks, I needed Him!
I remember what you were wearing the last time I saw you. I haven't liked white since. Those white sheets that covered your lifeless body as they carried you from the house covered everything but the kind of fear that was new to a kid my age.
Oh well.
You would have been proud of Mom. I guess you knew that when you married her. She worked real hard. She gave so much of herself to us kids that sometimes I'm sure God gave her 26 hours in a day to get it done.
When you've only got one...it's nice when she can love so much.
For some who knew you and knew that you weren't perfect, that's OK...I do too. And I don't guess it's so strange to want to have or want to be the very thing we cannot have. But there's so much about you I don't know. I've constructed me without all the pieces.
Oh well...I'm doing the best I can.
I had hoped as a father or husband or person, I could do more, or be more, or give more. But the irony of life is that what I learned to give was only time. The time I never had before. I cannot seem to give away the love that is hidden away inside.
Oh well...I'll keep trying."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't know who wrote this but it was in the binder taped to a page.
On this day
Mend a quarrel
Search out a forgotten friend
Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust
Write a letter to someone who misses you
Encourage a youth who has lost faith
Keep a promise
Forget an old grudge
Examine your demands on others and vow to reduce them
Fight for a principle
Express your gratitude
Overcome an old fear
Take two minutes to appreciate the beauty of nature
Tell someone you love them
Tell them again
And again
And again.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Some HC Thoughts!
Sorting through some files today and found HC Baker's trusty dusty "note" box. Remember how he loves things in a box! Here's a bit of what I found. (I'm editing as I go!)
There's an article he tore out of a magazine about angels. Here's what he underlined.
"Or is it (angels) really us, mere humans, who for a moment are picked up by the hand of God and made to speak unwittingly the words another needs to hear, or to hold out a lifeline to another soul?"
An article out of the Home Life magazine, November 1990, regarding 4 things that help to survive grief.
Tears - Please don't be afraid of my tears because that makes me more afraid of them. ...they aren't the end of the world.
Touch - We all need hugs everyday, but in grief we need them more. If I cling to you don't be embarrassed. You are God loving me through your hands and arms. Together we can be wrapped in a heavenly hug and who knows what kind of hope and healing will happen.
Talk - Ask me how I am and don't let me get away with "fine" because I'm not. Talking today will make talking tomorrow easier. Love and laughter lead us down the road to wholeness.
Time - The bad memories are softened around the edges like an out-of-focus picture. The hole left in me no longer seems like the black hole in space but more like a well with a bottom.
So for a person grieving, take some of your time that is so precious and talk with them. Touch them and let the tears water a special bond that can grow between you.
HC wrote this to share during a Sunday morning service shortly after The Hollon family joined our congregation. He called it "My Testimony".
"Good morning...listen for just a minute...please do not move because there is a fire in the house. Not the kind of fire so many of us remember with cold and unkind thoughts...not the kind of fire that destroys...
Fear not...for God is with us!!!
This new fire is a friendly fire, a warm and healing fire, a fire who's light illuminates the darkness and chases away the evil that has been hiding there. Some months ago the Pastor Search Committee invited each of us to pray earnestly for God's presence with us and His leadership and guidance in the journey in search of our new pastor. One by one the Holy Spirit pasted the flames from this new fire onto each of the search committee members and then Les and Vicki. And as they grew in faith and confidence in the presence of the Holy Spirit, the fire began to spread to you and to me.
As more and more of us see the light, feel the warmth, and let our light shine, more and more of God's spirit is shared. And in this renewal, more souls will be saved. I have seen this new fire in some of your eyes, I have felt the growing warmth in your heart and mine. It feels wonderful!!!
Today's text in Matthew 4 talks about Jesus walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee when He calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. The Bible says they stopped immediately what they were doing and followed Him. Years later as the Spirit walked along the shores of the Ohio River calling for me...I ran!!! Maybe not unlike some of you, I was a sinner and I was ashamed. And not unlike the little boy in the Gospels, I had very little to offer. My loaves and fishes were few.
But in the struggle God showed me He knew about my sins, and He knew that my talents were few. But if I would surrender to Him, He would wash away my sins and multiply my gifts for the glory of His kingdom. And He would love me forever.
And on that day, the day I gave what little I had, I received not only life everlasting, forgiveness of my sins, and the promise that He would never leave me, but a special gift, a scripture verse that was then and is now the story of my journey, My Testimony.
