Betty’s Week

              By Betty Shearer

My weeks are becoming almost routine, beginning with a couple of early morning sermons by Rev. Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist and Rev. George Robertson, pastor of Second Presbyterian, both in Memphis. This is followed by the usual delicious family dinner, provided by Jimmie and Sunday the table only had five present to enjoy the food–Carolyn, Bo, Bill, Jimmie, and me.
Late in the afternoon the calves were seperated from their mamas and this caused some loss of sleep from family members, as well as neighbors. For several nights we had to sympathize with the moms, as they searched for their offspring throughout the night. The calves were taken to the lower pastures and the other Cole family and their neighbors had to listen to them crying for their mothers. Needless to say the Coles were not favorite neighbors for a few days.
Sister-in-law Ginny was scheduled for another surgery to insert a permanent feeding tube later in the week, so Rance was with her. While waiting for a hospital room she was sent back to the nursing home, where Rance could not stay with her. A few days later he was allowed to return for day visits with her and still later the surgery was performed and it seems to be successful. Visiting with her on the phone, she seems much better.
On Wednesday I had a visit with Dr. Yates and he seemed pleased with the progress that had been made by my 18 weeks of chemo. Cancer count was down to 47 and the PET scan was clear. I will see Dr. Engle, the surgeon, to discuss the next step in my treatment–surgery I’m sure just don’t know how extensive it will be.
On the way home Jimmie stopped in Batesville to grocery shop. I’m still not allowed in crowds so I sat in the van watching shoppers. When she returned we realized that we were hungry–my appointment had been at 1p.m.now it was about three, breakfast sausage and biscuit was gone. We stopped by the barbecue place, located on the outer edge of Piggly Wiggly’ parking lot–the food was excellent.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were filled with watching Olympics and working on a thousand piece jig-saw puzzle together. We still have a ways to go on the puzzle. Highlight of Friday was our entertaining Caroline returning late in the day. Her brother, Jack had a baseball tournament all day Saturday in Jackson and Missy and Michael dropped her by for a weekend visit before she begins school. We sure did enjoy her.
With not much activity last week, I want to share an article Jimmie found on Facebook. It’s from Becky’s Post, author Becky Compton, and is about a little known inscription on the Washington Monument, which means it’s public domain:
“Atop the Washington Monument are displayed two words:
One detail that is seldom mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the Ten Commandments, etc, this is worth a moment or two of your time.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably could care less. Once you know Laus Deo’s history, you will want to share this with everyone you know.
These words have been there for many years; they are 556 feet in the air, 5.235 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 59 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, the capitol of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those Latin words, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say Praise be to God!
Through construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848 when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took 25 years to finally cap the monument with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo, ‘Praise be to God!’
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may view the beautiful panoramic view of the city. From that vantage point one can also easily see the original plan of designer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant – a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state?
So, read on.
How interesting and no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society! Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by our founder and first President of our Democracy ‘One Nation, Under God!’
I am awed by George Washington’s prayer for America. Have you ever read it? Well now is you unique opportunity, so read on.
‘Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that Thou will incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and to government and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally, that Thou will most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’
Laus Deo!
It is hoped that you will send this to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find it offensive because you have given them a lesson in history.”