Pot-purr-y again. Emotions edition

I know that’s not how it’s spelled ... but it should be.

So several things tonight.
We had 469 present at Spring Meadows this morning (not counting the expecting moms :)). And our special contribution ended up being over $70,000.00 which is much needed. The 469 is another new record for us.
Wednesday night I spent the night in the Hardeman house at Freed-Hardeman University. It was sort of neat. As a church history buff it was very sweet to stay in the house of someone as astute, willing to correct himself and super talented as Nicholas Brodie Hardeman. The house is very old, the heat is like a thousand degrees when it is on and it drops to 20 when it isn’t on, there isn’t a shower only tubs and they say the house is haunted. That made it strange when I was there by myself studying Thursday morning and one of the doors suddenly opened and a strange lady walked in. But I think I frightened her more than she did me!
My first secretary died yesterday. Miss Johnnie as she was universally known was a deat and unique lady. She had “old ways” about her, but her heart seemed as pure as the snow. She hated technology. At one time we had four computers in the office BUT she had a plunger with Exodus 20:15 and “Thou shalt not steal” typed on a label on it. I probably frustrated her to no end but she was kind to me. She loved to eat garlic straight! Said it was good for the digestive system. I imagine so, but not so much for the breath. She raised three sons by herself. All three are friends; two I consider dear friends. I learned a lot from working with her.
There have been two or three other significant deaths in my associations in the last few weeks. Early Thursday morning, Lem Moore died. He was 95. I had known him all my life. He was Uncle Lem to me. Our lives intersected so often. He was an elder at the congregation where I was born. He made the first significant donation of money (and many subsequent ones) to Maywood Christian Camp - on whose board I continue to serve. His two sons were deacons at Hamilton when I moved there and he was still an elder (a role he filled nobly for over 40 years). When he stepped aside he said it was because he did not want to serve to the point that he would not be willing to step aside when it was too late. He was basically refused scholarship at Freed-Hardeman but showing his humility he went on to serve on the board there. He wanted to preach but was told he really couldn’t, in a neat twist, he now has two grandsons who serve as very effective young ministers. Those two young guys are dear fellow preaching friends who I love and respect. When I moved to Nashville, another of his grandchildren and her family became members at Granny White and I got to know and love them. The next generation of Moore’s is spiritually healthy. His wife died and I was honored to be a part of the funeral, then he remarried. He had worn a toupee as long as I had known him. Shortly after he married again he came to church one Sunday without it on. I had known him for over 30 years ... and introduced myself to him!!!! I could go on and on remembering his powerful life. He was indeed a giant of a man to me.
I haven’t mentioned here that Barry Brewer died a few days ago. Barry was a good friend to me and influenced several things that I have gotten to be a part of. His fight with cancer was one of those legendary ones. Barry’s good influence will be missed.
I rode to Roanoke Friday night with my Melanie and Andrew: Andrew drove most of the way - I dozed which I needed. They found and listened to an all Christmas music station. As it played I remembered my mom. She loved Christmas songs so much. I can still hear her singing, especially the silly ones. She did have a beautiful voice until the day she died. But I suppose all sons believe their mom’s voice is one of the most beautiful things in the world. It has been three years this week since we lost her. I do still miss her and would love to tell her about my life and how the Lord is blessing me through so many of you and so many opportunities that He has provided. I better go, I’m at the point of weeping now.

Thanks for listening to my varied ramblings.

I hope you have the happiest of Christmases - rejoice more, stress less and strive to live the moment!