The Choir Invisible

O, may I join the choir invisible
Of those immortal dead who live again
In minds made better by their presence; live
In pulses stirred to generosity,
In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn
Of miserable aims that end with self,
In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars,
And with their mild persistence urge men's minds
To vaster issues. . . .

May I reach
That purest heaven--be to other souls
The cup of strength in some great agony,
Enkindle generous ardor, feed pure love,
Beget the smiles that have no cruelty,
Be the sweet presence of good diffused,
And in diffusion ever more intense!
So shall I join the choir invisible,
Whose music is the gladness of the world.

George Eliot

found in the "Compassion" chapter of William Bennett's Book of Virtues

A Memorable Weekend

Thought about Uncle Paul in Germany

Enjoyed friends from church at a potluck

Grandad spoke to the Salem VFW and visit Cousins Don (l) and Kenny (r) Sanders. Ian was the colonel's escort and assistant photographer/texter.

                     Stopped by Gum Springs Cemetery to remember Grandad's parents, Claude and Opal Sanders.

Ian and the White River

Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . .

Only a Dad

Only a dad with a tired face,
Coming home from the daily race,
Bringing little of gold or fame
To show how well he has played the game;
But glad in his heart that his own rejoice
To see him come and to hear his voice.

Only a dad with a brood [to provide for],
One of ten million men or more
Plodding along in the daily strife,
Bearing the whips and scorns of life,
With never a whimper of pain or hate,
For the sake of those who at home await.

Only a dad, neither rich nor proud,
Merely one of the surging crowd,
Toiling, striving from day to day,
Facing whatever may come his way,
Silent whenever the harsh condemn,
And bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a dad but he gives his all,
To smooth the way for his children small,
Doing with courage stern and grim
The deeds that his father did for him.
This is the line that [on] him I [pin]:
Only a dad, but the best of men.

--Edgar Guest (with slight alterations)

from the Loyalty chapter in the Book of Virtues

Audrey and Co.

Audrey Roundup

Aim High

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.  Aim at earth, and you get neither. 

--C.S. Lewis

HT: Amy at Everyone needs a little Grace

Nine is Fine: Murfreesboro Edition

Crater of Diamonds State Park was Lewis's birthday expedition this year.

Well, SOMEBODY has got to get this crazy crew home!

Proud Mama's Day 2013

The Way We Roll

Don't Be Puffy

A little learning is a dangerous thing:

Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:

there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,

and drinking largely sobers us again.

--Alexander Pope

HT: Moneychanger, Franklin Sanders

A Reflective Birthdate: May 31, '13

excited to light up Anna and Jocelyn's chocolate apple tort birthday creation himself

assistance required so we can eat before he turns ten

there!

We love Lewis!