Getting Ready

I received a call from Dustin at Sadler telling me that the headstone I had ordered was in it place at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. Immediately I had to go see it. 

Like a good teacher I want my plans in place. Every Thursday I would have my plans ready for the next week. Can't take the teacher out of me. When the time comes for me to depart I don't want my nieces Amy, Sarah, and Leah to have to do this. 

I have my service planned with songs and the message which I have left in a secure place. I would like to read it myself but that might be a little too much.

My headstone says at the top "Tio Ween"! I never had children but my nieces and their children are the world to me. If I count the students I taught whom I loved like they were my own then I had hundreds. So at the bottom to remember all those students, I put educator with a set of books. At the top is a musical staff. I love to sing the old hymns and have led singing on Sunday nights since 1994. I wanted my music with me. At the bottom which is difficult to read in this picture is the scripture from Philippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. I always tried to be like Jesus - often failed but still strove to be like him. I would do something and think that is not of Jesus.

The only thing I regret that I didn't put on it was LCC or LCU. Lubbock Christian was the best thing that ever happened to me. I love LCU and the relationships formed there. It truly blessed my life through Doug and Vickie Harriman as well as Bob and Brenda Cass. Having Cass as a roommate meant college life was never dull. We laughed all the time. So I don't know how I will adjust that but somehow I will manage to put LCU on it. Forever Blue!

Of course always being an odd ball I wanted Arrived and Departed. I am just a visitor on this land. My home is in heaven. So just as you prepare to go on a trip, I want everything ready when I depart for the room my Jesus has prepared for me. Let me say - it won't be because of anything I have done to deserve it - it is because of God's amazing grace and the fact that I believe Jesus came, lived, died, rose from the grave, and he will come again.

Be Not Afraid

I have not posted in quite awhile. It might be that today I am procrastinating my next project during this time of social distancing.

This morning the song Be Not Afraid has kept going through my head. I have heard it sung at Catholic services. It is written by Robert J. Dufford, S.J., a Jesuit priest. Should you choose to listen to it, click on the title below and I pray you are blessed.

Be Not Afraid

You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You shall speak your words in foreign lands, and all will understand. You shall see the face of God and live.

Be not afraid. I go before you always.

Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.

Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.

Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh. And if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you!

Be not afraid. I go before you always.

Come, follow me, and I will give you rest. 

Now, this is what the Lord says,

the one who created you, O Jacob,

and formed you, O Israel:

“Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you.

I call you by name, you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I am with you;

when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not harm you.

3 For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your deliverer. Isaiah 43:1-3

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:28

I know the scriptures and the lyrics are true. I want to believe and live it. Praying for healing and peace.

Be blessed ~ tio ween

Three Trees

I have worked at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers for six and half years. It is a ministry for me. I love my work there. I no longer work services. I help with obituaries, answer the phone and do the After-Care Interview. 

Sometimes I am called to work when we are short help and today was one of those days. I worked the door greeting people as they came in for the service. 

Over the years I have watched these three trees grow. Today they were beautiful with a lush green color. I look at those trees and don’t just see trees. It is then while I am standing alone waiting for someone to arrive so that I may open the door - I take time to pray. Often, I think of the number “3”. Three as in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Today as I was praying for the family a zephyr wind stirred through the trees. It was as if the Holy Spirit blew over our building to bring comfort to the family. Was it God’s breath? Did it represent Him breathing eternal life as He welcomed a new person in Paradise? 

There are days that I see the three trees and think of the three crosses on Golgotha? The tree in the forefront of this picture is taller and looks so much sturdier. Then I think of Jesus and the pain he endured on the cross. There are other times I think about how grateful that God has allowed to be grafted into His family. There have been days I would think of the Tree of Life which was planted in the Garden of Eden. 

As the seasons change the leaves will change colors and fall off of the tree. But these trees have deep roots and are maintained with food and water. When Spring comes around there will be new leaves. 

These trees remind my that my life will one day end. I know because of God’s amazing grace and my belief in Jesus Christ I will see the Tree of Life according to Revelation 2:7 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

 Jesus paid the price on one of those trees, crucified, and raised so that we might be able to live eternally with Him. There are many references in the Bible to trees. 

This time working the door today as I witnessed the leaves gently moving, I realized that God’s presence was at that service to comfort the family. Imagine the peace of having the Holy Spirit surrounding us! Those three trees make me grateful that there is God who loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we might receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

They are not just trees to me - they tell me about God the creator of every good and perfect gift. 

Tribute to Mrs. Barbara

The memory of the righteous is a blessing,

                                                                                          Proverbs 10:7

The hymn Precious Memories was written by J. B. F. Wright. As a child I remember hearing my dad listen to Jim Reeves, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and others sing this song on the record player. While in college, at Lubbock Christian, we gave Dr. K. C. Moser an organ when he retired. As he thanked the students in chapel, he stated that when he got it home, Precious Memories would be the first song he played.

 Memories 

What makes them precious? There are memories that some try to wipe out of their head. Those memories are painful and hurt to remember.  But, precious memories are the ones that we want to hold and keep in our hearts.

