Lace and Southern Grace

Where Has The Time Gone?

2012-01-04T20:41:00.000-05:00

I really don't know what happened. I have not written since October. Maybe my mojo went missing. You know how one day becomes another day and another day becomes a week and then a month and before you know it you have gotten out of the habit of doing something. I truly enjoy sharing here but if I don't make a conscious decision to do something it is like many things in my life it gets pushed aside and usually there is not a good explanation for why.

I really enjoy putting my thoughts into words because at this point in my life if I don't write it down it is gone. Charlie knows all too well what I am talking about. However, he recently shared that I must be Wonder Woman. I couldn't imagine what he meant by that. It seems he had seen this on someone's post on Facebook.

So yes, I am Wonder Woman in that respect. However, I am going to try to do better at journaling so I will not be wondering what I did during 2012.

We had a wonderful Christmas with family in Macon and in Adel. Both of our daughters and their family were here with us for about 5 days. We were sleeping all over the house. Our granddaughters kept us busy too. We played outside, played inside, had a campfire New Years Eve and loved on each other a lot - so much so that the youngest grand left me with her cold. Still wouldn't trade that time for anything.

One afternoon Anna (our 5 year old grand) was resting in the recliner with Charlie. She said "Gran, Grandad told me that if we were going to be like the pink bunny that keeps on going we have to lay down and let our batteries get recharged. But Gran, Grandad's batteries are older than my batteries." You see this is why I need to write - so I can remember these words of wisdom and so she can read them herself later.

Well this has been all over the page but that's what I usually have to do when I have gone so long without focusing on writing. I promise to do better. So check back with me later.

What If?

2011-10-30T15:01:00.000-04:00

I have not written in forever. A couple of reasons but none that would actually be significant. I got busy preparing for a trip that we took mid-September and did not blog while we were traveling. When we returned I got busy preparing for another project that will take place next weekend.

So here I am. I do enjoy writing but just got out of the habit. I imagine many of you can relate to that. There are good habits and bad habits and this one happens to be a good one that I hope to continue.

Okay. I have rambled enough. Today my pastor encouraged us to not live in fear. His scripture reference was from Matthew 28:18-20 focusing on v 18: "Then Jesus came to them and said 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.' " Jesus has been given ALL authority and is in charge. Therefore we should have no fear.

He closed with these remarks: "We all live in fear of some kind. 'What if?' " and then he reminded us "Jesus is Lord over our 'What Ifs'."

Most of us use the "What if" to preceed negative thoughts such as "What if I lose my wife? children? home? job? What if I get sick? . . ." You get the picture.

God convicted my spirit as my pastor spoke to make my What Ifs positive.

What if I turn this all over to Jesus? What if I do something for someone else today? What if I smile today? What if I don't worry today? What if I laugh today? What if I rest today? What if I say positive things?

Got the picture. Jesus has ALL authority. What if we believe that and chill out with HIM?

Hope you find some encouragement from this.

Thanks so much for taking time to read. I've missed writing.

Until . . .

Gator Attack!!!

2011-09-05T11:47:00.001-04:00

I suggested to Charlie last night that we go fishing this a.m. since we had a rain that afternoon. AND it might be cooler.

So we got up and headed towards the back pond. It was a beautiful a.m. - cool, gently breeze blowing. After changing my "bait" to the same type of lure he was using - a popping topwater lure, I started catching a few fish along and along too. That always makes the fishing better.

After about 2 hours of fishing we decided to head back to bank. He had caught 3 and me 2. We have gotten to the point in our fishing now that we just enjoy being out there and catching them but not cleaning them :-)

So as we were headed towards the bank, he is paddling and I am casting, a four feet gator decided that my topwater lure looked like dinner to him. Charlie starts hollering "reel it in, reel it in!" I am reeling as fast as I can and he is hollering "faster, faster".

About that time that darn little gator picked up speed, opened his mouth as if he was about to pounce upon the lure, raised his body somewhat and I yanked on the rod to get it out of the water. I also thought he was about to jump in the boat with me as he continued to chase the lure. Now did I mention he is about 3 feet from the boat. I screamed and jumped up and backwards and fell flat of my back across my seat and the seat behind me.

Did I mention I SCREAMED? Did I mention I yelled shoot him, shoot him, shoot him? (P.S. - there is no gun in the boat)

After all is said and done, the gator turns away from the boat. I don't know if it was my screaming or his disappointment that he missed the lure. I am still flat of my back across two seats. Charlie is laughing - and laughing and laughing. After I realized that I was not hurt and that I was safe, I decided it was rather humorous. Notice that I said that "after I realized that I was not hurt and that I was safe" I started laughing.

I now have a mission. The gator has to go. I have a bounty on his head. Any takers?

It Just Ain't Right!

2011-08-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

Favoritism.

Have you ever seen it? Ever experienced it? Ever shown it?

Where have you seen it? At work? At School? In the Government? In the Church? In your home?

It's just not fair is it. I can say that when I am the one who is not receiving special treatment. I feel hurt. I feel rejected. Thoughts start running through my mind like: Why do "they" think that person is so special? They are not any different from me.

But what if I am the one showing favoritism? What are my reasons for doing that? Is it all of a sudden okay since I am the one doing it?

Scripture says: "My dear brothers and sisters,how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?" James 2:1 (NLT)

I have to ask myself: "What is my standard for how I respond to people?" Do I base it on how they are dressed? Whether or not they are clean? The way they talk? Does my first impression take priority over what it is going on deep down inside that person?

"There but for the grace of God goes I." He extends grace. He extends mercy.

James 2:12-13: "So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you." (NLT)

Favoritism - It Just Ain't Right!

Live In The Moment

2011-07-15T09:46:00.000-04:00

"Slow down, you movin' too fast You gotta make the MORNING last."

What did you do yesterday? Can you even remember? I am reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It has caused me to stop and rethink things - things that I take for granted.

What is a typical day for you? If you still have children at home, then you are operating under the word "hurry" - hurry and get up, hurry and eat your breakfast, hurry and get your clothes on, hurry so you won't be late for school . . . hurry, hurry, hurry! Depending on the season of the year you are hurrying to TBall practice/games, dancing lessons/recitals . . . you get the picture. I remember those days or do I? I think most of those days were blurs and that is sad.

At the end of the day I was too weary to enjoy the evening because I was already getting ready for the next day. Have you ever said "There are not enough hours in the day!" Oh my, oh my, oh my.

I am just getting started in the book so you may be hearing lots more from me as this is really speaking to me. One of her statements that spoke volumes last night was "I speak it to God: I don't really want more time; I just want enough time. Time to breathe deep and time to see real and time to laugh long, time to give You glory and rest deep and sing joy and just enough time in a day not to feel hounded, pressed, driven, or wild to get it all done -- yesterday. . . . I just want time to do my one life well."

Wow! One of the things she began doing to focus on what I call living in the moment is she made a list over time over 1000 things she is thankful for. For her they were simple things. I have started doing that and I can tell you it is making all the difference in the world as to how I look at my day. I am LOOKING for things I am thankful for. The key word being LOOKING. Another one of her profound statements for me was "Only because I was looking."

When you are not looking or expecting, you will miss it! Don't miss life! Live in the Moment!

Can't wait to share more with you as I have started this journery of One Thousand Gifts.

There ARE scarier things than getting older!

2011-07-06T15:37:00.000-04:00

I recently celebrated my birthday and this is the card my husband gave me:

And the sentiment inside: "There are scarier things than getting older." I loved it! Sweet, mushy cards are really nice but ever so often I need one that just makes me laugh and laugh and laugh. This did the trick. He's right - this IS SCARIER than getting older.

I had a fabulous day! I mean how could you not have a good day after such a wonderful start. I received phone calls, cards, FB wishes and emails all day long. I felt very special.

We drove to Montezuma, Georgia for lunch and ate at Yoder's Restaurant. Yoder's Deitsch Haus Restaurant and Bakery is a cafeteria that serves lunch and dinner. It sits along side a peaceful country road in Mennonite farmland.

Yep, this was my plate and I did NOT eat the whole thing! We met my Daddy, sister, and brother-in-law there. My daddy and sister have birthdays later in July. Don't know if I could handle going back that soon!

We rode a little further to William L. Brown Farms. Lots of fresh produce AND some yummy peach ice cream. They had a huge field planted in zinnias and sunflowers - I LOVE sunflowers!

When we left them, we did something that Charlie and I have always loved to do and that is ramble. So we didn't take I75 back home. I guess you could say we took the back roads. Proved to provide some interesting sites.

Train depot in Lilly, Georgia

Somewhere off Hwy 90 - a Red Dirt Road. Always reminds me of the Brooks and Dunn song: Red Dirt Road

A Perfect Day!

It was so good that I celebrated again the next day with Charlie's family. I am a blessed woman :-)

Celebration of Love

2011-06-21T09:48:00.001-04:00

On June 17 Charlie and I celebrated 39 years of marriage. We decided to drive to Tallahassee and have lunch at Olive Garden. It was a special day and we periodically reflected on what was happening 39 years ago - what we were doing at different times of the day and special memories of crazy things that happened: like me forgetting to bring my "hang up" clothes on our honeymoon - that was interesting :-) We love to tell stories of how we met, our first date, how he proposed and of course it would not be fun telling them unless we did a lot of exaggerating!

Thirty-nine years seems like a long time but for some reason it doesn't feel like a long time at all. Charlie is my adventurer and he has taken me places and encouraged me to do things I don't think I would have ever done. We have been to Mexico on mission trips, traveled to London to be with our girls when they were doing some studying over there, traveled to Northern Ireland to visit friends he met on the internet (another story for another day), our trip last summer to Alaska, a 10 day ride on the back of his Harley - you get the picture.

It has been fun and challenging! There have been good times and bad. The good have definitely outweighed the bad. We have experienced "in sickness and health". I do not know what I would have done without him during some of the "in sickness".

I was a city girl and he brought me to the country. He has taught me how to fish and how to shoot a gun (still can't hit the broad side of a barn but I do pretty good with the fishing). I have bailed hay, picked peas, and shucked corn.

We have both grown in the Lord and he has become my source of spiritual wisdom.

He is my best friend. And I am definitely better for having met him, married him and loved him!

Things My Mama Taught Me

2011-06-11T08:23:00.000-04:00

I am reading the book of Proverbs with a group of ladies during the month of June. Solomon wrote some very wise things for his son Rehoboam who became king after him. There is verse after verse about how he expected his son to live. Most of it deals with wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

It got me to thinking about the "wise" things my parents taught me. Even though I titled this "Things My Mama Taught Me", both my parents imparted tons of wisdom to me. I have been reflecting on what their "book of Proverbs" would have said.

Life according to Bill and Elvie:

Family is important.
I am special - I have a purpose.
Respect: It is not a given, you earn it.
Be honest
Work hard
Education is important. It is something that no one can take away from you.

I know there were more but these are the ones that stand out. This wasn't preached to us. It was a way of life.

Of course, Mama said all those things that we hear others say their mama said like:

As long as you live under my roof, you'll do as I say.
Close the door! You weren't born in a barn!
Don't EVER let me catch you doing that again!
Don't sit too close to the television, it'll ruin your eyes.
Don't talk with your mouth full!

I think you get the picture. Bet you have some special things your mom said to you too.

I miss her. She's in heaven watching me though :-) so I still watch my "p's and q's". (Don't know how somebody came up with that expression.)

