Another day, my soul awakes,
'Tis listening to the dawn.
What power, oh, ye morning has
to bid the evening gone.
Oh, daybreak, if you only knew
the might your light does cast.
It calls to me. It beckons me,
for darkness now is past.
Rejoice my soul! Awaken sleep!
The slumber now is done.
Glad tidings tell. The light prevails.
The Son the vict'ry won!
--Cindy Lou Hodges
Sounds like an old hymn, doesn't it, with the "'tis's" and the "ye's"? Guess so, and rightly so because today my body feels very, very old. Actually, today this earthly body feels quite ancient, kind of like an old rusty farm tractor: one which is missing a few cylinders, a lot of paint, and has been put out to pasture. (I know of what I speak, because I learned to drive and operate a standard gear shift on one of those old, faded farm tractors.... about two hundred years ago!)
But, the good news is my soul is alive and feels young. And that's a bea-u-ti-ful feeling: one that can be shared and given away to everyone regardless of age, race, gender, or economic status! So, join with me in this transformation as my soul encourages the body to rise & shine. For indeed, there is a reason to do so... there is a Savior and He has conquered the night! Arise! Shine! For the light has come!
As the little old farm tractor used to say...
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...."
Sincerely clutching to the truth (pardon my pun),
Cindy Lou
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Baby Girl Pink
---posted on Face Book, October 21, 2010
In my mind I envisioned pink! Pure, pretty, "pop your eyes out" pink flowers strewn all across my back yard's flower bed. I wasn't thinking a muddy pink, or a lavender pink, or a peachy pink. I wanted "sweet baby girl pink", and I wanted lots & lots of them... a wheelbarrow full of blossoms.
The first garden center I visited had two displays of bulbs which included tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and the girliest, frilliest irises I've ever seen. By golly, that was the flower I wanted, and there was no reason to drive elsewhere to shop; except that, there was only one package. And it contained only two bulbs: so much for my idea of a wheelbarrow full. I drove to the other garden store, hoping I could find other choices, but, that was a waste of time since they had no flower bulbs at all. Theirs are shipped in the spring.
Not to be defeated about my idea of planting today, I drove back to that solitary package of two bulbs, and I purchased it. Took a picture of the cover on the package, so I can remember what it's supposed to look like, then grabbed the garden spade and started digging. In no time at all, those two scrawny iris bulbs were planted deeply in the warm earth, safe and secure in my back yard.
Have to say that I feel good about the day. I got my mission accomplished. Got lots of mosquito bites, too, but it's all worth the effort because I believe those puny, palm-size bulbs will produce exactly what the picture claims. When they do and the pink frilly blossoms are a'bloom, my grand baby will be three or four months old. I will lovingly carry her out to the back flower bed and show her what her Grammy planted in honor of her arrival. I believe that year after year, these irises will continue to grow in numbers and beauty and continue the cycle of life. As my grand daughter grows, I shall remind her how much she is loved and how much she was wanted, even before she was born. Then as she matures, and becomes a young flower herself, I can use the story of the iris to teach her about love, and the sanctity of marriage, and how with every cycle of life there is a rhyme and a reason for its time and its season.
That's a lot to expect from my plantings today: those two pitiful looking bulbs. But, when one has faith, nothing is impossible.... not even a wheelbarrow full of pretty, frilly, "pop your eyes out" pink blossoms!
Here's hoping. Here's believing. And here's thanks to all the women who have walked before me... bouquets to you, my lovelies! And for those of you who are still walking, we might as well walk together, joined arm in arm... in faith. It's more fun that way, and besides, I'd love some company!
Sincerely looking forward to the future,
Cindy Lou
p.s. I'm thinking pink!
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another... and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
--Hebrews 10:23-25 Holy Bible, New International Version
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Sugar Attack
"Oh, please, something be in the pantry." Slam went the door. "Oh, please... maybe in this cupboard?" Slam-bang went that door. "Gosh, there better be something in here... Somethinggg!" Groceries toppled off the shelves as I ransacked the freezer. Frozen layers of forgotten possibilities tumbled to my feet, but even amidst all that jumble of food, there was nothing sweet to eat!
