Laugh, Cry, Be Shocked! Thursday, December 25, 2008 at 7:23pm on FB
Proverbs 17:22a (NKJV) "A merry heart does good, like medicine."
Lovely poems by the Meekers & extended family
These poems started about a week ago, from Bernie & Cathy Harrington, cousins from South Dakota. They were emailed to the Meekers, who responded to ALL with new additions. It just kept on going--snowball effect. (Al, Doug, Jim, Ann, & Warren are all siblings. Parents, cousins & in-laws chimed in. Feel free to add a rhyme, if you are so inclined.)
Get ready to laugh, cry & be shocked.
Initial Poem from Bernie & Cathy Harrington from Aberdeen, South Dakota:
It's winter in South Dakota
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At twenty-five below.
Oh, how I love South Dakota
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave South Dakota
'Cause I'm frozen to the ground!!*
Doug Meeker from Willow Springs, NC (near Raleigh):
I read your lovely poem
It's the best I've ever seen
I'll think of it tomorrow
While I'm chipping to the green
Golfing can be tricky
In this Carolina weather
If it gets much colder
I will have to wear a sweater
Tomorrow at the golf course
I will likely shed some tears
For I'll be thinking of you
As you're freezing off your rears
Ann Gaines from Helotes, TX (near San Antonio):
Now, you could be here in Texas
Where you're hot and then you're cold
Your sinuses could be driving you nuts
Your joints feeling 100 years old
The good thing at this time of year
Is the lack of snakes and ants
No worries of the creepy things
Running up and down your pants
So at times I'm very jealous
Of the snow and of the ice
But if I had my choice of places
NC would be really nice!
Al Meeker from Charlotte, NC:
My poem by Al Meeker
Sorry you're cold,
I'm not.
The End.
Jim Meeker from Jacksonville, NC:
Jim's Poem by Jim
I’m sorry my brothers and sisters must gloat
Apparently they have no shame
To laugh and make fun of one’s seasonal plight
Is starting to sound quite lame
I’m writing to try to make you feel better
About the situation that you’re in
But nothing really makes much sense
I don’t even know where to begin
I hate to say that our weathers been nice
But is really has been pleasing
Enough that I took off all my clothes
And ran through the neighborhood streaking
And now that image is stuck in your head
I’m sorry I admit
But you’re the one who started this mess
So really you do deserve it
Doug Meeker:
To forget the image you've placed in our heads
Would for some be an order too tall.
But for others the task would be nothing to dread
For the image is rather quite small
Jim Meeker:
Ah, the poor attempt to embarrass me
Really was quite weak
I'm sorry that your sense of humor
Never really peaked
But in defense of my jog that day
And clichés that are quite silly
Just point that judgmental finger at yourself
And quit making fun of my willy
Doug Meeker:
Your poem is disgusting
I think it's really bad
You'd better start to clean things up
Or I'll tell Mom and Dad
Jim Meeker:
Go ahead and tell our Mom
Or better yet tell Dad
I just don't think they really care
They probably think its sad
So if you think by tattling
That things here might change
You really are a foolish boy
And very, very strange
So if the truth must be told
And don't you think its new
I can speak for all the kids
No one really liked you!
Doug Meeker:
You tell the truth
You do not lie,
You are not a deceiver
And I am not a bit surprised,
For I don't like me either
Jim Meeker:
It’s not because you’re different
Or anything like so weird
It’s even not your moustache
Or that silly beard
There is something you do not know
That we do not discuss
We gave you to an orphanage
And they gave you back to us
Al Meeker:
The orphanage that we sent you to
was a strange one we were told
it only housed cats and dogs
in cages that were old.
The patients there were all "fixed".
surgeries performed in such a whirl
the one that they performed on you,
...you're lucky you're not a girl.
Evidently there was a big mistake
some things we do not talk
but after your briss was performed
it took a year for you to walk.
But as the years went on you ran and played
romping through all of the yards
the one thing that we could not break you of
was chasing the parked cars.
Doug Meeker:
You did not have to break me
For I now do as I ought
The thing that broke my habit
Was that stupid car I caught
Josh Harrington from Phoenix, AZ:
I'm proud to be part of this group
Our family's very witty
But I felt I must chime in...
Our weather's been quite pretty
Now I know that it is true--
Mom doesn't want to know
But this is why we love this place...
It's for the lack of snow
So pack your bags and come and see
Why we choose to be
In a place where, during August
The temp is one twenty-three!
Al Meeker:
I've been in that area
and this I know is true
That at this time of year, Josh
You'll never catch the flu
Bernie & Cathy Harrington:
We know how much you love your states.
Of that you're all quite clear.
The major problem we can see..
You're all "there" and we are "here"!!! :-(
Donna Meeker from Sioux Falls, SD:
As matriarch of this motley crew
writing a response seems the right thing to do
A path through the snow has been cleared by DAD
A job once done by the offspring we once had
Alas, they have moved to places afar
To escape the cold and the snow...way up thar!
Al Meeker:
While we were visiting in SD
There is one thing that I regret
Is that the young ones did not get to do
a thing they won't forget.
We all remember Ralphy's friend Flick
in the playground nice and young
being double dog dared (and then stupid)
on the pole he stuck his tongue.
I feel sorry for our children
an experience they'll not have
to rip the skin off of their tongues
As the parents stand by and laugh.
It has been to late for some of us
we've done all that, we know
But it still is really funny
To have seen little Warren running naked in the snow.
Warren Meeker from Rock Hill, SC (near Charlotte, NC):
I had shoes on
Warren Meeker
Nyle Meeker from Sioux Falls, SD:
As an older South Dakotan,
I'm sitting here in shock
I cannot believe that my children
are becoming a weaker stock
The snow and cold of winter
made them strong and brave
And I would like to think
it taught them to behave
It bothers me now that they all seem to falter
Because if they were home right now
they could walk on water
Diana & Brad Scott from Romulus, MI (near Detroit):
what a shame........
I read in the paper,
In North Carolina there were cries,
An epidemic filled emergency rooms,
Children having problems with their eyes.
A streaking old man,
At least old did he look.
Caused burning of retinas,
As he ran and he shook.
And it is a shame,
A man once a hero,
A veteran of war,
Now wearing zero.
What could have caused,
This hero to fall.
Was it the French vanilla,
When he heard it call?
Strong and black,
Was the way of the past.
Now it's all vanilla cuddly,
Let's hope it don't last.
Jim Meeker:
I don't know who started
This rumor of lies
When I find out
He'll wish he had died
If you look through the cupboards
No French Vanilla you'll find
Or even the fridge
You can search til you're blind
I live in a house
That's all full of lassies
It's not uncommon to find
Things that are ruffled and sassy
But when it comes to coffee
It's for me not the missies
And we all agree
French Vanilla's for sissies
~note to readers: there is nothing ruffled or sassy in MY house, even if I am a girl.~Pam
Comments Posted on FB:
Nyla Irene Hilfinger at 7:44pm December 25
We hail from New York State
It snows here its never late
It can be very cold and make us feel old.
I am not a poet and I know it!
Pamela J Meeker at 11:20pm December 25
Reality
The weather's been nice
No snow and no ice
No old men are streaking down streets
The coffee's been black
No girlie knick-knacks
And NO ONE has been eating beets
Pamela J Meeker at 11:14am December 26
Note about the beets: The Meekers kids all "claim" that their Mom, Donna Meeker, forced them to eat beets when they were little. This claim has yet to be verified, but the kids all joke about it none-the-less. Someone had to bring up beets.
Pamela J Meeker at 11:14am December 26
O.K. So my brother-in-law, Brad Scott, emailed out another addition to the poem. (He needs to be my friend on FB, but alas, he has snubbed me. And--I DID NOT start the rumor.)
Rejoice, rejoice,
The rumor’s not true.
The hero’s coffee not tainted,
By the juice of a moo.
But the story was started,
And was not a sham,
By an anonymous “insider”,
Whose name is …………..
(I got nothing that rhymes with sham.)
But a question remains,
So we must keep on thinking,
Why was our hero,
Out in the world streaking?
Combat fatigue?
Too many Broadway show tunes?
A few wild late night maneuvers,
Out on the dunes?
Or could it now be,
A government plan,
The Navy’s new secret weapon,
The anti-terrorist naked man!
Lindy Meeker at 12:30pm December 26
These poems are great,
they made me laugh when I was feeling blue,
but I must admit,
I'm slightly shocked at the people I'm related to.
Amanda Lynn Klos at 9:42pm December 27
Hahah these are great! :)
Amye Baker at 9:57pm December 28
South Dakota ain't nothing
From Cleveland I came
Where snow flakes abound
And well below zero's the game
The only problem I find
Is that all you I befriend
A streaker you say
showing off his rear end?
Oh what in the world
has old Jim been thru
to think that the world
was ready to view
His stark naked body
running thru the neighborhood
for young boys & girls
that sight was no good!
As for me, i'm cross town
and so glad to say
Not a glance I did catch
Cause I live far away!
Pamela J Meeker at 10:53pm December 29
O.K. Here's another poem by Brad Scott (sent to Jim's email):
Women love roses,
Violets, they're alright.
But it's a sad day,
When no poems do you write.
Pamela J Meeker at 10:53pm December 29
Here's Jim's quick response:
Yes, it is true
It has been a few days
I have not written
I am sorry to say
I have had the time
I have no excuse
But I think you should know
I'm not Dr Suess
Lindy Meeker at 11:20pm December 29
I love all these poems
They are great, I admit.
Such classic examples of humor and wit.