I still have my dad and he is a blessing and an encourager to me.
Would love to hear some of the "rules of your house" as you were growing up.

Just a Swingin

2011-05-23T20:56:00.001-04:00

Any of you remember the childrens' book series Just Me and My Dad (with other Just Me and . . . )? Well I got to do that this weekend. He and I got to do "just" what we wanted to do: sitting around the kitchen table and talking - that is his favorite place to sit and talk - or sitting on the screened in back porch swinging.

We have had some mighty special talks around the kitchen table - some serious and a lot of not so serious. One of my special memories of a serious discussion had to do with me going on my first "car date". Daddy sat there and talked to me and pretty much told me what he expected of me and what to do if things did not go well. (We always had a dime in our shoe in case we needed to call home. Yep, those were the days of pay phones and a dime would do it!) The whole time he was sharing his wisdom he had a pocket knife and he was scratching the top of our wood kitchen table. Yep, he scratched the finish right off the corner of it. I know now that was a pretty hard discussion for him :-) I now have that kitchen table in my garage. Memories, memories, memories.

We had some more talks this weekend just a swingin on the back porch.

"Precious and few are the moments we two can share."

My New Craft Area

2011-05-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about my new/revised craft area. I found a great deal on a drafting table at Michael's and I used some of my "Mommy Day" money to purchase a few things to decorate it with in addition to some stamping supplies.

So excited about this drafting table. My sweet hubby put this together for me! It came with the cloth drawers. He had to attach the frame to the drafting table.

Some of my stamps - the rest are in the drawers under the counter top you will see later.

Found this cute little Media tower at Fred's. Bought me those colored canvas baskets at Family Dollar. I got some of the cutest things at places that I least expected to find them!

Part of my Mommy Day money for the note/picture board!

I already had these stacked drawers. I just organized my stuff a little better and then tried to put some items that I had on the top of each one to "accessorize".

Close up of the "decoration" on the top of this stack. That is my old Brownie camera - yep an antique - along with that old 45 rpm and that coffee pot is one that my mama use to make coffee with every morning. We've come a long way baby!

Yep, My Georgia Stuff :-)

Now I just need to find time to make some cards!

2011-05-06T13:57:00.000-04:00

On Sunday we will be celebrating a very special day for a lot of women. It is a day that we honor our mothers. It is a precious day.

My mother taught me so many things: how to cook, clean, sew, iron. I bet most of you reading this never thought that you would need to be taught how to iron. Mama had her way of doing it. I never really thought there was a certain way to iron. As she showed me and explained why she did it the way she did it made sense. I don't think we do a lot of ironing these days but I know that when I do I can recall exactly how my Mama told me to iron shirts. (I remember ironing my daddy's T-shirts and handerkerchiefs. We even ironed pillow cases!)

There were so many other things that I learned that did not deal with physical needs - things that were character building: respect for others, starting a job and finishing it, no matter what the job is - do it to the best of your ability.

She lived her life in such a way that I knew what a hard working, loving, caring person looked like. She had high standards and she expected her children to live by them and we did. She showed respect to us and expected the same in return.

Needless to say when I became a mother I appreciated even more what she taught me.

I miss her. This was her in August 2005 at her 78th Surprise Birthday Party. She went to be with Jesus on March 14, 2006.

Give your Mom a great big hug - not just this Sunday but every chance you get. Do not take her for granted. Cherish the time you have with her!

Getting to the root of the problem

2011-04-30T20:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I was pruning again. If you read my last blog you will remember I talked about the benefits of pruning - mostly that it allowed a plant to grow back renewed and invigorated!

During my digging process the next day I had a blonde moment. As I was digging I realized that the briars and poison ivy I was dealing with have roots also. So, if I prune them they will come back strong too. What to do? Obviously I needed to get the the root of the problem. As I was doing this I realized that I may lose some good stuff in the process because the roots of the good and evil were interwined.

Some of the plant that I was working with was so large and interwined with the root so tightly I could not go directly to the root and cut. I had to start at the top of the plant and work down.

That's the way it is with us. Sometimes we know where the root is and other times we are not sure. We have to start at the top and go down. It means letting go of a few good things to get there. Once you are there and cast out the evil the good will have room to grow again and multiply.

I was reminded of Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

While I was working so hard to get to the root of the problem God sent me a cool breeze along and along to encourage me and a tall glass of ice water - ain't He good!

So that's where they were!

2011-04-26T08:41:00.001-04:00

I have been in the yard early in the morning the last couple of days to prune some Azaleas. Yard work is not one of my favorite things to do but what I really love about it is the fact that God always shows up and teaches me something while I am working. It is probably because it is one of the few times I am not running my mouth so He can do all the talking.

A couple of interesting things have happened the last two days. Probably the most unusual was that as I was pruning this a.m. this is what I found.

SO THAT'S WHERE THEY WERE! Yep, now I have been known to misplace my glasses but this is the weirdest place yet! They had to have been there at least 2 years because that is the last time I pruned this azalea. I have at least 6 pairs of reading glasses for this very reason. Now you know why you need to pray for me every day and poor Charlie because he has to live with me. (I have one more azalea to prune - reckon what I will find in it.)

The other interesting thing is that God spoke to me about the process of pruning. Most of us know that if you do not prune you will eventually not have any new growth. And with no new growth the plant dies. As bad as it hurts to cut those pretty long branches off my azaleas I know that next year and the next year they will bear more fruit.

John 15:1-4 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

I also noticed as I pruned that at the root of the plant there were many dead limbs. Because I had not pruned close enough to the root they eventually quit producing new branches and rotted. I could just pull them out of the ground.

There are things in my life that need to pruned - anything that keeps me from growing in the Lord. I may be bearing fruit for Him but I need to be constantly aware that His word tells me that even though I bear fruit He still prunes so that I bear MORE fruit. But HE needs to do the pruning - not me. He will show me.

If I don't allow His pruning then I will be just like those big limbs in my azalea that quit growing! I'll be just a big ole hunk of wood - no use to anybody.

What's in your life that you think God is working on to prune you to bear fruit for Him?

Grands!

2011-04-25T20:04:00.000-04:00

And I am not talking Pillsbury Grands Cinammon Rolls even though I do LOVE those. I am talking about our precious grandchildren - specifically grandgirls!

What a wonderful, fun-filled, busy, hectic week we had! Anna is 4 and Rebekah is 7 months. The week was filled with all kinds of actitivites with Anna. Rebekah pretty much got to watch big sister in action. Anna started her week by putting on her princess crown (she loves anything that has to do with princesses) and going outside to build a Mud Castle. She use to just love to dig around in the dirt but now we have to add water and make mud. I use to love to do that when I was little too. We have a picture of me and my sister covered with mud from our heads to our toes.

She and Grandad and her Mom went to the movies one afternoon. Then there were always trips to the backfield with Grandad on the golf cart to check on the turkeys in the late afternoon.

We did have a girls day out when we (including Rebekah) went to Diggity Dog and got us a foot long corn dog and then played in the park!

The week culminated with Grandad, Anna and Kelly taking a boat ride in Reed Bingham State Park.

Yep, we were busy from the moment they got out of the car until they left. It was way too quiet as they pulled out of the drive several days later.

Love my grands! Enjoy a few pictures I took. Think I will stroll down memory lane with you too.

Everybody has a Crazy Mary

2011-04-12T12:10:00.000-04:00

I have been reading Max Lucado's A Love Worth Giving which is based on 1 Corinthinians 13. Most of us think of it as the love chapter because we are given some very specific adjectives for the word love. Reread it if you have time. Each of the descriptions of love are woven together to give us a picture of love and if you look closely the picture is that of God. Since each one of us is different I know that your picture of God is not exactly the same as mine but I imagine there are lots of similarities.

You know how God is - He puts things in front of you that remind you of things that have happened in your life to remind you how you should react NOW if that were to happen again. In other words, did I learn anything from what happened last time. I will confess upfront that I am a slow learner when it comes to the things that God would have me do.

Everybody has a "Meeting Henry" story whether we want to admit it or not. I read a devotion by Holly Good at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Here is the link http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/04/meeting-henry.html. It is well worth your time to read and will probably help you understand where my thoughts are going.

My "Meeting Henry" story is about a lady I met in Mexico about 15 years ago that the locals called Crazy Mary. She would always come to church when she knew Americans were going to be there. She came and sat down next to me in the service. I didn't know anything about Mary at the time. As the service progressed she put her arm around my shoulder. My husband was sitting on the other side of me and I looked at him as to ask what should I do, he just smiled. Later she reached over and took my hand in hers and would rub it ever so gently. Finally she laid her head on my shoulder. At the time I was very, very uncomfortable. She stayed like that until the service was over. I have to be honest. I was ready to leave and leave quickly when the service ended so I did not tarry. The locals seemed to think that she thought she might get something from me - money, food.

But my sweet husband shared with me that God had come to me as Crazy Mary and just wanted to love on me a while. I have tried to be more sensitive to those who do not receive love and have a unique way of begging for attention. I confess that I still do not love the way God does - unconditionally. I am trying but I have to be reminded through stories like Meeting Henry and my Crazy Mary. I know there are people in your life that are annoying - maybe you have a Crazy Mary or a Henry. They are in your life for a reason: to be loved by God through you.

Who is your Crazy Mary today?

Scraps

2011-03-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

How many of you save "stuff" because you never know when you might be able to use it or part of it again? I imagine a lot of you reading this will have to say Yes!

I was making a card this afternoon and needed a very narrow piece of ribbon to finish my project. I rambled through some ribbon I have purchased and remembered that I have a box of ribbons and asundry items that my Mama used when she was working on some of her craft projects.

My mama loved to sew. When she first started sewing, it was pretty much from necessity. It was cheaper for her to make our clothes than to buy them and because she did like to sew she didn't consider the cost of her labor. Many evenings my sister and I would wash and dry the dishes after supper so Mama could get to her sewing machine and finish something she had cut out during the weekend.

I was one blessed girl. She sewed for me and my sister right on up until we married and then some. She made both of our wedding dresses. Now, you gotta love to sew to do that. I did some sewing when my girls were in elementary school but I didn't have the passion for it that my Mama did.

One thing she did was to save her scraps - scrap material, thread, buttons - you name it and she kept it because she never knew when she would need it for another project.

My Mama's love for creating things continued but turned more to making porcelain dolls and yes she dressed them too! You see some of those scraps came in handy.

When my Mama passed away five years ago, I brought home some of her scraps along and along. So I have my little stash of stuff that I am using as I create some of my cards. As I rambled through this little tin can of scrap ribbons, it brought back such special memories of her.

We might think hanging on to scraps may be a lot of clutter and sometimes it is. But sometimes it's just pure joy to find what you need among scraps. I found sweet memory scraps of my Mama hidden away in the most unusual place - a tin can on my card table. Thank you Mama - it was the perfect color and size.

Busy As A Bee

2011-03-26T08:12:00.001-04:00

Have any of you ever really watched bees? It is not my number one choice of entertainment. Specifically, have you ever watched carpenter bees? They get their names because they use wood bits to form partitions between the cells in the nest. A few species bore holes in wood dwellings.

We have a swarm of carpenter bees at our house. The male bee is harmless because he does not have a stinger. And did I mention they are huge which makes them even more intimidating stinger or not! However, that does not make me anymore comfortable when I hear them. And that is the point. They make the loudest noise when they are buzzing around. They are forever busy - buzzing and flying around. I know they are around but I don't always see a lot of results from their activity.

