Category: Uncategorized (Page 6 of 26)

Aromas are powerful, and they matter. In third grade at Deepstep school, one of my classmates often brought a cluster of Sweetshrub shoots to our teacher. Although I don’t recall the student’s name, I definitely recall that pleasant aromatic scent from those blossoms. I always wished for such a plant in our yard. After leaving for college, I forgot about that delicious aroma; life, family, and time moved along.

After moving in with Jennifer, my daughter, we began customizing the landscape of our place. She had some wonderful ideas giving it a pleasing look. One day a year or so ago, I saw pictures of some beautiful flowers, posted on FaceBook by Colline, one of Jennifer’s former colleagues. Among them were Sweetshrubs. So I asked if she ever had any volunteer shoots pop up would she save one for me? She said she would be happy to.

I forgot about the Sweetshrub, but Colline had not. Last week she called and said the Sweetshrub plant is ready. She brought a potted, healthy Sweetshrub—about two feet tall. The pot also hosted two fledgling volunteer Japanese Maples. What a bonus! Jennifer and I are delighted. I am not a Botanist, so I looked up my new gift; it is an Eastern Sweetshrub, perfectly suited for our area. We picked out a place for our plant, and this weekend I hope to have it snuggly ensconced in its own special spot.

My maternal grandmother was a devoted gardener, and it was a pleasure helping her with her plants. One of the recent additions Jennifer and I made in our flower garden is ligustrum, which which I remember Grandmother had in abundance. She also had beautiful Dahlias. We won’t be adding Dahlias; they are too delicate, too needy for me. Today I am immensely grateful; for my friend Colline who carefully curated this grand Sweetshrub, for the fragrance and memory it brings me, and that we have this treasure in our garden.

A subtext of this story is that of aroma. The whiff of a flower, food, or fragrance can launch a vivid journey down memory lane. It recalls friendships, gatherings, and events of the past. I think of the time when Jesus was visiting in the home of his friends in Bethany. Mary bathed his feet with costly perfume. As John describes it, the fragrance filled the house. (emphasis mine) It was a time when fragrance became the basis for the memory of Jesus’ sacrifice. The Apostle Paul picks up on the fragrance theme; Harking back to Old Testament times, when burnt sacrifices of animals were offered to God, Paul remembers how those aromas reminded him of time in the Temple, and God’s Presence.

I resonate with Paul. As a child, growing up in the Deepstep Methodist Church, we only had Holy Communion occasionally. Our pastor served a circuit of four churches—rotating preaching in a different church each Sunday . We couldn’t have Holy CommIon on the usual first Sunday of the month. However, I could always tell when it was Communion Sunday as soon as the church door opened; the aroma of Welch’s Grape Juice filled the sanctuary. It’s aroma was a pleasant welcome.

Aromas make a powerful impression on the soul (read brain, heart, mind). The Scriptures are rife with references to the sweet smell of incense. Having a distinctive aroma, the incense was a powerful reminder of the presence of God Some churches still use incense to remind worshipers of the Presence of God. A multi-sensory experience in worship is powerful—the smell of oak pews, flowers in the chancel area, the aroma of candles being lit. And. don’t forget–Welch’s Grape juice being poured! (full disclosure–I do not own stock in Welch’s,).

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

 Squiggle; one definition is poor or lazy handwriting (speaking of no one in particular). Merriam-Webster defines a squiggle as;  a short wavy twist or line . Taking editorial liberties, for this tome’s purpose, I’m amplifying the word—to include symbolic marks—which covers a multitude of visuals.

My family—and a few non-relatives—complained for years about my handwriting; what’s worse, over the years my squiggles have tended to transmigrate, not for the better. With the advent of cyber technology, redemption can happen; lately when signing a credit card bill I’m instructed, “Use your finger and make a mark on the screen.” The electronic receiver doesn’t care if you’re using Parker Vector Standard handwriting or a squiggle–just mark the cuss-ed form!

