REMEMBERING E.T.

On Saturday night, I joined with my family at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans to enjoy the music of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in their production of the music sound track to the classic movie E.T. A unique idea to adapt the score for live performance while viewing the classic film. I cannot improve on the note from the composer, John Williams that appears in the program. “Steven Spielberg’s film, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial has always held a special place in my heart, and I personally think it’s his masterpiece. In looking at it today, it’s as fresh and new as when it was made in 1982. Cars may change, along with hairstyles and clothes…but the performance, particularly by the children and by E.T. himself, are so honest, timeless, and true that the film absolutely qualifies to be a classic.” Referring to the Orpheum performance, Mr. Williams further states, “What’s particularly  special about tonight’s concert is that we’ll hear one of our great symphony orchestras, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the entire score live, along with the complete picture, sound effects, and dialogue.” I completely agree with Mr. William’s note of confidence. His score is beautiful, the movie is magic, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra excels in performance.

   

Enhanced by the charm, authenticity, and excellent service of the Orpheum (my second visit for this unique art, the first being, Wizard of Oz, several months ago), I particularly appreciate this form of renewing remarkable memories of an earlier time. Quoting Mr. Williams comments as he concluded his remarks, “I know I speak for everyone connected with the making of E.T. in saying that we’re greatly honored by this event…and I hope that tonight’s audience will find great joy in experiencing this magical film.”

I know I speak for my family when I express my gratitude for this incredible evening that brought to memory a nostalgic era of the past. Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Williams have indeed created a magical event for all generations to enjoy. And the exceptional talent of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra adds to the perfection and excitement.  As the music combined with the intense action portrayed on the screen, suspended above the orchestra, drew to an end with the final overture performed while the credits rolled down the screen, I found my mind drifting back to the 1980s trying to remember just where we were in the space programs, and how much did we know about space at that time of the E.T. venture.

Recalling my experience working in the early space program (refer blog, Dare to Dream, 4/17/16), I realized that by 1982, NASA experiments with the Space Shuttle were well underway following the Apollo program that resulted in the moon landing on July 20, 1969. An optimistic future for the space program seemed evident. However, beginning with the Challenger accident in 1986 and several succeeding failures, the enthusiasm for pioneering suffered a huge setback. World affairs and softening of the economy defunded NASA and America abandoned space exploration. Presently, a private company struggles with the research and development of a positive space future, and we can hope they will succeed.

In the era of E.T. sightings of unidentified flying objects were common and stories of abductions by space men (usually thought of as little green men) were bantered about in tabloid newspapers. On occasion, a story would be reported by the news media and especially surrounding the often discussed elusive Area 51, supposedly tucked away in the desert protecting secrets for the government. Many science fiction stories filled our book shelves speculating about space travel and extra-terrestrials. E.T. is a magical fantasy surrounding children even as other science fiction stories have done. With no claim to reality, it simply portrays the link between children and the fantasy world with a touching story of the love that developed between the young boy and the space creature. If other life exists in the universe, and I believe it's possible (I find assuming the earth is unique, and God’s only creation, is questionable and limits His power), we could hope that men will control the quest for power and greed and react with caution when confronting extra terrestrial life, carefully creating an environment where the innocence of E.T. could be nurtured. However, in our present world, optimism is difficult in view of the aggressive nature of mankind.

In summary, the beautiful magic of E.T. continues to be loved by generations of new viewers as well as remembered by past decades of theater patrons.  The first time I viewed E.T. in the early 80s when it premiered, the film aroused a standing ovation. Certainly, Saturdays’ ovation expressed the greatest appreciation and love for the LPO as well as the classic movie. For those who live in Louisiana communities, I urge you to become acquainted with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra making opportunity to enjoy their many venues of performance afforded Louisiana citizens. For their Calendar of Events for this season, visit LPOmusic.com. I guarantee you will be rewarded with excellent talent and entertainment regardless of your music preferences.

MAKING LEMONADE

 With limited time left as a citizen of this world, I think about the quality of my grandchildren’s lives as I observe behavior around me. I remember many of my generation predicting the future would be effected by a few of the spoofs spewed into the rearing of our children, especially by Dr. Benjamin Spock. He told us how to make formula, bathe the baby, and provide first aide, but his parenting concepts led us astray. The “handwriting appeared on the wall,” and we ignored the warnings having been “weighed in the balances and found wanting” as did the King in Daniel 5.

