Merrie Days

Happy New Year!!! (a month or so in...)

2012-02-04T09:24:00.002-06:00

WOW! Have we really already made it to 2012?`
What happened to 2011? and 2010? Well for that matter, what happened to 2000?

Obviously I have not been around the blog much lately! When I reconnect I realize how much I enjoy blogging and sharing. I love reading your blogs and comments!

Through the years I have made some wonderful friends who have enriched my life and I'm so thankful that those friendships have lead to facebook friends and even pintrest friends... Wonder where we will go next?

So, what has been going on in your life? I'm sure that there have been many many things - good and bad!

In my life, we have had life changing events. We have grown by leaps and bounds. We have reached highest highs and lowest lows. But, through it all we have found Jesus is faithful! He has not left us nor forsaken us. He has been our strongest strong one. He has been our high tower. He has been our hope and joy and peace.

In the midst of storms He is there. In the midst of celebrations, He is there!

Life is exciting. Life is good. Life is worth sharing.

Thanks for checking in on me again. I'll try to be more faithful to share.

Please let me know how your life is going!

Blessings~

Things Learned and Eternal.

2011-07-19T15:38:00.003-05:00

These last few years have been stretching times. Hopefully, I've grown in wisdom and mercy and love.

There is no way that I can explain, nor would I. Just suffice it to say that God's grace is sufficient. God's mercy is new every morning. He never leaves us and never forsakes us.

When He forgives, it is for everlasting and thorough. He does not remember it - but forever forgets and forgives.

He is just. He is righteous. He is sovereign. He is all good... all the time. There is no darkness nor shadow of turning. He is!

That is all I need to know... He is. He is. He is. He is. HE IS!!!!!!

Because of He is - all is right with the world and everything will be all right.

Extravagance!

2011-06-17T12:09:00.003-05:00

A story of love so deep it took my breath away!

As I mentioned, we have been appointed to CnC. We no longer go to Oz.

Yesterday, Hugsum had a funeral in Oz for a precious saint who lived past 100 years old. As he was leaving the funeral another precious saint approached him. I've shared about her before and her extravagant love.

Charlene is about 95 years old. She is uneducated, but a pure heart and she loves deeply. She crochets and gives it all away. Her former pastor shared about a family who had no TV. She gave them hers. She listens to the radio and her record player.

Her husband died after they had been married for 13 years. So, she has been a widow well over 50 years and maybe even 60! Her activities include the simple things in life. She plays cards, crochets and takes care of her dog.

Through the years she has loved me. Sunday after Sunday she has some little something to give me - a card, a bookmark, some banana bread ("I forgot to put the sugar in it, but you can just sprinkle some on it when you eat it."), a pot holder, a book, a calendar, etc.

Her last name is Kendall. I have a granddaughter named Kendall. Some how, Charlene got the idea that my granddaughter is named for her. Charlene never had children and lives alone, but always wanted a little girl. So, she began sending gifts home to to her. Things like stuffed animals, dolls, coloring books, etc. Occasionally, she would bring me something "really special" that I was to take care of for her. Once she brought me a very old vase that her husband had given her with flowers. It has the Lord's Prayer on it and it was treasured by Charlene.

Our last Sunday, she gave me a plastic bag all wrapped up tightly and told me to be VERY careful with it. It was to be given to Kendall - ALL to Kendall. I was told this was special and to make sure I took care of it. It was a "porcelain" heart box filled with butterfly pins and necklaces.

So, this brings us to yesterday. I did not make the trip to Oz and she was looking for me. She approached Hugsum very serious and solemn. She held a sealed envelope tightly in her hand. She looked him straight in the eyes and gave him strict instructions. "This is a very special gift and it is very special and valuable. I want you to give it to Merrie for Kendall. Kendall is too young for it now, but Merrie will know when she is ready for it. I want her to know that I gave it to her and that I love her."

Oh... another thing, Charlene always signs her notes to Kendall saying, "to Kendall, love Kendall". She has taken on her last name as her first so that she can reinforce their connection.

Well, when he handed me the prized envelope, I opened it, gasped and sobbed. Charlene had given Kendall her wedding rings! I have seen Charlene with the rings on all the time. I could hardly breath at the extravagance and sacrifice of her love for a little girl she has never met.

These are some of the treasures: A picture of Charlene playing cards, a note, the heart box, some of the butterflies, and the rings.

Mind you, it is not an expensive ring. It is not really valuable to anyone but her - and now me.
How do you say thank you for something like that?

New Life

2011-06-16T10:49:00.002-05:00

We have moved into a new stage in our life. I'm not sure if we have moved forward or backward. You see, we have come out of retirement.

The truth is, I guess, we never fully retired. We just did something different. Hugsum still pastored, but we were not there full time. For 2 1/2 years we made the 90 mile trip to what I affectionately called "Oz", and spent the weekend. But, since October, we changed and only went up on Sunday mornings. He went up once or twice a week and visited and did other things.

That all changed with a single phone call. As of June 12, we now serve two churches full-time. This is quite a challenge and only something that God can do! I refer to our new appointment as CnC. It is only about 15 miles from our home.

We are excited at what God is doing. He orchestrated the whole thing. We know He is working and moving and has great plans for both the churches.

We covet your prayers. We move ahead boldly!

Do you have new changes in your life? Care to share?

Aging ...

2011-06-15T10:23:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately, I seem to be seeing the results of age. It is not pretty!

In my younger years, people always seemed to be surprised at my age. They seem to be surprised now, too. The difference is that I USED to look younger than my age. Not so much now.

Last night I went to my "Tuesday Club" meeting. (For those who don't know - at Ross stores the Tuesday Club means that the over 55 bunch gets 10% off their total purchase!) I happen to be older than 55. A few years ago I had to show my ID to get the discount. Now, there is no question. They just automatically give it to me. The last 6 1/2 years have aged me.

The beautiful sun tans that I used to work so diligently to have are showing their ugly side. The chicken skin neck and the droopy bat wings are far from attractive!

The other day Hugsum and I were riding along discussing the aging process. I stated that I really don't MIND getting older. In fact, I don't FEEL old - until I look in the mirror. I despise the old look! He looked at me and stated, "you don't like the way you look, huh?" Then he glanced in the rear view mirror and said, "well, I still look pretty good!"

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry or slap him! I figured that the last two options were not good ones, so I just laughed.

I've determined that I'm going to enjoy "me" in whatever state I'm in. I enjoyed my tan. I would do it again. I feel better with a tan. I might not do the tanning bed as often to maintain my golden brown, but I would use it for a starter tan... the main thing is DO NOT BURN! That is where the damage does the most harm.

As I've said, I don't feel my age. When I think of how old I am, I normally think that I'm 23. Not so much ... try 61 ... I've enjoyed my life. I've been blessed and I don't have many regrets. (except the ugly age showing up - hehe)

I'm learning to cope with it. I'm learning to accentuate the good parts and help the other ones. First - I'm drinking more and more water and tea and skipping the cokes (or soda or pop - depending on what you call it). I'm trying to "move" more - as in exercise. Get more aerobic activity into my life as well as stretching. I'm trying to eat better. Cut out the fried foods and sugars - eat more natural. FRESH is always better for you. White stuff is bad.

I plan to age gracefully and thankfully...

Answers...

2011-02-27T14:14:00.002-06:00

Recently, we were on the road (again). I had a revelation about myself (and others).

Hugsum has this habit of asking questions. Lots of questions.... Things like, "WHAT is that person doing?", or "Where does that road go?", or "Is this person going to move over or WHAT?"... and on and on.

My response was always, "I don't know". Sometimes I tried to mix it up and make up something.

Finally after about the gazillionth question and answer time, he said, "I don't like it when you say that. Why do you feel you always have to have an answer?!?!"

I was dumbfounded! I mean, I thought I was being polite and conversing. After all, he asked a question and the only thing I knew to do was answer! I have this compulsion - I have to answer! I cannot stand to leave things hanging in the air unanswered. It is like this horrible ominous question mark hanging over my head. It MUST be addressed - it must be answered!

It is the height of RUDE to ignore and not answer. So in my attempt to be polite and thoughtful, I was irritating.

I learned that Hugsum was simply wondering out loud and did not require, expect nor want an answer.

On the other hand, I DO. If I ask a question, I really do want an answer. I want a reply.

Funny world. Funny how different families are and how training is different....

So, when you ask a question, do you want an answer?

Febuary!

2011-02-16T10:02:00.002-06:00

Wow.... is it already the second month of the year? Time is flying and I'm not even having fun yet!

Today I am on my feet. This is monumental. This cold has knocked me for a loop...
I get to keep grandkids today. YEA - they are keeping me entertained.

We have had way too much snow. It has been way too cold - in the subzero temps... we STILL have snow on the ground and we have had about 5 days of temps above freezing and even a few in the 60's! Okay - ENOUGH snow already! Enough cold! I declare it to be SPRING! (maybe if I declare it long enough it will obey!)

So... what is going on in your world?

I was thinking the other day (not sure when it was because I have spent the last 4 or 5 in and out of sleep and dreams .... ) about something I heard Joe McGee say on TV. He was saying that everyday he asks the Father to teach him and each member of his family to fear God. He said that when a person fears God they will walk in wisdom, riches and favor. Then he knows that if they are all fearing God everything will be okay and good.

I started to do that. In the middle of that in-between awake and asleep point I was meditating on it and had a revelation.... If we walk in wisdom, riches and favor when we fear God, does that mean that if we are NOT walking in wisdom, riches or favor then we need to check our "fear" focus.

