The agency I work for has carried out the executions of four death row inmates this past year. What is the Christian response to the law, criminal justice and Capital Punishment? Then I ask myself the proverbial question, “What would Jesus do?”
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Passenger Train Memories
I grew up in a small, rural Ohio community. Our house was next to the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad. Every night I was lulled to sleep by the melancholy song of the train passing over the rails and the lonesome whistle that heralded its arrival and departure. “Take me away, take me away, take me away” seemed to be the song that echoed from that railroad track.
Unable to sleep on hot, humid Ohio nights, I watched the coming and goings of the trains. Passenger trains were my favorite. I was a voyeur peering as it were into the lit cabin trying to catch a glimpse of the lives that passed so quickly from my view.
Business men sat with newspaper in hand to occupy their time and their space in seeming oblivion to the others around them. They were too important to be bothered I imagined.
It was an era when women dressed in business attire for the train trip and wore hats and although I couldn’t see it, I believe they wore gloves. I don’t know why I believed this, I just did. It just seemed to complete the mental image.
Occasionally there was a child or several children sitting with what was probably their mother or grandmother. Sitting. Quietly. Children of that era were to be “seen and not heard”. Were they traveling to visit relatives? We’re they relocating due to a divorce? Had their parents succumbed to some disaster? Sometimes it appeared they were looking out the window and right back at me. That was eerie or was that Erie?
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I imagined the passengers’ luggage. It would be neatly packed and organized with all the important items and clothing that would take them to this new place, this new destination in their lives. The luggage would always appear in my mind’s eye to be the old, hard backed leather looking suitcases of that era. The type my great-aunt owned. The type I would love to own even now. Not use, per se, merely own and use for storage and home decorating purposes.
Where were these people going? Where was life taking them and why was I destined to remain here and not travel the rails with them? I had this spirit, this wanderlust that made me want to jump the next freight train that passed by with an open door… I never did. I thought about it, but I never did. Perhaps that was due in part to having seen gentlemen (?) of a vagabond nature sitting in empty freights from time to time and hearing the stories of my grandmother about the Hobos of the depression era.
After I left home I was struck with insomnia. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t sleep until one sleepless night it occurred to me: the trains, I miss the trains and the song that heralded a time of sleep.
I recall a time when three Amish women were briskly walking down our street to catch the train to somewhere. My smaller, younger brother started screaming, “The witches are coming to get me! The witches are coming to get me!" I still laugh at that recollection. He denies any of the event. One would suppose he’s a politician in losing that memory.
Two years ago my husband and I took a small train ride to the Grand Canyon and back via the Grand Canyon Railway. It was a wonderful mini trip that heralded our 30th anniversary.
Last December we scheduled a small Christmas trek for the young grandchildren. It was the North Pole Express out of Globe Arizona on the Copper Spike Train Excursions. The grand kids loved it. They wore their pajamas, slippers and robes and had hot cocoa with cookies. When the train arrived at the “North Pole” Santa boarded and stopped and chatted with each child. It was a magical night for them and for us.
To this very day, I love the romance of passenger trains. From here, I think I’ll browse the Amtrak schedule and listen to Arlo Guthrie sing “City of New Orleans“. Did I mention it’s 3:00 a.m.? And I can't sleep? Where is the melancholy railroad tune to lull me to sleep?
Unable to sleep on hot, humid Ohio nights, I watched the coming and goings of the trains. Passenger trains were my favorite. I was a voyeur peering as it were into the lit cabin trying to catch a glimpse of the lives that passed so quickly from my view.
Business men sat with newspaper in hand to occupy their time and their space in seeming oblivion to the others around them. They were too important to be bothered I imagined.
It was an era when women dressed in business attire for the train trip and wore hats and although I couldn’t see it, I believe they wore gloves. I don’t know why I believed this, I just did. It just seemed to complete the mental image.
Occasionally there was a child or several children sitting with what was probably their mother or grandmother. Sitting. Quietly. Children of that era were to be “seen and not heard”. Were they traveling to visit relatives? We’re they relocating due to a divorce? Had their parents succumbed to some disaster? Sometimes it appeared they were looking out the window and right back at me. That was eerie or was that Erie?
Where were these people going? Where was life taking them and why was I destined to remain here and not travel the rails with them? I had this spirit, this wanderlust that made me want to jump the next freight train that passed by with an open door… I never did. I thought about it, but I never did. Perhaps that was due in part to having seen gentlemen (?) of a vagabond nature sitting in empty freights from time to time and hearing the stories of my grandmother about the Hobos of the depression era.
After I left home I was struck with insomnia. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t sleep until one sleepless night it occurred to me: the trains, I miss the trains and the song that heralded a time of sleep.
I recall a time when three Amish women were briskly walking down our street to catch the train to somewhere. My smaller, younger brother started screaming, “The witches are coming to get me! The witches are coming to get me!" I still laugh at that recollection. He denies any of the event. One would suppose he’s a politician in losing that memory.
Two years ago my husband and I took a small train ride to the Grand Canyon and back via the Grand Canyon Railway. It was a wonderful mini trip that heralded our 30th anniversary.
