Sign of the Times

Selah is a Hebrew musical term meaning pause or interlude between verses. The house in the Piney Woods is just that for me. This isn't an end to "life as it was," for life is ever unfolding and rhythmically modulating from one verse to another. But there are those moments of rest and transition that set the stage. In today's praise music environment, the Selah is the place where the worship leader talks and the musicians vamp behind him (or her). He encourages, he lifts, he even beseeches (though I don't think the younger ones know that word).
My house is named Selah. I am here to hear ---- to listen to the Worship Leader between verses and get my bearings as I continue playing my soul's music.
I made the sign last year one weekend --- and was most proud of myself. But it never had legs. When Rickiey delivered the benches I mentioned it to him. I was thinking of something ordinary --- he wasn't. Again, I am glad I trusted him. It is a perfect fit for the house.
As I drive in and out, it will be an unspoken message to me. "Pause, Brenda, listen to the music and pay attention to the heavenly Minstrel as He soothes your soul."

You've Come A Long Way, Baby!

Do you remember the lonely pipe sticking out of the newly-laid foundation? Just weeks ago, Mary Helen stood there, expectantly waiting for something to happen.
Now look! You can see the pipe, Mary Helen ---- and lots of house! The sheer volume of the interior dwarfs my sister.
I have never built a house, nor followed one so closely. What fun this is. When the walls are finished, and the infrastructure is covered up, I will still remember what it looked like as it turned from a pile of sticks into a house of dreams.
"Strengthening the core" is a current craze for those who exercise. No, I am not one of them! What happens on the outside to us directly correlates to what happens on the inside - within our musculature.
Mary Helen and Smith's house is just the same. Any shortcuts, or flaws will be covered, but the impact will be felt in years to come. They can see the strength of their house and know it is being done correctly.
"Whatsoever a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" was a foundational verse for the Smith family (along with "wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise....) The core and the core values are important. We might look good on the outside, but ultimately we will display how we are constructed.
Often we hear people speak of older houses with "good bones." I want my life to be that way. I am aging (sometimes too quickly); I am sagging, assuredly. But I want God's "good bones" to be seen and felt through me. The work He began in me will undoubtedly be completed, just like their new house. I am grateful.

Out ' N About in East Texas

Two great messages on the Highway 14 from Hawkins to Tyler.....

The cadillac sat on its patch of unmown grass letting the passersby know that it "runs super, but has no brakes." The picture doesn't show that the grass all around the car has been cut, leaving the prized auto perched on a green throne.

Haven't you felt that way before? As long as I don't have to stop, I am running super. I am in the fast lane, with the "pedal to the metal." Only problem is: stopping usually entails hitting a wall or another vehicle. Brakes are essential to cars and lifestyles.

My friend, Becky, wrote today and said she didn't get the license number on the truck, but she obviously got hit by one. She was running great, but temporarily ran out of brakes in her go for broke life.

A friend gifted me with a candle holder saying, "Be still and know I am God." When we are running super, we find it hard to be still, don't we? "Don't let the sun go down on your idleness" had to be one of my Mom's biblical paraphrases. She was not crazy about laziness. For sure, Jesus wasn't going to return and find her on the couch.

"No Brakes...." If we don't apply them regularly, we find ourselves out of control. I would love to see who buys that car.....someone who likes to drag his foot on the pavement, I suppose.

The bumper sticker isn't too clear, but it reads, "Tree hugging dirt worshipper." It was firmly attached to a "Nature's Child Landscaping Service" vehicle. Just in case you didn't know, East Texas loves its pine trees as good as anybody in the world. But, we aren't in the practice of hugging too many of them ----- and definitely not worshipping dirt. You may find a few saying prayers beside their oil wells, but soil isn't the stuff of idols.

Later that afternoon, I read to my friend Patti in Mother Francis hospital. We read Isaiah 45. Verse after verse after verse clearly articulated the thought, "I am the Lord. I am God alone. Give up your idols." So, I am most thankful for the trees,, the dirt, and even the crazy deer who eat my plants. But when it comes to worship, I have to lay all the false idols down and recognize that there is only one who deserves, demands, and delights in worship.

Imagination

Question: When are chains to install the porch swing dramatic accessories?

Answer: When an 11 year old grandson hangs them around his neck, strikes a frightening pose, and clanks through the house!