On a related matter, the “Bar Code” is not exactly a squiggle, but close. In 1948 the bar code was invinted by two Drexel University students to expedite Super Market checkout; it is now in universal use—from osteopaths to ocean-going freighters. Its twin, the QR code , is now ubiquitous—maybe a little more like a squiggle, but it carries far more information;  there are 4,296 alphanumeric characters in a single QR code. Bar Codes, QR codes and foreign languages—in computers are all “boiled down” to communicating using only two symbols; 1 0 — Binary symbols—squiggles, if you will.

To some extent a relationship with another person is something of a squiggle—a little like the short wavy twist or line, as defined by Merriam-Webster. Unless we invest self into the relationship, it remains just, well, squiggly. In recent years, I have retrieved and curated a few relationships from over the years; Time and distance had separated us. But life’s curve balls have served to knit several of us closer—aided greatly, among other things, by cell-phones. I have “Phone appointments,” and catch up on family, mutual friends, and mutual interests. The squiggles have become straight lines of communication for me; maybe for you as well.

What matters is that the sender and receiver must understand each other. It is way more complicated than that—but not really. I liken it to, well, Psalm 46. Hearers are invited to turn aside from distractions and deeply communicate with God. In data entry, each “squiggle” must be precise for clear communication to be complete. As I type this, each electronic character is necessary for clear communication. But unlike computers, we human beings are imperfect. However our redemption is wonderfully in the forgiveness we receive (and give) toward joy in life. Autocorrect doesn’t always have that leverage—God’s autocorrect is perfect.

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

He made the night a little brighter / Wherever he / would go / The old lamplighte / Of long, long ago—I heard the song, and thought, “Well, someone dug up this neat romantic song from a couple of centuries ago. How nice!” I looked it up. Nope. It was written in 1946. That was after WW II ! — sixty years after electric street lights pretty well replaced the nostalgic Lamplighter. For tourist reasons, some cities across the world still employ a lamplighter.

But I digress. Nostalgic, romantic, whatever, there are life lessons within the song. In darkening times, when trust wanes, and relationships—personal as well as regional—-become strained, we need a little light. Entangled political parties, angry nations, and even stressed neighborhoods easily become darkened by clouds of doubt and distrust.

The Cold War held dark clouds of fear and uncertainty over the US as well as the world. When President George H.W. Bush was inaugurated in 1989, In his address he called for “…a thousand points of lights...”(borrowed from Arthur C. Clarke’s short story “Rescue Party,” May 1946)—to brighten our world. In a sense it was a call for a return visit of “…The Old Lamplighter… to (make) the night a little brighter…” along our darkened way and poke holes into the darkness.

In Palm Sunday Worship the children’s choir, accompanied by “The Altar Egos” Bluegrass Band, sang “This Little Light of Mine.” It is an old standard that takes up the theme of light in the darkness. In these days of outbreaks of Antisemitism, I am reminded of the song, “Light One Candle” recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary numerous times, and available on YouTube. It speaks of courage, hope, determination, and love for one another. In a word, it is a ‘lamplighter.”

The Old Testament frequently speaks of God’s call to the Children of Israel to be “a light to the nations.” One of my favorites is the one referred to in Isaiah 42. In the New Testament Jesus refers to the positive and redemptive roles light plays in the world and in our lives; to the point of calling his followers “The Light of the World.” The wonder of it all is how simple it is for each of us to be a “Lamplighter.” Just think of a moment when someone said, did, or encouraged you, and poked a hole in your darkness. It opened joy, hope, and gratitude for you. And, you, dear reader may not know it, but I am sure you are a Lamplighter for someone.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

Easter is another of the sacred Christian celebrations hijacked by commercal enterprises. However, Christianity cannot cleanly call out commercial commandeering. Early on, Springtime has evoked symbolism of new life, beauty, and beginning again. Pagan and Christian celebrations, festivals, and rituals have been human responses to Springtime for centuries. It was a natural for Christianity for grafting new shoots of life and meaning onto existing significant celebrations—it helped involve populations at their level of understanding and introduce Christian faith; it responds to the call to “…be a light unto the nations…”.

