Farewell to Dad ... for Now

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

In other words, none of us just happened. We came into this world, having been put together by God to make a difference in the lives of others and to make a difference for God. It’s amazing the different elements God uses to put us together in our mother’s womb. Put us together for a purpose, to impact those around us. 
My dad was one of the most caring and loving people I have ever known. Not only was he a wonderful father, but he was also a loving, devoted and faithful husband to my mother, Jean Tice.

 He loved my mama, her mama and her sisters. He especially loved Alice's only child, Dawn Renee. And he loved my children.

My first husband drowned when I was 20. Our babies were left father-less. Camille was 27 months old and Wesley a mere 6 months old. My dad made a vow to be their father.  He fulfilled that vow.

He loved the beach, watermelon on hot summer afternoons, animals of all kinds, and creating useful wood projects. And he loved trying to make his tenor voice sound like the rich baritones of George Beverly Shea as he tried to sing “How Great Thou Art!”

His daddy, William Albert Stone, was a farmer and part-time Baptist Minister. His mother, Clara Ethel Watwood was a full-time mother to nine children, 7 girls and 2 boys. And raising such a large family was not an easy task at anytime much less during the years just preceding and following the Great Depression.

Daddy was raised with an undying love for God and a strong respect for women. When born, he already had 6 elder sisters. He married into a family of girls, with only a mother-in-law as their daddy has passed when they were young children, and he had many more nieces than nephews. But male or female, he had true love for others and respect for all. Even during his final days, when his speech became severely inhibited by dementia, he would often still say clearly, “God Bless you,” addressed all as “Ma’am” or “Sir.”

We all have our memories of this man who was named, William Wesley Stone. He answered to Wesley, Bill and Rocky....but later in life confessed that he would answer to “Mud” should someone call him that.   My memories span almost 60 years, though I admit that I recall little from those first couple of years. He had a true servant’s heart. No matter where he worked or what job he did, he possessed a strong work ethic. He was friend to many, striving his best always to be of help to others, whether in the course of earning a paycheck or lending an ever-willing hand to one in need.

He was truly humble and took no pleasure in “putting on the dog” (– an idiom he used to me on rare occasions).

You all have your memories, precious memories of the one God placed in our lives to be a blessing.

When you stop to think about the word NEW, what does it mean? When you get down to it, it really implies something better.

Today we say goodbye, at least for now, to a very special gentleman. And he was a gentleman in every sense of the word.  Today, as we stop to remember my dad and all those things that made him special, we have to add one more word to that list- "NEW". For today Daddy has a lot of "NEW" things, including a perfect, body fashioned in the image and likeness of Jesus himself. A body he can use to enjoy all the splendors of that place called heaven.

I’m always amazed how Scripture is so realistic. It contains words and actions, which express the whole range of human emotions, and in some ways the book of Psalms is a composite of the Bible.

The 150th Psalm is a closing song of Praise. After 149 songs that speak of the human existence, of pain and joy, sorrow and celebration, the psalmist closes with a simple song of praise

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”

And that is what I would say here today. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”

Those who wrote the psalms were very human, and they knew what it was to feel strong emotion, They cry in pain, they shout with Joy, in all of life they see reason to praise God

We too, just like the psalmist of long ago, know emotions. Today, we celebrate the life of one who was loved by many and who loved many.

But also with this celebration are feelings of sadness and loss, and in this we can lean on God, who will be our stronghold during times of trial. It is during seasons of life just like this that we realize that life as we know it, is uncertain 

None of us is guaranteed tomorrow, or even the rest of today for that matter.

The bible often pictures the uncertainty of life, we read in James 4:14

“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.” 

The very uncertainty of life causes us to consider its approaching end, but even with life’s uncertainties God has made victory possible, and what a celebration that is!

Today we can find comfort in the fact that Jesus has power over the grave, power over death!

We read in the gospel of Luke how He raised the widow’s son and Jairus’ daughter…  what a celebration that was!

We read in John 11 how He came upon the tomb of His friend Lazarus, and how he wept at the death of his friend, and how he brought him back to life… oh what a celebration that was!

Jesus even overcame death in His own resurrection… and THAT’s a celebration for us!

Today as we celebrate my dad's life with us, and how he touched our lives, we can look forward to the day when death will finally be destroyed!

In 2nd Corinthians 5:11 we read

"If any person be in Christ, they are a new creation; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new."

This is a perfect picture of what happened to my dad, Because this past Sunday morning, about 6:25, the old things passed away and behold, all things indeed became new for him!

And we read in Isaiah 46:4

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am HE, I am HE who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

He sustained my dad. He carried him. And NOW has called him home; PRAISE GOD!! His promise is the same for us.

God’s promises are overwhelming, from the rainbow in the sky, to the salvation He offers, to the promise of His everlasting presence with us.
We remember and celebrate, and praise God for this man who touched our lives in so many different ways.

We Have Gathered Together In This Place, Not Because Daddy has passed away, But Because he Lived....and he lived a Godly life…and He has Graduated!

The Tail of the Whale

I had a dream the other night. Scenes of partial pictures. One I recall was of half a face. Another was of a table that was adorned with table cloth, set with empty plates, silverware, clean napkins, empty glasses. And still another was included -- half of the front of a house. At first glance I didn't realize anything was missing. But my mind did wonder at what I was being shown.

I kept hearing a voice say, "Do you want to see the Complete Picture or are these enough for you?" 

I didn't understand. Was what I was seeing, what I was being shown only part of what I needed to see?

I hadn't been curious before, but suddenly, with the prospect dangled in front of me that there was more, I suddenly wanted to see it.

The curtain was drawn back on each scene. The face was completed. Seemed to be a rugged male face with beard and unkept long hair. I didn't recognize him. Could have been any number of people. Could have been a man at a rock concert from back in the 1970s. Could have been Jesus. I don't know. There wasn't an explanation. Seemed that I gazed at the face for a long time trying to find meaning, familiarity.  

Next was the table. Where only empty plates had been set on a white tablecloth, the scene was expanded to reveal many dishes laden with various foods, scrumptious and inviting. Again, I studied the exhibit, searching for hidden meaning. Some of the platters were hot as there was steam rising. I don't recall what foods there were, but they appeared yummy. However, my appetite was not aroused.

Eventually, the table was replaced by the house. It was a rather small house. Nothing particularly notable. It was just the entire house that was placed on view. Seemed older -- maybe early 1900's, frame-style, wooden foundation with crawl space underneath....though that wasn't specifically revealed. I could tell by the steps up to the front door that it had this kind of construction. I examined it for some time. Like all the other pictures, this house did not look familiar to me. Nothing I had seen in my past that I could recall. Could have been in any town, USA. 

