I Am A Soulman

2010 has been an interesting year ---- two encounters with Elwood of the Blues Brothers! One in London, Ontario and one in Branson, Mo

"Oh, we have a great show on Thursday night ---- you will really enjoy it." Dale's enthusiastic words made me eager to arrive in London, Ontario. He and Kathleen own the London City Music Theatre....sometimes they feel like it owns them for it is an all-consuming passion for them.

The show was fabulous, dahling. Two "authorized" Blues Brothers impersonators along with Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin entertained us for 2 1/2 hours. The audience just loved the evening.

Afterwards, I stood with a soaking wet "Jake" to have a pic made. At least the guy in Branson had the advantage of being sweatless....even though he was also very lifeless. :)

Years ago the annual Northwestern Mutual meetings in Milwaukee always featured the Booze Brothers (who seemed to live up to their name). This group is billed as Da Blooze Brothers. Wonder how many variations we could create... Now THAT would be a good traveling game after I have exhausted looking for license plates.

A fun evening, indeed!

Sassy Seniors

Sometimes in life, the Lord gives you the gift of long-lasting, long-loving friends ---- even though you see them infrequently.
My friend, Ruth Furseth, is like that. We met when her husband, Paul, was a Dallas Seminary student. Our children were similar in age, and Ruth's infectious love for Jesus drew us to her. She tried to make "Stretch and Sew" experts out of us all, but my fingers never quite got the hang of it. She didn't mind....she just kept on encouraging me.
They graduated, moved back to Canada, and then on to Wheaton for a graduate course which would prepare them for 10 years in China. Two or three visits to Canada produced much laughter and many memories.
After they moved to Wheaton, I was spending time in Chicago, so our friendship enjoyed several coffee time conversations.
A trip to Canada just had to include a stopover. Easy, eh? An email changed all of that! "We are moving to Western Canada on June 24th. Can you come before then?" YIKES. My carefully devised itinerary was immediately scrapped and new plans emerged.
However, little did I know our visit would coincide with the arrival of the moving van. THAT is a last minute catch-up. But, the truck was late enough to give us ample time to share stories, laugh, sip a cup of tea, and hungrily devour a Morning Glory muffin. We hugged and didn't have to say much ---- the Lord has us knit together in each other's hearts. Distance isn't the measure of love when we are in Christ.
By the way, they live in an internationally acclaimed senior community that draws attention from all over the world. I will tell you about that another time. But it was the first time I had ever seen a Senior Crossing sign----

Respite on the Road

I stopped in London, Ontario to visit my friends Dale and Kathleen Henderson, staying in their beautiful home. "Please enjoy the pool ---the water is just perfect." Kathleen's words really sold me. Well, guess what! When it is 73 degrees outside in the bright sunshine, the water is COLD.....BRRRRRR But, I talked myself into swimming some laps and thoroughly enjoying it - even with blue lips.

I walked along their country road, praying for my family and friends way back in Texas.
It was an ideal way to step off the 401 and be still for two days.
The Lord's timing is always impeccable.
I will write later about the total meltdown as I crossed the border and realized my cell phone didn't work, I had no Canadian money, and the first place I stopped had a sign: "No US Visa cards accepted." Later on that. Right now I just want to be most thankful to Dale and Kathleen for providing a safe, satisfying, and sanctifying place for a break.

Friendly Faces

Ruth and Paul Furseth London, Ontario
Dale and Kathleen Henderson London, Ontario
Bob and Debbie Miller Cincinnati, Ohio
Ron and Lily Glosser Akron, Ohio

The Real Thing

As I left on June 16th, I promised myself no Coke would touch my lips on this trip. For those who know me as the Coke-aholic, you know what a remarkable idea that was. I was struggling, but surviving. Then out of nowhere loomed a Coca Cola Museum ----- how can that be fair? And not just a sign adhered to the building ---- no, siree! Here was this disembodied hand coming right at me, tempting me like the sirens of old! Can you imagine how much caffeine I could consume with that bottle? But, I pressed on! Like Lot's wife, I took a few agonizing backward glances in my rear view mirror until the bottle disappeared.....
And I am proud to say I am on day 13 and no Coke has poured down my gullet. But, as my Mom always told me, "Pride goeth before a fall."
So, I am doing this minute by minute.

Howdy to all!

It appears my computer is finally clicking on all cylinders and hopefully, I will be able to add a pic for you. I am way, way behind, but this one represents a huge hug from me to you. How I appreciate your prayers, your calls, your messages. They mean so much.