I have to ask myself am I like that - buzzing and flying around and no fruit from the labor. Would my friends be more likley to describe me as a Martha or a Mary? Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with being busy as long as I am productive. But to be honest, sometimes I am just busy being busy - you know what I mean? Lots of actions and no results. There is an old expression: "Don't just stand there, do something." Well, if the truth is known sometimes we just need to just stand there and do nothing!

I have been studying some of the Psalms in a book written by Lisa Harper, A Perfect Mess. Yesterday's Psalm is probably one of the most memorized - Psalm 23. Truly one of my favorites because it sums up completely how I am to live.

In the busyness of my world, if I do not rest in the Lord then I will be of no good to Him or anyone else. The scripture says: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:2) You know sometimes He just has to do that - "make" me lie down. The making part is the part I don't like because that usually means I have come to the end of myself and I am feeling pretty hopeless. But when I am lying down then I am looking up - to Him. When my body is weary, I am not good for anything or anybody. That's why I need to rest and by the way so does my spirit.

I encourage you after you read this to read Psalm 23. Go find your own green pasture and spend some time with Him - listening to Him speak to you through the stillness around you so that He can restore your soul. Hang out with Him for a while and your cup will run over!

Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-03-22T08:57:00.004-04:00

Tumbled glass, Broken china, Chip sapphire, Peeled paint. What do those words remind you of ? A house renovation gone wrong?

They are actually ink colors that I use when I make cards. I had a sticky note on my desk with these colors listed as possible combinations. I'm thinking I am going to have to change the names of the colors so I will not feel so depressed when I am using them. The names remind me too much of how I could feel if I concentrated on the implications of their names.

Attitude. It is a choice. I can choose to live in the gloom and doom that 24 hour entertainment news provides us every day or I can choose to live in an attitude of gratitude. What are the top five things (not people) you're thankful for right now?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 Being thankful instead of anxious isn't as easy as it sounds. It is a choice. When things happen in my life that are not smiley, feel good events, my tendency can be to focus on the negative. I really don't know why I am like that but I am. How about you?

I am reminded of an old hymn "Count Your Blessings" that I have much to be grateful for. I just need to turn off the "gloom/doom" news and focus on my blessings: I have a loving family, a home where I can lay my weary head at night, a car that can transport me where I want to go, food on the table, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet and money to pay my bills. Thank you Lord for your blessings on me! "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude can change my attitude. (I love verse 19-20 in Psalm 34)

Psalm 34

1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

2 I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

16 but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

You're In Good Hands

2011-03-19T15:23:00.000-04:00

I'm not usually scared of being by myself but sometimes there are things that go "bump" in the night that will make me second guess my safety. I start thinking about where the closest thing is that I could use as protection. I don't particularly like walking around in the dark when I am in new surroundings either. The fear of the unknown can be quite intimidating.

Fear can keep us from enjoying life. Oh to see life through the eyes of a child! Most of them see no fear. They frolic and play. They get so excited anticipating visiting new places. They do silly things. They have tea parties and imaginary friends. When our four year old granddaughter Anna was two, she use to talk about a friend of hers a lot. Her name is Sally Boola. Don't you just love that name! She was always expecting Sally Boola to come to her house or she always had plans to visit Sally's house. As Anna is growing up, she doesn't talk about Sally Boola anymore. That makes me sad because we had such fun talks about Sally. I think I miss Sally more than Anna does. I love the imagination of a child! I love their freedom.

I need to be free. I do not need to be afraid. Sometimes I lose sight of God's glory and forget what I have to look forward to. I do not need to be so consumed with trivial inconveniences of everyday life that I forget that one glorious day all our trouble and pain will vanish. I need to live each day knowing that I am in good hands and that each and every day He gives me should be an anticipation of joy!

I'm thinking I may just have to call Sally Boola and ask her to come to my house for a tea party. Would you like to come too?

Righteous Anger

2011-03-18T20:53:00.000-04:00

When was the last time you got really mad because of someone else's meanspirited behavior? It's one thing to get mad because of something someone has done to you but when someone else gets hurt because of another person's meanness then it makes me even madder. The kind of instances that come to mind quickly for me are bullying. I despise seeing someone being picked on.

Psalm 83 is a call to God to take action against those who are banding together against (picking on, bullying) Israel. He even suggests how God could bring the bad guys down.

However as people of God there are too many scriptures that remind of us of how we are to behave when we are hotheaded. (Romans 12:19, Colossians 3:8, James 1:19-20)

We should be angered at something unjust or wrong. We should do something about it. We should take action against these wrongs and in so doing being a part of the restoration of people. God permits us to express anger, but we aren't to sin in the process. "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26

Lisa Harper, A Perfect Mess, writes: "God's love frees us to express righteous indignation and anger, then channel that emotion into redemptive action."

I know there have been times when you were red-in-the-face furious and lost your temper and you wanted to get back at somebody. It is hard to walk away from a situation like that and not say something. Let God take care of it. "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord." Romans 12:19

It is really hard to walk away from a situation where you or someone you love is being unjustly accused or berated about something. We always want to get in the last word. According to scripture: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20 In other words, kill them with kindness. That is mighty hard to do too.

In the end those who have hurt you usually realize it but it takes a change of their heart and God is the only one that can do that. Do not let the anger and bitterness overcome you. There are too many examples in the bible where God's team wins!

Psalm 83

1 O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God.

2 See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads.

3 With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.

4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”

5 With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you—

6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,

7 Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre.

8 Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants.

9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,

10 who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground.

11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,

12 who said, “Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God.”

13 Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind.

14 As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,

15 so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm.

16 Cover their faces with shame, LORD, so that they will seek your name.
17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace.

18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD— that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Hanging on to Hope

2011-03-17T09:54:00.003-04:00

Ever had a bad day? There is a children's book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst that I used as motivation for my students. I taught high school for 29 years. And if there is ever a group of people who need motivation and hope it is high school students. The story starts out with Alexander having a bad morning with gum in his hair, then a bad school day, followed by a bad shopping experience (now ladies we can really relate to a bad shopping day) - you name it and it was bad. He kept saying he wanted to move to Australia after each experience. You know the feeling. Get me out of this mess. Just take me anywhere but HERE!

Life is filled with disappointments and hurts. When these occur we tend to reflect on the "good ole days" and wish we could go back to those days. But if the truth were told there were hurts in the good ole days. It's just that compared to what's going on now those hurts didn't seem so bad.

Because of your terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days you have a faith story. You are here now because you are hanging on to hope even when life is hard. Psalm 42 is a song of lament. It expresses sorrow and remembrance. The writer is having a pity party. Ever had one of those? Well, the best thing you can do is admit you are having one and pour out all that messy stuff instead of keeping it all in. Tell God where and why it hurts. Do what you have to do to get it out - cry, scream, shout but get it out - don't keep it in - and He will draw close to you. Then hang on to the HOPE we have in Him.

What a faith story you will have to tell! I would love to hear yours.

Let's hang on to our HOPE rope!
Psalm 42
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
8 By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”
10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

I'm Sorry

2011-03-16T09:42:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure how many of you reading this will remember a very popular 1970 movie, Love Story. The line that most people will remember from that movie is "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

Now love can go a long way but there are times that our trash talk gets us to a place that the only thing that will fix a relationship is to confront that issue and admit what you did and tell that person you are sorry. Henry Winkler who played Arthur Fonzarelli - The Fonz - on the sitcom Happy Days had difficulty admitting when he was wrong. The Fonz use to drag out the word wrong: "I'm wrrrooooong" because he was just too cool to ever be wrong about anything.

Some of us are that way too. Either we do not recognize when we are wrong or we are too proud to admit that we are wrong. When we do not admit that we are wrong then we are slowing up the healing process of forgiveness not only from the person we wronged but ultimately the flow of grace from God.

David wrote Psalm 51 acknowledging that he had been wrong in many things and that ultimately it was God that he had sinned against. By admitting our mistakes we are brought back into His glorious fellowship. Our sad songs are replaced with praises to Him.

Contrary to the line "Love means never having to say you're sorry", love means you do say I'm sorry so that forgiveness can begin with God and the individual you have wronged.

Why do we hold back from confessing to God and others when we know we have done or said something that was wrong? I think it is because we think that the person we wronged will not forgive us. And you know, that may be absolutely true. But when you come before the Lord and the person you wronged with a sincere heart, I know what He will do. He will forgive. Your restoration will begin from the brokenness. I can't tell you what the person you wronged will do.

Lisa Harper, A Perfect Mess, writes "God's love frees us from the muck and mire of guilt so we can walk in the sweet fragrance of the forgiven."

I want to be able to dance before the Lord in the glory of His grace and forgiveness. How about you?

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.

14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

God Don't Make Junk

2011-03-15T08:51:00.000-04:00

Is there anyone that knows you completely - the good, the bad, the ugly? I think that even if you said yes to that question that there is still some little something in your life that you have not shared with that person. That's just the way we are.

I believe we are trying too hard to measure up to others expectations and we would die if they knew there was something about us that would disappoint them. We are trying so hard to seek approval - to be a part of a group - to be accepted - to be understood.

Take just a moment to read Psalm 139 below. If you have never read it, I know you will be blessed after having done so. And if you have read it, you will be blessed abundantly again to know that "God don't make junk".

He knows all about us. That's a little scary - he knows what I am going to say before I say it. He will not only know the good I will say or think but He will know the bad too! We are never alone. He knows right where we are all the time!

He knows the good, the bad and the ugly about us. I like this from Lisa Harper, A Perfect Mess: "The awesome right-now application of this passage is that you and I can rest in God's great affection -- even on those days when we're tempted to cut people off in traffic, when our fat jeans are too tight, and when it looks like we're in last place on this world's scoreboard -- because He views us through rose-colored glasses, tinted by the blood of Jesus. Now, that is an Amen and Amen!

No matter whose approval you are dancing the hardest for on this earth or whose opinion matters the most - you and I should rest in the knowledge that God is clapping His hands the loudest, shouting the loudest to cheer us on! We don't have to perform for Him. He knows everything about us. God don't make junk!

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—

when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Grab a Piece of the Rock

2011-03-13T10:11:00.001-04:00

What's that old tag line - "Get a piece of the rock"? Prudential, right. Tag lines are good because they make us remember products like:

I can't believe I ate the whole thing - Alka Seltzer

Think outside the box - Apple

Don't leave home without it - American Express

Psalm 62:2 "Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

I love to collect rocks. On all of the trips that Charlie and I take I am always looking for rocks. They don't break and crumble. They have unique formations - no two rocks are alike. I have a rather large rock from New Mexico that has markings on it that remind me of a shark. Some of them become smooth from the wear and tear of the weather and others still have their rough edges. But they stand firm in the storms of life.

So what do you do and where do you go when there are attacks on you or your family?

Psalm 62:6 "Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."

I go to the rock of my salvation. There is an old Dottie Rambo song that says "I go to The Rock for my salvation. I go to the stone that the builders rejected. I run to the mountain and The Mountain stands by me. When the earth all around me is sinking sand, On Christ the solid rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to The Rock." That's powerful!

Notice verse 2 and 6 read "I will never be shaken and I will not be shaken." Lisa Harper writes " . . .if we put our confidence in God, then we'll be able to stand firm in the storms of life. If we rest in God's worthiness, then we'll be like those Weeble toys: we might wobble, but we won't fall down." I love that!

