The Debate

In order for this post to make sense, first read Pizza and Chips 4 Glenn.

Wouldn’t you think that a certain Professor from a certain Theological Seminary would have better things to do than challenge my “authority” on eating potato chips with pizza? And they pay you for what??? LOL

O.K. Here goes… I’m being told that eating potato chips with pizza is not only a “Maine thing”, but most likely in or around only Corinth. While I take pride in being a Corinthian, I don’t believe that it is potato chips that has put us on the map!

So here is what I’m asking. If you’d like to help me win this debate… please email me at luvmusic@roadrunner.com and let me know what you eat with pizza. I’m really wanting to know what state you live in also. (As for my friend Mary, I don’t mean the state of Coma County that you so often visit.)

Potato chip lovers, arise!

I Know

My favorite verse in the Bible is “Be still and know that I am God.” During a time in my life when I was depressed and filled with anxiety, my friend, Nancy provided encouragement by only four words. “Be still and know…” How often we get wrapped up in our busy lives and forget the essence of life. “Be still and know…” Start by putting all the worries of life away and focus only on God. Then we will know.

I listen to many Christian recording artists, one of which is Nicole C. Mullen. She will be performing at the Women of Faith Conference in Boston and I can’t wait to hear her again. This video expresses exactly how I feel. I do know that my redeemer lives.

If you are unable to view this video, go to the following URL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATBLXyJxyTI&feature=related

The Rain in Maine

Years ago, I flew home from Florida during part of my summer vacation from teaching. I spent about 45 days in Maine… it rained and rained and rained (something like 32 of the 45 days). Is this going to be another season like that one? If so, I’m already tired of the reruns.

Without sunshine, it’s easy to sink into the doldrums. So one needs to find humor. They say that laughter is the best medicine. I certainly find it to be true. If you have not seen the following video, you’re in for a treat. If you have seen it, like myself, I’m sure laughter will return. May you have a fun-filled outlook on life.

If you are unable to view this video, visit the following site. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXXm696UbKY

Pizza and Chips 4 Glenn

Last evening I had an opportunity to gather with friends for pizza (and  chips). During a conversation, obviously a deep conversation, I learned that potato chips and pizza are not served together in some parts of the U.S. It’s rather difficult for me to wrap my head around this new discovery, as I’ve known no other way of life.

It’s like telling someone that wet grass doesn’t laugh at you when you so desperately need to mow it and rain is a constant! Pizza without chips. My heart goes out to those who’s life experience has been stunted by such neglect.

While going to a mall to “people watch” is a favorite past time of some, my goal is now to begin observing the food people order in a restaurant. This just may be the start of yet another… “You can tell a person is from Maine when…”

The Message of the Bees (Part 2)

Lifting the wooden hive from the back of the truck, the bees were carried to their new location. From a distance, I cautiously crept along the outskits, not wanting the bees to think I might be extending an invitation for a visit. Walking gingerly along, the bees were still flying everywhere. As if a GPS had been genetically embedded, my grandfather moved forward and they followed. Being fascinated and becoming more trusting, v-e-r-y slowly I shortened my distance, remaining silent, of course, in fear that hearing the sound of my voice would spur them into thinking that an invitation to a live banquet was being offered! Upon reaching our destination, the hive was placed on a platform, consisting of a post and wooden shelf. The post was erected to prevent skunks from raiding the hive.

Following this, another experience began to unfold; as if cleaning house, the bodies of those who had not survived the trip were carried out and discarded, the debris that had landed on the platform was removed, and then all was still. Apparently, the hive was deemed clean and all was in order once again.

Next my grandfather poured honey into the cover of a plastic ice cream container; honey which had been harvested before being transported to our home. Because the bees were still disoriented, they needed to be fed. It was an amazing sight; the bees balanced on the edge of the cover, leaning forward to drink. My grandfather likened it to “little piggies” gathered around a trough. Periodically, they would enter the hive, feeding those within, then return to the honey, repeating the process over and over.

Eventually, the bees quieted and the frantic flying pattern slowed. A more organized flight pattern began; the bees ventured out, distancing themselves from the hive. In time, one by one they returned, then others would leave; flowers in a nearby field had been discovered. The bees were liberated from depending on human intervention!

Is there a message here? Is this a visual parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning? When we find ourselves in situations where we become disoriented, are we to clean house? Are we to search the crevices of our heart and discard the debris that keeps us from breaking free from our past… from our present?

Jesus is the bread of life. Like the bees, are we to drink the living water and feed others? Are we to venture out, telling others of His grace, His sacrifice? Then, hearing Him gently speak, are we to return to our master and rest? Are we beckoned to refresh our soul, be nourished, become equipped, and then like the bees, venture out into the world once again? What do you think?