Christianity, having deep roots in Judaism, it was a short step to Easter from the Jewish celebration of Passover, one of the earliest, most meaningful Jewish Holy observances. Jesus, a faithful Jew, was observing the Passover when the plot against his life took its final, fatal turn. His Resurrection, three days after his execution established Easter. New Life burgeoned. The fact that these developments occur simultaneously paved the way for joyful celebration. Easter Eggs are dramatic additions to the New Life metaphor. Chocolate bunnies, Peeps, and Cadbury eggs are the logical commercializations of a sacred event.

This is not to condemn or protest Easter Egg Hunts, or chocolate sales (I may have a conflict of interest in the chocolate matter—due to my proclivity for chocolate). This tome is to put things into perspective. We are careful to teach our children the safe, proper way to use fire, and we monitor it carefully. In terms of our theology (read “faith”) we tend to be lax if not ignorant. Santa Claus is not God. Easter for Christians, is not based on colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, Peeps, nor even Easter Egg Hunts—although the celebration emerged from a plethora of traditions. Holy Week, preceding Easter, helps to focus attention on the heart of the day.

Just as we teach our children life’s realities at appropriate ages, in like manner, we teach faith. Early on, we sing, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, and, yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight…” As they grow older, we are confronted with the need to teach them to respect, not ridicule, those with disabilities, or of a different color, or those less fortunate. We teach love and caring on a higher level. It’s a little like the myth of the sunrise; almost everyone knows the sun does not rise—it is the earth rotating around the sun. But who wants to say “Oh! Look what a beautiful Earth Rotation!” We learn incrementally—and learn well if taught at appropriate levels of comprehension.

What more can be said, as we peer out of the sadness of brokenness, to discover Hope and the New Life God brings!! HE IS RISEN! Hope reigns, We thrive under the sovranties of Joy !

©Copyright 2024 Willis H. Moore

Sunday next is Palm Sunday. It launches Holy Week which ends with Easter. According to Britannica, the name Holy Week emerged, beginning in the 4th Century; The name Holy Week was used in the 4th century by St. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, and St. Epiphanius of Constantia. Originally, only Good Friday and Holy Saturday were observed as holy days. Later, Wednesday was added as the day on which Judas plotted to betray Jesus, and by the beginning of the 3rd century the other days of the week had been added.

Palm Sunday is a festive launch of Holy Week. Christian churches world-wide celebrate the day with children marching, waving palm branches (in Georgia—especially South of the Gnat Line they wave Palmetto branches) and singing joyfully. Some churches receive children and youth into church membership on Palm Sunday—especially those who completed Confirmation classes during Lent. Early on, Lent was a time for training novices as they converted into Christianity. The Novices were then baptized and Confirmed as Christian.

I have a friend whose church has Holy Week services each day at noon of Holy Week . Each day they meet in a different church in the community, with a minister from another church bringing the message; The event concludes with a light lunch. The event lasts one hour so that workers and business people can attend during their lunch break. An annual thing, it is well attended. My friend says those of different faith traditions enjoy getting together to experience one another’s ways of observing Holy Week

A previous article in TIME Magazine describes how a Nun launched observance of Holy Week on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land; The earliest known record of any Holy Week observance, which includes a description of Palm Sunday, is found in the travel diaries of a woman named Egeria. Egeria, also known as Etheria, was a nun who documented her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the late 4th century.

Growing up in Deepstep, I experienced a mere shadow of Holy Week: it was Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and a family Easter Egg Hunt. We gathered in a grassy glen near an old sawmill site in Grandaddy’s creek-side woodland. After the picnic, Grandaddy took the younger kids on a hunt for Wild Violets. We sought out the tiny purple blossoms among the pine straw and green grass. Meanwhile, the teenagers and adults hid Easter Eggs—so that the Hunt was ready when the little kids returned, laden with tiny purple violet blossoms—eager to hunt for the treasure of the day! It was a full, fun, day.