I awoke and was troubled. Troubled because none of it made sense to me.The voice still echoed  "Do you want to see the Complete Picture?" Having seen and studied the complete pictures of each scene, I found nothing remarkable, nothing outstanding. Actually, they were boring. There was nothing curious at all. All that was curious was that I was being shown them and asked the question.

Drifting off to sleep again, I revisited each of the 3 scenes once more as the visions returned. First, the partial pictures and then the completed scenes. And then each expanded. The man was shirtless, bronzed, wearing jeans, barefooted. His body appeared to be turning, as if he was just looking back over his shoulder. He suddenly had purpose. I didn't know his purpose, but being shown this picture caused me to seriously wonder. 

The table lavishly set with foods expanded to reveal guests....and an exceedingly long table. People of all ages were gathering. They were happy, greeting each other with hugs. It seemed to be a large family gathering, a reunion of sorts.Seemed to be much love in this warm and inviting atmosphere.

The house expanded to reveal a lot with lush green grass. Soft grass that had some length to it, though not too high. Reminded me of Kentucky blue grass -- soft and cool to the bare foot. There were beautiful blooming flowers, too, but not so much uniform in the planting -- more naturally spaced. And a very large shade tree in the front. Could have been a ficus, could have been an oak. This scene was suddenly cool, friendly, relaxing, inviting, peaceful.

I woke again. There was a sermon on the radio. It was John D. McArthur. He was teaching on Jesus calming the storm. I'm not sure which storm he was referring to, whether it was when He had fallen asleep in the boat and the storm arose as they crossed the Sea of Galilee, or if the subject was when the storm happened as the disciples were alone at night crossing the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus came walking across the sea towards them. Either way, McArthur referenced Jonah.

This will be the second week that our Sunday morning Bible Study has been on Jonah. To be totally truthful, I hadn't actually looked for anything extra in these Scriptures. Was a story we all know. Looked more at the history of Nineveh, where Jonah was from, where Tarshish was thought to be. Things like that. And yet, after my lengthy dream about seeing the Complete Picture, awakening to a sermon that is referencing Jonah, I decided this was something I needed to hear. 

Right off the bat  McArthur notes all three events have 1 major thing in common -- when the storm was commanded to cease, it ceased right then.  The instant Jonah hit the water, the storm ceased right then. We observe that when a body of water is troubled by high winds, it takes some time for the waves to calm down. But not in these cases. That was what caused seasoned mariners to be awestruck and fearful. We have seen furious winds cease abruptly. But I have never witnessed waves cease abruptly. Science tells us that doesn't happen. The energy continues until it is used up.

In consideration of the Book of Jonah, I needed to return to scripture, to search out the Complete Picture. I may not see it all. It may take a while. But there is more here than just a simple rendition of Jonah and the Whale.

Transcending the Tail

I went to visit my dad today. For those of you who don't know, he is in an Alzheimer's facility. What a horrible, horrible disease.

No, he didn't know me today. He immediately asked me who I was when I woke him from his nap in a living room chair. He began speaking in nonsensical moans and groans. I call this “Daddy-speak” cuz the language is unknown. I have learned not to question or to try to understand him, not to try to get him to repeat himself in words that are intelligible to me. Why? That causes him deep anxiety because apparently he thinks he is speaking in a recognizable manner. Apparently, he understands himself. I have learned to make nothing replies like “Oh. Okay. Really?” and so forth. I watch his face for any sign of alarm and if that is noted, I say, “I'm sorry.” Sometimes I say simply, “I love you, Daddy.” Sometimes he understands that. Other times, he doesn't. I have come to realize that sometimes my words don't mean to him what Mr. Webster defined them as – just like the language he utilizes. This is something none of the books tell you. I have found no blogs that discuss it.

Today, I interrupted his garble by giving him a birthday card from his sister, Thelma. He said lots that I could understand, “Nice. Bless.” I attempted to read it to him, but he closed it. I opened it again and tried to rush thru the rest of what she had hand-written, but he closed the card again and gave it back to me, saying a lot of things including one “Thank you” that was distinguishable.

Next, I gave him his birthday card from his brother, Grady. He doesn't know how to open an envelope any more so I did it for him and handed him his card. He doesn't read. I told him it was funny and started to read it to him, but like before with his sister's card, he opened it to the inside. Before I could finish the joke, much less read what my uncle had written, he closed the card again. I did manage to take a couple of pictures of him with his cards. But then, I realized he had fallen asleep while looking at them. My uncle had included a photo of the 3 of them -- Grady, Thelma and my dad. I took a picture of it with my cell phone. My dad roused pretty soon after that. So I tried to direct his attention towards the picture and explained the people in it and when it was taken – October 2001.

We had flown together, just he and I, out to his home town in Arkansas. Shortly following 9/11, it was a trip I would never forget and not for that reason only, but because my mother had passed April 1 of that year. This was the only trip my dad and I had ever gone on together, just the two of us.

Back in the present, he had fallen asleep again, but he was holding the picture on top of his cards. I was attempting to upload my picture of him with his cards onto Facebook when he awoke and abruptly sprung from his chair and headed for the door to the outside. I bolted after him catching him at the door. I took the cards and the photo from his hands. He didn't seem to like that. Said stuff in his special language, but his face showed concern, maybe distrust, definitely displeasure. I told him I would hold them while he was gone and that I would be right there when he returned. Don't know if what I said was understood, or if his attention was just diverted by the bright light beckoning him outdoors and that instinct, that addiction he seems to have that causes him to walk much of the time.

I placed his cards in the glass wall case outside his bedroom door. His room was neat and clean today. I took the picture Grady had sent and placed in a frame on his dresser. Maybe he will look at it some more? Maybe he will remember? Maybe it will lend him some inner peace? Maybe it will cause the anxiety and turmoil that descends on him in later hours of the day to vanish, if only momentarily? I placed the bag of his favorite candies – the butterscotch and the peppermints -- in his top drawer. I know he will find them. As the day wears on, he becomes very concerned about “his stuff,” churning through drawers continually looking for only he knows what. Today he will find a surprise, a treasure!

I left his room with door open – the way I found it, and proceeded back towards the living room. He is now sitting in the dining room at a table with 2 others. He looks at peace, without his teeth. He glances casually at me and I wave to him, but he looks away. He doesn't know me again. I guess I don't even look familiar to him.

And so I continue on down the hallway that leads to the outside door. I almost want to run, like running could cause the awfulness of my father's condition to suddenly evaporate....like Superman did when Lois Lane died and he flew fast around the globe several times turning back time. But I don't run. I don't look back.     

