Friday, April 29, 2011
Out of the Shelter, On the way home...
Praise the Lord! My cousins were able to go back to Ringgold and pick up their car, which was just fine ... their hotel had been damaged but not leveled, and they were able to retrieve their luggage .... and are on their way back home to northwest Ohio.
Life in the Shelter..........
My cousin's good wife went to Florida to pick up his folks, and on the way back they got caught in the tornado which ripped through Ringgold, Ga. It is an amazing story of God's presence and protection. Now I want to share with her story from yesterday; I never cease to be amazed at God's working among us - and when I cease to be amazed then I am probably a reprobate in my relationship with Him.
Well, we are certainly having an adventure. We are so blessed. There are many of the local people that are also in our shelter. It appears that we will be here another night anyway. The search and rescue efforts are still going on. They brought in heavy equipment to move some of the fallen structures. One of the school administrators with whom I spoke this morning, just came back to the shelter this afternoon. He said that 2 of their students and a retired principal were killed and that the death toll will be more than the 7 that is currently being reported for Ringgold. One of the students was in one of the restaurants across from our motel. Our motel was the Super 8 which they said collapsed. I don't know if that is the correctly reported motel in that they reported 3 stories and it only had two. They told us they would not let anyone in until the search and rescue is finished. We have been treated very well, considering the circumstances. There are about 125 here in the high school in Ft Oglethorpe. We are about 10 miles from Ringgold. They moved us so far because this area had power. By midnight last night the Red Cross had set up cots in the gym for us all to lay down. This morning and noon the school cafeteria ladies fixed breakfast and lunch. (All the schools in the area have been cancelled, since most of the roads have issues with downed tree limbs and wires.) Tonight one of the local restaurants offered to cater the dinner. Local people have donated a room full of new and used clothing, which volunteers have then sorted in two other classrooms by gender and size. Water, pop, and food has been donated. If we had twice the number of people here for a week, we couldn't drink the water that has been brought in. There are is a large number of local people coming in for food, clothes, and some shelter. I think tonight is not going to be a good night with the increase in population. The school ran a bus over to the Walmart so we could pick up anything we needed, but we really didn't need much. This morning they gave us all comfort bags that had wash clothes, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush and comb. They also brought in towels. I took a shower this afternoon in the girls locker room. I had gone "shopping" in the clothes store. Picked up new underwear, used jeans, top, and socks. My feet have been so cold. I was wearing capris and sandals. I bought cheap canvas shoes at Walmart and with the "new clothes" I am much warmer. Cricket and Verizon are both here with cell phones and laptops with internet which is why I am able to send you this email. Now the best part is that there is a whole library of books here at the high school, so you know that I can be content for awhile, if I can get enough sleep. We had quite a symphony of snorers last night. Maybe I will be tired enough to sleep tonight. I am really hopeful that they will let us go over tomorrow and we can at least get some driving done tomorrow. Well, Cricket is wanting their computer back. I'll update you as I can.
She concluded her article with 'We are so blessed!'
Well, we are certainly having an adventure. We are so blessed. There are many of the local people that are also in our shelter. It appears that we will be here another night anyway. The search and rescue efforts are still going on. They brought in heavy equipment to move some of the fallen structures. One of the school administrators with whom I spoke this morning, just came back to the shelter this afternoon. He said that 2 of their students and a retired principal were killed and that the death toll will be more than the 7 that is currently being reported for Ringgold. One of the students was in one of the restaurants across from our motel. Our motel was the Super 8 which they said collapsed. I don't know if that is the correctly reported motel in that they reported 3 stories and it only had two. They told us they would not let anyone in until the search and rescue is finished. We have been treated very well, considering the circumstances. There are about 125 here in the high school in Ft Oglethorpe. We are about 10 miles from Ringgold. They moved us so far because this area had power. By midnight last night the Red Cross had set up cots in the gym for us all to lay down. This morning and noon the school cafeteria ladies fixed breakfast and lunch. (All the schools in the area have been cancelled, since most of the roads have issues with downed tree limbs and wires.) Tonight one of the local restaurants offered to cater the dinner. Local people have donated a room full of new and used clothing, which volunteers have then sorted in two other classrooms by gender and size. Water, pop, and food has been donated. If we had twice the number of people here for a week, we couldn't drink the water that has been brought in. There are is a large number of local people coming in for food, clothes, and some shelter. I think tonight is not going to be a good night with the increase in population. The school ran a bus over to the Walmart so we could pick up anything we needed, but we really didn't need much. This morning they gave us all comfort bags that had wash clothes, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush and comb. They also brought in towels. I took a shower this afternoon in the girls locker room. I had gone "shopping" in the clothes store. Picked up new underwear, used jeans, top, and socks. My feet have been so cold. I was wearing capris and sandals. I bought cheap canvas shoes at Walmart and with the "new clothes" I am much warmer. Cricket and Verizon are both here with cell phones and laptops with internet which is why I am able to send you this email. Now the best part is that there is a whole library of books here at the high school, so you know that I can be content for awhile, if I can get enough sleep. We had quite a symphony of snorers last night. Maybe I will be tired enough to sleep tonight. I am really hopeful that they will let us go over tomorrow and we can at least get some driving done tomorrow. Well, Cricket is wanting their computer back. I'll update you as I can.
She concluded her article with 'We are so blessed!'
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Daily Spam Check
Another spam article I almost couldn't resist, though I'm not searching for a car. The title was 'Bad Credit Car Loans Have Their Advantages,' really? and who would have thought bad credit could help you to get a new car? I'm wondering if this is a government program? What advantage can bad credit have, and if that's the case then perhaps the majority of Americans have more purchasing power than they are aware of? Just what our economy needs more credit spending right. Is this anything like that 'junk car' program the government tried to swindle us into ... or is this a sneaky back door promo job by banks?
REally, its FREE................
The good wife is leaving for about 9 days to visit our mothers. First she will stop in Ohio and stay with my mom for a couple days then journey on to Illinois to be with her mom for a week, concluding on Mother's Day. Whenever she takes long trips we always make sure the car is in good condition, so last week we bought all new tires at the dealership where we purchased the car. This week when she decided to take the trip in our car - rather than get a rental - I called the dealership back up and asked if I could just bring the car in for them to do a rudimentary check of the hoses, belts and suspension, which they were glad to do.
Well, here's the surprise [and I've worked in a dealership parts department and most of you will vouch this is a surprise], they check all the hoses, belts and even the suspension, made a few minor adjustments - and charged us nothing ... that's right you heard me, it was Free! Now I don't have any special connections, and certainly did not expect them to do that, but they did. The service department of this dealership has always been good, and we've purchased our last three cars there, so there was a little history; but we are grateful for their free checkup. Though I'm stuck for the next week with getting around in the old church van - it's okay, I'll just relax and sorta take the week off - or as much of it as I can get away with; probably spending much more time in the office than usual.
There is only one complaint with the dealership I can think of .. they've stopped making popcorn until the afternoon, I'm not suppose to have that salty, buttery popcorn, but its like in a movie theater, how can one resist - course you could say the dealership is looking out for my best interest - but that's really stretching it.
Well, here's the surprise [and I've worked in a dealership parts department and most of you will vouch this is a surprise], they check all the hoses, belts and even the suspension, made a few minor adjustments - and charged us nothing ... that's right you heard me, it was Free! Now I don't have any special connections, and certainly did not expect them to do that, but they did. The service department of this dealership has always been good, and we've purchased our last three cars there, so there was a little history; but we are grateful for their free checkup. Though I'm stuck for the next week with getting around in the old church van - it's okay, I'll just relax and sorta take the week off - or as much of it as I can get away with; probably spending much more time in the office than usual.
There is only one complaint with the dealership I can think of .. they've stopped making popcorn until the afternoon, I'm not suppose to have that salty, buttery popcorn, but its like in a movie theater, how can one resist - course you could say the dealership is looking out for my best interest - but that's really stretching it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Spam Joy
I know this sounds crazy, but a new fad of mine is scanning the 'spam file' before I delete it ......... I never open anything in it, but I get a kick out of seeing what I'm not going to look at. Why just a few minutes ago a 'moon purdy' was trying to contact the 'good wife.' Now 'moon purdy' can conjure up a number of suggestions where I don't think the good wife would have me go, I'm wondering if this is email with a message, a picture or both ... oh, well I'll never know, won't even trouble the good wife with it.
The Devil Amongst The Lawyers
Sharon McCrumb is one of my favorite fiction writers; until last summer when I participated in my wife [and daughter-in-laws] rummage sales, I had nearly every novel she ever wrote.
Sharon could make the Applachians come alive with music. You could literally visualize the fauna and the land of those mountains, and you either feel in love with or hated the people she presented to you. I hadn't heard about her for some time and thought maybe she had stopped writing, then I saw the book on the Librarys' 'new' shelf: 'The Devil Among Lawyers.'