We must be fearing something besides God - usually, we are fearing man, or lack, or pain, or all things not of God... we could be into blame, control, or manipulation, or false expectations... None of those will bring us wisdom, riches or favor.... only bondage, pain, guilt and condemnation.

Those were just some thoughts that I had rolling around in my mind. What are you fearing? I'd say make sure it is a healthy fear of an AWESOME God!

Hope you are having a wonderfully blessed day!

New Year - New Me!

2011-01-04T16:10:00.003-06:00

I'm thankful to leave last year behind. We ended well. We are told that the end of a thing is better than the beginning. I have to believe that. The end of this year was much better!

It was a hard year. We made many trips to Georgia to check on my parents. In October Mama breathed her last breath here on earth. She had been wanting to go for a long time.

It was resolution. It was the end of suffering. It was release for her. It was a celebration for us because she was not suffering any longer. She had her memory again. She could know and love as she has been known and loved. I miss her so much. Grief is illusive and manifests in odd ways at odd times.

This year I have plans. I guess you could call them resolutions, but they are more like PLANS.

I plan to be healthier and in better shape at the end of this year.
I plan to have completed my Doctor of Naturopathy.
I plan to have enjoyed keeping my grandkids.
I plan to have company.
I plan to learn to cook some new recipes.
I plan to travel.
I plan to make window treatments for my windows.
I plan to spend more time in the Word and prayer and fellowship.
I plan to pare down and step up - be more active and more involved and less encumbered...
I plan to be a better daughter, sister, wife, mama, grandmama.

You see, these are things that are important. If I don't do them, then I will have lost out on golden opportunities. I will have not lived life to the fullest.

I turn 62 in October. I get to collect Social Security. First, I have to get my birth date settled.

I have two certified birth certificates. Neither of which is on the day I have celebrated all my life.

One on the 7th has my first name correct, but middle name incorrect. The one on the 9th has my first name incorrect, but middle name correct. I have celebrated the 8th. All my legal documents - drivers license, passport, marriage license, etc are on the 8th.

I plan to get this settled and corrected by the time October rolls around. We have started the process.

So, it will be a good year. I will let you know how it turns out!

Blessings on your New Year! I pray it is happy and prosperous!

Grown Up!

2010-11-19T17:30:00.003-06:00

I finally feel like I have obtained adulthood and passed a milestone!

I remember when our daughter went away to college. She is my neat one. The one who loves to cook and clean and decorate. I think she must have gotten that from my sister. She seems to enjoy doing those types of things. But, anyway, back to the story. My daughter called all excited one day. She was talking so fast that I had to make her back up and slow down. She was exclaiming that she was FINALLY a real woman!!!!!

I was afraid to ask. She very quickly said that she had bought her first vacuum cleaner and was so excited! I was very excited for her then, too! ;)

Well, last night I finally felt like a real woman! (Even though I have had a vacuum cleaner for years.) We went out and bought all new appliances. Yeah... for the first time in my 61 years I had the privilege and honor and responsibility to go out and shop and choose and compare and purchase my very own appliances... all of them.... six... nice ones...

The washer and dryer were delivered Wednesday. Here is a picture of the girls enthralled by the wash cycle. Great entertainment!

I guess you are wondering WHAT is wrong with this picture. Why has this person never had appliances???? I have always had used or hand-me-down or just someone elses. Not that I have not been grateful. I have been blessed by them and very thankful. You see, living in a parsonage most of my adult life, I was at the mercy of what the churches provided. They were always already there and I never did get to be the "first one to use" any of them... or pick them out. That was done for me.

Even after we retired and bought our house, it came with appliances - "okay" ones - old ones, but I did have them and I was very thankful.

So, last night as we were driving home after signing all the papers and scheduling the delivery for Monday, I was very thankful and very emotional. I did not have to settle. I got exactly what I wanted. I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

I felt so loved and cared for and so blessed.

God is good to me. My husband is good to me. My children are good to me... but mostly and foremost - GOD IS SO GOOD TO ME!

I'll post more pictures after they are delivered and installed... I am so excited. I can hardly wait... I feel like a REAL woman!

What have you been waiting for?

Naps...

2010-11-09T10:01:00.002-06:00

I take naps.

Sometimes I actually plan a nap.

Sometimes I just realize that I've had a nice nap without planning it. Like just now. I was sitting in the chair with 2 precious little ones in my lap watching "Fox and the Hound". Another precious one was on the sofa and the other one was napping in his bed.

I woke up when the mail was delivered and one of them got excited because we had mail.

Yep... it was a good nap. Yeah, it is not wise to not know you are asleep with 4 little ones around. Thankfully, they haven't learned to be quiet and let me sleep.

Okay, now I'm energized and the mail is in and we still have one asleep in his bed.

Life is good.

Hope your surprises turn out as well!

Blessings~

Thankful?

2010-11-06T09:01:00.002-05:00

This morning I put on Christmas music... well, it is offered on satellite tv already. I don't know how long it has been there. I found it the other night and listened for a little while, but turned it off - it just seemed too early!

Now it is on again. But while listening, I was overwhelmed with Thankfulness....

I don't want to miss Thanksgiving. I want to focus on all the things and people and reasons I have for being Thankful. I am blessed beyond measure.

Don't get me wrong. My life is not perfect and I don't have an abundance manifesting in my life in all areas - but I know that I am blessed. My needs are met. I am content. I am thankful!

Sometimes it takes the absence of something to make you realize just how blessed you are!

I have become extremely aware of the importance of family and their impact and love and influence on my life.

To be in the middle of Thanksgiving season should mean to be in the middle of THANKS giving. As I look around me, I'm thankful. I appreciate so much in my life. The answers to prayers is manifest.

How or why I was placed in the family I have and how or why I had my family placed in my life are questions that overwhelm me with God's love and goodness.

A resounding theme in my heart is "thank You! I am blessed beyond measure!" I just don't know of another way to express what my heart is experiencing.

I pray that you, too are blessed beyond measure. If you don't "feel" that way, then look around you and begin to count your blessings and start thanking God for what good you do have.

Blessings upon BLESSINGS to you today~

Good Grief, Charlie Brown!

2010-11-04T10:56:00.002-05:00

My all time favorite cartoon strip is Charlie Brown. It was mama's too... and Aunt Grace's (that's a whole nother post and love!)

One of our family-isms was "good GRIEF!!! Charlie Brown!!!". You see we were not allowed to cuss or use slang. I almost got a whipping (that is Southern for spanking or disciplined) for saying "DARN!" one day when my daddy happened to be home. So we resorted to non-slang outbursts.

One of my most vivid memories is my daddy waking up to receive a call and his response after a short listen was, "MY STARS, Jack!!!". It was the most upset I'd ever seen or heard him (at that time - years later I did my share of upsetting him, but I never got that response!).

I guess I'm especially thinking about grief lately and the process. It is so unpredictable. Is it GOOD or can it be?

I think so.

Over the past 4 years, I've dealt with the loss of my mama. She has been there physically, but not mentally. So, after our visits home I would sob and grieve for the mama I used to have. That was not a good grief. It was an unfinished grief. I was still holding on to the memory of mama and hoping that she would return to that. It was like an open wound that would not heal.

Life changes. Some are good, some are bad. This may sound harsh, but now I can move on and truly grieve the loss of my mama. That is good. The process is not fun. It is not easy. It is unbearable at times. But... we do heal.

I've been thinking of the process that I so glibly shared with people - you know... Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and finally Acceptance.

Before, I could do all the steps except "Acceptance". Now, I can complete the cycle.

But, I'm also understanding more. The "Denial" is not denying that they are dead - it can be, but for me it was denying that life had changed and that it affected me. I DOES affect me in the deepest level and eternally. The good part of that is that now mama is in heaven and her prayers are still covering me - but she sees and knows more now how to pray for me and my family... the prayers will never stop.

The "Anger" is not necessarily at the person who died - it can be and often is. But, it is random, frustrated anger that just surfaces without rhyme or reason. It surfaces at odd times in odd ways. This is actually comforting to know if you are not the one grieving and someone has an unexplained outburst of anger.

I haven't experienced the "Bargaining" yet - at least I have not identified it. I don't know how it will manifest itself. I don't know if I'm going to try to bargain with God or a person or myself... or go shopping and try to get a great deal! (LOL)... I think that last would probably be considered "therapy"... as in retail therapy...

Now the depression I understand. The hopelessness and helplessness and just despair. I have been blessed in that I'm not a depressed person. I have experienced depression, but it does not hang around long. I think that now, I just experience a deep sense of loss and sadness. It is easiest to tell if someone is stuck in grief if the depression just hangs on. It is natural and normal to go through it - the key is "go through". It is not healthy or good to hang on to it.

It really is okay to be happy and joyful!

The final stage is acceptance. I expect to get there soon. It is more than accept the death. It is also accepting their life, who they were and what they meant to you. Accepting how they treated you and how they loved you and how they behaved and died.

Part of my acceptance has been to realize that long before we knew mama had alzheimers we did not understand her behavior and wondered why she was acting so strange. We simply discounted her statements and tried to talk her out of it. I wish now that I had been more sensitive and discerning. So, part of the acceptance for me is accepting MY actions and forgiving myself.

Moving on... I truly believe that it is "good grief" because I was blessed with a wonderful good mama and the going through process enables me to appreciate who she was and be thankful.

Thank you for "listening" as I process!
Blessings~

Daddy

2010-11-03T14:09:00.002-05:00

My Sweet Daddy

This picture was taken just a few days after Mama died. It was the day after her funeral. We had gone to visit in his new "home" - the assisted living apartment.