A Political Rant....?

Yes, time is indeed drawing short.

Was thinking all about this this morning as I was making David’s breakfast. We had our group meeting yesterday. Three were out of town, so it was just one other couple, 4 of us in total. We became involved in a brief political discussion. Granted, we are all 4 of the same mind according to our vote, mind you, but it became heated almost immediately. The other gentleman is very PRO Romney – which is okay. I mean, I plan on voting for Romney only because I intend to vote and am not going to vote for any Democrat, nor their representative, due to their current stated platform which is totally anti-GOD in my opinion. (It should go without stating that I did not and would not cast my vote for BO ever....) But as he talked, it was as if he was/is believing that when elected Romney will solve ALL our problems. He will be OUR SAVIOR. Course, you know my thoughts on the subject but just in case you don’t ... Presidents are just pawns. Romney may or may not be better or worse than Obama. OR his actions may be veiled as he accomplishes hidden agendas, moving us closer to the intended New World Order. This quiet, slow spiral downward seems to be more the way of the Republican party, rather than the in-your-face quickly treacherous actions of the Democrats.

The other gentleman became emotional. Asked me (what he meant to be rhetorical) didn’t I think God wants the United States to be salvaged from destruction? Course, I didn’t answer him directly, but rather pointed out the rest of the world and how they have suffered economically in the last 4 years, that O wasn’t running those countries, but that obviously the same that actually run ours also runs the rest of the world. And has. This is really nothing new. David tuned in that we should put our trust in GOD alone, because no man, no human being is going to save us, individually or corporately....that all this world chaos and confusion is further setting the scene for that one man to step forth that has ALL the answers, who will seem to be able to return order and some type of prosperity. But MAGIC comes at a price – yes??

Course, as you know, we don’t believe we will be here to see the AntiChrist assume power. And this man will not step forth to solve the world’s problems until more devastation takes place – including possibly world WAR, Great Depression, famine, etc, of which events we could definitely experience.

In my reflections this morning, I also revisited Daniel 11, specifically the latter part of the chapter dealing with the end times AntiChrist. Verse 37 says that he won’t “honor the God of his fathers...” Went to Strong’s to see how “God” in this case is defined. According to Strongs, this is 430 in the Hebrew meaning eloheim. Following an investigation into the usage and meaning of that word, I can sum it up as when used with a plural verb, it is plural, and especially in Hebrew usage Elohim refers to “The God.” But then, wasn’t Daniel written in another language other than Hebrew? Actually, yes it was. Reportedly, 1:1 – 2:3 was in Hebrew, then switched to Aramaic (Ahhhhhh---the mystery deepens), but then Daniel switched back to Hebrew again in chapter 8 and continued that language through to the end. Following that rabbit trail brought that line of reasoning to a dead end, but relief as well since the labor of locating and delving into possible Aramaic scripts was eliminated.

As I looked at various English translations, I found the following very interesting:

Daniel 11:37

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

³⁷ He will not show regard for the gods^[a] of his fathers, the god longed for by women, or for any other god,^(A) because he will magnify himself above all. Footnotes: Daniel 11:37 Or God Cross references: Daniel 11:37 : 1Co 8:5-6

Daniel 11:37

English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁷ He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for^(A)he shall magnify himself above all.Cross references: Daniel 11:37 : [See ver. 36 above]; [ch. 7:25; 2 Thess. 2:4]

From this verse (in all translations), we see that “this man” will not follow the religion of his fathers. But even more importantly, what jumped out at me was the following part of the verse; the god longed for by women,(HCSB); to the one beloved by women (ESV) . Does this refer to Christianity or to Judaism? In Judaism, women longed to be the one chosen to bare the LORD’s Messiah? Do they still? In Christianity, women love Jesus. HE set us free. He was the true liberator of women. OK, I admit it, I googled the question. Surprise – got no answer as to what other religion(s) might cause women specifically to love or long for (a different) god or gods. Therefore, I will consider Christianity and/or Judaism as the only possibilities.

With those considerations, it appears that (again) this man will not follow Christianity or Judaism, but that he will have a strong lineage of family worship and involvement in either Christianity or Judaism. Doesn’t mean he will be a homosexual either, as many have interpreted that section of the verse.

Our current president’s “fathers” seemed to be a mix of Muslim, Christian and atheists. He really has not departed from that so-called set of merged beliefs.

The current challenger for president is a Mormon, as were his father and his father’s fathers. Even though the LDS claim to believe that Jesus was the only begotten son of the one true GOD, that He is our Savior, their doctrine and theology are very skewed from that point, making Lucifer and Jesus “spirit brothers” as well as embracing extra-Biblical prophets and scriptures in the form of the Book of Mormon. Angels are very important in Mormonism. It was the Angel Moroni who revealed the golden plates to Joseph Smith from which Smith translated the Book of Mormon. Moroni was one of the ancient Nephites in mortal life and the author of one of the books of the Book of Mormon. The Bible warns of such deviations from the Gospel of Jesus. (Galatians 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.) Even though Romney seems to be a follower of the same religion of that as his fathers, and he calls himself Christian, Mormonism is definitely a cult. I see nothing in Mormonism that causes women to especially love or long for their god. If anything, in Mormonism the status of women has been lowered to that of ownership. Women are 2nd class beings. According to Mormonism, an unmarried woman can not enter heaven at all. Only a woman who is a participant of a celestial marriage (a special ceremony performed in a Mormon temple) may enter heaven after death. At that point and for eternity, she will bare spirit children to her husband. This doctrine is a far-cry from what Scripture tells us:

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. and Matthew 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage.... No matter what our gender, our race, our class, we are equal. However, according to Mormonism, a woman is not Saved through her personal Faith in Jesus Christ, but only through celestial marriage to a man. This doctrine flies in the face of Christian doctrine.  

For the time being, I think that we can rule out both U.S. Presidential candidates as being THE Antichrist in the making.  

Abba in the Box

Abba in the Box

Was thinking about my newest granddaughter this morning, how she is at that stage of infancy where all things bright and shiney attrack her attention. She is gaining more and more control of her hands, her fingers. Everything she is able to grab hold of must be brought to her mouth, where she tests for taste and texture. Could be the cat's tail as it passes by ... or the finger of one of her family members ... but all toys and items freely given her must receive the taste test. My thoughts evolved to other common toys that have been around for centuries, such as the Jack-in-the Boxes. How those little boxes have delighted kids for ages! One winds the handle, which plays a little tune, and at a moment unknown, Jack pops out to the delight and surprise of all. Sometimes Jack doesn't pop out when he should. I remember trying to force "Jack" to pop out, even to the point of trying to pry open the lid.

