Many years ago, when I was much, much younger, I lived in Haiti. I was a schoolteacher of children of missionaries. Three and a half years were spent doing a job that I loved in a land that I loved as dearly.
Probably one of the things that I always found interesting was how people carried things...on their heads. Little children began by wrapping a cloth in a ring, placing it on their heads, and then placing their load, whether it was a book, or a small dish, or perhaps some fruit.
I was always amazed at how erect the people were as they carried their loads, and while I'm not a student of physics, I'm sure that carrying things on the head makes much more sense than holding the load in front of you or propping it on your hips.
A former co-worker of mine sent this link today. Take a look at it. None of the loads are being carried on the heads, but I believe that you will agree with me that these individuals do not lack in their ingenuity. Who needs an SUV or a pickup? They're already green.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
All About God's Amazing Grace
For several weeks the previews at the movies have been shown for the movie, Amazing Grace, which came out in theaters today. Almost every Saturday some of my Sweet Adeline friends and I go to see a movie and then out to dinner, and today was no different.
The movie is about William Wilberforce and his efforts to bring about the abolition of slavery. Its release today,February 23, 2007, coincides with the 200th anniversary of the date the Parliament of the United Kingdom voted to ban the transport of slaves by British subjects. He worked many years in Parliament to see this day.
The title of the movie is taken from the song "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton, a man who had formerly carried slaves on his ships. He later became a Christian and penned the words that were later set to music.
The theater was full, as I hoped it would be, and I hope it will continue to have a good showing. It's too bad that it isn't being shown in more theaters. There is certainly a movement to bring worthwhile movies to Hollywood, and this is certainly a good movie to see. It certainly has a strong Christian message, as well as telling the history of the abolitionist movement of that day.
from Cyberhymnal
According to Cyberhymnal, the last verse was not in the original poem, but was added later.
The movie is about William Wilberforce and his efforts to bring about the abolition of slavery. Its release today,February 23, 2007, coincides with the 200th anniversary of the date the Parliament of the United Kingdom voted to ban the transport of slaves by British subjects. He worked many years in Parliament to see this day.
The title of the movie is taken from the song "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton, a man who had formerly carried slaves on his ships. He later became a Christian and penned the words that were later set to music.
The theater was full, as I hoped it would be, and I hope it will continue to have a good showing. It's too bad that it isn't being shown in more theaters. There is certainly a movement to bring worthwhile movies to Hollywood, and this is certainly a good movie to see. It certainly has a strong Christian message, as well as telling the history of the abolitionist movement of that day.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
from Cyberhymnal
According to Cyberhymnal, the last verse was not in the original poem, but was added later.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Thursday Thoughts
I seem to have been around the world reading blogs the last two days. Some blogs are such fun to read; some are beautiful; some are very thought-provoking; some are very emotional. Yesterday the gamut ran from reading about poop at the zoo to reading someone's very emotional reaction to his ex-girlfriend's abortion twenty years ago.
My blog has no theme to speak of. I post a photo occasionally, photos of Ella often, post something I read in an e-mail. I read a post yesterday that made me pause and think for a while about the Lenten season that is upon us. I was not raised in a liturgical church, and so observing Lent had never been part of my Christian experience. In just the last few years, though, in part because of my son, I've gotten out of what I would call my comfort zone in my somewhat narrow view of my Christianity.
When my husband was taken in an accident almost five years ago, David had just graduated from Penn State and was still in State College working with a campus ministry organization. While a student, he had been mentored by another student who was a member of a reformed Presbyterian church, and David became acquainted with the liturgy of the church and really grew to love it. When he came home for the service for his dad, a young man named John came down to be with him during that time.
We were sitting around the table talking one evening talking, and we began talking about churches and modes of worship. John told me that he worshipped in an Episcopal church, and one of the reasons he worshipped there was that he said is is so ADHD that he could concentrate on his worship, unlike what he had experienced when he went to church with a girlfriend of his, in a service that was, shall we say, not so formal.
One of the authors that David introduced me to is Lauren Winner, who has written a book, Girl Meets God. In this book, she speaks of her journey to faith in Christ, and she speaks of embracing the liturgy of the church. She is a bibliophile, and when Lent came about, someone asked her what she was going to give up. She thought about it and decided that she would give up reading for Lent. That would be for her truly like going without eating for those forty days.
In a blog I read yesterday, the author stated that she would once again not be blogging during the season, but rather would direct her thoughts Godward. That gave me a lot to think about.
This is a wonderful season for the Christian as we look forward to the day when we remember the resurrection of our Lord, as we do each Sunday, but more so on Easter. In writing this, my mind goes to a hymn that we used to sing a lot during our communion services at church.
