Is Christmas Over?

We spent a couple of days with our daughter and her family the day after Christmas. They have two children and it is always interesting to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Anna is four and Rebekah is four months old. Needless to say Rebekah didn't have a clue as to what was going on this year but Anna was enjoying all aspects of the season. She had learned Christmas songs and the children at the church they attend had sung some of those songs one Sunday. She helped bake cookies and a birthday cake for Jesus. She got to see Santa Claus and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. Her list seemed to change each time you would ask her what she wanted. She was even able to experience some snow flurries which are rare at Christmas time in the south.

Then there comes the time that we begin to clean up and put away the Christmas decorations for another year. We helped them take down their tree. Anna said "I don't like what you are doing. Is Christmas over?"

That question really spoke to me. It does seem that we act differently during this particular time of the year. We try to be nicer. We spend more money than we should to make other people happy. I think most adults are glad that Christmas is over because we go at it with all the wrong reasons and expectations. But through the eyes of a child it is exciting, it is fun. My answer to Anna's question was that it didn't have to be over. The tree may not be up any longer but the excitement of Jesus's birth would always be in our hearts and we should try to think about that.

Now I know that answer was way over her head but I needed to be reminded of it myself.

So I will ask you: Is Christmas over?

Cheese Straws and Daddy

I love cheese straws and I love my Daddy and I love my Daddy even more when he makes cheese straws.

We all have special things that we like to do or we have special things that we are good at. My daddy has lots of things that he does well but right up there near the very top of the list is his cheese straws. There are two times of the year that he makes these - if there is a beach trip scheduled, we can count on daddy to bring cheese straws for one of our snacks AND it is his call to fame at Christmas. Most people are busy making sweet stuff but Daddy does his cheese straws and they are well worth the wait.

On my last visit with him he had made some - and no we were not about to go to the beach and no it wasn't time to start baking for Christmas. It was a pleasant surprise. He always talks about what an ordeal it is to get everything together and mix them up and cook them. I really have never been with him during the procedure, I just enjoy the fruit of his labor.

As I got ready to leave I asked him for his recipe and borrowed one of his Super Shooter Electric Food Guns to use. Now, to the point of my story. Today I decided I would make cheese straws. No big deal, right? Well, I am here to tell you that I have decided that my Daddy is being way to generous with his cheese straws. They are a precious commodity.  After squishing all the cheese together and adding the other ingredients and then trying to figure out how to use the Super Shooter Electric Food Gun I was worn out before they ever got in the oven.

Now my master taster, that would be Charlie, said they were good. And in the end all the work was worth the result. But I called my Daddy and told him that I totally understood now why it is a big deal to make cheese straws and that I had much more appreciation for them when I eat them now. And I know that he must really love us to make them. Thank you Daddy!

My Cheese Straws :-)

Be It Unto Me

We recently attended a cantata performed by the combined choirs of Adel UMC and Hahira UMC. It was an absolutely beautiful offering of praise to our Father. We get so caught up in the busyness of the season that we forgive to sit back and soak in exactly what transpired so many years ago.

There were two songs that really spoke to me. One of them was "Be It Unto Me". It comes from Luke 1:38. Let me share the verses preceding this statement: I am sharing from the King James version (sometimes you just have to go back to the original translation for it to penetrate).

35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.  36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

"Be it unto me" - it just poured all over me. What an attitude of servanthood, submission, love, respect, honor to the Holy of Holies!

She did question. You know she had to be scared. What would people say? How would they treat her? What would Joseph say?  But ultimately her response was "Be it unto me"  - other translations: "May your word be fulfilled" (NIV); "Let it be with me just as you say" (The Message)

Complete surrender and obedience. What a challenge!

I am reminded of these words today ~  "Be it unto me" - what would you have me do today Father for you?