 Those who profess belief in God sometimes treat Him like a Jack-In-The Box toy. He is set on a shelf, maybe even hidden away with the rest of our toys somewhere. We busily go about doing "His Work" and on occassion resort to pulling Him out. We wind Him up, by saying whatever incantation we think will invoke Him to appear....and suddenly He pops out! We are delighted, taken by surprise and sometimes awe. Sometimes, we even attempt to pry Him out. Eventually, we put Him away again.

 So many work themselves crazy trying to devise ways to bring others to Him. They spend countless hours devising plans and activities, writing booklets, tracks and praying for a special touch of creativity from Him that will draw others. Does He use these things? Absolutely, when it pleases Him to do so. We see in scripture that the LORD used many, even if they were evil. He used Pharoah....hardened his heart for the purpose of His Glory in redeeming His People. Some have a problem with the concept of the Lord's hardening of Pharoah's heart. They forget that He is the potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 29:16; 64:8; Romans 9:21). While in college, I took an elective class in Ceramics. We began the class by making the clay. Large garbage cans were prepared with heavy-duty black garbage bags. The recipe comprised sterile reddish soil into which was poured bottles of wine and yeast. In addition, discarded projects from the previous semester of dried out, unusable clay were also added. Once all was combined into the garbage bags, it was mixed just enough to moisten the contents. Then the bags were tied and lids fastened to the garbage cans. There the clay would age over the next several weeks in preparation for the following semester's classes. In the meantime, the clay mixture prepared during the previous semester was now ready to be used by our class.

 Each morning, each student got a portion of clay to be used. It was worked, molded, formed with the hands. Some projects dictated that the clay be rolled into strips, some pounded into flat squares but all were kneeded in order to insure there were no air bubbles that could form pockets that would cause weakness in the object resulting in bursting during the firing processes. Toward the end of the semester, we learned to use the wheel in order to achieve individual results desired.

 This experience brought to mind how God made us. He took the "dust of the ground" to form the first man. The name that God gave him was "Adam," which in the Hebrew (Strongs Concordance 119,120,121) means red, rosey, ruddy in color. So God used His Own created, sterile, red dirt. In John 9, we see how God healed a man of his blindness. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay (9:6). Jesus made a patch for this blind man's eyes. Did He form an eyeball ... or maybe a retina ... or maybe a lens?? This man was born blind. He had a congenital birth defect. The Disciples questioned Jesus about why this grown man had been born blind, if it was due to a sin he or his parents had committed and Jesus said it was so that "the works of God should be revealed in him" (v. 3). Jesus healed many others who were blind by simply stating, "You are healed" or "Receive your sight," but in this particular area, Jesus actually did something to give the man his sight.

 God does according to His Purpose that His Plans may be fulfilled to and for His Glory. We, His Creation, do not mold Him. He molds us. We often forget that He is in charge. Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6.44). We busy ourselves seeking to draw people to Him. We offer all kinds of creative, worldly trinkets to get people's attention, constructing grand buildings with plush furnishings and up-to-date sound and visual systems, scheduling time-consuming and sometimes expensive functions....and yet, Jesus nor any of the Prophets or Apostles had to resort to such to draw crowds. It was the Spirit of the Lord that brought people to where they would hear His Word. No advertisements saying "In the desert today"...or "along the river bank on Sunday morning" ... or "Come get your free 2-piece fish dinner." Yet they came in large numbers, great multitudes. And even of those who came and heard, not all believed and were kept (Luke 8).

 These things, these events, these pleasures and worldly attractions aren't wrong, persay but we wear ourselves out with them. We become exhausted and disappointed because we seek to draw the lost by utilizing fleshly pleasures of the world, forgetting that "the world" fulfills fleshly desires much better. IF we were to simply return to our First Love, preaching the Word in season and out of season, then the Spirit would indeed use us by drawing the lost to Himself. We need to take Abba out of the box.

Tail of the Pen

This morning, I went to visit my dad. For those of you who don’t know, he’s in an Alzheimer’s Facility. Just that fact in and of itself presents many challenges, many of which are comical when recounted.Today’s was one of those especially complex visits, full of many stories worthy of the tell. However, one in particular falls in the exceptional category.

I was in the process of leaving. Even though his legs, which he kept referring to as eyes, had been experiencing muscular cramping, my dad insisted on walking me out. As we exited the building, my cell phone rang. I stopped to retrieve it from my purse. My father continued having a non-conversation with me. The call was from a possible employer. My father continues to speak rather loudly, but that is okay as I live with a man and am quite used to negotiating a telephone call while he suddenly wants to have a detailed, heart-to-heart conversation of the utmost importance. Notepad and pen fished from my purse, I am scribbling down highlights of what this prospective employer is saying to me, and am trying to answer the questions with soundness of mind. Suddenly, one of the other residents, a woman approaches. She gives me the steely eye. Although I’m not sure of why she’s looking at me in such a way, I know exactly what that means. It’s like seeing a kitty approaching, who suddenly stops in its tracks. The ears flattened and sometimes even the back arches. If it is eyeing you, you definitely need to get out of the way very quickly. At the time, removing myself from the vicinity was not quite possible. My father was still yapping. The person on the telephone with me was continuing to explain about the job requirements, asking pertinent questions. So when I perceived that I was getting the look from this lady, I turned my back to her to hopefully achieve better concentration. Yes, I realize now that act wasn’t exactly what was called for in that situation. She became very loud, which caused me to turn back to face it. It was then that the cat pounced. As I’m still writing, well scribbling would be more truthful, the lady tries to snatch my pen. She is screaming it is her pen, that I have stolen it and continues her best attempts to remove it from my grasp.

As a side note, I have to interject here that certain pens, specifically Pilot G2 pens in either black or blue ink, are highly prized possessions of mine. While I may briefly loan a pen to someone in need, I expect it to be treated with gentleness and returned immediately. There is no way I would ever have allowed this woman, this stranger to have my pen. For years, my father expressed desire for my pen, which I didn’t allow. Anyway, my hang up, I know. But the applicable word is MINE.

At that point, while my father is loudly explaining that I will return the pen when I finish using it, I feel the need to explain to the person on the phone where I am, why I am there, what is occurring, and to ask for a telephone number and appropriate time to return the call. All is well and the call ends. And just as suddenly, almost miraculously, as soon as the call is ended, the phone closed, placed back in my purse, my pen is suddenly forgotten by all. The attacking woman is in retreat crying over the loss of her pen and my dad has fallen silent. All is quiet and the birds begin to sing once again.