The girls and their children were still in town and wanted to see it and him before they left to go back home. He put his hat on to model it for the grandchildren. How special he is!

Daddy loved mama. They dated four years and were married for 68 years. She served him all those 72 years. She took care of him. She loved him. She took a back seat to him. He had the very public ministry and mission. She never wanted to overshadow or outshine him.

He traveled all over the world in ministry. He worked long hours when he was home. She never complained. He would call from the office and say he was ready to be picked up. (We only had one car.) She would go and sit outside his office in the car while he "finished up" - which could be hours because he might get started on another project or stopped by someone and forget he had called her. She didn't complain. She just waited and read or sang and when he got in the car she would smile and ask how his day had been.

He had a stroke. The only time he was ever really sick. She stayed right with him and took care of him. She nursed him back to complete health.

Years later when she began with the memory problems, he stopped his life to take care of her. He did nothing but make sure she was okay. He made sure she got to the doctor and took her medicine and ate. He worked at entertaining her and loving her. Even when she was unlovable because she didn't know who he was, he loved her.

He gave up his home and his freedom just to be with her. These last few months he just sat and watched her. She had care for bathing and dressing and changing and medicines. She mainly was in the bed, but he just sat and watched her to make sure she didn't fall out of the hospital bed.

It has been a long four years for him. He had purpose. He had a reason. He was motivated by a deep love and commitment. He would not leave her alone to even go to doctors appointments for himself. His dedication and love are something that kept her alive as long as she lived. It also kept him alive.

My prayer now is that he will find another purpose and reason and mission to keep on living. He has so much to share - so much wisdom and knowledge. He is such a special man.

I have been extremely blessed by my parents - and by the example they have set for serving God and each other. I hope you have been, too!

Blessings~

A Story of True Love - A Celebration of Life

2010-10-20T20:20:00.004-05:00

My sweet Mama ...

This is post has been written over many days.... it has been a very different couple of weeks for me. I have been in Georgia, Oklahoma and back in Georgia and now home again.

If you are my friend on Facebook or a close friend, you know why.

My sweet little mama has had her last days.

March 19, 1922 began the life of Sarah Elizabeth Bennett Freeman - known as Bess. She was a treasure and a blessing. Her humor is known all over. Her love is felt by thousands - but especially by her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She met Ross (George Ross Freeman, Sr.) when she was 16 and he was 15. He was the handsome 85 pound center of the Tennille football team. She met him on a double date. He had a date with her younger sister, Mae, and she was with someone else. After that night, she informed Mae that she was very interested in Ross (if Mae was not). They began dating then.

After they graduated from high school that year (yes, he was 15 and she was 16), she had to move to Baltimore to live with her sister Connie and Yankie. It was during the depression and she needed a job to help support her family back home. Then she went to Toccoa Bible School in Toccoa, GA. It was there that Ross sent her a letter saying, "come to Macon and marry me!" She threw up her hands and shouted, "HALLELUJAH!!!!". She was on the next bus to Macon.

They married on June 15, 1942. He was going to school at Mercer and was city missionary for the Methodist church.

They were moved to Darien where he pastored 9 churches and had 2 children. Then they moved to Baxley where I was born. They had only 6 churches there. Next they moved to Woodstock where he only had 3 churches. Their career in ministry just moved on and up through many different facets.

Fast forward 64 years.... after many different roles in serving the church by Ross.... and also Bess. She was there with him, helping him, serving him, supporting him.

In December 2006, we began to realize that something was wrong with her. She just sat and cried. She couldn't remember names and places and basic facts. They said she had small vessel disease in the brain - it boiled down to the dread horrible disease of Alzheimers.

Daddy stopped his busy life. He had traveled and preached and ministered and held conferences and seminars all over. He made the decision to stay with her and take care of her. My nephew, Greg, moved in and because he worked at night, he was there during the day to help. He took up the shopping and much care for mama. Because of Greg's sacrifice and love, they were able to stay in their home until last November.

Daddy, who loves peanuts and popcorn - especially while watching sports, had developed diverticulitis. Eating his favorite things irritated this and he began to bleed - and almost bled to death. At this time the decision was made to move them into a home. Mama HAD to have the memory care and daddy needed more help in caring for her. They were moved into a wonderful new place for memory care.

We made the L.O.N.G. trip back and forth to Georgia as often as we could. That was our vacation 4 years. During these visits mama would recognize me at some point. Mostly, I was a stranger and she would talk and love me and be the perfect hostess or guest (depending on where she thought she was). She began to recognize and respond less and less. The last year, she did not know me at all.

Meanwhile, Daddy stayed right with her. We encouraged him to stay home and let the memory care home care for her since they were trained in that. Mama didn't know him anyway most of the time and she became very aggressive and confrontational. At times she bit him and kicked him and pinched him. She did not know him. Yet, he stayed and loved her and would not leave her side.

He gave up all his activities. He quit going to church. He did not want to go to the doctor or barber or anywhere and leave her. Only if my wonderful sister or sister-in-love would stay with mama would daddy leave.

Earlier this summer my brother moved them to a home closer to him. Everyday they would go and check on them. It was determined about 3 weeks ago that mama needed hospice. The staff at the home could not take care of mama's needs. My sister called to let me know that she was on oxygen and declining - her systems were shutting down - she was dying ....

We determined that we needed to go so we made arrangements. Got there and visited and loved on her for a couple of days. Hospice said she could last for weeks. We decided to come home on Sunday. Neither of us wanted to leave, but having been assured we had weeks, we decided that we needed to journey back. About 9 hours into our trip my brother called to tell us they had moved mama to the hospice facility and would be giving her morphine and she was showing all signs of dying.

We came home, washed clothes and repacked, slept a few hours and headed back. We got in Monday night and were able to visit with her and kiss her and love on her awhile. I told her that I loved her and thanked her for waiting for me to come back and said it was okay to go ahead to the other side. She had wanted to go for so long. In fact, about the only thing I had understood her clearly to say in the past year was that she wanted to die.

My nephew stayed with her through the night. We got a call a little after midnight Tuesday that she was going and we should come on. I got ready and by the time we got there she had taken her last breath. It was 2:05 am October 19, 2010.

We all gathered around her and prayed and thanked God for her life. My sister and her husband, my brother and his wife, my nephew and niece and of course, Daddy were all there. We celebrated her life and rejoiced in tears at her release.

She was a good woman. She was a godly woman. She loved her husband and children to a fault! She was shameless in her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Everywhere she went, she wore a butterfly to represent her faith - she was a new creation. She loved pink roses. She loved butterflies and took great joy in seeing them.

At her burial butterflies were released just for her - they flew away and then landed on the blanket of roses covering her casket.

Daddy has remained by her side. He has cared for her lovingly and intentionally. The staff at the home talked about the love and devotion he had. One girl, in particular, got so emotional and said that she wished she had someone who loved her so much.

The witness and example of love and devotion shown by both my parents to each other. They could not do enough for each other. Their love was evident to the world.

I have been blessed beyond measure with my family. We walk in love. We walk in unity. We walk in Jesus.

Thank you, for letting me share!

Blessings~

New Friends...

2010-09-21T07:13:00.003-05:00

We have lived in our home for a little over 2 years now. We love where we are and we have great neighbors and wonderful children and grandchildren. We have church people and members on the weekend in Oz.

They keep our lives full... and empty at the same time. I don't mean that in a negative way ... it is just that we have not had any friends or social life since we moved here.

Sadly, we have been lonesome. We have wanted someone to share life who is in the same stage we are in. There is much to be said about being surrounded by those older and younger. They keep us balanced and things in perspective. They keep us humble and full of hope for the future!

There is also something about having people to relate to on the same level. If any one of those groups is missing, then life is missing a huge piece!

We were missing part of life and it was beginning to show ...

During the summer Hugsum took me to Branson. I did not want to go. Honestly, it seemed like a huge waste of time and money. The idea of the tourist city was repulsive to me. I admit that I went grudgingly and grumpily.

On the way, I posted of Facebook that we were headed to Branson. Almost immediately, a friend recommended that we see SIX. I casually mentioned that to Hugsum and he jumped on the suggestion.

I began to fret. I did not want to go to some show that was bad and even though my friend had highly recommended it, I was not sure. You see, I had not seen or spoken to her since 1966! We had been best friends in the the 6th and 7th grade. In high school we drifted apart and were not close. I did not know her life in the 44 years after she graduated. I was not sure about trusting her recommendation. I did not know if we had the same standard, likes, dislikes, etc.

We got tickets and went in to the show and sat down next to some nice ladies. They were talking and laughing. One of the four leaned up and said, "I wish our chairs were in a circle so I could hear what everyone is saying." I leaned up and said, "I wish you would ALL speak a little louder because I can't hear a THING you are saying!"

We all laughed and shared and became friends. They included me in their conversation. The funny thing is, they are from the same town we are and we exchanged names and numbers and decided to get together.

Last Sunday night they invited us to their home group that was just starting. We had such a nice time. Hugsum met their husbands and we all became friends. How nice to have friends that share the same stage of life we are experiencing. They are also on the same page we are spiritually. We just seemed to fit. We shared life. We shared Jesus. We shared emotion and experiences.

God is good. He provided exceedingly more than we could have asked or thought.... even though I was grumpy and cantankerous about going to Branson, God had a plan..... WHY do I doubt and fight against what God is doing???

What is God doing in your life these days? Are you fighting it?

The Mind!