I share with you now Psalm 34:1-8
Let us magnify the Lord and praise His name together!! May this new fire rekindle the spirit in all our hearts.
(NOTE: I have the 4 Bibles HC loved and read the most. In each of them the words of Psalm 34 are very nearly rubbed off the page.)
There's an article he tore out of a magazine about angels. Here's what he underlined.
"Or is it (angels) really us, mere humans, who for a moment are picked up by the hand of God and made to speak unwittingly the words another needs to hear, or to hold out a lifeline to another soul?"
An article out of the Home Life magazine, November 1990, regarding 4 things that help to survive grief.
Tears - Please don't be afraid of my tears because that makes me more afraid of them. ...they aren't the end of the world.
Touch - We all need hugs everyday, but in grief we need them more. If I cling to you don't be embarrassed. You are God loving me through your hands and arms. Together we can be wrapped in a heavenly hug and who knows what kind of hope and healing will happen.
Talk - Ask me how I am and don't let me get away with "fine" because I'm not. Talking today will make talking tomorrow easier. Love and laughter lead us down the road to wholeness.
Time - The bad memories are softened around the edges like an out-of-focus picture. The hole left in me no longer seems like the black hole in space but more like a well with a bottom.
So for a person grieving, take some of your time that is so precious and talk with them. Touch them and let the tears water a special bond that can grow between you.
HC wrote this to share during a Sunday morning service shortly after The Hollon family joined our congregation. He called it "My Testimony".
"Good morning...listen for just a minute...please do not move because there is a fire in the house. Not the kind of fire so many of us remember with cold and unkind thoughts...not the kind of fire that destroys...
Fear not...for God is with us!!!
This new fire is a friendly fire, a warm and healing fire, a fire who's light illuminates the darkness and chases away the evil that has been hiding there. Some months ago the Pastor Search Committee invited each of us to pray earnestly for God's presence with us and His leadership and guidance in the journey in search of our new pastor. One by one the Holy Spirit pasted the flames from this new fire onto each of the search committee members and then Les and Vicki. And as they grew in faith and confidence in the presence of the Holy Spirit, the fire began to spread to you and to me.
As more and more of us see the light, feel the warmth, and let our light shine, more and more of God's spirit is shared. And in this renewal, more souls will be saved. I have seen this new fire in some of your eyes, I have felt the growing warmth in your heart and mine. It feels wonderful!!!
Today's text in Matthew 4 talks about Jesus walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee when He calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. The Bible says they stopped immediately what they were doing and followed Him. Years later as the Spirit walked along the shores of the Ohio River calling for me...I ran!!! Maybe not unlike some of you, I was a sinner and I was ashamed. And not unlike the little boy in the Gospels, I had very little to offer. My loaves and fishes were few.
But in the struggle God showed me He knew about my sins, and He knew that my talents were few. But if I would surrender to Him, He would wash away my sins and multiply my gifts for the glory of His kingdom. And He would love me forever.
And on that day, the day I gave what little I had, I received not only life everlasting, forgiveness of my sins, and the promise that He would never leave me, but a special gift, a scripture verse that was then and is now the story of my journey, My Testimony.
I share with you now Psalm 34:1-8
Let us magnify the Lord and praise His name together!! May this new fire rekindle the spirit in all our hearts.
(NOTE: I have the 4 Bibles HC loved and read the most. In each of them the words of Psalm 34 are very nearly rubbed off the page.)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Questions on a gray day
It's very cold, rainy, snow flurries, and gray. I have been confined to my bedroom most of the day due to my re-modelers on the first floor. I have been able to complete a lot of the paperwork that has accumulated in the past week. (That means I have been remiss in filing receipts, bills and correspondence.) I've read a new book, organized the linen closet, and changed the beds (I hate that job!). Saws, paint brushes and that "dadgum" power hammer have shaken the glass in the windows. What to do next?
I keep a list of questions in front of me that I'm always contemplating. I currently have five on the list.
1. What must I complete by 12/31/11?
That question is another list all by itself, but an easy list to compose. Most of the things on it are pretty obvious. No real concerns there.
2. What will be my goals for the first quarter of 2012? 2012...can you believe it?
The winter lasts a long time up here but I will be busy getting things ready for spring. With the completion of the first floor, I can organize and prepare for what comes next. Primarily, it's the front porch. It's on the front of the house, windows on 3 sides overlooking Mullet Lake. It will be a huge project but with wonderful results. And like most of you, when I work, I think. Personal thinking for me is great therapy. It allows me to ask and answer lots of questions and concerns. I call it my own positive feedback!