This weekend I was blessed to witness the dedication and celebration of the Garden of Hope and Faith Walk in Brockville, Ontario.

There is no way to adequately describe it, but in future posts I will add several pictures to give you a flavor. Please --- if you are ever in Eastern Ontario (or have friends heading that way), don't miss this extraordinary, sacred place. God has touched this garden with His loving hand. The Holy Spirit just fills the expanse of green, dotted with water falls, ponds, sculptures of world class quality, and scripture to lead our hearts to Him.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share in this weekend, but even more grateful to know the Lord God Almighty as my father who lovingly provides such experiences. HE IS SO GOOD!



I

Then Sings My Soul

Since the server seems to be okay with words and just throws a fit when I try to download images, I will share a few more thoughts. But, I want to save some of the stories so you can see the faces.
On Tuesday I drove from Cincinnati to Akron taking all back roads and stopping wherever and whenever. I stopped to visit with Dick the Amish buggy maker ,and pullled into the driveway of a young woman pushing a rotary lawn mower to ask if I could snap a pic of her clotheslines. Up and down the hills of Ohio, the Cruiser and I just exulted in the beauty of the Midwest. I am certainly happy to be a Texan, but when you are raised in the Buckeye State, your heart never loses its affinity for that magnificent landscape.
As I arrived in Akron, I was greeted lavishly by Ron and Lily Glosser ---- two of God's precious ones. "We got the piano tuned just for you." After a delightful dinner, Ron ushered me to the piano, opening up vocal music he wanted to sing. What joy! He sang love songs to his soulmate while I accompanied him. Much, much fun!
Before leaving the next morning, he said, "Let's just do a few more before you go." Those are the deposits in the memory bank that make my account and heart swell. Seeing the two of them hugging warmly and waving to me made my heart sing. I experienced God's love, protection, excitement, and provision ----- all through Ron and Lily.

It's Miller Time

How do you start a conversation with someone who haven't seen in 42 years? With surprising ease when it is Bob and Debbie Miller. They graciously hosted me in their beautiful home, nestled in tall Ohio trees, surrounded by lush plantings, three goats, three chickens, three dogs, and two cats. I think I did the Noah's Ark count correctly!

Dad used to tell me shallow people talked about other people, middle of the roaders talked about things, and serious thinkers talked about ideas. Actually, I find you can include all three as long as it is moving from one level to another.

Being out of high school nearly 50 years is absolutely, totally unfathomable for me. Thankfully, Bob is one year older. It reminds me of the old story about the two guys in the woods who happen upon a bear. "How are we going to out run the bear?" one asks. The other blithely responds, "I don't have to ---- I just have to out run you!" Bob is the buffer between that 50 year reunion and me. As long as he stays a year ahead - I am protected!

I left their house refreshed, peaceful, and enormously blessed.

Don't you love it when "friends of your youth" end up with good marriages, productive children, and a life that truly matters? I drove out thanking the Lord for them. I think we may not wait another 42 years for the next good evening of conversation.

These pics cannot possibly do their home justice, but wanted you to have a glimpse of their home, the Woodlands.

Welcome Brenda and the Cruiser

I knew the South was hospitable, but oh, my goodness! They painted signs on barns and even colorized the bridge in expectation of my passing through their region. You just can't beat Kentucky, can you? Talk about cheering me on!

Today two friends called to say they were praying for me and wanted me to be safe. I can't tell you how wonderfully encouraging those calls were. One came as I was waiting for the world's best sandwich in La Grange, Ky.....called the Benedictine and Bacon. It had cucumber, cream cheese, bacon, tomato, and onion all mushed together on homemade bread. The other came as I left Abraham Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville, marveling at the wisdom of a man with very little formal education, but a God-given passion for learning.

My precious daughter-in-law asked me yesterday when I would start missing home. The more miles I clock, the more my heart feels a tug for the piney woods, but the rise of the next hill keeps me enthusiastic about Road Trip 2010.

It is nearing 1am and I have "many miles before I sleep" tomorrow night, so I better "say goodnight, Gracie." Grace ---- how very true. When people marvel that I am traveling by myself, I know that isn't true ---- the grace of God, the encouragement of my sweet friends, and the gifts of hospitality along the way are all partners. 'Night!

Back to School

Sunday afternoon I avoided the interstates and picked up a "blue road" toward Columbia, KY. to visit Lindsey Wilson College. What an experience. The President and his wife graciously opened their hearts and home to me. On the hilltop of Adair County sits an institution of hope and promise. I met a student whose potential for education was nil until someone caught the vision and communicated a dream. He went from parental abandonment to prestigious achievement, graduating magna cum laude.