2010-09-20T07:48:00.002-05:00

The mind.... At times it seems like mine wanders and I can't find it!

The way the day looks, or even the way that LIFE looks is determined by the mind and what it focuses on.

We are instructed to "think on THESE things" ... what is true, just, beautiful, admiral, of good report ...

We also know that where the mind goes the body will follow ...

The words that we speak are a result of the thoughts we think. The actions that we take are also a result of the thoughts we think...

Where we are today is because of what we did, said and thought yesterday!

I am changing! I am becoming! I am headed toward something!

.... and so are you!

Do you want to know what the future holds? Then look at your thoughts of yesterday. If you don't like where you are, then all you have to do is CHANGE those thoughts today!

YEP... it is that simple. (I did not say "easy")

You change your thoughts by renewing your mind.

What do you need to be thinking about today?

So Many Things... Celebrating is BIG...

2010-09-16T09:11:00.002-05:00

We are celebrating and rejoicing. This week we have three wonderful birthdays and next week we have 2 more.

My two sons-in-law have birthdays this week. Yeah, I'm blessed with them. The first birthday was Tuesday, today is our daughter's (1st sil's wife) and then Saturday is our 2nd sil's birthday.

Next week on Wednesday is our 5th grandchild's birthday. She will be 2 and then on Friday Hugsum turns 65! That one is a biggie.

Not sure how I'm going to celebrate that one. Usually, he likes to just ignore his birthday. He is on a strict diet and so cake and ice cream are out of the question. When I ask what he wants, he says, "don't spend any money"...

Anyway, we are blessed. I love my family and thank God for each one that was either born to us or married in.

How are you celebrating September?

Random Dozen

2010-09-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.
YES! I love garage sales! Last weekend in Oz they had their annual 100 mile garage sale. It was overwhelming - too much for even me!
The best thing I have gotten lately is a FisherPrice doll house complete with furniture and a family. I think I paid $5 for it. It is so much fun to listen as the grandkids roll play with all the little people. There is even a grandmama and I LOVE to hear them play with her. It is hilarious to listen to "me" talking.

2. Name the last thing you fixed.
Besides a meal? ... a cup of coffee??? Okay, so something that was broken ... I'm struggling here. I know that I'm constantly "fixing" things. Just can't bring it up to the top of my brain right now. More than likely it was a toy. I fix those constantly!

3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool
Right now I'm not real fond of any of my makeup and am considering changing from the Bare Minerals type back to a liquid foundation (hoping to cover wrinkles better and fill in the not-so-fine lines). There is one thing that I do love now that I think about it... It is my eyeliner... smudge proof, water proof ... Maybelline, Unstoppable, Espresso. Yeah, I do love that.

4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?
Without a doubt, my laundry room is a disaster and needs organizing. It has become the junk room where I deposit everything that I don't know what else to do with ... It has a small counter refrig for cokes and waters, a water distiller, a large upright freezer, toys, carpet cleaner, all my small appliances, cookbooks, bakers rack, dog food and more toys, diapers, wipes, serving dishes ... and trash can - not to mention the washer and dryer and all the related items.
HELP!!!! Too much stuff is in there!

5. Which room could use re-decorating?
The whole house really, but the guest/grandkids room really needs a new fresh look.

6. Share something unique about your town.
I live here... hehe... okay, so I have lived many places. Ummm It is a suburb of Tulsa, the home of Rhema, I think it is the 2nd or 3rd largest town in our state (even though we consider it small town). Other than those things, I really don't know much... the name means peace... so I'm struggling here.

7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?
Have faith in God and trust Jesus, NOTHING else matters!

8. Do you Facebook?
Yes... yes ... and way too much, yes!

9. Describe your favorite shoes.
Right now, I don't have a pair that I'm super crazy about. My "go to" shoe right now is a flip flop. I'm on the look out for a nice pair of navy flats. I have a feeling when I find them, they will be my favs.

10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?
If I'm in the car w/ hugsum, he turns it to talk radio. If it is just me, then it will be praise and worship music. More often than not I enjoy the complete silence and so don't turn on anything.

11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?
We have been known to drive 6 hours to Zaxbys to get the BEST chicken fingers and tater chips ever! (Sorry to my friends who own Chick-fil-A - that is my 2nd all time favorite!) We don't have Zaxbys in our state and if I had enough nickles to my name, I'd change that in a heartbeat!

12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?
I'd be working on my dissertation... uhhhhh that thing is looming over my head like a huge heavy weight!

Today I'm BACK!

2010-09-14T12:22:00.002-05:00

I've missed blogging. Same story I've been saying for about a year now. I still miss it. Maybe I'll be able to get back and regularly blog... That's my plan - AGAIN!

My life is full. It is fun! It is active. I'm so incredibly thankful.
I've come a long way in a year. I've got my priorities in order.
I've got so much to share with the world .... I doubt that I share, but I don't have to.

I can just start where I am and don't have to backtrack and live in the past. I'm looking forward to the future with much anticipation.

So, today I had the joy of keeping four grandchildren. ... plus the cutest little grandpuppy. Andy is not that crazy about little Maddie, but that is okay. He will get used to having her around. It is funny because it is payback time for Andy. Maddie just loves Andy and irritates him. Andy used to do that when he was a little puppy...

Today we colored, watched Snow White, played with puzzles and transformers and dolls and balls... we jumped and did forward rolls and sang and tickled.... just to mention a few things...

Yes, life is good. I would love to expand my territory ... I would love to do lots of things. One day I can... I will ...

Meanwhile..... I'm happy and content and satisfied.

Hope your life is good!
Blessings

Random Dozen and Back to Blogging!

2010-09-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.
I not afraid of any insects. I don't like any of them, especially those that fly at me or land on me - unless it is a butterfly... I love those!

2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?
This one brings me much condemnation. I try to be green and organic in things, but fail miserably! If money, time and convenience were no object, I would buy all organic food and compost and recycle. However ... money, time and convenience normally supersede my "green side".

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.
I have recurring dreams about hair. It is strange hair in strange places... like being by a pool knowing that I just shaved and being horrified to find a huge patch of long dark hair on the back of my leg. I have no idea what it means.

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?
No. I've been blessed.

5. What do you consider your best feature?
Physically ... At this time of life, I've noticed that my "best" features are not what they used to be. The other day as I was dressing I decided that my back is the "youngest" looking part of my body. I have a nice back.... Having said that, I keep it covered unless I'm in a bathing suit.

6. What was the last concert you went to?
This year we have been to two. This is notable because I can't remember going to one for many many years - in fact, I think the last one was Carmen - in 1990!

In the spring we went to a concert by ____ Mayer (so good I can't remember his name). His group did the Beatles songs. It was okay. We left at intermission.

In June we went to Branson to the SIX concert. Not THAT was great! I highly recommend that one.

7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.
As a pastor's wife there are way too many! The last time my husband asked me to read the scripture I put so much enthusiasm and emphasis in it that he has never asked me again!

One time I was to sing a special - acapella. In the middle of the song I went completely blank and could not remember the words or tune. I was so embarrassed I ran out the back of the church in tears. That was over 30 years ago and I'm still totally humiliated.

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?
All... it just depends. Sometimes I'll start whistling and then singing and then hum... The difference is whether I remember the words or not. If I start out singing and go blank (which seems to be a trait of mine, see above question) then I will hum or whistle.

9. George Washington Carver said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?
ahhhhh... have to get back to this one. Sesame Street is what is tuned in right now - along with 4 precious little ones...

10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?
Guess I'll have to make sure to make one.

11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)
Liberty Bell.... uh, what kind of food do they serve?

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?
I do believe it is possible. However, my husband does not think so. I would say that for women it is and for men it is not... therefore, my answer would be "no"....

Summer Catch-Up

2010-08-23T10:12:00.002-05:00

Obviously, I haven't blogged much this summer. I guess it's time to catch up.

We have had a fun summer. Spent time in the pool and traveling and playing with some of our grandkids.

We visited family in southern Florida and also in north Georgia. Then we went to Wisconsin and visited more family.

Lots of different things have happened. I planted a garden and harvested a handful of fruits and veggies. Not sure what happened to my bumper crop. I guess that the extreme heat and lack of rain and interest contributed greatly to the crop I did not have.

We did a good bit of work in the yard in the spring, but our yard is in horrible condition now. The grass is DEAD! Even watering it didn't bring it back to life. I killed 2 lavender plants and a clematis along with many MANY geranium. When I took my lavender plants back to Lowes the guy told me he was going to report me for murder! (LOL)

Last night I went to Walmart. I meandered out to the garden center just to see what clearance plants they had. I figured I could get some half/dead plants to replace the dead ones I have and my yard would look twice as good. Theirs didn't look much better than mine. As I was walking out I heard the girl who was working out there. She had her iPod in her ears and was singing at the top of her lungs - something in Spanish.... she was actually pretty good but would have been really embarrassed if she had known that I was still out there. It made me feel good and happy because I knew she was really enjoying herself and doing what she loved. (and getting paid for it!)

So, nursing school started today. I am playing with grandkids. I had one all summer (except for the trips - and I offered to take him with us then). We have done lots of reading already. Gearing up for the new schedules all around.

Life is good. It is getting better and better. Healing is happening!

Evaluating - ME

2010-06-25T09:25:00.002-05:00

Okay, so that is a scary thought...

I have just been faced with myself and parts are not very pretty...

I am a pleaser. I want to please people. I want you to like me. I want things to be smooth and peaceful.

I would venture to say that one of my greatest fears is that you would not be "pleased" with me and you would not like me.

