Nancy Parker Brummett

Author Writer Speaker

Falling for Fall Again

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This is a reprise of an 11-year-old post but still sets the mood for the season to come. Happy fall y’all!

Fall is here in all its glory. With each leaf that swirls and floats toward the ground, I’m reminded of what a wonderful time of year this is to make a change. Whether the change is monumental, or so small only you know the difference, it can have lasting benefits. Here are some fall-inspired ideas to get you started.

Fall in to a recliner and just relax for a change. Watch some football. Make sure there’s a big bowl of popcorn within reach. If you really must feel more productive, add a holiday craft project to the game plan. But if you just want to sit and watch football, do it guiltlessly.

Fall out of bed a half hour earlier and take a walk around the block. Soon you’ll be buried under a comforter listening to announcements of wind chill factors and school closings. Take advantage of the cool, crisp mornings to clear your head…and work off some of the popcorn you ate watching football.

Fall in to a huge pile of leaves and just lie there looking up at the blue sky and cloud formations. No leaves in your yard? Show up at a friend’s house with a rake and volunteer to help for the pure joy of having a pile of leaves all to yourself. (Don’t pick your over-achieving friends. They won’t understand.)

Fall out of the habit. You know the one I mean. If you’re still smoking, quit now before you spend another winter shivering out in the cold on cigarette breaks. Not a smoker? Sarcasm can be a habit. So can cynicism. Pick a habit you want to break before the first snow falls, and fall out of it.

Fall in love. If you’re married, fall in love with your spouse all over again. Taking five minutes to make a list of things that first attracted you to him or her is a great place to start. Focus only on those things for a week, and before you know it, you’re head over heels again. No love interest at the moment? Fall in love with an adopted kitten or puppy. Their love is unconditional, and they’ll always be around for a snuggle on a blustery evening.

Fall out of line. I’m not recommending anything illegal or immoral, just out of the ordinary. Take a new route to work. Shop at a different grocery store. Read a book by an unknown author. Be less predictable. No one will really care, and you may find out you’ve been in the wrong line anyway.

Fall in over your head. Immerse yourself in something you’ve only dipped a toe into until now. Maybe it’s a dream, a relationship, a foreign language, or a career you’ve wanted to pursue. Fall is a great time to dive in fearlessly.

It’s fall…time to make a change for all seasons.

Back-to-School Prayer

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It’s happened. The sunflowers in the park where I walk bloomed and the back-to-school photos showed up on social media—two sure signs another school year is off and running.

Each year the timing of this event catches me and others of my generation off guard. How fondly we remember three long and lazy months of summer, with not a thought toward putting on those stiff new jeans or plaid dresses until after Labor Day. Yes, things change, but we can’t help thinking our grandkids are being robbed of a few more precious weeks of summer–more time to just be before they are asked to perform.

What hasn’t changed is how parents and grandparents hope the new school year will be kind to their offspring. We want their minds to be as sharp as those number two pencils in their backpacks and their hopes and dreams to be as bright as the neon colors in that new box of crayons. So we admire the photos, tell them we love them, and pray:

Lord, You know how hard it is for us to send the children we love out in to this ever worsening world unprotected. You see more evil than we do, and You weep when we weep over every school shooting or bullying incident.

Some senior fun!

Go with them, Lord. They need the armor You provide, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Equip them, we pray, with your belt of truth (v.14), breastplate of righteousness (v.14) and shield of faith (v.16).

You may have provided new school shoes, but we pray you will also fit their feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (v.15). Give them the helmet of salvation (v.17) to protect them and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (v.17). And Lord, in your mercy, please help each child to have at least one good friend, for as You know, that can make all the difference.

They are yours, Lord. You love them even more than we do. Go with them we pray.

Connection

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The mayor of Colorado Springs, Yemi Mobolade, partnered with community organizations and set a goal for 1,000 neighborhood gatherings in our city in 2024. As of now the city has recorded 453 times neighbors have come together for potlucks, backyard picnics, impromptu sports activities in parks, etc., so we’re well on our way to meeting the goal.

Why? Because connection matters. There is an epidemic of loneliness in our society and our city at the base of Pikes Peak is not immune to this problem. A person can have half a million friends on social media and still feel lonely. Newcomers to town may find it hard to meet anyone. Hard working neighbors come home weary, enter their homes through their garages, and stay inside. There’s no connection.

Studies have proven that feeling alone can lead to mental illness, so our city set out “to encourage neighbors to connect with one another to address social isolation and loneliness.” Each neighborhood event held can then be registered on the city’s website.

The neighborhood we live in had a head start. Every summer our HOA sponsors monthly gatherings in our common area where neighbors can chat and eat together. In June we enjoyed wine and cheese. This month we had an ice cream social. Next month is a dessert gathering. What’s not to like? A few stick-on name tags, some extra camp chairs, and we’ve got ourselves a party.

