Simply Morning Coffee

 "Our life is frittered away by detail.
Simplify, simplify."

~ Henry David Thoreau

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Prudence - A Word for Today

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis writes of four Cardinal (pivotal) virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Justice and Fortitude.  This morning I read his thoughts on Prudence. (According to the old writers, there are seven virtues:  four Cardinal and three Theological)

Lewis defines prudence this way:  “Prudence means practical common sense, taking the trouble to think out what you are doing and what is likely to come of it.”  He explains that this means while we are to be teachable in a child like way, we are also to be as intelligent as possible.  “[God] wants a child’s heart but a grown-up’s head.” 

Modern Christian inspirational writers instruct us to live intentionally, but doesn’t this fall short of living prudently?  Intentionally simply means being deliberate while prudently goes a step beyond to suggest a use of good judgment and common sense.  I can be intentional in my gossip but I certainly would not be prudent in doing so.

 I like that word – prudence.  I think I’ll try to reintroduce that to my vocabulary - and to my decision making. I think that would be a very prudent thing to do!

pru·dent  (prood'nt)

adj.

1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.

2. Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident.

3. Careful about one's conduct; circumspect.

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pru' dent·ly adv.

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Fall in our Townhome!

Some signs of fall around our townhome:

Jim knows how I love trees so he dug up this little maple for me earlier this summer. It is turning the prettiest shades of red right now.  I'll find a protected spot for it for the winter and hope to watch it grow again next summer.

My one little Cinderella Pumpkin is still on the vine growing in the petunia pot. Being a late bloomer, I doubt it will turn yellow but its carriage shape is easy to see. Next year I plan to intentionally plant some of these seeds in a pot - early enough to maybe have a jack-o-lantern  come October!

This is the extent of my fall harvest but I am enjoying it.
Hope you're enjoying Fall, too!

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Second Annual "Just One" October Food Drive! - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This food drive will take place in the front yard of our son's home in Minneapolis!  He's counting on the light-rail riders - the ones who  park their cars up and down his street to donate to his drive.  His first collection last fall brought in numerous food donations as well as a small amount of cash.  He's hoping to do even better this year.  His drive is registered with (Name:  Just One Can) - and all donations will go to - Second Harvest Heartland.  (Funds can be donated securely online.)

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Morning Coffee

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"Laughter [especially with a fresh cup of coffee] is an instant vacation."
-- Milton Berle

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Morning Coffee

"One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if possible, speak a few reasonable words."  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Any one of those, along with a cup of coffee, is a great way to begin a day!

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Flashback! 1963

On this day in 1963, The Beatles released "She Loves You" in the U.S.   Some of us, those of us of a certain age, can probably remember where we were when we first heard this new culture changing song!


Enjoy!

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A Last Letter

From a letter to a child about Narnia. This was written in October 1963 – only weeks before his death.

“Many thanks for your kind letter, and it was very good of you to write and tell me that you like my books; and what a very good letter you write for your age!

“If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you may always do so. I’m so thankful that you realized the ‘hidden story’ in the Narnian books. It is odd, children nearly always do, grown ups hardly ever.

“I’m afraid the Narnian series has come to an end, and am sorry to tell you that you can expect no more.

"God bless you."

Yours, Jack

C.S. Lewis

Yours, Jack was a wonderful book and as I said earlier, I highly recommend it. It has whetted my appetite for more of his writings. So I am now off to Narnia to search for the “hidden story”! I can’t wait to see what adventures and secrets I encounter.

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