But I must say that I'd have to be a bit braver
To ponder these visions of sketchy behavior.
Please keep in mind when you're writing, my dears,
That these poems are reaching sheltered ears.
Pamela J Meeker at 10:11pm January 8
Here's another poem by Brad Scott, sent to email. Brad just needs to be my friend on FB so he can post these himself!
You aren’t Dr Suess,
But you must be busy love’n.
Because I just heard,
You have a bun in the oven.
Congrats to you,
A family of four,
I hope you are ready,
For Di to come through your door,
and see the baby and spend time with Abbie and to write another song and to do more painting and to baby sit and toddler sit and to basically move in and love her nieces or nephew and niece or what if there are twins or triplets and to love and cook and wash and play and …… wait, who will cook for me?(Jim tells me that it all rhymes, but I'm having trouble figuring out the rhyming format for the last section. I'm already loosing brain cells.)
Amanda Lynn Klos at 10:13pm January 8
Wait, are you pregnant again, Pam? :o
Pamela J Meeker at 10:18pm January 8
yes
Amanda Lynn Klos at 10:33pm January 8
Ah! That is so exciting! Did you just find out? Or are you due soon?
Pamela J Meeker at 11:33pm January 8
just found out, due around end of Aug, beg of Sept. My family knows
Julianne Joy Scott at 11:42pm January 8
hahahaha!!!! that last one my dad wrote is hilarious!!!!! i wanna come with my mom when she does :)
Pamela J Meeker at 11:44pm January 8
Too bad--you'll probably be in school. Jim already wrote a rebuttal, but hasn't posted it here yet-maybe tomorrow.
Julianne Joy Scott at 11:45pm January 8
well.... it could quite possibly happen before the baby is born... maybe my spring break :O
Grace Klos at 1:11am January 9
congrats Pam, im happy for you guys :D
Jim Meeker at 6:32pm January 9
Response to Brad
A bun in the oven
I cannot lie
It came to us
A little surprise
Happy for me
Sad for you
When its time to eat
Use the drive through
Nyla Irene Hilfinger at 7:33pm January 9
Are you and Jim having another baby! How terrific!! I am so happy for you.
Eileen Cunningham West at 9:42pm January 9
Yay~~~~~what wonderful news!!!! Congratulations!!!!
Cathy Harrington at 5:50pm January 10
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm screaming with joy for all of you!!!!!
Nyla Irene Hilfinger at 8:40pm January 11
I hope you are feeling well, and keep us posted!!!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
God's Big Squeeze
God's Big Squeeze Monday, December 15, 2008 at 2:35pm on FB
Usually, at this time of the year, I’m listening to Christmas music on iTunes. Instead, I’m listening to Abbie sing as she plays with toys. There will be time for Christmas music when she is done singing.
Abbie is 3 ½ years old now & likes to sing the song, My God is So Big!
My God is so big, so strong & so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do. (2x)
The mountains are His, the valleys are His, the stars are His handiwork, too.
My God is so big, so strong & so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do, for YOU!
It’s almost Christmas. I have lots of fun memories at this time of year . . . Playing outside in the snow; Grandpa Muck pulling us behind the big red tractor on the toboggan (why did my sisters make me sit up front??? I always got snow in my face!); everyone helping carry boxes of Christmas decorations downstairs from the attic where Dad was dropping them down to us (usually to Diana); Mom decorating EVERY room with something Christmas; Dad feeding the fire in the family room while we watched Santa Klaus is Coming to Town & Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on TV; decorating the Christmas Tree; placing the nativity pieces--just right; listening to the Chipmunks Christmas album; Mom holed up in the basement--wrapping gifts; visiting Grandma Killingbeck’s house on Christmas Eve & opening the gifts sent from Grandma & Grandpa Harrison; Grandpa Harrison & his video camera; big dinner’s at Grandma Harrison’s house-down in the basement & watching Grandpa’s home movies where Aunt Jo inevitably bent over in front of the camera; and the list goes on. I’m sure Di, Dawn & Patti could add to it.
But, Christmas time is more than just special memories of childhood & family. We all know (at least in America, most of us still know) that Christmas is about God sending his Son to earth, to be born of a virgin (a miraculous birth!) Sometimes we forget--when we get caught up in all the shopping, baking, wrapping, parties, etc.--what a great sacrifice was made for that miraculous birth. Remember, Jesus’ sacrifice didn’t start on Calvary. It started when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary & Jesus was conceived.
Ramblings . . .
I recently read the book titled The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis. The story is about a man who boards a bus going to heaven. When he gets there, the man finds that his fellow passengers all have a choice to make. Should they stay in heaven, or board the bus & go back (to what? Hell?) (Surprisingly enough, his fellow passengers decide to go back to their own self-imposed hells.) There are citizens of heaven who greet the passengers, answer their questions about heaven & life, and persuade them to continue on to the “higher grounds” in heaven, instead of returning to the bus.
The man, from whose perspective the book is written, is also “assigned” a heavenly citizen who answers his questions. In speaking with the man, the heavenly citizen points out that the bus & it’s passengers started out very small & had to grow exceedingly in size in order to travel to heaven & to perceive heaven as they were seeing it. Someone from heaven could not go back (to earth or hell) because they “would not fit”, they are too big to fit. TOO BIG. Too big to fit in earth---coming from heaven.
Did you ever read the book (or see the movie) Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss? You know--Horton the elephant, hears a small cry for help coming from a tiny speck & discovers that there is a WHOLE WORLD of little people (the Who’s) living on the tiny speck. Is that what earth is like compared to heaven? I often like to ponder what heaven is like. I can’t wait to get there. But, I’m living on the tiny speck right now. I can’t even comprehend how big heaven is, let alone how BIG GOD is!
When Jesus was born as a man, first He had to leave heaven. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I would want to leave heaven once I was there. I don’t even like to leave the comforts of my own home. Jesus gave up everything. Just think about it.
Jesus had to leave His home--heaven, in exchange for a manger in a stinky stable. He gave up His authority--now He was subject to earthly, sinful parents, as well as political leaders. He was also reliant on these parents, when He was once self-existent. He gave up His infinite power & timelessness--He became a helpless infant, growing up slowly in our earthly time frame. He gave up His omniscience--He no longer knew the Big Picture, but had to pray to His Father for guidance (just as we do.) He gave up His sovereignty--heaven & earth were no longer at His command. He gave up His freedom--His will to do as He wished. He gave up so much more; I cannot list all of His sacrifices here. He willingly gave up all this for us, knowing full well in advance, what we would do to Him, after having to endure this fallen, sinful world for 33 years.
God had to squeeze Himself into man,
because man is just too small to hold all of God.
Now, what is Christmas all about?
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world
--Welcome to Our World, from the album Deep Enough to Dream by Chris Rice
Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, BUT MADE HIMSELF NOTHING, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Selected Scripture from the Gospel of Luke
Luke 1:26-35 (NLT)
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David.
Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.
Luke 2:1-16 (NLT)
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.
And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Comments on FB:
Diana Lynn Scott at 8:02pm December 15
WOW! Thank you for writing!I LOVE when you share your heart!PJ you have a many gifts, ALL special, just like you!I love your writing gift! I'm in tears. Once again, Holy Spirit has touched my heart through you. I love you and am proud to be your sister!
Patti Fife at 6:44pm December 16
Listening to your child while she plays is one of the greatest joys as a parent. I am so glad you are listening!!! AMEN to your whole "note" too (except I don't think stables aren't all that stinky-I kinda like them-though I don't want to have a baby in one!!!) Love you!!!
Pamela J Meeker at 11:21pm December 19
Just a few quotes to add about the 'we're on a tiny speck" rabbit trail.
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” Horton Elephant in Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss
“If it is maintained that anything so small as the Earth must, in any event, be too unimportant to merit the love of the Creator, we reply that no Christian ever supposed we did merit it. Christ did not die for men because they were intrinsically worth dying for, but because He is intrinsically love, and therefore loves infinitely. And what, after all, does the size of a world or a creature tell us about its ’importance’ or value?” Miracles by C.S. Lewis
Dorothy B Harrison at 11:55am December 20
I am speechless, That was sooo good. Wish we could be making more memories with you this Christmas. We have lots of snow and Abbie would love to ride on a toboggan with her cousin Jack and the rest of the bunch. We need you and Jim here to lend your voices to the Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. You are such a good Mom. Love you
Amye Baker at 7:36am December 21
Pam, thank you for this gift, the reminder in such vivid and beautiful terms. Children say and do the simplest things that lead us to the feet of Jesus...it's beautiful
Usually, at this time of the year, I’m listening to Christmas music on iTunes. Instead, I’m listening to Abbie sing as she plays with toys. There will be time for Christmas music when she is done singing.
Abbie is 3 ½ years old now & likes to sing the song, My God is So Big!
My God is so big, so strong & so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do. (2x)
The mountains are His, the valleys are His, the stars are His handiwork, too.
My God is so big, so strong & so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do, for YOU!
It’s almost Christmas. I have lots of fun memories at this time of year . . . Playing outside in the snow; Grandpa Muck pulling us behind the big red tractor on the toboggan (why did my sisters make me sit up front??? I always got snow in my face!); everyone helping carry boxes of Christmas decorations downstairs from the attic where Dad was dropping them down to us (usually to Diana); Mom decorating EVERY room with something Christmas; Dad feeding the fire in the family room while we watched Santa Klaus is Coming to Town & Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on TV; decorating the Christmas Tree; placing the nativity pieces--just right; listening to the Chipmunks Christmas album; Mom holed up in the basement--wrapping gifts; visiting Grandma Killingbeck’s house on Christmas Eve & opening the gifts sent from Grandma & Grandpa Harrison; Grandpa Harrison & his video camera; big dinner’s at Grandma Harrison’s house-down in the basement & watching Grandpa’s home movies where Aunt Jo inevitably bent over in front of the camera; and the list goes on. I’m sure Di, Dawn & Patti could add to it.