Could making an effort to connect be the answer not only to loneliness, but to problems like neighborhood disputes and crime as well? Once we know someone, we’re much more likely to work out an issue with a dog or a fence before it escalates, or to keep watch over someone’s house when they are on vacation. As the sense of community grows, so does the feeling that we belong—that we aren’t alone after all. And it starts with connection.

Connection could even help us get through this election season with fewer wounds. Respect for one another’s opinions, and maybe having a second serving of ice cream instead of regaling a neighbor with exactly what we think and why, could go a long way toward closing the huge divide we have in our country now. Since the assassination attempt on former President Trump, both parties have talked about tempering the hateful rhetoric. Maybe they will do so and maybe they won’t, but we can do our part. With God’s help, we can think twice before we speak, use language that is respectful, and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Those who watch The Chosen series get an inside glimpse into the life Jesus shared with His disciples, who didn’t always get along well with one another in case you didn’t know. This disgruntled bunch must have been dismayed when He said as recorded in John 13:34, “A new command I give you.” They had spent their lives trying to live up to all the commandments of the Jewish faith, so they wouldn’t be too excited to hear about a new one. Imagine their surprise when He continued, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Love. The best connection of all. And the best way to combat loneliness and isolation in our society.

Savoring Souvenirs

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It’s vacation time again and I’m thinking about all the souvenirs I collected on vacations past. Some I still have and others have traveled elsewhere, but it’s fun to remember them all.

The summer I was 12 my family took the longest, most memorable vacation ever. My dad spent all winter planning the route we would take, every site we would see, every motel we would stay in, almost every meal we would eat. Finally it was time for my two sisters and me to climb into our 1959 white Chevy station wagon, with a grill that looked like a giant steel emoji grin, and hit the road. Our journey took us from Tennessee to California and back in a huge loop through at least 10 states. Adventures and back seat squabbles abounded! But back to the souvenirs.

For years the bookshelf in my room held my treasured souvenirs from that trip. A favorite was a Native American doll from somewhere out west with a real suede dress, headband with feather, and her own metal stand. She was stunning. Next to her sat a three-inch high porcelain oriental doll from China Town in San Francisco. Never mind that I got to see my first stage musical, South Pacific, while in that city. I got to buy an oriental doll in China Town! But best of all, standing next to her was the small bronze donkey with “Pikes Peak or Bust” printed on the side.

Couldn’t decide on just one color so I went with all!

Yes! I bought it at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado, never imagining that 17 years later I would move to that state and then spend the next 47 years of my life (so far) living at the foot of America’s Mountain. Pikes Peak or Bust indeed!

Without a doubt I’ve spent more on souvenirs from adult vacations, so they may be nicer but not as memorable. I do remember a trip I took to Mexico with my two sons during my single parent days when I purchased souvenir Christmas gifts for all my family back in Tennessee from vendors on the beach. I shipped them all off, but at the last minute I decided that since the boys would be with their dad for Christmas, I would go to Tennessee. I hadn’t imagined actually having to watch my distinguished, always well-dressed, Southern-gentleman dad opening his multi-striped serape from Mazatlan!

A print from our honeymoon in Maui, a sculpture of a Native American man and his wife from South Dakota, and two oil paintings from Taos have always found spots in our homes. I still have silver jewelry from another trip to Mexico, porcelain rabbits from the flea market in Santa Fe, a menorah from Israel, and Murano glass jewelry from Venice. Yet as the years went by and our home got smaller, most of the souvenirs I’ve collected recently are smaller as well—magnets, shells, or post cards for the most part.

Recently we attended a 100th birthday party for a neighbor. Her family displayed a board containing post cards from all the places, all over the world, that she and her husband visited. It was really a display of memories. After all, the memories of each trip we take are the best souvenirs of all. Get out this summer and collect some more!

Also published in The Country Register, July-August 2024.

Is it May?

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I live in Colorado where we might have crocuses peeking through the snow any day in May. But we can rely on the traditions May brings to assure us that while it may not feel like May outside, it really is the month predicted to follow April showers with flowers.

One tradition that was more popular in the early 20th Century than today may deserve a second look—the May Day basket. Thought to have European roots from countries like Germany and England, in this tradition people gather baskets of flowers, small gifts, or baked goods and leave them on the doorsteps of neighbors or loved ones on May 1st to welcome spring and spread goodwill. Also on the first day of May some communities still hold May Day celebrations which include crowning a May queen and dancing around a maypole intertwining brightly colored ribbons. Maybe we should dance our way into May!

Cinco de Mayo also lets us know it’s May even if the weather outside doesn’t seem to agree. A Mexican holiday, it’s widely celebrated in the United States, especially in states like ours with large Mexican-American populations. Sometimes celebrated with parades and parties, the date commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It’s a meaningful holiday for many, and a wonderful excuse for everyone to enjoy some tacos and enchiladas.

