In Memory of Mama (Mim-ma)

Today was the 2nd anniversary of our Mama's (Mim-ma's) death. We are grateful to God for the legacy she gave us. It is truly worth more than all the gold & silver in the world. She demonstrated God's love in many ways. She loved to send cards & she always included a personal note. We received a card from a friend this year, who mentioned how much Miriam's cards meant to her.
I found a video on youtube to a song called, 'My Mother's Faith' by Cynthia Clawson. This is one song that we play for Mama's Memorial Service. A beautiful song I believe God directed our brother, Lee, to find. If you still have your parents, remember to tell them you love & appreciate them! Thank you God for the legacy of a Godly Mother & Grandmother!

In honor of my parents

On June 1 my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! This is no small milestone in today's society. I don't know the percentage of how marriages last 50 or more years, but I imagine it isn't very high. I only know that my parents are a part of that exclusive group!

I have watched them go through many things together over the years. Through good times & tough times I have seen their marriage remain strong. All my life, I have watched them serve one another in love. What a wonderful example of God's grace! Tom, Deanna, Bryan, myself & the grandkids have a Godly example to follow! We Love you both, Mom (Nana) & Gramps (Dad)! Thank you God for the blessing of a Godly heritage!

The Magnolia Tree

I recently did a post about a Woman named Mrs. High. She had a large & beautiful Magnolia Tree in her yard. They could be messy, but they were pretty & had a pleasant smell as I recall.

My mother shared with me recently that Mrs. High's daughters decided it was time to remove the tree. They are preparing to possibly sell the house & the tree was large enough that the view of the house was blocked. I know next time we visit I will miss seeing it & smelling the flowers. I felt a sense of loss as I thought about it.

Fast forward a few weeks... Bryan & I received a letter from UNT Health Science Center. They were inviting us to a ceremony in honor of their donors. Our mother, Miriam, was a body donor. The TCOM Class of 2012 dedicated a Magnolia Tree on the campus to honor all the donors! I felt it was very thoughtful of the student body to acknowledge the donors in this way.

I received a extra blessing from God in that our loved one was honored & we have a new magnolia tree to enjoy! Only God could orchestrate these events in this way! Thank you God for blessing me with a new Magnolia tree in my life!

Reflections on Brahms Requiem

In March the Choir I sing in performed the Brahm's Requiem in German. I have done this work in at least 1 maybe 2 other performances. It is a beautiful, though difficult work. It requires much of the singer especially in the German. In our previous performances I felt like it was more work & I focused on the technical. However this time was different for me. Because I had sung this work before, I felt more relaxed. I could now focus more on the music as far as details like phrasing, shaping, & other expression. Although we had done those things in the previous performances, it seemed to really become part of me this time. It was truly a blessing to sing this piece. One of my favorite parts is movement IV. The words are taken from Psalm 84:1-2, & 4. KJV bible is used in this piece.

'How lovely is Thy dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts!
For my soul, it longeth, yea fainteth for the courts of the
Lord; my soul and body crieth out, yea, for the living God.
O blest are they that dwell within Thy house they praise Thy
name evermore!

Thank you God for your word & for composers who you gave the talent to write great music!

All CEO's are not created equal

Beth Israel workers agree to go without to save jobs - The Boston Globe

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In a day when most CEO's are painted in a negative light ( sometimes justifiably so), it's refreshing to see a positive news story about someone in an executive position. Thank you God that there are still people in the world willing to think of others first.

In memory of Mrs. High

Mrs. Mildred High was a special woman, a dear neighbor, & friend. She lived next door to my family in Ga., where I grew up. The High family was living next door when my parents moved in. That was nearly 50 yrs. ago! She passed away on Jan 1, 2009. She was 84 .

She watched my brother & I grow up. When my mother had to go back to work full-time, Mrs. High was there for us. She watched us after school until my mom was home. She had an after school snack for us & made sure we did our homework!

She was there for us many other times as well. Fast forward a few years. I'm engaged to Bryan. She helped us with some of our wedding stuff. She hosted a lovely party for me. She also made beautiful mints for my wedding reception!

When we visited in Ga., She was there & she saw my children grow up as well! Luke would hollar across the fence to her, Hi, Mrs. High! She always loved children.

She was there when my Mom was in the hospital last spring. She came to the hospital to see Mom, even though she wasn't feeling well herself.

The last time we saw her was in May 2008 at Luke's Basic training graduation. She was excited about being there. She expressed being very proud of Luke & said what a 'fine young man' he had become. She had a special place in her heart for the military as her husband (deceased) was retired from the Army. Luke & I had a visit with her at her house. She showed Luke Major High's military picture & talked with him some about military life. She told Luke she was excited for him & that she knew he would be a fine soldier. It was a special time for us.

Since we don't get to Ga. very often, I cherish these times. Somehow when we left there I had a sense that I wouldn't see Mrs. High again. I think that's how God prepares us for change or loss.

I think the world would be a better place if there were more people like Mrs. High. May she rest in peace. Thank you God for special friends!

Making a memory

Today was a special memory for me. This memory took place in our home at our dining room table. Our table is special because it's been in our family, husband's side, for at least 80 yrs. But this memory has to do with family people, not family things!

Bryan, Luke, & I were having lunch after church as we have done many times! We were having a conversation about music - surprise, surprise! Luke randomly commented that I should listen to some 'Reggae' music for relaxation! Now I love music, but 'Reggae' is not my idea of relaxing music! Anyway, I mentioned my ocean waves CD & 'Sleep sound in Jesus' by Michael Card. 'Sleep sound in Jesus' is a lullaby CD that we listened to when the boys were small.

Luke said listening to that CD was one of his earliest childhood memories! He also said he remembered me singing some of the songs to him & Jeremy. One of their favorites was the 'Barocha'. (from the Old Testament blessing). As a Mom, it was a very special moment when Luke said he remembered the music from his childhood!

This memory is even more special since Luke is home from Iraq on leave. Thank you God for the blessing of my sons!