There’s a time in life That needs no rhyme or reason About a decade made Of one long month of May Then life will twist and turn No matter what the season You’ll get some sun And lots of rain along the way
I sometimes follow the blogs of people I don't know very well and some I don't know at all. These are usually friends/aquaintances of people I do know. My repeat visits are determined, of course, by how interesting I find them to be. One such blog is that of Kelly Bowron. I hadn't checked out Kelly and the Global Nomads for quite some time, for reasons I won't go into here. But recently I thought I would check in and see if she was still blogging. And I must say I was surprised to learn how much had taken place in her life, since my last visit. There is a new addition to the family, Griffin, a bouncing baby boy. They have been back home to see their families in the south east, my neck of the woods, and are now back in Qatar, where her husband works. Kelly is the mother of four boys. She bakes, she knits beautiful things, and home schools their three boys-- among many other things. Her pictures are funny, interesting and some are even informative. The Bowrons seem like the ideal American family---living in Doha, Qatar. Kelly gives us an idea of what life is like in that part of the world.
Another interesting blog is that of my husband's nephew, Greg Ireland and wife Chris. They are a great Christian family with two small children. Esther is a beautiful 3 year old and Jadon, their adorable baby boy was born last December. Chris already has them in Bible study. Greg was a pilot with Alaska Airlines who felt the Lord was leading him into the ministry. So, after much prayer and careful deliberation, he is now a student in Seminary. His decision was not an easy one. But he finally decided to follow what he believes to be God's plan for his life.
And I must not forget John Teihlet down in Tennessee (Ahyesindeed). He is quite a character and seems to always have something adventurous going on. His pictures and video postings should receive some kind of creative/ innovation award. Only problem, he doesn't blog regularly, to which I can relate. In fact, he said not long ago he realized the "pulselessness" of his blog and was considering deleting the whole thing. But upon some sensible reflection, he reconsidered. Just hope he never gets such a wild- hare idea again!
If you check out these blogs, you'll get an insight into how the average American family is coping with raising kids in today's society. If these three families are any indication of how the young are being raised, not to worry, everything is going to be OK.
I am so happy to hear that Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue" is already # 1 at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. And it isn't even available yet. Now that's impressive! I don't believe the MSM has/will acknowledge it, but, of course, that is no surprise. The support for Palin is growing by the day. And if this level of support and urgency for her to run for president is like this now, what will it be in 2012?!
Her face book page is continually filled with ardent/passionate supporters - many of whom have just discovered what she's all about. And many of whom have already ordered multiple copies of her book. Someone suggested that those people purchasing multiple copies might consider sending one to the troops. Great idea, and we must not forget that her son, Track, has served in Iraq.
The increasing admiration for Sarah is nothing short of amazing. And it isn't difficult to understand why the liberals are doing their best to ignore and dismiss her as a joke. The joke just might turn out to be on them. I think the liberals are beginning to realize they may have a tigress on their hands in 2012. Realistically, it is too early to predict, but considering her increasingly passionate support and the public embarrassment of an incompetent and dysfunctional Democratic party, she just may have a shot at the White House in 2012....if she wants it.
My song, "Thunder Rolls" expresses the sentiments of her growing multitude of fans and supporters. Sarah took the time to express her personal appreciation to me in a beautiful Christmas card, bearing Trig's picture. That's just the kind of person she is. And I hope, "Going Rogue" goes viral.
This youth oriented project launched along the banks of the Mississippi River near the LSU Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge and has traveled to St. Louis and the Quad Cities. The final stop is Minneapolis/Saint Paul on August 16th. According to the update I received from the BGEA, thousands of young people from all over the country have shown up....11,000 at the opening event in Baton Rouge. Entertainment included major Christian bands such as Mary Mary and Flyleaf. Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf lead singer) told the crowds of youth about her terrible past filled with drugs and suicidal thoughts and how Jesus saved her.
