Author: Ron Baker

As a child I used to sing.  Not like a song bird – up in the morning with a chirp in my mouth.  I sang off and on.  I enjoyed good melodies and had a mother who pushed all her children to “do music.”

I soon learned that I was unusual.  I could sing louder and longer than a lot of people around me. 

I still do.  Which is why singing the national anthem is a real pain for me.  People swivel their heads.  My wife moves over two seats.  The chosen anthem singer wonders who’s competing with them!

When I sing a solo at a function, the sound person usually sets the microphone at “off” or close to it.

So, if you are with me and I burst into song . . .  Please – don’t cover your ears or swivel your head!  Just act natural! 

And, for my sake, pull  your earplugs out after I’m out of the building.

Our ladies banquet was held last night.  Called “From the Heart”.   150 attended!

The featured speaker was my wife.  They (the banquet committee) said I couldn’t attend.  Something about an “only women” policy! 

So, I snapped a picture the night before.  I stayed home and babysat — a one year old and a seven year old — so their mother could attend.

Her life story was very powerful.   From heart operations to pacemakers, childrearing, and putting up with me!  Death and life situations became quite personal as she talked.  Laughter and crying all in an hour’s talk!

I’ve lived 30 years of life with her. I’m always amazed she is still alive.  And more amazed, that through all her sufferings, she still puts God first place.

So, need a good speaker?

Look carefully!  This is a true sign of spring!

Sometimes a phrase just captures you!

I’ve been reminded more than once recently of a quotation from a friends who just passed away.  She spent a lot of her time with people.  As a counsellor she could be counted on to arrive when the hospital had someone to deal with a drunk or a person coming down from an addiction.

Not that she didn’t have things!  She loved gadgets and electronic items. 

But when it came down to the crunch she would take people over material things anytime.

So put this one in your memory box – “The best things in life aren’t things!”