Some of our readers will remember this song.  For those being introduced for the first time, it was sung by Bing Crosby in a film called, "Going My Way."  The lyrics go like this:

"Would you like to swing on a star, carry moonbeams home in a jar,

and be better off  than you are, or would you rather be a mule?

A mule is an animal with long funny ears,

he kicks up at anything he hears. 

His back is brawny and his brain is weak,

he's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak.

And by the way if you hate to go to school,

you may grow up to be a mule.

Or would you like to swing on a star,

carry moonbeams home in a jar,

and be better off than you are -

or would you rather be a pig?

A pig is an animal with dirt on his face,

his shoes are a terrible disgrace. 

He's got no manners when he eats his food. 

He's fat and lazy and extremely rude -

but if you don't care a feather or a fig,

you may grow up to be a pig.

Or would you like to swing on a star,

carry moonbeams home in a jar,

and be better off than you are -

or would you rather be a fish?

A fish won't do anything but swim in a brook,

he can't write his name or read a book. 

To fool the people is his only thought,

and tho' he's slippery he still gets caught.

But then if that sort of life is what you wish,

you may grow up to be a fish.

And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo,

every day you meet quite a few. 

So you see, it's all up to you. 

You can be better than you are.

You could be SWINGIN' ON A STAR."

The writer has a sneaking suspicion that the message here had an influence on her young life that went deeper than just between the ears.  When I rediscovered the song a few years ago, it had a whole new depth of meaning for me.   After the years of stress and sorrow (with enough joy thrown in to keep me going) I realized that I was among those who had chosen to swing on a star as a faithful child of God, instead of choosing the easy, instinctive way of the animal nature.

The problem was, I didn't know how to go about it, so the slippery slope of sin kept me down--until finally, while truly searching and wanting to change, I started to read the Holy Bible.  All alone in my living room in the middle of the night in October of 1960, while reading the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) for the third time in one week, I surrendered. 

The intellectual doubt (Father, if you're there,) sent up the white flag (I hereby give up all ideas and plans for my life, and say that from now on, your will be done, not mine.)  I desperately needed to forgive and to be forgiven  (I forgive all those who have hurt me, and ask You to forgive them.)  Because I was very sick with bronchitis and pregnant (Please heal me so that I can take care of my children.)  That was it.  It was enough.  Immediately a warm pulsing sensation began to move back and forth through me in waves.  When it ended, I was a different woman. 

Whereas before I was fearful, anxious and guilty, now I was blissfully at peace, and filled with love and quiet joy.  In that new and wonderful state I fell asleep and woke when the three children were waking and needed my care.  After they were settled, I went back to the Bible in the living room, and picking it up, whispered: What has happened to me?  As the book opened, I looked as a passage seemed to raise itself above the book and in bold type I read: 

  If any man be in Christ he is a new creation.  Old things have passed away, and behold, all things have become new.  And all things are of God who has made us ministers of reconciliation. 

Now I wasn't only peaceful, I was awestruck!

Because I had given up trying by my own power, and had surrendered (in Bible language, 'repented'), I had been lifted above the slippery slope and have since that time been learning to swing on a star.  Jesus Christ is no longer a storybook character to me.  He is my Lord, my Savior, my Friend, my Healer, my Provider, and through his Holy Spirit He is my Teacher and Comforter.  Every human being could desert me, but my Heavenly Friend never will.  He is my constant companion now - and sooner than we realize, the day is coming when Jesus will take all His faithful children home to be with Him forever.

Love Letter

       to       

M a m o o

I wonder how you felt that day! There you were at age sixty-something, with a bunch of former hippies just barely off of drugs. It was your turn to go down into the tank to be baptized, and you were actually excited! As much as I loved and respected you before, now my feeling for you went over the top!

It's easy to imagine how your friends reacted to the news. After all, you had been the general's lady, and since Dad's last assignment was as much diplomatic as military, you had some social clout. The separation and divorce shocked us all.  In the end though, we knew this was for the good. You had realized that you could not go it alone, and you received Christ.

Mamoo's Pancakes

During the years when you were helping me and the children through our family difficulties, you would take the youngsters to your apartment for an overnight adventure. Do you know, dear, after all this time, when I ask them what they remember about you, they say:

"Mamoo made the best pancakes I ever had! Buttermilk pancakes. Yummm! "

Of course they remember other wonderful things about their grandmother, but the pancakes made a powerful impression on their palates, and on their hearts.

In your gentle way you encouraged us all. I had to try really hard not to take you for granted during those years because you excelled in unselfish kindness. Of course you had your own pain, but you never gave it words. Truth to tell, your reputation as our "family angel" was fully earned!  Thank you again, dear, for being you!

Miracle of Multiplied Money

Do you remember the time when Paul was a baby and I was scheduled to drive down to Williamsburg (VA) to take Michele to band camp? Arrangements were in place for me and Fed to go on to Virginia Beach, and to appear on television. We were saying goodbye at the door after you arrived to oversee the household in my absence. You asked, "Have you got any money?"

Grinning, I answered, "No, as usual." You handed me forty dollars, saying, "Stretch it as far as you can!" Laughing, I walked away.

Three days later I returned, greeted you, and gave some small gifts to the children.  I think I said, "Did I stretch it far enough?"

You looked into my extended hand, and your jaw dropped several inches. Our laughter erupted and spread to the children, though they didn't know the reason for the merriment. When we calmed down, you reached out and took the forty dollars from my hand, put it into your purse, and shook your head at the wonder of it all.  From that day, we both had a new view of what love can do!

We Almost Lost You

I remember the fall of 1979. While you were on the phone with a friend one day, you fainted. Your friend called an ambulance, and then called me.  Only later did you tell me you hadn't been able to metabolize food for the preceding three weeks. You assumed it was a case of the "tummy flu", and you did not want to alarm me; you were as usual, concerned more for someone other than yourself. The toxins from tobacco smoke, alcohol and prescription medications used to counter asthma, had taken their toll on your body.  Your heart, kidneys and lungs were all shutting down. 

In the emergency room, the respiratory specialist used the phrase, "congestive heart failure." Your body went into convulsions twice within twenty-four hours, and the doctor was not giving us any hope at all.  When each family member received the news, they began to battle for your life. You agreed to fight also, and decided to live.

Through one intervention after another, miracles happened. The hospital superintendent, doctor and dietitians, agreed to allow me to feed you with raw juices when the feeding tube was removed. Your body was then able to heal itself, as the toxins were drawn out.

More Time, More Blessings

We are so thankful for the next eleven years of your presence with us. During that time you courageously fought and almost won your battle over breast cancer. Your therapist called the rapid recovery from a hip replacement surgery, "a miracle."

Through all these things, the sunshine in your heart and soul warmed us all!

You were indeed, our "family angel". I can hardly wait for your welcoming hug when it's time for me to join you!

What is in Your Hand?

My Turn -- by Mamoo

Mamoo on Mercola.com

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The Fog

Vincent Henriot

Are You On Time?