The first of these spoofs is don’t “touch” your child as you discipline him. Reason with him per Dr. Spock. This resulted in undisciplined children acting-out in all phases of growing up.  A pat on the behind gets his attention so you CAN reason with him. Childhood discipline teaches the individual to respect authority, and he will soon learn there is always someone above him in rank. He will also learn that he can’t have everything he wants, and all actions have consequences. (Dr. Spock failed to point this out in his “child-rearing bible.” Spare the rod and spoil the child. (paraphrasing Proverbs 13:24). 

Of course, I don’t advocate beating or abusing a child, but misunderstanding the discipline of children is the number one blunder of the present day home. A wise parent determines what action best motivates his child to respond to discipline and consistently demands obedience and proper behavior. Children are like sponges; they soak up knowledge and the example of parents, and generally want to please a parent or guardian. Give them a warm, consistent, loving home, and they will respond with respect and maturity that will reward loving parents. (Proverbs 22:6). We are reaping the consequences of the post-war, supposedly peace-loving, passive generation of permissiveness that historically follows unfettered prosperity. 

The second spoof that poisoned parenting is don’t “isolate or recognize” individuals as they excel in talents whether it be in academics, sports, or the work place. Everyone deserves a reward. Example: when a child is an “A” student, don’t tell him where he stands beside his peers. Tell him his work is “Satisfactory.” When children play sports, give them all a trophy for participation; eliminate MVPs or any image of such distinction. Why should we be surprised when our college campuses are filled with young adults who expect everything handed to them and equal, equal, equal on every hand?  No competition – that’s unfair; everyone should be rewarded for participating, and these pampered youths rebuke any concept of restraint; they must be heard and sheltered, and they expect and demand a hand out instead of a hand up. 

We are NOT all alike with equal talents. And competition is mentally healthy. Why do we presume that our children will excel with well-rounded personalities when we fail to challenge or motivate them? How can we expect them to become mature adults when their mentors condone acts of rebellion and make excuse for their immaturity by providing them with “safe space and tiny furry things to quiet their fears?” What they need is to be ordered back into their classes to learn what it means to be a citizen of the greatest nation on the planet – liberty and freedom are costly and many have paid the ultimate price with their lives. Give them freedom and opportunity to weigh conflicting facts, but teach them to discern with wisdom. Perhaps another learning process would be to eliminate some of the luxuries they have come to expect, and I might add, demand. The greatest lesson on earth is to recognize the fact that we are duty-bound to change the things we CAN change, accept the things we CANNOT change, and have the WISDOM to know the difference.*

The third spoof hawked by our educators and political leaders is that “God” should be eliminated from everything. Because I’m a Christian conservative, I’m convinced much of the deterioration in our society is the absence of God in our homes, schools, and government.  When humanism controls our leaders, educational institutions, and homes, the urge to “do your own undisciplined thing” becomes embedded in our youth resulting in the rejection of moral values, misdirected patriotism, rejection of religion, suppression of individual thought, and the lack of motivation to excel. The champions of such ideals speak loudly about their concern for human rights, inequity, racism, and a list of such issues. However, they often just talk and DO nothing about these issues, while engaging in promoting numerous subversive activities designed to enslave the masses, resulting in widespread socialism and dictatorial government over the humanistic world. Are we (the USA) destined to join them?

Perhaps the latest election (2016) reflects the rejection of this humanistic ideology rather than the selection of a person to lead our country. Instead of complaining of the loud noise of the academic world parroting that religion and conservative ideology bears responsibility for all the ills of the earth’s population, we would be better served by reviewing our history (without editing out the chapters our present day educators don’t find supportive of their progressive agenda) and honestly accepting the fact that those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat, and we should proclaim these facts at every opportunity.

These are my views as I surf the media, read the web, and reason for myself. Everything appears tilted, filtered, corrupt, and many live in denial of the facts and are blind to the truth that well-funded, silent proponents of globalism seek power to deny the democratic freedoms of our Republic. Each citizen must stay informed, research carefully recognizing truth is often elusive, and make your VOICE HEARD. Of course, I failed the political correctness exam. I use the pronoun “he, his, or him” instead of person or whatever applies in today’s literature. I resent being referred to as an ignorant, gun-toting, Bible-thumper who is clueless and uneducated. I make no apology for my 1950s education and philosophy.  I still read and believe my Bible, and I can relate to those who believe they need a gun. The streets are no longer safe. 

