Dr Becky Towne

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2010-03-13T15:57:00.001-08:00

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Towne House Quilts

2010-03-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

Some of Momma (Inez) Smith's quilts are on display in the Towne House gallery. She does SUCH great work. What a blessing that we (kids and grandkids) get to display her handwork in our homes! I bought the purple quilt at the Barclay Sale. Glad I got one several years ago. The prices have gone up.

The rose quilt was started by my grandmother and then mom finished it as her first quilt in 1991 I think. The material is getting old! The third quilt won a blue ribbon at the Houston Livestock Show several years ago. I love the history and the varieties of color!

It was a cold day in July but a good, restful vacation

2009-07-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

I forgot to bring a jacket with me to Colorado to celebrate the 4th. I would have only needed it once and then only for a few minutes while we were watching the children with their sparklers. But it was a cold day in July. All five of our kids (including our daughter-in-law) gathered at the Wright house with their parents, aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandma to eat 4th of July grilled burgers, dogs, and brats, potato salad, fruit, beans, and all the trimmings.

The night before was the Pueblo picnic with Grandpa and Grandma Towne. We loved watching the kids ride the rides and eat snow cones. Two fun days. Lots of good memories, good conversations, and good fellowship. Many of us discussed what we had learned during the year of transition, since Jim and I moved to Texas. Good lessons learned. God has been faithful. And it won't take a cold day in July to remind me about that important truth. (Above: Jimmy, Carly, Jim, Dylan, Becky, Mara, and Halee Towne; Below: Sammy Wright with Grandpa Towne)

70th birthdays aren't all bad

2009-04-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Jim and I were able to celebrate my aunt's 70th birthday on February 28 (her birthday was actually March 1). Three of us had such good taste, we chose the same cards. Maybe card designers think that folks don't want to celebrate the 70th birthday. I hope I have as much energy and look as young in 15 years as my aunt does now! I'll celebrate for sure . . .

New Position at HGST

2009-02-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

I thought transitions were coming to a close but I was wrong. On January 16, my role at Houston Graduate School of Theology was upgraded to Associate Dean and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. Our Academic Dean resigned to take a pastoral role so we have a "Dean Team" caring for his former responsibilities. My part is to be the "Dean of Record" for students in the Doctor of Ministry program (of course) and the MA in Counseling program. I have another learning curve to manage and the Team has had several challenges already, but I guess that's the best way to learn.

I continue to be amazed at the growing opportunities here and how much Jim and I have learned since stepping out in obedience to God's direction. I have been able to share about corporate discernment and listening to God in a variety of settings including a Disciples of Christ church board meeting, Friends Student Conference, and, most recently, a workshop for a regional gathering of a largely African-American church. Fun!

More transitions and more learning curves to come, I'm sure.

Another Graduate!

2008-12-08T19:38:00.001-08:00

Our son Jimmy will graduate from Colorado State University in Ft.Collins, Colorado, Saturday, December 20, 2008, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish.

A graduation reception will be held for Jimmy on Sunday, December 21st. Jimmy’s plans for the near future include living in a small town in Mexico to work on fluency in conversational Spanish.

Way to go, Jimmy!

Gratitude list

2008-11-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

Since I had a little less preparation work for Thanksgiving this year, I had some extra time to make an intentional gratitude list. Here is part of it:

Transition is nearly over!
We have a house in Pearland.
Almost all boxes are unpacked.
Thanksgiving was spent with friends and family.
Poultry seasoning is wonderful . . . I love to smell it cooking in the dressing.
The kids have taken up the mantle of making pies and homemade foods for the holidays and have adopted some traditions from our family like Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday evening--just for the Townes. I'm so thrilled with ongoing legacies.
I have a 4-day weekend to spend with Jim.
Tonight, Jim played his Les Paul guitar with new Fender amp (bought with birthday money).
We get to go to Colorado for our son's graduation and Christmas in a few weeks!

Photos of the new house . . . more on Facebook!

We're up and running again after Ike

2008-09-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how only one week without lights, computer, refrigeration . . . power . . . can influence one's perspective. Last night when the power was restored to our neighborhood I was so excited to be able to turn on a lamp, a fan, and a computer that I was almost giddy. I'm sure it won't be long before I take it all for granted again but, for now, life seems kind of new.

The weather has been beautiful here. With highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, we haven't suffered with temps or humidity. The trees received their much-needed cleaning from Ike. The pruned branches and dead pine needles are being raked into large piles along streets everywhere, waiting to be picked up by debris removal trucks.

We stayed with our friends the Roblyers the weekend after Ike. Everything was definitely hot and muggy then so their air conditioned house, along with good food and conversation, were all blessings.

