What my Momma taught me

I OWE MY MOTHER . . .
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside.
I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you
into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not
going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times.
Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who
don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE .
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. (And my favorite)
My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.

His eye is on the sparrow...

... and I know He cares for me.
Beginning Tuesday (1/29/08), a series of events began that led to my Thursday time of reflection being focused on the "Trials of Job." I soliliquized the theology of 'trials' in our lives. God was preparing me for the news I received Friday morning (2/1/08).
My mother providentially stayed home from work that morning. My father had a stroke which left him unable to call for help. If my mother had gone to work as expected my trip to San Antonio Friday morning would have probably been under much different circumstances.
My loving Dad, provider-defender-teacher-inspiration, is now in Southeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio. We await results from a second MRI and EEG which will better define the debilitating impact of that stroke. The current prognosis will have us moving to a Rehab Center on Monday where he will probably undergo a few months of readaptation to deal with the current paralysis in his right side and inability to speak.
But my father is alive, and God is still on the throne.
If your faith leads you, please join our family in believing God for my Dad's recovery. He has always been my mom's support through her numerous serious medical encounters over the last few decades. The 'super-man,' that has always left me marvelling at his incredible work ethic, will now need complete care for his every physical need. Mom is recovered from her flu symptoms, but will be unable to care for Dad's complete convalescence. We need wisdom about our upcoming decisions.
My heart was prepared as I put my trust in God's complete care on Thursday morning. On today, I rely on those who have encouraged us with prayer and expressions of confidence in a Loving Creator.
Selah