Of course Mother’s Day is always the second Sunday of May, falling on May 12th this year. This celebration originated in the early 1900’s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, PA. After her mother’s death in 1905, she proposed Mother’s Day as a way of honoring all mothers everywhere. President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill to formalize the holiday on May 8, 1914. While it’s reported that Anna was later dismayed by the growing commercialization of the holiday, surely the cards, gifts, and brunches we enjoy today only enhance our efforts to honor mothers.

You know it’s May when you have graduation invitations in the mail or dates to attend ceremonies circled on your calendar. This year we have a grandson graduating from high school and look forward to the pomp and circumstance—and the party!

The month closes out with Memorial Day, observed the last Monday of May and preceded by the weekend that traditionally marks the beginning of summer. But as children are joyfully released from school and the burgers hit the grill, let’s not forget that the meaning of Memorial Day is the solemn remembrance of those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. So whether you’re in flip-flops or snow boots, attend the parade, fly the flag, and close out the month of May with gratitude for this country and all those who fought to protect it.

Dogwood Glory

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Do you know the Legend of the Dogwood? It’s just that. A legend. But it does add an element of spiritual significance to our enjoyment of one of the most beautiful trees of spring.

As the legend goes, the dogwood tree was once much larger and stronger than it is today. So large, in fact, that the wood of the dogwood tree was used in the construction of the cross on which our Savior died. Again according to legend, the tree was sad and distraught to be used in this manner. (Can a tree be sad? Well, there is the weeping willow I suppose.) The legend says Jesus recognized the tree’s distress and to ensure it would never be used in such a cruel way again, decreed that from that day forward dogwood trees would be small and slender, often with a twisted trunk.

That’s interesting, but it is the part of the legend that describes the symbolism in the dogwood blossom that may be most worthy of belief. If you’ve ever looked closely at a dogwood blossom, you know there are four petals forming the shape of the cross. The marks in the center of each flower resemble nail holes. The edge of each petal has a darker tinge, symbolizing the blood shed by Jesus when He died on the cross for our sins. I love that part of the legend, so I think of it whenever I see a dogwood blossom. I add gratitude for my salvation to my enjoyment of the blossom’s natural beauty.

In my annual search for spring long before it arrives in Colorado, I often journey to the South in April. This year I was blessed to arrive in my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, just as the dogwood trees were at their peak. My sisters and I traversed as many of the designated “dogwood trails” in town as we could. I was always on the lookout for pink and white dogwoods adjacent to one another because I love the contrast. If a blazing azalea bush was nearby, so much the better!

I don’t know if any part of the inspiring Legend of the Dogwood is true, but I do know that God did some of His most glorious work when He created the dogwood tree. To gaze at its beauty blesses me beyond belief in any legend.

This is My King

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Friends, it’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’! Many of you may have heard this classic sermon from Dr. S. M. (Shadrach Meshach) Lockridge (March 7, 1913–April 4, 2000), but there’s no better time to listen to it again. He was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a prominent African-American congregation in San Diego, CA. Read his powerful words below, then search for “My King” by him on YouTube to hear his awesome, Spirit-filled delivery of this and other sermons.

The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of Righteousness. He’s the King of the Ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.

I wonder, do you know Him?

My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.

Do you know Him?

He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour.

I wonder if you know Him today?

He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captive. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. And He beautifies the meek.

I wonder if you know Him?

He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.

Do you know Him? Well…

His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. And His yoke is easy. And His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you. Yes…

He’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.

Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.

I pray you know Him! Have a blessed Easter.–Nancy

 

Too Old?

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All the talking heads on TV are currently postulating about who is or isn’t too old to run for President of the United States. As someone whose last birthday put her a year closer to 80 than 70, it frustrates me that so often chronological age is the only factor mentioned. What we should be concerned about is not age, but mental acuity and physical stamina.

My friend Lois who resides in the assisted living community where I volunteer has written five books in the last few years and is expecting delivery of the most recent one any day now. She’s 88. I’m sure she’s bright enough to run for president of anything if only her darn hip was better. And yes, there are people in care facilities all over the country, many younger than I, who aren’t doing as well. But it’s simply wrong to paint all 88-year-olds with the same brush.

Warren Buffet, 93.

Research shows that people who stay engaged, have passion about something, and are open to learning new things often make a difference in society far longer than many assume. Those with a strong faith thrive even longer.

We don’t have to look far for notable examples. Warren Buffet, at 93, still serves as Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is often consulted for his investment advice by people decades younger. Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, is 80. He’s frequently interviewed for his political perspectives and seems to be able to recall every important date in American history back to the American Revolution.

Willie Nelson, 90.

