It's nearly the fourth of July!

 This year we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.  I graduated from HS in 1976 - it was a huge celebration that year.   

This year, I think the World Cup in the United States has taken away some of the celebration...but having visitors from all over the world reminds us why being an American is so good.  The freedoms we have and the ability to make our own decisions on so many things.

Even with all of the political battles and traditions being overturned, I found these articles on the internet about the blessings of being an American.  It's time to be thankful for all we have.  Who knew that our simple Ranch Dressing would be something the world visitors wanted to take home, or the free refills and chips/salsa that are served at all Mexican restaurants.  Sometimes we need to remember it the simple things that make America special.

From Forbes:

As 2026 approaches, here are 10 reasons to believe in and have confidence in America.

1. The Education and Innovation Nation. From light bulbs to airplanes, GPS and artificial intelligence, the United States has led in technological innovation for the past 150 years. Two key reasons: More than half of the world’s top 50 colleges are in the United States, and the country spends nearly $1 trillion annually on research and development — more than any other nation.
2. Ample Natural Resources. Many countries rely on importing large amounts of energy and food to sustain their populations. Much of what the United States needs is already available domestically. The nation ranks among the top five in oil and gas reserves, minerals, rare-earth elements, forests and arable land that produces corn, wheat, soybeans and other crops. It is also in the top 10 for potable water. The country is protected by oceans to the east and west and bordered by allied nations to the north and south. These resources have led presidents from Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Lincoln to suggest that divine forces safeguard the United States. The 19th-century German leader Otto von Bismarck once remarked, “There is a providence that protects idiots, drunkards, children and the United States of America.”
3. The Financial and Investment Capital of the World. The United States remains a leading place to grow and launch a company. More firms went public in the U.S. this year than in the rest of the world combined. Eight U.S. companies are expected to invest as much as $371 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2025 — more than the gross domestic product of mid-sized countries such as Belgium and Thailand. The nation also remains a preferred destination for global investors. By the end of last year, the United States had $5.71 trillion in foreign direct investment, more than $2 trillion above China.
4. Our Demographic Advantage. A growing population is essential for economic growth, posing challenges for some of America’s global competitors. China’s population, affected in part by its one-child policy, could decline from 1.4 billion today to fewer than 800 million by 2100. Russia has also faced demographic decline from lower birth rates and reduced immigration, a trend accelerated when about 650,000 people left during the war in Ukraine. Although the U.S. birth rate has been falling, the Census Bureau projects the nation’s population will be more than 30 million larger in 2100 than it is today, supported by immigration.
5. Still a Nation of Immigrants. Despite ongoing debate about immigration, a record 79% of Americans say it is good for the country. According to an MIT study, immigrants are 80% more likely to start a business in the U.S. than those born here. Nearly half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, meaning millions of Americans work in jobs created by people born elsewhere. Beyond measurable economic benefits, the nation’s diverse immigrant communities continue to shape food, art, culture and music across the country.
6. Freedom of Speech and Worship. In recent years, concerns have grown about limits on free speech online and in public spaces. At the same time, religiously motivated hate crimes have increased over the past decade. Still, 81% of Americans say protecting freedom of speech “at all costs” is important, and 84% say freedom of religion is extremely or very important to the United States.
7. A Culture of Tolerance and Equality. Some portray the United States as a nation divided by intolerance. There is another perspective. In 1958, just 4% of Americans told Gallup they approved of interracial marriage. Today, 94% approve. Two-thirds of Americans support same-sex marriage, and three-quarters back policies that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.
8. A Respected, Volunteer and Nonpartisan Military. Americans have lost trust in many institutions, including the media, government and higher education. The military, however, remains the nation’s most trusted institution. While some seek to align it with partisan interests, 83% of Americans across political affiliations say the U.S. military should remain politically neutral.
9. The Most Giving Nation. Americans give more to charity than people in any other nation. Last year, they donated nearly $600 billion, with two-thirds of that total coming from individuals.
10. We are the World’s Oldest Continuous Democracy. The United States has maintained an uninterrupted democratic government since the Constitution was adopted in 1789. The nation’s democracy is 59 years older than Switzerland’s, the second-longest, and 112 years older than Australia’s, the third-longest.

These 10 strengths are substantial enough to sustain innovation and growth. Benjamin Franklin, when asked on the final day of the Constitutional Convention what kind of government the delegates had created, replied, “A republic … if you can keep it.” America’s enduring strengths — and its people — can help keep the republic strong and reaffirm the simple words: “I am proud to be an American.”