Fool On The Semantic Hill

Remember the Fool on the hill? The Beatles sang about him. Ironically, the event that inspired the Lennon-McCartney duo to pen the words to this song was the mysterious appearance and disappearance of a stranger that Paul met briefly on a hill. Even more peculiar was the fact that Paul and a friend had just been discussing the existence of God while overlooking the city of London from that hill. Paul McCartney said that his song was about a man who was considered a fool by others, but whose foolish demeanor is actually an indication of wisdom. Could this be?

Merriam-Webster defines "fool" as this:

1: a person lacking in judgment or prudence 2a: a retainer formerly kept in great households to provide casual entertainment and commonly dressed in motley with cap, bells, and bauble b: one who is victimized or made to appear foolish . Dupe. 3a: a harmlessly deranged person or one lacking in common powers of understanding b: one with a marked propensity or fondness for something fool. fool for candy = (David? LOL!) 4:a cold dessert of pureed fruit mixed with whipped cream or custard.

The Bible defines fool as one "who misuse(s) true wisdom." This definition seems to be a compilation of scriptures. Thought not all inclusive, here are a few from Psalms and Proverbs. (Note: All Biblical references are from the New King James Version unless otherwise specified.)

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.

A senseless man does not know, Nor does a fool understand this. (to give Thanks to God)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge."

For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.

Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.

A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.

A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.


Jesus, as well, spoke of the fool. In Matthew 5:22, He said: And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

That's a pretty severe statement! Raca means empty, i.e. a senseless, empty headed man. It was a term of reproach used among the Jews in the time of Christ. Yet, the terms Raca and Fool apparently mean the same thing. However, Jesus seems to say that fool is the most evil of the two. Herein lies a mystery of semantics.

I must admit that the word "fool" has rarely been a part of my vocabulary for various reasons, like my father having told me as a child that I would go to hell if I called someone a fool. More often, other words with similar meanings are employed such as: oaf, dunce, IDIOT, JERK moron, imbecile, jackass, ASS, dope, turkey, nut…..It is interesting to note that fool appears in Scripture 194 times.

It seems remarkable and a bit mocking that Paul McCartney would ascribe the attributes of the wise to a fool.

Was he? Or was he attempting to convey that this man he had seen, who had given him the impression of appearing foolish, was in actuality very wise?

One really doesn't know for sure…other than McCartney, himself. Maybe this "fool" was merely an apparition that surfaced after a night of LSD…. Or maybe, just maybe, this was an angelic visitor who related confirmation of Paul's thought process.

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21

References:
http:/www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fool
http://net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=Raca
Bible. New King James Version, Topical Index
Psalm 41:1 Psalm 92:6 Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 1:22 Proverbs 1:32
Proverbs 3:35 Proverbs 10:8 Proverbs 10:18 Proverbs 10:23 Proverbs 12:15
Proverbs 14:9 Proverbs 14:16 Proverbs 15:5 Proverbs 18:7 Proverbs 20:3
Proverbs 23:9 Proverbs 26:11 Proverbs 28:26 Proverbs 29:11
Photo disclaimer: In our society, clowns are usually thought of as "fools"....and these were the cutest clowns I could find...and they DO NOT apply to the definitions in this article! 8cD!

A Hail of a Tail

On my way home the other day, I took notice of a particular home in our community. Several months ago when I complained to my hubby about the unsightliness, he informed me that the people were in the process of redoing their front yard. I was humbled at the time. So far, the only improvements completed is the single car driveway that was removed and replaced with a concrete pad large enough to accommodate the owners’ 2 pickup trucks and car. The remainder of the front yard consists of white sugar sand and clumps of tall grass. I thought to myself, “Wow! Looks like hell!” Then caught myself. Looks like hell? Really? What exactly does hell look like? Seems that scripture speaks of hell being a place without God. It is "utter darkness where the fire is not quenched." A place of eternal damnation originally designed for satan and his demons. Satan won’t be the boss there, he will be the main inmate. There won’t be parties or rock concerts or orgies. Just suffering. Forever and forever and forever with no release, no parole. No, I guess the neighbor's yard does NOT look like hell at all.

How often do we find ourselves making the observation that someone or something looks like hell? .... or sounds like hell? ... or maybe even smells like hell? In reality, Hell is not a simile, it is a misnomer. It is not an adjective or an adverb, but a noun. We know that such use of the word is incorrect in its interpretation and yet, we use the term anyway. We employ it to describe someone or something as having the worst attributes that can be had.... or the very best. But do they really? Most of the times, no.

There’s fast as a bat outa hell; she was hell on wheels; he scared the hell out of me; it was a hell of a time; a hell of a deal; what the hell do you want?; or how `bout this one? What the Sam Hell are you looking at? (Later hell was bowdlerised to “hill.”)

With all the euphemism and expletive usages (after all it is a 4-letter word), hell has found its way into names, such as; the infamous motorcycle gang, Hell’s Angels, Hellboy the comic book character later to become a movie hero, and the FOX TV series, Hell’s Kitchen, just to name a few.

So what is this world’s fascination with Hell? You decide.

The Political Rant & Observation Tail

Today is Florida’s Primary. Only registered Republicans are voting.

As I approached my designated polling precinct, I wondered if it had been relocated. Did I miss the notice that the Covered Bridge Clubhouse is no longer a voting precinct? Usually there are red, white & blue signs screaming VOTE TODAY stationed all the way from the entrance to the community to the clubhouse. Yet, today, not one sign. My eyes strained for a sign. I made my left hand turn into the clubhouse parking lot and saw one little sign near the front door. Hummmm.....maybe someone has complained about the signs?

Parking, of course, was not a problem.

I was surprised yet again that there was NOT a raucous crowd adorning the driveway and walk to the glass entrance doors. Usually, there are all sorts of folks, being loud, carrying signs, passing out cards, urging one verbally and in writing to vote for the candidate of THEIR choice. I have often wondered exactly where the 100-foot radius begins where campaigning must halt? Today, maybe due to the lack of bodies present, I see a very noticeable, distinct blue line drawn across the driveway stating that Florida Law prohibits campaigning past that point. Seems more like maybe 25 feet to me, but what do I know? At least there aren’t any hecklers present.

As I enter the doors, this cute, little, old man in some kind of a uniform inquires if he can help me. Again, I wonder if I’m in the right place. I say “I’m here to vote.” He asks me if I am a resident of Covered Bridge to which I reply “No, Palm Beach National”....but again I am wondering if my polling place has changed. He steps up quickly and points to the far side of the room, “That is your side.”
“Okay. I knew that.”