When have you felt completely safe and sound in God's care?

Let's grab a piece of the rock!
We might wobble but we won't fall down.

Be blessed today!

Psalm 62

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies.

With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.

10 Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God,

12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

Potholes

2011-03-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

There is one particular road that we use that has numerous potholes. Now I know you know what a pothole is - that spot that just doesn't seem to bear up under the weight of the traffic and creates a hole in the road. Sometimes you know where they are and you know how to maneuver around them and other times - BAM - you hit them and it causes you maybe to jerk that wheel slightly - hopefully not causing you to lose control.

I have started reading A Perfect Mess by Lisa Harper which is a journey into a few of the Psalms.

Psalm 1 is all about walking right - watching out for those potholes - watching out for people in our lives that will cause us to jerk the wheel and lose control. Do you know any of them?

I know that as I was growing up my parents always cautioned me about "the company you keep". We can be easily influenced by those around us if we are not grounded. I taught high school students for 29 years and I always tried to instill in them good work ethics. An illustration I used was to have one of them stand in a chair and another student standing on the floor. I would tell the student in the chair to pull the other student up while the student on the floor tried to pull the student in the chair off. You know who won.

It is harder to pull someone up than it is to pull someone down. Be careful of the company you keep - beware of potholes. There are people in our lives that we listen to when we need advice. We don't always like what they have to say but we know they have sound advice.

How have you been driving lately?

Watch out for those potholes.

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Our Morning Walk

2011-03-10T08:57:00.001-05:00

Charlie and I are trying to be good stewards of our bodies by walking and exercising more. One of the things I do enjoy is to actually get out and walk when the weather is cooperative. We had really gotten out of our routine the last couple of months for first one reason or another.

However, this past Monday we got out and walked about 2.5 miles. We have also changed our route. We usually walk on the road but no matter what time of the morning even out here in the "country" people are whizzing by going somewhere. I don't really like to deal with the traffic so we decided to walk around the farm. What a refreshing view!

Here are a few pictures. So sorry you will not get to hear the birds chirping and feel the coolness of the morning breeze - they really added to the moment.

We started out walking down our drive. Here is our Crab Apple tree in bloom. God does such beautiful work.

He didn't too bad either when He created this man just for me :-)

We haven't had our Bradford Pear tree too long but it is finally starting to have blooms. They have been gorgeous down here this year. When they bloom in the spring they look like new fallen snow.

Headed down the lane to the backfield. See in the country we have "lanes" and they are not asphalt :-)

Our destination and turning around point - the back field~

Always have to go by the pond.

Anna calls this the Deer Castle. This is a place that Charlie fixed for the kids to hunt with their Grandads :-) Don't know if you can tell too much about it.

All I can say is "Oh what a beautiful morning!" I am so blessed and have so much more than I deserve but I am ever so thankful that He saw fit to do what He does for me.

So, now it's your turn! Put on your walking shoes, get out and see what God is doing.

Timing is of Essence

2011-03-06T10:05:00.000-05:00

Charlie and I recently took off for a few days and went to West Point Lake in LaGrange, Georgia with my sister Tena and her husband James. They have fished at West Point for years and know their way around the lake pretty well. We discovered that West Point Lake is huge and it is certainly to your advantage to have someone with you who knows their way around.

I can't say that it was the best fishing weather. But I can say that being on the lake is better than most any day you might spend in the office or in traffic! AND what special memories we have of being together.

When all is said and done it usually not about how many fish you catch but about the stories you get to tell. Now most people will be telling stories about the big one that got away but I can say that my story is much more interesting than that.

Like - missing docks and stop signs. Now I have got to say I admire my sister's ability to maneuver a boat around the lake. She can back that thing off the trailer and put it on the trailer, pull it up to the dock and James gets in and/or out depending on whether they are coming or going. AND she is maneuvering it with a stick shift. Amazing! I know I can't do that. However, there are moments when all things do not go as planned. It's what makes life fun, makes us laugh and gives us great stories to tell that we can really embellish.

Okay, I will get to the point. Unfortunately I did not get to witness this but this is the story as told by Tena and James. She is pulling the boat up to the dock for James to step out of the boat and go get the truck to back the trailer in. Timing is of essence. As James is about to step out of the boat onto the dock she puts the boat in reverse to start backing away which is standard operating procedure for them but unfortunately James foot is not on the dock yet. Yep, you got it! Ploop - down in the water he goes. I am trying to picture this - the look on his face, the look on her face! No one was hurt. He is wet from the waist down - and after all is said and done and all are safely on land - what a story to tell! We got a lot of laughs as the story was retold and exaggerated each time.

As I said, even a bad day on the lake is a better than any day at work!

James and Tena

More to come :-)

Crazy, Family Fun

2011-02-26T21:15:00.002-05:00

We have had some crazy, family fun the past seven days. Kelly and the girls were here with us and they turned our world upside down in a good way. My sister was here too. It is always so much fun to have them here. They take our minds off of stuff. Proverbs 17:22 tells us "A cheerful heart is good medicine . . ." Trust me, it is!

We got a bicycle with training wheels for Anna to practice riding on in addition to swinging her on "Chester" - that's her horse tire swing.

The rest of the week consisted of riding a go cart with Uncle Phil and the four wheeler with Grandad - she would say "Go faster Grandad" and the faster he went the louder she squealed!

Here Anna is with Uncle Phil on the go cart.

I bought Anna a Princess tent to put over her bed for her to sleep in during nap time. That sure made nap time easier!

We made some trips in the golf cart to the back field to check out the wildlife and to check the farm animals across the road.

There were park days where Anna ran around playing on first one thing or another. Precious little Rebekah (5 months old) just sat and watched her big sister. She was able to get in one of the swings for a while.

Rebekah practiced sitting alone - yea - and rolling over from her tummy to her back. Major accomplishments!

You know they say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe that it takes a village to take care of one another.

Here's my sister doing her part.

We were all cooking, cleaning, washing, changing diapers and loving on each other all week.

Yes, I am thanking God for some crazy, family fun!

It ain't gotta be fancy!

2011-02-15T12:10:00.002-05:00

Just curious as to how you spent your Valentine's Day.

Me and my sweetie decided to get out and enjoy the day.

We had lunch in a little cafe and sat near the window so we could absorb some of that beautiful sunshine we have been missing around here lately. Then we took a stroll through the mall and did more people watching than we did window shopping. People are much more interesting, it doesn't cost anything and we are truly entertaining creatures!

A trip to Wally world to stock up on our bird feed - we so love feeding them and watching them too and back to the house to prepare for our evening out.

So here is the point of my story. I am not really a big fan of the Waffle House but it does have character. My sweetie loves it and when we were in there about 3 weeks ago they were taking reservations for Valentine's night. Yes, you read that right - reservations. I teased him about it almost every day.

We had a fun night. We were greeted at the door and seated at our table (booth) and had our picture taken. The cooks, the waitresses, the manager were so much fun. They were dressed in their white shirts, black pants and had on red aprons. So cute and so sweet! The blinds were pulled down and there was a rose bud, two heart doilies and a candle on each table with a red cloth. We had a non-alcholic bubbly and a choice of a steak or chicken dinner with dessert. Yum, Yum!

I won't forget this Valentine's Day for a long time. You see - it ain't got to be fancy to be special! Sweet, Sweet Memories.

Just Thinking

2011-02-13T18:42:00.000-05:00

I try to be upbeat and positive especially when I am writing knowing that someone else is going to read it and may find some encouragement in what I have to write. Do you remember your diary from your high school years? It was a place to pour out the good, the bad and the ugly. I guess it was a venting sort of thing. But one thing was for sure: I did NOT want anyone else to read it. But there it was on paper and there was always that possibility that someone could get to it.

I believe I have matured and have grown as a woman of God. I have tried very hard to be careful of the words I write and say. Once the words leave my mouth they are out there. I can't take it back. I can apologize but the words are there. I feel the same way about writing - once it is out there - it is out there.

This is what the bible says about God's word "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

My word may go forth and it may accomplish what I please but is it pleasing to God. Does it prosper him? I am reminded of a childhood song "Oh be careful little tongue what you say, Oh be careful little tongue what you say, for the Father up above is looking down in love, Oh be careful little tongue what you say."

And then we have that old saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Yeah, right. Words have been some of the most hurtful things in my life - those that I have said and those that were said to me. I remember a very basic thing my Mama and Daddy taught me: Think before you speak. Believe me, that is hard.

Think about what you are thinking about before you put it into words.

My reference point for speaking should be: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Think about that.

Dipping from The Loving Well

2011-02-08T12:44:00.001-05:00

I just finished doing a study on Loving Well by Beth Moore with a wonderful group of women who actually do that well - at least they are loving me well.

As I reflect on what I learned: my original thoughts were focused on how I love: How I love the easy to love in my life, how I love the testy, aggravating people in my life, how I love my enemy and how I love the stranger that passes through my life.

For those that are difficult to love I do not need to be a critical spirit because I do not know what the other person is going through or has gone through that may make them the "testy" in my life. I guess for some it almost seems their nature and for some it is just a circumstance that has presented itself in their life - it may be temporary and it may have turned into a long term battle. We have all heard the expression "Don't judge a man until you walked a mile in his shoes."

I have to remember that at the same time I may be calling someone testy that I may be the testy person to them.

Of course I learned that it's not how I love them at all but how God loves them through me.

AND then the revelation hit me during the last session: He is the Loving Well. I go to Him and drop the bucket down into the well, bringing it (LOVE) up, overflowing sloshing everywhere and I pour it out on all those around me - the joyful, the testy, the foe, the far. My grandmother had a well on her back porch. I was so very young and can barely remember using it but I thought it was the neatest thing to go on the back porch and take the rope and let it drop to the bottom and then pull it up. Of course, I was only doing it for fun so I didn't care that I splashed it everywhere as I brought it up.

Going to God's Loving Well is important because we always need a fresh supply of His water, His love - splashing it all over us and then in turn splashing it all over everybody else. We dip down in the well and we pour it out on others. Then you know what happens - you have to go back to get more. That's what He wants from us - for us to come to the Loving well, dipping down and pouring it out, dipping down and pouring it out, dipping down and pouring out.

Join me in dipping and pouring~

Inside and Out

2011-02-01T15:24:00.000-05:00

I was just thinking this morning about an expression that is used in describing someone that we consider beautiful. Have you ever heard this said: "She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside."

Everybody's description of physical beauty is different because we perceive beauty differently. But wouldn't you consider it true that how well we know someone defines how we perceive their beauty?

I know I notice the beautiful spirit of someone faster than the outward beauty defined by the world.

Just maybe what makes us beautiful on the outside is the love of God that we have on the inside and others see it and feel it!

Mirror Talk

2011-01-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

Do you ever talk to yourself in the mirror? I know some people do. I rarely vocalize what I am thinking when I look in the mirror but my mind is talking.

This morning as I was getting dressed I had some thoughts about what we think we look like and how we think others think we look. Did that make sense? I was also thinking about how people love.

For some people it is really easy to love and be loved. Others may find it easy to love but do not handle people loving them. Then we have those that find it hard to love and be loved. I do not pretend to be an expert on any of this. But here are some of my thoughts.

I have to love myself before I can love others or be loved by others. How can I love myself? I am reminded of 1 John 4:10-11 "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I can love myself because He loved me first.

