OK, It's been a while since I wrote anything. Sometimes it's best to wait until your heart and mind meet at the same time.
We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving as a nation, and as a family. Even though all our kids weren't home this time, I know they are safe, healthy, strong, and have joy and peace. Our family is one person bigger. We have a new son-in-law and his family feels like an extension of ours as does our other children's families. Our kids are scattered about and that is good. They have independence and are making good choices. It is a blessing and I am thankful to see all of them "successful" in however you may define that word. I am thankful to see them growing in their Faith-walk, not just faithful "church-goers" but living and serving because of their faith. Our son was asked to give the blessing for our big Thanksgiving meal and that is how heritage is shared.
When I look at our adult children, seeing them where Deb and I were back so many years ago, a lot in life and our world has changed, and some things stay the same, Thanksgiving and Christmas, at least in our families have certain traditions. Yes, we do the Turkey and Dressing thing for Thanksgiving, decorations and a brightly lit tree and gifts at Christmas. AND we are still giving our three children Advent calendars to open windows in expectancy for Christmas and the birth of the Christ child. (Just remember, Marissa gets to open #10, 'cause that's her birthday).
I have special memories as a child with my maternal grandparents who seemed to go over the top at Christmas. That meant usually one very special toy and very nice clothes. Truth be known, we as children dressed like miniature adults. Me with suit and tie, over coat and hat, and nice dress shoes. My sister got the frilly dresses, patent leather shoes WITH matching purse and one year got a "fake fur" white Fox collar. One Christmas they got me a Bright Green tricycle with White or maybe Chrome fenders, a basket and streamers from the handgrips. Grandpa used his 8mm movie camera to film me on it and it double exposed and looked like I was riding through the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky!
Seems like the holidays come quicker each year. The grandkids are growing so fast and Praise God, Deb and I are still young and energetic (cough, cough!)
So, not only REFLECT on holidays past, but be sure to make memorable holidays THIS YEAR. Be grateful for what you have...great or small. Remember the important things and those things that truly last a lifetime and beyond. Frueliche Weinachten, (for my German roots), Happy Christmas (for my British roots) and have a good ole MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Friday, December 4, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
TENACITY
Tenacity...no, not some small village or major metropolis but it is- the quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; the quality or fact of being very determined. Most people will tell you that tenacity is a great quality to have, especially if you're trying something challenging that takes a while to complete. A similar word would be the adverb ...tenacious.
When I think of tenacity, I think of Libby, our Jack Russell Terrier. We had her for 15+ years. Best dog ever! If you threw a tennis ball in the backyard expecting her to fetch like "normal" dogs. Well, that wasn't Libby. She might walk up to you but there was no way you were getting that ball out of her vice-like jaws until she was ready to release it.
Look at some quotes from famous people on the topic of TENACITY-
“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
― Thomas A. Edison
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
― Abraham Lincoln
"Just Keep Swimming."
-Dory from Finding Nemo
Tenacity. Are you focused on a goal? Are you easily distracted? What keeps you focused? Determined? Were you ever in a situation that being flexible was not an option and you stood your ground?
When I think of tenacity, I think of Libby, our Jack Russell Terrier. We had her for 15+ years. Best dog ever! If you threw a tennis ball in the backyard expecting her to fetch like "normal" dogs. Well, that wasn't Libby. She might walk up to you but there was no way you were getting that ball out of her vice-like jaws until she was ready to release it.
Best way of describing that would be this video - Our Libby would latch onto something and you could lift her and swing her around and she WOULD NOT let go.
All that "terrier talk" is to ask what are you tenacious about? Do you have a faith, belief or philosophy that is unshakable? Look at some quotes from famous people on the topic of TENACITY-
“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
― Thomas A. Edison
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
― Abraham Lincoln
"Just Keep Swimming."
-Dory from Finding Nemo
Tenacity. Are you focused on a goal? Are you easily distracted? What keeps you focused? Determined? Were you ever in a situation that being flexible was not an option and you stood your ground?
I hope you reply...tell me your story of TENACITY.
Friday, August 21, 2015
To Dream Again
I have decided to write a blog. I will try and be consistent and do so on a regular basis. That basis has yet to be determined.
I chose the name On Track for various reasons. Those who have known me for any length of time know that I grew up in Indianapolis, home of the INDY 500. A venue and event that has taken place for 100+ years. Two hundred laps on a track 2 1/2 miles long. It is rich in racing history and tradition, and for me it is a place of commitment, challenge, excitement and respect.
Another side of me is one of Christian education and discipleship. Many are familiar with The Great Commission as it is referred to in Matthew 28:19-20. It is primarily used in evangelism and missions, but it also states "teaching them...". If we are to mature and grow we need to be taught so we can stay on track in our relationship with Christ.
We also need goals in life. To dream a dream and work towards achieving. To be prepared and make steps in anticipation. Back in 1976 I visited Dallas, Texas for the first time. Back then one could see the skyscrapers of downtown as well as Longhorn cattle grazing in the same viewpoint. The contrast was so different from what I was used to, but somehow I knew one day I would live here. Then jump forward almost ten years and I was here! Then I heard about a group from seminary that was going to England on the Oxford Study Program. I had learned about my family name, its British heritage, and I became obsessed with all things British. I wanted to go on that trip to Oxford, but it wasn't meant to be. Then when I heard about how our church was ministering to a group in London, that urge swelled inside me once more, but for a different reason and cause. In April of this year I found myself walking through Heathrow Airport! Through the windows I could see long narrow license plates on cars driving on the "wrong side" of the streets, Red double-decker buses, and little black taxi cabs. Was this a dream??
Sometimes those dreams have a real purpose, and they seemed to come true for me when I have others' interests involved. I hope to get on track with new dreams and goals and am inspired by the quote below by C.S. Lewis.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
I chose the name On Track for various reasons. Those who have known me for any length of time know that I grew up in Indianapolis, home of the INDY 500. A venue and event that has taken place for 100+ years. Two hundred laps on a track 2 1/2 miles long. It is rich in racing history and tradition, and for me it is a place of commitment, challenge, excitement and respect.
Another side of me is one of Christian education and discipleship. Many are familiar with The Great Commission as it is referred to in Matthew 28:19-20. It is primarily used in evangelism and missions, but it also states "teaching them...". If we are to mature and grow we need to be taught so we can stay on track in our relationship with Christ.
We also need goals in life. To dream a dream and work towards achieving. To be prepared and make steps in anticipation. Back in 1976 I visited Dallas, Texas for the first time. Back then one could see the skyscrapers of downtown as well as Longhorn cattle grazing in the same viewpoint. The contrast was so different from what I was used to, but somehow I knew one day I would live here. Then jump forward almost ten years and I was here! Then I heard about a group from seminary that was going to England on the Oxford Study Program. I had learned about my family name, its British heritage, and I became obsessed with all things British. I wanted to go on that trip to Oxford, but it wasn't meant to be. Then when I heard about how our church was ministering to a group in London, that urge swelled inside me once more, but for a different reason and cause. In April of this year I found myself walking through Heathrow Airport! Through the windows I could see long narrow license plates on cars driving on the "wrong side" of the streets, Red double-decker buses, and little black taxi cabs. Was this a dream??
Sometimes those dreams have a real purpose, and they seemed to come true for me when I have others' interests involved. I hope to get on track with new dreams and goals and am inspired by the quote below by C.S. Lewis.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)