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From another post:

10 Reasons I’m Thankful to Be an American

We Owe a Debt to Veterans

By Dr. Paul Chappell, Wednesday, November 11, 2015

1. I have freedom—to vote, to speak, to travel, to live. We enjoy a level of freedom people in repressed nations cannot even fathom.
2. I pledge to a flag I am proud of. The stars and stripes of Old Glory represent the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of those who purchased our freedom.
3. I have a rich heritage—of courage, faith, honor, and sacrifice. Not only do I have this heritage, but I have been raised in a nation that has taught me to be thankful for it.
4. Our government is branched for balance. Yes, it tips out of control at times, but our founding fathers had the wisdom to set three branches of government with checks and balances to encourage the government to serve and protect the people. Again, we do not understand the gift it is to not live under a harsh, repressive government.
5. We are friends with Israel. Although our current administration has tried to push Israel, the United States has long committed to stand as Israel’s ally. God promised to bless nations that bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).
6. We have a strong military. I’m thankful for the men and women who have staked their lives for my freedom.
7. We have a culture that runs deep with Christian values. Not all of our founding fathers were born-again Christians, but many were. And the strong Judeo-Christian heritage they set for us has shaped our nation. Freedom, honesty, hard work, sacrifice, integrity, and generosity are not encouraged, or even applauded, in every culture.
8. I have liberty to worship and to witness. I not only can practice my faith, but I can freely share the Gospel with others as well.
9. We enjoy prosperity. Even in a lean economy, Americans have more than most of the rest of the world. Even the poorest of us are considered wealthy in developing countries.
10. God blesses America. Every item in the list above is a result of God’s blessing on our land. I’m thankful for His favor, and I pray for Americans to turn back to Him.

I am thankful for 250 years.  American remember your roots.  We can make it another 250 years.  Great Awakening Movie

 

Mom

 In cleaning out a closet at Dad's place in independent living, we found a box that contained a photo album.  The album was create by my Aunt Gwen, mom's sister, on the event of her stepping down from teaching first grade GA's.  The pictures below show some of the items that were in the album....but let's go back a few years...maybe a lot of years.

My mom received her Bachelor's Degree in education from LSU, and then went on to get her Master's in Education as well.  She had always wanted to be a doctor, but in the late 40's early 50's, women just did not study medicine.  Her father encouraged her to study to become a teacher; perhaps it was the fact that he was the Superintendent of a Parish system in Louisiana at the time.  (Baton Rouge).

Anyway, my mom finished her education and started her teaching career.  Always first grade. She was a great first grade teacher.  From our youngest days, my sisters and I would help her get her room ready each fall.  Everything was created (from scratch) each year.  It may be similar - but always fresh and new each year.  Everything had a purpose - learning colors, numbers and the alphabet.  Nothing was just for fluff, but her room was inviting.  At Woodview, her cabinets didn't have doors, so she whipped up curtains to brighten up the room.  It was a magical place for her students.  My father built some balance beans for her class as well.  As her students walked in each day - she had them work through an obstacle course....good way to start the day - but it also kept the students coming in orderly!  Only one student could cross the bean, or balance on the board at a time.  Slow and steady start to the day!  Just after the bell, Mom had a routine.  The students said the pledges and the prayer (yes...a prayer in public school), then Mom had them recite the alphabet giving the letter sounds to each letter.  After the alphabet, the numberline, count to 100 by ones, 2's, 5's, and 10's.  EVERY DAY!  Her first graders knew their stuff.  Then she shared a proverb that she had on the board and explained it to her class.  AMAZING.  Not only did my mom teach the school stuff, she also instilled how to live a moral life as well.  Although her classroom often looked like a tornado...learning was going on all the time.  With my mom's interest in Science, the kids benefitted from her knowledge.  She knew every tree, flower, star, etc and could usually give the legend that went along with it.  Mom spent 35+ years teaching first grade, with most of them being in Spring Branch in Houston.  She taught at Holibrook, Ridgecrest and ended her career at Woodview.  Most of her years were at Woodview in room 20.  

But, my Mom didn't just teach first grade at school - she also taught first grade Sunday School at Church, first grade GA's and first grade VBS!  She knew children and their curiosity at ages 5-7.  She specialized in making those students soar whether a school or at church. 

The photos below are from her GA's at Tallowood the year she stepped down from teaching.  She would have been over 70 when she stepped down.  Some of these notes are from girls that I taught at Rummel Creek and now they are working at Wall Street in New York City, or have multiple children of their own.  Several of the girls have become teachers or other jobs in the education sector.  As I looked at the notes, I realized how many mentioned the song my mom taught them.  Another thing my mom did - she used music to teach a lot of skills both at church and at school.  She had a song for everything!  It's funny now to think - as my daughter Mallory also has a song for everything she does.  When my mother began her teaching, music was not taught outside the classroom, but rather the classroom teacher shared whatever music knowledge they had - my mom played the piano and made sure that her students enjoyed music. I can see the well worn Peter and the Wolf record from her classroom.