Our country faces difficult issues on every hand. However, history reveals we have always faced difficult problems and managed to seek and find solutions, and we always survive (no matter what pitfalls the presidential administrations dig up for us), but what do I know? I’m just an old lady trying to get into Heaven who believes we should appeal to God for strength to endure and optimistically march onward with the philosophy that  “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”**

* Paraphrasing the Prayer of Serenity, author, Reinhold Niebuhr

**Quote attributed to Elbert Hubbard in 1915 and later credited to Dale Carnegie in his 1948 writings.

GETTING STARTED

              

        

              

Consider this famous quote of a master of quotes, Mark Twain.  Mr. Samuel Clemens, whose pen name is Mark Twain, wore many hats in his career in the late 19^th and 20^th century. I don’t agree with all of his philosophy, however, his candor is remarkable, and his writing which includes novels and many home-grown quotes is unique. Although often filled with humor, his quotes reveal a magic bit of wisdom well-worth including in our value system.

The secret of getting ahead or being successful in any endeavor requires “getting started.” I used this idea as a tool of encouragement for my desire to be a contributing writer. How many of us observe some event, experience an adventure, feel inspiration by a life-touching incident, or simply dream an idea that we wish to share with others? However, wishing is only thinking, and thought requires action to bring about results. No matter how many wonderful, exciting stories swim around in the brain, until the motivated writer takes a pen and creates words to describe the thought, they remain useless. Apply this principle to any enterprise.

We often expect success without enough action to bring the idea to useful fruition. A successful writer must, of course, create the project which is “getting started,” but to survive, the idea requires continuing onward and taking action.

To become a part of the literary world, an author must be motivated to aggressively peddle the work, at times, forcefully venturing out of his/her comfort zone. Aggressive action and attention to marketing exacted by the author measures writing success. No one appreciates your work as much as you do. If you wish to succeed, you, and you alone, must sell your ability to perform, the virtues of your creation, or the significance of your idea. In the same way, Mark Twain suggests “Don’t wait. The TIME will never be right.”

Many helpful aids are available to assist in any venture. However, just as the writer must create a well-researched, grammatically correct, stimulating, appealing document relevant to his/her reading audience and take appropriate action to ensure the work is available to the reader, the entrepreneur must provide a functional, relevant, quality product to gain prominence in his/her field.

Getting STARTED does not guarantee getting AHEAD, but to achieve success, one must START. Additional advice provided by Mark Twain to keep us humble and grateful, he said, “The world owes you nothing. It was here first!”  Another famous quote by Benjamin Franklin that applies is “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Are you harboring an idea, invention, venture, mission, or whatever? You could be the next Nobel Prize winner. WHY DON’T YOU GET STARTED?

THE G-NOTE ROAD

    

    With the beginning of a new year, it’s time to review the past and make resolutions for the future again. Only seems like yesterday that these thoughts plagued my aging memory. I remember with pleasure the holidays of the past, the good times, the sad times, and the host of friends and loved ones with whom these memories were shared. So many have passed on. The January calendar marks several sad days for me. I lost my Dad in 1974, my brother in 2005, my husband in 2010, and my sister in 2015 leaving a shadow over the January winter days and sadness that is forever embedded in my heart.

    However, dwelling on sadness and melancholy can affect one’s health and well-being and cause depression.  For this reason, I choose instead to be grateful for the wonderful, happy times stored in my memory. Although I’m certainly showing optimism when I make resolutions for the next year considering I’ve been making them for decades, I find age doesn’t diminish one’s desire to look ahead. I recall my mother shortly before her death at 81 telling me her thought patterns continued somewhat the same as when she was 60 years of age. She didn’t worry about whether she would wake up tomorrow. I admit I do have moments when I wonder…

    In viewing the amazing winter wonderland scenes on TV and in pictures this season, I confess to nostalgia knowing that I will never see snow again. Although I remember how difficult heavy snowfall can be for the work or school day, I always loved the beautiful scenes. Pictures and paintings are wonderful to enjoy, but standing in the midst of the silence of newly fallen snow is awe inspiring.  I love the picture of the snow-covered road stretching like a crystal ribbon to the horizon. 

    I’m reminded of an old 1943 movie of the silver screen era, entitled High Barbaree with Van Johnson and June Allison, in which the hero, as a young boy, speaks of a road that leads out of his rural community. He remembers the sound of the G-Note on the piano as his mother strikes the key listening to it vibrate for a long moment disappearing into silence. He names the road the G-Note Road because no matter how long he travels down the road, it never ends. It only disappears into the horizon as the G-Note lingers becoming less audible, finally, disappearing into silence.

    Life is somewhat like that G-Note Road. We travel the road keeping our eyes on the goals ahead, but no matter how many years pass, the road is still ahead. We pass one goal, set another, and continue onward until we finally cross the horizon into eternity. When we begin our journey, we learn to follow the map (through proper parenting) choosing how to proceed. I chose to follow the Christian example, serving God following his roadmap, the scriptures, with my final goal, the Gates of Heaven. I’m grateful to my family for their example.