I can't say enough about this book, matter of fact I was up at 2AM this morning finishing it. Although you're lead to believe the book is about a trial, its more about the reporters writing about the trial ... the big-city reporters and a 'hill' reporter getting his first chance, which doesn't turn out the way I had hoped. But the trial over and years later Sharon takes us to a scene that brought back memories of having read her prior books ........... and sure enough, there is a scene that is almost phrase for phrase from an earlier book she had written. She is quoting the same scene only with a new character but related to the earlier person ... I almost dropped my jaw for as I began to read it it was like, 'hey, I've been here before,'
'I smelled the same pie on that old iron oven' .. I've heard about the 'white cat'on the porch. Its a great read, and hardly anything turns out the way you're lead to believe!
ENJOY
MCCRUMB,Sharon. THE DEVIL AMONGST THE LAWYERS. New York, New York. St. Martins Press. June 2010 ISBN:9780312558161
If you like novels about the Applachians, and/or were born in the South you will find this a book you can't put down. Also in a couple of places Sharon drops some
opinions that speak to today's circumstances in an almost unnoticeable way.
Sharon could make the Applachians come alive with music. You could literally visualize the fauna and the land of those mountains, and you either feel in love with or hated the people she presented to you. I hadn't heard about her for some time and thought maybe she had stopped writing, then I saw the book on the Librarys' 'new' shelf: 'The Devil Among Lawyers.'
I can't say enough about this book, matter of fact I was up at 2AM this morning finishing it. Although you're lead to believe the book is about a trial, its more about the reporters writing about the trial ... the big-city reporters and a 'hill' reporter getting his first chance, which doesn't turn out the way I had hoped. But the trial over and years later Sharon takes us to a scene that brought back memories of having read her prior books ........... and sure enough, there is a scene that is almost phrase for phrase from an earlier book she had written. She is quoting the same scene only with a new character but related to the earlier person ... I almost dropped my jaw for as I began to read it it was like, 'hey, I've been here before,'
'I smelled the same pie on that old iron oven' .. I've heard about the 'white cat'on the porch. Its a great read, and hardly anything turns out the way you're lead to believe!
ENJOY
MCCRUMB,Sharon. THE DEVIL AMONGST THE LAWYERS. New York, New York. St. Martins Press. June 2010 ISBN:9780312558161
If you like novels about the Applachians, and/or were born in the South you will find this a book you can't put down. Also in a couple of places Sharon drops some
opinions that speak to today's circumstances in an almost unnoticeable way.
Anglicans, Episcopals and friends...
Our keyboard artist, Esther, is a native Kenyan. Her mother came across the waters and plains to be with her and her husband for a month; and we had the great honor of sharing Easter with her, and also a meal. Now her mother is a Chief Warden in the Anglican church, which my sister in Christ, fellow Episcopal priest in town Gretchen told me was quite a position of responsibility and honor in the church.
Esther's mom had wanted to get some vestments for her Anglican pastor and I had asked Gretchen earlier where would be the best place to purchase some, and she had told me that she thought her church would like to donate some, Esther's mum was elated. So today I introduced Esther's mum to Gretchen and it was a great hour; after Gretchen proudly gave us the exclusive tour of the Rectory where she lives, she took us to the church, and there presented mum with three shrocks [vestments, etc.] to give to her pastor. It was a heart-warming affair!
I thought about the message this coming sunday about how those two followers of Christ finally realized that while Jesus explained scripture to them their hearts were strangely warmed. I don't know, but I'd be willing to stake a claim that this transaction today is going to bring two churches, one from Kenya - one from America,
both in the Anglican family many, many happy blessings in the future. And I am so joyful that I was able to play a small part in bringing them together!
Esther's mom had wanted to get some vestments for her Anglican pastor and I had asked Gretchen earlier where would be the best place to purchase some, and she had told me that she thought her church would like to donate some, Esther's mum was elated. So today I introduced Esther's mum to Gretchen and it was a great hour; after Gretchen proudly gave us the exclusive tour of the Rectory where she lives, she took us to the church, and there presented mum with three shrocks [vestments, etc.] to give to her pastor. It was a heart-warming affair!
I thought about the message this coming sunday about how those two followers of Christ finally realized that while Jesus explained scripture to them their hearts were strangely warmed. I don't know, but I'd be willing to stake a claim that this transaction today is going to bring two churches, one from Kenya - one from America,
both in the Anglican family many, many happy blessings in the future. And I am so joyful that I was able to play a small part in bringing them together!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Somebody is keeping track...
Evidentally someone, who is part of the inner circle of those who send out endless emails, is in charge of keeping track of how old we are becoming has for the last two days been encouraging me to look into senior housing establishments, inviting me to send for free estimates for all kinds of body replacement parts and wanting to reassure me that term life insurance at my age, though it is a bit expensive is the best way to waste my money. It's getting to the point where I think I might began a list, just to prove to my kids they aren't the only ones who see age creeping up on me!
Oh yah, here it is...........
In my search I've just come across a book by the daughter of my second cousin 2x removed Amos, and his wife Phoebe. Here it is, its a direct quote from the reviewer Elaine Rich from the Nov.7, 2005 issue of Mennonite Weekly Review. The story answers a couple questions I had in mind, what a blessing. The name of the book is 'Beyond Mere Survival: The Story of Adella S_________ O_______ and Her Five Orphans.' The book was privately published and could only be purchased from the author, Ruth, who passed away in 2010. Ruth is Amos & Phoebe's daughter.
"Ruth was just 10yrs old in 1929 when her mother Phoebe S.O. died, leaving her father with five children to care for. The family had just moved to Chicago from rural Bluffton Ohio to assume the pastorate of a new church being built by the Mennonite Conference.
Ruth is now 86 and looking back over her life. She greatly admires her stepmother STella, for providing a home, inspiring the children, keeping them together and encouraging their education. Because Ruth felt she had to get her stepmothers life onto paper, she has written this brief biography. She tells the story in the first person.
A year after his wife's death Amos married his first wife's 29yr. old cousin STella, a school teacher. What a decision for her! A few months after they were married Amos was shot in a local Chicago pharmacy. That is another story, told elsewhere in the biography of Pastor Amos. The family moved from Chicago back to Bluffton. Stella taught in the Buffton public school system for more than 37 years. She died of cancer in 1964 at 64yrs of age"
Elaine adds: 'I believe strongly that stories about people like Adella should be told and retold. Ruth has done a worthy piece of work, and her professional writer-daughter helped design the layout and cover, making the book attractive.
Let me say on a personal note, while researching the family I found out that Ruth had an older brother Robert who was a medical doctor; a younger brother Hebert J. who is quite reknown in the auditory research field and has a grant named after him.
Ruth herself was a registered nurse and volunteered in hospitals in her retirement.
"Ruth was just 10yrs old in 1929 when her mother Phoebe S.O. died, leaving her father with five children to care for. The family had just moved to Chicago from rural Bluffton Ohio to assume the pastorate of a new church being built by the Mennonite Conference.
Ruth is now 86 and looking back over her life. She greatly admires her stepmother STella, for providing a home, inspiring the children, keeping them together and encouraging their education. Because Ruth felt she had to get her stepmothers life onto paper, she has written this brief biography. She tells the story in the first person.
A year after his wife's death Amos married his first wife's 29yr. old cousin STella, a school teacher. What a decision for her! A few months after they were married Amos was shot in a local Chicago pharmacy. That is another story, told elsewhere in the biography of Pastor Amos. The family moved from Chicago back to Bluffton. Stella taught in the Buffton public school system for more than 37 years. She died of cancer in 1964 at 64yrs of age"
Elaine adds: 'I believe strongly that stories about people like Adella should be told and retold. Ruth has done a worthy piece of work, and her professional writer-daughter helped design the layout and cover, making the book attractive.
Let me say on a personal note, while researching the family I found out that Ruth had an older brother Robert who was a medical doctor; a younger brother Hebert J. who is quite reknown in the auditory research field and has a grant named after him.
Ruth herself was a registered nurse and volunteered in hospitals in her retirement.
Second Cousin 2x removed.....
I had been doing some family research for my cousin Denny's ancestry.com website and came upon a name I'd never been able to find out about - thank you Denny. It was Amos who was a minister who served in both Baptist and Mennonite churches. He died an untimely death in Chicago - a story I'm still chasing. After researching him a little for some unknown reason I became interested in the family lineage of his wife. Matter of fact I've traced that lineage clear back eight generations to Alsace France area around 1655. Now this was an area where my family name, and a couple of other Mennonite families that migrated to America happened to live also. So I'm not sure what's drawing me to this family, but perhaps in the near future I'll find out...I'll be sure to keep this site informed. It's a voice that keeps calling.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Mr Friends: Here and There
This morning I attended a funeral for my friend Dave. He and his wife Pam are good friends, a couple of years ago they attended a series on 'Grieving' and their support was great. They have helped literally hundreds of people through their divorce-care classes at their church. Their church is not only where they attend but also were a very good clergy friend of mine pastors - more on that later.