I was so fortunate to have a Mom who modeled a life well lived.

During her time working with first grade GA's at Tallowood, my mom served with Ruth Osborne, Cindy Buchanan, and Charlene Carter - all women who had a great influence over the young ladies they poured their hearts about missions into.  I am very grateful for the legacy my mom left me.  Such big shoes to fill.

Keeping up with the "GodWinks"

 Back in college, I kept a prayer journal.  Every day I would write prayer requests, praises and mark as prayers were answered.  During those years I was focused and busy as a student, so seeing God work in my life was great.  I would check off the boxes as each prayer request was fulfilled.  It made me realize how much God is in the details in my life.

Now....50 years later, I'm not so good at keeping my prayer list going much more than in my head or from the Covenant Class or Tallowood Lists.  But.....you can't miss how God is in the details.  Every day, even before I know there will be an issue, God is taking care of something for me.  It can be as simple as a doctor changing an appointment, and then low and behold the day of the original appt would have been a nightmare, where the new appointment worked so much better.  Multiple times a day I think....wow...God really took care of an issue for me.  I'm so thankful God is in the details.  I'm glad God takes care of me.

My schedule, for a retired person, is quite full with opportunities to volunteers, spend time with my dad, spend time with my grands, and just having lunch with a friend.  When I look at the puzzle that must work - God has been in the planning as I rarely can't meet all of the things I have offered to do, want to do or hope to do.  Those Godwinks are often not "little winks", but rather HUGE winks that reminds us God is in control.

Conversation with my granddaughter this week.  She has been in VBS and she was sharing about all of the things she had done in VBS.  Then she turns to me and asks me if I know someone who doesn't know Jesus.  I went on to tell her about some of the children at Rummel Creek and their religions.  We had a good conversation.  I showed her a photo from a Buddhist temple (some of my students had been Buddhist) where the people brought fruits and nuts and laid them in front of Buddha.  We talked about how Buddha was a statue and was not able to eat  Immediately she said, "Buddha is an idol.  The 10 Commandments tell us we should not have idols."  I thought well done, Phoebe.  We went on to talk about how to share Jesus with others and how our lives need to reflect Jesus.  The conversation would have continued for a while...but brother came in and said....it's way past her bed time.  Those "pillow talks" are really important.  I wouldn't take them back for anything.  And as the Bible says, a little child will lead them.  Phoebe is that little child.

In my head, I had so much to say, but when I sit down to the computer....the words escape.  I need to remember to sit down and write down the Godwinks!  It's time to return to the days of college where I make myself aware of all God is doing every day, everywhere in my life!

Seeing the little miracles

I've been meaning to drop a note, then something will get in the way.  We live in a world that is moving fast - but sometimes....if you just step away and look closely....you will see that God is truly in control.  Over the past few months, there were days that no way could I get everything completed that was on my list, let alone the things that pop up that "must" be done.  Each day, little miracles would pop up...an extra 15 minutes, someone would call and say they could step in, and sometimes jobs/activities would just disappear.  Knowing that it was not coincidental, I can see that God is in control of my life

The other day, I walked out to my car and noticed a flat tire.  I had planned to go take my granddaughter to my sisters house....but instead she just dropped by and saved me a trip and I was able to catch the tire before waking up without a plan to get it fixed.  We took the tire early the next morning and the tire place was able to fix it with a plug (NO CHARGE) and we were on our way by 9:00.  It was a miracle.  The week before I had been in a similar situation and again, I made it to the tire place...no repair needed and made it to my volunteer job in the Tallowood Library.  The timing was perfect!  I could not have planned the way it turned out.

I have story after story of how things are happening daily.  It would be easy to say that it just an accident...just a coincidence...but I know the truth....God is watching and taking care of me.  If I could just remember that when I get stressed....it's going to be okay....God is in the details.   He knows what I need and when!   

Jimmy Carter

 Last week we honored the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter.  Jimmy Carter was the first president I voted for back in November 1976.  I remember making sure that I would have my mail in ballot to send from college.  I sat on my bed in 346 Collins Hall at Baylor University and cast my vote.  I felt like I had made a difference.