There are 3 bodies seated at tables with homemade signs splitting the alphabet into thirds. I say “Hi” to a young woman who looks like a twenty-teenager. However, the man in the middle beckons me to him. I say “Hi.” As I have already pulled my Voter’s Registration from my wallet for his inspection, he says he needs my driver’s license instead. Really? I wonder....why do they even issue voter’s registrations anymore since they just want to see the picture ID. Was also wondering if a Costco membership card would work.

I say, “Guess you can tell that only Republicans are voting today since all is so very quiet.”
The elder lady on the end, a Democrat most likely, responds “Many people voted early.”
“Yes,” I reply. “But with so many dropping out, it is very easy to cast a vote for a non-runner if one votes early.”
She scowls at me.
I knew it...she is definitely a Democrat.

I take my card – is that what they’re called? It’s definitely made out of card stock but is huge with only half of it able to be stuffed into a white folder with some red and blue patriotic fodder, no doubt – I don’t read it. Am looking for a booth. Wow! The “booths” are just stand-alones with a pen on a string attached. All the millions spent on the computers with touch screens and we are back to coloring in our choice with pen on a string? Where have I been? I’m sure I vote every time there is something or someone worthy of my time ....

The choices – wow! There are 9 of them!! Now I know that Michelle Bachmann dropped out, as well as Rick Perry and Herman Cain. Who is this Huntsman fellow and why are the dropouts STILL on the ballot? Only 4 are viable candidates, so why all the confusion? I smell conspiracy to divide and conquer.

I carefully color in the invisible line completing the arrow indicating my choice, then chuckle as I take my ballot to the “box.” It’s a scanner. I ask the box attendant if the ballot goes in upside down or right side up. He says, “It doesn’t matter.” I’m not alarmed. Now I recall I asked the exact same question last time and received the exact same answer. I still smell a conspiracy......

Tail of the Job Interview

Had a job interview scheduled for this morning for 11am. With whom will remain anonymous to protect the innocent....

Started prepping for it yesterday. Did nails, cuz they were too long which interfered with my typing and the polish was chipped. Boned up on my typing by taking endless tests on-line, just in case a typing test would be required. Not having the slightest idea what bookkeeping program they employ, IF it isn’t custom designed for the corporation, I reviewed Lotus, Excel and the Open Office Spreadsheet program. Was really hoping they would just use Quick Books Pro since I have about 17 years of experience.

Awoke around 5am this morning to consider those dumb questions that interviewers always ask. You know the kind ....

What would you like to be when you grow up? Huh? Am I in 9th grade? My goal in life then was to be “a married mommy.” Guess I pretty much achieved that one! Does that even count????

Name a few of your life’s goals and explain where you see yourself in 20 years. Twenty years? Really? Am kinda hoping for the Rapture.....oh! you don’t believe in the Rapture? OK – hopefully, I will still be of sound mind & body and collecting a big fat social security check (Don’t laugh – that’s rude) and a pension from the State of Florida, which will pale in comparison to the one I will be collecting from your company..... (big toothy grin called for here).

Describe a particular crisis you encountered on-the-job and explain how you brought it to a positive conclusion. Include concerns and issues and what you may have learned from this experience. HUH??? OK, how about the time a parent marched into my office at Forest Hill High School asking if I was the long-haired, fat bitch she had just talked to on the phone. When I admitted that “yes, that was probably me, although long-haired, I didn’t believe it was right to call me fat,” she announced she was going to “kick my ass” because the dean had not returned her call. I stood as talk as I could and replied meekly, “If you feel froggy, then jump,” all the while I was calling for security on the walkie-talkie. Security arrived. Gorilla John immediately grabbed the foul mouthed offender, threw her against the wall and hand cuffed her. I sat out the rest of the event in the main office. I think that had a real good outcome. And I also had my hair trimmed the next day so as not to offend as well as noting never, ever to admit that I spoke to anyone on any phone.

Not what you’re looking for? OK, how about the time, fresh from being certified in non-violent crisis intervention, when I grabbed a male student in a bear hug to prevent him from “killing some mother?” (I think he said mother). Finding myself, nose to nose with this mature student, seeing the fire in his Latin eyes and smelling stale tacos on his breath, my chest pressed hard into his, I blushed and managed to utter, “Enjoy this hug! It will never happen again!” During what seemed to be an embarrassing ordeal for me, I asked stupid questions like “What do you want to be when you grow up, Amigo?” He was cool with it, letting me restrain him long enough to steer him back to my office. As soon as I turned my back, he escaped. I learned that I needed restraints if I was expected to hold someone prisoner.

After the interviewer’s possible questions were reviewed, I started getting dressed about 9:30. Tried on several outfits, finally found one that I deemed suitable, professional -- a traditional suit. Got my makeup done and was happy with it. Headed out the door, giving myself plenty of time to arrive timely so as not to be late. Got there with 15 minutes to spare. Announced myself and waited. One young lady approached, asking if she could help me. I told her I had an 11am interview with Keisha but that I was early.... She returned in a few minutes to ask my name. Then a few minutes after that, returned to tell me that Keisha would be out in a few minutes. I saw down, picked up a magazine. Don’t think I had finished perusing the cover when I heard the double doors open again. A white girl appeared, said her name was Kelly. She informed me that it was she who had scheduled the interview appointment, but that Corporate had just informed them that there was a hiring freeze until February sometime. I smiled. I thanked her for her time. Told her, "things happen"..... She said that as soon as the hiring freeze is lifted, she will again be contacting all of the applicants to set up interviews. I thanked her again.

Wow! Am I a dummy or what? I thanked her for her time, and smiled, and shook her hand. I even attempted to comfort her with my “things happen” comment. Why hadn’t she called me to cancel our appointment? Was I there when Corporate made the emergency call? Or when someone looked at the email? What took them so long to tell me. Were they fighting over who would have to go tell the woman that the interview was cancelled? Apparently Keisha lucked out! Not only my time, but my gas to get there????

OK not a problem. Actually, I am Blessed! Blessed beyond measure. For one thing, I didn’t have to struggle through attempting to give a suitable, interesting, creative and honest answer to one of those stupid questions. I didn’t have to leave feeling good, or feeling bad ... wondering if I would get a second interview, or if I would be hired. I didn’t have to struggle with, “am I really only worth minimum wage? With 27 years experience?... and a Bachelor’s degree? No, I didn’t. PLUS, my hubby has a job for which we are so very grateful! And the LORD is good. After all, all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His Plan and His Purpose.