Having said that, I have come to realize that I have sold myself. I have not learned who I am. At age 60 that is a very sad commentary. It took me 25 years to tell my husband, who LOVES submarine sandwiches, that I do NOT like them! Yeah, he was shocked! I ate them without a word for 25 years. I hid my gags... and dislike, just to please him. Then one day, I told him. Every now and then, I can eat one and enjoy it. That is also a shock to him.

Sad ... I know ...

There are other things that bother me. There are many things that I have prayed/asked to receive but after having them, I soon find out that I really don't want them or am disappointed or they have become a bondage.

Then, I become a complainer and murmurer. Neither one is very befitting someone named "merrie"!

I have become my mama... She was good at being nice and sweet to your face, but to everyone else complain about what was going on and how she was being "used"...

Last night I was told that I was acting like a martyr. Pretty painful confrontation - but no offense taken because I was seeking answers.

So, in self reflection (with the help of the Holy Spirit) I have determined that I do not know myself and to my own self have not been true.

I have said one thing and meant another because I was trying to please and not hurt feelings. When the result has been that I have hurt myself.... again, SAD!

Fear of rejection pales in the light that the One who matters, loves me and did not reject me and will not reject me and will never leave me nor forsake me. In the light of that, I have NOTHING to fear!

So, I'm on a quest to become fully me. I am going to stop worrying about pleasing anyone but Jesus. I am going to seek after being all that I was created to be.

I'm sorry if you don't like me anymore. I'm sorry if you aren't pleased. I'm no longer going to seek your approval.

ahhhhhh, peace, joy, contentment!!!!!!

Good Tweets

2010-06-18T12:34:00.005-05:00

I've been really blessed lately by some tweets. I don't normally "tweet" myself, but I do enjoy reading a couple of my tweet friends. They are generations apart in age, but their wisdom is common. One is my age and others are my children's age.

Some of these little bits of wisdom have changed my day and my attitude and hit between the eyes at just the right time.

"I talk to myself. Today it's: I know what to do, what to say, where to go. I'm in the know. God has put within me the ability to produce wealth!" (Beverly)

"Love keeps no record of wrongs, but bitterness keeps detailed accounts." C.Groeschel (Jon)

"People keep God at an arms length so they can pull Him close when they want Him and push Him away when they don't" (Jon)

"When what you are saying makes no sense, talking louder won't clarify your meaning." (Mandy)

"I must realize that my obedience even in the small details has all the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind ..." (Beverly)

"The fastest way to pass your own expectations is to add passion to your labor." - Mike Litman (Beverly)

"Fear is the 3rd party in most transactions. Salespeople fear rejection, failure. Client fears YOU! Salespeople are viewed as fear creators." (Beverly)

"Everything is sales. My experience is parenting is the most important sales position out there!" - Zig Ziglar (Beverly)

"You don't have to understand everything to believe in something" (Jon)

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him, his own." -Benjamin Disraeli (Beverly)

Summe 2010

2010-06-17T08:24:00.001-05:00

Well..... hello there.... it's been such a long long time....
How ya doin?
We've been doin' fine!

How's the family?
Please give them our love...

Talk with you later....
Gotta go run and get some stuff done. Ethan is asleep and the yard is calling... the pool looks amazing! Maybe I'll venture in later on today....
Come join me if you'd like...

Random Dozen - One Thing

2010-05-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?

My "go-to" meal is a salad. I always have salad stuff and it is fast and healthy and I love them!

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)

Earrings - I am "naked" without them.

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?

The BEACH!!!

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.

In the 1800's my great great great grandfather was born in a covered wagon in Tennessee. He then moved to Oklahoma as a Methodist Preacher/Circuit Rider. Now, we live out here. I was so surprised to find that there is a HUGE Bennett Family Reunion in Oklahoma. How neat is that?

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."

.... wanted to be a princess... - wait I STILL do! Okay then .... lived in a land far away where the waves hit the sand and the sun shone brightly and the weather was WARM!

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?

The practical thing would be gas for the cars. ... however, not known for practicality, I would choose FRUIT! Yeah... all kinds... yummmmm

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."

I enjoy mornings and nights - not so much the middle of the day. I could sleep for hours during the day, wake up real early and love to stay up real late.

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?

A Cliff bar...

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."

My grandkids.. (okay, so that is 7)

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?

Study Medical Terminology for my ND.

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?

Smile... actually, pray for them

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?

Vacation...

Psalm 84:10a: Better is ONE day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere!

Weekend Battle/Joy

2010-05-18T16:27:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I did something that I rarely ever do. I stayed home from Oz alone.

Through the years I have allowed hurts and rejections and just stuff to build up. It was beginning to choke me and drown out my joy. I was to the point that I could not function.

About a month ago Hugsum and I had gone on a date to a concert. I should have been happy and joyful and enjoying it. I was not. I was on the verge of tears. I could hardly hold them in. I finally looked at him and said, "I have to have help".

This past year has been a hard one. I won't go into details, but I'll just say that I have been stripped down to the nubs emotionally and spiritually. I have been beaten up ... There have been so many battles on so many different fronts that I just completely closed up my emotions and did my best to make it through the day. I would fall into bed exhausted at 8.

I did not know how to handle any of what was going on and there was nothing that I could do about the outcome of anything - except pray... which is exactly what I did. I was numb and didn't feel anything, but I prayed.

So last week I just announced that I need to stay home. I needed to get Face to face with God. I HAD to have His touch and His healing.

Thursday night I had a dream/vision of a banner running through my head. It said, "I came to heal the broken hearted". It was in different fonts and colors... continuously changing.

I began to stand on that vision that my heart, which had been broken, would be healed.

I spent all day Saturday and most of the day Sunday in prayer and Bible study. I repented, I forgave, I was forgiven. I talked and prayed and shared with Father all that I could think of... everything that was in my heart and on my heart and He touched it and removed the pain. I was healed from the inside. I was healed from the hurts and pain.

By the time Hugsum got home, I felt free and had a deep joy. He said he felt like he had a new wife. It was wonderful!

I came to the point that if nothing about any of the circumstances changed, it is OK. I can live with it. I HAVE to live with it because it involves other's decisions. But the point is that I can live. I had been so depressed, so broken, so despondent that I didn't really care if I lived or not.

Please don't judge me. I have hope of my salvation. I was not about to take my life. I just did not want to live like I was living with so much grief and pain.

The circumstances did not change. I was changed!

I love that now I know that Jesus is enough. I don't have to worry. I don't have to fret. I don't have to be careful about what I say or do or think. He is enough. He can handle it all. He has restored my hope and my joy and renewed my purpose.

Can I tell you... that is such a relief and such a blessing! I wonder why I didn't do this sooner. Well, actually, I had not come to the end of myself. I had not bottomed out. I was still trying to "hold on" and figure it all out. I had to give up.

How nice it is now to not be burdened with grief and guilt and condemnation and striving to please.

Jesus is truly all I need!

Now... as a side note - I'm still far from perfect. I still blow it (I did yesterday). I still have to work through some issues. However, I am confident in the knowledge that no matter what, I am okay. I am going to be fine. I don't have to worry.... I can get back to that place. I know where it is and how to get there. I know the Answer!

ahhhhhhh, now THAT's the life worth living! I think that I'll enjoy my pool and the sunshine and the grandbabies and their parents that I can.

I love my life!

Because there is LIFE

2010-05-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

So, I have felt absent from the world lately. I have not blogged much. I have not posted much on facebook. I rarely look at twitter. I don't even email much. I rarely talk on the phone except to the kids.

WHY?????

Good question. I'm so glad you asked...
I'm living life. I'm developing relationships with the grandkids....

I hope you are having a good life without me... I'm enjoying mine!

Forty-Two

2010-04-28T13:03:00.003-05:00

no, not my age.... It might be nice to be 42 again. However, I'm referring to something entirely different.

When I was 18 years old I had been out of high school for one year. (Yes, I graduated at 17)

A friend of mine in college came up with an absolutely WONDERFUL idea! We would not go to school spring quarter and we would get a full time job. Our plans were to save every penny and spend the summer in Europe.

We both got a job in downtown Atlanta in one of the banks. I worked in the vault with all the cds and things like that. My boss was a career lady who walked around with a cigarette in her mouth and dropped ashes all over everyone.

But, I digress....

I have a very wise daddy. He said that if I let him chose the group then he would pay for my trip. Well, I was blond, but I was not DUMB! That meant I could spend the money I was making! So I agreed. Little did I realize ....

I do need to digress now. I don't remember if I ever mentioned that my daddy was Assistant to the Dean of the School of Theology at Candler - Emory University. He had lots of friends. One of the professors took many groups to Europe and the Holy Lands. Sooooooo, daddy worked out a deal with Dr. Gordon Thompson. What a mighty man of God. He and his precious wife were gracious enough to take me with them.

The10 day tour consisted of 98% retired people, most of whom were pastors and their wives. There was one 18 year old girl besides me in the group. She was an extremely unhappy, very overweight and super depressed girl.

Yeah... I didn't know this until I got on the trip. I had visions of world travel and freedom and adventure. Not so much! The rule was that we had to always travel in pairs.... She never wanted to explore on our free time. Again, that is another story for another day. She was grieving the death of her father and the new boyfriends her mother was bringing home... I felt sorry for her, only .... So anyway, I was stuck either with the group or in the room.

It really was a wonderful trip. We traveled all over Europe and the Holy Lands. It was 1968. It was an eye opener and life changer. Things were much different then in the world. One of our stops was in Italy. Our guide and leader had a favorite shop in each country. In Rome it was a cameo "factory". We were able to see them making cameos.