Frances Havergal
Have I given anything?
Hymn from Cyberhymnal
My blog has no theme to speak of. I post a photo occasionally, photos of Ella often, post something I read in an e-mail. I read a post yesterday that made me pause and think for a while about the Lenten season that is upon us. I was not raised in a liturgical church, and so observing Lent had never been part of my Christian experience. In just the last few years, though, in part because of my son, I've gotten out of what I would call my comfort zone in my somewhat narrow view of my Christianity.
When my husband was taken in an accident almost five years ago, David had just graduated from Penn State and was still in State College working with a campus ministry organization. While a student, he had been mentored by another student who was a member of a reformed Presbyterian church, and David became acquainted with the liturgy of the church and really grew to love it. When he came home for the service for his dad, a young man named John came down to be with him during that time.
We were sitting around the table talking one evening talking, and we began talking about churches and modes of worship. John told me that he worshipped in an Episcopal church, and one of the reasons he worshipped there was that he said is is so ADHD that he could concentrate on his worship, unlike what he had experienced when he went to church with a girlfriend of his, in a service that was, shall we say, not so formal.
One of the authors that David introduced me to is Lauren Winner, who has written a book, Girl Meets God. In this book, she speaks of her journey to faith in Christ, and she speaks of embracing the liturgy of the church. She is a bibliophile, and when Lent came about, someone asked her what she was going to give up. She thought about it and decided that she would give up reading for Lent. That would be for her truly like going without eating for those forty days.
In a blog I read yesterday, the author stated that she would once again not be blogging during the season, but rather would direct her thoughts Godward. That gave me a lot to think about.
This is a wonderful season for the Christian as we look forward to the day when we remember the resurrection of our Lord, as we do each Sunday, but more so on Easter. In writing this, my mind goes to a hymn that we used to sing a lot during our communion services at church.
I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed,
That thou might ransomed be, and raised up from the dead
I gave, I gave My life for thee, what hast thou given for Me?
I gave, I gave My life for thee, what hast thou given for Me?
My Father’s house of light, My glory circled throne
I left for earthly night, for wanderings sad and lone;
I left, I left it all for thee, hast thou left aught for Me?
I left, I left it all for thee, hast thou left aught for Me?
I suffered much for thee, more than thy tongue can tell,
Of bitterest agony, to rescue thee from hell.
I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee, what hast thou borne for Me?
I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee, what hast thou borne for Me?
And I have brought to thee, down from My home above,
Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love;
I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, what hast thou brought to Me?
I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, what hast thou brought to Me?
Frances Havergal
Have I given anything?
Hymn from Cyberhymnal
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
There was a little turtle.
I love turtles. When I was in third grade, before we were afraid of all the germs, I had a pet turtle. It was very popular to own them in those days. That particular turtle had his shell painted with Jack Benny's name on it. I don't remember whatever happened to him.
When I started teaching, I didn't have a turtle in my classroom, but my roommate and I had a pair for pets. We went away one weekend, or maybe it was longer, and we left them with a friend of ours. I'm sure they would have survived o.k. by themselves, but when we returned and they heard our voices, they just about crawled out of the bowl.
Recently in the news I read about the golden retriever who swallowed the pet turtle, and the turtle survived. When the family realized what had happened, they took the dog to the vet, and the turtle was removed, alive. His shell was a little bit damaged, but none the worse for the wear. I'm not sure about the dog. I'll bet he had a sore throat.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Chocolate, anyone?
Since Nashville is "Music City," the sculptures were very appropriate, reminiscent of the early days of the Grand Old Opry.
Some thoughts for you about chocolate.
The 12-step chocoholics program: NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE! Terry Moore
Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces. Judith Viorst
Seen recently on a tee shirt ~ EMERGENCY ALERT: If wearer of this shirt is found vacant, listless, or depressed, ADMINISTER CHOCOLATE IMMEDIATELY
This guy found a bottle on the ocean, and he opened it and out popped a genie, and he gave him three wishes. The guy wished for a million dollars, and poof! there was a million dollars. Then he wished for a convertible, and poof! there was a convertible. And then, he wished he could be irresistible to all women... poof! he turned into a box of chocolates.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Here's My Valentine
I'll try once again to post a photo. I spent the last four days in Nashville with Ella. Her mom was attending a financial aid seminar, and so I went up to take care of Ela while her mom was in meetings. We had a great time! I left home in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday to fly up to Nashville. We were at the Renaissan*e Hotel that was connected to the convention center, so it was a very pleasant place to be.
I actually arrived in Nashville before they did, so I went walking around a bit. The Ryman auditorium, which used to house the Grand Old Opry is right across the street. I didn't go inside since I had been there last spring. The building has quite a history. The acoustics are better than Carnegie Hall, and it is quite a popular venue for artists to perform.
