Read the Word (s)

Most of us have several bibles (I won't go off on the very disturbing reality we seldom wear out our bibles.) and at least in our household we have 4 or 5 translations and a paraphrase (The Message is not a translation). This morning in our readings I was quite taken by the simple, firm beauty of Micah 6:8 - for those who try to make walking with the Lord complex or legalistic or ritualistic - read the WORDS.

Micah 6:8 (Contemporary English Version)
8The LORD God has told us
what is right
and what he demands:
"See that justice is done,
let mercy be your first concern,
and humbly obey your God."

Micah 6:8 (The Message)
8But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love,And don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.


Please don't take yourself too seriously -and remember to be grateful and loving. Tomorrow is Father's Day - I miss my Daddy and hope any of you blessed to still have your father with you will make the day extra special.
It is blooming here on Buhlaland - canna blossoms and faith. That is good - very good.

Peace in Buhlaland

The name of this rose is Rosa 'Madame A. Meilland' but known since 1945 as the Peace rose. I have one in our little side garden in memory of my father. His air force career was primarily spent in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and their slogan was "peace is our profession". I love the scent and delicate coloring of this rose, the picture shows a slightly tattered bloom since some big spring hail storms.
Seems there are a million tv shows touting books and programs and authors and relaxation techniques to gain inner peace. I know only one route "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". John 14:27
The world simply can't give anything resembling true peace, I am grateful I possess a guarantee - if I ask, He'll provide. There is peace in Buhlaland - I pray you have peace also - not just the roses.

China - and no not the country

Per instructions from Shannon I'm doing a short blog about "nice" china - the white floral with gold rim is from my mom - I remember my dad bringing this home but I didn't recall the date until I found a delivery note from his purchase in 1951. He had been on TDY (temporary duty) with the United States Air Force in England -those were the days before internet and cheap long distance so we got a few letters and I don't remember if he was able to call home or not. The family picture is marked in my mom's writing 1955 but I think it was a little earlier. Shannon - it is definitely NOT washed in a dishwasher - and it is worth the extra trouble. I remember my mom lovingly hand washing and drying these dishes for special occasions. (before we go all "I remember Mama" on this thing - in my childhood NOBODY had dishwashers - or if they did - they called them "children"!)

Enough of this china foolery - since I first read Shannon's request for china pictures - my real life has been on hold and it isn't holding well right now. Thank you for the trip down a memory lane - I also have two sets of every day dishes (not paper plates - although we do have those) and a beautiful set of dishes seen elsewhere in my blog ,came with DH when we combined households. It is cold, crowded in dish cabinets and good in Buhlaland.

Memory Walk

DH and I did a 5K walk on Saturday for the Alzheimer's Association of North Texas - the red flag in this picture is for my Dad - he was robbed of his pleasant old age by that vile disease. Very emotional day, so many stories people share and a beautiful location. One gentleman was there by himself, walked alone and said he was walking for his wife who evidently has Alzheimer's - that's love folks - real love. If someone you love has this disease - make every minute with them count - it is the small things that touch your heart and keep them with you mentally as long as possible. My older brother and his wife were primary caregivers for our parents - and did an fabulous job - they showed incredible levels of compassion and patience during this "long goodbye". Thanks Bob and Shell!

Walking wise - we did pretty well - defnitely have the fever to do another 5K walk soon (not a fund raiser - I stink at fund raising). Buhlaland is a bit in turmoil right now - I'm not my usual positive self and it is difficult but the best and worst thing about this life is that absolutely nothing (other than faith) lasts forever. So it is still good on Buhlaland.

Memorial Day is NOT just about picnics

Memorial Day is about memories of loved ones who answered the call to serve their country. The black and white picture is my father , Robert L. Porter, receiving commendation service bars in 1963 at his retirement ceremony at Walker A.F.B. in Nex Mexico. He served in the United States Air Force for over 23 years and was proud to be part of the defenses of America.

Growing up in the military made us very aware of the value of freedom and the price. Strange how in church yesterday there are so few people who stand up to be honored when the pastor asks who served in active duty military. My husband, Skip, served his country during the Vietnam era and knows the cost as do so many of our generation. Our neighbors son, Zack, is going into the reserves this fall. Our dear friend, Joe, is serving now on a compassionate mission in Central America. Thom Porter, a cousin, is a military chaplain. We have so many loved ones who have answered the call and a few who made the ultimate sacrifice. My Dad's brother died in WWII in the Pacific. The generation of our parents was the one who seemed to truly "get it" about loving others more than self.

We sang "America The Beautiful" yesterday - I love the lyric "O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self the country loved And mercy more than life! " Loving something more than yourself is the hallmark of those who serve - whether military or in any role of putting others above oneself. My Dad - Bob Porter - served his God, his country and his family. Thanks Daddy. For all those still serving - Thank YOU for understanding that the cost must be paid - sooner or later there is a price to pay for freedom. God Bless America, our President and all those who serve.