As an adult, I came to know and appreciate an Easter treat, Handel’s Messiah, as choirs, orchestra, and vocalists retold the difficult, terrible, glowing, and victorious of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. As I have told some of you, my readers—for my dear Paige—the pinnacle of the story is sung victoriously in the Hallelujah Chorus. It captivates the hearts of millions!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

Under the spread of White Oak trees at the edge of a swamp, we found gray mounds of earthworm castings. Just what we were looking for. John Will Voss, my cousin, and I planned to go fishing in Deepstep Creek. But we needed earthworms, and there was not a fish-bait shop within miles. Each of us had what was left of a hoe handle, so we were well armed to get fish-bait on our own, by worm-grunting. This adventure was new for me. I usually found earthworms in moist places near flower beds and the water well. John Will assured me that we would find eonough by “Worm Grunting”. I was wary, but his adventures around Deepstep were always interesting and fun. So I was all in for it.

I followed intently what John Will did: he located one of the little gray mounds, and stuck the broken hoe handle into the mound. I did that too. The earth was soft, grassy, and moist. As he pressed the handle into the dirt, he wobbled it as it sank into the ground. Somewhere about twelve inches into the dirt, as he kept wobbling it there appeared an earthworm, crawling onto the grass about a foot and a half away. John Will kept wobbling the handle—but more vigorously. As I did the same thing, I too, found earthworms crawling out of the ground. As we moved from mound to mound, “Grunting” the earthworms out of the ground, we got enough for this day, We gathered up our bait buckets and headed off to the edge of the millpond to catch what we really wanted for the day—Red-Breast Bream.

I often think of that day and is produce—which was abundant; not just the earthworms for fishing; especially other benefits of the day. The growing friendship with John Will, learning a fascinating way to collect fish bait, the joy of the outside, and the abundance of God’s creation—these and more, enriched, and continue to bless my life. There are times in life, brief though they may be, that open galaxies of opportunities and memories, enriching our lives. John Will’s family moved away and I never saw him again. But the memory of our treks in and around Deepstep Creek and millpond linger. They continue to enrich my life.

I hope that you, dear reader, have an abundant cache of memories that enrich your life and personal relationships. If you grow really close to someone, you develop a binding trust. I think of numbers of times when I was uneasy or fearful about a venture and remember when John Will’s friendship and support bore me up on eagles’ wings, and made success possible. Who would have ever though “Worm Grunting ” would do that?!.

Jesus found such a relationship in Simon Peter. Yes, I know. We think of that Apostle as the one who denied Jesus—not once, not twice, but three times. And yet, early on Jesus had seen in this man a solid rock. And said so. Well, we all are human beings. We make mistakes. We fail. Often. But it is that at the heart we can, and do embody the Holy. Just as Jesus lifted Peter out of the stormy sea, He will lift you out of your sinking despair.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

Just a reminder, the Honey Bee is the official Insect of the State of Georgia. This designation was given in 1975. I remember my dad had several Honey Bee hives on the farm when I was a young boy. Those pure white bee domiciles were lined on the edge of a field in an abandoned roadway. It was as if the colony had its own avenue.

According to the US Department of Agriculture is the A. mellifera, the most common domesticated Honey Bee. Sometimes called the Eastern Honey Bee, it finds a cozy home among us. The Honey Bee is one of the most proliferate pollinators, making giving them great status among farmers, gardeners and, well, honey-lovers. When they feel threatened, in an act of defense a bee stings. If the threat increases other Worker Bees join in the fray. When a Worker Bee stings, its stinger embeds into the flesh, continuing to deposit venom, while the stinger breaks off—and the bee dies.

A bunch of years ago, i owned a hive of bees—for about two hours. I was visiting a friend as he was disposing the household of our mutual buddy, who had deceased. He said, “I just don’t know what to do about Jim’s Honey Bees! I don’t know anyone to give them to.” Faded childhood memories flashed in from the Honey Bees of my childhood, I said—without giving it any thought—I’ll take them. When I got home I told Paige I was now the proud owner of a hive of Honey Bees. She looked at me with that “Paige look,” and said, “You know what bee stings do to me, don’t you?!” —which ended my bee keeping career.