I have five grandsons (age 11 to 2 months) and one granddaughter (age 8). Andrew, Colby, Caden, Colin and Bree Anna are all creative, active, and participative (I needed another "tive" word). Jack, at two months, is working on his "tiveness," and promises great spunk.

The Westminster Confession says the chief end of man is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I am really working on that enjoying part. Grandchildren model pure enthusiasm and exuberance. I hope the Lord sees me like that when He checks on his piney woods child.

Li'l Red (the new golf cart) had an experience the other day ---- she and Andrew went out for a spin. When he came back in the house, he nearly bounced off the walls. "Andrew, settle down." "Gram, my adrenalin is running because I had such a good time driving the golf cart."

Later on, I went for a ride with him. He proudly showed how he could use good judgment, take careful turns, and ease off the accelerator. At the end of the road he stopped and asked, "Am I worthy to drive the cart now?"

WOW! That sent my mind spinning in all directions. I would like to think Jesus is riding in my life's golf cart and blesses my driving. Ultimately, I am thankful for this life because He is worthy! Good stuff learned from grandkids.

S'mores, anyone?

When realtors show houses, they don't want the potential buyers to see walls and floors --- they want them to see lifestyle. "Just picture yourself entertaining your family here....making memories."
My back deck is just that ----a family gathering place (except for the bugs and the heat, that is).

I have always wanted a fire pit. Why? Because I see friends and family with long sticks roasting marshmallows and singing Kum Ba Yah.

But what is a firepit without benches?

I love the word "serendipity." It is something extraordinary happening when you are walking down the street doing the ordinary. My new benches are serendipitous. Ricky, the Lone Star Woodworker, came into my life randomly as I looked for two benches. He lovingly described his process and then quoted me a price much higher than I planned to pay. Oh, how thankful I am for the good sense not to quibble over dollars and cents.

Ricky delivered two benches to me today that aren't just well-made ---- they are works of art. They will support the bottoms of many s'mores makers for years to come.

Mom and Dad bought a table nearly 50 years ago crafted as a single 8 foot cut of wood. All of the grandchildren learned to walk around that table. These benches now join the family tradition.

Al Angell taught me years ago the difference between price and cost. One is short term; the other long range. The price was higher on these benches, but the cost is so much lower than inferior products which are disposable and merely utilitarian.

It is a good reminder to me ---- look for the art in life. Look for the beauty beyond function. And share the joy of the craftsman's work. Moses put it this way, "Confirm the works of our hands." Ricky's hands did well.

Do-gooding

"Grow not weary in well-doing" was my Grandmother's favorite Bible verse. She took it to heart as she raised 5 boys during the depression in Nashville's mill district while her husband preached the word "in and out of season" to all who would listen(and probably to many who wouldn't).
John and Jessie Cheng came to the piney woods on Thursday. She is writing a book and wanted to talk through the story. We talked, we ate, we sang, we laughed.....you get the point. We had a very good time.
John picked up his drill the next morning and did much good for me around here. I see lots of things that need doing, but usually don't have the tools or the know-how. John had both!
The laundry room proudly sports new shelving - much needed shelving. How could one person collect so much stuff? Actually, that is a common question asked regularly by all who know me.
Do-gooders deserve a little fun in the sun, so after the shelving, the fire pit assemblage, the porch swing, etc, etc, they piddled in the pool.
They came here for a day of rest --- they left me with blessings.

See Me Grow!

"And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man."

"Oh, look how much has been done on the house, Mary Helen! It is so beautiful. Don't you just love it?"

My sister's new house isn't Solomon's Temple, but it is just as holy. It has been set apart and dedicated to the glory of God. In one week, framing has surrounded the pipe where she stood. By next week, walls will enclose the pipe and we will no longer have a measuring standard.
It is growing in stature - and definitely in favor. Somehow, I think it pleases God to see their home take shape.
We are told that God's church is a building in which Jesus is the cornerstone. This everlasting building continues to grow as new believers are added day by day. Mary Helen and Smith (Yes, my brother in law's first name is Smith) watch their home change day by day as the workmen ply their trades and apply their craftsmanship.
One day I will post the final picture and it will be ready for occupancy. Someday the last brick will be laid in the heavenly temple, and the New Jerusalem will be ready for occupancy. I kinda like the expectancy of both.

Mosaic Moments

"Something beautiful, something good. All my confusion, He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, But He made something beautiful of my life." (Bill and Gloria Gaither)

As I packed, a large plastic tub of broken glass pieces appeared. "Brenda, throw that stuff away." How could I? There was a craft project in there somewhere. And sure enough ---- these broken shards have transformed the tops of two discount store tables...and created something very beautiful.