It is encouraging that so many young people are interested enough to show up, take part and give their time and energy to spiritual things. There is so much secularism and social/peer pressure every where competing for the minds and souls of our young people. And a project like Rock the River Tour that will change the lives of many of these young people forever is something to be lauded. It seems that many young people are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the fruits of un-Godly living. Far too many of the young can relate to the life style of Lacey Mosley. When they are made aware of anew way of life in Jesus Christ, they are responding.
We are counting our blessings as we go into the Thanksgiving weekend. Most Americans have so much for which to be thankful that it's difficult to know where to begin. We should always keep within us a heart of gratitude. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow".
The news about the terror attack in Mumbai is such a horrible tragedy that it is beyond imagination. It brings about a new appreciation of our life in a country that has been terror free since 9-11. May it continue to be so under an Obama administration.
Also tragic is the fact the Mumbai terrorists were targeting Americans and Brits. Many people thought the terrorists would like Americans better once Bush was gone and Obama was elected, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Maybe they have figured out, much to the Lefts' chagrin, that Obama will not put America in danger and will conduct national defense much as his predecessor did. Maybe, just maybe, Obama will lead more from the center left rather than the far left. Many are encouraged by his cabinet selections, especially the Hillary secretary of state appointment. The leadership of President Bush has kept us safe for over seven years. And for this we all should be very grateful!
I'm praying you all have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.
We visited Washington, D.C over the holidays. It was a much more moving experience than previous visits. Chiefly, because we visited the Lincoln Memorial and took the time to read Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address which are huge inscriptions on the interior walls. While we were reading, two people stopped to only glance at the right wall containing Lincoln's inspirational words. I heard one of the two quip, "Just a bunch of words". I thought that was so depressingly telling. Most people were far more interested in getting pictures of themselves made in front of the statue than in reading those Biblically-based, time honored thoughts and ideals that have changed human destiny.
We also visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. They were both moving. The squad of ghost-like soldiers at the Korean Memorial was especially eerie and strange. All of those reminders of the lives given for the cause of freedom was indeed sobering and brought a renewed sense of appreciation for the America we call home.
The National Gallery of Art is a place in which I could easily take up residence. I never tire of the art treasures there. We perused, "The Art of the American Snapshot, 1888-1978" on display consisting of original snapshots. These snapshots are a spontaneous, chronological record of tragic, humorous and unexpected events, somewhat like I try to capture in my songs.
From snapshot collection
I was especially struck by the beauty and whimsical expression of "Girl With Shell" by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux.
Thinking back over this year, there is an abundance for which I am grateful. Not the least of which, would be you, my readers. At the beginning of this venture into the, "Blogasfear", as I called it then, I thought I'd do a month or so of postings for fun. However, I've been blogging for over a year (16 months) because it got to be funnier and funnier. I like watching the stats move up and down depending on the subject matter as I express my grave, vapid, absurd or brilliant points of veiw, depending on the lense through which one may be squinting. If some of my views expressed in commentary or song have irritated or offended some of you, I guess that's the breaks. But I hope you'll keep coming back for another year. Because I have so much more to say :-)
My wish for next year is for millions of new readers. I'm dreaming big like Joel Osteen advises all to do. But it is due to the thousands of you who have come time and again, and apparently told others, that I'm seeing some effects of my work. For this, I am deeply grateful. Please continue sending those emails. I hope that you have at least been entertained, even when you have found yourself in sharp disagreement with me. Be warned, though. You can expect more of the same next year. So, tune in to see what's next!
Have a marvelous Christmas and even better New Year.
Patti Lynn, Stan and the cats (Wallace, Winston, Natasha and Bentley)
Two weeks ago, my husband and I were privileged to attend a dinner with some of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) team members. The small, intimate affair was held at the magnificent Union League in Philadelphia where everything was prepared fit for royalty.