Last December we scheduled a small Christmas trek for the young grandchildren. It was the North Pole Express out of Globe Arizona on the Copper Spike Train Excursions. The grand kids loved it. They wore their pajamas, slippers and robes and had hot cocoa with cookies. When the train arrived at the “North Pole” Santa boarded and stopped and chatted with each child. It was a magical night for them and for us.
To this very day, I love the romance of passenger trains. From here, I think I’ll browse the Amtrak schedule and listen to Arlo Guthrie sing “City of New Orleans“. Did I mention it’s 3:00 a.m.? And I can't sleep? Where is the melancholy railroad tune to lull me to sleep?
Tamara
Have you never questioned those who travel? Have you paid no regard to their accounts— Job 21:29 NIV
Have you never questioned those who travel? Have you paid no regard to their accounts— Job 21:29 NIV
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Community & Church
I previously posted one of my favorite quotations by Mahatma Gandhi regarding faith, community and politics:
And so I ask:"A religion that takes no account of practical affairs and does not help to solve them is no religion."
What is the church doing for those in need inside their own walls?
What is the church doing in and for the local community?
What is the church doing for the world community?
We can and often do reach out to fill the spiritual needs of people, but what about the physical needs of food, clothing, housing? Or merely spending time with persons who have begun attending our church or who have moved into our community or neighborhood?
Next, I need to take it to a more personal level and ask myself the above questions:
What am I doing for those in need at the church?
What am I doing for my local community?
What am I doing for the world community?
Oh, I may piously sit back and say, "well, I support ministry XYZ with a monthly financial contribution..." but is that enough? Is that enough to quell the Spirit in my soul that begs for more? And not necessarily money, but that of time and actually of getting my hands dirty?
In Luke 6, right after the Beatitudes, we are commanded to 'love our enemies'. It is hard enough to love those who are like-minded, but our enemies? Really?
Beginning in Luke 6 verse 27:
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Now wait a minute? Does this mean the woman who seeks an abortion? Does this mean the homosexual? Does this mean the Muslim? Yes, it does. Does this mean we turn our back to sin? Of course not. What it means is that we respond as Christ did. In and with love. Even though the end of this reference speaks of reward, that is not the motivation to perform such acts. We do these acts, these charities because all persons are created in the image of God - not just the Christian. Being a Christian, proclaiming to be a Christian is not an elitist club or membership.
Today's post is meant for me. For me to be able to sort through all the religious acts of piety and become a 'verb' - an action word. It is one thing to know this and quite another to live it.
There are certain things I know quite well about myself. I have a creative streak, a gift, if you will. I can conceive some wonderful ideas and plans, but in carrying them out? Not so good. Am I able to convey this vision to others and perhaps they can carry them out? That remains to be seen.
So this I pray:
because we're His,Abba, Father... help me to see all mankind as created in Your image. ~Amen!
Tamara
ps... in accordance with verse 30... to the Christian woman who borrowed my book Zipporah and then sold it in her yard sale. Consider it yours. I release you and my feeling of shock, awe, hurt and disappointment! Note to self: Don't go to yard sales of persons you know or have lent something to. Then don't be angry with yourself for not saying something. In the scope of eternity, is it worth it?
ps... in accordance with verse 30... to the Christian woman who borrowed my book Zipporah and then sold it in her yard sale. Consider it yours. I release you and my feeling of shock, awe, hurt and disappointment! Note to self: Don't go to yard sales of persons you know or have lent something to. Then don't be angry with yourself for not saying something. In the scope of eternity, is it worth it?
Friday, July 8, 2011
Under the Weather
I knew something was up last Friday when I felt a stinging, tingling sensation above my left eye and had a very bad headache. We were on our way home from Tucson where the Hubs met with his urologist. Saturday morning I had what appeared to be two little blisters and intense itching. I put some cortisone cream on them. They got worse! Sunday I coated them with Neosporin and a band aide and went to church. The headache continued on and nothing, absolutely nothing touched it.
I went to work on Tuesday (Monday was our 4th of July holiday). The head still hurt, the rash was horrific and just above my eyebrow. I went to the doctor's that evening. I have SHINGLES!!! On Wednesday, per the doctor's orders I went to see my opthomologist. He noted swelling on my eye lid but no actual shingles in the eye. I'm to return next Friday for a follow up appointment.
I have three prescriptions: one for shingles that's taken 5 times a day for 7 days; one for pain as needed; and a salve for the area. I hadn't gotten the vaccine for shingles - I wasn't quite 60! SIGH!!!
I cannot read well as my left eye (my dominant eye) is blurry. It is now swollen 2/3 shut every morning when I wake up. And I can't seem to get enough sleep. This couldn't happen at a worse time due to work efforts and an upcoming audit.
Perhaps this is a "not my will but Thy will" situation. The articles I've read indicate that stress can be a factor in developing shingles... I don't think it's work, more than likely it's been the kidney stone saga on the Hubs end.
This is all for now, perhaps I can write/add more later.
Saturday, July 9, 2011:
The Shingles still look horrible and the itching comes and goes and when it comes, it is with a vengeance! My left eye has been prone to swelling when I wake up from sleeping. The other day is was so swollen and probably 2/3 closed. It was so swollen it was odd looking out from my own eye. It was as if it had been framed by skin - MY SKIN!
