Uplift for 21 October 2002
by Randal Matheny

No challenge, no goal, no desire but rest --
No place to go though fully dressed.

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Northeast Mississippi is still green this late in the year, but a few trees have sensed it's time to turn colors. This past weekend we trekked across Arkansas (after a great week in Texas) and dipped our toe in the corner of Tennessee before zipping across the northern end of the Magnolia State on U.S. Highway 72.

Aside from occasional forays, we'll park here for two weeks. Perhaps you'll hear more from me these days.

by Randal Matheny

The outward temptations would not be so dire
Had they not a friend in the inner desire.

by Randal Matheny

Intermittent cold and hot
do harm to health and weal;
The soul whose ardor burns and cools
in waves will never heal.

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The weather here on the Tropic of Capricorn can't decide if it wants winter or summer. I trust your soul is a steadier sort.

Yesterday, on the email list UPlift, someone complained about the Bradley quote, "We have too many." Argued the plaintiff, "I think we have too few men of true science. Please remove me from your list." I regret the misunderstanding of our purpose both on the email list and our modest weblog. You don't have to agree with everything you read here. I don't even agree with 100% of the wording I post, but I do think I post words worth our mental cogitation to make us better people.

Oh, and the only way one will ever find a list that agrees completely with one's views is to start one's own. :)

by Randal Matheny

Everywhere I go I take with me
God's loving presence and serenity.

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This couplet fell into place in response to a poetry forum challenge sent out this morning. One had to use the words, "everywhere I go." Since our family will be traveling on Wednesday to the U.S. for six weeks, it seemed especially appropriate.

by Randal Matheny

As near to me as rain's patter on the pane,
Is God come walking down the Garden's lane.

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We've had rain on the Tropic of Capricorn over
the last few days, and I jotted this couplet down
this morning as I watched my daughter at
basketball pratice. The several wet spots on the
concrete bleachers must have inspired me.