No cookies. No cake. No ice cream. No pie.
Nothin' that's sweet. Oh, no. Oh, my!
Off to the bakery. Off to the store.
Off to the drive-through. Off through the door.
Out in a flurry, a scurry to find
the thrill for these taste buds, the gooey kind.
My gut is a cravin' something that's sweet.
Can't stop til I find it, can't stop til I eat...
Cookies or cake, ice cream or pie.
Out of my way. I have pop tarts to buy!
Sugar Pops, donuts, things on a stick,
lemon drops, fudge plops. Show me them, quick!
Attack, I tell ya... Call the armed guards.
I'm being attacked by my own petard.
T'was just a simple d'sire for dessert,
but that one little desire drove me berserk!
Now, my kitchen's a wreck. The doors are askew.
The floor is piled high with frozen miscue's
And still there are...
No cookies. No cake. No ice cream. No pie.
And nothin' that's sweet. Oh, no. Oh, my!
--- Cindy Lou Hodges, Copyright 2010
And that's the truth! Well, sort of...
At the end of my plundering, I did find something nice in my pantry: a can of cream cheese flavored cake frosting. Oh, yeh... it was a delicious experience!
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
No cookies. No cake. No ice cream. No pie.
Nothin' that's sweet. Oh, no. Oh, my!
Off to the bakery. Off to the store.
Off to the drive-through. Off through the door.
Out in a flurry, a scurry to find
the thrill for these taste buds, the gooey kind.
My gut is a cravin' something that's sweet.
Can't stop til I find it, can't stop til I eat...
Cookies or cake, ice cream or pie.
Out of my way. I have pop tarts to buy!
Sugar Pops, donuts, things on a stick,
lemon drops, fudge plops. Show me them, quick!
Attack, I tell ya... Call the armed guards.
I'm being attacked by my own petard.
T'was just a simple d'sire for dessert,
but that one little desire drove me berserk!
Now, my kitchen's a wreck. The doors are askew.
The floor is piled high with frozen miscue's
And still there are...
No cookies. No cake. No ice cream. No pie.
And nothin' that's sweet. Oh, no. Oh, my!
--- Cindy Lou Hodges, Copyright 2010
And that's the truth! Well, sort of...
At the end of my plundering, I did find something nice in my pantry: a can of cream cheese flavored cake frosting. Oh, yeh... it was a delicious experience!
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
Sand, Stone
"Write your sorrows in sand...
Write your blessings in stone."
The above message hangs on the store's wall, and I saw it just this morning. It's a small plaque that isn't for sale. It's there for decoration and inspiration to the clients that pass through. The more I thought about it the more profound it became to me, and I knew I should share it with you.
If I were to actually do this, I would need a world of stone and just a tiny, tiny seashore. For one of the many results of prayer to God Almighty, is that He eases our sorrows. Just like messages written in the sand, as we pray our sorrows become less visible, and our blessings become more apparent. While we lose sight of one, we gain sight of the other. One is softened: eventually erased... the other revealed.
Looking at my blessings right now, I'd say they are like grains of sand on the seashore. There are too many to number, and it would take more than a lifetime to do so. But, I shall say the very first entry on my "blessings" list, because it is the most amazing blessing of all, is the fact that I am loved. I may not carve it in stone, and I may never again make it to the seashore, but I am here right now, and I shall take this opportunity to write it and to tell you.... I am loved, and so are you!
Counting my blessings,
Cindy Lou
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." --Romans 5:8, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13, Holy Bible, NIV
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved.
Write your blessings in stone."
The above message hangs on the store's wall, and I saw it just this morning. It's a small plaque that isn't for sale. It's there for decoration and inspiration to the clients that pass through. The more I thought about it the more profound it became to me, and I knew I should share it with you.
If I were to actually do this, I would need a world of stone and just a tiny, tiny seashore. For one of the many results of prayer to God Almighty, is that He eases our sorrows. Just like messages written in the sand, as we pray our sorrows become less visible, and our blessings become more apparent. While we lose sight of one, we gain sight of the other. One is softened: eventually erased... the other revealed.