This analogy I don't have to belabor, do I? We have all been a tub of tragedy at some time. We could have all been on the trash heap. But someone in our lives and Someone in our lives saw beauty and spent the time saying, "I believe in you...there is greatness in you." How thankful I am for those people in my life and for the Lord Jesus Christ whose broken body made a way for my salvation.

I will enjoy these tables on my East Texas deck, thinking about the fun I had in my mosaic moments, and reveling in the reflection of these glass pieces. Way cool!

Yikes!

"Do you know Don Wyrtzen?" asked my Sunday School teacher Dr. Don Campbell, former President of Dallas Theological Seminary.

Of course, I knew who Don Wyrtzen was, but didn't expect Dr. Campbell's next sentences. "He is sitting right there with his wife. I told him what a good piano player you are."

At that very moment, I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. I love playing the piano for my Sunday School class. I love accompanying the music director when he sings. BUT NOT IN FRONT OF DON WYRTZEN.

He is one of the pillars of Christian music. He concertizes, conducts, produces, composes, teaches, and.......you get the picture.

I play hymns.....period.

But then, I remembered something rather important: I play hymns to encourage others to sing praises to Jesus. Music is a way for me to use my gift of encouragement. Psalm 33:3 says,
"Play skillfully with a shout of joy!" That is my heart's intent. Once I got over myself, I focused on what I was there to do ---- help the music director facilitate singing.

It was a pop quiz and I didn't do too well. I thought first of what Don would think. Guess the Lord still has work to do with me.

The pic shows you the holiest place in my Piney Woods house.....the corner with the piano. In this space, I find much peace and joy. I make music that strengthens my heart - and even makes me laugh.

I don't perform for world-class audiences. Wait, maybe I do. For, my music is for Him who made the Universe to sing. WOW!

Linten Thoughts

I have several gifted, artistic friends. I must have a little brain space devoted to the pursuit of creativity.....most certainly that of others! My friend, Chris, is a ceramicist,and a sculptor. I now know she is an accomplished 2D and 3D artist. She is going to send me a photo of the Dumpster Diva which I will proudly post. I will save the juicy details for that entry, but it is a magnificent illustration of taking the discards of life and making them glorious.
My friend, Judy makes paper. She is in the newspaper business, but this paper is a work of art. I buy paper at Staples ---- she forms it with her hands. Of course, mine goes into the printer, or spends its days being scribbled on as I try to organize my budget. Hers is turned into something beautifully textured.
When I lived in Des Moines, I bought a nativity from a local artist whose love was handmade paper. I enjoy it so much, I keep it out all year long. As I have known Judy, the little framed manger scene has become more valuable to me because I know how much effort it took to form.
Judy makes my week fun because I collect lint for her! Yes, lint from the dryer. These days it takes much longer to accumulate anything worthwhile for her....oh, had I known her in the days when I had 3 children under 4, she would have hit the mother lode ( or mother's loads, as it were).
I eagerly wrote her last night to tell her of the purple and yellow lint that came from two new beach towels. Sadly, most of my lint is very grayish.
My bag of lint for Judy is often like my life. It is the discarded extract that God uses to form something artful. He takes the extra and gives it texture.
He was eco-nomical before Ralph Nader was born. My life is an environmental issue from day one. Nothing is wasted. He takes my pain, my grief, my gray moments and mixes them in with an occasional purple or yellow experience. He mooshes them together in order to craft something beautiful. I am His handiwork.
Judy makes my laundry room a holy place as I gather the lint for I think how He is working all things together for good. YAY for lint! YAY for a creative God!

Meet the Red Head

Thanks to L'Oreal's color # 7, I am often auburn-haired. But is is temporary and varies dramatically, even from day to day. At heart, I have brown hair.

I want you to meet the newest member of my family ---- a red-head through and through. The color isn't sprayed on --- it is baked into the metal.

I am taking suggestions for a pet name. I tried this with my dear Cruiser and auditioned a number of names like Rhonda, Sue, and other Beach Boy monikers. However, in the end, "the Cruiser" just became its ID. As you know, it is usually "The Cruiser and I did this and this and this." We are a team.

But "the cart" just doesn't have the same cache. A friend threw two possibilities in to the pot yesteday: "Jack" and "Little Red." Jack would be appropriate as it is truly nimble and quick. Little Red has the lead right now. Of course, in Texas, it will have to be "L'il Red."