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

We recently visited my family and were able to help in the "trimming of the tree" at my daddy's house. It is rare that I am able to be there when my brother and sister go over to daddy's to decorate his tree. So again I have received another early Christmas blessing by being there with my family and participating. My brother and husband put the lights on as my sister and I put some yummy supper on the table - good ole KFC, daddy's potato salad and green bean casserole and a special lemon pie my sister made for dessert. Yum, Yum!

After supper the decorating of the tree began - such sweet and funny memories were exchanged as we placed ornaments on the tree. This will be our fifth Christmas without our mother and that in itself seems hard to believe but she was very much present as we deocrated.

You see, Mama loved to make Christmas decorations. In the 70's she made decorations from styrofoam balls and added all sorts of beads and baubles and ribbon to them. She not only made them for her tree but each one of us would get some too. I still have several of those that I decorate our tree with. She then started making porcelain ornaments. Most of the time she did not paint them but left them with a white glaze and occasionally a little splash of gold or silver color. They are beautiful and elegant and we each have many of her pieces of "art". Mama loved Christmas - and she loved decorating for Christmas!

I am so thankful for the memories and so thankful for the gift she gave me - her love of Christmas - her love of giving and sharing.



I know she is smiling and thinking this is the prettiest tree yet. She always thought that about each tree. I agree too Mama.

Merry Christmas to each of you reading and make sure that you take time to make special memories with your loved ones this year!

Deck The Halls

Yesterday we took on the task of putting our outside Christmas trees up. I really wasn't in the mood but it did not take us near as long as it thought it would and the results were worth the effort.

We line our driveway with the spiral lit trees that are actually a skeletal form of a Christmas tree. When they are up and not lit they are very bare and lonely looking, but when the darkness comes and their lights shine ~ VOILA - they are beautiful, the light helps you see the shape of a what they are suppose to be - a Christmas tree.

They remind me of what God does with us. Without Him we are bare and shapeless; we don't look like much. Sometimes people do not even notice us. With God we take shape. With Him we are full of light. His light helps people see the shape of a what we are suppose to be - a Child of God. We are beautiful.  We are His light in the darkness.

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This little light of mine - I'm gonna let it shine. Let it Shine! Let it Shine! Let it Shine!

An Early Christmas Present

Christmas is such a special time of year. It is mostly about celebration - celebrating the birth of Christ! And when all is said and done that is what it is all about. Gift giving was done way back then too. The Wise Men brought some very precious gifts to Jesus. Somehow from that we have made Christmas into one of the biggest occasions of the year for our economy. It dictates or is a factor in determining whether our economy is going well.

Most of us grow wiser or the importance of things change as we add years to our life. I am experiencing that. I can remember as a child that Christmas was all about Santa - now don't get me wrong - he is a pretty neat guy! However, I think I could count on one hand the gifts I received from Santa that I would consider being "the best gift ever".

The Wise Men did not spend a lot of money on their gifts to Jesus. Yes, in many aspects they were valuable gifts but I don't imagine they spent a lot of time shopping or asking for a list of things that Jesus needed. These gifts came from the heart and they traveled a very long way to give them and they did not expect anything in return.

I received one of those kinds of gifts today. My sister and daddy drove from Macon to spend the day with me and Charlie. It was so special. We braved the cold weather that set in this morning to take a ride in the golf cart. We were pulling out gloves and scarves and coats to bundle everybody up so we could see some things we had done on our farm.

Then it was back to the house for lunch - chicken salad, pasta salad, pear halves with cheese and banana pudding for dessert and add to that some coffee and sweet conversation around our table.

So I received an early Christmas present - just like the Wise Men they took time out of their day to spend time with us, it didn't cost them anything, it was more precious than gold, it came from the heart and they did not expect anything in return.

I don't think I will forget this gift for a long time.

My Daddy and Sister - Getting ready for the ride!

Here we go! Brrrrr!

Lunch - Mmm, Mmmmm

Sisters :-)

How Special!

Merry Christmas!