We missed our house closing on the 16th but that process is in the works again. The lending agency is unlocking their files and restoring processes. The house needs another inspection as a follow-up to Ike and we have to get in touch with the insurance agent, but the house is still there and sustained relatively minor damage due to wind.

We're among the million homes that have power as of today. As temps rise a bit, our hearts go out to the other million homes without power. We are wondering what we can do to help. Jim discovered one way--he treated the North Carolina utility workers in our neighborhood yesterday with a smile and kindness. Apparently, he was the exception rather than the rule. And we have attempted to counter disparaging comments with subtle reminders of the blessings all around and with acts of kindness. I guess a little can go a long way. We'll keep on listening.

Becky

Preparing for Ike

2008-09-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

For friends and family who are concerned about our safety here along the Texas coast, we are still living in temporary housing in NW Houston. (We are supposed to close on a house in Pearland on Tuesday.) The city has asked everyone to stay in their homes, if the houses are sound structures and not in flood areas. This is so those in mandatory and voluntary evacuation areas can have access out of the area. I think that was a good call.

Jim and I are in a good location, have food and water, and have made room in the garage for one of our cars. This will be my third hurricane to go through (Carla in '61 and Alicia in '83) and Jim's second. I think we're as prepared as we can be. This looks like a mighty powerful and widespread storm. Yesterday, the seminary closed at noon and we worked to move things away from the wall of glass on the front of the complex to safer locations in the building.

One anchor man on the local news this afternoon remarked about the perspective gained when watching the "angry" waves of the Gulf breaking over Galveston's seawall. His comment was that humans are pretty small in comparison to the power of storm and sea and that there is nothing to be done but respect the power and get out of the way. Unfortunately, many people along the coast have not gained that perspective and are attempting to ride out the storm on Galveston island.

A healthy awe for the power of nature and the power of God is beneficial when heeded and devastating when ignored. More to come--after the storm.

Becky

We had a wedding!

2008-09-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 30, 2008, in Boulder, Colorado, Dylan Towne married Mary Margaret Virgina Duffy (Mara) on her deceased grandparents' 64th wedding anniversary.

Those in attendance were mostly family with a smattering of close friends.

The groom beamed with joy. The bride laughed and cried during the ceremony, which was officiated by the groom's dad.

Family included the immediate family--Jim, Becky, Halee, Jimmy, and Carly--as well as most of the Towne and Smith families. Pictured below are the original Smith kids (one is still a big kid), Jimmy (the best man) with the groom, the Towne siblings (Whisenhunts, Wrights, and Townes), and a row of Towne family "girls." More photos to come!

Blessings, Becky

A multi-cultural day and other thoughts

2008-07-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was amazed and enriched today after lunching with a Chinese-American senior pastor and his wife, meeting with a recent Korean-American graduate and his beautiful little daughter, and discussing project development with an African-American student. Tomorrow morning, I meet with a Hispanic student who is new to the doctoral program. I love the multi-cultural context of this graduate school. I'm excited that I get so many opportunities to explore the multi-faceted experiences of believers from around the world within my office, which was just blessed with new bookcases today by the way.

Friends in Colorado Springs did an outstanding job in celebrating our ministry, helping us pack, and sending us off in the love of Christ. We're so glad we can stay in touch with good friends there . . . we do and we will.

Jim and I are settled into our temporary quarters in Houston. We have a nice family room setup, our king bed is in the bedroom, and there's food in the kitchen. We're amazed that we have to buy bottled water but we do it anyway. My home office is up and running. We both check email often, use Skype to make calls, and enjoy the two TVs in the house late in the evenings, unless we want to watch something together. We ride bicycles or walk at least three evenings each week. I like riding better than walking--it's much cooler.

Jim is checking out houses and going on interviews while I'm at the seminary. We spent the 4th with good friends but missed the fireworks display at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. We heard a good sermon in a nearby Presbyterian church on Sunday which enriched our reliance on and rest in God. All in all, things are good. Thanks, friends, for praying.

Perspective

2008-06-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a fairly short book by Jack Bernard entitled How to Become a Saint: A Beginner's Guide. I wasn't especially drawn to the book by the title but a friend of mine suggested that I should read it since I'm a "spiritual formation kind of person." Although it took me a while to get started, I have smiled and underlined a lot while reading the cheapest book I ever bought. I think I paid $1.92 for it. The price doesn't reflect the value.

In a chapter called "Perseverance," the author penned a simple sentence that has kept my mind working for days. "Remember that holiness belongs to the church much more than it belongs to individuals."

Bernard's simple sentence and profound perspective has helped me think that holiness as personal achievement misses the point. Holiness has more to do with being undivided toward God as a community of faith. What an interesting perspective. For the last few days, I've been asking myself questions like, "How am I participating with my community in our corporate desire to be undivided before God?" "How much does the 'pursuit' of holiness in the congregation look like love?" "How can I participate in the life of holiness even when others aren't seeing things my way?"