You can just tell a true redhead (but you can't tell them much....booooooo). I like that the red won't wash off when it rains. L'Oreal #7 will have to be the closest I come to experiencing life in the red lane, but I will enjoy riding around Holly Lake Ranch with _________.

How Firm A Foundation

"Stand by the pipes and I will take your picture," were my instructions to sister Mary Helen. She and her husband are building a new house. By Thanksgiving, they will be moving into their dream home.

I have never been through this process, so sharing it with her will be fun. Actually, standing outside the project will probably be much more fun than being intimately involved in every nail, screw, and outlet placement. There is much to be said for vicarious construction!

We journeyed to the job site to inspect the foundation. Of course, being the analogy freak that I am, I immediately wandered off mentally to the land of "this is like...."

And, of course, this was an easy one. But, it wasn't as easy to answer as it was to formulate.

What is the foundation of my life? Jesus Christ, of course. As I ran down the personal catechism, I asked myself: "In whom do you trust?" Jesus Christ would be the answer again. "Oh, really, Brenda?" The voice stabbed at my heart. Recently, the financial meltdown had threatened not only my joy, my peace, but my entire well-being. I could do the sovereignty talk, but the acid in my stomach, and pain in my psyche told me I needed to revisit the answer to the trust question.

Martin Luther wrote the words, "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith, in His excellent word." Interesting choice of words. Doubtless, Martin Luther had walked through the cathedrals of Germany as he anguished over the nature of God and salvation. Ultimately, he understood that it was by faith, and faith alone, that the Lord brings us to redemption ---- no works. THAT is the firm foundation. THAT is the only foundation.

Just as Mary Helen and her husband depend on the integrity of their house's foundation, so must I depend on the integrity of God's word....his excellent word. When He says, "Fear not" (as is written nearly 365 times in scripture), it means, "Brenda, look in my face and get over trusting in your retirement plan ---- look in my face and see where life is--- look in my face, period!"

Lord, I believe ---- help thou my unbelief. Thanks, Mary Helen, for giving me a great jumping off place for thought and faith.

Cup of Love

"Run over and ask Mrs. Denning if I can borrow a cup of sugar, Brenda." I was about 5, but I still remember the neighborliness of the lady next door. Sometimes I forget my own name, but recall Mrs. Denning and her mother, Mrs. Hermann vividly. Probably because they baked sponge cake, added a chocolate drop to the top, and offered it to me regularly. Yum.

There are other cups, too. Like the silver baby cups received to commemorate a child's birth. Often engraved with the name and birth, they passed along through the family until ending up in a garage sale.

Wise friends of mine rescue these treasures and "repurpose" them. They and their daughter have a lampmaking business. Their favorite bases are antique silver pieces.

Last week at the end of the bible study at C.C. Young Retirement Center, Bob and Delores handed me a beautiful gift bag....."to remember Jack!"

As I began unwrapping, I immediately recognized the form of a handmade lamp. The base was an antique silver child's cup, circa 1850. Lovely scroll work graced the cup. "Keep it for yourself to remember this special day, but give it to him when he is grown." What a lovely sentiment.

Of course, my mind kept on wandering along the lines of cups.....and landed on the beautiful words, "Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord. Come and fill this hunger in my soul." Whenever I look admiringly at this artful lamp, I will remember Bob, Delores, and the Lord Jesus who eagerly fills my heart's cup.

Fun in the Sun

"Hey, Gram ---- those girls think I am cute!'" Oh,my. Where did his childhood go? He will be fifth grade next year and already I see him preening as he makes his way around the pool. I have much to learn - and in a hurry!

When I wish for him to just stop turning into a teenager, I remember God doesn't want us to stay as children. I know He wants us mature and secure. I know He wants us changed into the image of His own dear Son.

"Watch me, Gram." That call never changes....each generation asks for attention. How thankful I am to watch Andrew. And, I thankful I am He watches over me with a never wandering eye. Andrew and I had lots of fun in the sun today on this first day of summer vacation. My prayer is he will have hours and hours of joy in the Son!

My friend Jack

"I told baby Jack about you. I hope he gets to meet you someday."

