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.