Some people are hiding from love. They want to be a part of a group or a church but they put themselves in places where they're not really seen so it's hard to get to them to love them. In some cases it is not intentional but for others it is. They do not want to be touchable or reachable.

They may feel that they are not worthy of love. They may feel they are not beautiful. For some strange reason we always associate beauty with being loved. Why? Is that what we are saying to ourselves when we look in the mirror? I'm not pretty or handsome enough to be loved .

As I was listening to K-Love this morning they were talking about being beautiful. People were calling in to share how they had been made to feel beautiful even when they felt they were not physically beautiful. One caller's story really stayed with me. Without going into a lot of detail, she said that God told her this: "You are beautiful! You take my breath away!"

Isn't that precious? Now the next time you are having your mirror talk remember that and hear God telling you: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! YOU TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!

I love that: YOU TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!

Loving Well

2011-01-10T13:07:00.001-05:00

I am so excited! I just had the most wonderful fellowship with a group of women last night as we came together to do a study on Loving Well. It is one of Beth Moore's that she used on a retreat weekend. We are going to do a four week study with it. I thought it would be a great beginning for a new year.

We laughed as we were introduced to four types of people that we have in our life and we are called to love them. The joke may be on us because whether we realize it or not for some people we may fall into one of those categories of people who are hard to love. It is going to be interesting as these personalities develop and we learn how to "love well".

It has spoken to me already. So I am off to do my journaling for the day - it is quiet here as Charlie has Grand Jury Duty today and it is very wet and cold outside. Lots of folks got snow in north Georgia ~ we were only blessed with rain and cold here in south Georgia. So I am going to curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee and spend some time with my Father as He helps me to discover where I am with my loving.

Until ~ I will leave you with part of the scripture we are concentrating on:

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I John 4:10

My Challenge for the New Year

2011-01-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

I guess I could call this my resolution for the New Year but as I have indicated I have not had a whole lot of confidence in my resolutions. With that I am challenging myself to memorize one verse per month so that at the end of the year I will have 12 verses that I will be able to readily draw from.

For some of you that may not seem like a lot of verses to memorize but at this stage of my life remembering where I put my reading glasses is a challenge! I am a strong believer in having the word in your heart and better yet your mind so that you can call it forth not only for myself but for someone else who might need it. I was reading Beth Moore's blog on her December 26 post where she is challenging women to memorize two scriptures a month. I hear so many women tell me their desire to memorize scripture but find it diffcult to do so.

I accepted this challenge with my own version - I will memorize 1 verse per month. I have a set of note cards that I am using. I am trying my very best to recite it or write it as often as possible each and every day. So if you see it on my blog or Facebook often - know that I have not become senile - but it is my way of memorizing His word. I know He will honor that and use it to His Glory.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T23:36:00.001-05:00

So it is the first day of a new year and the beginning of a new decade! Oh my goodness. That is hard to believe. Do you remember how scared we were when the year 2000 rolled around? We were so concerned about whether or not our computers would continue to function or if the entire world of technology would crash. But here we are ten years later and more engrossed in technology than ever.

I love new beginnings. I love the start of a new day. I use to love the first day of school of a new year because I had new notebooks for school that were fresh and clean - no mistakes in them. I had new pencils, new book bag, new shoes and new clothes to start the school year. It was so exciting!

I still try to look at each new year that way - a new beginning. But even more precious is each day that I am given - a new beginning -a chance to do some positive things, to make a difference in someone's life.

May the New Year be kind to you and yours and may you grow in wisdom and strength. As I am thinking of this past year and all that has occurred, I am ever so thankful for the blessings I received in the good and the bad times. I am thankful for the things I have learned and treasuring memories.

I don't want to make the mistake of trying to make so many resolutions that I can't keep up with them or in my case can't remember them :-) and then feel like a failure because I was not able to accomplish them. I want to be able to do a few things well.

I have shared with some that this past week on K-Love listeners were encouraged to find one word that they would concentrate on instead of making resolutions. His word was "presence". He was going to focus on the presence of God each day in his life. I have chosen to focus on the word "hope". I want to remember each and every day that there is hope for me, there is hope for us all because without hope we would be lost.

Here are some scriptures that encourage me:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Is Christmas Over?

2010-12-29T21:11:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-18T19:54:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-16T09:39:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-10T21:12:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-19T16:19:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-11-16T11:59:00.002-05:00

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?

2010-10-30T13:35:00.001-04:00

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

2010-10-01T16:36:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-09-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

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 . . .

2010-09-05T14:43:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-22T22:13:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-11T21:11:00.000-04:00

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

2010-07-31T07:46:00.001-04:00

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

2010-07-26T22:09:00.000-04:00

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

2010-07-19T19:31:00.001-04:00

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.

Yep, I love butterflies!

2010-07-07T10:56:00.000-04:00

Butterflies come from a caterpillar. Not very attractive from their beginning source are they. However, they wrap themselves in a cocoon and after a period of time they burst forth as one of the most beautiful creatures God created. A New Beginning! God took that caterpillar that He created and transformed it into something beautiful. So glad He has transformed me!

You will see lots of butterflies in these cards - big and small. Thank you for looking.

Love this new stamp from Penny Black, "Betsy Bluebell". Sentiment is from Hero Arts. Inside of card reads "Have a happy, funny, silly, sunny, grinning, easy-going day!"

As you read may your day be the same.

Butterfly is digital stamp from Hero Arts. Sentiment is from Hero Arts. Made the flowers from a scallop punch. Inside of card: "May your day be wrapped in sunshine. Thinking of you!"

Butterflies are from Verve (Flutterby), Sentiment is from Hero Arts. Inside of card: "May each day bring new strength, hope, grace and joy. Thinking of you!"

Again, butterfly is from Verve, sentiment is from Hero Arts. Inside of card: "All you do, big and small, has made a difference to us all."

Majestic

2010-07-02T10:30:00.000-04:00

It is not possible to describe or to even capture in a photo the majesty of God's creation. We were so blessed to be able to take a cruise out of Seward, Alaska to view the mountains, the glaciers and the sea life that is a part of this area.

We boarded our boat around 9:30 a.m. and spent 8 hours soaking in the beauty of Kenai Fjords. It was another lovely day and I think we took for granted how blessed we were to have so much sunshine. From the very outset we saw otters and 3 types of whales (orcas, hump back and grey). We played chase with porpoises. Saw lots of birds including bald eagles and the ever evasive puffins :-)

As we approached the glaciers, they were absolutely amazing. I didn't realize there was color variations to the ice. Standing there watching we could see at times small portions breaking loose and falling into the water. Other times there would be larger portions. Big or small they all made huge sounds as they fell into the water. It was absolutely awesome to watch and at the same time it was sad to see - knowing that with each breakage of ice, that glacier was gradually receding.

How Majestic!

Parts of the above glacier breaking off

Saw lots of otters

Orcas

Dall Porpoise

Our boat for the day - served us prime rib and salmon - yum, yum.

Just one of many jaw dropping sites.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading :-)

North To Alaska

2010-06-29T20:33:00.000-04:00

No, this is not about the movie. It's about friends, fun, fellowship and food. We have recently returned from a ten day trip to Alaska.

We rode some 1300+ miles. Our most northern destination was Denali National Park and most southern was Homer and oh so many special sites in between. So many have asked, "Oh did you go on a cruise?" Well, yes and no. Most of the time that question means did you get on a cruise ship and tour Alaska. We did tour Alaska but it was by car and we did get on a boat and take a Kenai Fjords tour.

After checking out the basics in Anchorage, our first big adventure was to take on Denali National Park and pray for a clear day to see the big guy - Mt. McKinley. And yes, it was a clear day - what a sight to see.

But there are several little treasures in between Anchorage and Denali. We stopped in a quaint little place, Eklutna. There was a Russian Orthodox church and the uniqueness of the place was the fact that little houses had been built and painted all sorts of colors on each burial spot. Sadly it had not been kept up but was truly a special stop on the way to Denali.

Another treasure is Talkeetna. It is mostly known for a lovely lodge and spectacular views of Mt. McKinley. However, there is a downtown area, more like a village area, that has some little specialty shops and yummy food. They have Moose made out of all sorts of materials and then colored or stained that really add to the atmosphere. Think you would like to spend time there. We did.

Back to the Denali story. Most people take a ride into the park via a tour bus. Charlie and I decided to see the park via a Rhino two-seater four wheeler type of vehicle. What fun! We rode through dry river beds, then places where there was water running through and then some very special places where there were very muddy bottoms. Yep, we went mud bogging :-) - not on purpose.

The ridges proved to have spectacular views of the park. What a special day. Met some great people and enjoyed fellowship around the back of the Rhinos as we soaked in the vastness and beauty of this place.

P.S. Our guide told us right at the end of the tour that we had a little extra time since our group proved to be such great riders on the Rhinos. He said we would go to another area around the park unless someone wanted to get bogged down since that had not happened on this particular ride. You guessed it - as Charlie and I proceeded to follow the leader we got stuck! Mud flying everywhere - brought the wench and got us out.

What a great day! More to come later.

Birthday Cards

2010-06-02T18:08:00.000-04:00

Wishing You Butterfly Kisses . . .

INSIDE OF CARD

Thank you for looking!

Fishing Is Not About Fishing

2010-05-31T22:10:00.000-04:00

I love to fish. I didn't grow up fishing. I didn't learn how until I married. I got frustrated when I first tried - there really was a lot of stuff to learn. I think Charlie has fished since he could hold a pole in his hand.

I am not sure how he has survived teaching and coaching me. I am not always a good student and my attitude is not always good either. You see - I like to catch fish but I don't catch a lot of fish for whatever reason when we go. I make up all kinds of excuses as to why I can't catch them. Like - when I have to fish out of the back of the boat, I am always telling him that I am having to fish in his trash. Those of you who fish probably understand what I am talking about. He has been known to turn the boat around and troll so that I will be in the front (such a sweet guy) - and I still don't catch fish. Or my excuse is there is something wrong with my reel or I don't have the same color worm on my line as he does or . . . you get the point. I know you are thinking why does he put up with me. But he does - bless his heart.

Now the point of all this story is that fishing is not about fishing. It is about the adventure. It is about the things that happen while you are fishing. Today was a perfect example. We decided at the spur of the moment this morning to go the family pond and fish. It was a beautiful morning. We were going to pull the boat over to the pond with our golf cart. Great idea. About half way there we had some mechanical problems and Charlie had to walk back to the house and get the truck so we could get the boat to the pond.

That didn't dampen our spirits. We got to the pond. Got in the water and he put a new top water plug on my rod. He cast it to make sure it was good to go and handed it over to me with a few instructions on how to use it. I was so excited. I took it, pulled it back over my head, gave it a good cast AND rod, reel and plug went straight into the water. I am laughing again as I picture it in my head. It really is the first time I ever did that. I looked back at him and his expression was priceless. I laid down on the bow of the boat laughing and then began pulling the rod and reel in. Thankfully it was in shallow water so I could reach it.

As I said it's not about the fishing but the stories you get to tell later. I actually caught a nice bass later on the rod and reel but that wasn't nearly as exciting as casting the rod and reel into the water.

Father's Day and Birthday Cards

2010-05-27T16:09:00.001-04:00

Thank you for looking :-)

Birthday Cards

2010-05-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

Some of my most recent cards.

More Than A Bible Study

2010-05-23T08:23:00.000-04:00

It was more than a bible study on Esther.

It was a bonding of women of God. Women needing encouragement. Knowing we are not in this alone. It was a time of sharing our hearts, our joys, our hurts.