Memories of Mrs. Barbara Watson Jackson Jones

I first met Ms. Jackson when she sang for Mr. Baker’s retirement.  It was at Wester School, and she tore it up! I loved her voice and she was an accomplished pianist.

Forward a few years, and Ms. Jackson was at Estacado High School and I was teaching at Honey. Hoot’s Bagels had opened and we both stopped by the store on our way to work. I saw this beautiful Cadillac (I have always wanted one, especially an El Dorado), and getting out of the car was Ms. Jackson. We would see each other quite often, because loved those bagels. But, what I loved more were the morning visits with her. She would make me laugh.

Forward a few more years, when I was Coordinator for GT and the Northwest Regional Director for Destination Imagination I would see her at Estacado High School home of the Matadors. The city and regional meets were held at EHS. One year we had to use her choir room. I have no words. It was exciting, but I can’t describe it. After the tournament something was missing, and I don’t know how she knew because it was a mess. Eventually, she discovered that it was not missing but had been moved. We laughed and then she blamed the students.

Ms. Barbara

Advance a few more years, and I became principal at Parkway. Ms. Barbara would bring her EHS students to carol at Christmas time. I was so impressed as to how she was able to get so many young men to participate in choir. These Matadors loved singing with her and they would perform to excellence. So, my heart was thrilled when I heard that Ms. Jackson was moving to Parkway to be my music teacher. I was so excited. Ms. Barbara could get anyone to do anything. I remember the year I asked her to do a Christmas program and she used students in every grade level. I was sweating, as it didn’t seem to be too organized (kind of like the room situation mentioned above). She said, “Mr. Fitz, don’t you worry.” It was one of best programs ever and the gym was packed. As stated earlier, she could get anyone to do anything! She had asked if I would play Santa Claus - because the children would love. I told her that I wouldn’t. As I write this, tears fill my eyes, because I donned a Santa suit for Ms. Jackson.

There were some days that were burdened with problems and stress that are just part of educating children. I would amble down to her room and ask her to play a hymn for me. She not only played but “SANG.” She was able to sight-read music on the spot and error free. But Ms. Jackson could also tear it up when filled with the Spirit.  

The children loved her. She worked to help our kids and would tell them things that they might not want to hear. But, she was candid, well blunt, but in a kind-hearted way.

I would be in my office working and during her lunchtime would stop and visit. I am sure that Mrs. Shantell Turner remembers those visits. Those are memories that I will cherish forever.

One night she invited me to a musical at her church in Levelland. That is where I met Mr. Jones. She was so in love with him and the next day she told me he would eventually be her husband. He did, like I stated earlier Ms. Jackson could get anyone to do anything.

My words do not adequately describe our relationship. It’s one that I will always cherish and even though she married Mr. Jones, I will always love her. These are my precious memories of Mrs. Barbara Watson Jones!

My Prayer

Holy, Righteous, and Eternal Father thank you for the blessings that you give us each day. Thank you for the people you put in our lives. LORD, may we not take them for granted. May we be kind and generous to all – building relationships and memories with them. I pray that we lead a life that is righteous so that the memories we leave may be a blessing to others. Father, help us to be obedient to your Word. Thank you for Jesus Christ, the One that makes it possible for us to have a relationship with you, our God. Amen.

Precious Memories

Precious memories, unseen angels,

Sent from somewhere to my soul.

How they linger ever near me,

And the sacred past unfolds.

Precious memories how they linger,

How they ever flood my soul.

In the stillness of the midnight.

Precious sacred scenes unfold.

In the stillness of the midnight,

Echoes from the past I hear.

Old time singing, gladness ringing,

From that lovely land somewhere.

As I travel on life's pathway,

I know not what the years may hold.

As I ponder hope grows fonder,

Precious memories flood my soul.

Father in heaven, I humbly ask that the family of Mrs. Barbara feel your comfort and presence during this time of loss.

Tribute to Tuter

My Hairless Chihuahua died on Saturday the 10^th of November 2012. Her name was Cosita, which means “little thing” in Spanish. We called her Tuter.

She was a tiny dog weighing only 5.4 pounds. As a puppy she was unable to feed from her mother and never developed to the size of her sister, Frieda. The sisters had never been separated and Frieda’s death in 2010 was hard on Tuter. Although small, Tuter was the Alpha dog. She was feisty and in charge.

My sister-in-law rescued the girls from horrific living conditions. They were covered in ticks and sick. The sisters went from the barrio to a huge walk in closet at my brother’s house. They would stay in there and come out for food, water, and bodily functions. My sister-in-law called them the Closet Fairies.

Tuter was so scared and skittish. The abuse and mistreatment that she faced before the rescue lasted a lifetime. As Tuter grew she had problems with her teeth. The veterinarian wanted to remove them, but my brother stated he didn’t want it done. After much discussion, the vet removed her teeth as well as a portion of her bottom jaw. Tuter recovered.