Blog Candy Giveaway

Most of you know that I enjoy making cards and there are so many great blogs to follow to get some great ideas. If you are into scrapbooking or making cards, Wee Memories is a great place to start. They are having a great blog candy giveaway. Take time to check it out. Wee Memories

Enjoy!

What happens when you walk in a room?

Do people notice you? Are you loud? Easy going? Gentle? Quiet? Is their response "There he/she is!" or "Oh no, there he/she is". Do you make a difference by being there? Are they glad? Are they sad? Are they mad?

I am studying Acts and reflecting on Paul. When Paul came to town it was R&R and that doesn't stand for Rest and Relaxation it was more like Revival and Riot. He was excited and on fire for Christ. He shared wherever he could. He was bold yet gentle. He was always prepared. He would begin with common knowledge and then bring the message of Jesus.

Not everybody liked what he had to say. After hearing some left sad, some left mad, and others left glad.

He never missed an opportunity to share Jesus.

So, what happens when you walk in a room?

What are your colors?

It is a beautiful fall Saturday and we can watch college football all day specifically SEC football. We love college football at our house and we are die hard Georgia Bulldog fans. We bleed red and black.

I love my Georgia Bulldogs - win or lose. Obviously it is easier to love them when they win. Game time is just around the corner so I had to get ready. You know what I mean - put on all the red and black attire I can: the tshirt, the earrings, the pin. Had to make sure the UGA flag is flying on the front porch. Got the snack food ready and of course they are in red and black bowls and platters. Go DAWGS!

As I was getting dressed, I had some thoughts go through my mind about wearing my Dawg colors and how that is like putting on my Jesus colors. Do I get as excited each day about serving Jesus and let my Jesus colors be seen: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?  Do I show the same excitement for Jesus each day as I do when I am cheering on the Bulldogs? Do I love my Jesus in the good times and the bad?

Jesus loves me win or lose.  He is cheering me on each and every day - when I play well and when I don't. He loves me good or bad - of course it's easier for Him too when I am good. It is a beautiful day with Him every day. And He is a die hard Pam fan! He bled for me.

I need to put on Christ each and every day. How about you and your Jesus colors?

It's Been A While

No, I have not dropped off the face of the earth. I haven't written in almost three weeks. I have had the most wonderful opportunity to share in the birth of our second granddaughter, Rebekah. I have been back and forth to their home for the past two weeks helping out where I could. Mostly taking care of Anna so that Kelly could devote time to Rebekah.

This week Kelly, Anna and Rebekah have been with us while Greg was on a business trip. I hope that I have thoroughly spoiled Kelly in that she feels some of the babying and pampering that has been given to Anna and Rebekah. Charlie and I have concentrated this week on relieving her of as many responsibilties as we could so that she might rest and adjust gradually to the care of two small children. Our days have been filled playing kick ball, riding Chester - that is Anna's horse tire swing, checking to see if there are any deer roaming the fields, going to soccer games and the park.

As I have helped her I have reflected on what it was like when she and Dana were small. I don't remember it being hard but that's why God gives you children when you are young. That bed feels mighty good to me and Charlie when we go to bed.

We have thoroughly enjoyed having them with us. And when it is time for them to go I know this house will be way to quiet. It has made our days and weeks go by quickly. We will adjust and we look forward to another long visit.

In the meantime, enjoy a few pictures of our adventures. God bless you.

Aren't they just GRAND!

It is difficult to express how you feel when you have given birth. It's all about the anticipation, the excitement and the reality of the responsibility that comes with that. Sometimes I look back and feel I didn't spend enough quality time with my children. I was so busy working, taking care of our home, trying to make time for Charlie and taking care of Kelly and Dana that I feel like I missed out on some special moments with them. I just know they said a lot of cute things but my poor mind was operating on so many different levels that there is much I do not remember.

