The View from Here

HOT...

So thankful for anything that is willing to bloom in the heat of August. 

Hate and Fear vs. Love and Hope

We’re all horrified and heartbroken by the most recent mass shootings.

We search our minds for possible motives, reasons, explanations or excuses.

We search our hearts for understanding and forgiveness, and perhaps find our heart is lacking both.

We need someone to heap our outrage upon, someone to hold accountable, someone to blame.

And if we are honest, truly, brutally honest…we know it is us. We are to blame. Not for being racist or violent or angry, but for being tolerant. We are to blame for allowing hatred, violence, racism, and vengeance to flourish in our society. I believe our tolerance of “anything and everything” has reached a tipping point. We have forgotten that the Bible teaches us to love and forgive the sinner…not the sin. Our command is to forgive someone who has committed a sin and bring them back to the fold, not acknowledge, accept, and then allow their ongoing sinful lifestyle. The Bible warns us that “bad company corrupts good morals”. The Christians of the past were told specifically to confront a sinful brother with love and understanding, but if he did not see the error of his ways, repent, and change, he was to be cast from the group and his friendship avoided.

I believe hate and fear have become dominate emotions in our society because we have allowed self-indulgence, lust, and greed to replace wisdom, responsibility and self-discipline. The Christian life often requires us to set aside our feelings and do what is right, even when it is difficult. If we want to solve this problem of violence we have to start with our own circle of influence and make sure we are doing everything in our power to live the life God prescribed for us. We have to turn away from sin, and from sinners, and live a life of love and faith and hope.

 

Definition of tolerance. 1 : capacity to endure pain or hardship : endurance, fortitude, stamina. 2a : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own. b : the act of allowing something : toleration.

Romans 16:17

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Titus 3: 10-11

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

2 Thessalonians 3: 14-15

If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

 

John 8

¹⁰ When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

¹¹ She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

 

No words...

only heartache and prayers. 

Rain in August

Wow! Cooler temps and rain. What more could you ask for on August 3rd?

Back to School

It’s been a few years since I’ve spent the first weeks of August preparing my classroom for the start of school. When I first retired I missed it a little bit. Okay, more than a little. This year I can’t even imagine tackling that chore!

I’ve been looking at classrooms on Facebook this week and it occurred to me that teaching is one of the few professions that requires people to “start over” each year and create a new environment for their customers. And most teachers have very little information about those little consumers of knowledge until after school starts. Oh, they have a list of names and basics like age. If it’s a small school they may know some or all of their students, but even in that situation there are always surprises and some required “tweaking” of the classroom environment once the group starts functioning in the same space on a daily basis.

Teachers give a lot of thought to the function of a classroom, but it also has to be attractive. It has to be as comfortable as possible. It has to appeal to the grade level and be “welcoming”. Students will spend so many hours within those four walls!

So…to those of you who are preparing for a new school year, I thank you for all the work you do and I pray that your classroom is an attractive and comfortable environment for YOU as well as for your students.  

Welcome August...

Gary and I sat on the patio for a cup of tea early this morning. It was a bit cloudy and overcast. We enjoyed a few birds and other visitors. 

Rain in July

It has lightly rained most of the day. A lovely treat in July. 

Small Town Love

Nothing makes me feel more connected to the past or hopeful about the future than attending a community event in the small town that has nurtured six generations of our family. Yesterday was one of my favorites- the rodeo parade sponsored by the Caddo Roundup Club. This year’s rodeo and parade were especially meaningful since the club also celebrated their 50^th anniversary as an organization. The parade was followed by a BBQ served in the community building by the Town Restoration Association of Caddo. I belong to TRAC and we have served the luncheon each year since 2006. The community building, restored by the efforts of TRAC and other community service groups, was built in 1939 and has been used well and often since then. So you can understand why the day was so meaningful.

Yesterday was also a testament to the willingness of friends and family to rally together and support any worthy endeavor. Our TRAC members have always been joined by the those of the Caddo Roundup Club, Caddo Community Association, Civic and Cemetery Club, Masons, and other interested citizens to put on events. Yesterday the serving line included a member of the Caddo Public Works department. In past years it has included local bank presidents, preachers, and teachers. And best of all, it often includes students from the local high school. It’s especially heartwarming to see our cheerleaders in the parade and the children of our town riding with their parents on horses or in the fire trucks. This is a small town that intends to be here for years to come!

An event like yesterday also brings our older residents together for a day of reminiscing. I looked out at the crowd and saw several who are well over 80. Most are still active in community service and hobbies and such. One was in the serving line next to me! However, for a few, this was a rare opportunity for them to gather and talk. As someone who is just one decade behind them, I was thrilled to talk with them too.

I commented to a friend later that if someone in a small town loves you and chooses you as a friend, you can rest assured that you are truly loved and appreciated. People in a small town know who you are. They remember when you were a little brat or a rebellious teen. They know your family history and they remember things you might prefer to forget. But they also forgive and forget; they give you a chance to be you, not your ancestors, because they expect the same privilege from you.

Yesterday I listened as one of my newest friends, who recently returned here from another state, and one of my oldest friends, a high school classmate, discussed their mutual experiences with a “quirky” resident, now deceased. They each had a clear understanding of her faults, but also a respect for her as a person of value to her family and community. One commented, “That’s how she was.” There is a great deal of understanding, tolerance, and love in that statement.

Small town love…it was evident yesterday, and I was blessed to be a witness…and a recipient.

Peace...

It only takes a few minutes at the wildlife refuge to bring peace to my mind and joy to my heart. 

Glorious

While much of the country was sweltering, we enjoyed a glorious day in the mid-80s. It was perfect for walking through the garden. I even experimented a bit with my husband's camera. It has a different lens and is lighter than mine.