But, Christmas time is more than just special memories of childhood & family. We all know (at least in America, most of us still know) that Christmas is about God sending his Son to earth, to be born of a virgin (a miraculous birth!) Sometimes we forget--when we get caught up in all the shopping, baking, wrapping, parties, etc.--what a great sacrifice was made for that miraculous birth. Remember, Jesus’ sacrifice didn’t start on Calvary. It started when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary & Jesus was conceived.
Ramblings . . .
I recently read the book titled The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis. The story is about a man who boards a bus going to heaven. When he gets there, the man finds that his fellow passengers all have a choice to make. Should they stay in heaven, or board the bus & go back (to what? Hell?) (Surprisingly enough, his fellow passengers decide to go back to their own self-imposed hells.) There are citizens of heaven who greet the passengers, answer their questions about heaven & life, and persuade them to continue on to the “higher grounds” in heaven, instead of returning to the bus.
The man, from whose perspective the book is written, is also “assigned” a heavenly citizen who answers his questions. In speaking with the man, the heavenly citizen points out that the bus & it’s passengers started out very small & had to grow exceedingly in size in order to travel to heaven & to perceive heaven as they were seeing it. Someone from heaven could not go back (to earth or hell) because they “would not fit”, they are too big to fit. TOO BIG. Too big to fit in earth---coming from heaven.
Did you ever read the book (or see the movie) Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss? You know--Horton the elephant, hears a small cry for help coming from a tiny speck & discovers that there is a WHOLE WORLD of little people (the Who’s) living on the tiny speck. Is that what earth is like compared to heaven? I often like to ponder what heaven is like. I can’t wait to get there. But, I’m living on the tiny speck right now. I can’t even comprehend how big heaven is, let alone how BIG GOD is!
When Jesus was born as a man, first He had to leave heaven. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I would want to leave heaven once I was there. I don’t even like to leave the comforts of my own home. Jesus gave up everything. Just think about it.
Jesus had to leave His home--heaven, in exchange for a manger in a stinky stable. He gave up His authority--now He was subject to earthly, sinful parents, as well as political leaders. He was also reliant on these parents, when He was once self-existent. He gave up His infinite power & timelessness--He became a helpless infant, growing up slowly in our earthly time frame. He gave up His omniscience--He no longer knew the Big Picture, but had to pray to His Father for guidance (just as we do.) He gave up His sovereignty--heaven & earth were no longer at His command. He gave up His freedom--His will to do as He wished. He gave up so much more; I cannot list all of His sacrifices here. He willingly gave up all this for us, knowing full well in advance, what we would do to Him, after having to endure this fallen, sinful world for 33 years.
God had to squeeze Himself into man,
because man is just too small to hold all of God.
Now, what is Christmas all about?
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world
--Welcome to Our World, from the album Deep Enough to Dream by Chris Rice
Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, BUT MADE HIMSELF NOTHING, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Selected Scripture from the Gospel of Luke
Luke 1:26-35 (NLT)
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David.
Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.
Luke 2:1-16 (NLT)
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.
And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Comments on FB:
Diana Lynn Scott at 8:02pm December 15
WOW! Thank you for writing!I LOVE when you share your heart!PJ you have a many gifts, ALL special, just like you!I love your writing gift! I'm in tears. Once again, Holy Spirit has touched my heart through you. I love you and am proud to be your sister!
Patti Fife at 6:44pm December 16
Listening to your child while she plays is one of the greatest joys as a parent. I am so glad you are listening!!! AMEN to your whole "note" too (except I don't think stables aren't all that stinky-I kinda like them-though I don't want to have a baby in one!!!) Love you!!!
Pamela J Meeker at 11:21pm December 19
Just a few quotes to add about the 'we're on a tiny speck" rabbit trail.
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” Horton Elephant in Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss
“If it is maintained that anything so small as the Earth must, in any event, be too unimportant to merit the love of the Creator, we reply that no Christian ever supposed we did merit it. Christ did not die for men because they were intrinsically worth dying for, but because He is intrinsically love, and therefore loves infinitely. And what, after all, does the size of a world or a creature tell us about its ’importance’ or value?” Miracles by C.S. Lewis
Dorothy B Harrison at 11:55am December 20
I am speechless, That was sooo good. Wish we could be making more memories with you this Christmas. We have lots of snow and Abbie would love to ride on a toboggan with her cousin Jack and the rest of the bunch. We need you and Jim here to lend your voices to the Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. You are such a good Mom. Love you
Amye Baker at 7:36am December 21
Pam, thank you for this gift, the reminder in such vivid and beautiful terms. Children say and do the simplest things that lead us to the feet of Jesus...it's beautiful
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Ode to My Spider
Ode to My Spider Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 7:42pm on FB
If you haven't read my note entitled "What Bugs Me", then this note may not mean as much to you, since it is the sequel. (Go back & read "What Bugs Me" & the comments, then come back & read this note.)
Well, the good weather has gone. We actually had a bit of snow yesterday-not much-it didn't stick. (THIS IS NORTH CAROLINA!!! WE'RE NOT 'SPOSE TO HAVE SNOW!)
I checked on my spider last Monday (Nov.10th) & she was still alive & movin' slow.
Today (Nov. 19th) I checked on her--she's gone. It was her time. She had a long & happy life, as far as spiders go. She caught & ate all the beetles & even some large bees on the rose bush, & she had babies. Maybe one of her descendants will roam the rose bush next spring. I know I'll be checking under every bud before I clip, from now on.
~Ode to My Spider~
Translucent green, her delicate frame
played silk into a deadly game
around winged insects as they sipped
unmindfull that chelicerae dipped
into their life, and drained it on
a crimson rose of perfection,
until with time her color shifted--
brown of death,
farewell, arachnid.
Comments Posted on FB:
Bethany Kaye at 1:27am November 20
Ohhhhhh - this is so sweet, Pam! I know you don't like "bugs," but it looks like you came to love this one. Such a profound message for us all, on so many levels. xoxoxoxoxo - Bethany
Diana Lynn Scott at 3:15pm November 20
SOooooo...Now you're a poet too!please write a book while you're waiting for your screen play to be chosen!
Patti Fife at 6:48pm December 16
Next year get a spider "cam" on your rose bush so we can have 24 hour updates!!!
If you haven't read my note entitled "What Bugs Me", then this note may not mean as much to you, since it is the sequel. (Go back & read "What Bugs Me" & the comments, then come back & read this note.)
Well, the good weather has gone. We actually had a bit of snow yesterday-not much-it didn't stick. (THIS IS NORTH CAROLINA!!! WE'RE NOT 'SPOSE TO HAVE SNOW!)
I checked on my spider last Monday (Nov.10th) & she was still alive & movin' slow.
Today (Nov. 19th) I checked on her--she's gone. It was her time. She had a long & happy life, as far as spiders go. She caught & ate all the beetles & even some large bees on the rose bush, & she had babies. Maybe one of her descendants will roam the rose bush next spring. I know I'll be checking under every bud before I clip, from now on.
~Ode to My Spider~
Translucent green, her delicate frame
played silk into a deadly game
around winged insects as they sipped
unmindfull that chelicerae dipped
into their life, and drained it on
a crimson rose of perfection,
until with time her color shifted--
brown of death,
farewell, arachnid.
Comments Posted on FB:
Bethany Kaye at 1:27am November 20
Ohhhhhh - this is so sweet, Pam! I know you don't like "bugs," but it looks like you came to love this one. Such a profound message for us all, on so many levels. xoxoxoxoxo - Bethany
Diana Lynn Scott at 3:15pm November 20
SOooooo...Now you're a poet too!please write a book while you're waiting for your screen play to be chosen!
Patti Fife at 6:48pm December 16
Next year get a spider "cam" on your rose bush so we can have 24 hour updates!!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
apple stickers & rose-colored glasses
apple stickers & rose-colored glasses Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:32pm on FB
OK, so I want to test out some smilies on the notes, then I’ll write something more substantial.
---
I tested & the smilies don't work here. Too bad.
Substantial. Hmmmm…
I like fruit, but I don’t like standin’ around in the grocery store pickin’ through all the fruit to get the best pieces. I like to get in & get out. I’m on a mission. I go in with a list & mark it off as I go. I don’t like to browse or window shop. Also, when you have a 3 year old in the cart, you don’t have a lot of time to mess around.
You know those stickers that are on the fruit that you buy at the grocery store? The stickers that have the numbers on them so that the cashier knows the code to input so you’re charged correctly. Well, (nothing to do with the numbers-that’s just a rabbit trail. he he) I bought some apples. I was peeling the sticker off an apple, to wash it & slice it for Abbie. Under the strategically placed sticker was a BIG HOLE! Obviously, if I had known about the HOLE in that apple, I would have passed on it. (I just cut the hole out & went on slicing. The apple was fine.)