3. What's in my heart today? (That's a good question I ask myself everyday.)
What do I need to do to help somebody or something? Sunday school taught all of us to "do unto others". Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's very difficult. Sometimes the person or thing is very close to us and sometimes it's an international issue. I tell myself if we all do just one little thing every day what a difference it will make in our world.
4. Who needs my prayers today? (Another one I ask every day.)
I have to honestly say some days the first person on my list is me and some days there are so many others on my list I forget about me. We all need prayer for us as well as others. Do you ever have days when the words of your prayer just won't come to you? Dear Heavenly Father...and then nothing. You know you have lots to say but the words are tumbling around in your head so fast, none of them can escape into your thoughts. My solution to that, "Be still and know that I am God." It works every time.
5. What would HC Baker think about what I'm doing? (That question is always on my list!)
After a particularly difficult yesterday, the main workers (Joe and Tommy) came in this morning very quietly and from the looks on their faces, I think they were wondering when I would "blow" today? I looked at them and said I decided last night if HC Baker could, he would work his ashes back into his physical form, appear before me and ask what the hell I was doing! This re-model has been happening for 44 work days and with the weekends and holidays included when the house was upside down, that number would be closer to 64. And that is the #1 reason he/we never had a project like this when he was alive. He would not have been able to stand the mess. His world was organized and re-organized and re-re-organized. Yesterday I found another yellow legal pad filled with his notes on something. Haven't figured out what just yet. But that was HC Baker. Make a plan and work your plan. Ask anyone who worked in a kitchen with him on a mission trip or anywhere else. He gave at least 100% of himself and expected everyone else to do the same. So I work very hard at trying to stay organized and most importantly, giving the full measure of myself to everything I do.
And that is the answer to all 5 questions...Giving the full measure of myself to everything I do. Isn't that what's expected of us all?
I keep a list of questions in front of me that I'm always contemplating. I currently have five on the list.
1. What must I complete by 12/31/11?
That question is another list all by itself, but an easy list to compose. Most of the things on it are pretty obvious. No real concerns there.
2. What will be my goals for the first quarter of 2012? 2012...can you believe it?
The winter lasts a long time up here but I will be busy getting things ready for spring. With the completion of the first floor, I can organize and prepare for what comes next. Primarily, it's the front porch. It's on the front of the house, windows on 3 sides overlooking Mullet Lake. It will be a huge project but with wonderful results. And like most of you, when I work, I think. Personal thinking for me is great therapy. It allows me to ask and answer lots of questions and concerns. I call it my own positive feedback!
3. What's in my heart today? (That's a good question I ask myself everyday.)
What do I need to do to help somebody or something? Sunday school taught all of us to "do unto others". Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's very difficult. Sometimes the person or thing is very close to us and sometimes it's an international issue. I tell myself if we all do just one little thing every day what a difference it will make in our world.
4. Who needs my prayers today? (Another one I ask every day.)
I have to honestly say some days the first person on my list is me and some days there are so many others on my list I forget about me. We all need prayer for us as well as others. Do you ever have days when the words of your prayer just won't come to you? Dear Heavenly Father...and then nothing. You know you have lots to say but the words are tumbling around in your head so fast, none of them can escape into your thoughts. My solution to that, "Be still and know that I am God." It works every time.
5. What would HC Baker think about what I'm doing? (That question is always on my list!)
After a particularly difficult yesterday, the main workers (Joe and Tommy) came in this morning very quietly and from the looks on their faces, I think they were wondering when I would "blow" today? I looked at them and said I decided last night if HC Baker could, he would work his ashes back into his physical form, appear before me and ask what the hell I was doing! This re-model has been happening for 44 work days and with the weekends and holidays included when the house was upside down, that number would be closer to 64. And that is the #1 reason he/we never had a project like this when he was alive. He would not have been able to stand the mess. His world was organized and re-organized and re-re-organized. Yesterday I found another yellow legal pad filled with his notes on something. Haven't figured out what just yet. But that was HC Baker. Make a plan and work your plan. Ask anyone who worked in a kitchen with him on a mission trip or anywhere else. He gave at least 100% of himself and expected everyone else to do the same. So I work very hard at trying to stay organized and most importantly, giving the full measure of myself to everything I do.
And that is the answer to all 5 questions...Giving the full measure of myself to everything I do. Isn't that what's expected of us all?
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