Now, as an 18 year old I was not impressed with the "old lady" typical cameos. However, there was one that caught my eye and heart. I HAD to have it. It was a beautiful graceful full figure girl with long flowing gown and hair blowing in the wind. I splurged and happily packed the ring into my bags.

All along the trip I would pick up different gifts for people back home. At the end of the trip I was feeling so good about everything I had gotten for my family. (none of which I can remember now except the cameo) As I began to unpack and share my trip I realized that I had not gotten anything for mama. HOW COULD I?????? She had sacrificed for me to go. She was my best friend!

I quickly checked out the goodies and made a snap decision to give her my most prized souvenir... the beautiful cameo ring. I should have planned better. I should have thought it through more.

She was not a "ring" person. It was a very large ring and it did not look pretty on her hand. She received it, but to my knowledge never wore it.

I hate to admit it, but I grieved over the ring. I wanted it because it was so different. I wanted it because .... well... I just loved it. Honestly, I felt cheated out of it.

So, after mama began to mentally leave us, I began to look for the ring. I had had a glimpse of it years earlier in her jewelry case. After going through all her jewelry on this last trip I came across what looked exactly like my ring. However, it was not a ring, but a pendant/broach.

I shamelessly brought it home. I took it to the jewelers and had them check it out. YES! It had been changed from ring to pin. (I still had NEVER seen it on her.)

So, I had them transform it back into a ring. I picked it up yesterday. I was so emotional when I put it on my finger. After 42 YEARS I finally could wear my ring.

Here are a couple of pictures of it. They are not good - not sure why I couldn't get a good shot of it. I tried several different angles and settings, but it just didn't show up and do it justice.

Yes, I did a happy dance. I smiled all the way home. I felt like something had been restored to my life that I had allowed to slip through my hands.

I praise the Lord. I know this is just the beginning of things to come....

How Flexible Are You?

2010-04-22T10:45:00.002-05:00

My friend, Peggy, posted this on Facebook. I couldn't resist putting it here.

These sisters are amazing. This was done in 1944. The first part is a "cute" little song about potatoes... after about the first 45 seconds it gets unbelievable!

Enjoy!

Random Dozen

2010-04-21T00:05:00.002-05:00

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"

I have been "shushed" frequently. The library around here is hard to deal with so I don't go. When the kids were young we went often. They were guilty of trying to check out too many books and we had to replace them. Also, the movies were a weakness and example of our "over indulgence".

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?

I do have a nice big long plastic bin that I keep in my hall closet. It is mainly for Christmas paper, but I also have bags and tissue paper there. My bows and ribbon are in a box in the same closet. However, when I really want to be a blessing (as in impress and not embarrass myself) I go buy something new for the gift.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?

Depends on your definition of "natural disaster". I have created many disasters in my kitchen. However, I don't remember anything like a flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, etc happening in my personal presence. I just missed being in a flood by a week because we moved. We have barely missed tornadoes on our trips across country. We found out listening to the news after we got home that just after we passed through a particular town, they were hit by a killer tornado.

I'd say that we have been very blessed!

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?

I don't have a clue... sorry... I'm sure if I knew something that he sang, I'd love it. I'm a real dud when it comes to knowing those things and keeping up with them. I have a hard enough time remembering the names of my kids and grandkids and their birthdays - forget anything that does not affect my daily life!

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?

My daughters might say some of my clothes that I wear on a daily basis. I never did do much dressing up in costumes on purpose.
One year our son asked to wear a sheet with holes in it to the Hallelujah Party. He wanted to be the holy ghost... no, we didn't let him....

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?

The thesaurus - it is easier to pull up on the computer.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?

Fruit... without a doubt. I LOVE to eat fruit in the morning. Also a chocolate protein shake. I do not like breakfast foods... The sight and smell of eggs in the morning throws me into gags! My mother used to make me grilled cheese sandwiches for breakfast with a glass of sweet tea.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?

Yes. I proudly bought "Body Flex"... the "breathing" videos that bring so much ridicule from REAL exercisers. I did it faithfully (in private). I lost 2 dress sizes and firmed up and felt so much better. In fact, I still do it sometimes. I might just do it in the morning (you have to do it on an empty stomach).

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?

Yes, both ways. I escaped and then I crawled back in... no, I will NOT give details ....

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?

YES! I knew the second I laid eyes on Hugsum that I loved him and wanted marry to him and spend the rest of my life with him. I did and we have been married for almost 37 years - so far!

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?

That fit and are in style and I wear or that I have hanging in my closet? Anywhere between 2 and 8 - depending on ... well, you know...

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")

If someone knew me and loved me, they would not make me a cake at all. I'd much prefer a cookie. (Okay, so I'd prefer LOTS of cookies!) I would want one with nuts and white chocolate. Something that is crunchy and chewy - something like Cowboy Cookies or Dishpan cookies... Not because I'm a Cowboy or dishpan - I just want EVERYTHING in them that can be put in them. I guess you could say that I want it ALL!

I Like "Happy" ...

2010-04-12T09:12:00.003-05:00

A fellow pastor's wife posted this on Facebook as her status. I copied it because it is so true and reflects my feelings...

Relationships are so valuable. Thank you Lord for the love that your body gives out. The best feeling in the world is to be loved. May you all know how much I love each of you. Love makes people happy.....I like "happy"......

Thanks Marilyn....

Ever wonder why we can't just "get along"? Ever wonder why we can't be "happy"? Ever wonder???

I'm wondering now...

A Story of Resurrection

2010-04-04T19:36:00.003-05:00

This is a tree that I see outside my kitchen window.

Everyday as I'm washing dishes or preparing food, I look out and see this tree and the deadness of it. Day after day I stare at it and wonder why my neighbor does not cut down the tree. It is leaning against their house. It is not pretty at all.

It is a crab-apple tree. It makes little hard apples that fall all over our yard and make a mess and stink when they begin to rot. The bees and ants and squirrels love them.

Last week, I noticed some tiny little purple buds on the branches.

Today, when we got home from Oz I looked out my window and saw this....

It is absolutely beautiful! It has been resurrected! It has been renewed and refreshed and beautified!

I realized that at times my life must appear to others as the rotten branch. I'm sure that at times people have complained about my attitude and my actions and my mess.

Jesus came in. Changed me. Made me into "something beautiful". That is the story of the Cross. That is what Jesus did.

I'm so thankful! I'm go grateful! Even with the scars and ugliness in my life, there is still something beautiful that can come out!

Blessings~ May you find the beautiful!

If I Were....

2010-03-30T09:23:00.003-05:00

I saw this meme over at Dancing With The Daffodils while visiting with Beverly. I think it's fun and whimsical, while giving you a glimpse into my mind and heart.

(disclaimer... this is not how I AM necessarily ... it is the way I'd LOVE to be!)

If I were a month, I’d be June. (it is warm and sunny - summer and full of anticipated adventures and vacations.)
If I were a day of the week, I’d be Sunday. (relaxed, easy going and worshipping - hopefully with priorities in place.)
If I were a time of day, I’d be 9 am. (time for a snack!)
If I were a planet, I’d be an unnamed one! (not yet discovered and full of surprises)
If I were a sea animal, I’d be a starfish or a sea horse. (they are whimsical)
If I were a direction, I’d be up.
If I were a piece of furniture, I'd be a swing or lawn chair. (means outside enjoying the warmth!)
If I were a liquid, I’d be diet cherry Dr. Pepper. (amazingly smooth - LOL!)
If I were a gemstone, I’d be an Alexanderite. (rare and ever changing depending on the light it is reflecting)
If I were a tree, I’d be an pecan tree. (I love it's fruit and it is nice and strong. Makes beautiful furniture. Besides, I'm a little "nutty")
If I were a tool, I’d be an edger. (keeps things neat and groomed and looking pretty! You can tell when it has been used and when it hasn't!)
If I were a flower, I’d be a dahlia . (bright and comes back)
If I were a kind of weather, I’d be warm and sunny.
If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a guitar.
If I were a color, I’d be turquoise. (compliments everyone)
If I were an emotion, I’d be happy.

If I were a fruit, I’d be a blueberry.(tart and sweet)
If I were a sound, I’d be a joyful.
If I were an element, I’d be water.
If I were a car, I’d be a Toyota Prius. (practical and sassy)
If I were a food, I’d be chicken. (so many ways to fix it!)
If I were a place, I’d be the beach.

If I were a material, I’d be cotton. (simple)
If I were a taste, I’d be sweet.
If I were a scent, I'd be the smell of fresh-baked cookies.

Feel free to participate in this meme. There are no rules…just the way I like it!

Welcome Sweet Springtime!!!

2010-03-20T21:37:00.003-05:00

On Friday, March 19, I was outside in the sun! I rolled up my pants legs and took a nap by the pool with the nice warm sun shining on my face, arms and legs. It was heavenly! I enjoyed it so much. I was singing and smiling and loving it.

We went to Oz. It was a beautiful day of 70*. We had dinner there and a meeting. Went home, to bed and woke up this morning to ... 30* and SNOW!!!! The first day of spring welcomed back winter!

Less than 24 hours difference and it is like we traveled far away to another time!

We canceled church, loaded the car and navigated our way back home.

This is the SAME chair where I was enjoying the sun yesterday. Now, it is covered in a blanket of snow... it is still snowing. It is going to snow all day tomorrow....

Need I say, I'm not enjoying spring so far????