All that for this…the sticker got me thinking about a word picture that I came across years ago in something I was reading. When we have sin in our lives (we all do), it separates us from God. But Jesus’ blood covered our sin (if you accepted His forgiveness-if not, then ask me about it) & allows us to have a relationship with God. I still sin. I ask forgiveness. God forgives me. When I don’t ask forgiveness, that effects my relationship with God. Not that God sees me as a sinner--no! But when I look at God, it’s hard to see Him through my sin. But--when GOD looks at me, (OH, here it is!) God sees me though the blood of Jesus--through rose-colored glasses-if you will. He sees me as already forgiven! I’ve got a Jesus sticker covering my “hole of sin.” I’m so glad, grateful, awed (words cannot describe the feeling) by God’s grace & mercy to me through forgiveness. I hope you know His forgiveness in your life, too.
Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” NIVPsalm 85:2 “You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah.” NASB
Comments Posted on FB:
Amanda Lynn Klos at 8:01am October 29
I like how God speaks volumes to you through the simple things in life! :) So cool.
Diana Lynn Scott at 10:51am October 29
Please write a BOOK!
Michelle Miskelley at 10:32pm October 29
That was...so gentle, if you will. Very simple and very true. Isn't God wonderful?!
Julie Meeker at 10:44pm October 29
ok pam, God has gifted you so keep writing these notes sister : )
OK, so I want to test out some smilies on the notes, then I’ll write something more substantial.
---
I tested & the smilies don't work here. Too bad.
Substantial. Hmmmm…
I like fruit, but I don’t like standin’ around in the grocery store pickin’ through all the fruit to get the best pieces. I like to get in & get out. I’m on a mission. I go in with a list & mark it off as I go. I don’t like to browse or window shop. Also, when you have a 3 year old in the cart, you don’t have a lot of time to mess around.
You know those stickers that are on the fruit that you buy at the grocery store? The stickers that have the numbers on them so that the cashier knows the code to input so you’re charged correctly. Well, (nothing to do with the numbers-that’s just a rabbit trail. he he) I bought some apples. I was peeling the sticker off an apple, to wash it & slice it for Abbie. Under the strategically placed sticker was a BIG HOLE! Obviously, if I had known about the HOLE in that apple, I would have passed on it. (I just cut the hole out & went on slicing. The apple was fine.)
All that for this…the sticker got me thinking about a word picture that I came across years ago in something I was reading. When we have sin in our lives (we all do), it separates us from God. But Jesus’ blood covered our sin (if you accepted His forgiveness-if not, then ask me about it) & allows us to have a relationship with God. I still sin. I ask forgiveness. God forgives me. When I don’t ask forgiveness, that effects my relationship with God. Not that God sees me as a sinner--no! But when I look at God, it’s hard to see Him through my sin. But--when GOD looks at me, (OH, here it is!) God sees me though the blood of Jesus--through rose-colored glasses-if you will. He sees me as already forgiven! I’ve got a Jesus sticker covering my “hole of sin.” I’m so glad, grateful, awed (words cannot describe the feeling) by God’s grace & mercy to me through forgiveness. I hope you know His forgiveness in your life, too.
Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” NIVPsalm 85:2 “You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah.” NASB
Comments Posted on FB:
Amanda Lynn Klos at 8:01am October 29
I like how God speaks volumes to you through the simple things in life! :) So cool.
Diana Lynn Scott at 10:51am October 29
Please write a BOOK!
Michelle Miskelley at 10:32pm October 29
That was...so gentle, if you will. Very simple and very true. Isn't God wonderful?!
Julie Meeker at 10:44pm October 29
ok pam, God has gifted you so keep writing these notes sister : )
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Meaningless dribble
Meaningless dribble Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 11:21am on FB
Hey, I just got finished going through all "my friends" & reading their notes, if any. I'm surprised more people don’t write notes. It’s like therapy for me to write.
By the way, thanks Amanda, for all your wonderful notes. Inspiring. You might like the song, Surrender, by Barlow Girl. I’ll try to remember to send it to you, next time I’m on iLike.
I don’t think many people read these things, unless you tag them in the note. So pretty much, I could write anything I want & no one would ever know. Should I confess all my secret sins…..Scream about all the injustices in the world….(brought about by my sin, no doubt, ha ha. We live in a fallen world. Can't wait to get to heaven!)….Ramble on about meaningless dribble….Hmmmmm…..
Let’s start with meaningless dribble--that’s safe. Has anyone noticed the little spot under your profile picture, on your wall, where you can write something about yourself? You can make up anything, or write something true. My last tidbit of info on me was that I'm SCUBA certified. Of course, I haven't logged a dive since March 1991, on the North Shore in Oahu. The East Coast just isn't the same. The water is colder, not as clear & there is always the fear of JAWS! (Julie, I’m still afraid.) But, Kaneohe Bay has a LOT of hammer head sharks. You can see them if you stand on the pier & look over. Frightening!
The way I came about SCUBA diving, wasn’t so pleasant, so I won’t go into it. But I will say, that if you ever visit the island of Oahu, in Hawaii, you must visit Hanauma Bay. It’s great for snorkeling! The bay is protected from large waves and the reef is just a few feet from the water's edge. The water there is shallow and crystal clear. There are so many varieties of fish & sea life. But be careful not to step on the coral. It‘s alive. (When I lived there, we used to joke about the Japanese tourists always feeding the fish frozen peas at Hanauma Bay.) It’s a beautiful site to look down on the bay from the side of the mountain that you park on. You have to walk down to the bay, which means that you have to walk back UP to your car, when it‘s time to go. (I lived there long before digital cameras, so sorry I don’t have any pictures readily available to post.) I don’t understand how anyone who looks at God’s wonderful creation cannot help but praise Him! Or, if one doesn’t know God, how can you not help but ask yourself, isn’t there more to this life than just me?
Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. “ NIV
And truly, I reiterate, . . nothing's small!
No lily-muffled hum of a summer-bee,
But finds some coupling with the spinning stars;
No pebble at your foot, but proves a sphere;
No chaffinch, but implies the cherubim:
And,–glancing on my own thin, veined wrist,–
In such a little tremour of the blood
The whole strong clamour of a vehement soul
Doth utter itself distinct. Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God:
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,
The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries,
And daub their natural faces unaware
More and more, from the first similitude.
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning
If you are on Oahu, there is a little place up the Kalanianaole Hwy, from Hanauma Bay, called the Blow Hole, by the locals. That’s a great place to SCUBA dive. Easy to get in & out of the water, on the little beach inlet. (Martin, you’ll have to dive in HI someday!) Diving off the North Shore was O.K., but trying to get out of the water with all your gear on was a challenge. You have to time the waves just right so they land you up on the lava rocks without you getting smashed on them. You really don’t want to get smashed on the rocks & start bleeding in the ocean with all those sharks around! But enough about Hawaii. It has bad memories for me.
I think I’ll write a tidbit about Karate next…. Did you know that I hold a green belt in Chutoku Ryu Karate? I do. I was tested in the summer of 2004, & received my belt. Then, I got pregnant with Abbie in September 2004 and that was the end of Karate. I still like to think that I’ll practice Karate again someday. I’ve been looking for my student manual, but can’t seem to find it. It’s a good read. The dojo I went to was run by Karate for Christ, http://www.karateforchrist.net/index.html. (Sorry, they are only located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.) You were required to learn scripture, as well as learn the art, in order to achieve your belt level. Martial arts help us develop strong bodies, alert minds & spiritual discipline. At Karate for Christ, Biblical values are incorporated into the classes, teaching students moral & ethical standards from a scriptural point of view.
Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." NIV
Enough meaningless dribble for one day. Now, I would like my friends to start writing notes, so that I have something to read while browsing Facebook!
Comments Posted on FB:
Julie Meeker at 12:49pm October 18
Pam your " meaningless dribble " is quite profound at times and always points back to God so it is definately not meaningless !!!
Amanda Lynn Klos at 5:55pm October 18
God actually used that song to speak to my heart earlier this year about letting go of my dream of marrying a certain someone. Such a good song! :)I was actually thinking yesterday about writing notes again/writing in my livejournal again. A friend had told me yesterday that "experience means nothing unless you reflect." I love to write, but I haven't really had time to write and reflect on what God is teaching me. I've thought about it and discussed it with friends, but I share my heart so much better through writing. :) Thanks for the encouragement, you shall see a note from me soon!
Michelle Miskelley at 10:01pm October 19
I never knew you could write notes like this. Diana is suppose to come over Tues to show me more about facebook..I have had it for months and never really did a whole lot with it...don't know how...but that is not going to be the case for much longer(: I think I am going to strat writing little notes.
Amanda Lynn Klos at 10:28pm October 19
Yeah! Michelle! :) I'd love to read notes written by you. C:
Pamela J Meeker at 11:19pm October 19
Piece of advice: if you're going to write a long note, type it out in Word or Works first, then hit spell check, then copy & paste it to your notes on facebook, then hopefully, you won't be embarrassed by minor mistakes. Of course, we can't avoid all embarressments. That's what makes life funny.
Wendy Cottone at 5:56pm October 27
Pam: I don’t understand how anyone who looks at God’s wonderful creation cannot help but praise Him!************************************************************Wendy Says: That is SO true Pam. My stepson is a self proclaimed atheist. So, on the occasion we do get in a semi-heated debate about the existence or lack thereof of God, and my point is this:How can one look around and see the beauty and the perfect order of the universe, consider the web of life and still not believe that there is a God?I just don't get it but I know he does not look at the world the same way I do.
Hey, I just got finished going through all "my friends" & reading their notes, if any. I'm surprised more people don’t write notes. It’s like therapy for me to write.
By the way, thanks Amanda, for all your wonderful notes. Inspiring. You might like the song, Surrender, by Barlow Girl. I’ll try to remember to send it to you, next time I’m on iLike.