Each week I read to Jack Kinder, a friend of Dad's stricken by a stroke while speaking to a Chicago audience in 2006. For awhile his survival was in question. His valiant spirit overcame. He returned to Dallas and resides in a rehab facility.
After Dad's death in 2007, I began reading to Jack. Each week we share 30-40 minutes of reading and prayer. Although he cannot speak, I can tell by his facial expressions he understands.
One of the books is a 1972 edition of The Selling Heart, written by Garry and Jack Kinder. The principles are still true, and the underlying philosophy is priceless. As I read some of their thoughts today, he showed great agreement. He is still a great salesman at heart.
Jack didn't know his last words would be spoken on a Chicago stage. When he prepared for that speech, he had no idea those would be his final utterances.
His life reminds me to "keep current" in my relationships. I say "I love you" more frequently, and ask forgiveness more quickly.
None of us wants to die with our music in us. None of us wants to die with unfinished business. Jack encourages me to appreciate life. His strength of character and his attitude of gratitude make our weekly reading times most precious.
In Christ, all things are possible....even when they look most impossible. I am crazy about my grandon - sweet baby Jack....and awfully glad to have a friend named Jack, as well.

PS - Jack coordinates well with the Cruiser, doesn't he?

Chatting at the CNB

"Hello, how was your trip? Let me show you a graduation card for a friend's daughter." Being greeted by my friend, Carol, at the bank is always a treat, but today it was especially newsy.

She showed me the card and then told me about her friend.

After receiving her degree in dentistry, she chose not to practice professionally, but only missionally. She and her husband adopted 6 children and spend summers in the remote areas of Honduras where she applies her dental skills to help villagers. She told of pulling teeth from sun-up to sun-down on one trip.

We chatted about my trip, about the sale of my house, about her family, and about the faithfulness of the Lord. I cannot remember doing this in my Dallas bank. Not that they don't have those same concerns, but they just don't have time.

Piney woods time is totally different. But, it also lets you stop and think about what's important in life. What fills my heart with joy like the ministry of dentistry does for Carol's friend? What draws me closer to those who need a touch from God?

If grandson Andrew is right, the next chapter of my life is going to be written in these woods, with these people, and with the guidance of the Lord. I don't anticipate paddling upstream to pull teeth in Honduras, but I can see strengthening hearts with a word of life and hope.

Jesus went about doing good.....He came with a plan, but He lived it out step by step. I don't think I need to dream great dreams about service. I think I need to keep on chatting at the CNB and listening to the stories of great Christians who are my neighbors.

How far is that?

Here is a map of US 41 --- just in case you get an urge.

Country Ham 'n Biscuits

How in the world could I say goodbye to the trip without mentioning Loveless Cafe? As I drove toward US 40 (one of those truck-filled interstates), I passed the Loveless...a time-honored tradition in the Nashville area. The parking lot was so empty I thought it was surely closed. BUT NO~ So, "day last" of the trip began with a country ham biscuit and a glass of milk.

Random Pics

Just a few extras.

Brenda's Blog

I don't have any nifty pics for this entry. I just want you to know how much fun I have had thinking about the sights and sounds on this road trip. Thank you for the emails, the calls, the FB messages, and the prayers.
My friend, Gary, wrote tonight on FB and said "Congratulations! I don't know any men who would take on a trip like this alone."
It has been so exhilarating, I don't want to stop for awhile. No, I can't drive out on another fabulous road trip (at least not for awhile), but I am continuing with the "eyes wide open living" learned while blogging.
Every day or so, I will share observations. Feel free to come along for this ride. And, if you want to toss ideas my way, feel free to write on my FB wall, email me at Brenda@breakfastwithfred.com, or grab me as I chase the deer out of my yard in the piney woods.
See you in the blogosphere!

Miles of Smiles

"You drive for awhile and I will nag you, then I will drive for awhile and you can nag me." The very old couple standing at the Arkansas Welcome Center tickled my funny bone. I guess that was their system for staying awake. I decided to hit the road before they did.....

The drive from Nashville to the log house was a time for reflection. I clocked over 4000 miles in 25 days. I completely drove either North to South, or East to West through Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Arkansas, as well as North Central/East Texas. I saw many friends, made some new ones, and told lots of people about http://www.breakfastwithfred.com/

I was able to get signatures in my traveling copy of Breakfast With Fred. Someday, I will have it autographed by all but two of the authors: Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, and Dad.....both are thoroughly enjoying their heavenly endeavors.

The Cruiser has been a faithful friend and companion. David Hasselhoff isn't the only one who talks to his car. Now, I don't think the Cruiser talks back! That would be a sure sign of road weariness, wouldn't it?