Blessings and may your spring days be warm!

Life and Meaning and other things ....

2010-03-17T18:54:00.002-05:00

Today we gathered to celebrate Momma's 88th birthday. Her birthday is on Friday, but this is the day that we could all get together for lunch at the Benton House. That is where she now lives. She doesn't really know that is where she lives. She doesn't really know we were celebrating her birthday. She doesn't really know me, or the rest of the family.

We have been staying in their home. I have been cleaning out some things. I have been remembering. It is comforting and healing - as well as VERY emotional! (Now, before you get mad at me for not calling or seeing you while in town, hear me out!)

We never know when we will be able to leave our house, or how long we will be able to stay once we get here. Also, we never really know what our trip will entail. Most of our time is spent catching up with family and helping with Momma and Daddy. The rest is usually spent sleeping and regrouping after our long drive and lack of sleep. Then, we head back home. Rarely is there ever a minute for anything extra.

It isn't that we don't want to see people and catch up with old friends and family. We just are always torn. We are always pulled in so many directions. I find myself in emotional turmoil and dealing with grief and sorrow and floods of memories. The question haunts me, "is this the last time I'll see them????"

So, if we did not let you know we were in town, please forgive me. Just know that I could not handle one more thing.

It is always good to come. We said as we drove in on I-20 and got the first glimpse of Atlanta, that it felt good, comforting, like coming home. I love Atlanta. I love Georgia. My roots go deep here.

It is hard to explain the mishmash of emotions. The sights of my childhood. The floods of memories... the newness of the expanding skyline... the wonderings of where old friends are now living... what are they doing ... HOW are they doing?

The excitement and anticipation of seeing and doing is at the forefront of my mind. Yet, right along side it is the grief that it is not the same. The sadness that loved ones are failing.

I see my parents aging so quickly. They are approaching 90. Daddy is dealing with the loss of his freedom and trying to give up some of his control. He can be bullheaded and grumpy, a little on the negative and complaining side. Momma is sweet and fairly compliant. There are times when her little rebellion comes out. Like the other day when they gave her some yogurt. She did not want it. She knew they had put medicine in it and so she just leaned over the side of her chair and spewed it all over the floor. She sat up and glared at them refusing to open her mouth for another bite.

This visit she did not know me. I never got the slightest glimmer of recognition in her eyes. She came to life when my sister came in. Of course, Joye does visit often and live close and spends lots of time with her. I understand. Momma sees me only a few times a year. She is slipping farther and farther away from us. She is getting more and more non-responsive.

The only thing she said to me was that she wanted to go to heaven, NOW! She also begged God over and over to take her home. I understand. She does not want to be a burden. She does not want to live in a personal care home. She does not like the state of life she is in.

She would be horrified to know how she looks. It is hard not to be able to control your bodily functions. Humiliating to have to have someone take care of you in that way. It is a frightening thing to not know where you are and to not know anyone. She asks to go home. When she was home she asked to go home, so it isn't that she is someplace else. She just does not recognize where she is. At times she thinks her husband (daddy) is her daddy. Then she doesn't know him and fights him when he tries to help her.

I leave here in the morning. I come when I can. I stay as long as I'm able. The toll it takes on me is huge. I love living close to my children and grandchildren. That is a gift from God. It is an answer to my prayers.

The pull to be in both places is unexplainable and at times unbearable.

I trust God to be enough. I trust Him to have me where I need to be when I need to be there. I believe that He is orchestrating my life and ordering my steps.

There is joy in the morning... I will be headed back to play with grandbabies. That is the future! That is the fun, the life, the laughter ...

I am blessed!

Exercise... and 3 is the CHARM??

2010-03-08T07:23:00.003-06:00

Last summer at a garage sale I picked up a mini stepper. It was less than $5. When I brought it home certain people in my family rolled their eyes and made fun of me.

You see, I live in a family of athletes. I am the oddball... I HATE to exercise. Well, I should say, I do not enjoy it. It is so hard for me to get dressed in the mornings so even considering changing clothes and redressing again in the middle of the day is just torture to me. I get dressed for the day. If I am going some place at night, I will dress for that in the morning. I just do NOT like to change clothes and go through the process again and again.

But, that is a rabbit trail...
I LOVED my little stepper. It enabled me to "work out" and "exercise" at home while doing what I do... stand at the counter and watch the kids...
I could even take it with me to Oz so I could get some movement going while there...

Well, my trusty stepper worked and worked and worked for MONTHS... I thoroughly enjoyed it. I could feel myself getting into shape and my legs toning up.

THEN... one day, I was stepping away when I heard a crunching noise and it stopped...

I was so sad. I looked for another one online. I couldn't find one...

Then Hugsum surprised me with one for Valentine's Day. I was thrilled. I immediately put it to work. It worked for 6 days... then again the crunching noise and it stopped...

So, he took it back and got another one. I immediately put IT to work. I stepped away to my heart's content.

Sunday night - after 2 weeks of stepping heaven... AGAIN I hear the crunching noise and no more stepper...

If I weighed a huge amount, then I could understand it. ... maybe ....

So, what do I do? Do I get another one? Do I get a different kind? Do I just try to find another used one? Do I just forget it?

We will see... Hugsum has it in his car... I guess I'll wait and see what he comes home with.

So, that's my stepping story...

Blessings~

Lent... or Lint!

2010-02-18T08:48:00.005-06:00

So yesterday was Ash Wednesday. What exactly does that mean? I'm not trying to cause problems and I certainly don't mean to question your beliefs or practices.... just wondering.

When I was growing up, in a Preacher's family, we never celebrated Lent. My friends that lived across the street were very religious and diligent and did give up something for Lent. The daddy even fasted! WHOA! I remembered being very impressed and confused about the whole thing and tried to ask questions, but no one could explain it well enough that I grasped the principle...

Like WHY did I have to eat my yucky veggies just because there were starving children in Africa. I would have gladly sent them all to them. How did it help THEM if I ate something I didn't want?

So... how does it help if I give up chocolate or Facebook or coffee or cokes for Lent? Again, please don't think I'm judging or being critical - I just am truly not understanding the reasons.

Truthfully, as a child I thought they were all talking about this.... lint...

That really confused me. I for SURE didn't want to give up something important to me for this pile of trash!

Seriously, I do understand now. We are supposed to be connecting to the suffering of Jesus. That He gave up heaven for us. We should be willing to willingly give up something - live the sacrificed life.

Somehow, all this seems to bring me much guilt and condemnation. Almost like broken New Year's resolutions affect me. I've never been able to reach the goal and about 2 days into my "giving up" I forget and do it anyway. Yes, I repent and then start again, only to fall flat again and again. I finally just give up and forget Lent.

I was reading my friend Pam's blog, Lace and Southern Grace, and she was saying that she is not giving UP anything, but she is giving! I love that!!!!

A GREAT idea and concept. I agree with that. I can do that! Our sacrifice should be more about giving, doing for others and concentrating on Jesus and not on ourselves.

The other way I was always concerned with "me" and my religious activity. I think we should live a fasted LIFE, not Lent. It should be a lifestyle and not something we give up for a short time (albeit 40 days can seem like a lifetime). If we are counting the days down until we can eat chocolate or drink coke, then has it really made a difference?

Just sayin....
For me it works to forget Lent - but not forget the principle of living a sacrificial life of praise and giving and serving.

So, for Life this year, I want to give of myself. Give more time to study the Word and in prayer. I want to give love and joy. I want to help where I can. I want to be more thoughtful and kind. I want to live in the Fruit of the Spirit. I think this will glorify Jesus and be more of what He would want more than me failing to keep my word and promise to give up chocolate, etc....

I am not trying to set the standard for what you do or believe... please hear my heart. I'm just sharing what I feel I need to do.

Blessings on you for however you chose to prepare for the Resurrection of our Lord.

Olympic Random Dozen

2010-02-17T18:37:00.002-06:00

My answers to Linda's Olympic Random Dozen

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

I would be a gymnast. I used to do gymnastics and dreamed of being that graceful and talented.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

The year the Olympics were in Atlanta, our 2nd son and his best friend won tickets to the Olympics. They were seniors in high school and on their way off to college.

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

Yes, we got to know a track gold medalist when we were students at ORU. I thought it was Jackie Joiner Kersey, but Hugsum said it was not. Anyway, whoever it was, she was a Christian and we were in a Bible study together.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

Child care and training...

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

Yes. My maternal grandmother was mostly Cherokee Indian and Grandaddy was French/English. My Paternal grandparents were Scotch/Irish and French. My great great something grandfather was born in a covered wagon in Tennessee. We have lots of relatives in Oklahoma because one of the "greats" came out here as a circuit riding Methodist preacher.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

I need an interpretation, please. I have no idea. If I get to sleep until 7 then I feel like I've slept late. I have vague memories of sleeping much later than that...

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)

No... No... except for the fact that one of the grandchildren got choked on a piece of candy this morning and my daughter snatched her up and turned her upside down. I used to do that when mine were little. But, haven't had to do anything like that in a very long time. Don't want to ever have to do it.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

I would love to go to Israel again. It is like coming home. It fits and feels wonderful. It is awe inspiring. It is emotional. It is beautiful and meaningful. I would go back in a heart beat.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

I tried to fix my children up, but it never worked out (thank goodness!). Never was able to fix anyone up.

10. What is the last book you read?

Right now I'm reading "You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" by Lisa McKay... a GREAT book and I recommend it to everyone.

11. ~~Do you enjoy sleeping late?~~ NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??