Faith with a Tail of Trust

I've been struggling with Chap 4 of Romans this week. Struggling to the point of my eyes are reading, but my mind goes off on a day dream some where else. And then I have to begin over again and before I know it, even though my eyes are obedient, I am once again off running down rabbits. Have tried reading aloud. It’s amazing how eyes and lips can work independently from the brain. “My” Bible is New King James. We have several other translations at our fingertips not to mention that all are available online should we choose. I picked up “The Living Bible” and suddenly, in this plain language, chapters 3 and 4 are clear. At the very least, my eyes and lips and brain all work together for understanding without field trips to other places. No, I lie. Actually, I did take a detour of sorts, due in part to my OCD about terms and definitions and EXACT meanings of words. “Trust” was the culprit this time.

I imagined flopping in a chair without even thinking about whether that chair could hold me or not. Not even my chair, but a strange chair. This is the kind of faith in the LORD that Abraham had. I’ve had that faith in the past, and sometimes even in the present ... maybe?... depending upon the day and the time of day, the subject, the weather, what color it is. You get the idea? But I digress. This is total, non-questioning faith. This is the kind of faith that the Lord wants us all to have. 

Rather than that kind of faith, I find myself possessing the kind that examines the chair first. It feels the legs for sturdiness, examines the fasteners....and God forbid that the fasteners are invisible, like dowels and transparent glue. I can even see myself sitting down very carefully, in slow motion, letting my weight come to rest in the seat, partially -- but holding the front legs with my hands. Bending completely over in my seat to watch the legs for any slight buckle while  griping them tight to insure I don’t fall. That’s the “insurance-type” of faith. I think many of us employ this type of faith these days....the just-in-case the LORD is busy right now and not watching, “I will take the pains to insure my own well-being type of faith. 

Last but not least, there is the suspicious faith. That’s where after careful examination of the chair, walking around it several times checking it out in complete detail, I choose NOT to sit in it. Instead, I sit on the floor beside it. I watch it with great doubt, sometimes with total belief that it can’t even sustain itself with no added weight what-so-ever. I fool myself that I am, in fact, arming myself with knowledge when in reality, I am experiencing true & total disbelief. Disbelief .... that means having a total lack of trust. True faith equals total trust.

(More on this subject later.  Faith's tail just got slammed in the door.)  

God is illogical to us....sometimes

We have this Indian family in our Bible Study class. Hard to tell age, but I would guess 30 something. Has wife, daughter & son. Daughter looks to be 10ish and son around 8. Anyway, the man (Robin) has been looking for work. Every Sunday in Bible Study, he asks for prayer to find a job. And the following Sunday, when making his request again, he tells where all he has looked and where his appointments are located for the coming week.

I have to admit that I have paid relatively little attention to his requests. Guess (to be totally honest) it pisses me off that there are people from other countries in my own country looking for work. Much to my own shame, I have to confess that I have cared less that he doesn’t have work. “Go back to India” has been my feeling about it all. Last week Robin had an interview in Boston. Wow! Money to burn up looking for work! Just hop a flight to Boston. Does this sound ugly of me?

Well I would have justified and defended all my deep, dark & sinful feelings up until today. Today, I listened to his requests. I heard the worry in his voice over not having a job so that he can support his family. I heard all the locations he had traveled to this week in his search. David asked him “What do you do? What kind of work are you looking for?” That wasn’t just something to ask. I think we care. I think that suddenly we all care. This is a human being, no matter his nationality, who is seeking to support his family.

Robin replied that he is a PHD, a scientist, but that he is willing to work at Walmart or Publix or any other honest means of work. However, the later immediately tell him he is overqualified and refuse to even look at his application.

Suddenly, I don’t feel so bad anymore...and neither do other folks who are unemployed. This man is a PHD and can’t find a paying job. My measly BA pales in comparison. David’s Contractor’s License seems of no consequence up against the education and expertise of a scientist’s PHD.

I am humbled...and at the same time, Blessed.

Another tail: Even So

What exactly is a tail? The most obvious, most used literal answer is the hindermost of a subject. In animals, the tail is useful for balance, for release of emotion and for swatting. It can be useful in combat, as well as for drawing other objects closer. Some use their tails for locomotion. Manmade objects include tails that act to achieve lift and direction or channel exhaust. There are also tails that simply bring a tidy end to something, like a pony tail or a shirt tail. Therefore a tail is not just the butt-end of something, but is highly useful and in some cases, enables the rest of the object to exist in its current form and manner.

Horatio Spafford’s 1873 hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” was penned following two major traumas in his life. While his wealth was literally reduced to ashes as a result of the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, all four of his daughters died during a ship collision while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on their way to England. Only his wife survived. Shortly afterwards, as Horation himself crossed the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired the words of the hymn. These speak of the eternal hope that all believers in Christ have, no matter what pain and grief they have encountered in this life.

The last stanza of “It is Well With My Soul” is as follows:

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

What a blessed picture of the final day Scripture portrays as the Lord returns!

Recently, after singing this beloved hymn on a Sunday evening, our Pastor noted how uplifting the words are .... that is until the final line: “Even so, it is well with my soul.” He pointed out how the “Even so” should have been “Hallelujah!,” an emphatic joyful praise of praises. “Even so” seems to indicate “ho-hummm,” almost boredom or a defeatist attitude ... a "whatever!"... an "it is what it is" and yet, the scene portrayed is the ultimate Christian Hope unfolded and come to pass with Glory. 

I agreed. To us, in this modern era, the linguistics and etymologies of what common English words once meant and what they mean in our language today vary greatly and as such, those definitions often escape us. “Even so” surely deserved investigation.

The grouping of the words “even so” appear in only two scriptural references: Revelation 1:7 and 22:20. In searching several English Bible translations, I found that some translated the Greek into “even so” while others translate it as a simple affirmative “Yea” or “Yes.” Still others, translate as “so it shall be.” 

The Greek word at question is “nai” (Rev 22:20) or “vai” (Rev 1:7). According to Strong’s Concordance, (3484) is a primary particle of strong affirmation; yes: –even so, surely, truth, verily, yea, yes.

This clears up the problem of word choice in Spafford’s usage of 1873 English. “Even so” was indeed a joyful expression of our Hope to be revealed! It is indeed a well-deserved tail. :D

Irene's Tail....

Hoping that all we see of Irene is her tail, or rather her fringes. But we are ready. Didn't shut the accordions, but the Bahamas are shut down ... just in case. Seems that, not unlike Wilma, the MPH of winds we are expected to receive continues to increase. The "possibility" now is around 55. I hate to keep revisiting the Wilma scenario, but the official forecast was that we would receive winds in the 25-50 range. We not only experienced her eye, but also winds in the 140 mph range as well, as she increased while crossing from the Naples area across the state to exit into the Atlantic along the Palm Beach County Coastline.

Other than that, we are currently having hit or miss minute squalls, minimal wind and very dark, stormy skies.