A time of trusting one another. Trusting God to show up and show out and be heard. A time of praying over each other, anointing for healing.

A special moment in time for a group of women that God called together. We didn't know who it was going to be to begin with. His providence for us. A bond we will remember for a very long time.

New friendships made. Old friendships renewed. A bridge crossing generations - because we are His children.

What a special time with Him and YOU.

How Does Your Garden Grow . . .

2010-05-09T17:23:00.000-04:00

I love the spring of the year with all the flowers blooming. This year we have had lots of rain which made them really pretty and green.

Thought I would share some of what God has done in our "garden of flowers". Thank you for looking.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Say It With A Card

2010-05-06T06:55:00.000-04:00

Making cards is one of my hobbies. I love making them and sharing them with friends and family - it is also a stress reliever for me. Thought I would share a few of my most recent ones. Thank you for stopping by and reading - in this case looking :-)

And . . . Last but not least

Thunder Beach Rally

2010-05-03T15:10:00.001-04:00

Our latest bike trip took us to Panama City Beach for Thunder Beach Rally. We had a great ride down Thursday afternoon as we were trying to beat the rain on the way down.

View from our room

Friday morning we were able to see lots of things before the rain set in. Unfortunately we did get caught out in it. So we stood under a tent with lightning and thunder all around us. I told our friends that I guess that is why they called it Thunder Beach Rally.

Huddled up under the tent

And the rain came down, down, down!

We were some wet puppy dogs when we got back to our room. After some nice hot showers, we chilled out in the condo and saved some adventures for the next day.

Main Street Panama City Beach, Park Pier

Ice Cream Breaks

Some unique bikes

What a special time! Yes, there were lots of bikes, lots of traffic, but lots of fun and fellowship and of course, food! Looking forward to the next one.

"Girls Day Out"

2010-04-21T20:38:00.000-04:00

I don't get to do this very often. We had our Girls Day out - Kelly, Anna and myself. Started as early as we could this a.m. Kelly had her to do list and I think we got all but one of the items taken care of.

Our first stop was PayLess to get Anna some sandals for the summer. Once that task was taken care of, we had fun trying on sun glasses. Here are my Beauty Queens.

Now every girl needs a new bathing suit for the summer and The Children's Place was having a sale and any girl knows you do not pass up a sale. So while Kelly was picking out a swimsuit for Anna, Anna was busy making friends in the store and of course trying on a few items herself.

Her new friend - they just had to try the hats.

And more sun glasses - - -

We had promised Anna some time at the Fun Factory after trying on clothes. She enjoys hitting the big button with that huge mallet to "feed the dog". Let's see - $4 get 16 tokens gets 67 tickets gets one candy bracelet and a giggle stick.

Last stop on the list was for Kelly to go to Belk's. Anna and I decided to stop at the Mall Playground. It is a neat little area with stuff for kids to climb on, slide down and do kid stuff on while Mamas shop.

We ended our day playing some board games that we had bought: Candy Land and Memory.

Grandad was due some time too. So he and Anna went on the 4-wheeler to feed turkeys and fish for catfish with some hot dogs.

I think that was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

They Don't Miss a Thing

2010-04-18T15:12:00.001-04:00

Kelly and Anna are with us for their spring break this week. I always learn so much and am amused and amazed by the wisdom of a child.

I think I have shared that when Anna gets up she always comes to our room and tells us "Gran, it is morning time." So, Saturday when she got up, she comes in our room at 6:45 a.m. to tell me that she is hungry and time to get up. I coaxed her to get in the bed with me by telling her we needed to watch the clock and when it got to be 7 0 0 we could get up. By the way, we have one of those projection clocks so that you can lay in bed and look at the time on the ceiling. She proceeded to read what she saw. "A M" I said "Very good, that stands for morning." She says, "No Gran. A is for Anna and M is for Mama." So glad she corrected me on that. I have been wrong about that for too many years.

This morning in she comes again and whispers in my ear "Gran it's morning time." I told her that it wasn't time to get up yet. She says, "Yes, Gran. The clock says 7 0 1" and you know what. It did. Oh my, Oh my. Thinking I don't need to be working with her on her numbers either.

They Don't Miss A Thing!

For Such a Time as This

2010-04-11T14:07:00.000-04:00

Prevenient Grace. It has been with me from birth. It is God wooing me unto Him. I make choices every day. Some of them are good and others not so good. I believe that He places people and situations in my life so that He might have me at the exact time and the right place to follow His destiny (plan) for me. Not all of my choices have gotten me to those people or places at the time He needed me.

I can sit back and not do as He asks. The job will still get done because it is part of His plan. He will find someone else to do it and I will miss my blessing and part of my destiny He has planned for me.

Decisions, decisions, decisions every day. I am always at a crossroad. What do I do? Do I make a decision for God or for me? I must remember that failure to make a decision is a decision.

" . . . for such a time as this." This is probably one of the most well known scriptures in the Bible and it comes from Esther 4:14. She was faced with a life or death decision. God placed her as Queen of Persia "for such a time as this" and she recognized it.

What is God saying to me - here and now? " . . . for such a time as this" I don't want to miss out on being a part of His plans.

Mountains out of Mole Hills

2010-04-10T14:58:00.000-04:00

Ever done that - made mountains out of mole hills. I have. How does it happen? It often occurs when I over react to situations. Why do I do that? I think it is usually due to stress. I find myself in a situation where dealing with it is just too overwhelming. I am confused as to what the right decision is. There are too many variables or I don't have enough information to made a wise decision. So what do I do in a situation like that? I tend to want to remove myself from it if I can. I don't want to deal with a bad situation. I don't the know if the situation is worth fighting over or for. How about you?

As I studied Esther this week, she is confronted with having to make a decision as whether she will approach King Xerxes on behalf of her people. All this time she has been asked to hide the fact that she is a Jew and now it is all about to blow up in her face. All she has really had to deal with in the palace were those things that dealt with the smooth flow of the daily operations. Her world was about to explode. A mountain was definitely being made out of a mole hill.

Decisions have to be made. Some of my mole hills are definitely worth defending. Are yours?

A Quick Fix

2010-04-06T11:01:00.000-04:00

Your child is hurt. A dear friend is struggling. No peace at work. A spiritual desert in the heart. I see it. What do I do? My nature is to want to fix it. When? Right Now! Quickly!

The question is how do I fix it? I am not usually a patient person so I want a quick fix. What I have learned is that a quick fix does not get to the root of the problem. It is like putting a bandage on a wound that needs stitches. It may stop the bleeding until you get to the hospital but it is not going to bring healing.

It is like Esther wanting to give Mordecai new clothes to put on to replace the sackcloth. She thought that would fix the crisis. But the crisis ran much deeper than appearances.

Sometimes I had rather fix it than hear it. Why? Selfishness. I don't feel competent. I also am doing them an injustice to fix it. Growth occurs through struggles. I am not saying that I should walk away. What does a crisis situation require? Sharing in their pain, their hurt. Listening, Loving - so that we might spread our wings and soar together to new heights.

That's not a fix - that's healing!

Return to Me

2010-04-05T16:02:00.001-04:00

Return to me - For my heart wants you only - Hurry home, hurry home - Won't you, please, hurry home to my heart?

Even though these lyrics are to a song that Dean Martin sang, they ring so true to the scripture from Joel 2:12 "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."

In our bible study Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman, I could easily relate to being caught up in the world and all that goes on and lose my identity. So did the Jews who had decided to stay in Persia even after Cyrus ended their Babylonian captivity. They were comfortable. Too comfortable.

If I am not careful the same can happen to me. I don't even know I am in a boiling pot because the heat has been turned up slowly - so slowly that I adjust to the gradual increase. I read something this morning that said "If Satan came to you in a little red suit with a pitchfork and announced himself as the devil, you would not believe a word he said. But he is cunning and disguises himself as an angel of light". (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Complacency is not obvious. It will cause me to not be watchful. And that my friend is dangerous.

"Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love and he relents from sending calamity." Joel 2:13

It's Quiet

2010-04-04T22:22:00.000-04:00

Maybe too quiet. We just returned from meeting our daughter and son-in-law in Perry to return our precious granddaughter to them. What a wonderful time we had with her here. There was never a dull moment. My day began each morning with the pitter patter of little feet coming into our room and her announcing "It's morning time!" I love that. There is no better way to start the day.

Now that we are back home - walking through the back door - it seemed very still. I am going to miss my little alarm clock in the morning.

Ain't Nothing Like 'Em

2010-04-01T22:18:00.000-04:00

We have had our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter, Anna, with us for the past few days. It is always a joy to have her spend some time with us. Grandkids will truly help you put life in perspective. What in the world can be more important than digging in the dirt and making sand castles in the driveway? Life is so simple for her. We have played kickball, swung her in her horse-shaped tire swing named Chester, fed the birds, climbed trees, made sure there was water in their bird bath and that was all before lunch.

What fun it has been. Last night as I was putting her to bed she was a little homesick so I changed the subject and started talking about our plans for the next day. She immediately forgot she was homesick and started getting all excited about our plans for fishing with hotdogs and going to the movies. I decided to sit with her just a little longer to make sure she was okay and with the innocence of a child she said: "Gran, how do you think I can go to sleep with you sitting there watching me?" I loved it. I promptly got up and left her to go to sleep. Can't wait to see what wisdom she shares tomorrow.

Ain't nothing like 'em. You gotta love them!

Storytelling

2010-03-28T16:07:00.000-04:00

I know most of us like to hear a really good story. What makes it even better is if the person telling it is a good storyteller. I love it when the person telling the story shows excitement and makes me laugh.

Our daughter Dana is home with us for several days. We invited family over so she could see lots of people at one time. She had some fun stories since she had spent the last seven days "camping" her way home. A requirement of a good storyteller is embellishing the story. She succeeded. And I laughed.

What is so neat about storytelling is that once it begins the rest of us surely have as good a story or better so we share too. We heard some pretty neat tales last night. Might have to use the expression "what was told at the Merwin's last night - stays at the Merwin's". Lots of crazy fun. Lots of laughter. Lots of embellishing! Always great to share fellowship with friends and family . . . and tell a few stories.

Spring Cards

2010-03-25T14:32:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my most recent cards. Thought I would share my little hobby with you. Thank you for looking.

Just Curious Ladies

2010-03-19T10:36:00.000-04:00

"It's tough being a women in a world where beauty is a treatment."

As a part of our study, Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman", we were asked to go into our bathroom, look in the cabinets and make a list of as many items as you could find that fall under the categories: cosmetics, beauty treatments, precious ointments, soaps for bathing.

I did and that was scary. But I am not sure you would want to see me without them :-)

So - just curious - how many items in your bathroom? BTW - I have 16 and probably forgot to list some others!

Beauty Treatments

2010-03-16T20:07:00.000-04:00

We are bombarded on a daily basis by the media trying to convince us that we are not what we could or should be. They would have us believe that we are overweight and unattractive. Just today I caught myself listening to a commercial advertising "Eraser Foundation". According to the commercial I can just erase my precious crow lines from my eyes in a matter of minutes. I actually wrote down the name of the product. Now that is sad.

Do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to those tiny people on TV? Comparing your smile to the smiles of movie stars? The world would have us to believe that if we are not a size 2 with teeth so bright that we could light up a room in the dark that we are not beautiful. Unfortunately, most of us believe that.