But let's go back to my senior year at Spring Woods Senior High School.....the senior government teachers, Mr. Wells, Ms. Micheska, and Ms. Loving (Martin), planned a very special way for our class to experience the presidential election in 1976.  We held a mock Democratic Convention.  I can't remember when we started, or exactly how it worked,,,, but we were all put in different states and then expected to write the congress men and senators to find out how the state was leaning in the presidential election.  We wrote letters as e-mail and the internet did not exist.  It was sometimes a long wait for responses, but as I remember, we learned and received information back from all of the states.  We learned about the different candidates, the policies and what the different states needed.  The teachers did an amazing job of creating the reality of the convention.  As we moved through the process, names would come up and then fall down, and much to everyone's surprise, Jimmy Carter was the winner.  The funny thing was, no one really knew much about him.  We did lots of research and I remember thinking what a hard working man he was.  Our mock election was held in April or May, way ahead of the actual Democratic convention.  But what that meant is we all watched the Democratic convention on TV.  The truly amazing thing was that much of what we experienced, we watched on TV...and then the outcome was the same....Jimmy Carter came out on top.

I think what I will most remember about Jimmy Carter was his smile and his dedication to his faith.  There was never a question as to his values and his faith in Jesus Christ.  He lived his values and shared the gospel through out his life.  Although his presidency was only one term, he did not leave the presidency and sit on his laurels.  His after presidency life took off as a life of service to mankind and for the citizens of the United States.  Working with Habitat for Humanity he built homes for those most in need.  Jimmy left a legacy of faith and good works.  I will always admire what he did and HOW he did things.  He always thought of others - it was not if it was politically correct, but if it would please his Savior.  

The United States and the world has lost a man who spoke his word, lived what he believed and always thought of others.  He lived 100 years and made a difference.  What a role model he was.

SBISD Libraries

Sad day for SBISD Libraries, due to budget - they are now without Librarians. I have a long history with Libraries/Librarians in SBISD....let me share

 In Kindergarten at Shadow Oaks Elementary, I can remember going to the library, a small room with a wall of windows, a carpeted corner with a rocking chair and shelves floor to ceiling behind the chair. Under the windows were little cubbies with picture books. It was small, but it was a magical place. This was before technology, before TV's or videos were in the schools. The Librarian would share a story and we would sit quietly listening. The collection was small so once a month the Book Mobile from Harris County Libraries would make a visit to the bus drive. If the school didn't have a book, you could request it from the Book Mobile. Somewhere in second or third grade I found the biography section. I read the shelves in alphabetical order learning about famous people, presidents, and more.

 In Fourth grade the library at Shadow Oaks expanded to take over 3 classrooms at the end of the fourth grade wing. I was so excited to be selected to help take the books from the old library to the new library. (I realize now - it was child labor!) But as I carried books from one space to the next I felt so important and we got the first look at the new space. Study carrels with filmstrip machines. Tape players with large headphones and even a space to see 16mm movies. It was heaven. Since the library was at the end of the fourth grade wing, fourth grade students were able to go to library often. I think I spent part of every day in that library. The librarian always had a new book for me to read. I was a voracious reader, the library was my special place.

 In Junior High I moved to Spring Woods Middle School. The library was at the end of the first hall. If your teacher gave you a pass, you could get into the library before school or at lunch. Again I spent many hours perusing those shelves. By junior high I had moved into reading series, mostly fiction.   I loved historical fiction...so I'd read a historical fiction book then go to the Non-Fiction section to read about the time period of the book. I was a regular in the library and was often greeted at the door with a new book to read. 

For High School - I was off to Spring Wood High, the library was in the center of the school. We did a lot class reading and research. I spent a lot of time in the library reading required books, but I did find time to get some leisure reading. Again, the librarian was so kind to open during lunch. Once I became a frequent flyer, she gave me books to read. The librarian was also very knowledgeable and taught me how to dig to find information. I think my love of research started in the Spring Woods Library. You could always go one step deeper if you tried.

 My first job was working at the district media center with Katherine Thompson. At 15 I spent hours laminating and creating learning centers for teachers. (Oh how far we have come today!) College brought more time in libraries, but not much time for leisure reading. I finished in Elementary Education, however I found myself drawn to the libraries at the schools I taught in or did student teaching. 

 Once I moved back to Houston, some of the SBISD Librarians who had guided me over the years encouraged me to go back and get my Master's in Library Science. They helped me with acceptance and as I needed help with coursework, they were right there beside me. My first library job was not in SBISD, however I still had support from the SBISD Librarians. I came over for trainings, visiting authors, and the annual Book Exhibit. Oh how fun it was to spend days in the Book Exhibit with all of the newly published books. I was able to visit the different schools and learn from these very special librarians.