Praying for all those who may be impacted by the worst Irene has to offer....

Just another tail....

Have been hearing all these (know-it-alls) saying that if you really want a job, you must get out and go to the companies, in person. Don’t apply via computer and wait, cuz you’ll never get a job that way. OK...so, in the last few days, I have applied for several teaching positions in Palm Beach County, on-line, of course. So today, with the advice in-mind, I saddled up a big bag with all kinds of docs and so forth and went to the school board office...cuz I had applied at 9 different schools.

Finally find a park and walk in, which takes a good 20 minutes (What’s everybody there for?). See a security desk and go wait in line there. Tell Security, when it finally comes my turn, that I want to go to Human Relations. She tells me to sign in and points to a computer on the counter top. I go there...type in my first name, last name, scroll down to Human Relations and click. I hear printing. It is printing out a badge...so I’m trying to find a printer and suddenly it is there in front of me as I see a label (badge) emerging from this thing-a-ma-jig. Instructions say to tear off slowly (I read everything!HA!).

Okay, afix badge to shirt and begin looking for a way into the rest of the building....still have no idea where I am heading. Haven’t been there since 1994. I see a turn-still and go there, cuz there is no other way to go. Sign by the turn-still says key in number. I look on my badge and there is a visitor number...take a chance and sure enough, that is the right one. I go thru the turn-still. Now where? I see a “Directory” and go there. Don’t see “Human Relations” or Personnel mentioned. Finally, I notice that the directory is only for the “First Floor.” Ahhh Haaaa! So I turn around and there is an elevator behind me. I get on it, go to the 2nd floor. Get out and .... BUMMER! There’s NO directory for the 2nd floor. Guess folkes who find themselves there know exactly where they are going. I do an “ennie-meanie-miney-mo” and choose a door. But a person with a real badge emerges into the hall, so I quickly ask her. She says she will show me. We get back on the elevator and go downstairs. She says go left to the double doors and then put in the code on your badge. I point to the double doors way in the distance and ask for confirmation...she says Yes, that’s Wing A. Ok....that makes sense.

Seems that I recall HR was this way before...but she said everything had moved. Oh well....maybe not HR. The code machine is about 10 feet in front of these double doors. I’m not sure cuz it is beside a single door that reads “Mechanical Room.” I don’t want to go into the Mechanical Room. So I try the double doors. Nope, they are definitely locked. Go back and input code. Now doors open when I try them. Another dismal gray, well lit hallway. I find another elevator. Men’s restroom down another corridor, women’s restroom down another corridor. A couple of posters on the walls – reminder to clock in and out. Corridor winds around to double glass doors that go outside. I definitely don’t want to go outside. Might be locked out and have to start the process all over again. There are 2 other gray solid doors (all of them that way) with name plates, but not what I’m looking for. Across from the elevator is another “Directory.” Says Human Relations is room 132. I go back down the hall again, no room 132. Numbers stop at 119. Dang! Try the elevator. It makes noise, but doesn’t work. Try it again. Ut-Ohhhh....looks like you need a key to put in the slot thingie. Turn back to the directory. It says that Human Relations is on the First Floor. Dang again! Choose a gray door. It opens. Proceed down a corridor that comes to a crossroads. A bright room with cubicles. I hear a woman talking and go towards her voice. She doesn’t look so happy, Is very pregnant. I apologize for being in the wrong place and ask where Human Relations is? She sternly tells me to go back the way I came in, then turn left and go through the double glass doors. I gush thanks, but she looks as if I caught her sitting on the toilet instead of at her desk.

I follow directions. After exiting through the glass doors, I find that it is an open air atrium. Outside, but not outside. I come to other gray doors in the shade. One says Human Relations and the one next to it says Human Relations...do the enie-minie-mo thing again. Choose the second door. Another hallway. Go down the hallway, turn the corner and there is a counter. Am relieved cuz this looks like the place. Don’t apologize this go-round. But the women staffing the desk look like I have interrupted very important proceedings. I give my spiel. The first one point to the door I came in and says I need to call the individual schools where I replied. I admit it has been a few years, but try to invoke more conversation and discussion by asking about all the preliminary stuff they use to require, like finger prints, etc. She says all that is done at the end now. OK. I give the cheerleader smile of appreciativeness and gush my thanks. Leave. Start the trek toward my car.

Am thinking about stopping in at a couple of the schools on my way home, since they are on my way home. Decide to stop in at one, the closest one. I go to L.C. Swain Middle. Have never been there before. Has a beautiful campus. Would be a right-turn into campus off Lake Worth Road in the mornings. That’s nice. Convenient. Find a park. Not bad. Not that far to walk though lots of cars are in the parking lot. Noticed the school sign read “Orientation at 9:30.” Is 11ish...that should be over. Get out and my feet are killing me. Wow! Will definitely need new shoes if I get a job. Now my parking place seems so far and it’s so dreadfully hot. OK...make it to the front double doors. Toss my gum in the garbage. (Actually it sticks to the top of one of my fingernails and I don’t notice.) Go inside. Is very cool, looking and feeling. Very wide corridors. Lots of partitions. Media center to the left all glassed in. Administration to my right. Lots of different doors. Layers of security. Think I would feel secure here ...and safe. At least, as an office worker. Hummmm.... Place is crowded. Guess they didn’t get the memo. The Main Office is packed out with parents and students. None look real happy. I imagine getting in line. Don’t mind the wait, BUT by the time it would come my turn, I can see these people wouldn’t be so happy to see me. I look around a little more, then decide to leave. Will call them. Hopefully make an appointment to have an interview.

Heels are really hurting on the trek to the car. Have now burst the blisters. Just happen to glance at my hand and see the glob of gum I thought I had thrown in the trash stuck to my middle finger nail on my right hand. Wow! Good thing I never really got to meet with anyone. I would have shaken hands with them, making a really disgusting impression. Oh well....Everything DOES happen for a reason....

With a Tail On It!

"With a Tail On It" is an old Southern Expression which indicates a degree of depth or severity. As with life, specific tails can be good or bad, depending on the circumstance and whose tail is being considered.

The Japanese have a tradition that some animals can become Yokai (a demon spirit or monster) by acquiring extra tails, thereby gaining supernatural powers.

There's also the taboo Ouroboros, which I choose NOT to even address.

On the other hand, remember the Swedish Fairy Tale about sprinkling salt on a bird's tail? Aw, the hours (and the salt) I wasted as a young child in my endeavors trying to catch a mocking bird unawares!

Some tails are merely tails while others are indeed tales. May the ones you find here add depth and richness to your life even if just for a few moments.