Honey Bees and honey were here before human beings. According to The Honey Association–-Exactly how long honey has been in existence is hard to say because it has been around since as far back as we can record. Cave paintings in Spain from 7000 BC show the earliest records of beekeeping, however, fossils of honey bees date back about 150 million years! Honey and Honey Bee references populate our songs, stories, folklore, and lessons. In 1957, Jimmie Rodgers had a hit with a witty Country & Western song, weaving in the creation of the world, Honey Bees, and a girl he called called Honeycomb.

There are more than five dozen mentions of honey in the Bible. That is enough to verify the longevity of honey. Many of these references to honey have to do with the Promised Land described as “…flowing with milk and honey…” Merriam-Webster says it means a place where there is plenty of food and money and life is very easy. Many immigrants thought that America was a land of milk and honey. Some of the other biblical references have to do with food, or gifts; The Psalmist raises the judgments of God above the sweetness of the honeycomb; almost all of the references indicate joie de vivre—that’s my choice. Thank God—and the Honey Bees for Honey.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

Everyone can sing. Some better than others. Some of the best singing lives only in the the singer’s own mind. And that is OK. Music is often thought of as “the universal language.” Mothers sing to their babies, not worrying if they are being judged, or can carry a tune. It is, after all, singing. When the Lord delivered the Children of Israel from the chariots and warriors of The Pharaoh, Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, launched into a victory song! Paul and his missionary partner, Silas, sang in prison—at midnight. There is no silencing of singing!

In the early 1970’s the United States (and much of the world) was embroiled in intense conflict—internal and external. Discouragement lay on too many of us like a suffocating hot blanket. Out of the UK, Canada, and ultimately the United States arose an endearing song—- “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing in Perfect Harmony.” The song exploded in popularity. For the decade of the 70’s, its catchy melody and calming lyrics resonated within the very hearts of millions.

You may recall, the song was an oasis in the midst of a desert of angst during the Vietnam War. Sometimes singing is simply so inviting that everyone within earshot joyfully joins in. I think of Paul McCartney‘s song Hey Jude (there’s some intro first)—it is a song, not unlike some of the early Gospel songs—without written verses—where everyone joins in—they learn the words as they are repeated over and over—becoming one voice.

On a related matter, The National Institutes of Health reports that  Contact with the mother’s voice, both prenatally and after birth, is also extremely important for creating an emotional bond between the infant and the mother. I once read of a baby whose mother daily sang to it during prenatal times. Soon after birth the baby became desperately ill. Doctors feared the worst. At some point, the mother began her ritual of singing. As she kept it up the baby began to recover, and thrived.

John Wesley, the father of the Methodist Movement over 500 years ago, was a great enthusiast of singing—as was his brother Charles, who wrote hundreds of hymns–over 150 of which are in the United Methodist Hymnal. In the front of that hymnal, are “Directions for Singing” (there are seven) directions from John Wesley. In No. IV he says, Sing lustily, with good courage. Apparently, over the years, Methodists did just that, and became known as “Singing Methogists.”

Methodists have developed a legacy of singing; Garrison Keillor, of the late Prairie Home Companion, once said,  I do believe this: People, these Methodists, who love to sing in four-part harmony are the sort of people you can call up when you’re in deep trouble. The Bible has untold references to singing—some specifically using the word “singing,” most others refer to the presence of joyful noise or rejoicing. One reference I particularly like is from the Psalmist Come before His presence with singing. For me it says “God loves singing”—it is yet one more time when I feel God’s presence.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

I am sorry to learn that Nest Camera #1 is offline at Berry College (temporarily–I hope) ; they are having some technical problems. Apparently Nest Cam#2 is still in service. In 2012, a pair of Bald Eagles set up housekeeping—in a manner of speaking—-atop a tall pine tree on the campus of Berry College, Rome, GA. These Bald Eagles have kept up housekeeping there ever since. It did not take long for college officials to set up the “Nest Cam” and follow the Eagle family. This year, GA Power Co donated the use of a truck and staffed it to set Nest Cam #2, providing additional viewing opportunities. The link below offers a plethora of information on the Eagle Nest Cam.