However in God's perfect plan He gives many of us opportunities to be "grands". We get to do those fun things with our children again only they are grandchildren. This time around I am slowing down and enjoying them. I am paying attention to those cute little things they say and do - not that I will remember them any better but I am paying attention. :-)

We recently celebrated the birth of our second grandchild, Rebekah Lane Wynn. I looked at her and wondered what she was going to be like in four years. I say that because her sister, Anna, will celebrate her fourth birthday in October. I could not imagine what kind of personality Anna would have and how much she would change each year. And so it will be with Rebekah.

So our precious Rebekah - Gran and Grandad are looking foward to getting to know you and spending time with you. What a blessing you are!

Spur of the moment gatherings

Aren't  those things that we do on an impulse some of the best times? No real planning. Simple activities.

That's what happened today. We really did not have any plans made for Labor Day.  It is not a holiday that we put a lot of emphasis on. However, Sunday evening we got a call from Greg about fishing today. Charlie was actually going to be working part of the morning (laboring on labor day - that's appropriate) but he suggested that we get together after Greg, Mona and Phil had fished and cook the fish from a previous outing.

What started with four people getting together for a fish fry turned into about eight of us. It was good having family in and everyone brought something. So we sat down to a table of fried fish, cheese grits, hush puppies, french fries, slaw and fried turkey nuggets. Yes, turkey. We thought we were thawing out quail. Oh well, it was one that Charlie had killed during this turkey season and it was really good.

Aunt Merry brought her fudge that everyone dies for and we had turtle pie and key lime pie.

Then my favorite part of having family or friends over is the conversation that takes place after the meal. That is my dessert. The girls - Aunt Merry, Aunt Mona and Margaret (Charlie's mom) shared stories of things that happened when they were growing up. We laughed and laughed. They were stories that I had never heard about them. I had fun picturing what they looked like as the events happened. Laughter is good for the soul.

I had to take pictures before everyone left. It is kind of like my diary to help me remember events. I think under some of these pictures I will have to write little blurbs of what they said today - like "Mat is coming" or "Margaret climbing up the barn wall" - so I can laugh again.

Yep, spur of the moment gatherings are fun!

Here are "the girls".

When you least expect Him . . .

I don't know why I should be so surprised that God shows up when I least expect Him - like I have to be prepared for Him everytime. I often am looking and searching and inviting but I never quite get there. Last night in a hospital room with my sister He did what he does best - magnifies and manifests His presence when we are absolutely at the end of ourselves.

Often I long for His presence and it just doesn't happen. That is because it is usually on my terms: when, where, how. But last night as she and I were at the end of ourselves and did not know what to do to bring comfort to her, we held hands and prayed - she surrendering herself to His perfect healing. As she finished - in His perfect timing "Surely the Presence" began to play on the Ipod we had been listening to. I could smell His presence. I don't know if that has every happened to you but for the first time in a very long time I was enveloped with the sweet aroma of my precious Rose of Sharon. Tears flowed down my cheeks as His presence surrounded me.

Within 30 minutes it was a turning point in her healing.

His presence, comfort and peace - when I least expected it.

Good Times and Remember Whens

The Remember Whens are so special. I recently had the opportunity to get together with a reunion of friends and their children (young adults now) who shared memories of youth trips with their Youth Director (Jason) at the Adel UMC church.

We laughed and laughed. It was truly good for the soul. Our children are now young adults and as they shared their version of the escapades there was always a great deal of embellishing which only made them funnier and more interesting.

Thanks for the memories kids! Good Times!

Spend time with your friends and family. Then make sure you get together and share those "Remember Whens" - aren't they a lot more fun than you remember them the first time?

Remember When?

Anthony - Someone Who Brings A Smile To Your Face

Do you have someone in your life that just makes you smile? Or you meet someone that brings a smile to your face? I had that happen to me just recently.

We were at the Georgian Terrace in Atlanta and there was a gentleman working there by the name of Anthony. He is the doorman. He has been there 11 years and he LOVES his job because he LOVES people. He was constantly opening doors for the ladies with a great big smile and remarking "Chivalry is not dead yet."

I asked if I could take his picture and he was delighted to let me do that.