There seemed to be something paradoxical about a funeral the day after Easter - life and then death - yet therein lies the truth ..his resurrection makes our death the gateway into eternal life. Dave's favorite verse was 'The Lord is my light and my salvation - in whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?'[Psa.27:1] This verse reminds me of the apostle Paul's mocking death, 'O death where is your sting, where is your victory?' Many people recalled precious memories of Dave's impact in their life; In the funerals I've officiated at over 30+ years of ministry I have heard about the impact those who have passed on have had in loved ones lives.
As I was looking through the folder we were given, my eyes glued to the verse of a poem on its inside cover ... 'But you didn't go alone, for part of us went with you.' In all my years of officiating at funerals and the untold number of funerals I have attended, never [given my fast becoming spotty memory I probably shouldn't use that word never] have I heard a message based on what, we, the living have given to the deceased .... "I remember Grandpa, and/or Grandma giving me this; I remember my husband or wife doing this; I remember my good friends caring; etc, etc. but nothing about what we have given them .......... I'm not real sure, but I'm thinking in the future I'm going to find an occasion to build on these words - it certainly presents a whole new concept for me!
My friend Jeff is the pastor of the largest church in the area, and he's been here over 30 years. We jokingly refer to him, from our ministerial group, as the Archbishop! He officiated at Dave's funeral, such a kind, caring and compassionate pastor - if the Lord takes me home in the next few years I'd be honored for him to do my transfer into eternity. He told me before the funeral that Easter Sunday, in both their central location here in town, and a new start in town not far from us, they had held eight services [five he had preached in], they ministered to over 3,000 and there had been over 30 new converts to Christ - THAT IS EASTER!!
I want to close this reflection with a statement that one of Dave's daughter-in-laws made ... 'Nothing loved is ever lost'[end quote] ... Let me rephrase that, I recognize her intent here, but there are many things LOST having been loved, relationships especially, her step father and mom had ministered to those who had loved and lost; but let me say, 'nothing loved is ever entirely lost' ... for even in love gone astray there are things that have been gained that can never be replaced, even by a new, a greater love. Love itself changes us, love, no matter how seemingly insignificant or ended does not leave us the same. And that's just like our risen Lord's love ... our circumstances may not seem to change, our relationships may not seem to grow more intimate, our illness doesn't go away[as Dave's didn't],
hope seems no brighter ... but God's love is ALWAYS there!
Thanks Dave, for the light of your funeral, I'm afraid I have to admit you gave me much more than I ever gave you ... maybe that truth will help me to be more thoughtful, more considerate and more intentional in all the relationships I share here and now?!
There seemed to be something paradoxical about a funeral the day after Easter - life and then death - yet therein lies the truth ..his resurrection makes our death the gateway into eternal life. Dave's favorite verse was 'The Lord is my light and my salvation - in whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?'[Psa.27:1] This verse reminds me of the apostle Paul's mocking death, 'O death where is your sting, where is your victory?' Many people recalled precious memories of Dave's impact in their life; In the funerals I've officiated at over 30+ years of ministry I have heard about the impact those who have passed on have had in loved ones lives.
As I was looking through the folder we were given, my eyes glued to the verse of a poem on its inside cover ... 'But you didn't go alone, for part of us went with you.' In all my years of officiating at funerals and the untold number of funerals I have attended, never [given my fast becoming spotty memory I probably shouldn't use that word never] have I heard a message based on what, we, the living have given to the deceased .... "I remember Grandpa, and/or Grandma giving me this; I remember my husband or wife doing this; I remember my good friends caring; etc, etc. but nothing about what we have given them .......... I'm not real sure, but I'm thinking in the future I'm going to find an occasion to build on these words - it certainly presents a whole new concept for me!
My friend Jeff is the pastor of the largest church in the area, and he's been here over 30 years. We jokingly refer to him, from our ministerial group, as the Archbishop! He officiated at Dave's funeral, such a kind, caring and compassionate pastor - if the Lord takes me home in the next few years I'd be honored for him to do my transfer into eternity. He told me before the funeral that Easter Sunday, in both their central location here in town, and a new start in town not far from us, they had held eight services [five he had preached in], they ministered to over 3,000 and there had been over 30 new converts to Christ - THAT IS EASTER!!
I want to close this reflection with a statement that one of Dave's daughter-in-laws made ... 'Nothing loved is ever lost'[end quote] ... Let me rephrase that, I recognize her intent here, but there are many things LOST having been loved, relationships especially, her step father and mom had ministered to those who had loved and lost; but let me say, 'nothing loved is ever entirely lost' ... for even in love gone astray there are things that have been gained that can never be replaced, even by a new, a greater love. Love itself changes us, love, no matter how seemingly insignificant or ended does not leave us the same. And that's just like our risen Lord's love ... our circumstances may not seem to change, our relationships may not seem to grow more intimate, our illness doesn't go away[as Dave's didn't],
hope seems no brighter ... but God's love is ALWAYS there!
Thanks Dave, for the light of your funeral, I'm afraid I have to admit you gave me much more than I ever gave you ... maybe that truth will help me to be more thoughtful, more considerate and more intentional in all the relationships I share here and now?!
Let Steph keep.................
This morning I received a spam email from 'Steph - she is looking for me.' The temptation is really great to open the email and give a reply, but then that might give Stephanie a clue as to where I am, or encourage her bogus originators to keep sending me emails, which in turn keeps my spam filter clogged with garbage.
So I've decided to let Steph keep looking for me; maybe the search will give her time to reconsider whether or not I'm worth the hassle, which of course really doesn't make any difference because I never intend on opening her mail. I wonder how may such searches are made, and what is the percentage of those - like me - that go unanswered?
Well, I'll never know because even though I contemplate such questions, I don't really care to know the answers, if they are available....... so Steph, sorry girl, you'll have knock on someone else's email box.
SO SAD...........
So I've decided to let Steph keep looking for me; maybe the search will give her time to reconsider whether or not I'm worth the hassle, which of course really doesn't make any difference because I never intend on opening her mail. I wonder how may such searches are made, and what is the percentage of those - like me - that go unanswered?
Well, I'll never know because even though I contemplate such questions, I don't really care to know the answers, if they are available....... so Steph, sorry girl, you'll have knock on someone else's email box.
SO SAD...........
Saturday, April 23, 2011
United Transportation Union Commemorative Medal
Among my grandpa Chester's artifacts I have a United Transportation Union Commemorative Medal. It must be brass because the back of it is starting to get green on it. I don't know much about it so I'll include this message from a little paper in the case ....
"To commemorate this event, a medallion has been designed highlighting the event for prosperity. On the face of the medal are impressions of the chief executives of the four founding unions - the men who are recognized as the unity architects.Impressions of Charles Luna, H.E.Gilbert, C.F.Lane and N.P.Speirs, showing the original dates of the founding of their respective unions, are shown. On the reverse side are stars denoting each of the states and provinces in which UTU members labor and live. The medal is considered unique because of its original design."
I had to laugh because my grandpa Chester was a die-hard democrat, and my father was a die-hard republican and both belonged to unions; and for the sake of family peace they tried to stay away from political discussion between them; at least as far as I can recollect. Its quite possible given how head strong both men were they had reached a prior gentleman's agreement before my memory kicks in?!
"To commemorate this event, a medallion has been designed highlighting the event for prosperity. On the face of the medal are impressions of the chief executives of the four founding unions - the men who are recognized as the unity architects.Impressions of Charles Luna, H.E.Gilbert, C.F.Lane and N.P.Speirs, showing the original dates of the founding of their respective unions, are shown. On the reverse side are stars denoting each of the states and provinces in which UTU members labor and live. The medal is considered unique because of its original design."
I had to laugh because my grandpa Chester was a die-hard democrat, and my father was a die-hard republican and both belonged to unions; and for the sake of family peace they tried to stay away from political discussion between them; at least as far as I can recollect. Its quite possible given how head strong both men were they had reached a prior gentleman's agreement before my memory kicks in?!
She was the most beautiful woman........
‘I don’t care much for this railroad job, I think I’m going
back to Unicoi’ Oscar told his younger brother Chester.
‘The boss told me today he really likes my work and thinks
I have a future on the rails.’ Chester replied.
Oscar paused for a moment as though he might be thinking
About staying then said, “Well, I’m leaving in the morning
so you better hurry up and decide.” ‘We have three days left
on our rent, what will it hurt to let me think about it,’ Chester
pleaded.
‘I’ll not stay more than two days longer,’ Oscar firmly
Replied. So you work two more days on the railroad, as of
Now I’m finished. I think I’ll spend my time waiting for you
To make up mind in Shorty’s short order bar.
Well since it looks like I might be leaving I’m going to treat
myself to a steak dinner at the Smith hotel tonight. I never
have eaten there and I’ve heard so much about it; do you
want to join me, I’ll buy? Nope, like I said before its Shorty’s
for me. He could buy a number of beers for what Chester
was going to spend for a steak.
Chester was a bit nervous sitting down in the Smith Hotel’s
Restaurant, and he noticed that most of those already there
were certainly dressed less casual than he was, maybe he
should just join Oscar at Shorty’s, but something keep him
seated. Then she appeared, one of the most beautiful women
he had ever laid eyes on, tall, slim with light brunette hair…
Though she was about ten years younger than he was, he
thought he could see reflections of his mother when she had
been younger. Of course his mother Nancy was still quite
attractive and it hadn’t been that hard for her to remarry
ole Ike after his father, whom he’d never seen, died in the
Brushy Mountain State Prison two months after he was
born.