Looking at my blessings right now, I'd say they are like grains of sand on the seashore. There are too many to number, and it would take more than a lifetime to do so. But, I shall say the very first entry on my "blessings" list, because it is the most amazing blessing of all, is the fact that I am loved. I may not carve it in stone, and I may never again make it to the seashore, but I am here right now, and I shall take this opportunity to write it and to tell you.... I am loved, and so are you!
Counting my blessings,
Cindy Lou
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." --Romans 5:8, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13, Holy Bible, NIV
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Hark!
Bark. Bark.
Bark, bark, bark.
Hark! I hear a bark.
Harp. Harp.
Harp, harp, harp.
Hark! I hear a harp.
Wouldn't it be nice someday,
since there are barks and harps,
if we could train our ears to hear
the harps instead of barks?
-- Cindy Lou Hodges, Copyright 1988
Twenty-two years later: the second verse...
Yak, yak.
Yak, yak, yak.
Yak, I did just yak.
Attack, Attack.
Atack, tack, tack.
Attack, my yak slapped back. Ouch!
Some lessons take a lifetime to learn, huh?
Laughing at myself,
Cindy Lou
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved.
Bark, bark, bark.
Hark! I hear a bark.
Harp. Harp.
Harp, harp, harp.
Hark! I hear a harp.
Wouldn't it be nice someday,
since there are barks and harps,
if we could train our ears to hear
the harps instead of barks?
-- Cindy Lou Hodges, Copyright 1988
Twenty-two years later: the second verse...
Yak, yak.
Yak, yak, yak.
Yak, I did just yak.
Attack, Attack.
Atack, tack, tack.
Attack, my yak slapped back. Ouch!
Some lessons take a lifetime to learn, huh?
Laughing at myself,
Cindy Lou
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved.
Friday, October 15, 2010
I Am a Tree
"I am a tree.
My roots grow deep.
I'm planted by The River... The River of Life.
Hosanna's in the wind.
Hosanna's in the rain.
Hosanna's in the air I breathe.
My life He does sustain."
--Cindy Lou Hodges
For months this song was my mantra: not a happy tune, but a mournful confirmation that I could weather the storm that raged around me. I sang it to myself while she lay in the hospital flat on her back. I murmured it as she vacillated from one surgery to the next, from critical condition to serious condition, then agonizingly back to critical. I remembered it as she lingered near death from staff infections, and it was one of the songs I sang as I crossed the state line commuting back & forth from my home to her multiple care facilities. It was on my lips as my own personal lullaby at three o'clock in the mornings, and at times it boomed out of me as a defense against the enemy of hopelessness. As she was fighting for life: I was fighting for hope... enough for both of us.
That seems like just yesterday, and that yesterday seemed like an eternity. Only God knows how distraught we all were, and how close we were to quitting. On the inside I struggled for sanity, while on the outside I struggled for courage. Taking each step required stepping out in faith and numerous reminders to myself that I could do it... one step at a time.
Whenever setbacks & disappointments knocked the wind out of me, the vision of a mighty tree came to mind, and I imagined my feet sinking deeper and deeper into the solid ground. I imagined my care giving as an oasis such as the top of a tree is sanctuary for living creatures. When I felt the world dumping on me, as certain animals seek out trees to mark their territory, I realized that that was just part of being alive... part of being a tree. It would not destroy me, and it might even make me stronger. Time & time again, I would once more try to rise to the task awaiting me. One more time to encourage myself. One more time to believe... "I am a tree... my roots go deep. I'm planted by The River".
Only God knows how... but, here we are, one year after the fall & initial broken hip. We are home at her house... together, and life is different now. It is sweeter, and it is easier than it has been. The infections are suppressed. The surgeries are over. The hospital bed no longer cradles her immobile, tortured body, and the parade of caregivers has calmed down to a slow, steady pace of two a week. Sleep has returned once again, and this "welcomed back" friend allows me to sleep through the earlier known three o'clock awakenings. I even dream again, and instead of fear and darkness, my dreams take me to happy places.