Library #2 at RCE - teaching around the computers

Working on projects in Library #2 @ RCE

Large Kiva in Library #2 - could easily hold 2 grade levels

 Back in those days, library jobs didn't open up very often - the librarians stayed for long stints in their jobs - finally a position opened and I was able to accept a job in Spring Branch - I was coming home. There's a story to the library job - but that's for another time. I moved into Rummel Creek in the fall of 1990 and remained there until 2022 when I retired. During my tenure at Rummel Creek, I was able to design two libraries, bring in computers and servers (RCE won the Nabisco 21st Century Grant to bring in all kinds of technology in 1992) Over the years in SBISD I worked under Mary Ann Herndon, Dr. Barry Bishop, Jo Conlon, Jessica Lilly and Lisa Stultz as library directors. Dr. Bishop took us from book folks to integrated technology and book folks. He never wanted us to forget about the importance of placing the right book in the hands of a child, but he encouraged us to take interest in the emerging technology.

 As I watch the librarians being removed from the schools ( know there is a plan) I feel for the students who won't have a librarian ready to hand them the next new book, to teach about the technology. I know the district is in a budget situation, but my heart breaks for the students.

Library #3 @ RCE

Library #3 at RCE

Library #2 - Using the MAC computers for research

Library #3 TV studio - "real equipment" 

Changes....

 I was born and grew up in Spring Branch, Houston, TX.  I've about decided I grown up in an  ideal time.  

Currently I read facebook posts from a group called "I grew up in Spring Branch,"  most of them are happy memories from the time period I grew up in and experienced Spring Branch.   I also read from a group called "The Branch 2.0."  This group is more of current life, and is very different and reflects the many changes that have taken place in the area - both good and bad.

I grew up attending First Baptist Church Spring Branch.  I think my parents joined in 1957 when they moved out to the west side of Houston.  (My father thought he had moved to San Antonio we were so far west.)  FBCSB was an active church, and relatively large congregation.  As a baby, I was on the "cradle roll" and moved through the nursery and the children's building.  How could you forget the sturdy wooden chairs and tables and the short little spinet pianos.  The bathrooms were just large enough to turn around in, and an old water fountain with steps to reach was out in the hallway.  The lights in the classrooms were circles with lightbulbs in the center. The rooms had windows that you could wind out to get a breeze.  From my early memories, I remember the cooling chamber for the air conditioning.  The water would pour over the cooling chamber and you'd get a little wet.  In the early 60's, after you finished 4th grade, you left the children's building and went out to the white wooden buildings in the lawn on the back side of the church.  The year I was to move in to those old wooden buildings, the church completed the building program of a new educational building - In October of 1967, I went into the new shiny classrooms (with air conditioning).  The old white wooden buildings were moved out to Sister Gay's Mission Yahweh out in Carverdale.   The church also had a metal gym building where we held dinners, played volleyball (every Monday night!) and had a youth space (the coffee house) on the second floor.  Many good memories happened in that old metal gym.  Mrs. Catherine Woodruff designed and built a large commercial kitchen so that large group meals could be prepared.  Wednesday night dinners were held in the gym and on Sunday afternoons, the youth had dinner snacks between choir and training union followed by Sunday evening services.

I have fond memories of activities and people attached to the church.  Several people had great influence on my life.  Mrs. Dickson, Mrs. House, and Mrs. Harris were all school librarians.  All three of these ladies were models for my career as a school librarian.  I remember Mrs. Dickson always having a children's book (or two, or three) in her purse.  When we played volleyball on Monday nights, Mrs. Dickson would pick up a book and read during the "off times", when she was our transpiration - she always had a book to read.  When I became a librarian - I followed her lead and tried to read most of the books in my library.  I can remember talking books with Mrs. Dickson and knew that is something I wanted to do with my students.  Mrs. House was the librarian who knew where or who to go to for an answer.  If she didn't know it, she would get back with you sooner rather than later, I took her skills to heart as well - as I always tried to find an answer for a students, staff or community member.  Mrs. Harris was a consistent constant.  She was diligent in her work - again, I added her skill set to my tool box.  I was so fortunate to have 3 school librarians to follow in their footsteps.  (I had others - but these three I knew from my early childhood through my years in the library.)

Front of the Main Sanctuary

Arial view of the campus.  On the South side of the Sanctuary is the

children's building.  The big building at the top of the photo is the gym.  The remainder of the space

is the educational facitilites.

This building had the chapel on the first floor, and classrooms
on the second floor.  On Sunday mornings, students would hang out
on the balcony and visit until time for Sunday School.