‘What would you like tonight sir,’ she said bringing him
out of his daydream. ‘Uh, uh I’ll take a steak please’ he
Was finally able to summon the strength to respond. ‘Well
Sir, we have a couple of steaks, which would you like.’
Ordering a simple steak was getting a lot harder than he
ever remembered it being; … finally he had placed his
order and she had returned to the kitchen.
When his heart slowed down enough for him to gain
his wits he thought, ‘if she works here, there is no way I’m
returning home south with Oscar.’ And didn’t she mention
that her mother would cook his steak just perfectly, so if
her mom worked here too then they must live in the
community.
Grandpa Chester would stay while his brother Oscar returned to
Tennessee. Such is the short saga of my grandpa meeting grandma
Banks; much of the story is made up, but there are a few facts
~both grandpa and his brother were from Unicoi, Tennessee
~grandpa was 11 years older than grandma when they
were married. I have a copy of their wedding certificate
~grandma’s mom, Hattie, my great grandma did cook at
the Smith Hotel; and they both lived in town.
~grandpa and his brother both worked on the Wabash
~whether grandpa was older or younger depends on which
family legend and whose facts you believe
~there was a Smith Hotel across the street from the railroad
depot. Its no longer there
~A brick building with a short order bar and take out is still
next door to where the Smith Hotel was, but I made up
its name.
~again, depending on which family legend you believe, my
grandpa was born two months before my great grandpa
William died in Brushy Mountain prison in TN.
~the story is documented that William shot a neighbor; Wm. always
claimed it was accidental, and official transcripts list his
crime as Involuntary Manslaughter.
~great grandma Nancy did remarry Ike Briggs when grandpa
Chester was 12 yrs. old.
*Mom shared with me the basics of this story last Thursday when I was
visiting with her, and grandma reaffirmed it.
*Grandpa’s first job on the railroad was as a brakeman and he rode most of the time in the caboose while he held that job. As a child I got to ride one time in the caboose for a short distance, as the railroad didn’t like passengers back there. Then grandpa became a Conductor, and watched over my sister and I on a number of trips…on the trips to Illinois to see our aunt Kitty in Decatur, Illinois, grandpa would put us on the train and give us careful instructions.
*I am the proud owner of my Grandpa's Conductor hat,[with the original tag in it from the uniform company] and the rain cap that goes over it; I also have many of his uniform 'badges' and Wabash button covers, and the ticket clipper he used. Along with a couple envelopes and a dozen Wabash Railroad #1 & #3 pencils.
*Decatur is also the ‘good wife’s’ home town.
*Coincidentally my aunt Kitty’s husband, uncle Kent also
was an office worker for the Wabash Railroad.
….life certainly has its crazy quirks!
back to Unicoi’ Oscar told his younger brother Chester.
‘The boss told me today he really likes my work and thinks
I have a future on the rails.’ Chester replied.
Oscar paused for a moment as though he might be thinking
About staying then said, “Well, I’m leaving in the morning
so you better hurry up and decide.” ‘We have three days left
on our rent, what will it hurt to let me think about it,’ Chester
pleaded.
‘I’ll not stay more than two days longer,’ Oscar firmly
Replied. So you work two more days on the railroad, as of
Now I’m finished. I think I’ll spend my time waiting for you
To make up mind in Shorty’s short order bar.
Well since it looks like I might be leaving I’m going to treat
myself to a steak dinner at the Smith hotel tonight. I never
have eaten there and I’ve heard so much about it; do you
want to join me, I’ll buy? Nope, like I said before its Shorty’s
for me. He could buy a number of beers for what Chester
was going to spend for a steak.
Chester was a bit nervous sitting down in the Smith Hotel’s
Restaurant, and he noticed that most of those already there
were certainly dressed less casual than he was, maybe he
should just join Oscar at Shorty’s, but something keep him
seated. Then she appeared, one of the most beautiful women
he had ever laid eyes on, tall, slim with light brunette hair…
Though she was about ten years younger than he was, he
thought he could see reflections of his mother when she had
been younger. Of course his mother Nancy was still quite
attractive and it hadn’t been that hard for her to remarry
ole Ike after his father, whom he’d never seen, died in the
Brushy Mountain State Prison two months after he was
born.
‘What would you like tonight sir,’ she said bringing him
out of his daydream. ‘Uh, uh I’ll take a steak please’ he
Was finally able to summon the strength to respond. ‘Well
Sir, we have a couple of steaks, which would you like.’
Ordering a simple steak was getting a lot harder than he
ever remembered it being; … finally he had placed his
order and she had returned to the kitchen.
When his heart slowed down enough for him to gain
his wits he thought, ‘if she works here, there is no way I’m
returning home south with Oscar.’ And didn’t she mention
that her mother would cook his steak just perfectly, so if
her mom worked here too then they must live in the
community.
Grandpa Chester would stay while his brother Oscar returned to
Tennessee. Such is the short saga of my grandpa meeting grandma
Banks; much of the story is made up, but there are a few facts
~both grandpa and his brother were from Unicoi, Tennessee
~grandpa was 11 years older than grandma when they
were married. I have a copy of their wedding certificate
~grandma’s mom, Hattie, my great grandma did cook at
the Smith Hotel; and they both lived in town.
~grandpa and his brother both worked on the Wabash
~whether grandpa was older or younger depends on which
family legend and whose facts you believe
~there was a Smith Hotel across the street from the railroad
depot. Its no longer there
~A brick building with a short order bar and take out is still
next door to where the Smith Hotel was, but I made up
its name.
~again, depending on which family legend you believe, my
grandpa was born two months before my great grandpa
William died in Brushy Mountain prison in TN.
~the story is documented that William shot a neighbor; Wm. always
claimed it was accidental, and official transcripts list his
crime as Involuntary Manslaughter.
~great grandma Nancy did remarry Ike Briggs when grandpa
Chester was 12 yrs. old.
*Mom shared with me the basics of this story last Thursday when I was
visiting with her, and grandma reaffirmed it.
*Grandpa’s first job on the railroad was as a brakeman and he rode most of the time in the caboose while he held that job. As a child I got to ride one time in the caboose for a short distance, as the railroad didn’t like passengers back there. Then grandpa became a Conductor, and watched over my sister and I on a number of trips…on the trips to Illinois to see our aunt Kitty in Decatur, Illinois, grandpa would put us on the train and give us careful instructions.
*I am the proud owner of my Grandpa's Conductor hat,[with the original tag in it from the uniform company] and the rain cap that goes over it; I also have many of his uniform 'badges' and Wabash button covers, and the ticket clipper he used. Along with a couple envelopes and a dozen Wabash Railroad #1 & #3 pencils.
*Decatur is also the ‘good wife’s’ home town.
*Coincidentally my aunt Kitty’s husband, uncle Kent also
was an office worker for the Wabash Railroad.
….life certainly has its crazy quirks!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Maundy Thursday w/Episcopal's
Arriving to worship at the Maundy Thursday service at Emmanuel Episcopal Church I received some 'questioning' smiles, what the Nazarene pastor doing in an Episcopal worship hour? There's a loose historical thread there, but that would take far to long to explain; plus I love liturgy and symbolism. But pastor Gretchen have me a big smile and a big hug; we're friends and it was good to worship together, the times when fellow clergymen in town can worship together are rare, and I always try to take advantage of the situation.
The worship began with the music director playing and singing a delightful song, it certainly set the mood for the service. Then we went into liturgies and singing. There is a part of the service where foot-washing is practiced but Gretchen had told me ahead of time I didn't have to do that - then when the actual moment arrived, I began to debate the issue between myself; then I figured if I had to debate it that much, I wouldn't be in the right frame of mind to participate. It was however interesting to observe the faces of those who did; some were really casual about it which disheartened me, others were very reverent which seemed the attitude one should have. There was a young man [he was a mongoloid w/m.s] and he was so into both
washing the feet of the person in front of him, and then having his feet washed - this was so touching to me, and I'm sure some others. Later on the way out of church a lady I was leaving beside said to me, [quote]"I see I wasn't the only one who didn't want my feet washed. I'm just too old fashioned I guess, how about you?"
I didn't respond w/the words I wanted too - the Spirit was telling me to be more graceful, because I wanted to say, what in the world does old fashioned have to do with it, the Episcopal church didn't just recently decide to add this ritual, and/or I'm sure Jesus wasn't worried about how old fashioned we might feel when he gave the command .. that's rather self centered? - so I simply said, 'well, I just didn't feel right for the moment!' Later I thought, hope I didn't offend her and she sensed I was playing off a ciasiles advertisement....