Yes, life is more precious to me now. Today I saw bluebirds out the kitchen window, and I called Mama to come look. She struggled to get out of her wheelchair so that she could see the birds flying from the oak tree to the blue bird houses. Those beautiful blue feathered friends were scouting out the perfect place for their autumn nests: the perfect place to lay their tiny blue eggs. That made her smile. Made us both smile.
Then later, as I finished showering, I heard talking coming from somewhere in the house. I couldn't distinguish who or what it was, so I opened the bathroom door to better hear. "Who was she talking to? Was she watching TV?" Then I heard... it was singing: one of the lovliest sounds I have ever heard. With a voice as clear as a songbird, and with the steadiness of a flowing river, my Mama, Ms. Dimple was singing once again. It wasn't a song of mourning. It wasn't a cry for help. It was a simple song of joy, unintended for my ears to hear. But, I did, and I'm so glad. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more: her, God, or me. But, it was one of those heavenly moments when all nature is in perfect harmony, and everything in the world seems all right. It was music to my ears... sweet, wonderful music!
Like I said... life is sweeter now... for her, for me... for all of us!
"I am a tree... my roots grow deep."
God is my strength.
Of that, I am sure.
Cindy Lou
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." ---Psalm 1:1-3 Holy Bible, King James Version
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
My roots grow deep.
I'm planted by The River... The River of Life.
Hosanna's in the wind.
Hosanna's in the rain.
Hosanna's in the air I breathe.
My life He does sustain."
--Cindy Lou Hodges
For months this song was my mantra: not a happy tune, but a mournful confirmation that I could weather the storm that raged around me. I sang it to myself while she lay in the hospital flat on her back. I murmured it as she vacillated from one surgery to the next, from critical condition to serious condition, then agonizingly back to critical. I remembered it as she lingered near death from staff infections, and it was one of the songs I sang as I crossed the state line commuting back & forth from my home to her multiple care facilities. It was on my lips as my own personal lullaby at three o'clock in the mornings, and at times it boomed out of me as a defense against the enemy of hopelessness. As she was fighting for life: I was fighting for hope... enough for both of us.
That seems like just yesterday, and that yesterday seemed like an eternity. Only God knows how distraught we all were, and how close we were to quitting. On the inside I struggled for sanity, while on the outside I struggled for courage. Taking each step required stepping out in faith and numerous reminders to myself that I could do it... one step at a time.
Whenever setbacks & disappointments knocked the wind out of me, the vision of a mighty tree came to mind, and I imagined my feet sinking deeper and deeper into the solid ground. I imagined my care giving as an oasis such as the top of a tree is sanctuary for living creatures. When I felt the world dumping on me, as certain animals seek out trees to mark their territory, I realized that that was just part of being alive... part of being a tree. It would not destroy me, and it might even make me stronger. Time & time again, I would once more try to rise to the task awaiting me. One more time to encourage myself. One more time to believe... "I am a tree... my roots go deep. I'm planted by The River".
Only God knows how... but, here we are, one year after the fall & initial broken hip. We are home at her house... together, and life is different now. It is sweeter, and it is easier than it has been. The infections are suppressed. The surgeries are over. The hospital bed no longer cradles her immobile, tortured body, and the parade of caregivers has calmed down to a slow, steady pace of two a week. Sleep has returned once again, and this "welcomed back" friend allows me to sleep through the earlier known three o'clock awakenings. I even dream again, and instead of fear and darkness, my dreams take me to happy places.
Yes, life is more precious to me now. Today I saw bluebirds out the kitchen window, and I called Mama to come look. She struggled to get out of her wheelchair so that she could see the birds flying from the oak tree to the blue bird houses. Those beautiful blue feathered friends were scouting out the perfect place for their autumn nests: the perfect place to lay their tiny blue eggs. That made her smile. Made us both smile.