     As I look ahead, I see the road still spread before me with goals to achieve, bumps to be endured, and a sense of awe as future events unfold along the way. God will show me the turn I must make when the road ends for me. I don’t need to know when; I just need to prepare and graciously accept my fate. Meanwhile, I see a lovely G-Note Road ahead lined with trees of green, skies of blue, and wonderful people to accompany me on the journey. I look forward to the challenge of 2017 and the G-Note Road to guide me.

            

WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE

At last the 2016 election is over and America has spoken. With policy issues so extremely diverse and citizens so divided, commenting on the outcome and especially documenting opinions for public view may mark the writer forever. My views are conservative with no apology, and I attribute the base of my convictions to my religion. Of course, I wish for economic improvement and peace in the world, but as government affects me, personally, religion is at the core.

I’m committed and actively practice strong biblical beliefs, and as a Christian, I, of course, wish to encourage all individuals within my influence to agree with what I believe to be the truth of the Bible. However, God created mankind with freedom of choice, and America is a free society where others may believe as they choose. As a Christian, I am commanded by God to love all people, even my enemies, and to seek the best for all mankind. For this reason, sharing the earth with people of all ideologies is my Christian calling. My greatest fear in our present world is that so many have determined that my ideology is unacceptable and must be changed. WHAT HAPPENED TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM?

A few ambitious liberal activists are at work trying to discredit Christianity as the cause of all problems. When religious leaders speak out quoting their biblical reasons for their decisions, they are immediately labeled as bigoted, racist, and all those other adjectives that we hear used to segregate Bible believers. Lack of Bible knowledge, and especially how to study the book, contributes greatly to the controversies that surround its teachings. Reading the Bible without basic knowledge of the time lines, the general divisions of history, and basic faith in the God of the Bible will leave the casual reader without proper understanding of its truth. The Bible comments on this subject in 2 Timothy 2:15 admonishing the Bible student to “rightly divide” the scriptures.

This past week media sources have been energized to debate this subject, and it has amazed and depressed this writer to see so many biased opinions – all of them in opposition to what they refer to as “fundamentalist evangelicals.” A secondary issue is the “absolute, dogged” insistence that the media opinion is “right” condemning the Christian and advocating action to “make Christianity change.”

One of my favorite television programs is under such scrutiny at the present time. I’m sure you are aware of this controversy. The hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines, of FIXER UPPER, HGTV, are being criticized for attending a church that adheres to biblical concepts of morality. The point is this witch hunt has been perpetrated by a liberal activist media with the only agenda being to persecute Christian behavior. The TV show is about renovating homes and makes no reference to religion. If this TV show is cancelled because the actors attend a particular church, WHERE DOES THIS END?

I’m writing this blog taking a stand for religious freedom. Most of you who read this know me and my views on religion. Christians are in danger of losing precious freedoms that our founding fathers framed for America. And they do this in the name of freedom for all people. Our Constitution protects us from this behavior, and unless we stand strong and speak out, those who would interpret freedom to be fluid and subject to the changing times will continue eroding our religious freedom to worship as we choose.

Let me challenge fundamentalists who practice immersion (baptism) to research social media groups who suggest that baptism is “waterboarding” and should be outlawed. Never in America! Are you sure about that? Christians if we don’t wake up, stand up, and speak up, we will find our church doors locked by law, or our buildings empty because people are afraid to continue worshiping in public. These are dangerous times, and Christians are challenged to PROVE their commitment to God.  We must pray for our country, stay informed of leader’s actions, and be vigilant, knowing God is in control, and He expects us to defend and obey His Word. Will we be “weighed in the balances and found wanting?” Daniel 5:27.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

The end of another year brings about a time for renewing values and goals while reflecting on the past. 2016 has been a trying year for everyone, even children and the elderly.  However, we have survived the year, the election is over, and we are faced with an uncertain future. As I think back over the years, I remember the same reflections and anxieties followed all changes in our world. So with confidence I look forward to the future expecting all is well. God is in control and the sun will rise tomorrow. I’m beginning my fourth year residing in New Orleans. A city defined by its art and music, I have written several poems inspired by its charm and history, but I cannot compete with the haunting beauty and magic of a ballad written by Robert Thiele and George David Weiss, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD. First recorded in 1967 by New Orleans’ own talented musician, the great Louis Armstrong, the melody echoes in my mind as I remember the gruff, powerful style of Mr. Armstrong as he smiled singing out, as only he could do, the awesome lyrics of the lovely ballad. The music expresses the theme that, although knowledge and education are important, only love and appreciation for the priceless treasures of life make the world a wonderful place. As you read these simple, inspiring words, let them speak to your heart.