We also shared communion with bread and drink from the common cup. I've always enjoyed drinking from the common cup - there's something spiritually enriching about it .. as though I'm MORE one with God! I noted that a couple of people were trying to compromise ... you know, not drink from the cup, but partake of it ... I've noted this in other celebrations where a common cup is shared, ... they dip the piece of bread into the wine than take both together. Here's the really gross part about that compromise, someone had dropped a small piece of bread in the wine - come on folks, get real. I've never heard of anyone catching any virus, baceteria, etc. from the common cup - matter of fact, I'm convinced its almost, now note I said almost, blasphemous to say so. Good heavens, don't we know that God can prevent any such thing when we are celebrating in the manner in which he commanded ... oops I just thought, maybe they did have little plastic communion cups at the last supper - no, they were probably glass .... and I've been wrong all these years.
The neatest part of the celebration that I really enjoyed was two-fold....first the stripping of the altar. I had teased Gretchen as our pastors meeting on Wednesday and told her it was the first time I had ever heard of such a thing and wondered it they stripped the varnish off the altar - she graciously laughted, then said, 'maybe, guess you'll have to come and see - which I did, and no they didn't. It
was neat though as the appointed ones took things from the altar we were kneeling and reading Psalm 22. I don't know if you're acquainted with Psalm 22, but it is the most appropriate Psa. for stripping an altar. ... I was really touched.
Following the 'stripping of the altar' we were lead out of the sanctuary, and while walking out the lights were slowly being turned off; we were led into a small room where there was another altar, with a cross in the middle, the bread and wine left from communion placed on both sides and two candles lighted. There were flowers all over that small room - it truly smelled of a garden. Blocking off the room were dividers, like Japanese dividers only without any pictures ... then people would sign up to 'Watch For An Hour' until noon Good Friday when they would have another worship. When everyone had stepped away and the two people who were scheduled to watch for the next hour were there I stayed for a few extra minutes and really relished the whole experience. It's to bad that in America we're just so darn busy - thanks Gretchen, that you and your people allowed me to be one of you for that evening, you've certainly enriched
my Easter this year.
I have also attended the combined [First Presyb. & Frist U.M.] noon Good Friday remembrance worship with the 'good wife,' it lasted for a half-hour so that people could come over their lunch hour.
The worship began with the music director playing and singing a delightful song, it certainly set the mood for the service. Then we went into liturgies and singing. There is a part of the service where foot-washing is practiced but Gretchen had told me ahead of time I didn't have to do that - then when the actual moment arrived, I began to debate the issue between myself; then I figured if I had to debate it that much, I wouldn't be in the right frame of mind to participate. It was however interesting to observe the faces of those who did; some were really casual about it which disheartened me, others were very reverent which seemed the attitude one should have. There was a young man [he was a mongoloid w/m.s] and he was so into both
washing the feet of the person in front of him, and then having his feet washed - this was so touching to me, and I'm sure some others. Later on the way out of church a lady I was leaving beside said to me, [quote]"I see I wasn't the only one who didn't want my feet washed. I'm just too old fashioned I guess, how about you?"
I didn't respond w/the words I wanted too - the Spirit was telling me to be more graceful, because I wanted to say, what in the world does old fashioned have to do with it, the Episcopal church didn't just recently decide to add this ritual, and/or I'm sure Jesus wasn't worried about how old fashioned we might feel when he gave the command .. that's rather self centered? - so I simply said, 'well, I just didn't feel right for the moment!' Later I thought, hope I didn't offend her and she sensed I was playing off a ciasiles advertisement....
We also shared communion with bread and drink from the common cup. I've always enjoyed drinking from the common cup - there's something spiritually enriching about it .. as though I'm MORE one with God! I noted that a couple of people were trying to compromise ... you know, not drink from the cup, but partake of it ... I've noted this in other celebrations where a common cup is shared, ... they dip the piece of bread into the wine than take both together. Here's the really gross part about that compromise, someone had dropped a small piece of bread in the wine - come on folks, get real. I've never heard of anyone catching any virus, baceteria, etc. from the common cup - matter of fact, I'm convinced its almost, now note I said almost, blasphemous to say so. Good heavens, don't we know that God can prevent any such thing when we are celebrating in the manner in which he commanded ... oops I just thought, maybe they did have little plastic communion cups at the last supper - no, they were probably glass .... and I've been wrong all these years.
The neatest part of the celebration that I really enjoyed was two-fold....first the stripping of the altar. I had teased Gretchen as our pastors meeting on Wednesday and told her it was the first time I had ever heard of such a thing and wondered it they stripped the varnish off the altar - she graciously laughted, then said, 'maybe, guess you'll have to come and see - which I did, and no they didn't. It
was neat though as the appointed ones took things from the altar we were kneeling and reading Psalm 22. I don't know if you're acquainted with Psalm 22, but it is the most appropriate Psa. for stripping an altar. ... I was really touched.
Following the 'stripping of the altar' we were lead out of the sanctuary, and while walking out the lights were slowly being turned off; we were led into a small room where there was another altar, with a cross in the middle, the bread and wine left from communion placed on both sides and two candles lighted. There were flowers all over that small room - it truly smelled of a garden. Blocking off the room were dividers, like Japanese dividers only without any pictures ... then people would sign up to 'Watch For An Hour' until noon Good Friday when they would have another worship. When everyone had stepped away and the two people who were scheduled to watch for the next hour were there I stayed for a few extra minutes and really relished the whole experience. It's to bad that in America we're just so darn busy - thanks Gretchen, that you and your people allowed me to be one of you for that evening, you've certainly enriched
my Easter this year.
I have also attended the combined [First Presyb. & Frist U.M.] noon Good Friday remembrance worship with the 'good wife,' it lasted for a half-hour so that people could come over their lunch hour.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Roy & Lillie, A Love Story
'Unfinished business leaves room to daydream. Theirs is the ideal love story, because it never had a chance to be anything else!'[p.265]
It's probably my favorite genre 'historical fiction.' While browsing through the library last week I came upon a new acquisition by the library, 'Roy & Lille: A Love Story' by Loren D. Estleman. I'm not one of the worlds' greatest western fans - my father certainly was - he even had my sister record westerns while he was at church, so that he could see them later! I would have spoke about the 'faith side of it' but dad would have said, 'she's not going to church anyway, so......' and he was right.
This book, thinly based on history is a fascinating book, absolutely 'no' off color words, the author takes a little known story from history, the correspondence that went on between 'Judge Roy Bean: The Law West of Pecos' and an English actress Lillie Langtry and builds a romantic novel where you continually want to hurry the story up so that Lillie can visit the town in the old west that the Judge has named for her. Finally, Lillie has become a US citizen, and rarely returns to her birth country, she buys a ticket that passes by the town named for her,[as she journeys to a farm in California that she purchased from the proceeds of a gift a suitor had given her, which is a scandal itself] and the railroad has agreed to make a special stop there so she can visit the town and meet the judge, who has a life-time free pass on the railroad. So the day comes when Lillie is riding on the train and it stops just outside Langtry..... oops, gotta go!
Let me say that the concluding chapter, the acknowledgements, is well worth reading the whole book ... matter of fact that chapter brings everything together and makes you want to rush out and get another of Estleman's novels.
ESTLEMAN, Loren D., Roy & Lillie: A Love Story, New York, N.Y., 2010
Tom Doherty Associates Publishers, A Forge Book, ISBN: 9780765322289
ENJOY
It's probably my favorite genre 'historical fiction.' While browsing through the library last week I came upon a new acquisition by the library, 'Roy & Lille: A Love Story' by Loren D. Estleman. I'm not one of the worlds' greatest western fans - my father certainly was - he even had my sister record westerns while he was at church, so that he could see them later! I would have spoke about the 'faith side of it' but dad would have said, 'she's not going to church anyway, so......' and he was right.
This book, thinly based on history is a fascinating book, absolutely 'no' off color words, the author takes a little known story from history, the correspondence that went on between 'Judge Roy Bean: The Law West of Pecos' and an English actress Lillie Langtry and builds a romantic novel where you continually want to hurry the story up so that Lillie can visit the town in the old west that the Judge has named for her. Finally, Lillie has become a US citizen, and rarely returns to her birth country, she buys a ticket that passes by the town named for her,[as she journeys to a farm in California that she purchased from the proceeds of a gift a suitor had given her, which is a scandal itself] and the railroad has agreed to make a special stop there so she can visit the town and meet the judge, who has a life-time free pass on the railroad. So the day comes when Lillie is riding on the train and it stops just outside Langtry..... oops, gotta go!
Let me say that the concluding chapter, the acknowledgements, is well worth reading the whole book ... matter of fact that chapter brings everything together and makes you want to rush out and get another of Estleman's novels.
ESTLEMAN, Loren D., Roy & Lillie: A Love Story, New York, N.Y., 2010
Tom Doherty Associates Publishers, A Forge Book, ISBN: 9780765322289
ENJOY
Monday, April 18, 2011
A white holy monday!