Then later, as I finished showering, I heard talking coming from somewhere in the house. I couldn't distinguish who or what it was, so I opened the bathroom door to better hear. "Who was she talking to? Was she watching TV?" Then I heard... it was singing: one of the lovliest sounds I have ever heard. With a voice as clear as a songbird, and with the steadiness of a flowing river, my Mama, Ms. Dimple was singing once again. It wasn't a song of mourning. It wasn't a cry for help. It was a simple song of joy, unintended for my ears to hear. But, I did, and I'm so glad. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more: her, God, or me. But, it was one of those heavenly moments when all nature is in perfect harmony, and everything in the world seems all right. It was music to my ears... sweet, wonderful music!
Like I said... life is sweeter now... for her, for me... for all of us!
"I am a tree... my roots grow deep."
God is my strength.
Of that, I am sure.
Cindy Lou
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." ---Psalm 1:1-3 Holy Bible, King James Version
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Fluff, Fluff!
"Two feather pillows sittin' on the bed.
One turned to the other, and it said:
'Do you ever tire, when the folks retire
and flatten your fluff with their big, fat heads?'"
--Cindy Lou
Ah, the weariness of diligence is my challenge today. Didn't I do all this yesterday? The showering, the grooming, the hair, the makeup, the cleaning up after myself? (Well, okay... I didn't do the cleaning yesterday, but I intended to!) And, today... it starts all over again. And, that's just all about ME! Now it's time to get to the important tasks of devotional time, people time, and responsibility time. Many issues need to be dealt with today, and many miles need to be traveled. Loved ones need my assistance. Job duties demand attention, and all the while, distractions lurk in every corner and every shopping center.
So, I'm wondering, "what makes today different from yesterday?" Is it: the people I will encounter? the traffic I must contend with? the clothes that I wear? the tasks demanded of me? the opportunities that await me? or the surprises that will grip me? Hmmm... I believe it is all of the above and something more. It is my attitude, more than anything else: plain & simple. It's up to me.
In last night's rehearsal our orchestra director spoke of "excellence", and how we musicians should strive for it in every song we play. We should not settle for mediocrity, nor should we be satisfied with status quo. He's right, about many things, and lately I have found myself being grateful for "status quo" & "normalcy". In this crazy world, familiarity is welcomed. But, something about his insight slides beyond the boundaries of music and intertwines with everyday living and everyday attitudes.
Excellence is what we all need today. It's especially what I need, and what I desire. I'm tired of compromising quality for quantity and weary of settling for less than my best. The level of standards that I'm seeking surpasses status quo and causes this worker to aim higher, work harder, and to stay very, very focused.
Now that's a challenge, but, a good choice, don't you think? If I apply myself, maybe today won't be so ho-hum after all, and maybe my daily tasks will take on new life. Maybe the people I encounter today will be smarter & brighter than they would have been with my old attitude. Maybe I can learn something from them, also. And maybe, when I look into the "new attitude" mirror to freshen my face or comb my hair, I will see beyond the reflection and see something that wasn't there yesterday. Perhaps I shall see a heart for excellence and the determination to make it happen. Perhaps I will see even more. Perhaps I will see another reflection, one of excellence... one that looks just like you!
Guess it's time to get at it again, or as they say, "fluff the pillows", but this time I think I"ll do it right. I will do it with vim & vigor, zest & gusto... lots & lots of it! Here goes.... fluff, fluff... fluff, fluff.......FLUFF!!!
Claiming victory with my every "fluff",
Cindy Lou
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." --Colossians 3:23-24 Holy Bible, New International Version
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
One turned to the other, and it said:
'Do you ever tire, when the folks retire
and flatten your fluff with their big, fat heads?'"
--Cindy Lou
Ah, the weariness of diligence is my challenge today. Didn't I do all this yesterday? The showering, the grooming, the hair, the makeup, the cleaning up after myself? (Well, okay... I didn't do the cleaning yesterday, but I intended to!) And, today... it starts all over again. And, that's just all about ME! Now it's time to get to the important tasks of devotional time, people time, and responsibility time. Many issues need to be dealt with today, and many miles need to be traveled. Loved ones need my assistance. Job duties demand attention, and all the while, distractions lurk in every corner and every shopping center.
So, I'm wondering, "what makes today different from yesterday?" Is it: the people I will encounter? the traffic I must contend with? the clothes that I wear? the tasks demanded of me? the opportunities that await me? or the surprises that will grip me? Hmmm... I believe it is all of the above and something more. It is my attitude, more than anything else: plain & simple. It's up to me.