https://www.berry.edu/eaglecam/nestcam

Since 1978, the Bald Eagle has been listed under  the Endangered Species Act. After nearly 50 years being proceted, the come-back of Eagles is welcomed news. Bald Eagles are in so many ways—environmental necessities, not to mention their icon status as the US national symbol. Their mesmerizing splendor entices onlookers. The Bald Eagle is a noble raptor. As I considered the value of Eagles, I pondered the word raptor; raptors include eagles, hawks and yes, buzzards. I think I have made my peace with the fact that Bald Eagles are in that dyspeptic cadre of birds. But, as we say, you can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your family.

In essence, we recognize the Bald Eagle is a raptor; The word “raptor” means “to seize or grasp” in Latin. Raptors use their powerful, sharp talons to capture their prey and to defend themselves. Several bird species are considered raptors. Eagles, hawks, kites, falcons, and owls are all considered birds of prey. According to Merriam-Webster; a carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird (such as a hawk, eagle, owl, or vulture) that has a hooked beak and large sharp talons and that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion.

There are more than three dozen references in the Bible related to Eagles–most of which speak of their strength, elegance, and admirable qualities. One of my favorite passages is the one related to family. It tells how the eagle sets its young on their path to adulthood, and helps them on their way. I notice that the Eagle avoids setting itself up to have “Boomerang Children.” They are launched, taught to fly, and there is no turning back. Jesus also mentioned that looking back is not worthy of the Kingdom of God. We live in the moment, making the future possible. Our hope lies in God’s compassion, which is new every morning.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

Looking out front as I write this, our daffodil bulbs are beginning to reveal their tender green sprouts. I marvel that those brown buried bulbs of last year emerge from their deep, cold bed splashing their cheerful color. A Daffodil is a thing of beauty. About this time of year—winter slinks away it clears the way for Spring; dainty green daffodil spikes emerge from the cold earth. As they blossom into a blaze of beauty, their yellow blossoms virtually sing of bright days ahead.

Springtime is welcomed by a spectacular palette of color. This beautiful plant is revered by many; it holds the secure position of being the national flower of Wales. In many other countries the daffodil presides as a symbol for cancer charities. It is ironic that the beauty of a daffodil conceals its sinister secret; a daffodil is poisonous to some animals. But before pet owners exile the daffodil, choose a bed that your pet is unlikely to visit. Anyway, it’s not that the daffodil is a predator lurking to get your pet. Set your mind to enjoy the beauty.

Flower gardens of all sizes, sprinkled throughout the neighborhood bring not only fresh views, but also invite visitors; Honey Bees, Butterflies, humming birds, and in some cases ideal locations for bird nests. Good gardeners, I am told, choose their flowers almost scientificly; which flowers flourish in this location, which ones are not compatible with which, or are likely predator or foster plants. In the process I also discovered that the Daffodil is from the Narcissus family. If you really want to have a mental workout, try learning the names of the whole family.

I am a remarkably poor gardener. Therefore any , advice, guidance, or other suggestions I offer are from family, friends, or search I must do to be legitimate. Southern Living says Daffodils are easy to grow. After preparing the soil well, they pretty much take care of themselves; sunlight, rain, and seasons serve them well. I guess that is another reason they appeal to me, given my history as a horticulturalist.

When the first Daffodils display their golden smiles, it just must liven the heart of anyone who sees it. The disciples of Jesus were having a hard time understanding what Jesus was teaching. Then he made it simple (again!) for them; do not worry. The Daffodils do not make their own clothes! Look how God cares for them! (RWV Revised Willis Version). Actually, I really like the J. B. Phillips translation translating as “…the wildflowers…” Somehow, in my mind’s eye, I see Jesus romping among wildflowers with little children, carrying one on his back. How joyful Jesus is, despite the acidic attitudes of the Religious Elite. So, as Jesus did, rejoice, and enjoy this lovely world in which God surrounds—and gave us! Happy Springtime! The View is free!