M is for Majestic Music, the "Messiah" with Mother

Today I'll condense a page from Daddy's legacy journal. The question posed to him that I have chosen for the Letter M is...


What extracurricular activities did you enjoy most?

In addition to saying track and field, rollerskating with the youth group, and Youth for Christ rallies, Daddy said this:

My mother and I sang in the city (Hutchinson)'s Handel's Messiah chorus.  Rehearsals were held each sunday afternoon beginning in January and performed on Easter Sunday.

Majestic!

L is for Love for Mama

If you're just popping in here for the first time, I'm participating in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. (See sidebar button for what it's all about.)  My theme is "My Daddy's Words," and I am lifting topics from a little blank journal that he wrote for me in 1999.

I have his permission to do so, don't worry!

For the letter L, I knew I'd choose a question about love.  Here's one of my favorites because I never get tired of hearing my daddy's sappy but genuine words about his love for Mama.

Question: What do you love best about Mama now? 

Her ability to love me, warts and all. Truly our honeymoon hasn't ended. We love to be together, plan together, confront obstacles together, go to school together, eat together, and on and on.  Being in her presence gives me intense joy.  A big part of what I enjoy about Mom is her sense of humor and our fun with words.

At the beginning of our honeymoon , we found a plaque that she insisted I buy.  It says:

I am the master of this house.
Whatever my wife says, shall be done.


She sharpens my thinking as we talk about things.

K is Keys to a Good Marriage

My parents have been married for 52 and 1/2 years, so I'm pretty sure that counts as being committed for the long haul.  This next question that my father  answered in his legacy book  is a noble set of points to remember for anyone who wants to stay happily married.


Record your ideas here for what it takes for a husband and wife to maintain a healthy marriage.

1.  Maintain a good sense of humor.
2.  Consider first the needs of the other.  In so doing yours are most apt to be met.
3   Be patient.  Time cures a lot of ills.
4.  Maintain sexual fidelity.
5.  Live within your financial means.
6.  Give each other time for non-mutual interests.  Guys need time for guy things and ladies need time for lady things.

J is for Jesus

One of the most hopeful things my father has ever said, which gives me tremendous comfort, is stated below.  It couldn't be any plainer.

What Bible character would you most like to meet?  Why?

My father answered, "Jesus--and I will meet him.  He saved me, is saving me, and will save me .  He made this life so much better for me and will give me an even better one in the hereafter  Thankfully I will get to meet all those other Bible characters whom I might have named as the one I would most like to meet.