In last night's rehearsal our orchestra director spoke of "excellence", and how we musicians should strive for it in every song we play. We should not settle for mediocrity, nor should we be satisfied with status quo. He's right, about many things, and lately I have found myself being grateful for "status quo" & "normalcy". In this crazy world, familiarity is welcomed. But, something about his insight slides beyond the boundaries of music and intertwines with everyday living and everyday attitudes.
Excellence is what we all need today. It's especially what I need, and what I desire. I'm tired of compromising quality for quantity and weary of settling for less than my best. The level of standards that I'm seeking surpasses status quo and causes this worker to aim higher, work harder, and to stay very, very focused.
Now that's a challenge, but, a good choice, don't you think? If I apply myself, maybe today won't be so ho-hum after all, and maybe my daily tasks will take on new life. Maybe the people I encounter today will be smarter & brighter than they would have been with my old attitude. Maybe I can learn something from them, also. And maybe, when I look into the "new attitude" mirror to freshen my face or comb my hair, I will see beyond the reflection and see something that wasn't there yesterday. Perhaps I shall see a heart for excellence and the determination to make it happen. Perhaps I will see even more. Perhaps I will see another reflection, one of excellence... one that looks just like you!
Guess it's time to get at it again, or as they say, "fluff the pillows", but this time I think I"ll do it right. I will do it with vim & vigor, zest & gusto... lots & lots of it! Here goes.... fluff, fluff... fluff, fluff.......FLUFF!!!
Claiming victory with my every "fluff",
Cindy Lou
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." --Colossians 3:23-24 Holy Bible, New International Version
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
Monday, October 11, 2010
Boot Camp
Today he leaves for boot camp. Yesterday he played the acoustic bass in church. Tomorrow... who knows? That's yet to be revealed.
I've known him for just about two years now. Our paths crossed at church where we both play in the orchestra, and for most of that time he has been the only string player in the band. He has been faithful to be there Wednesday nights for rehearsals and Sunday mornings for worship services. What surprises me about his steadiness is that he is a single young man who could find many other ways to spend his time and many other places to be. However, he chooses to be at church.
But now, he won't be, and we will miss him. Will miss his smile, his music, his gentle presence, and his testimony. We shall continue to think about him and lift him up in prayer, his mama, too. It must be hard seeing your child choose to walk away from the security of home, family, and friends into the vices of the military. I don't know first hand what that's like, but I do remember how hard it was just to leave my son on his own at college. It is so hard turning loose. We moms & dads tend to panic and ask ourselves, "Did we do our jobs as parents? Did we do it right, and did we do it well? Did we love them enough, and did we teach them all that they need to know to survive out there?"
I personally don't know his parents & family very well, but just by association with this young man, I'd say they did a fine job raising their son, and he will make a fine soldier. It seems to me his feet are firmly planted on the Solid Rock, and that's exactly what it takes to make it out there. A firm foundation can weather the storm: be it military, civil, or private.
We will miss him: our light-haired, soft-spoken young friend. While there will be a gap in the flow of music, there will be new steps in the marching corps. When there will be murmurs in the congregational prayers for his safety, there will be shouts of command in the corporal ranks. Where there is war, there will be prayers for peace. He, our friend the soldier, is doing his part to make men free. It is now our turn as a church and community to voice our petitions to heaven. Pray for others. Pray for our leaders. Pray for peace, and pray for William.
Blessings to you, my friend Private William... may God protect and keep you. Thank you for serving our country! We will miss you until you come back and join us once again in the band. You can wear your military uniform or your civilian clothes as you play... doesn't matter to us. We just want you to hurry back home, today, tomorrow or several tomorrows from now. Yes, hurry home, please... your music and your chair await you.