Of course, I'm not prejudiced about Ella, but she is absolutely adorable. She is so good natured. She doesn't fuss when her parents do the chest p.t., even when they wake her up to do it. We played a lot and went for walks around the hotel. I didn't venture out with her because it rained on Monday and Tuesday, and then when it stopped raining, the temperatures dropped. Schools were closed on Wednesday in the area, mainly because of the ice.
When I made my reservations for travel, I got a cheap rate. However, I had odd hours for flying. My flight home left Nashville at 6:32 on Wednesday night, flew to O'Hare, and then to Tampa. As it turned out, it worked out well since flights had been delayed all day. My flight in Nashville left about a half hour late. I was a little concerned about getting to the next gate at O'Hare, but when I checked the screen, it said the flight was leaving at 10:15. It ended up leaving around 11, which, of course, was 12 in Tampa. We landed about 2:15. By the time I got my bag and my car, it was 3. I had a hair appointment at 9:30 this morning, so I thought I'd just sleep in my clothes and get up and go to the beauty shop, but that didn't work. I went to bed around 4, got up at 8:20, got my hair done, and I haven't done much else the rest of the day.
It was so good to be with this baby. I just kept drinking in the joy of being with her again. It was a Happy Valentine's Day for me.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Going to Nashville
I'm flying in the morning to Nashville, where I'll be taking care of Ella while her mother is attending a conference. Needless to say, I'm excited.
I wrote a post yesterday, photos and all. When I first looked at it, the photos were there. When I went back later, all that was there was a square with the little symbol in it. Does anyone have a clue? I, like the rest of you, finally switched. I had no problems before. Thanks for any help you might be able to give me.
I wrote a post yesterday, photos and all. When I first looked at it, the photos were there. When I went back later, all that was there was a square with the little symbol in it. Does anyone have a clue? I, like the rest of you, finally switched. I had no problems before. Thanks for any help you might be able to give me.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Update on Anthony
Anthony had his bone marrow transplant today at 11:45. It took all of five minutes, with two teaspoons of marrow being transplanted. The doctors said that the first hour after the transplant was the most crucial, and they will be watching him very carefully for the next three days for any signs of rejection.
This e-mail was received after the hour had passed.
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A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night.
"Yes sir," the boy replied.
"And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the pastor asked.
"No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't scared in the daytime."
from Pastor Tim, Cybersalt
This e-mail was received after the hour had passed.
Good afternoon, I just spoke with Sergio. Anthony has come through the first hour like a champ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His blood pressure is down to normal and he has had no pain meds for two days. Sergio (his dad) asks everyone to please continue to pray for the next three weeks that the cells multiply. They are praising God for all His miracles!
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A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night.
"Yes sir," the boy replied.
"And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the pastor asked.
"No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't scared in the daytime."
from Pastor Tim, Cybersalt
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Tuesday Thoughts
This morning I drove to Sarasota for the annual Penn State scholarship breakfast. When David was at Penn State, the SW Florida alumni group gave him a small scholarship each year that helped greatly with the cost of books. During this time, I became good friends with many of the folks and have maintained a relationship with them. Every year during football season, the faithful gather at a local sports bar to watch the games and cheer the team on.
The program was presented by three high school students from Port Charlotte High School. All three were representing the Model United Nations, a club which competes with 30 other area schools in a two-day mock United Nations simulation. Students must have a working knowledge of current history and advanced skills in research and public speaking. Their group has one the regional competition for the last six years. In fact, the leader told us that they were asked not to return this year. I'm not sure if that was in gest, or if the powers that be wanted to give other groups a chance to win.
They have traveled to Yale, Harvard, Georgia Tech, and some other universities to compete, and they always win. It was wonderful to sit and listen to these young people speak with confidence and poise. And they were dressed in business suits. There was no fluff here. It was reassuring to hear and see them.
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On another note, Anthony is scheduled to have his bone marrow transplant on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 10:30 in the morning. He is at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. He has completed his chemo, and he has not been as sick as the doctors expected. He had radiation either today or yesterday. He had to go to another hospital for the radiation. While there, the power went out because of the cold, and they had to start all over. He is in quite a bit of pain right now.
His spirits are good. You can visit him here. Where it says "visit," type in anthonynegrin, and it will take you to his page.
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This note is from Ben's wife. "Hey everyone, Thanks for your continued prayers. Ben has lost about 20 lbs of the water weight, so we're thrilled about that. The incision is healing well, and he's no longer needing to use much pain medication. His dad should arrive tomorrow while I'm at work, so we're looking forward to seeing him. My throat is much better as of Friday, so another praise!