This experience is new to me and very disconcerting! My bangs have grown out, so they cover the affected area, but they make me itch horribly. I have a salve the Doctor prescribed, but it is so... sticky it's almost like putting tree sap on it. The best relief thus far is Ocean Potion for sunburn. It has a pain reliever, aloe and quells the itch for awhile.
The problem now is that I get tired so easily and my left eye is blurry, blurry, blurry! What am I to do come Monday? Perhaps it will be better by then and I can return to work unscathed! We'll give it a test run tomorrow at church. According to the articles I've read, we're past the contagious point.
Hugz,
Tamara
I went to work on Tuesday (Monday was our 4th of July holiday). The head still hurt, the rash was horrific and just above my eyebrow. I went to the doctor's that evening. I have SHINGLES!!! On Wednesday, per the doctor's orders I went to see my opthomologist. He noted swelling on my eye lid but no actual shingles in the eye. I'm to return next Friday for a follow up appointment.
I have three prescriptions: one for shingles that's taken 5 times a day for 7 days; one for pain as needed; and a salve for the area. I hadn't gotten the vaccine for shingles - I wasn't quite 60! SIGH!!!
I cannot read well as my left eye (my dominant eye) is blurry. It is now swollen 2/3 shut every morning when I wake up. And I can't seem to get enough sleep. This couldn't happen at a worse time due to work efforts and an upcoming audit.
Perhaps this is a "not my will but Thy will" situation. The articles I've read indicate that stress can be a factor in developing shingles... I don't think it's work, more than likely it's been the kidney stone saga on the Hubs end.
This is all for now, perhaps I can write/add more later.
Saturday, July 9, 2011:
The Shingles still look horrible and the itching comes and goes and when it comes, it is with a vengeance! My left eye has been prone to swelling when I wake up from sleeping. The other day is was so swollen and probably 2/3 closed. It was so swollen it was odd looking out from my own eye. It was as if it had been framed by skin - MY SKIN!
This experience is new to me and very disconcerting! My bangs have grown out, so they cover the affected area, but they make me itch horribly. I have a salve the Doctor prescribed, but it is so... sticky it's almost like putting tree sap on it. The best relief thus far is Ocean Potion for sunburn. It has a pain reliever, aloe and quells the itch for awhile.
The problem now is that I get tired so easily and my left eye is blurry, blurry, blurry! What am I to do come Monday? Perhaps it will be better by then and I can return to work unscathed! We'll give it a test run tomorrow at church. According to the articles I've read, we're past the contagious point.
Hugz,
Tamara
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Cha-cha-cha-changes!
Have you noticed how often I change the backgrounds to this blog? I get it to a point then think perhaps I'll tweak it a bit, then end up scrapping the whole thing for something new. I suppose it is a lot like dressing each day. A different day, a different outfit. For now, for this moment in time - I have selected Black & White!
In my line of work (state service) we have a number of policies and procedures. They are to help guide us and to keep us from doing something that would cause embarrassment or even criminal charges. There are a number of them and if placed end to end with the Bible, I'm sure it would exceed the number of words in the Word of God.
Some people find the policies and procedures restrictive and consider them to be "suggestions" rather than what they were intended for. I happen to like policy and procedure - everything in 'black & white' - no grey areas. And it is available to all employees.
Like the Word of God, however, you have to read them to know them. That is time consuming. All too often we hear, "But I didn't know that was in policy!" Does that excuse the infraction? By no means. Sometimes employees have even been dismissed due to the severity of their actions.
The wonderful part of God's Word and work is Grace. The marvelous Grace that that attends our soul. That is not to say that we do not have to suffer the consequences of our actions or our non action. It merely means that we can be forgiven and then covered with a mantel of Grace. Grace, however, is no license for continued defiance against the Word of God. This makes me think of the old hymn "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" which is now swirling about my head in four-part harmony!
This hymn was written by Haldor Lillenas in 1918.Wonderful grace of Jesus,Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost,
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven,
For all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain
So there it is the reason I am in Black & White today. And maybe for tomorrow, and the next day...
May your day be blessed,
Tamara
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July Fourth 2011
When I look at the turmoil of some of the nations of the world...
~I know that I am blessed to live in America.
When I disagree with the politics of the day and am free to be vocal about it...
~I know that I am blessed to live in America.
When I walk into the church of my choice and not the choice of the state or nation...
~I know that I am blessed to live in America.
When I walk the concourse of an airport and see groups of service men and women and I see people applauding them, shaking their hands and wishing them well...
~I know that I am blessed to live in America.
What are your earliest memories of the Fourth of July? Picnics? Barbeques? Homemade ice cream? Swimming? Camping? Fireworks?
Mine surround homemade ice cream and fireworks. As a child growing up our community also had a carnival during the week of the 4th of July. Sometimes our fireworks were delayed or even canceled due to rain. Not so here in Arizona. If anything, they are canceled due to the drought and the wildfire season.
And still I know that I am blessed to live in America!
Have a safe and blessed holiday!
~Tamara
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (NIV)
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