I don’t think many people read these things, unless you tag them in the note. So pretty much, I could write anything I want & no one would ever know. Should I confess all my secret sins…..Scream about all the injustices in the world….(brought about by my sin, no doubt, ha ha. We live in a fallen world. Can't wait to get to heaven!)….Ramble on about meaningless dribble….Hmmmmm…..
Let’s start with meaningless dribble--that’s safe. Has anyone noticed the little spot under your profile picture, on your wall, where you can write something about yourself? You can make up anything, or write something true. My last tidbit of info on me was that I'm SCUBA certified. Of course, I haven't logged a dive since March 1991, on the North Shore in Oahu. The East Coast just isn't the same. The water is colder, not as clear & there is always the fear of JAWS! (Julie, I’m still afraid.) But, Kaneohe Bay has a LOT of hammer head sharks. You can see them if you stand on the pier & look over. Frightening!
The way I came about SCUBA diving, wasn’t so pleasant, so I won’t go into it. But I will say, that if you ever visit the island of Oahu, in Hawaii, you must visit Hanauma Bay. It’s great for snorkeling! The bay is protected from large waves and the reef is just a few feet from the water's edge. The water there is shallow and crystal clear. There are so many varieties of fish & sea life. But be careful not to step on the coral. It‘s alive. (When I lived there, we used to joke about the Japanese tourists always feeding the fish frozen peas at Hanauma Bay.) It’s a beautiful site to look down on the bay from the side of the mountain that you park on. You have to walk down to the bay, which means that you have to walk back UP to your car, when it‘s time to go. (I lived there long before digital cameras, so sorry I don’t have any pictures readily available to post.) I don’t understand how anyone who looks at God’s wonderful creation cannot help but praise Him! Or, if one doesn’t know God, how can you not help but ask yourself, isn’t there more to this life than just me?
Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. “ NIV
And truly, I reiterate, . . nothing's small!
No lily-muffled hum of a summer-bee,
But finds some coupling with the spinning stars;
No pebble at your foot, but proves a sphere;
No chaffinch, but implies the cherubim:
And,–glancing on my own thin, veined wrist,–
In such a little tremour of the blood
The whole strong clamour of a vehement soul
Doth utter itself distinct. Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God:
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,
The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries,
And daub their natural faces unaware
More and more, from the first similitude.
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning
If you are on Oahu, there is a little place up the Kalanianaole Hwy, from Hanauma Bay, called the Blow Hole, by the locals. That’s a great place to SCUBA dive. Easy to get in & out of the water, on the little beach inlet. (Martin, you’ll have to dive in HI someday!) Diving off the North Shore was O.K., but trying to get out of the water with all your gear on was a challenge. You have to time the waves just right so they land you up on the lava rocks without you getting smashed on them. You really don’t want to get smashed on the rocks & start bleeding in the ocean with all those sharks around! But enough about Hawaii. It has bad memories for me.
I think I’ll write a tidbit about Karate next…. Did you know that I hold a green belt in Chutoku Ryu Karate? I do. I was tested in the summer of 2004, & received my belt. Then, I got pregnant with Abbie in September 2004 and that was the end of Karate. I still like to think that I’ll practice Karate again someday. I’ve been looking for my student manual, but can’t seem to find it. It’s a good read. The dojo I went to was run by Karate for Christ, http://www.karateforchrist.net/index.html. (Sorry, they are only located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.) You were required to learn scripture, as well as learn the art, in order to achieve your belt level. Martial arts help us develop strong bodies, alert minds & spiritual discipline. At Karate for Christ, Biblical values are incorporated into the classes, teaching students moral & ethical standards from a scriptural point of view.
Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." NIV
Enough meaningless dribble for one day. Now, I would like my friends to start writing notes, so that I have something to read while browsing Facebook!
Comments Posted on FB:
Julie Meeker at 12:49pm October 18
Pam your " meaningless dribble " is quite profound at times and always points back to God so it is definately not meaningless !!!
Amanda Lynn Klos at 5:55pm October 18
God actually used that song to speak to my heart earlier this year about letting go of my dream of marrying a certain someone. Such a good song! :)I was actually thinking yesterday about writing notes again/writing in my livejournal again. A friend had told me yesterday that "experience means nothing unless you reflect." I love to write, but I haven't really had time to write and reflect on what God is teaching me. I've thought about it and discussed it with friends, but I share my heart so much better through writing. :) Thanks for the encouragement, you shall see a note from me soon!
Michelle Miskelley at 10:01pm October 19
I never knew you could write notes like this. Diana is suppose to come over Tues to show me more about facebook..I have had it for months and never really did a whole lot with it...don't know how...but that is not going to be the case for much longer(: I think I am going to strat writing little notes.
Amanda Lynn Klos at 10:28pm October 19
Yeah! Michelle! :) I'd love to read notes written by you. C:
Pamela J Meeker at 11:19pm October 19
Piece of advice: if you're going to write a long note, type it out in Word or Works first, then hit spell check, then copy & paste it to your notes on facebook, then hopefully, you won't be embarrassed by minor mistakes. Of course, we can't avoid all embarressments. That's what makes life funny.
Wendy Cottone at 5:56pm October 27
Pam: I don’t understand how anyone who looks at God’s wonderful creation cannot help but praise Him!************************************************************Wendy Says: That is SO true Pam. My stepson is a self proclaimed atheist. So, on the occasion we do get in a semi-heated debate about the existence or lack thereof of God, and my point is this:How can one look around and see the beauty and the perfect order of the universe, consider the web of life and still not believe that there is a God?I just don't get it but I know he does not look at the world the same way I do.
Monday, October 13, 2008
ambidextrous-not
ambidextrous-not Monday, October 13, 2008 at 7:35pm on FB
I can write with both my left & right hands. Of course, the writing of one is more legible than the other.
Comments Posted on FB:
Pamela J Meeker at 9:59pm October 13
Are you left handed or right handed??
Warren Meeker at 9:36am October 14
I'm barely dextrous
Patti Fife at 5:49pm October 21
I talk with both hands.
I can write with both my left & right hands. Of course, the writing of one is more legible than the other.
Comments Posted on FB:
Pamela J Meeker at 9:59pm October 13
Are you left handed or right handed??
Warren Meeker at 9:36am October 14
I'm barely dextrous
Patti Fife at 5:49pm October 21
I talk with both hands.
Banjos, singing rocks, & mares
Banjos, singing rocks, & mares Monday, October 13, 2008 at 12:03am on FB
It was wonderful being brought up in a home with music. Thanks Mom & Dad. From Mom singing "Mares Eat Oats" (words below), to Dad singing "In them old cotton fields back home...", & "Did you ever go sailing down the river of memory..." We listened to albums & 8-tracks to cassettes. Remember the Chipmunks every Christmas? And Elvis? And Grandpa, Dad & Uncle Bob playing dueling banjos down in Grandma & Grandpa's basement/family room (in Allen Park)? (Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyKvD-4IxOY. I don't suggest watching the whole movie--it made me sick.) I used to run around the room WILD when they played that. I wasn't the ONLY wild child. I think Billy joined me, although his wild was a bit reserved compared to me.
Anybody remember watching "The Sound of Music" on TV every year?
The first real concert I ever attended was Michael Card. Diana took me (for my 15th birthday) & Wendy (Wendy, did Val come with us, too?) to a church in Trenton(?) where it was just Michael Card & his cellist. Thanks Di. Di also got me started on Amy Grant (though I don't keep up with her now.) AND praise songs....check out Diana Scott on iLike!
I think Rachel & Rhonda got me started in the choir. Actually, I used to ride home from church on Wednesday nights with Ruby Ursiny. She was in choir practice & I had to wait for her after church. Rachel was practicing, too, & invited me up to the loft to sing soprano with her. The soprano section was not easy for me! I sat by Rhonda while singing hymns in church & Rhonda "taught" me how to sing alto (learned to follow the notes.) I love singing harmony! Thanks Rhonda! I listened to you & figured it out, easy. Rhonda also got me listening to Michael W. Smith. Hey Rhonda, do you remember that Sunday that I tripped coming down from the choir loft & bumped into Rachel & almost took her out on the way down the stairs. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants (pantyhose)! And my Uncle Lonnie (pastor) was not too happy about the distraction. 'Course, as a teenager, it was an embarrassing moment, too.
I started listening to SCC somewhere in here & Veggie Tales came out, too.
When I met Jim, he introduced me to many new artists, like Third Day, The Kry, Nouveaux, Wes King, Nichole Nordeman and so on. Cool music. Thanks Jim. ('Course Jim had a "formal" music upbringing--I'll let him tell about that in his own note.) Then Di got me listening to Chris Rice in the mid 90's. Thanks Di--Rice is my favorite so far.
I'd rather sing harmony than melody. Patti, you remember Mom & Dad driving us to church & we sang this song together..."Won't you play a simple melody, one my mother sang to me? One with good old fashioned harmony, play a simple melody..."?? I looked it up--it's on a record by Bing Crosby (I originally posted the YouTube link on FB, but it has since been removed from YouTube.)
Then there was the year I played the guitar. I learned just a few major chords--enough to play praise songs (+ the capo) at church every Sunday. When we moved to San Diego, I didn't play in church anymore & lost the skill. Priorities. You lose it if you don't use it.
Anyway, now I'm just singing lullaby's & ABC's. When Abbie was born in 2005, my love for music was put on the back burner. No time to listen to CD's. No money to buy them. I can't sing in the choir now, since I'm always in the nursery. Oh well. I'll get a music life again someday. I did buy some new CD's recently. (New to me.) I'm catching up slowly.
