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About Us
Friends have asked me from time to time to consider writing down some of my thoughts, stories, and experiences. I think they had in mind a kind of verbal scrapbook. For a long while I did not undertake such a project for lack of time, but now, as the saying goes, I have more time than money.
For over forty years I have used one drawer in my desk as a grab bag for thoughts, sayings, jokes, and related materials. There has never been any kind of order in that drawer. Treasures or lighter thoughts are all dropped in with equal aplomb. For that reason the reader will discover very little organization in what I have written. This site will not occupy the main meal on any viewer's list of things to read.
I started to call the site "Grist From My Mill." That title reminds us that the farmer takes his grain to the gristmill to be ground up so it can be used for baking. In similar fashion my thoughts and ideas have been ground up over the years. But, finally I decided to give it the present title.
It has been enjoyable for me to go through my collection of various and sundry items, and many pleasant memories have been resurrected. The exercise of writing has caused me to realize that life has been very good. Sometimes it has been better than others have but always very well.
Fortunately I learned early that much of life is what you make it. So I have had my times when the temptation to quit was strong, also those close encounters of a ridiculous kind. But, all in all it has been a positive experience. I think that is the way God intended it to be.
God constructed the world so that we have different experiences throughout life. Opportunities come and sometimes we recognize them. Maybe we run out to meet them, or perhaps we hide. But we have choices that bring joy, sorrow, change, advancement, or whatever we will make it.
As we look around ourselves we must admit that God did not create a haphazard world void of meaning. No, He made the world with a well-balanced structure. God did not create anything by accident.
There are no failures and there are no loose ends in the ultimate plan of God. He loves all humans with an unending and righteous love. He does not necessarily love what we are or do, but we may always be certain that He loves us.
That brings me to a basic truth that I believe very strongly. I call it Rule of Life # 1: GOD OWNS IT ALL.
Now that thought colors whatever else I believe and do and stand for. Our point of view, our internal frame of reference, the way we look at things makes all the difference in the world.
Happiness for me depends on both God’s gifts and my effort. My effort calls for training, learning, and formation of the right habits and attitudes. In short, in means lining up my life and actions with the will and purpose of my Creator.
It seems to me that a basic trouble in the human situation is that we wish to do as little as possible and get as much as possible. It is only when we are filled with the desire to put more into life than we take out, that life will be happy and prosperous.
It is with the idea of giving that I share some of my experiences, anecdotes, and thoughts, lessons I have learned about life. I am writing in the style of informal essays. Some contain personal observations and reflections, while others have autobiographical themes.
You will detect a variety of moods and emotions within the many subjects addressed. Perhaps some of these pages will cause you to smile, give you a bit of pleasure, or cause reflection on your life. I certainly hope that will be the case.
Anne and I have been married since 1949 and are still smiling! We've lived in world-famous Waco, Texas since 1986. That is the year I retired from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps as a Captain (0-6). She retired a later from the field of education,
having been a special education teacher and educational
diagnostician. Waco is a very nice place to live and we enjoy being here.
We are quite active in our church, Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. (www.columbusave.org) Both
of us are busy teaching adults about our age. She has a class of ladies and mine
is a couples class. All are fine and enjoyable folks. From 1986 - 1996 I was on
the church staff as Assistant Pastor.
Our Family
Our son, Lee, lives here in Waco and commutes each day to Cedar Crest Hospital and Residential Treatment Center in Belton (About 45 miles away) where he is a psychologist. He is the author of many books, is sought after as a conference leader, and makes appearances on radio and TV. Wife Julie is a teacher in Waco and has been for quite a few years. A dedicated and highly successful educator, her school is lucky to have her! Both are deacons in their church and teach a Sunday School class. Emily completed her bachelors degree at Baylor University in 2001 and is working in Austin.
Sarah began her education at Baylor University in the fall of 2001. Mary will continue in Waco High where she is very involved.
Sarah moving into dorm at Baylor University, August, 2001. Lee and Julie taking a break after lugging all her things up six floors.
Sarah and Julie try to decide how to get all her "stuff" in that little room and have enough space for her roommate too.
Our daughter, Allyson, lives with her family in Houston. A former home economics
teacher, she now practices all her skills at home, church, and community.
Husband Danny is an attorney with a large international law firm. He has done
the legal work for many big mergers, sales, and building projects. He teaches a
Sunday School class and is a deacon in his church. .
Their four children Lisa, David, Laura, and Linda are quite busy with church, school, and sports. The oldest, Lisa, is a Baylor University student, having begun in the fall of 2001.
Cousins, Lisa and Sarah, on their first day as Baylor students!
Allyson and Danny helping Lisa get everything setup in her dorm room at Baylor University.
Cara
has one more year in a private high school before attending Baylor, and Megan
enjoys school in Dallas. Check out Les's web site at:
www.drlescarter.com.
Beginning a well-earned vacation with sightseeing throughout central Texas.