Monthly Archives: March 2009

…Something Blue

Spring is here. I just know it.

Well… yes, Alison, you may say. Haven’t you been noticing the calendar?  Of course it’s spring.

Yet without the calendar, I’d know it anyway.  I can summarize it with one word: bluebonnets.

Now, when I mention that word, most people have one of two reactions. The first kind of reaction brings a flash of instant recognition and a smile.  The second might be indifference.

Here’s the deal:  for those of you reading this who are having the second reaction, today I invite you to become an honorary Texan if you wish.  Bluebonnets, you see, are a Texas thing.  (Oh, okay, I’ll say it correctly.  It’s a Texas thang.)  Right about now in a large swath of the state, these wildflowers are making their semi-sychronized debut.  It’s a quiet, brief ritual that can stun with beauty.  They transfigure humble meadows to azure carpets and bracket highways with untamed ribbons of perfume.  They lift spirits in general spring cheer.

For many drinking in the sight is part of a yearly, essential Texan experience.  …For me as well.  A few years ago we moved to another state.  Nothing replaces seeing them in person, but I can enjoy them through pictures.  I rest assured that not far away the bluebonnets are resuming their role as ambassadors of the season.

Make no mistake that I’m proud of my Texas heritage (big surprise!), but I’m also fascinated by seeing other places through your eyes.  If spring doesn’t equal bluebonnets for you, what signals spring in your area?  I’d love to hear about it.

Alas, Born Tiny: It's for Fun

What does your name say about you? What do other people think about you when they hear your name?

Better yet, what could your name say about you?  The rest of this post is just for your beginning-of-the-week fun.

Over at American Christian Fiction Writers, writers are tossing around a lighthearted topic.  Ever heard of anagrams? It’s when you rearrange the letters of a word to make another word.  Some people have even spent time creating websites that will let you enter whatever word you want.  Then, *click*…you have a gazillion new words. People are entering their names to see if any of the results actually reflect their personality. It’s good for chuckle.

For example, the title of this post can apply to me.  Out of the 9,773 results for my name, I also like Tribal Annoys, Brain Nay Lost, and Bran Ya Tonsil.  So, what can your name say?  Here’s the web site I used: anagram generator

I’d love to hear your results!

It's Not Over

Today we laid to rest a dear friend. From my perspective she went away too young.  Part of our lives will be empty now…this friend radiated light and laughter. She was the kind of person that each time you were around her, she made you feel like a million bucks. You couldn’t escape the Jesus in her eyes.

She and her family dealt with constant change and loss for the year and a half since disease knocked on her door.  The illness that possessed her took ability by ability.  Finally, one early morning this week it was over. She stepped into Jesus’ arms forever.

Or is it over?  Yes, her suffering is over, but also I got to thinking about a talk that David gave to a group this week. He focused on Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Just when his heartbroken followers and family thought it was over, it was only beginning.

And so it is with my friend. She is just beginning her new life. …And she wanted to ensure that others have that chance, too. We were part of her funeral service today. Now, as a former hospice social worker, I have been present for the deaths and funerals of more precious people than I can count.  But this funeral will forever stand out.  Those there were allowed to share tears and memories as she was talked about and shown through photos, but by her previous design, the service was saturated with the gospel. The ending included an invitation to know Jesus personally.  …Just as she wanted.  It was a celebration of life–hers and the life Jesus gives everyone who chooses.

She’ll be remembered for these things and many more.  Her life and legacy go on.

I’m not trying to be morbid, and I know I’ve written a similar post in the past, but it bears repeating: what do you want people to remember about you?  I’m asking myself the same thing.  And that begs a second question.  What are we doing today to build that legacy?