In 2009, Frieda had gone blind and while outside fell into the pond. My brother was going on a trip and asked if I would watch the girls for a month. I brought them home to Lubbock and they never left.

After Frieda died, Tuter and I bonded. She had trouble eating so I would made sure her food was ground up, she had plenty of water, warm blankets, and clothes. She was Queen of my house. Treated like royalty until her death this November!

Although, I had never mistreated her she always remained skittish and be on guard. She loved to snuggle and we would spend more hours with me because I was retired. She felt the need to remain cautious.

I don’t know what abuse she faced as a puppy but it lasted a lifetime. This caused me to wonder about children that have been mistreated at an early age – do they ever get over it? 

Tuter was hairless, part of her bottom lip missing, tongue hanging, and covered with tumors. Yet, she was a very loving dog. It made me think how quickly we judge others on their appearance and not looking at the heart. Tuter was not the prettiest but she was the sweetest and I learned a great deal from her – not to judge people by appearance, take care of children that have been mistreated, and pray for those adults that have not learned to trust. Especially trusting the God that created and loves them!

Brought her ashes home today. She is back with Tio Ween and still Queen of my house.

Thanks Tuter – I hope you know Ween loves you…..

A Easter Prayer through Song Titles

I’ve always loved to sing.

As a child, I would go in my room and close the door (thinking no one would hear) and open up the church songbook. After a few practice rounds I would call my grandmother and sing to her.  Recently I thought about how heavy her phone receiver must have weighed. I would sing to her and she would listen – or at least I thought she was. After contemplating the weight of the phone I’m sure she laid it down, picked it up to see if I was still singing and tell me what a great job I did.

Now with that background I thought that I would write a prayer using song titles to express gratitude for what our God and His Son and our Savior did for us as we celebrate this Easter. Italicized words are songs or lyrics of songs.

A Easter Prayer through Song Titles

Father in Heaven how we love you and we praise thee, O God. Father, hear the prayer we offer for you are Holy, Holy, Holy. You are the Father of mercies and great is your faithfulness. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty, a mighty fortress is our God. We Praise thee oh God for our God he is alive. How great thou Art!

It is because of your amazing grace and the wonderful grace of Jesus that we can say His grace reaches me.

Lord we come before thee now and at thy feet we humbly bow. It is on bended knee we enter your presence. Dear Lord and Father of all mankind forgive our foolish ways.

It was love divine that sent your son to die on the cross of Calvary. Jesus our Lord and Savior thank you saving us! Jesus, thy name I love. Jesus, name above all names. Jesus, our redeemer the fairest Lord Jesus!

You gave your life on the old rugged cross. When I survey the cross, and am beneath the cross of Jesus, I realize that Jesus paid it all. It was boundless love that allows me to say that I’m redeemed. He could have called ten thousand angels but He bore it all. He paid a debt and my sins are nailed to the cross. Hallelujah what a Savior!

For it was low in the grave He lay. The good news is that Christ the Lord is risen today. He lives and because He lives there is victory in Jesus. There is power in the blood of the Lamb. A wonderful savior is Jesus my Lord.

Why did my Savior come to earth? Because, Jesus loves me this I know. It was in loving kindness that Jesus came and I am safe in the arms of Jesus. I can say it is well with my soul. I have blessed assurance because of Jesus.

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us let us follow in the footprints of Jesus,

Jesus, you are my all in all. You are a wonderful Savior and I will sing the wondrous story to tell others that I know that my Redeemer lives. Oh nobody fills my heart like Jesus. Jesus I long to be with you and pray that soon and very soon we are going to see the King.

Be With Me Lord.

Oh How I Love Jesus and it is his name I pray this prayer.

Pajama Day…..

We had Pajama Day? Yes, pajamas were the choice of attire for the Broadway Sonshine PreSchool.  Just so you will continue reading let it be known that I chose not to participate. 

Actually it was a great idea. The children in the 4s were studying the letter P and the two just seemed to go together.

When working in the public schools, I was never too fond of those “Jean Days”, “Pajama Days”, or the “Wonderful Wind suit Wednesday”. As a principal, we had those days because it meant so much to the teachers. I can still hear it today, “Mr. Fitz, we love those days because you don’t have to decide what to wear.”

Polo, Hilfiger, Lucky Brand, Guess, Ecko, Nike, Young Jeezy, Uggs, and the list can go on and on. I never wanted to be a walking advertisement for name brands. But for some it is imperative that the clothes have the correct logo.

When doing the jail ministry, I noticed that the inmates would want their greens to be neat and pleated. They “ironed” the pants by folding them and putting them under the mattress while they slept. Clothing made the man.

The Bible tells us what we are to clothe ourselves everyday.  

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

I’m not sure what I will wear for Sonshine’s Rodeo Day – maybe some Wrangler’s, a George Strait shirt, Lucchese Boots, and a Resistol Hat. Until then, I plan to dress according to Colossians 3.

If we daily don the apparel of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and then secure them with the belt of love we would truly be dressed to the nines.

Be bless-ed ~ tío ween