Sincerely your friend,
Cindy Lou
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But eveyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
---Matthew 7:24-27 Holy Bible, New International Version
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
---John 3:16 Holy Bible, New International Version
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
I've known him for just about two years now. Our paths crossed at church where we both play in the orchestra, and for most of that time he has been the only string player in the band. He has been faithful to be there Wednesday nights for rehearsals and Sunday mornings for worship services. What surprises me about his steadiness is that he is a single young man who could find many other ways to spend his time and many other places to be. However, he chooses to be at church.
But now, he won't be, and we will miss him. Will miss his smile, his music, his gentle presence, and his testimony. We shall continue to think about him and lift him up in prayer, his mama, too. It must be hard seeing your child choose to walk away from the security of home, family, and friends into the vices of the military. I don't know first hand what that's like, but I do remember how hard it was just to leave my son on his own at college. It is so hard turning loose. We moms & dads tend to panic and ask ourselves, "Did we do our jobs as parents? Did we do it right, and did we do it well? Did we love them enough, and did we teach them all that they need to know to survive out there?"
I personally don't know his parents & family very well, but just by association with this young man, I'd say they did a fine job raising their son, and he will make a fine soldier. It seems to me his feet are firmly planted on the Solid Rock, and that's exactly what it takes to make it out there. A firm foundation can weather the storm: be it military, civil, or private.
We will miss him: our light-haired, soft-spoken young friend. While there will be a gap in the flow of music, there will be new steps in the marching corps. When there will be murmurs in the congregational prayers for his safety, there will be shouts of command in the corporal ranks. Where there is war, there will be prayers for peace. He, our friend the soldier, is doing his part to make men free. It is now our turn as a church and community to voice our petitions to heaven. Pray for others. Pray for our leaders. Pray for peace, and pray for William.
Blessings to you, my friend Private William... may God protect and keep you. Thank you for serving our country! We will miss you until you come back and join us once again in the band. You can wear your military uniform or your civilian clothes as you play... doesn't matter to us. We just want you to hurry back home, today, tomorrow or several tomorrows from now. Yes, hurry home, please... your music and your chair await you.
Sincerely your friend,
Cindy Lou
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But eveyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
---Matthew 7:24-27 Holy Bible, New International Version
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
---John 3:16 Holy Bible, New International Version
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Too Tired to Eat Ice Cream
"Too tired to eat my ice cream"... now, THAT'S tired!
Full days filled with fun and friends have my head spinning and my feet running. The last three days have been a marathon of musical activities, rehearsals, and programs, and it isn't even Christmas time which is my busiest time of the year. It's October which means the oppressive summer heat has lifted its veil and revitalized us living creatures. We are invigorated with a nonstop zest for living, and we are doing it before the cold winter comes. What a glorious time to make music! And what a wonderful way to enjoy the fall days.
But, I think I overdid it this time. After last night's last rehearsal, I drove to my favorite ice cream parlor and ordered my latest favorite: a strawberry shortcake Mix. I couldn't go home without something for my husband, so I told the clerk to add a hot fudge sundae. "Make that a double, two scoops!" It sounded so soothing and "just right" and justly earned after an exhausting three days.
Driving home the vision of my ice cream made me smile, and drool a little, too. The Mix was in a clear plastic cup. It looked like a pink cloud with lumpy bumps of strawberries & pound cake. Ooooh, it looked good! I felt like a great hunter going home with her trophy. Make that "trophies" because the gooey hot fudge sundae sat right beside my pink drink that had to be eaten with a spoon, and the two together sparkled under the street lights.
Smiles & hugs awaited me at home, as well as pajamas, and I could feel my body exhaling as I washed my face and got out of my binding clothes. It took longer than usual to do the ordinary night time routine, I guess because I was so weary. And by the time I made it to the kitchen to reward myself with the pink concoction, it just didn't look as enticing as it had previously. I looked at that beautiful trophy, and thought, "I don't think I can shovel it in... my arms just can't do another thing." Sigh. "I guess it will have to wait, and so can I."
But then, I saw that hot fudge sundae... my husband's treat. Uh-oh. It had melted quite a bit, and it was all soft & squishy, and lavishly swirled with a thick chocolate ribbon . Before I knew it, these arms of mine... the weary ones, had grabbed a straw and stuck it in that melted milky confection; and this old, bone-tired body leaned over and inhaled almost half of that which wasn't hers to eat. Alas, I did it again. I was Miss Piggy! Argh... Oink, Oink!