I woke up seeing a blanket of snow on the ground. Though I am not a fan of snow it still seemed appropriate somehow; to begin Holy Week with a covering of snow. I remembered that on Holy Monday Jesus went into the Temple and cleaned out its corrupt money changers and animal sacrifces that were ripping off the people. For many who had only the day before proclaimed him king and really looked forward to his starting a revolution this cleaning of the Temple signaled a positive move in that direction, but they were mistaken. Just as I am when I often misinterpret God's work as focusing on me; its so easy to yield to the temptation of 'its all about me.' I too failed to learn the lesson of the cursing of the fig tree on the way to the Temple cleansing. How much alike the fig trees deceit and the crowds shallow understanding of the Jesus entrance into the Holy City.
Still I am amazed by the parade - by Jesus participation in it. It is the only recorded time in Jesus' earthly ministry that he allows others, and participates in, their calling him king. There is a uniqueness to his allowing others to proclaim him king when you think about some of those in that choir .. those who had been blind but now could see, definitely their proclamation of him as king held a much deeper definition than those who could see but were spiritually blind; or the lame who Jesus had touched and healed, perhaps they were the cheerleaders singing and dancing at the front of the parade, dancing with the same inner joy as King David dancing before the Ark of Covenant in his underwear in front of all Israel; the leper who had been ostracized from all of society and worship, then Jesus had washed away his disease, and he now rubbed shoulders with those who refused to acknowledge the spots of sin in their souls - the difference between he and them was that the leper was now clean.
So lets not generalize too much when we call the crowd fickle ... on the whole they were, but there were still those in the crowd whose praise was authentic; and perhaps Jesus was giving them a chance to freely exalt him. Then the question for me is, 'how authentic is my praise?' 'how freely do I proclaim him king?' 'where do you see me in that crowd - am I cheer leading in the front - am I secluded somewhere in the middle, hard to pick out, I don't want to be noticed - am I even in the crowd; am I standing along the road watching the parade? .....oh, and where are looking for me from??
Still I am amazed by the parade - by Jesus participation in it. It is the only recorded time in Jesus' earthly ministry that he allows others, and participates in, their calling him king. There is a uniqueness to his allowing others to proclaim him king when you think about some of those in that choir .. those who had been blind but now could see, definitely their proclamation of him as king held a much deeper definition than those who could see but were spiritually blind; or the lame who Jesus had touched and healed, perhaps they were the cheerleaders singing and dancing at the front of the parade, dancing with the same inner joy as King David dancing before the Ark of Covenant in his underwear in front of all Israel; the leper who had been ostracized from all of society and worship, then Jesus had washed away his disease, and he now rubbed shoulders with those who refused to acknowledge the spots of sin in their souls - the difference between he and them was that the leper was now clean.
So lets not generalize too much when we call the crowd fickle ... on the whole they were, but there were still those in the crowd whose praise was authentic; and perhaps Jesus was giving them a chance to freely exalt him. Then the question for me is, 'how authentic is my praise?' 'how freely do I proclaim him king?' 'where do you see me in that crowd - am I cheer leading in the front - am I secluded somewhere in the middle, hard to pick out, I don't want to be noticed - am I even in the crowd; am I standing along the road watching the parade? .....oh, and where are looking for me from??
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Nursing Home Friendship
This past thursday while visiting with Grandma B. she told me about a lady she had struck up a relationship with. Her pastor from the United Methodist Church had suggested she meet Ruth, who was a blind lady, but went to their church and lived at the Nursing Home also. Grandma met Ruth and they bonded; however Wed. morning Grandma had noted that the attendants had run down the hall pushing Ruth - and yes Ruth had died. Grandma said Ruth was a delightful person; she had a grandson and wife who came to see her quite often. The grandson/wife would visit at least once a week at night; and often many times during the week the wife would come in over her lunch hour and feed Ruth. But those times, which were rare, when Ruth had to feed herself she would joke to Grandma B. about 'getting more food on the outside of her stomach rather than inside it.' Grandma said she thought Ruth's last name was Slagle....and it was.
I didn't read about Ruth's death in the paper, but I did contact my cousin Denny, whose ancestry.com site is probably the largest one in our whole family. He emailed me back saying that this 'Schegel' wasn't related; however upon reading the obituary he found out she was related by her maiden name to his other side of his family. Then it I found out that 'Slagel' was the Americanization of the German name 'Schegel' which probably threw us both off. Wow, another coming together, a continuing example of two families, unaware of previous genealogy, coming together! I love it though I doubt I'll tell mom, she won't get excited about it.
Then as I was contemplating this, my former office manager, who also is our church treasurer told me there are 'Schegel's in the same county I live in .... well
this will entail more detective work I'm sure.
I didn't read about Ruth's death in the paper, but I did contact my cousin Denny, whose ancestry.com site is probably the largest one in our whole family. He emailed me back saying that this 'Schegel' wasn't related; however upon reading the obituary he found out she was related by her maiden name to his other side of his family. Then it I found out that 'Slagel' was the Americanization of the German name 'Schegel' which probably threw us both off. Wow, another coming together, a continuing example of two families, unaware of previous genealogy, coming together! I love it though I doubt I'll tell mom, she won't get excited about it.
Then as I was contemplating this, my former office manager, who also is our church treasurer told me there are 'Schegel's in the same county I live in .... well
this will entail more detective work I'm sure.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Conversation with God
Before I make additional comments concerning this book I will share with you may review to Amazon.com
"What's that, God?"
All of us from time to time would love to hold a face-to-face conversation with God, though we've been reminded innumerable times that God's ways and thoughts are not ours, thanks to the prophet Isaiah. Yet we question and believe that God will reply in terms that are simple and easy to understand. I've said all that to say I applaud Mr. Gansky for writing this book and giving us that permission; yet after reading it I felt somewhat let down. I believe the questions are much too simple, in our complex world we want answers that speak directly to our individual situations. The book is good as a resource guide, and certainly there are plenty of scripture references to light the way. On the other hand there is a lot of theology which I suppose, to a degree, can't be avoided, though I believe a lot of it here could have. For sometimes our theological persuasions can be road blocks to true biblical understanding. My real fear about this book is that many may see it as more than a reference book and take it as a literal answer book. Having written a rather negative critique let me say that the theme of this book is a positive reminder we can come to God with any question, and probably all of us should converse with God more often and be more honest.
The opinions expressed here are all my own. I did receive a free copy of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program; and was asked to write an honest review.
Conversation with God by Alton Gansky
Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishers.
Let me go on here to say if I had had to purchase the book I probably would not have done so, but since I had agreed to and received the book free, I labored through the book. In being honest though let me say I thought that perhaps it might have been a little deeper than it was; although I could read others reviews before getting the book I don't tend to trust them that much ... oops there goes the intergrity and validity of my review; of well. I am in no way saying I didn't profit through this exercise because I did if for nothing more than being aware of my inadequacy in my conversations with God. And that is profit enough. I do hope that no one though forsakes other avenues of finding conversation with God ... through the voice of his spirit also. Well I've pretty well exhausted this subject.
"What's that, God?"
All of us from time to time would love to hold a face-to-face conversation with God, though we've been reminded innumerable times that God's ways and thoughts are not ours, thanks to the prophet Isaiah. Yet we question and believe that God will reply in terms that are simple and easy to understand. I've said all that to say I applaud Mr. Gansky for writing this book and giving us that permission; yet after reading it I felt somewhat let down. I believe the questions are much too simple, in our complex world we want answers that speak directly to our individual situations. The book is good as a resource guide, and certainly there are plenty of scripture references to light the way. On the other hand there is a lot of theology which I suppose, to a degree, can't be avoided, though I believe a lot of it here could have. For sometimes our theological persuasions can be road blocks to true biblical understanding. My real fear about this book is that many may see it as more than a reference book and take it as a literal answer book. Having written a rather negative critique let me say that the theme of this book is a positive reminder we can come to God with any question, and probably all of us should converse with God more often and be more honest.
The opinions expressed here are all my own. I did receive a free copy of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program; and was asked to write an honest review.
Conversation with God by Alton Gansky
Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishers.
Let me go on here to say if I had had to purchase the book I probably would not have done so, but since I had agreed to and received the book free, I labored through the book. In being honest though let me say I thought that perhaps it might have been a little deeper than it was; although I could read others reviews before getting the book I don't tend to trust them that much ... oops there goes the intergrity and validity of my review; of well. I am in no way saying I didn't profit through this exercise because I did if for nothing more than being aware of my inadequacy in my conversations with God. And that is profit enough. I do hope that no one though forsakes other avenues of finding conversation with God ... through the voice of his spirit also. Well I've pretty well exhausted this subject.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Feelin' good
Well I've completed the first major draft of my manuscript 'The Road to Remembrance' about my Sabbatical journey this past January. Truthfully I never thought I'd do it; and I've sent it to about half a dozen people to get their impressions and improvements. My uncle Will is the toughest, he has written a Western trilogy series and can be downright ornery - and I appreciate it, though I wonder if he doesn't get a little too excited about helping - just kidding uncle Will if you're reading this! Many of the stories I have already posted, so it was easy to copy them with a few minor adjustments, and some of the stories I posted just didn't fit in the manuscript. Probably the toughest section was the one acknowledging everyone who contributed in some way; even after some names from the 'good wife' I'd forgotten, I'm sure there's someone who I've forgotten and that possibility depresses me somewhat.....but hopefully between now and if this manuscript ever goes to press everyone will be thanked.