One song I'll never forget is about singing rocks. I was in an ensemble at Enon back in the mid 90's. We sang this song with the words, "If we keep our voices silent, all creation will RISE AND SHOUT! If we fail to praise you Father, then will the very rocks cry out!" I love that song. Thanks to Becky Kelley for inviting me to sing alto with the ensemble!
"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." -- Luke 19:37-40 NIV
Mares eat oats & does eat oats & little lambs eat ivyAkid'lleativytoo, wouldn't you?The words sound queer & funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled & jivyOooooh, mares eat oats & does eat oats & little lambs eat ivyAkid'lleativytoo, wouldn't you?
Comments Posted on FB:
Diana Lynn Scott at 8:49am October 13
You have a great memory! YOU should write a book! I'm serious!
Pamela J Meeker at 8:57am October 13
Oh yeah...I forgot to mention....do you remember watching the Osmonds, The Sony & Cher show, Captain & Tenile, The Partridge family, The Monkeys, the cartoons Beatles & the Jackson 5???
Pamela J Meeker at 4:57pm October 13
I think that when we get to heaven, we will all be able to sing the correct notes/key/pitch at all time. (And remember all the words!) Hey, maybe I'll be able to sing melody & harmony at the same time!!! Wouldn't that be cool? It could happen. You just wait & see.
Pamela J Meeker at 7:36pm October 13
Hey Di, do you still have the 12-string, or does Dad? Does Dad have Grandpa's banjo or madolin? Can you play the banjo?
Rhonda Pennington Newton at 9:02pm October 13
very cool story!! thanks for sharing it :)
Diana Lynn Scott at 7:38am October 14
Since it was a graduation present I have my 12 string. I have never played the banjo Bryan Belvins did. Grandma gave me Grandpas Mandolin.
Dorothy B Harrison at 4:18pm October 17
The song we sang a lot when the bigger girls were little was bingo. there was a man who had a dog and bingo was his name o ; b- i- n- g-o, b- i- n- g-o, b- i- n- g-o, and bingo was his name o. Patti loved this song and sang it the most. God bless, dad
Dawn Lee Hobbins at 6:19pm October 17
I remember mom singing 'Hush little baby don't say a word' when you were born P.J. I could teach Jim the words if he wants to sing it to you sometimes. HA! Ha! Maybe just the first seven words...tee! Hee! " Hush little baby, don't say a word. Momma's gonna buy you a mocking bird. If that mocking bird don't sing, momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring. If that diamond ring turns brass, momma's gonna buy you a looking glass. If that looking glass gets broke, momma's gonna buy you a billy goat. If that billy goat rolls over,Momma's gonna buy you a doggie named Rover. If that doggie named Rover won't bark, Momma's gonna buy you a horsie and a cart. If that horsie and cart breaks down...You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town." I sang that to all my babies and I've sang it to Jack the last two times I've babysat him. I remember dad singing "Old Dan Tucker was a good old man. Washed his face in a frying pan, combed his hair with a wagon wheel and died with a toothache in his heel. Get out the way old Dan Tucker, It's too late to eat your supper. Supper's over and breakfast's cookin. Old Dan Tucker'd just stand there lookin....
Pamela J Meeker at 10:01pm October 17
Hey, what's Dad doin' typing on Mom's facebook??? Dad needs to get an account, too!
Yeah Dawn, I remember Dad singing Old Dan Tucker-but I only remembered the chorus, thanks for fillin' in the other works.
I remember BINGO, too. BINGO is the first song I ever played on the guitar. Diana held the chords on the fret & I strummed. (At least when I was little, 5-6, I thought I was playin' the guitar--thanks Di.) I remember mom singing the mocking bird song, too. (What a surprise when I first heard Carly Simon sing it & it was not the same as Mom's!) Mom also sang the Kitty Cat song & How much is that doggie in the window & Oh where Oh where has my little dog gone. (She used to sing that last one while she was towel drying my hair.)
Kitty cat, kitty cat, meow, meow, isn't she a pretty kitty. All day long she can be seen, lickin' her fur to keep real clean. Kitty cat, kitty cat, meow, meow, isn't she a pretty kitty. Her fur is as soft as silk, because she always drinks her milk. Kitty cat, kitty cat, meow, meow, isn't she a pretty kitty.
How much is that doggie in the window, the one with the waggley tail? How much is that doggie in the window, I do hope that doggie's for sale. How much is that doggie in the window, how much could that poor doggie be? How much is that doggie in the window, I want that poor doggie for me.
I made up NEW words for Rock-a-bye baby. (The original version scared me as a child.) Rock-a-bye baby, on the tree tops, when the wind blows the cradle will rock, when the bough breaks the cradle will fall & MOM CATCHES BABY, cradle & all. (Sounds better if the baby is caught, rather than just falling. Aye?)
Pamela J Meeker at 10:06pm October 17
Anyone know the words to the song "... in them old cotton fields back home"?
Pamela J Meeker at 10:08pm October 17
Did you ever go sailing down the river of memory
where a little log cabin is nestled among the sycamore trees
where the sunshine is cheery & nothin' in the world is dreary
at the end of my river
my river of memory
Pamela J Meeker at 10:09pm October 17
I think Patti liked the BINGO song so much because it was about a dog!
Diana Lynn Scott at 11:48pm October 17
In an old ram shackled shack where in dreams I wander back , back to where they sing those southern melodies. It was there where I was born on a bright october morn in the cabin at the end of my river of memories........Did you ever go sailing.....etc.. You forgot the beginning :)
Pamela J Meeker at 9:41am October 18
Thanks for the words Di. Now, do you remember the words to the cotton fields song? It's time to harvest the cotton around here, now.
April Harrison at 10:10am October 19
I only have the vaguest of memories of dad and Di playing guitar at Grandma's down south, thanks for reminding me :) Ahhhhhh...warm fuzzies...I do, however, have a virtual smorgasbord of memories of listening to Elvis! Thanks to dad. Ha! ...and I don't know the cotton field song but I know BINGO!!
Pamela J Meeker at 11:06pm October 19
April, I bet your Dad knows the cotton fields song. Ask if he still knows how to play dueling banjos.
It was wonderful being brought up in a home with music. Thanks Mom & Dad. From Mom singing "Mares Eat Oats" (words below), to Dad singing "In them old cotton fields back home...", & "Did you ever go sailing down the river of memory..." We listened to albums & 8-tracks to cassettes. Remember the Chipmunks every Christmas? And Elvis? And Grandpa, Dad & Uncle Bob playing dueling banjos down in Grandma & Grandpa's basement/family room (in Allen Park)? (Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyKvD-4IxOY. I don't suggest watching the whole movie--it made me sick.) I used to run around the room WILD when they played that. I wasn't the ONLY wild child. I think Billy joined me, although his wild was a bit reserved compared to me.
Anybody remember watching "The Sound of Music" on TV every year?
The first real concert I ever attended was Michael Card. Diana took me (for my 15th birthday) & Wendy (Wendy, did Val come with us, too?) to a church in Trenton(?) where it was just Michael Card & his cellist. Thanks Di. Di also got me started on Amy Grant (though I don't keep up with her now.) AND praise songs....check out Diana Scott on iLike!
I think Rachel & Rhonda got me started in the choir. Actually, I used to ride home from church on Wednesday nights with Ruby Ursiny. She was in choir practice & I had to wait for her after church. Rachel was practicing, too, & invited me up to the loft to sing soprano with her. The soprano section was not easy for me! I sat by Rhonda while singing hymns in church & Rhonda "taught" me how to sing alto (learned to follow the notes.) I love singing harmony! Thanks Rhonda! I listened to you & figured it out, easy. Rhonda also got me listening to Michael W. Smith. Hey Rhonda, do you remember that Sunday that I tripped coming down from the choir loft & bumped into Rachel & almost took her out on the way down the stairs. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants (pantyhose)! And my Uncle Lonnie (pastor) was not too happy about the distraction. 'Course, as a teenager, it was an embarrassing moment, too.
I started listening to SCC somewhere in here & Veggie Tales came out, too.
When I met Jim, he introduced me to many new artists, like Third Day, The Kry, Nouveaux, Wes King, Nichole Nordeman and so on. Cool music. Thanks Jim. ('Course Jim had a "formal" music upbringing--I'll let him tell about that in his own note.) Then Di got me listening to Chris Rice in the mid 90's. Thanks Di--Rice is my favorite so far.
I'd rather sing harmony than melody. Patti, you remember Mom & Dad driving us to church & we sang this song together..."Won't you play a simple melody, one my mother sang to me? One with good old fashioned harmony, play a simple melody..."?? I looked it up--it's on a record by Bing Crosby (I originally posted the YouTube link on FB, but it has since been removed from YouTube.)
Then there was the year I played the guitar. I learned just a few major chords--enough to play praise songs (+ the capo) at church every Sunday. When we moved to San Diego, I didn't play in church anymore & lost the skill. Priorities. You lose it if you don't use it.
Anyway, now I'm just singing lullaby's & ABC's. When Abbie was born in 2005, my love for music was put on the back burner. No time to listen to CD's. No money to buy them. I can't sing in the choir now, since I'm always in the nursery. Oh well. I'll get a music life again someday. I did buy some new CD's recently. (New to me.) I'm catching up slowly.