We met some wonderful folks including Cliff and Ann Barrows. He has been the music director for BGEA since the beginning of Billy Graham's ministry (60+ years) and that rich voice is still singing for the Lord. While we were talking, he broke into a song I didn't know. But that didn't keep me from harmonizing with him. I sat at dinner beside Ann, which was a little intimidating at first. But when she found I was a Tennessean, we proceeded to talk and talk as we southerners are wont to do-when we get together. She's from Memphis and now lives in Charlotte, NC. She is the epitome of southern/Christian grace and beauty. She shared with me the amazing way in which she and Cliff were brought into each others' lives after the devastating losses of their first spouses. It was, no doubt, God's will and plan.
Crusades "Stadium, arenas and other venues around the world host BGEA events featuring popular Christian musicians and clear relevant Gospel messages. Multitudes who may have never set foot in a church before find new life as they hear the Good News of God's love".
My Hope World Evangelism Television Project "BGEA is reaching entire nations at a time with the powerful combination of personal evangelism and TV. Through our My Hope World Evangelism Television Project, we train local believers all across the nation to open their homes and share the Gospel with friends and neighbors using dynamic evangelistic broadcasts".
Rapid Response Team Specially trained chaplains with the Bill Graham Rapid Response Team are ready to move on a moments notice to share God's love in the midst of crisis and natural disaster by comforting and praying with hurting families and first-responders.
Dare To Be A Daniel Through cutting-edge resources including a 13-session group curriculum, an individual kit, CD-ROMS, videos, and a special web site, Dare To Be A Daniel equips young people ages 9-14 with practical life-changing training that will help them to stand boldly for Jesus and share their faith with others.
Operation Bless Our Troops "Through seminars, special events, and resources for military personnel and chaplains, BGEA is offering the hope of Jesus Christ to our brave men and women in the armed forces".
We did Paris according to Rick Steves' recommendations in his guide book, "Rick Steves' Paris 2007". I would highly recommend the guide to anyone visiting Paris. We took Rick's advice and stayed among the locals in the Rue Cler neighborhood. Here, the many sidewalk cafes, open air markets, flower, candy, pastry, cheese, shops and etc. provided a close up view, feel and flavor of the Parisians' life. This location is within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, major museums, the Avenue Des Champs-Elysees and many other points of interest.
Rick Steves Paris 2007 and Natasha Rue Cler looking south from the Rue de Champ de Mars
We arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport about 9:00 Sunday morning after flying all night and took a cab to the hotel and dropped off our bags. A short walk took us to the American Church in Paris near the Seine where we attended Sunday morning services. The church is celebrating a 150 years in srvice. The large edifice was filled with, “A rainbow of races and a symphony of languages" as the pastor put it. Such a large and diverse mixture of beautiful humanity gathered to worship was both surprising and encouraging. Soloist, Sue Wilson, sang "Beulah Land" an old hymn I hadn't heard since childhood days at my little country church in the wildwood, Chestnut Grove. Sue did not need a sound system. She belted out that song with such a powerful voice it seemed the rafters shook. It was an amazingly moving and wonderful rendition. The whole experience was uplifting.
You won't find me being derisive or cynical about this alleged, "Jail house conversion". It happens to the worst of criminals who go on to be the most fervent preachers (Can't think of their names now but I've heard them). And Paris doesn’t fall into the, "Worst criminal” category by a long shot.
I guess I can't quite imagine Paris the Preacher but who knows how she may be used for something good if this thing is for real. If we just get her to keep her clothes on, we will have come a long way in the Paris Chronicles. Seriously, this girl has literally been brought to her knees. And it took this horrible experience to shake her out of the senseless nightmare she was living.
Only time will tell whether this was an act or a publicity stunt. And only time will tell whether the prayers for her change and salvation actually took. But somehow reason disagrees with the argument that she is putting on an act. I just don't believe she is old enough or hardened enough to be that God fearless. Let's hope not. Anyway, she has the benefit of every one of my doubts.
From snapshot collection