And what of celebrities we’ve known and loved who are still going strong into what some consider old age? Willie Nelson recently celebrated his 90th birthday “on the road again!” His voice may not be as strong as it once was but there’s no questioning his talent—and he has no problem remembering the lyrics to his songs.

Dolly Parton, 77.

Dolly Parton is performing and recording at 78. Martha Stewart, 82, is still sought out for her business acumen as well as her cooking and homemaking skills. Cher released a new album last year at 77. (Well, most of her parts are that old!)

Would I want the demanding schedule of campaigning for a national office at my age? Not really. But I wouldn’t have wanted to do that at 40 either. I’m grateful to have the energy to write, volunteer, keep up with grandkids, and make it to Zumba class a few times a week. But those who maintain the mental acuity and stamina to follow their political passion should go for it. It’s been said, “It’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.” Let’s not label everyone who is chronologically gifted “too old” too soon!

Facing Future Fears

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Just over twenty-four years ago we were all in a panic over what might happen when the clock struck midnight on December 31, 1999, and we plummeted into a new millennium. Yes, it was two dozen years ago that we were told to store up gallons of water and batteries before January 2000, and everyone everywhere was talking about all the bad things that might happen in Y2K. Guess what? The clock struck 12:01 AM and nothing significant changed.

It’s true there was some reason for concern that what was dubbed the “Y2K bug” would keep our computers from moving from 1999 to 2000 and we might find we all reverted to 1900 instead. Banking, telecommunications, and energy systems could have been affected. So computer experts updated software and replaced or modified existing systems to avert the crisis and it worked. A lot was learned about proactively preparing for technological challenges in the months leading up to that fatal tick of the clock. So the hard work may have paid off, but all the fear we found ourselves swimming in didn’t contribute to the smooth transition at all.

The Ark Encounter

Besides jugs of pure water and batteries, consumers were encouraged to stock up on medications and first aid supplies, flashlights, cash, fuel, battery-operated radios and basic necessities like toiletries and hygiene products. My husband and I gave in to fear enough to buy a stock of batteries and about five jugs of water. Over the years we used up the batteries but when we moved eight years ago we found a couple of jugs of Y2K water still in our crawl space. We laughed remembering that we went out to dinner on New Year’s Eve 1999 to a very expensive restaurant we hadn’t been to before (nor since). As my husband paid the tab he quipped, “Well, we can come back here next millennium.”

No doubt there will be attempts to whip us all into a frenzy of fear in the year to come. Certainly we see events in our country and our world that concern us deeply, but as in Y2K our fears won’t contribute to solving the issues, only our hard work and optimism will make a difference. Fears can paralyze us, making us feel powerless over our lives. Better to choose faith over fear and slam the door on fear mongers. The Ark Encounter in Kentucky sells sweatshirts with the motto “Faith Like Noah.” That’s what we need.

Worry seems to be a basic failing of humankind, however, and we worry about what we fear. Speaking to believers in the sovereign God, Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “We are allowed to plan for tomorrow but we are not allowed to worry about it.”

Jesus also encouraged us not to worry in Matthew, Chapter 6, often called the “mental health” chapter of the Bible. He asks, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). He speaks of how God cares for the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field and then says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

I need these reminders as much as anyone. Psalm 121:3 says, He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber. Let’s resolve to move into 2024 facing any fears we have for the future head on and remembering that faith always overcomes fear. May you have a happy and fearless New Year!

(This was first published in The Country Register, January-February 2024 Edition. Reading it again now I suppose my word for 2024 is FEARLESS!)

Mary, Did You Know?

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“Kissing the Face of God” by Morgan Weistling.

“Mary, Did You Know?” is my husband’s very favorite Christmas song, and I love it, too. It was written in 1991 by Mark Lowry, with music by Buddy Greene, when both were part of the Gaither Vocal Band. Since then it has been recorded and performed beautifully by many artists.

One reason it captures us so is that it takes us right back to the moment described in Luke 1 when Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her, “Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).

The lyrics in the song go on to outline all the things Mary couldn’t possibly have known as a teenager in Nazareth, surprised and frightened by the appearance of God’s messenger. Things she couldn’t even know as she held her newborn son after he was born: That He would one day walk on water, save our sons and daughters, give sight to a blind man, calm the storm with His hand…that He was, in fact, the great I Am! Perhaps the most touching line in the song is, “When you kiss your little baby, you’ll kiss the face of God.”

No, Mary couldn’t possibly know all the joys and sorrows that this assignment from God would bring her. But she knew God, and she trusted Him. After asking just one quite reasonable question, “How will this be…since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34), Mary submitted herself completely to God’s will for her life. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

Mary was called blessed among women. Yes, there was great heartache, but Mary’s assignment brought her many blessings as well. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling with something God is asking of you? Trust and submit to His will. The blessings will follow.

Merry Christmas to you, and may your new year be full of hope and joy.

First published in a Christmas Devotional, Fellowship of the Rockies, 2017.