One song I'll never forget is about singing rocks. I was in an ensemble at Enon back in the mid 90's. We sang this song with the words, "If we keep our voices silent, all creation will RISE AND SHOUT! If we fail to praise you Father, then will the very rocks cry out!" I love that song. Thanks to Becky Kelley for inviting me to sing alto with the ensemble!
"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." -- Luke 19:37-40 NIV
Mares eat oats & does eat oats & little lambs eat ivyAkid'lleativytoo, wouldn't you?The words sound queer & funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled & jivyOooooh, mares eat oats & does eat oats & little lambs eat ivyAkid'lleativytoo, wouldn't you?
Comments Posted on FB:
Diana Lynn Scott at 8:49am October 13
You have a great memory! YOU should write a book! I'm serious!
Pamela J Meeker at 8:57am October 13
Oh yeah...I forgot to mention....do you remember watching the Osmonds, The Sony & Cher show, Captain & Tenile, The Partridge family, The Monkeys, the cartoons Beatles & the Jackson 5???
Pamela J Meeker at 4:57pm October 13
I think that when we get to heaven, we will all be able to sing the correct notes/key/pitch at all time. (And remember all the words!) Hey, maybe I'll be able to sing melody & harmony at the same time!!! Wouldn't that be cool? It could happen. You just wait & see.
Pamela J Meeker at 7:36pm October 13
Hey Di, do you still have the 12-string, or does Dad? Does Dad have Grandpa's banjo or madolin? Can you play the banjo?
Rhonda Pennington Newton at 9:02pm October 13
very cool story!! thanks for sharing it :)
Diana Lynn Scott at 7:38am October 14
Since it was a graduation present I have my 12 string. I have never played the banjo Bryan Belvins did. Grandma gave me Grandpas Mandolin.
Dorothy B Harrison at 4:18pm October 17
The song we sang a lot when the bigger girls were little was bingo. there was a man who had a dog and bingo was his name o ; b- i- n- g-o, b- i- n- g-o, b- i- n- g-o, and bingo was his name o. Patti loved this song and sang it the most. God bless, dad
Dawn Lee Hobbins at 6:19pm October 17
I remember mom singing 'Hush little baby don't say a word' when you were born P.J. I could teach Jim the words if he wants to sing it to you sometimes. HA! Ha! Maybe just the first seven words...tee! Hee! " Hush little baby, don't say a word. Momma's gonna buy you a mocking bird. If that mocking bird don't sing, momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring. If that diamond ring turns brass, momma's gonna buy you a looking glass. If that looking glass gets broke, momma's gonna buy you a billy goat. If that billy goat rolls over,Momma's gonna buy you a doggie named Rover. If that doggie named Rover won't bark, Momma's gonna buy you a horsie and a cart. If that horsie and cart breaks down...You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town." I sang that to all my babies and I've sang it to Jack the last two times I've babysat him. I remember dad singing "Old Dan Tucker was a good old man. Washed his face in a frying pan, combed his hair with a wagon wheel and died with a toothache in his heel. Get out the way old Dan Tucker, It's too late to eat your supper. Supper's over and breakfast's cookin. Old Dan Tucker'd just stand there lookin....
Pamela J Meeker at 10:01pm October 17
Hey, what's Dad doin' typing on Mom's facebook??? Dad needs to get an account, too!
Yeah Dawn, I remember Dad singing Old Dan Tucker-but I only remembered the chorus, thanks for fillin' in the other works.
I remember BINGO, too. BINGO is the first song I ever played on the guitar. Diana held the chords on the fret & I strummed. (At least when I was little, 5-6, I thought I was playin' the guitar--thanks Di.) I remember mom singing the mocking bird song, too. (What a surprise when I first heard Carly Simon sing it & it was not the same as Mom's!) Mom also sang the Kitty Cat song & How much is that doggie in the window & Oh where Oh where has my little dog gone. (She used to sing that last one while she was towel drying my hair.)
Kitty cat, kitty cat, meow, meow, isn't she a pretty kitty. All day long she can be seen, lickin' her fur to keep real clean. Kitty cat, kitty cat, meow, meow, isn't she a pretty kitty. Her fur is as soft as silk, because she always drinks her milk. Kitty cat, kitty cat, meow, meow, isn't she a pretty kitty.
How much is that doggie in the window, the one with the waggley tail? How much is that doggie in the window, I do hope that doggie's for sale. How much is that doggie in the window, how much could that poor doggie be? How much is that doggie in the window, I want that poor doggie for me.
I made up NEW words for Rock-a-bye baby. (The original version scared me as a child.) Rock-a-bye baby, on the tree tops, when the wind blows the cradle will rock, when the bough breaks the cradle will fall & MOM CATCHES BABY, cradle & all. (Sounds better if the baby is caught, rather than just falling. Aye?)
Pamela J Meeker at 10:06pm October 17
Anyone know the words to the song "... in them old cotton fields back home"?
Pamela J Meeker at 10:08pm October 17
Did you ever go sailing down the river of memory
where a little log cabin is nestled among the sycamore trees
where the sunshine is cheery & nothin' in the world is dreary
at the end of my river
my river of memory
Pamela J Meeker at 10:09pm October 17
I think Patti liked the BINGO song so much because it was about a dog!
Diana Lynn Scott at 11:48pm October 17
In an old ram shackled shack where in dreams I wander back , back to where they sing those southern melodies. It was there where I was born on a bright october morn in the cabin at the end of my river of memories........Did you ever go sailing.....etc.. You forgot the beginning :)
Pamela J Meeker at 9:41am October 18
Thanks for the words Di. Now, do you remember the words to the cotton fields song? It's time to harvest the cotton around here, now.
April Harrison at 10:10am October 19
I only have the vaguest of memories of dad and Di playing guitar at Grandma's down south, thanks for reminding me :) Ahhhhhh...warm fuzzies...I do, however, have a virtual smorgasbord of memories of listening to Elvis! Thanks to dad. Ha! ...and I don't know the cotton field song but I know BINGO!!
Pamela J Meeker at 11:06pm October 19
April, I bet your Dad knows the cotton fields song. Ask if he still knows how to play dueling banjos.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Do the Math
Do the Math Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 8:12am on FB
You ever notice how a lot of women on facebook (myself included), & a hand full of men, refrain from allowing their year of birth to be shown on their profiles? Yet, if you look at their info tab, & scroll down to "Education" you can see the year that they graduated from high school. Hmmmmm.......
Off that....I was alive in the 60's. No, I hadn't seen the light of day, or filled my lungs with breathe, but I was alive--my heart was beating. (Di, that means that you were alive in the 50's!!!gag)
Just something for you to think about.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." -- Psalm 139:13-16 NIV
note to readers: This post makes more sense if you are familiar with Facebook.
I now show the year I was born on FB, also. Just so you know, it's 01/23/1970.
You ever notice how a lot of women on facebook (myself included), & a hand full of men, refrain from allowing their year of birth to be shown on their profiles? Yet, if you look at their info tab, & scroll down to "Education" you can see the year that they graduated from high school. Hmmmmm.......
Off that....I was alive in the 60's. No, I hadn't seen the light of day, or filled my lungs with breathe, but I was alive--my heart was beating. (Di, that means that you were alive in the 50's!!!gag)
Just something for you to think about.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." -- Psalm 139:13-16 NIV
note to readers: This post makes more sense if you are familiar with Facebook.
I now show the year I was born on FB, also. Just so you know, it's 01/23/1970.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
What Bugs Me
What Bugs Me Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 4:25pm on FB
We got some sun today, after a few days of rain. I just had to get outside & soak up some sun. I was looking at the rose bush, when I noticed my spider. I say "my" spider because I let her live. I noticed her for the first time in May. I decided to let her live, because she kept the bag bugs off the rose bush. See, I feel that any bug who crosses my path was put there by God, because it must have been the bug's time to die. (I kill all bugs in my path, especially spiders.)
Then Jim installed the second swing on the "playground" & took a picture of Abbie & I swinging.
Diana Lynn Scott at 5:32pm September 27
Your spider! Never thought I'd hear that out of your mouth!I'm proud of you. For letting it live . It is outside that's better than inside!I know it's life would not have been spared, had it found it's way in!Thank you for the "what bugs me" insight. You are a very good writer!Keep it up! :) Love you all
Pamela J Meeker at 9:59pm September 27
Actually, my spider did make it inside one day. I had cut some roses off the bush & brought them inside to put in a vase. As I was trimming the ends off, my spider jumped off a rose! (She usually hangs out underneath a bloom & waits for an unsuspecting bug to land-then she pounces--I've watched.) Of course I freaked out! After my heart stopped pounding & the echoes of my scream had settled, I scooped up my spider with a fly swatter & carried her back outside to the rose bush. You can be sure, every time I cut a bloom now, I check underneath for my spider first! Oh, I forgot to tell you--the black-eyed susan is blooming again! Does it usually bloom in June & September?
April Harrison at 10:14am October 19
Ahhhhh. I love your notes! This one is exactly the sort of perspective I look for in the world :) We sort of think alike...maybe like family or something ;)
Pamela J Meeker at 7:41pm October 20
I checked on my spider today. Her babies have hatched. I saw a number of them crawling around the egg sack. My spider was there, too. I poked her. She didn't move very fast (as she usually does.) She probably won't last much longer. Life is short. Make it count.
Pamela J Meeker at 3:54pm October 27
Saw my spider today. She still seems to be doing pretty good. She's wrapped about 3 dead rose blooms with web. He egg sack is in there too, although I saw baby spiders around the web last week. What's up with that? I'll keep checking on her & posting updates as long as the good weather lasts.