Monday, April 11, 2011
A most amazing mystery
Not long ago I wrote an article about my mother's family and how we had stumbled upon where they had lived .. not far from our hometown. Following that discovery I've come upon an even more amazing mystery - and quite possibly a verifiable fact. My mother and one surviving aunt [relatives by marriage - both married brothers - not by blood] grew up in the same church, while unknown to both of them each had a great, great uncle that knew each other..both uncles were from the paternal side of their families. Discovering the obituary of my mother's great, great uncle [who was a U.B. minister]there was mention of a person by the last name belonging to my aunt's paternal side of the family, and he too was a U.B. minister. Both great, great uncles had relatives in the same township....how neat to find out that unknown to both their descendants they were probably pretty good friends. Yet in the short breadth of four generations the connection was lost, or reconnected in new relationships. Any ancient connection that can be discovered enlarges our sense of roots!
So without hesitation I called my mother to alert her to this possible new development and let her know that I was searching to verify it ... and there was this short odd silence on her end, finally, 'okay??????????' and again Mom failed to be surprised or delighted. She did finally add, 'Son, if that makes you happy and fills some gaps you're looking for then that is good,' but as for myself it doesn't matter.
So without hesitation I called my mother to alert her to this possible new development and let her know that I was searching to verify it ... and there was this short odd silence on her end, finally, 'okay??????????' and again Mom failed to be surprised or delighted. She did finally add, 'Son, if that makes you happy and fills some gaps you're looking for then that is good,' but as for myself it doesn't matter.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Postmistress
This is indeed a mysteriously good book. It takes place at the beginning of WWII, and the postmaster of a small town in Massachusetts is put on the spot - should she deliver a letter to a pregnant wife in town, whose doctor husband has gone to England, a letter that might upset her so much she could possibly lose their baby, or should she wait? And if she waits is that ethical, the postmistress has always taken great pride in that past that all letters got through ... what should she do now? To complicate matters a young broadcasting journalist, who has just returned from journeying through an increasingly Nazi Europe has come to the town for a much needed stay, as she too struggles with how much to tell about the coming horrors she's experienced .... these two women will come together to make one of the most crucial decisions of their life; will the town survive the news, what new roles will each of them be forced to make? This book gives us insight into an issue that faces every one of us who at sometime have information that we know could be harmful but have a duty to deliver it.
BLAKE, Sarah; 'The Postmistress,' New York, New York. Berkley Publishing Group.
2010 ISBN: 978042523869-1
BLAKE, Sarah; 'The Postmistress,' New York, New York. Berkley Publishing Group.
2010 ISBN: 978042523869-1
Monday, April 4, 2011
Young William II
Family history tells us that young William II was born Apr. 11, 1866 at Nettle Lake and died in Portland, Oregon. Supposedly William managed to get enough education to become a United Brethern minister, took the train from Ohio to Oregon and there got married ............................... see a happy ending to a sad beginning! There are still some of those stories outside Hollywood.
Not so happy!
The other day while researching the story about relatives at Nettle Lake, I came across this story of my great-great-grandpa Wm.H.McLain. It appears that my 3x grandpa married a widow named Hester Pew who had three kids from her prior marriage. Grandpa married her with kids of her own, and his plus together they had three more. After approx. 5-7 yrs of marriage Hester filed for divorce claiming that she had limited means and that grandpa had failed to provide her with any necessities of life, and had willingly been absent for three years. She further claimed that grandpa had remained idle but was physically capable of working. She requested and received custody of the children and reasonable alimony; and was also able to keep the 40 acres of land that had originally been hers. Grandpa was given visitation rights to see the children. It is interesting that in another acount, grandpa's other two children left at home from his first marriage were also placed outside the home..?
Now, why do I think there are some [or at least one] flies in the ointment? In grandpa's obituary he is described as a good church member and bore his burdens and illness with patience and christian fortitude, and there was a 'very large audience' for his funeral. Futhermore, sometime after he had married his second wife Hester, he gave his younger son Wm.Harvey McLain II to a German couple [who raised young Wiliam for six years; or perhaps until Hester was out of the picture?] because his wife Hester was so abusive to him. Most family genealogies that I've read don't even mention this second wife, but do however mention the mistreatment of young William.
Do you see the flies yet? A second wife, who ran a very strange household in her first marriage, with her husbands first wife and child mysteriously appearing on a census as members of their house in that marriage; and then petitioning for a divorce from grandpa in her second marriage and mistreating his youngest son by grandpa's first marriage .....
MOre later perhaps
Now, why do I think there are some [or at least one] flies in the ointment? In grandpa's obituary he is described as a good church member and bore his burdens and illness with patience and christian fortitude, and there was a 'very large audience' for his funeral. Futhermore, sometime after he had married his second wife Hester, he gave his younger son Wm.Harvey McLain II to a German couple [who raised young Wiliam for six years; or perhaps until Hester was out of the picture?] because his wife Hester was so abusive to him. Most family genealogies that I've read don't even mention this second wife, but do however mention the mistreatment of young William.
Do you see the flies yet? A second wife, who ran a very strange household in her first marriage, with her husbands first wife and child mysteriously appearing on a census as members of their house in that marriage; and then petitioning for a divorce from grandpa in her second marriage and mistreating his youngest son by grandpa's first marriage .....
MOre later perhaps
A little corner of the world
While surfing the internet this morning I came across a small town in Michigan that used to have the 'family' name before it was incorporated. It was named after its first settler, who also bore the 'family' name, and had come from New York, after being born in Pennsylvania. Coming up against a genealogical hurtle far to big for me I've enlisted the help of the 'family genealogical genius.' I hope he can find something and it would really be neat if this was a long-distance relative. I know that there was branch of my family that came to Pennsylvania from the old world, just don't know where 'they or I' fit into the larger picture - so I'm anxiously awaiting his verdict. Another neat thing about this discover is that this small village is less than a couple hours from where I live; so if it is a relative, I will look forward to a genealogical day trip - probably while the 'good wife' is working, since it won't thrill her either way.
Another note of discovery was that while researching I came across another family name who I'm sure must be related to the pioneer mentioned above because he was born in New York, and on his way to the gold fields of California passed thru the village in Michigan ...... and he had an Esquire after his name. I've kinda wanted one of those titles, don't know what they mean or how you get one, but they look sorta distinguished. The closest I've discovered I come to royalty is from my mothers side when I found out I'm related to 'brief' royalty on the English throne. Something like ..... gotta get this right, its my claim to fame! I'm related to Agnes Randolph, the 4th Countess of Moray. She is the 4th great grandmothers of wife of the
12 great grandfather of wife of 2 cousin 1x removed; now it makes my head dizzy just thinking about the possibility of sorting that out, let alone trying. I forgot to mention that Agnes nickname was 'Black Agnes' so I'd probably black out trying to sort it out... but hey, when its your claim to fame you have to flaunt it!!!!
Have a great day
Another note of discovery was that while researching I came across another family name who I'm sure must be related to the pioneer mentioned above because he was born in New York, and on his way to the gold fields of California passed thru the village in Michigan ...... and he had an Esquire after his name. I've kinda wanted one of those titles, don't know what they mean or how you get one, but they look sorta distinguished. The closest I've discovered I come to royalty is from my mothers side when I found out I'm related to 'brief' royalty on the English throne. Something like ..... gotta get this right, its my claim to fame! I'm related to Agnes Randolph, the 4th Countess of Moray. She is the 4th great grandmothers of wife of the
12 great grandfather of wife of 2 cousin 1x removed; now it makes my head dizzy just thinking about the possibility of sorting that out, let alone trying. I forgot to mention that Agnes nickname was 'Black Agnes' so I'd probably black out trying to sort it out... but hey, when its your claim to fame you have to flaunt it!!!!
Have a great day
Friday, April 1, 2011
A Funny Thing On The Way to The Mounds
Yesterday I was home visiting my mom. Tired of not doing much while I was there I determined mom and I were going to go somewhere. Then I remembered not far from my hometown, in the upper northern regions of our township there were some Hopewell Indian mounds near Nettle Lake.
So when I suggested going there my mother started laughing, 'we won't tell anyone we went there' she said, 'because there's nothing there!' ..... but I wasn't to be deterred. So we stopped for breakfast on the way, mom loves eating breakfast out - half order of biscuits and gravy and part of my home fried potatoes, then made our way to the mounds. They were difficult to find even following a map, but eventually we arrived there, and I'll get back to that find but first the trip there. Along the way we came across a couple of very small cemeteries and of course, following my cousin Dennys inspiration, I stopped and we walked around the smallest one. The latest internment was dated 1953, and I would say 3/4 of them you couldn't even read anymore, however I enjoyed myself and mom humored me, even pretending she was trying to read some grave-markers.