I am meeting with some very beautiful women on Sunday evenings for Beth Moore's Bible Study - Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. We are just beginning our journey together and I am excited about what God is going to show us about what He considers beautiful.

I want to share just a few things we heard from Lesson1 video and maybe you can relate or maybe it will provoke some serious thinking in what you consider beautiful.

A woman who wants everybody to think she is beautiful is a miserable woman.
A woman who wants all men to think she is beautiful is a dangerous woman.
A woman who doesn't want anybody to think she is beautiful is a terrified woman.
And then there is a woman who hopes a few somebodies or at least one somebody will think she is a beautiful.

I have another description for you and that is - A woman who does have one somebody who thinks she is beautiful is a LOVED woman. There is ONE somebody who thinks you are beautiful and that is Jesus - so know that you are LOVED and BEAUTIFUL.

I will leave you with these scriptures that Beth Moore shared with us:

Colossians 2:10 - So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (You don't need anybody else.)
Song of Solomon 7:10 - I am my beloved's, And his desire is for me. (New American Standard)
Psalm 90:17 - And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: . . . (King James Version)

Our beauty is from within and you can take that to the bank!

Babbling

2010-03-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

Those of you who know me know that I love to talk. It wouldn't be too hard to figure that out either once we have met. And maybe I take too long to tell a story. Charlie has recently referred to that part of my conversation as "babbling". So, I try very hard to be more conscious of that - the babbling. He has these little looks that he gives me that I have learned means: Get To The Point! So I really try. By the way, I am totally cool with that.

So, let me get to the point. Witnessing. I am reading the books of Acts now and today I was reminded that we have been given a command by Jesus to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." That's what Peter and John were doing in Chapter 3. That is an overwhelming task. I have had people share with me that they are not great at sharing their faith. I think that is pretty much what the disciples were feeling at the time.

But Jesus reminded his disciples of the time they had spent together the last three years. He also reminded them He had complete authority in heaven and earth so He was completely in charge. He didn't tell them that they had to go memorize scripture in order to do this. He told them to share their story. He told them to get out among the people. Not seclude themselves. Get out in the world. Go fishing with them, go to weddings and parties. Share your story.

Now it is not nearly as hard to witness when I look at it this way. I have a story to tell. We each have a story to tell. Each of our stories are different. We are not going to tell it the same way. As I am out and about in this world, I want to be sensitive to every opportunity to share my story. I never know if I am the one planting the seed, watering the seed, or bringing the seed to fruition. But I am going to keep on "babbling" - depending on Him for what to say just in case I get to do one of these. :-)

Yard Sale and Pancake Breakfast

2010-03-07T17:15:00.000-05:00

Now - don't the two of those just go hand in hand - Yard Sales and Pancake Breakfast. We are recuperating from our annual church yard sale and pancake breakfast. We spent Thursday and Friday organizing all the treasures that our church family brought in to be a part of the yard sale. Isn't that a great way to start a cool, crisp Saturday morning. We opened the doors about 7 a.m. with the social hall jam packed full of treasures while the men were busily cooking pancakes and sausage. We always have such a great group of people coming through. Love to see dear friends and in my case lots of my former students. Such fun to reminisce!

Today was special too! Always glad to be in the house of the Lord on Sundays. We had such a great time sharing in Sunday School. Afterward we rode Charlie's bike with some friends of ours to Madison, FL for a bite of lunch and back.

I am about to head to the church to be with a wonderful group of ladies as we start a bible study - Esther: It's Tough being a Woman by Beth Moore. I love her stuff and can't wait to see how God will bless us.

Blessings to all of you. Thanks for stopping by :-)

Waiting for a Promised Gift

2010-03-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

I am not very good at waiting. When I want something, I want it right then, not later. Now just think how I would do if I were told I was promised to receive a special gift but I would have to wait for just the right time to receive it. My waiting would be even more difficult.

I think of my husband Charlie and how he handles opening Christmas gifts. He appears to most as being a very patient person. But - if you wrap a bunch of presents and put them under a Christmas tree and tell him that he can't open them until everybody is home for Christmas, he is as worrisome as any child about opening them. He can't wait until everybody is home to "have" Christmas. (Not that I can blame him.)

Sometimes we have had to wait a week after Christmas to open gifts. It was really hard but it was so much fun when we did share in the exchanging of gifts with all of our family .

That is what God did. He promised a gift for the disciples after Jesus would not longer be there with them. Acts 1:4 On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.

Wait: Don't get ahead of God. They had no idea exactly when they would receive this gift.
Gift: His Holy Spirit. They probably did not have a clue how exciting this was going to be.
Promise: Power.

It was worth their waiting and I am so glad it is a promise of mine as a child of God. It is exciting and powerful!

Let It Shine

2010-03-04T09:05:00.001-05:00

I use to feel inadequate - that I didn't know enough scripture so that I could share with others. I got involved with some people who were strong Christians and I studied, I listened, I stepped out in faith and God provided. He prepared the way and I followed.

This did not happen overnight. It has been a process. Everything in my past has prepared me for my ministry today. It is the hope that I can share with others.The more we know about what God has done in the past, the greater the confidence we will have in His control of the future. It's like driving. One of the things I was told when I learned how to drive is that the rear view mirror is one of the most important things in the car that I should use. It let's me know what is behind me so it will not interfere with where I am going.

Roman 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There is no hopeless situation. There are only people who have grown hopeless. Joy and peace are not dependent on the things around me. Joy and peace are the presence of Jesus in me.

His light shines in me. "This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."

I am weak but He is strong!

2010-03-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

I shared earlier that as a part of my "Lent" I chose to "give" not "give up" something. As part of my giving I am reading the book of Romans and Acts during Lent. For whatever reason, I am reading Romans first and then Acts. That may sound crazy but that's just what God told me to do. Today I read Romans 13 and I have to admit it has been more difficult to get my thoughts together on this. This is what God shared with me this morning.

I live to honor Him. I will have to give account to Him for my actions - not someone else's actions. Does that mean I shouldn't care about what others are doing? Absolutely not! But I am not called to judge them. Romans 13:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Notice the order of that: pleasing to God, approved by men.

I do not need to put myself in situations where I know that I might be tempted to do something that I should not do. Bottom line: Can I participate in a certain activity without sinning? Will I be influenced negatively by participating? I have shared an example many times that one of my former students shared in class one day (yes, in class). If I am standing in a chair and you are standing on the floor, is it easier for me to pull you up or for you to pull me down? That is what I need to ask myself when I am questioning my activities especially when I know my weaknesses, my temptations.

I must know my strengths and weaknesses as I go and serve God. I am to be strong in my faith and sensitive to others without sacrificing my freedom in Christ. Yes, very hard to do at times. I am weak and yes, He is strong and He gives me knowledge to discern how best to serve Him.

I am first and foremost accountable to God.

Authentic Love

2010-03-02T10:20:00.003-05:00

I guess we each have our own list of songs that remind us of what love is or maybe is not. Some songs that come to mind for me are (now remember I am as old as dirt, so some of you may not be able to relate to these): "All You Need Is Love" - The Beatles, "Looking for Love" - Johnny Lee, "What the World Needs Now" - Carpenters and one very recent "Love Me" - J J Heller.

The power of love should never be short changed. Romans 13:8 "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law." God gave us the ten commandments but Paul writes in Romans 13:9 " . . . These - and other commandments-are summed up in this one commandment:'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "

So my question is this: Do you love yourself? Do you know that you are so loved that it is okay to love yourself? A precious friend of mine shared this song by J J Heller with me. I was so touched by the words in "Love Me". Allow me to share part of the song with you.

She first begins the chorus with:
Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means

and then she ends the song with this chorus:

I will love you for you
Not for what you have done or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew

Here is a link where you can listen to it and see all the lyrics. Love Me - J J Heller

Real love changes people. Authentic Love. God's Love. I must know that I am REALLY loved by God and once I accept that fact, I can then love myself- the good, the bad, the ugly. I can cry with people who hurt because I have hurt. (By the way, I am a good crier). I can laugh with people because I have laughed. That's how I am able to love the unlovable. It is authentic love. It is authentic because I have been there.

I fell in love with the King. He adopted me. That means I became a princess. I am worthy to be loved and love. You are too!

Out of My Mind

2010-03-01T10:46:00.001-05:00

What is a good day for you? One of my daughters told me once that a good day is when "It's a good day when I don't lose any money and no one dies." In this day and age that is a good day especially the part about not losing any money. A good day for me is one in which I feel I have been productive. A day when I have gotten a lot of things done. However, was my good day a good day for anyone else?

Romans 12 gives great insight as to how we can have a good day.
Consider this:

Really love. No hypocrisy, no play-acting, no ulterior motive.
Be good. You're not really good if you're good because you fear the consequences of being bad.
Honor one another. There is someone you know today who feels neglected.
Cry with someone. Someone shared this with me once: 'Folks have to cry together before they're friends. The bond of tears is strong.' Yes, it is a good day if you share tears.
Don't think you are better than you really are. Wow! I have a story I will try to share sometime. I call it my Crazy Mary story.
The way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend.

The only way I will be able to have a good day is to "be transformed by the renewing of my mind." Gotta be out of my mind to be in the mind of Christ. What are WE thinking today Lord?

Chosen

2010-02-28T10:53:00.002-05:00

In life we operate on a competitive basis. We compete to be recognized as the best so that we might be chosen. Chosen to be the "best". We even have a contest in our local newspaper for the "Best of South Georgia". People are asked to vote/choose the best place to buy coffee, best florist, nail salon, doctor, travel agency, etc. The results were printed in the paper. Does that mean the rest were not good? It might be interpreted that way but the newspaper tactfully advertised the results as the "best of the best".

When I read Romans 11, I might if I am not careful interpret the scripture to read that God only chooses or calls certain ones for salvation. I praise God that branches from "the wild olive tree" have been grafted in to the root of His special olive tree. I don't have to compete to be chosen. It is not about anything that I might do to be chosen.

All are chosen. Called. Not all accept. The ball is in my court.

I am chosen. I am called. I accept.

"P.S. I shared this post on Heart to Heart with Holley."

Games People Play

2010-02-27T09:28:00.000-05:00

I bet everyone reading this has played some kind of game whether it has been a sports game, a board game, video game, cards, or shooting pool. I bet while you were playing your main objective was to win. Nobody likes to be a loser. Right? You had to know the rules of the game to win. I hope that part of your reason for playing games was to have fellowship with friends. Have you ever played a game and were so concerned with winning that you missed the fellowship of those with whom you were playing?

Think with me here a minute: working so hard to pay bills, put food on the table, clothes on their backs that you missed playing with your children. That's the way it is with God sometimes. I am so busy trying to follow the rules so I can win I don't fellowship with Him. I've got it backwards. If I will first fellowship with Him, following the rules would come naturally. DUH!

The most precious scripture - God's Perfect Game Plan
Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

In other words - I WIN!

And you know what? Knowing that, I want everybody to be on the winning team. I am out to recruit. "How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who bring good news!" Never thought I had pretty feet but I do now!

A Few More Cards

2010-02-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

Adoption

2010-02-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

Adoption is special. It is special because a choice is made. A decision. A decision to make someone a part of your life.

I am a child of the promise. I am adopted.

Romans 9:8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children but it is the children of the promise who are considered to be Abraham's offspring."

It's not my lineage that makes me a child of God. It's not going to church that makes me a child of God. It's not doing all the right things, saying all the right things. It's the relationship. It is those who trust in God and what Jesus has done. It is not about following the rules. It is about never being good enough without depending on Jesus.

