What's a person to do?

When I was teaching at CSK, (a Christian School) one of the students voiced his concern about going to public school. He mentioned that he would not be allowed to carry his Bible in school. He didn't carry it around CSK, but at least he had the right to, if he wished.

I acknowledged that it was no good, BUT, it wasn't "carrying a Bible" that would make a difference, it was "Being God's Child" that others would notice. That involved how he talked, who he cared about, and being a respectful student. No one can take away how you choose to act.

I had to remind myself of that very point today. While shopping in Walmart, I ask one of the employee's about a news report. "Was it a nasty rumor, that Walmart employee's can't say "Merry Christmas", I ask.

She replied that they can only reply "Merry Christmas", because some people are not Christians and saying "Merry Christmas" would be offensive.

I told her I was sad, and I sorry that the company restricted them.

Then I told her "Merry Christmas" and she smiled and replied the same.

I thought of many ways to react about this changing world and in specific ---Walmart & Me!

Many things crossed my mind,

Stop shopping there!

Tell every worker "Merry Christmas"

Talk to the Manager!

Write the head office.

Just be mad!

But as I walked to the car, I recalled that student and our conversation in class.

No one can take away how you choose to act and whose you are!

That, I decided, is what a person's to do!

and write Walmart...

A Strangers Help!

Every year we have the privilege to buy Christmas gifts for children in need. This year I chose 2 boys. Their list was short and vague. A "game" was on the list of an 8 yr old boy. So, I decided to just see if any handheld games were within my budget. I quickly knew that it was not an option. When in Game Stop, a young man overheard me tell who I was shopping for. I left the store knowing that I would need to go buy a board game. Then I was stopped by this man. He ask if I would take his money, he was a Christian and wanted to do his part. He wanted to buy this child a used DS system. I was shocked and grateful, as he handed $100 to purchase the system. He also showed me the appropriate games to buy for an 8 yr old.

I, now feel like a child who has been handed the moon. I am so grateful to Jose' for helping make this a wonderful Christmas for an 8 yr old boy.

God bless you, Jose' as you blessed a young boy.

The Recipe Box

I was helping my Mother move and one evening decide to go through one of her recipe boxes. You know, the kind that has recipes on all sorts of paper and from lots of friends. This box ended up being a treasure chest, of sorts.

As I sorted through the recipes, lots of yummy stuff, I found a recipe on the back of a Texaco receipt. Mom had paid $9.58 for 10 gallons of gas. Those were the days.

My Aunt had given Mom a "Useful Hint" index card. One hint was, "If a cracked dish is boiled in sweet milk for 45 min., the crack will be welded together, that it will be hardly visible, and will be so strong it will withstand usage as before."

I found the program for my grandfathers Memorial service. (Yes, Mom knew it was there and it would remain there.)

There was a church attendance card that my brother, Jim Bob had filled out. He was requesting. "a uthraley (youth rally) for 10 and 9 yr old boys.

A graduation booklet for JimBob had pages of words of wisdom. It was from Ralph and Mary, our precious friends. One of the quotes... " When God measures a Man, He puts the tape measure around his heart, not his head."

An index card had the "Religious" recipe. Mom said it was religious sauce and really good. The ingredients is definitely made for a church....

Religious

Boil for 5 minutes the following ...

5 lbs onion

2 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup salt

1/3 cup allspice

3 1/2 cups Jalapeno

1 cup water

1 quart vinegar

Add 1 gallon catsup and boil 5 more minutes

HUGE amount, I'm sure and Mom says very good!

Then I came across my Dad's work order binder. There was a 1952 paycheck stub for 2 weeks of work. He brought home $116. He had 2 daughters by then.

Inside this binder was my parents 1947 newspaper marriage announcement.

The heading was: Solemnize Ryan- Laird Rites in Home Ceremony Thursday.

Although the move made us bone tired, we enjoyed a lot of walks down memory lane.

So, grab your Mom's recipe box and find some treasures.

Whenever I see...

Whenever I see a Texas license plate, it feels like home.

The car I rented in Oklahoma has a Texas license plate, and I got so excited.

Yesterday, I happen to see a person with a Texas drivers license, and wished I had mine back.

When people ask me where I'm from, I say where I live, but I'm a Texan.( that part is said with the Texas accent)

It fits me, it was a wonderful place to grow up, even in the windy flatland part of the state.

I want to be there more, to see the sunsets, to see the big open sky and to see tumble weeds.

I think I got the best of both worlds, because my Dad was an Okie. That meant that when we crossed the state line, we sing OKLAHOMA. I root for the Sooners. I feel privileged to have claims to both states. I often felt that it was the "okie" in my Dad that made him so cool.

Add to that, my east Texas roots, via Marcus. Another world, a slower pace, a friendlier people, ( all Texans are friendly) they are friendlier and beautiful trees. At first, I couldn't see anything for the trees, it was weird and a bit insulting to Marcus. But grow up in Amarillo and you will understand.

I am thankful to get to live other places, nice, good places....

but, whenever I see Texas stuff, I feel a bit of home.

Texas, my home!