Please pray as I transition back into work. It's a little overwhelming, but will probably be good for me to be back. "
This was dated Jan. 29. I haven't heard anything new.
The program was presented by three high school students from Port Charlotte High School. All three were representing the Model United Nations, a club which competes with 30 other area schools in a two-day mock United Nations simulation. Students must have a working knowledge of current history and advanced skills in research and public speaking. Their group has one the regional competition for the last six years. In fact, the leader told us that they were asked not to return this year. I'm not sure if that was in gest, or if the powers that be wanted to give other groups a chance to win.
They have traveled to Yale, Harvard, Georgia Tech, and some other universities to compete, and they always win. It was wonderful to sit and listen to these young people speak with confidence and poise. And they were dressed in business suits. There was no fluff here. It was reassuring to hear and see them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On another note, Anthony is scheduled to have his bone marrow transplant on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 10:30 in the morning. He is at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. He has completed his chemo, and he has not been as sick as the doctors expected. He had radiation either today or yesterday. He had to go to another hospital for the radiation. While there, the power went out because of the cold, and they had to start all over. He is in quite a bit of pain right now.
His spirits are good. You can visit him here. Where it says "visit," type in anthonynegrin, and it will take you to his page.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This note is from Ben's wife. "Hey everyone, Thanks for your continued prayers. Ben has lost about 20 lbs of the water weight, so we're thrilled about that. The incision is healing well, and he's no longer needing to use much pain medication. His dad should arrive tomorrow while I'm at work, so we're looking forward to seeing him. My throat is much better as of Friday, so another praise!
Please pray as I transition back into work. It's a little overwhelming, but will probably be good for me to be back. "
This was dated Jan. 29. I haven't heard anything new.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Welcome to sunny Florida! Not!
Welcome to Florida, land of sunshine. The Super Bowl is played in warmer climates...just not always sunny. Rain was forecast for tonight's Super Bowl in Miami, and rain it did. Even though it was predicted that Indianapolis would win, I'm sure that there are many who thought that they might freeze up in the nasty weather, especially since they play at home in a dome, but they didn't. Yippee!
I had planned to have a Super Bowl party at my house, but all the people who were planning to come were sick. I had been invited to another party, and when all my guests canceled out because of illness, I called to see if I could still come to that one. So I took the food that I had prepared, and off I went. There were eight of us there, seven Colts fans, and one Bears fan. The Bears fan was very quiet during the game, but a good sport about it all.
A cartoon in the St. Pete Times today had a picture of two bears sitting at the edge of the forest. One of them was holding a sign that said, "Go, Colts!" The other bear's sign said "Off his meds!" I went to the store after church at noon, and there was hardly a parking place to be had. Everybody seemed to be excited about the game. I don't know if it was that way everywhere, but there was an excitement here for Tony Dungy, especially since he had been here for several years as the Bucs' coach.
When he was fired by the owners, he never said one word against them. The only things he says is that he thanks them for giving him the opportunity to coach. Tonight when it was said for the umpteenth time that he was the first African-American coach, he mentioned those who had in coaching positions before, though not a head coach, who had paved the way.
What a gentleman. What a Christian.
And then there's Peyton. As friend AC said, "Peyton looks good in tights." In fact, she was going to watch her first Super Bowl game tonight.
Well, that was a good first game to see. It wasn't the prettiest game, but the outcome is the one that we were looking for.
G0, Colts!
I had planned to have a Super Bowl party at my house, but all the people who were planning to come were sick. I had been invited to another party, and when all my guests canceled out because of illness, I called to see if I could still come to that one. So I took the food that I had prepared, and off I went. There were eight of us there, seven Colts fans, and one Bears fan. The Bears fan was very quiet during the game, but a good sport about it all.
A cartoon in the St. Pete Times today had a picture of two bears sitting at the edge of the forest. One of them was holding a sign that said, "Go, Colts!" The other bear's sign said "Off his meds!" I went to the store after church at noon, and there was hardly a parking place to be had. Everybody seemed to be excited about the game. I don't know if it was that way everywhere, but there was an excitement here for Tony Dungy, especially since he had been here for several years as the Bucs' coach.
When he was fired by the owners, he never said one word against them. The only things he says is that he thanks them for giving him the opportunity to coach. Tonight when it was said for the umpteenth time that he was the first African-American coach, he mentioned those who had in coaching positions before, though not a head coach, who had paved the way.
What a gentleman. What a Christian.
And then there's Peyton. As friend AC said, "Peyton looks good in tights." In fact, she was going to watch her first Super Bowl game tonight.
Well, that was a good first game to see. It wasn't the prettiest game, but the outcome is the one that we were looking for.
G0, Colts!
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