Praise God that He made a choice to accept me, not because of my race or nationality, but just because of who I am.

Not Guilty

2010-02-25T09:47:00.000-05:00

I shared the other day about judging others and how dare I do that because I am not perfect either. I was reminded today as I read Romans 8 that as a child of God that I have been declared "Not guilty". It is because of Jesus that I have been offered freedom from sin and because the Holy Spirit leads me to do God's will. His thoughts are my thoughts. His words are my words. His actions are my actions. And when I do that, guess what I get? Peace! Blessed peace! It's what I want. I think it is what we all want. There is no war raging in my mind or heart. Peace.

When I allow His Holy Spirit to lead me, He can do all kinds of things in my weakness. He can even pray for me when I don't know what God wants me to pray for. Ever been there?

I am called. I am chosen. I am justified. I am NOT GUILTY.

Here's His promise: Romans 8:38 NLT
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love."

My Hobby

2010-02-24T15:31:00.000-05:00

Just sharing a couple of cards I have done the last few days.

Just Do Right

2010-02-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

I worked under a principal who saw things so simple. When there was trouble and he wanted to discipline or remind the students of how to behave he would say "It's real simple. Just do right."'

So how do we know what that is? By dying to the power of the law and living in the power (spirit) of Christ. Living in the spirit frees us to serve God and not man. God has set laws before us so that we might know right from wrong. Why is it so hard to live in the spirit? I really want to do right and I can't. I want so much to be good and I really try. Paul wrote about this in Romans 7. I have to recognize it for what it is. There is a war raging in me - in my mind.

I recently finished reading Battlefield of the mind by Joyce Meyer. I strongly recommend it. It is easy reading and there are so many encouraging thoughts on how to handle this. She suggests a list of things to do to live in the mind of Christ and explains how we can do each of these.

Think positive thoughts
Be God-minded (What Would Jesus Do? my interpretation)
Be "God-Loves-Me" minded
Have an exhortative mind
Develop a thankful mind
Be Word-minded

If I want to do right I have to change my thinking. I must have the mind of Christ.

These are my thoughts after reading Romans 7.

Blessings to you today and "Just Do Right"!

Freedom

2010-02-23T15:56:00.002-05:00

What does it mean to be free? Does freedom have any accountability?

When I think of being free, my thoughts first go to the idea of doing what I want to do without having to ask someone else if I can do it. Yet, there is accountability for my actions if it involves someone else because I may be infringing on their freedom. When I think of being free, I also think of the sacrifices that have been made for my freedom. There has been a debt paid by others for me to live this way.

What about being free from sin?

What controls my life, my thoughts, my habits? My actions are generally a result of what I am thinking. It is a constant battle of my mind. I have to be careful of my thoughts because my thoughts may become my actions. My thoughts affect my attitude and moods. They are not always pure.

Romans 6:12 Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to sinful desires.

My concern is when those negative thoughts "nest" in my mind and I act on them. I become a slave to those thoughts. That is when I need to change my thinking - recognize it for what it is - sin. It takes faith to go through a difficult situation or temptation. It takes faith to get to the other side. I must not give up!

What is even more scary is that I would not even realize that what I am doing is wrong, that doing wrong becomes my life style and my heart becomes hard and my ears deaf.

So what can I do to break free? Live constantly under the grace of God. Recognize and know my limitations so that I may not be tempted. Focus my thoughts on the positive.

My freedom from sin was paid with a price too.

Romans 6:22-23 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

These were my thoughts as I read Romans 6 today.

Just the Right time

2010-02-22T09:34:00.002-05:00

Know anybody who is on time - all the time - not early - not late. That's the way God is. He is an on-time God! That really frustrates me sometimes. I kinda figure it wouldn't hurt Him to be early and of course never late. But His timing is perfect.

Romans 5:6 "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners."

Jesus has made us friends with God. Romans 5:11 "So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship wiht God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." WOW! How about that? A friend of God. Now I know for some that might seem to downgrade the relationship because we think of our relationship with God as so much more. But when you think of a true friendship it goes much deeper than being "friendly". I think I have shared earlier that a friend is someone who you can count on no matter what - they are always there. You might not see them every day or talk every day but you know they are there. That's the way God is - a friend - a friend who has laid His life down for us through Jesus. John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

"Friend of God" I love this song. Here is the link where you can listen on YouTube if you haven't listened lately. :-)
Friend of God

I am so glad I serve an On Time God who calls me Friend.

It's All About Faith

2010-02-20T09:06:00.000-05:00

Faith - well, I guess we have all thrown that word around quite a bit. Like - "Come on now, you gotta have faith." What is faith? I would describe faith as trusting, believing in that which you cannot see or understand. What does it mean to trust or believe someone? Not doubting them. Believing in them. Not questioning their actions or if there is some motive to what they say or do. They are who they are. No pretending.

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith this way: "Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it." NCV

What is the strength of my faith? If it is Charlie, a family member or a dear friend, then my faith is in man and not in God and I am on shaky ground. I am reminded of Abraham and his faith. He did not question God. He accepted it as it was presented. He heard it. He believed it. How much easier that can make my life when I don't question why things happen or when they are going to happen but have faith in God for the answers knowing that they may not be here and now. Abraham waited a long time to become a father. It was a promise from God. If I had been him, I would have been wondering if it was ever going to happen. But Abraham believed God.

Our faith will influence others when we don't even know it. Standing tall in our faith during trials in our lives will make a difference in someone that we may not know is watching. Charlie had someone tell him once, "I've been watching you." Wow! We just never know. It's not what we say but how we live.

Life is certainly not always easy. There have been times when I know that I have let doubt, condemnation from others, and negative thoughts keep me from being and doing what I knew I was suppose to be doing and wondering if God knew where I was and what was going on with me. It doesn't usually take me long to realize the source of those thoughts and come against it with God's word. It is then that I am reminded to not to give up, keep believing. I pick myself up, dust myself off and keep on keeping on with God.

How about you? Got Faith?

A Priceless Gift

2010-02-19T09:10:00.000-05:00

I know that most of us have received gifts that were special - some more so than others. I would venture to say that some of the most special gifts we received may not have actually cost anything monetarily. What was so special about those gifts? Most of mine have been gifts that involved time spent with someone. I guess one thing that makes time so precious is that we only have so many hours in a day and we take it for granted that we will have another one tomorrow.

In this day and age where all we hear on TV is how bad the economy is and how our government cannot seem to work together for the good of the people, we could easily be discouraged and give up. Our morals and standards seem to be diminishing on a daily basis. We fall short every day. We make mistakes. If I were God I think I would have given up on mankind a long time ago. But then I think of my own children and I would never give up on them. And neither does God.

Romans 3:23-24 "All have sinned and are not good enough for God's glory, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ."

Salvation is a free gift - a priceless gift. We don't earn it. Some would believe: There has to be a "catch" to this. Nothing is free. It must not be worth much since it is free.

Salvation is a treasure. And it can be yours.

If you already have this treasure, share it with someone else. Sometimes that is hard and it doesn't always happen overnight. In order to share this priceless gift, I must stay in a close relationship with Him myself. Sharing this gift often comes through relationships you have with others and they see something special that you have and they can't quite put their finger on it and it opens the door to sharing.

I strongly believe in those relationships. I believe that you must make a friend, BE a friend, and bring a friend to Christ. I might not bring thousands to Christ but I will love them one by one into the kingdom.

God Bless You!

How dare you

2010-02-18T09:01:00.004-05:00

I shared yesterday that I am committing time to God and I would share what He says to me. Sometimes that might not be as much fun to read or write. Last week I had read Romans 1 where we are called to righteousness which comes through our faith and a right relationship with Him. Towards the end of the chapter we read where God turned his people over to their wicked ways because they were doing all sorts of bad things and thought nothing of it. They knew the consequences of their actions but did them anyway. What was worse is that they encouraged others to do the same.

So that brings me to today - Romans 2. We judge others for their actions but what about what I am doing. I am no better. Knowing what God wants and not doing it is just as bad as not knowing and not doing. I encourage others to read or study His word but how often do I read and study. I encourage others to get out of their comfort zone but do I. I want others to be sold out to Christ but am I.

I believe it makes a difference based on my relationship with God. I know that it is way too easy to become busy in the world. I don't want to be labeled as someone who has religion but no relationship. I don't want to be "religious" and miss having the heart of Christ. I can be religious about a lot of things but more than anything I desire to know Him deeply.

Forgive me for comparing my relationship with Christ to yours. How dare ME.

Yes, but . . .

2010-02-17T23:04:00.001-05:00

Our pastor reminded us tonight during our Ash Wednesday service that we want to serve God and we really believe that we are serving God until we are either asked by someone to serve or God speaks to us about serving and then our answer is often "Yes, but . . . ". What I will I give up during Lent? In the past I have given up various kinds of food that I enjoy - like chocolate or bread - and I am telling you I do LOVE my sweets.

I have been thinking about how much time I waste. This was brought to my attention by a couple of ladies who have decided to not "do" Facebook for the next six weeks. Wow! I was so impressed with that. It really got me to thinking. How much unproductive time do I spend on my computer? I get online to check my email, check FB, check a couple of blogs that I follow and before I know it I have been online for at least an hour.

So, I am not going to give up anything. I am going to give. I am going to give time to God. And what is sad is that it will probably be harder for me to do that than to give up any of my sweets.

Would love to hear what you are going to do.

I will keep you posted on what God shares with me during the time we have together. :-)

New Cards

2010-01-31T21:07:00.000-05:00

I had some time this past week to play with some of my new stamps I bought. Got my inspiration from Kelly on the Hero Arts Flickr site.

Catch and Release

2010-01-24T14:35:00.000-05:00

If you have ever done much fishing you probably know what the term "catch and release" means. For those of you who have not heard this term, it means that generally there are too many people fishing and too few fish so you catch and release. In some areas, only catch-and-release fishing is allowed so that there will be fish there for "everyone" to enjoy. Charlie and I have actually done this when we didn't feel like cleaning our catch at the end of the day (which usually means we didn't catch a lot of fish).

I'd like to take that thought of catch and release a little further. I am reading a book Same kind of different as me. It is about a relationship between a husband, Ron, and wife, Deborah, and her faith in action and a man by the name of Denver. But I can actually sum it up in one word - friendship.

Ron befriends a black man, Denver. Denver wants to know why Ron wants to have anything to do with him and Ron tells him that he wants to be his friend. Denver tells him that he knows all about "catch and release". He tells Ron "If you is fishin for a friend you just gon' catch and release, then I ain't got no desire to be your friend, but if you is lookin for a real friend, then I'll be one. Forever."

That really spoke to me. A Forever Friend. Do you have any? Are you a forever friend? In John 15:12-13 Jesus said "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Some people are so busy counting how many friends they have that they forget to be a friend. To lay down your life for a friend means to lay aside your time. You make time for your friend. Their need becomes more important than yours. I have been told that if have five friends I am blessed. I believe that is true.

A friend knows your hurts. A friend can look through the outward appearance and know when you have a need. A friend is not afraid to hold you accountable.

I never am crazy about catch and release when Charlie and I go fishing. I figure if I have gone to that much trouble to get my stuff together to go fishing and spend a lot of time trying to catch something it is worth keeping. So I am thinking - I don't play catch and release with friends either. I want to be a forever friend.