The little song "Holiness, holiness is what I long for . . ." has been playing in my head as an accompaniment to my thoughts. I guess I'm ready to suggest a change in the words: Holiness, holiness is what we long for . . .

A long, hot summer

2008-06-04T16:47:00.001-07:00

One would think that a native Texan, who grew up in the Houston area, would adjust back to the heat of the South fairly quickly. Not so. In fact, I had to figure out how to shower here. Since the hot water heater is not close to the shower in my temporary quarters, in the mornings and at night I must let the hot water run a while so I won't freeze. In the afternoons, however, since the water pipes are in the attic, I must let the cold water run a while so I don't get burned. That's because the water in those pipes heats up a lot during the day in this hotter-than-normal weather.

The reason I had to figure this out was because the house I grew up in was built on cement blocks so the pipes could run underneath the house and stay cool (relatively speaking, of course). Those pipes could freeze during the coldest winter nights. I remember Dad going outside on those cold nights to turn off the water. Sounds kind of good about now.

I am adjusting and discovering new additions to my list of things for which to be thankful: air conditioning, cool water (eventually), temporary living quarters, and an indoor job.

Finally found my little photo cable to show more pictures from the Pandolph wedding showing me with the Sommers family, John Pandolph, and Elijah and Shawnna Pandolph!

Warm thoughts,
Becky

2008-05-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

I got to walk with the groom in the processional around the pond.

Elijah and Shawnna sealed their vows with a kiss and then became Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Pandolph.

Thanks to Kim Sommers for rescuing me with the sending of a nice photo of the Pandolph wedding in the pit by the pond. It was a fun evening with a great couple!

More to come . . .

It was a Memorial weekend

2008-05-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

I officiated at my second wedding the Friday night beginning the Memorial Day weekend. I stood in a sand pit to do it, lost my place, did the dingy chick thing, and made everyone laugh so that we could get back on track. But, I had written the ceremony--a revised Quaker wedding--and, from all of the comments, everything must have turned out okay.

Saturday afternoon, I got to pick up my husband from the airport. Sweet reunion. I was glad to give someone else the wheel of the car. I had done enough Houston driving by myself the previous 17 days. Sunday we attended church in Friendswood, looked at a house we decided not to buy, and had an inside picnic with friends due to the heat and humidity outside.

I found myself pretty teary again Sunday, the night before Jim left to go back home. Then I woke up Monday morning with an amazing sense of joy that I had made it through half of our time apart already and that he wasn't dying (for goodness sake). That was a good breakthrough for me. I was able to relax Tuesday morning and enjoy some quiet and prayer before leaving for work.

I'm reading Bread for the Journey by Henri Nouwen--daily readings. This week the focus is on the Beatitudes. I remembered that it's more than okay to mourn and to grieve loss but that it's also important to look for the comfort that's promised. I think I was able to look for and receive the promised comfort this morning. I am just sure that these next days, weeks, and months will be times of extreme learning if I pay attention to how God is at work in me and among us as the Towne family and First Friends Church family continues through this long transition.

Blessings abound,
Becky

The long transition from Colorado to Texas begins

2008-05-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

The long move to Texas has begun and things are heating up here. Temps hit the 90s today. Things are heating up at Houston Graduate School of Theology as well. I am just beginning to learn the extent of this new job and there may be new responsibilities on the way. Of course, I miss Jim a lot. We talk every day--sometimes several times a day. He gets to be in Houston for Memorial Weekend and we are counting the days (soon it will be hours).

I had a vivid dream about the girls during a nap on Saturday and couldn't believe they weren't here when I woke up. Leaving Colorado Springs on May 7 was much harder than I had thought it would be and I imagine I'll be confused about where I am and what's going on for a while.

I should have some photos of the new office and co-workers soon but, for now, the photos are from the days prior to the first leg of this long transition:
(1) Good friends--the Townes and the Rudds;
(2) Jim and his Uncle Fred after the regular listening prayer service;
(3) Becky and Halee at the Sunday School brunch;
(4) Halee giving the in-front-of-the-camera look for her momma;
(5) We had dinner with Jim and Linda Towne (Jim's dad) before I left;
(6) Jim loved his peach tree in bloom--so sad there was a late freeze;
(7) Nephew and niece Byrne and Judi--family and friends forever;
(8) Niece Bonnie and great-nephew Ewan (Baby Ewey);
(9) We also visited with Jim's mom, Gladys Byerly, before I headed to Texas;
(10) My Sunday school class finished a study of 2 Chronicles before I handed the reins to Kirk Harrison. We started the study in Genesis and it only took eight or nine years for us to make it through 2 Chronicles. What a great journey!