                       I see trees of green, red roses too
                       I see them bloom for me and you
                       And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

                        I see skies of blue and clouds of white
                        The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
                        And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

                         The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
                         Are also on the faces of people going by
                         I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
                         They're really saying I love you.

                         I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
                         They'll learn much more than I'll never know
                         And I think to myself what a wonderful world
                         Yes, I think to myself what a wonderful world.

As I reflect on these thoughts, I realize how vital a positive attitude is to our health and mental well-being. As I continue the December of my life, I resolve to rise up each morning with thanks to God for trees of green, skies of blue, birds singing, babies crying, friends and family loving me, and Louis Armstrong’s echoing melody drifting on the breeze to remind me WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD I am blessed to enjoy. I wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

          

ADDING TO THE NOISE

I’ve been practicing good behavior and trying to avoid the political forum. However, I’ve been surfing today, and the news media can make one’s head spin. Tempted beyond what I’m able… I must add my chorus to the noise.  Wow, it’s November again, and I’ve lived through another year. And what a year it has been. I’m grateful for reasonably good health. At least, I’m still ambulatory, alert on most days, and my 83rd birthday is just around the corner.  The world welcomed me on November 8, 1933, exactly one year after Franklin Roosevelt was elected to his first term as President on November 8, 1932. Since that time, two other Presidents were elected on my birthday;  John Kennedy and George Bush, the elder.  Election Day occurs on November 8^th every 28 years. Therefore, on Tuesday, November 8^th, a new President will be selected on my birthday again.

With very mixed emotions, I have already voted for my choice. In view of my conservative principles, this election has aroused a number of emotions to be endured while so much controversy has permeated our culture. For an elderly citizen, the political trend has been alarming and difficult to accept. Although my years are certainly numbered on this planet, I am fearful of the world I must leave for my grandchildren. I can only hope and pray that the future generation will return to God realizing that the liberal world will bring them a painful existence  A study of history reveals the demise of cultures in past generations that embraced immorality, socialism, and the lust for power and materialism. I wish it were not so, but we should be warned.

I fear, while our nation is distracted by the globalist, greedy for power, hungering for wealth, blinding citizens to the truth, our leaders of the ever-growing government will allow a profound, long-developing CHANGE to occur in our world. Europe is already falling to this dark, oppressive form of slavery. Mrs. Clinton stands in allegiance with Islam. Although her motives are greed and power, she will be defenseless against the rise in Islamic power when indeed their numbers reach the majority. The western world as we know it will disappear. At this writing, she is the frontrunner, and may be President.

As a Christian, I could live beside Islam with normal exchange of ideas as long as they allowed me freedom to exist in peace. However, Americans, look around you and notice that where Islam governs, unbelievers (those who reject Islam) are eliminated or must submit to their (Islamic) law. Those of you who espouse atheistic ideology will find you also will adhere to Islam or be eliminated.  Historically, these are the facts. My Christian faith will not allow me to submit to Islam. It is my observation that Islam expects me to leave God and bow to their god, to be content with sharia law, and submit to the fallacy of the Quran.  I will die before accepting such government.

So, as I said, I voted for conservative policy, a conservative Supreme Court, strict adherence to the First and Second Amendments, law and order in our streets, freedom to speak and worship as I choose, a less intrusive government, respect for authority, and a strong military. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” I refuse to be intimidated by those who threaten saying my views are flawed. I stand for the America I once loved, where we felt safe, cared for each other, and could respect our leaders even though they were not perfect. Donald Trump is sometimes crude, untried, inexperienced, and a risk, but he seems sincere, and at this point, we have nothing to lose. Although Hillary Clinton is well-known, having lived off the tax payers for all her adult life, she is deceitful, dishonest, self-serving, manipulative, flawed, predictable, and unwise in judgment. I cannot support her globalist lust for power and greed.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” I stand a CONSERVATIVE VOTER, without shame, unabashed, with hope that new leaders will serve our nation wisely, protecting our freedom from threats from without and within, while allowing us to move forward in peace and prosperity. In the December of my life, with years of experience on the exciting roller coaster ride called living,  I am convinced, one fact is evident. Almighty God of the Bible is in control, and when He has had enough…check your history. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!  VOTE your INFORMED conscience, and STAND ready to DEFEND your values. America is in trouble.