4:00am Thoughts

Dumb rooster. Shut up! That's no 'cock-a-doodle-doo.' All I can hear you say is, "What 'r ya doin' in theeerrrre?" I am trying to sleep, you retarded bird. What's wrong with your timer? It's only 4:00am. There you go again. How many times must you crow? What is it that Jesus said? "Before the cock crows three times....." No, wait. That's not right. "Before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times." Yes, that's it. Dumb bird...you're messing me up! All right. That's the 12th time you've crowed. Please be quiet. I can't go to sleep. Lord, what are you trying to tell me? Something about being an early bird? Oh, I think I get it. Early in the morning, I will celebrate the light. But it's still half-dark, Lord. Yes, you're worthy of praise. Thank you for waking me up. You're awesome and mighty. May I go back to sleep now? "What 'r ya doin' in theeerrre?" I'm praying, you dumb bird....thanks to you!!!!!

Exploring History

This is a little church in Texas where my grandfather attended services that were held in German. My great-grandparents are buried in the cemetery in front of the church. They had come to America long before Hitler's days....thank God. The stories that I've been told tell me that my German ancestors were good people. It's always interesting to look back at history! I've found links to Pocohantas (which may explain my daughter's dark skin) on my dad's side.

Desperately Seeking John

I must have been about 6 or 7 years old when a man named 'John' touched my life in a good way. I remember playing in our trailer park and I would notice this tall man with dark hair standing in his yard, watching the trailer park kids as they jumped rope, rode bicycles, and played games. One day, he made an invitation to all of the children to come into his trailer for cookies and lemonade. Yes, these days, that is a terrifying thought.... a strange man inviting children into his trailer! Being a curious and naive child, I entered the trailer and I was surprised at how small and empty it seemed. This man never had company and he seemed like such a loner. As I, and two other children, sat down at his table, John began teaching us about Jesus. He took out a small, black Bible and explained the Scriptures to us. I remember praying with him and then we munched on cookies. I remember having a good feeling.

A few weeks later, my parents received a card that was simply signed, 'From John.' It contained some money and a note saying that I was to get a new bicycle! My parents took the money and bought me a bike. I was the happiest little girl in the park! John disappeared shortly after that and I quickly forgot about him. One day, while riding my bike, I looked at the entrance to the trailer park and I saw two angels floating above the road. I recall a feeling of purpose and safety. The interesting thing is that I met my husband in that trailer park. Who would have thought that so many good things could have happened in old, dumpy North Lamar Trailer Park?

Today, I wonder about John. I don't know if he was a man or an angel, but I pray that someday I'll be able to hug him and tell him 'thank you.'