Barbara Bush

Barbara Pierce Bush

June 8, 1925 – April 17, 2018

“Bar”

    “Ganny”

         “The Enforcer

              “America’s First Lady”

                    “Tranquility”

                         “America’s First Grandmother”

Barbara Bush was one of only two women in U. S. history to be the wife of one president and the mother of another.  Since Abigail Adams died before her son was inaugurated, Barbara Bush was the only woman to see both her husband and son sworn into office as President of the United States.

* Believer and follower of Jesus Christ

 * Wife of George Herbert Walker Bush for 73 years – 41st President

            2nd Lady of the United States      1981-1989

            1st Lady of the United States        1989-1993

* Mother of 6 children

            Mother of 46^th Governor of Texas, George W. Bush

 and 43rd President of the United States

            Mother of 43rd Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush

* Grandmother to 17

* Great Grandmother

* Board Member of AmeriCares which “Saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential.”

* Founded Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

* Board Member of Mayo Clinic

What an amazing lady who treasured faith, family, and friends.  It speaks volumes when the world mourns one’s death and acknowledges the contributions of one’s life.  Faith, family, and service were imbedded in Barbara Bush’s DNA.  Her goal was to help people have a better life and future.  The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has raised more than $110 million to further reading opportunities. She believed that reading is the most important issue we have.  It would be easier to be successful if one could read.

It has been amazing to me to see how the Bush family responded to two distinct difficulties, heartaches, and challenges in their lives.  Their daughter, Robin Bush, lost her life to cancer at such an early age.  Her mother wrote, “Robin was just 3 years old when she died of leukemia in October 1953.  Because of Robin, George and I love every living human more.”  Thus, the Bushes were active in their support for cancer research, with Barbara Bush serving on the board of the Mayo Clinic.  Since one of their sons has dyslexia, there was a strong interest and dedication to finding ways for all people to have the opportunity to be successful readers so she formed the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Quotes from Family:

As the end of her life was nearing, Barbara’s son Jeb asked if she feared the end.  She responded: “I believe in Jesus, and he is my Lord and Savior.  I don’t want to leave your dad, but I know I will be in a beautiful place.”

President George W. Bush wrote, “My dear mother has passed.  Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was.”

President George H. W. Bush:  “I always knew Barbara was the most beloved woman in the world, and in fact I use to tease her that I had a complex about that fact.  But the truth is the outpouring of love and friendship being directed at The Enforcer is lifting us all up.  We have faith she is in heaven and we know life will go on - - as she would have it.  So cross the Bushes off your worry list.”

In her letter to her Ganny, Jenna Bush Hager wrote of lessons she had learned.

Treat everyone equally.

Don’t look down on anyone.

Use your voices for good.

Read all the great books.

Words matter.  Kindness matters.  Looks fade.

Humor, wit, and grace are the best accessories.

Live a life of humility, grace, and unconditional love.

Barbara Bush Quotes:

“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”

“Believe in something larger than yourself…get involved in the big ideas of your time.”

‘The American Dream is about equal opportunity for everyone who works hard.  There is no equal chance to succeed without the ability to read and write.”

“Early on I made a choice, which I hope you’ll make as well.  Whether you are talking about education, career, or service, you’re talking about life - - and life really must have joy.  It’s supposed to be fun.”

“You must read to your children and you must hug your children.  Your success as a family…our success as a nation…depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”

“Instead of complaining about the problems we have, why not get in and try to solve some.”

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal.  You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend or a parent.”

“I don’t have a fear of death for my precious George or myself because I know there is a great God.”

With the recent passing of Barbara Bush and Billy Graham, it is a reminder that all of us have limited time on this earth.  Each day we have opportunities to give, serve, and make a difference for God’s Kingdom.  The decisions we make, the words we speak, who we choose to be, and what we do will contribute to the legacy we leave behind.  And it is what is invested in others that will be remembered and treasured after we are gone.

“Show me LORD, my life’s end

     And the number of my days;

     let me know how fleeting my life is.”

Psalm 39:4

Scripture read by Bush granddaughters at her funeral:

A wife of noble character who can find?

     She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

     and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

     all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax

     and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,

     bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night;

     she provides food for her family

     and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it;

     out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;

     her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

     and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff

     and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor

     and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

     for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;

     she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

     where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

     and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

     she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,

     and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household

     and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

     her husband also, and he praises her;

“Many women do noble things,

     but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

     but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

     and let her works bring praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Prepared and Ready

“Life is what happens when you are waiting for something else.” – Allen Saunders

Andre Ingram has played in 384 basketball games for minor teams in the United States as well as overseas.  Over the past 10 years he has played for teams in Orem, Utah; El Segundo, California; Perth, Australia; and then in El Segundo again.  Andre works extra jobs, to help provide for his family, since he never makes more than $30,000 a year.  He continues to tutor junior high and high school students and share his passion for math and education in his spare time.  With a physics degree from American University, Ingram knows he could find work in his field of study but every time he considers giving up his dream of playing basketball in the NBA his desire and passion win out.

