TERRE HAUTE —
The first time I met my then future husband, he was no catch. Trust me. It was my first semester in college — August 1970. Most guys sported long Beatles-style hair cuts. But Doug sported a crew cut, of all things. I could have forgotten him had it not been for his smile. It was heartstopping.
Within two hours I found out his name was Doug Davis, he was from a small town just outside Springfield, Ill., he had three brothers, and by divine coincidence (thank you, God!) his sister was in my dormitory prayer group. She shared that Doug had a crew cut because he had played the part of Lt. Joe Cable in “Tales of the South Pacific.” She said his rendition of “Younger Than Springtime” was very touching and brought tears to many an eye. So, acting, singing and a knock-out smile. Hmm!
Then, first day of second semester, God arranged for Doug and me to be in the same speech class. I walked in after he did and found the only unoccupied seat close to him was right behind him. I dove for it. Casually, of course.
Just above my head was a window that was allowing the sun to shine in the instructor’s eyes. “Miss Legg, would you please pull down the shade? (Having the instructor use my last name was good. Hopefully Doug would remember it and look up my number in the campus directory.)
I reached up to pull down the blind and it would not budge. Doug turned around to help, and it just so happens we pulled on each corner at the same time. The blind came down all right. On top of our heads. Dust and window brackets went flying everywhere. Doug was horrified, but I laughed. In complete disgust, he looked at me and said, “Look what you did. Nice one, Leggs.” Well, he almost got the name right!
Two weeks later, we had our first date. Two years later, we were married.
We’ve been married 39 years, we’ve raised two children, we spoil four grandchildren, we’ve lived in three states and served seven congregations. Throughout it all, Doug and I made one promise to each other, and I think that promise has made all the difference: We promised to love each other.
We determined to recognize that love is more than a feeling. It is a decision. Feelings change, but one can still decide to love. When we do something that drives each other nuts, we decide to love each other anyway rather than criticize and try to change each other. When one of us messes up and sins against the other, we decide to forgive and love each other anyway, rather than keep track of each other’s mistakes. When the going gets tough and we look for a way out, we decide to love each other anyway and wait for better times to come.
We have decided to love each other, no matter what. And it’s working! Maybe that’s why Doug’s smile still stops my heart.
Verna Davis, speaker and writer, maybe reached at VrdSpeaks@yahoo.com.
Religion
THE JOY LADY: Doug and I made one promise — to love each other
- Religion
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I admit it. I cry. A lot.
I admit it. I cry. A lot. I cry when I watch TV, for those Hallmark commercials get me every time. I have even cried while watching reruns of Law and Order, for goodness’ sake!
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Church briefs: May 19, 2012
Church briefs
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Don’t let a grudge rob you of living in peace with others
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe asked for “all women in all places to all rise up and oppose all wars.” She called it A Mother’s Day for Peace. The idea never caught on.
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Church Briefs: May 12, 2012
Church briefs
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THE JOY LADY: A few last words that should be taken to heart
My husband and I rarely argue. The more we live together, the more we agree with each other, and we have found that arguing just isn’t worth the effort.
- Church Briefs: April 28, 2012
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THE JOY LADY: April 28, 2012
Last Sunday, as we do most every Sunday, my husband and I went out for dinner after church with some friends.
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Christian recording artist endorses Valley author’s book
Bryan Duncan, Dove and Grammy award-winning contemporary Christian music pioneer singer and songwriter, recently endorsed Clay County author Marjorie E. Hopkins’ book.
“Dying to Meet Him: Wit and Wisdom from a Funeral Director’s Wife,” is a “must read,” Duncan said. -
Indiana female priest challenges Catholic church
A former Catholic nun went through an ordination ceremony in Indianapolis to become a priest in defiance of the church’s ban on women becoming priests.
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CHURCH BRIEFS: April 14, 2012
Terre Haute St. Stephen’s Episcopal
Services Sunday in the historic church at 217 N. Seventh St. include Eucharists at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday school and middle/high school youth group meet at 9 a.m. Afterward, join the camaraderie, coffee and conversation in the Great Hall. -
THE JOY LADY: Worship never has been and never will be about us
King David was a mighty warrior, a popular leader, a talented musician and a prolific hymn writer.
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Seminar on ‘Caring for the Barren Woman’
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church at 645 Poplar St. in Terre Haute, across from Vigo County Public Library, invites the greater Terre Haute community to a free seminar at 11:30 a.m. April 21.
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Easter services at St. Mary-of-the-Woods: A Miracle Retold
The miracle of a risen Christ doesn’t stop at an empty tomb, church leaders told the devout on a brilliant Sunday morning.
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Ministry to screen families for free food distribution
Covenant Cooperative Ministry will begin screening 400 families by taking applications
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THE JOY LADY: Perhaps we understand what we want and disregard the rest
March Madness is over, and I’m going to miss all those wonderful basketball games on TV. I don’t understand how people aren’t inspired by a game of basketball.
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Church to offer Financial Peace University series
New Providence Presbyterian Church announces an upcoming Financial Peace University class series for all area residents beginning at 2 p.m. CDT April 15 at the church at 1751 N. 2250th St. in Paris.
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Church briefs: April 7, 2012
Children’s Religious Education begins at 10:50 - There are two groups, youth ages 5 to 9 and Tweens, ages 10 and up. Child care for younger children is provided for the entire service.
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THE JOY LADY: In April or any month, you’re foolish if you deny God for lack of understanding
On April 1, 1957, BBC reporter Richard Dimbleby announced that because of an extremely mild winter, the dreaded spaghetti weevil was virtually eliminated.
- CHURCH BRIEFS: March 31, 2012
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Interactive ‘Passion in the Park’ beginning Thursday in Fairbanks Park
An interactive nondenominational community-performed drama of the Easter story, “Passion in the Park,” will be staged Thursday through April 8 at Fairbanks Park. Nightly shows will be at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.
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Sisters of Providence plan ‘Come and See Weekend’ April 13-15
The Sisters of Providence will host a “Come and See Weekend” April 13-15 at St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Catholic women ages 18-42 who are considering a call to apostolic religious life are invited to attend.
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THE JOY LADY: ADo you ever wonder if people frustrate God?
Throughout the years, our family has had its share of pets. We’ve loved and buried hamsters, tropical fish, little bitty turtles, dogs, cats and other assorted critters.
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
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Wise men and women are always learning
Reality has hit me like a medicine cabinet full of Metamucil. I am officially — oh, dare I say it — growing older.
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‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ dinner and auction set
Armstrong United Methodist Church, on U.S. 40, east of Marshall, Ill., will host its 11th annual “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” dinner and auction on March 24.
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Church Briefs, March 17, 2012
Church briefs
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Our eyes should always look to Jesus, our faces reflecting God
Mothers fixate on the faces of their children. Not necessarily the beauty of said face … but because of the dirt. “Why didn’t you wash behind your ears? There’s enough dirt back there to plant a garden.”
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Church plans ‘Beatletudes’ concert for tornado victims
Memorial United Methodist Church is planning a benefit event, “The Beatletudes,” for the tornado victims in southern Indiana.
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Applications being accepted for Providence Associates
The Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods are currently accepting applications from persons interested in becoming Providence Associates for the 2012-2013 year.
- More Religion Headlines
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I admit it. I cry. A lot.
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