The facilities of this fine school exceed all the other private schools in the Blue Grass state. As Elise and Bill walked from building to building their heart for the students and faculty was clear. BWF and Lindsey Wilson will be working together to bring men and women to the campus in April 2011 for a day of stretching and blessing. The process has already begun for me.

BWF is founded on 2 Timothy 2:2's admonition from Paul to Timothy to entrust what he has heard to others who will faithfully pass it on. The great privilege to be involved in the lives of college students "enthuses" me.

The warmth of the Luckey family spoke volumes about the love of Christ. Howard Butt once said, "Jesus is a gentleman."

The pics came out in a crazy order, but I wanted you to see a little of the campus. 1) Their first class fitness center that serves the entire area; 2, 3, 4) the chapel which draws architectural students from all over the country, and even the world; 5) a welcome sign for a school established in 1903.

Moving On

My friend, Bette Smyth, tells me her studies prove the human body wasn't designed for inactivity. "We are created to move."
Jack is taking advantage of his God-given programming for he moves constantly. Anne and I had a busy day entertaining him in various venues --- and being entertained by him. He is so intrigued by everything in life and points them out nonstop. Oh, to be constantly learning like he is. Oh, to be so vitally involved in the movement of birds, the color of flowers, and the faces of friendly people. How much I miss when I sit down and stop moving!
When Bette mentioned how important movement is to our human frame, this verse crossed my mind..."In Him we live and move and have our being." Interesting choice of words, isn't it? Perhaps we were meant to be constantly experiencing life in Christ --- not sitting on the sidelines or lumped on the couch in a potato-like state.
I promise to have more photos tomorrow, but I am away from my laptop and thought even a pic-less entry was better than none.
I am praying we "get a move on" and live for Christ with the total abandon of Jack.

Trucking Along

I wrote about Ormsby Trucking on day one...."This trucking company was built on the vision of a blind man."
I sent an email to the company thanking them for the inspiration. I received a response from the president, Reg Ormsby. He gave me his Dad's history and the story behind the slogan. Their website states the next generation is carrying on the vision of Vaughan Ormsby, their Dad.
The parallels between the trucking company and BWF were clear. We are built on the counsel of Paul to Timothy: "Take what you have heard from me and entrust it to faithful people who will pass it on." (That is the Brenda paraphrase.... for the inspired translation check out 2 Timothy 2:2.) Dad's life was about learning and passing on ---our vision is continuing this work....just like the Ormsbys.
As I think about Father's Day, it is fun to see legacy in action as we both truck along --- Reg and his family in mammoth 18 wheelers, and me in the Cruiser.
My friend, Janet, asked me to come back with new friends and new stories....guess the Ormsbys count!

Gram Time

Good Day! SPF 85 slathered on Jack, and ready for fun, we hit the water....
Giving Anne a little free time, Jeff, Jack, and I did some mall walking.
Tonight I had a date with Jack while Mom and Dad went to see Ironman 2. I was happy to know they were less than impressed with it. Last week my geriatric friend and I sat through it, puzzled and wondering about the mass appeal of the flick.
Anne loved knowing "Baby Will" enjoyed the pool, as well. So many stories we will have for him when he arrives in October.
No profound observations tonight ---- Willie Nelson is singing "Drinking champagne and feeling no pain...."on PBS as I type. Guess I am awfully glad for a heart full of gratitude and not a head full of hangover.
As I sat holding Jack tonight, Ifelt the presence of God and knew the blessing of his life. Mighty oak trees from little acorns grow! :)

Road Trip 2010 - Day One

Leaving Selah (Hebrew musical phrase for a interlude or pause) evokes mixed emotions....exchanging the peaceful piney woods for thousands of miles on the road with the Cruiser (and lots of other folks).

BUT, it is a fair tradeoff....road trips bring energy, excitement, and experiences.

Today as I drove I saw license plates from 28 states. The farthest was Alaska ---- and I thought I was a road warrior.

The most interesting event in this joyfully uneventful day was passing a truck with the intriguing sign painted across the back ..."This trucking company was built on the vision of a blind man." It makes me want to Google Ormsby Trucking.

Then, it made me think about the gift of sight --- and the blessing of purposeful vision. The Psalmist said, "Open my eyes that I might see." As I travel, I want to see more than mile markers, and ads for local attractions...I want to see what God has prepared for me during these three weeks.

Tomorrow I see Jeff, Anne, and Jack ---

Thanks for riding with me....I know we will have a good time together.