Recently, Ingram went to a  meeting that he thought was the season exit interview for the minor team.  He was surprised when he realized that Luke Walton, Magic Johnson, and Rob Pelinka were present.  Walton told Andre that “We were bringing him up because we thought he could help us when we have able bodies down, and he can shoot the ball.  It was for us just as much as it was for him.”  The men had Ingram call his wife and daughters to relate the news.  Their response was lots of screaming.  Ingram said, “They probably let out what I truly wanted to let out.”

So at the age of 32, Andre Ingram suited up and had a chance to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.  The 6’ 3” guard scored 19 points.  He only missed two shots and those were ones where he was fouled.  Ingram scored 4 out of 5 three pointers and 6 out of 8 from the field.  Ingram finished the night with the “Highest scoring post-All-Star break debut in the entire NBA since 1953.”  Hopefully there will be more NBA games for Andre Ingram in the very near future.

Whether it is for now or in the future, in sports or life in general, there is something to be said about having goals/dreams and being prepared and ready when opportunities arise knowing that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. I Corinthians 9:2

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.       I Timothy 4:8

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

Focus and Perseverance

On Saturday, April 7, 2018, the Astros played the Padres at Minute Maid Park.  In the bottom of the 10th inning the game was still scoreless.  Relief pitcher Phil Maton was pitching for the Padres, Derek Fisher was on second for the Astros, and Alex Bregman was up to bat.  With two outs and full count, Maton pitched, Bregman swung and made contact, and the ball popped up about thirty feet from the pitcher’s mound.  Even though it looked to be an easy out, Bregman and Fisher ran as if it was another hit dependent on a win in the World Series.  The first and third basemen and pitcher ran and stood under the ball ready to catch it for the easy third out, but no one caught the ball!  As the ball bounced on the ground, Fisher crossed the plate and scored.  The Astros won their 7th out of 9 games 1 to 0 over the Padres.  Knowing it would be the last out of the inning if the ball was caught, Fisher took the risk to run his fastest from second base to home to score.  Bregman also ran to first base, even though it looked like a sure out.  If he hadn’t run, a retrieved ball and simple toss to the baseman would have been an out.

Some lessons observed:

* Life doesn’t always turn out as expected.  There are twists, turns, dropped balls, and surprises.  Keep going.

* It’s important to focus, know the rules, and keep the options of the game in mind.

* Keep your head in the game.

* Knowing the rules and applying them can make the difference between a win and a loss.

* Never give up.

* Perseverance matters, especially when the game is longer than anticipated.

And so it is in life.  We need to keep our focus on Jesus, know His Word well so we can respond appropriately at a moment’s opportunity, never give up, and persevere until the end.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:2-4, 12

Ready, Willing, and Available

Scott Foster is a 36-year-old accountant from Oak Park, Illinois.  During his college years, he was the goalie on Western Michigan’s hockey team.  After college, Foster even played for a while for the Petrolia Jets of the Western Ontario Hockey League.  For recreation, Foster plays on an amateur hockey league at Johnny’s Icehouse Rink, which is just a few blocks from where the Chicago Blackhawks play their home games.

Occasionally, Scott Foster is signed to an unpaid one-day contract as a backup goalie for the Blackhawks.  On those days, Foster usually goes to the stadium, heads up to the press box, grabs something to eat, and then heads home after the game.  Last Thursday night, just before the game against the Winnipeg Jets, the Blackhawks tweeted that they had signed Foster to an amateur contract for the game as an emergency backup goalie since their regular goalie, Corey Crawford, was injured and another player, Anton Forsberg was hurt right before the game.  This time Scott Foster headed to the team dressing area instead of the press box in order to be ready for the game.  Due to Crawford’s injury, Blackhawks fill-in goalie Collin Delia was given the opportunity to make his NHL debut.  During the third period, though, Delia had to leave the game because of cramping.  Coach Joel Quenneville smiled and gave the nod for Foster to put on his helmet and enter the game.  Scott blocked all seven of the Jets’ attempts to score, insuring the Hawks 6-2 win.  The fans began chanting his name and he was even awarded the team belt which goes to the outstanding player of the game.  And now, Scott Foster heads back to his job as an accountant ready, willing, and hopefully available for the next time he is needed.

Because Scott Foster continued to exercise, play in a league, and stay up with the game, he was ready when the call came.  What a wonderful reminder of the importance of being ready, willing, and available when God sends opportunities our way or Jesus returns. 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Titus 3:1-2

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.”

Luke 12:35-37a

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Matthew 24:44