Litany

Yesterday, the Second Sunday of Lent, I worshipped with my faith community at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. The service included a litany that touched my heart. The order of worship does not give credit to the author but it is beautifully written. I share it as a devotional thought for the day and invite you to pray it daily.

God of wholeness and healing,

we come to you

with our only plea being

that you accept us as the paradox of people we are -

alone together

strangely familiar

diligently at ease

wholly scattered

extravagantly ordinary

anxiously hopeful

simply complicated

clearly mysterious

strongly fragile.

That's who we are, God -

a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

In your mercy, Lord,

you see the whole of us,

not one part of us,

and still you call your creation good.

For your compassion,

we are grateful beyond words.

Let us be born again in the wholeness of your Spirit.

Re-birth us with your love.

What's In A Name

Jackson McAllister ("Mac") Shapard, born March 16, 2011

You are a cutie, that's for sure! Your parents, Tommy and Rachel Shapard, are thrilled that you are here and are sending us lots of pictures so we can see you today, the day you were born. We can't wait to see you in person and hold you. Big brother Drew (age 5) and big sister Kate (age 18 months) can't wait for you to come home in a few days.

Your daddy and mommy named you for a very specific reason. You are going to be called Mac so I hope you like your name. Your first name was chosen because you were born in Jacksonville, FL. You haven't met the family beagle yet, but his name is Raleigh because your daddy was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. I think I sense a trend here. Good thing Drew wasn't named Lubbock!

Your middle name is my maiden name. I tried to talk your daddy out of using it because it's too difficult to pronounce and to spell. Why not give you a common, simple middle name I argued to no avail. You might have been called Jack but we already have a Jack Shapard in the family - your cousin in Fort Worth. The more I tried to talk your daddy out of using McAllister, the more he persisted. "Everyone likes the name Mac, Mom!" he said.

Then your daddy told me why the name McAllister meant so much to him. My mother, Helen Dorothea Potter McAllister, was the only grandparent your daddy knew. His other grandparents died before he was born. Grandma Mac (that's how she/we spelled her name) was very special in your daddy's life, as she was in the lives of all of her grandchildren. My dad was known as Grandpa Mac, and my dad's parents were known as Grandpa and Grandma Mac also.

There is a good strong family behind you, Mac. When you are a little older, we will be showing you pictures of the McAllister family so you will know a little more about your heritage. There are some funny stories to tell too!

Welcome to the family, Mac! You are loved!

Hospitals and Health Care

What's on my mind today? Yesterday Charlie had surgery at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Sitting in his room this morning and thinking about all that I'm seeing and observing during his stay. We are so lucky to have access to excellent medical care.

Being the optimist that I am, whenever Charlie is admitted to a hospital I look for the best in everything and everyone. The pre-op visit, my time in the family waiting room, seeing Charlie in recovery, and being on the 6th floor med/surgical unit has been more than satisfying.

Of course, "going home" is the ultimate goal. Charlie is resting well, with pain medication. He has been up walking a couple of times but is not yet ready for too much activity. Eventually apple juice and jello will be replaced by real food, and then we'll see how well his recovery is going.

The nurses and PCTs are always checking on us and continue to keep us informed about procedures, medications, and physician orders. The staff works hard to establish a partnership with the patient, family and physician to ensure excellent care. Harris is getting it right!

To all our friends who are doctors, nurses, therapists, physician assistants, pharmacists, etc., we thank you for being dedicated to your professions. You are our heroes!

To all the ministers in our lives and to our church families at Wilshire Baptist in Dallas and Broadway Baptist in Fort Worth, your love and support is a blessing beyond measure.

To our children and grandchildren, siblings and spouses, nieces and nephews, cousins and extended families, we love you and thank you for being who you are.

Charlie knows you all are pulling him through!

Happy New Year!

As the new year begins, I look ahead with great hope and excitement. It's hardly mind-boggling, but nevertheless it's what brings us joy!


Rachel and Tommy are expecting their third child - baby boy "Jackson McAllister Shapard" - in mid March. They will probably call him "Mac" (Rachel's choice) or "Mack" (Tommy's choice). Big brother Drew (turning 5 in February) and big sis Kate ( age 1 1/2 when baby arrives) will welcome their little brother with loads of love. Drew is especially excited about having a brother. He thinks it's cool to have both - a sister and a brother!

I can't wait to get back to Jacksonville to welcome our sixth grandchild! We will take lots and lots of pictures I'm sure!

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In 2011, our oldest grandson Jacob will graduate from Penn State University. He's a super guy and we're very proud of him. Rob and Rochelle are ready to celebrate this event as are the Shapards and the Greens. Wonder where he will end up after graduation - Pennsylvania, Texas, or "wherever I find a job" as Jacob puts it. Good luck to you, Jacob. It will be a hectic semester, but you can do it!

With DFW roots, it wasn't hard for Jacob to don a TCU sweatshirt when he was here for Christmas. In fact, Jacob and Rob went to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. Once in a lifetime opportunity - way to go, Frogs!

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Jack and Elizabeth start basketball season this month so weekends are dedicated to games, games and more games. I remember all too well. Just part of watching our grandchildren develop good competitive skills and sportsmanship. It is a pleasure watching Jack and Elizabeth grow into wonderful pre-teens. Their schedules wear me out just thinking of all the activities they are involved in. Can't imagine how Allison and Scott keep it all in balance.

Scott, Allison, Jack and Elizabeth went to the Rose Bowl also. During the football season, the mayor declared Fridays as "wear purple to show your support of TCU" - great response from the community. Our kids were right in the thick of it all!


We give thanks for the love of family and the good life we share! We wish you and yours a very Happy New Year with all that makes you whole.