Next we came by the Nettle Lake U.B. church, I pulled just off the road into the parking lot, and looked at a cemetery across the road .... and sure enough in the very front were three grave markers with the last name McLains. Now my mother's grandma's name was McLain, so I kept that in the back of my mind to ask Grandma B later that afternoon. So we proceeded on to the mounds, finally finding them. They were on the backside of a field close to what we 'Ohinians' call a nice size creek that leads into Nettle Lake and backing up against a woods. As we got out of the car mom took her purse with her, and I asked her why she didn't just leave it in the car, she replied she didn't want it to get stolen, to which I replied [but never would have if dad had been there, he would have deemed it disrespectful, though I wasn't, he would have looked for the first chance to reprimand me; dad was extremely protective of mom; we learned early to be more afraid of her than dad - with dad you could most of the time present your case, if mom accused you you might as well hang it up, even OJ's lawyers wouldn't have helped]do you suppose, mom, they have some kind of squirrel thieves around here, or might there still be a Hopewell Indian hiding nearby? ... she laughed, though I'm not convinced she thought I was funny.
Anyway there were five small mounds there and a large plaque about the site. Mom got even with me though, and after a few minutes said, 'well this is about all the respect I think I can muster for these dirt piles,' and for good measure she added 'I think that plaque is as big as they are, what could they possibly be hiding in those little mounds of value?' .... I just shook my head; for someone who claimed there was Indian blood back in the family lineage she wasn't considering these mounds ancestral holy ground.
Going back the same way we came I saw that sign Nettle Lake that we had missed before; so in missing the sign however we got to see both ends of the lake. As we were driving home mom said the first house her and dad had ever lived in was nearby,
which brought the car to a screeching halt [after making sure no one was behind us.]
'do you mean' I asked, 'that we weren't living in town when I was born?" Of course not she replied, your dad farmed for someone from town and we lived in the country...... now she totally had my attention, and after a little more discussion I turned around and we headed for the first house I had ever lived in. On the way she also told me that she used to drive tractor and cultivate helping Dad, with me sleeping on her lap while on the tractor ..... now I have an excuse for my lousy driving - though it doesn't hold much water with the 'good wife.' But then she wasn't traumatized by trying to sleep on a tractor the first days of her life either!
We finally passed a school mom recognized and said the old homestead couldn't be far ... we never found the house, it had been demolished, but we did find parts of a couple stone walls and concrete foundations in the area where the house should have been ... further traumitized and feeling homeless [that's me of course, mom's quite content] mom said that if we went back to the corner where the school was that a mile south we should come to small stone store where she would go to get milk and bread because her and dad only went to town a couple times a month ..... and sure enough there was the stone store, only now it had been added to and made into a garage, and right next to it was the stone house where the owners lived - mom thought they had been distant relatives on her folks side. Now I really had some things to question Grandma B. about - grandma knows everything!
Finally early that afternoon, as we were visiting Grandma in the nursing home where she having a blast - no worrys, no upkeep - and even though Gram would never say it, 'totally waited on by the kids!' is great.
I asked Gram about Nettle Lake U.B. church and she didn't remember anything about any relatives worshiping there. Then I talked about the deteriorating condition of most of the homes on Nettle Lake, ..... she winked at me and said as only Gram can, 'honey, those homes were deteriorating when I was a kid!' ... then she said her oldest brother Andrew recalled that they [Andrew, Grandma, and her sister] had all been baptized in Nettle Lake - and he called it a 'mudhole.' Now I'm really getting interested - Grandma doesn't recall any involvement in Nettle Lake U.B, but she and her siblings are baptized in Nettle Lake, and believe me you've got to intentionally use Nettle Lake for a baptismal service, and there are head stones in the cemetery across the street with the family name??? ...plus there's a stone store in the area owned by distant relatives - there's a mystery here I'm going to investigate. Grandma did remember the store/house and reaffirmed mom's memory.
Well mom and I had a good laugh when it was all over ... mom said she felt like she'd been around the world, she hadn't put on that many miles in a day except to go to medical/dental appointment. I told her to start getting used to it, we're going to be a traveling pair - she did really enjoy the day, I think she just doesn't want to do all the driving. Next week I'm taking home some of my genealogical files on mom's family and we're going back to the Nettle Lake U.B. cemetery.
Well now I'm getting tired from all this writing!
ENJOY TODAY - GOD CREATED IT.
So when I suggested going there my mother started laughing, 'we won't tell anyone we went there' she said, 'because there's nothing there!' ..... but I wasn't to be deterred. So we stopped for breakfast on the way, mom loves eating breakfast out - half order of biscuits and gravy and part of my home fried potatoes, then made our way to the mounds. They were difficult to find even following a map, but eventually we arrived there, and I'll get back to that find but first the trip there. Along the way we came across a couple of very small cemeteries and of course, following my cousin Dennys inspiration, I stopped and we walked around the smallest one. The latest internment was dated 1953, and I would say 3/4 of them you couldn't even read anymore, however I enjoyed myself and mom humored me, even pretending she was trying to read some grave-markers.
Next we came by the Nettle Lake U.B. church, I pulled just off the road into the parking lot, and looked at a cemetery across the road .... and sure enough in the very front were three grave markers with the last name McLains. Now my mother's grandma's name was McLain, so I kept that in the back of my mind to ask Grandma B later that afternoon. So we proceeded on to the mounds, finally finding them. They were on the backside of a field close to what we 'Ohinians' call a nice size creek that leads into Nettle Lake and backing up against a woods. As we got out of the car mom took her purse with her, and I asked her why she didn't just leave it in the car, she replied she didn't want it to get stolen, to which I replied [but never would have if dad had been there, he would have deemed it disrespectful, though I wasn't, he would have looked for the first chance to reprimand me; dad was extremely protective of mom; we learned early to be more afraid of her than dad - with dad you could most of the time present your case, if mom accused you you might as well hang it up, even OJ's lawyers wouldn't have helped]do you suppose, mom, they have some kind of squirrel thieves around here, or might there still be a Hopewell Indian hiding nearby? ... she laughed, though I'm not convinced she thought I was funny.
Anyway there were five small mounds there and a large plaque about the site. Mom got even with me though, and after a few minutes said, 'well this is about all the respect I think I can muster for these dirt piles,' and for good measure she added 'I think that plaque is as big as they are, what could they possibly be hiding in those little mounds of value?' .... I just shook my head; for someone who claimed there was Indian blood back in the family lineage she wasn't considering these mounds ancestral holy ground.
Going back the same way we came I saw that sign Nettle Lake that we had missed before; so in missing the sign however we got to see both ends of the lake. As we were driving home mom said the first house her and dad had ever lived in was nearby,
which brought the car to a screeching halt [after making sure no one was behind us.]
'do you mean' I asked, 'that we weren't living in town when I was born?" Of course not she replied, your dad farmed for someone from town and we lived in the country...... now she totally had my attention, and after a little more discussion I turned around and we headed for the first house I had ever lived in. On the way she also told me that she used to drive tractor and cultivate helping Dad, with me sleeping on her lap while on the tractor ..... now I have an excuse for my lousy driving - though it doesn't hold much water with the 'good wife.' But then she wasn't traumatized by trying to sleep on a tractor the first days of her life either!
We finally passed a school mom recognized and said the old homestead couldn't be far ... we never found the house, it had been demolished, but we did find parts of a couple stone walls and concrete foundations in the area where the house should have been ... further traumitized and feeling homeless [that's me of course, mom's quite content] mom said that if we went back to the corner where the school was that a mile south we should come to small stone store where she would go to get milk and bread because her and dad only went to town a couple times a month ..... and sure enough there was the stone store, only now it had been added to and made into a garage, and right next to it was the stone house where the owners lived - mom thought they had been distant relatives on her folks side. Now I really had some things to question Grandma B. about - grandma knows everything!
Finally early that afternoon, as we were visiting Grandma in the nursing home where she having a blast - no worrys, no upkeep - and even though Gram would never say it, 'totally waited on by the kids!' is great.
I asked Gram about Nettle Lake U.B. church and she didn't remember anything about any relatives worshiping there. Then I talked about the deteriorating condition of most of the homes on Nettle Lake, ..... she winked at me and said as only Gram can, 'honey, those homes were deteriorating when I was a kid!' ... then she said her oldest brother Andrew recalled that they [Andrew, Grandma, and her sister] had all been baptized in Nettle Lake - and he called it a 'mudhole.' Now I'm really getting interested - Grandma doesn't recall any involvement in Nettle Lake U.B, but she and her siblings are baptized in Nettle Lake, and believe me you've got to intentionally use Nettle Lake for a baptismal service, and there are head stones in the cemetery across the street with the family name??? ...plus there's a stone store in the area owned by distant relatives - there's a mystery here I'm going to investigate. Grandma did remember the store/house and reaffirmed mom's memory.
Well mom and I had a good laugh when it was all over ... mom said she felt like she'd been around the world, she hadn't put on that many miles in a day except to go to medical/dental appointment. I told her to start getting used to it, we're going to be a traveling pair - she did really enjoy the day, I think she just doesn't want to do all the driving. Next week I'm taking home some of my genealogical files on mom's family and we're going back to the Nettle Lake U.B. cemetery.
Well now I'm getting tired from all this writing!
ENJOY TODAY - GOD CREATED IT.
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