Happy Birthday, Debbie Greenwald

So often the things of real value are under appreciated. I think the world needs to note the heavenly angel that is my friend Debbie.

She never forgets things of importance. For example, this year I had to put down my sweet Cavalier King Charles spaniel. For Christmas, she found an ornament for my gift. As you probably guessed, it was a Cavalier. However, not only did it match my little dog, it was an angel. I nearly cried.

Neil and I have found another dog--a Springer spaniel. Debbie and I always exchange crazy socks. This year--a pair decked out with Springers.

One year, she wrote a card relating all that happened to me during the year. She recalled things, I'd forgotten. Again, I cried. (I cried, too, when twelve pink flamingos showed up on my front lawn--but I forgive her.)

She is, hands down, the best cake baker in the world. She makes an almond torte that is worth every single calorie packed into it. When she enters an item in the county fair, no other cake contestant stands a chance. She'll take first prize.

She's devoted to her friends and to her children. Her faith genuinely reflects off of her. She forgets no one. If I run into her at an activity, often times she will have invited an old friend--one I hadn't seen in ages. I may have forgotten. Debbie wouldn't.

Dec. 24th is her birthday. She shares it with our celebration of Jesus--but I want the world to remember her as well.

I love you, Deb.

The Fear of Christ in Christmas

Jesus said he came with a sword. He would divide. Apparently, Christmas is the machete of this Scripture.

In yesterday's paper, I read of an atheist who is looking for a support group. Christmas is too much to take and she needs help getting through all this religious stuff of the "holiday." (Umm, let's make that holy-day). I wonder. If hearing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" makes life impossible, then what does that say about the source of your atheism? Hmm.

One school, in South or North Carolina, I believe, is removing all things religous from the holydays. Therefore, Santa Claus cannot come to the elementary schools. (I suppose we have something to be grateful for). Apparently, as he is a mutation from St. Nicholas, he is now a religious figure. Go figure.

Newport News, Virginia is lighting the "tree of illumination" in there hollydazzle celebration. Isn't it time they get illuminated themselves. Why do we decorate trees? Because Jesus came. It's Christmas. Incidentally, in Chester County, PA, that tree is the "Tree of Knowledge." That reminds me of something I read somewhere. Must have been from Ben Franklin.

I have nothing against Hanukkah. I thinks it's a beautiful holyday. Ramadan is important to Muslims. I won't protest it. My faith differs from others. Let me celebrate it.

Please share other ways communities are de-christing our holiday. And as we celebrate, remember, it's not the gifts--it's the love--primarily of Jesus Christ who set us in families.

Books Written Out of Fire

Books written out of fire give me a great deal of pleasure. You get the sense that the world for these writers could not have continued if the book hadn't been written. When you come across a book like that it is a privilege. -Hisham Matar, author (b. 1970)

My friend Shelley sent me this quote, and it is my prayer for Dark Chocolate. America doesn’t know how it still enforces slavery. The issue hides from us because we don’t see the children in India with their little fingers in the mechanical looms. We don’t know how much of our made in the USA aluminum is fueled by enslave charcoal makers in the center of Brazil.

I love it when I read a book such as the one Matar described. Grapes of Wrath is the first that comes to mind. I read that book when I was in my early twenties. For months after, I couldn’t pick up another book because none would ever measure up. Then Steinbeck’s social ideals compelled me to read most of his other works.

So, as the plot of Dark Chocolate stalls, the theme compels me to write. I need to change the world—and I cannot be satisfied if only one life changes. There is too much need.

What books have you read or written out of fire? Share with us.

Proofread!

Carol “Leno” McClain: “Professional” Bloopers

These are genuine bloopers. They are hysterical:

1. Lane Marker: Scool Zone

2. Notice on church bulletin board: Thursday night potluck dinner. Prayer and medication to follow.

3. Church Bulletin: Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.

4. Arrest notice: …was arrested for consuming an alcoholic beverage inside a motor beverage

5. Learning package advert: So fun, they won’t know their learning

6. Headline: Missippi’s Literacy program shows improvement

7. Headline: Police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers

8. Headline: Stiff opposition expected to casketless funeral plan

9. Headline: Two convicts evade noose, jury hung

10. Bushism: Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country." —Poplar Bluff, Mo., Sept. 6, 2004

Happy Birthday, Jessie

Jessie, you left us in the cold. However, you cannot take away the beauty that is you.

1. You are a devoted mom and wife. You put so much energy into your children to be sure they’re active, educated and well adjusted.

2. Having to live in the little trailer while your house burned, your spayed dog had pups, your mom’s horse died and a myriad other things, you never lost your faith, cheer or determination.

3. To see you run a marathon obviously delighted this runner’s heart.

4. You are so sensitive that the life of a dog or cat or bird carries a weight of concern.

5. You have been a good friend to the woman who means the most to me. My daughter adores you. She’s a wonderful judge of character and your friendship with her is a joy to me.

6. I remember taking you on vacations. Your sense of adventure and good nature made our trips so much fun.

7. Remember: "Buffalo come out and play?"

8. Your faith in Jesus comforts my heart.

9. You’re intelligent and beautiful. If you weren’t my niece, I’d love you anyway.

10. And I just learned today, as a youth, you were sad you weren't Chinese, didn't wear glasses. Did you miss having braces as well?



Happy Birthday, Little Jessie. I love you.

Happy Birthday Neil

I’d been alone many years and never thought I’d so easily adjust to sharing all I am and have with another. You’ve made it easy. I want the world to know who you are.

Kindness. I’ve never met a person more kind or understanding. You see the good in all people and work to bring out the best in them. When someone’s needed for a ministry or for encouragement, you pray, and approach that person. Often it’s someone who never crossed my mind.

Talent. Your pen and ink talent amazes me. Detail, fussiness and beauty weave together. The only part of your talent that bothers me is that you give all the best art work away.

Generosity. Whether we have or don’t, you want to give. I remember walking past Salvation Army kettles. I may have given to one already, so I skip the donation. You never do. When time arrives to give gifts, you always think of the person’s personality and pick unique and generous and perfect gifts.


Godliness. You live your beliefs. God reigns in your life, and you don’t fear sharing. Sometimes your belief system is more liberal than mine and we don’t always line up. However, you taught me God’s path is not such a narrow high wire that I can achieve it.

Adorability. You are just too darn cute.