Can't say I'm proud of what I did: eating my husband's ice cream. Can't say I won't do it again. Bless his heart. But, I can say that even though I am exhausted from my last three days, I am so glad that my life is filled with friends, family, and music. I was busy, perhaps too busy. But, what a joy to join earth's chorus of praise, laughter, and life! And then, to top it off with ice cream... Wow... how truly blessed I am!
Thank you for being my friends. Thank you for making music with me, and thank you for surrounding me with your smiles, encouragement and love. You bring out the best in me, and you accept me at my worst. What more could a girl ask for? You're wonderful friends, and I thank God for you.
Well, it's time to get ready for a new day. Time to put back on the day's "face" and the binding clothes. Time to prepare for the next rehearsal. So, in closing I will say... "I love you, dear friends. You are the best, and if we ever go out for ice cream together, hmmm... can I have a taste of yours?"
Sincerely smiling,
Cindy Lou
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
Full days filled with fun and friends have my head spinning and my feet running. The last three days have been a marathon of musical activities, rehearsals, and programs, and it isn't even Christmas time which is my busiest time of the year. It's October which means the oppressive summer heat has lifted its veil and revitalized us living creatures. We are invigorated with a nonstop zest for living, and we are doing it before the cold winter comes. What a glorious time to make music! And what a wonderful way to enjoy the fall days.
But, I think I overdid it this time. After last night's last rehearsal, I drove to my favorite ice cream parlor and ordered my latest favorite: a strawberry shortcake Mix. I couldn't go home without something for my husband, so I told the clerk to add a hot fudge sundae. "Make that a double, two scoops!" It sounded so soothing and "just right" and justly earned after an exhausting three days.
Driving home the vision of my ice cream made me smile, and drool a little, too. The Mix was in a clear plastic cup. It looked like a pink cloud with lumpy bumps of strawberries & pound cake. Ooooh, it looked good! I felt like a great hunter going home with her trophy. Make that "trophies" because the gooey hot fudge sundae sat right beside my pink drink that had to be eaten with a spoon, and the two together sparkled under the street lights.
Smiles & hugs awaited me at home, as well as pajamas, and I could feel my body exhaling as I washed my face and got out of my binding clothes. It took longer than usual to do the ordinary night time routine, I guess because I was so weary. And by the time I made it to the kitchen to reward myself with the pink concoction, it just didn't look as enticing as it had previously. I looked at that beautiful trophy, and thought, "I don't think I can shovel it in... my arms just can't do another thing." Sigh. "I guess it will have to wait, and so can I."
But then, I saw that hot fudge sundae... my husband's treat. Uh-oh. It had melted quite a bit, and it was all soft & squishy, and lavishly swirled with a thick chocolate ribbon . Before I knew it, these arms of mine... the weary ones, had grabbed a straw and stuck it in that melted milky confection; and this old, bone-tired body leaned over and inhaled almost half of that which wasn't hers to eat. Alas, I did it again. I was Miss Piggy! Argh... Oink, Oink!
Can't say I'm proud of what I did: eating my husband's ice cream. Can't say I won't do it again. Bless his heart. But, I can say that even though I am exhausted from my last three days, I am so glad that my life is filled with friends, family, and music. I was busy, perhaps too busy. But, what a joy to join earth's chorus of praise, laughter, and life! And then, to top it off with ice cream... Wow... how truly blessed I am!
Thank you for being my friends. Thank you for making music with me, and thank you for surrounding me with your smiles, encouragement and love. You bring out the best in me, and you accept me at my worst. What more could a girl ask for? You're wonderful friends, and I thank God for you.
Well, it's time to get ready for a new day. Time to put back on the day's "face" and the binding clothes. Time to prepare for the next rehearsal. So, in closing I will say... "I love you, dear friends. You are the best, and if we ever go out for ice cream together, hmmm... can I have a taste of yours?"
Sincerely smiling,
Cindy Lou
@Copyright 2010, Cindy Lou Hodges
All Rights Reserved
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