Pamela J Meeker at 4:13pm November 19
Well, the good weather has gone. We actually had a bit of snow yesterday-not much-it didn't stick. (THIS IS NORTH CAROLINA!!! WE'RE NOT 'SPOSE TO HAVE SNOW!)
We got some sun today, after a few days of rain. I just had to get outside & soak up some sun. I was looking at the rose bush, when I noticed my spider. I say "my" spider because I let her live. I noticed her for the first time in May. I decided to let her live, because she kept the bag bugs off the rose bush. See, I feel that any bug who crosses my path was put there by God, because it must have been the bug's time to die. (I kill all bugs in my path, especially spiders.)
I've watched my spider over the last few months. She used to be a bright green. She's eaten anything from beetles to bees. Some days she's big, some days skinny. Now, she guards her egg sack & she is kinda brown. She's getting old.
The Big Picture. When I saw my spider today, & thought to myself that she is alive because of my good grace (I could have squashed her long ago), it made me think of my relationship with my Creator. I'm alive today because of God's grace. God could have squashed me long ago. In fact, if I were God, I would have squashed me. It's a good thing I'm not God!
I guess I need a reminder on perspective once in awhile.
"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:14 NAS
"What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations. Oh, look—the deep, wide sea, brimming with fish past counting, sardines and sharks and salmon. Ships plow those waters, and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them. All the creatures look expectantly to you to give them their meals on time. You come, and they gather around; you open your hand and they eat from it. If you turned your back, they'd die in a minute— Take back your Spirit and they die, revert to original mud; Send out your Spirit and they spring to life— the whole countryside in bloom and blossom." Ps. 104:24 MSG
my spider guarding her egg sack
After I took the picture of my spider, I went to play with Abbie in her sand box, & promptly squashed a tiny black widow spider who had been living in the wheel well of her toy dump truck. No, I didn't take a picture of it first. It was time for it to die. ha ha
Abbie playing in her sand box
Then Jim installed the second swing on the "playground" & took a picture of Abbie & I swinging.
Abbie & Mamma swinging
Comments Posted on FB:
Diana Lynn Scott at 5:32pm September 27
Your spider! Never thought I'd hear that out of your mouth!I'm proud of you. For letting it live . It is outside that's better than inside!I know it's life would not have been spared, had it found it's way in!Thank you for the "what bugs me" insight. You are a very good writer!Keep it up! :) Love you all
Pamela J Meeker at 9:59pm September 27
Actually, my spider did make it inside one day. I had cut some roses off the bush & brought them inside to put in a vase. As I was trimming the ends off, my spider jumped off a rose! (She usually hangs out underneath a bloom & waits for an unsuspecting bug to land-then she pounces--I've watched.) Of course I freaked out! After my heart stopped pounding & the echoes of my scream had settled, I scooped up my spider with a fly swatter & carried her back outside to the rose bush. You can be sure, every time I cut a bloom now, I check underneath for my spider first! Oh, I forgot to tell you--the black-eyed susan is blooming again! Does it usually bloom in June & September?
Alan Meeker at 11:44pm September 27
I think I would get a different pet.
I think I would get a different pet.
Lindy Meeker at 11:46pm September 27
Does your spider have a name?
Does your spider have a name?
Pamela J Meeker at 11:01pm September 28
Sorry Lindy, my spider doesn't have a name. I saw her again today when I was cutting some blooms. She was guarding with her egg sack under a dead rose. I almost cut it off (I cut off the dead ones), but looked before I snipped. I allowed her to live another day. Praise God, He allowed me to live another day, too.
Sorry Lindy, my spider doesn't have a name. I saw her again today when I was cutting some blooms. She was guarding with her egg sack under a dead rose. I almost cut it off (I cut off the dead ones), but looked before I snipped. I allowed her to live another day. Praise God, He allowed me to live another day, too.
Pamela J Meeker at 3:51pm October 12
We have some sun today. I checked on my spider. She's still alive & guarding her egg sack. Don't know how much longer she'll last. Hmmm...how long will I last? Think I'll go get some sun while it lasts.
We have some sun today. I checked on my spider. She's still alive & guarding her egg sack. Don't know how much longer she'll last. Hmmm...how long will I last? Think I'll go get some sun while it lasts.
April Harrison at 10:14am October 19
Ahhhhh. I love your notes! This one is exactly the sort of perspective I look for in the world :) We sort of think alike...maybe like family or something ;)
Pamela J Meeker at 7:41pm October 20
I checked on my spider today. Her babies have hatched. I saw a number of them crawling around the egg sack. My spider was there, too. I poked her. She didn't move very fast (as she usually does.) She probably won't last much longer. Life is short. Make it count.
Pamela J Meeker at 3:54pm October 27
Saw my spider today. She still seems to be doing pretty good. She's wrapped about 3 dead rose blooms with web. He egg sack is in there too, although I saw baby spiders around the web last week. What's up with that? I'll keep checking on her & posting updates as long as the good weather lasts.
Pamela J Meeker at 4:13pm November 19
Well, the good weather has gone. We actually had a bit of snow yesterday-not much-it didn't stick. (THIS IS NORTH CAROLINA!!! WE'RE NOT 'SPOSE TO HAVE SNOW!)
I checked on my spider last Monday (Nov.10th) & she was still alive & movin' slow. Today (Nov. 19th) I checked on her--she's gone. It was her time. She had a long & happy life, as far as spiders go. She caught & ate all the beetles & even some large bees on the rose bush, & she had babies. Maybe one of her descendants will roam the rose bush next spring. I know I'll be checking under every bud before I clip, from now on.
~Ode to My Spider~
Translucent green, her delicate frame
played silk into a deadly game
around winged insects as they sipped
unmindfull that chelicerae dipped
into their life, and drained it on
a crimson rose of perfection,
until with time her color shifted--
brown of death,
farewell, arachnid.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wanna drink?
Wanna drink? Friday, September 26, 2008 at 8:44am on FB
My "drink" of choice is water. I always thought that when someone asks you for a "drink", they meant something alcoholic. When I moved to the South, (a generation ago) I had to throw that thought out. Everyone says "drink" for everything. They even say "coke," instead of the preferred "pop" for all carbonated drinks. And what's with sweet tea? You can't get a decent iced tea around here without sugar in it! People go googoo over sweet tea. Even Jim is on the southern band wagon with sweet tea (& he used to be a Yankee!--course that was before I met him.) I like lemonade, if it's made from fresh lemons. I'll even drink grape pop once in awhile (but it makes me burp.) I prefer water.
Jesus answered, "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water." John 4:10 (MSG)
Are you thirsty?
Jaleena Dannelley Hudson at 10:46pm January 8
I love this! You are right about "around here" - for the most part sweet tea is almost a religious experience. :)
Pamela J Meeker at 11:35pm January 8
Thanks. This is one of my short notes. Short & sweet--if you like sweet tea.
My "drink" of choice is water. I always thought that when someone asks you for a "drink", they meant something alcoholic. When I moved to the South, (a generation ago) I had to throw that thought out. Everyone says "drink" for everything. They even say "coke," instead of the preferred "pop" for all carbonated drinks. And what's with sweet tea? You can't get a decent iced tea around here without sugar in it! People go googoo over sweet tea. Even Jim is on the southern band wagon with sweet tea (& he used to be a Yankee!--course that was before I met him.) I like lemonade, if it's made from fresh lemons. I'll even drink grape pop once in awhile (but it makes me burp.) I prefer water.
Jesus answered, "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water." John 4:10 (MSG)
Are you thirsty?
Jaleena Dannelley Hudson at 10:46pm January 8
I love this! You are right about "around here" - for the most part sweet tea is almost a religious experience. :)
Pamela J Meeker at 11:35pm January 8
Thanks. This is one of my short notes. Short & sweet--if you like sweet tea.
Colors
Friday, September 26, 2008 at 8:34am on FB
Colors
Blue
No wait, Orange
Blue
Orange
I've always said blue, but ya know, on the color scale, orange is the complimentary color of blue, so...
Blue is calming
Orange is insane
Oh, visit the earth,
ask her to join the dance!
Deck her out in spring showers,
fill the God-River with living water.
Paint the wheat fields golden.
Creation was made for this!
Drench the plowed fields,
soak the dirt clods
With rainfall as harrow and rake
bring her to blossom and fruit.
Snow-crown the peaks with splendor,
scatter rose petals down your paths,
All through the wild meadows, rose petals.
Set the hills to dancing,
Dress the canyon walls with live sheep,
a drape of flax across the valleys.
Let them shout, and shout, and shout!
Oh, oh, let them sing!
Psalm 65:9-13 (MSG)
What is my favorite color? It depends on my mood. Today, it's.....
Colors
Blue
No wait, Orange
Blue
Orange
I've always said blue, but ya know, on the color scale, orange is the complimentary color of blue, so...
Blue is calming
Orange is insane
Oh, visit the earth,
ask her to join the dance!
Deck her out in spring showers,
fill the God-River with living water.
Paint the wheat fields golden.
Creation was made for this!
Drench the plowed fields,
soak the dirt clods
With rainfall as harrow and rake
bring her to blossom and fruit.
Snow-crown the peaks with splendor,
scatter rose petals down your paths,
All through the wild meadows, rose petals.
Set the hills to dancing,
Dress the canyon walls with live sheep,
a drape of flax across the valleys.
Let them shout, and shout, and shout!
Oh, oh, let them sing!
Psalm 65:9-13 (MSG)
What is my favorite color? It depends on my mood. Today, it's.....
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