Kudos to you Georgian Terrace for having someone as special as Anthony who brightens the day of all who visit. If you do not leave with a smile on your face after having talked to Anthony, then as we say in south Georgia, "If that doesn't make you smile, your wood is wet."

I Love Lucy

Snake on the car, Snake on the Car. Whatcha gonna do with a snake on the car? Dana said it was like an episode from I Love Lucy. Picture Ethel and Lucy trying to get a snake off of a car without touching the snake.

That was us this evening. Dana had walked out the door about to go to Nanny's and she comes back in quickly saying "Mom, there's a snake on your car!" Well, here we go: Ethel (Pam) and Lucy (Dana) trying to figure out how we were going to get rid of the snake. I creeped out the door to take a look and determined it was an oak snake so that we might be assured of NOT dying from a rattlesnake bite.

Ethel told Lucy that she would get the pine cone picker upper out of the storage shed and just pick up that little darling and throw it out into the yard. Lucy cautioned Ethel to be careful because there might be another snake in the storage shed. That was not real assuring to Ethel. But she opened the door carefully and found their defense mechanism - the pine cone picker upper. Lucy asked if Ethel had ever used it before and she responded that she had watched Fred (Charlie) do it. After some discussion they both decided that maybe that wasn't such a good idea.

Lucy being the creative one decided she would get in the car and drive around the yard and hoping the snake would fall off. You had to be there. Once Lucy carefully got in the car she pulled out like Dale Earnhardt at the Daytona 500 and began going around in circles in the back yard trying to throw the snake off. On the second round the snake jumped off for dear life but Lucy did not see that. Ethel was standing under the carport hollering and jumping up and down trying to tell Lucy to stop her racing because the snake was gone. It was a hoot.

Wish you could have enjoyed it as much as we did. I'll be sure and call you when the next episode airs. In the meantime, watch out for the snakes - they are a crawling!

Windex Clean

House cleaning is not one of my favorite tasks but as we all know it has to be done at some point in time. The blessing that goes with cleaning for me is that God uses that time to speak to me. As I was cleaning windows in our home this is what He shared with me.

I sprayed the Windex on and used a rag to wipe the dirt off. At first appearance the window seemed to be clean yet there was a slight dull finish to the window. The finishing touch was to take a soft rag and wipe over it again to make it shine.

Our hearts are the windows to the world. Over time they get dirty and they need cleaning. Confession of our sins will clean us but God is the soft rag that makes us shine - the finishing touch!

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

My Daddy's Birthday

Today is my daddy's birthday. He is celebratinng 88 years! Yes, 88. I am so blessed to have him. I am praising God for his health. He still does pretty much everything he wants to do. We got together at my sister's home on Sunday to celebrate.

My sister's birthday is actually 2 days later and she and daddy have always shared their birthdays together.

What a great day - Food, Fun and Family!

Even the Sunflowers Know

I love this time of year. No, I'm not crazy! I am not fond of the heat, the gnats, the yellow flies or mosquitoes. What I love about this time of year in south Georgia is that we have some of the best tomatoes and watermelons you have ever eaten and the most beautiful sunflowers you have ever seen. I love a good ole tomato sandwich this time of year and letting watermelon juice run down my arm as I eat my watermelon. Mmm, Mmmm good.

Charlie knows how much I love sunflowers so he planted some sunflower seeds for me about a month ago - just regular bird seed you buy from Fred's. I pretty much forgot that he had done that until I looked out into the field next to the house about a week ago and realized that there were blooms on the stalks. And now I am enjoying the fruits of his labor.

From the yard . . .

to our home.

That's the way God is. He uses some of us that are willing to plant (the seed of salvation). He uses others who are willing to water (nurture the seed of salvation). And others who are willing are used to bring it to harvest (lead someone to Jesus). Maybe you have been blessed to be a part of all three - planting, watering, harvesting.

By the way - the sunflowers in my yard are lifting their beautiful heads and facing east - even the sunflowers know who is in charge.