What news shows do you watch and why?
Well, thanks for asking... I watch Fox news... mainly because that is what Hugsum watches. If it were not for him, I probably would never watch news. I don't like to watch news shows because they beat a dead horse to death! Just keep trying to put a new spin on the same ole same ole...
Besides it just gets depressing!

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

We just got back from Pei Wei (AGAIN). Right now it is Hugsum's favorite place to eat a good reasonable salad. I got the Vietnamese chicken salad rolls. They were delicious. Most everything there is good.

Now, go on over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee and see what else people have to say.
Blessings~

A "typical" day at my house...

2010-02-15T20:21:00.003-06:00

Here is a shot of my world... The fun, the mess, the activity ....

Valentine's and Birthday Wishes...

2010-02-15T19:21:00.002-06:00

I'm a little late in posting yet ANOTHER birthday wish! Yikes, I have gotten so bad this year! I missed our 2nd son's birthday on Jan 12, our oldest son's on Jan 31. I did get grandson #1 covered, but then I missed our youngest daughter's birthday on Feb 14. Yep, she was a Valentine baby.

Here is a picture when she came home from the hospital. Stephen had just turned 6, John 3, Rebekah was about 18 months old... Sarah was my gift of love. Now, she has a baby! At the time this picture was taken, I did not dream of my life and how full it would be... nor could I ever imagine that these four would grow up and have children of their own. But, they did!

I hope that you all had a very good Valentine's day. We were in Oz, of course. On Valentine's eve we went to a special dinner given in the "Cowboy Capital" of Lenepah. It was a nice, different night. A local evangelist put on the event. He gave gifts to everyone and lots of prizes and provided the meal. He did not take up an offering or ask for money.

That night there were about 100 people in attendance. A poll was taken and gifts given to the couples married the longest. There were 2 couples there married over 64 years. Also, 8 couples there married over 50 years!!!! Imagine!!! Not only are these people living a long good life in mind, and body, but also in love and marriage! We were so amazed! Lest you think it was only old people, there was also a prize given for a couple married the shortest time ( about a year). There were lots of little kids running around in their cowboy boots and hats. Even the most well coiffed ladies with fancy sweaters, jackets and blouses had on their jeans and boots...

Sunday morning we had a couple in church who celebrated their 65th anniversary! Like I said, these people have a secret to a long and happy life!

About Valentines Day.... We have a long standing tradition of celebrating. Hugsum always out does himself. He loves to give cards and I get many. He has been known to give roses and candy and diamonds. I love them, but have finally told him not to give candy (PLEASE)! Flowers are hard to carry on trips and hide, so I knew they were not an option.

My favorite gifts are normally just cash... just give me money, honey! That way, I can shop and get good deals and have the fun of the hunt....

But, I need to backtrack. During the summer I got a mini stepper at a garage sale. I paid $5. It sat right in front of my computer. I stood on it most of the day. I had really toned up and loved it. The grandkids also really enjoyed playing on it (of course, supervised) and Posey stood on one side and I would do the other side up and down. She learned to say "uuuuuuuppppppp, dnnnnnnn". (so cute!)

Well, one sad day, I was diligently stepping away when a crunching sound occurred along with a sinking feeling. Yeah, it died. I didn't feel so bad because, like I said, I only paid $5.... then I started trying to find another one on Craigslist. I was not able to find one. Well, I did, but it was $40 - used and the person lived out of town.

I had not mentioned to Hugsum that I wanted another one. I just quietly looked for one. I just really REALLY did want one. I missed it. I had begun to gain weight. I am great at "working out" at home. (I say that very loosely - the working out part). The point is, I will not go anywhere to work out. I just don't enjoy changing clothes that much - nor do I enjoy showing off my athletic "ability" in public for others to laugh. I will, however, exercise in the privacy of my home in my own clothes (gown) for no one else to see.

So, I got up Valentines morning and there by my computer in Oz was a box... yep! Hugsum had replaced my mini stepper with a BRAND NEW ONE!!!! He knew! He figured it out! WOW.... he really did score big!

It has found it's home in front of my computer. Fits perfectly. It makes the trip back and forth to Oz. That is the beauty of it. It is light and portable.

What a wonderful day I had... then today we took the day off and just hung out together. We ate lunch at Cosi, went to the movie (finally got to see Blindside) and then stopped at Pei Wei and picked up our supper.

Great day! Great Valentines Day! Great Hugsum!
Blessings~

Email me...

2010-02-11T10:02:00.001-06:00

Please remember that my blog is temporarily "open" to all readers. I go back and forth from "private" to "open". If you will give me your email address, I will invite you and then you can read my words of wisdom (hahahahhhhhaaaaaaa) anytime you'd like.
Thanks!
Blessings~

A New Age...

2010-02-11T07:23:00.002-06:00

Today is Noah's 4th birthday! He is so proud and so big! He is my first grandchild!

I can still remember "the" call. We were in the middle of a move. We had thought we were moving closer to our daughter and then found we were moving another 4 hours farther away! Not only from her, but from everyone in the family!

We had our truck loaded and we were staying in a motel until "moving day". We had a couple of days and we were enjoying our time. Hugsum and I were walking around Lake Loretta in Albany when my phone rang. We were about to reach the area that is lined with overhanging trees. My daughter called and we were just nonchalantly talking when she said, "oh, guess who's pregnant!". I innocently asked, "who?". She said, "ME!!!"

I immediately began to cry. Hugsum couldn't figure out what was wrong and so I handed him the phone for her to tell him. We began laughing and crying and jumping around.

It began to rain and we ran under the trees and did the happy dance. We danced and laughed and skipped around the lake talking and dreaming about our wonderful new grandchild.

He changed my life. He rocked my world. He took me to a whole 'nother level... He changed me from just "momma" to GRANDmomma! Yeah... it is a wonderful place to be.

He is a sweet caring, loving grandson. He gets so excited and appreciates everything. What a fun fella he is! What a blessing and joy and pleasure! He is so loved!

He had to grow up quickly because before he was 3, he had 2 little sisters. Now, he is a wonderful help and so sweet and gentle with the little ones. Here he is loving his newest little cousin. Here are my oldest and youngest grandchildren together!

I'm very blessed to have seven grandchildren. I love them all and have been just as excited and blessed by the announcement of each one. They add so much joy and love to our lives!

Happy Happy Birthday to grandson #1!!!

Blessings~

Random Dozen and a giveaway from Lid!

2010-02-10T09:06:00.003-06:00

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I THINK I'm pleasant. I am normally asleep and don't ask for anything - BUT, I really don't want to be bothered... I mean... just LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! But, I'm sweet about saying, "no thank you, I don' t want/need anything"...

I'm not going to ask anyone in the family, though. I just choose to believe that I'm pleasant. That's my final answer!

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

Excitement... It is left over from when I was a little girl and got out of school. Now, the only person in our family who is in school is our daughter, who is in nursing school and I keep her kids... so, I guess I can still get excited.

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Only ONE???? You mean besides cleaning, laundry and cooking??? Maybe gardening...

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

I have in the past, but don't so much now. Really I never did very much because it is our youngest daughter's birthday. We tried to not take away from her special day.

5. What song is on your mind today?

"The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round"... only because that is what is on tv right now and the grandkids are watching it.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

If it is a good love story, then I prefer contemporary. Otherwise, I prefer the classic. I don't care for all the violence and weirdness of many of the contemporary movies today.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.

I think I do very well. I am good at "stuffing" my feelings. I don't think that is good. It always resurfaces. But, being in the ministry, I usually just don't allow my hurts and pains and anger show and pour myself into whatever else is at hand.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

Looks... I was totally shallow. My heart jumped and all I could think about was that I wanted to marry him... I feel immediately into lust. But, it has lasted almost 37 years and going strong!

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

At the dentist when they gave me the anesthetic. They warned me, so I was not alarmed so my heart would race even faster!

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

We always gave Valentines to every one in the class at school. It was the "rule" so everyone had the same number. You just HAD to give them out - even to the yucky boys! My favorite ones had a sucker with them. I don't remember any Valentine's Days in high school. I was so shy I didn't have a boy friend and we were not allowed to have flowers and candy sent to the school. Well, I don't know if we weren't allowed, or if it just hadn't been thought of yet. We just didn't do it.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

Anything as long as it has NUTS! Don't waste candy on cream filled or nougat. I want that chocolate wrapped around nuts! You can add caramel, but don't forget the nut!

12. Red or pink

RED!

Now, go hook up to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. She has a great give away going on and you don't want to miss it!

Trying to Explain

2010-02-08T10:30:00.002-06:00

I had to make my blog "private" because I had a stalker. I am making it "normal" for a few days to explain. I love for my friends and family to be able to read and keep up with our life out here. I count it a blessing and a joy to have you stop in.

If you will please leave me your email in the comments or email it to me or send me a message through facebook (whatever works for you), I will send an "invitation" to read my blog. Then you can read it anytime whether it is "private" or open.

Thank you so much for reading. Blessings to you! I do love you and appreciate you so much!!!!

More Monday!

2010-02-08T09:52:00.003-06:00

We are getting MORE snow! As I speak, it is snowing huge snowflakes and they are sticking! They are pretty - I'll give them that. They are all different and special... yeah, yeah, yeah.... I can only take so much special!

Thanks to Mr. Groundhog, I have 5 more weeks... (and one day) from his prediction of extended winter. Can I say, that I'm REALLY looking forward to spring??? Okay, so that is a given!

I'm sure that there is some wonderful spiritual insight I could receive from all this snow and weather we have been having. ... one that is better than "hope (of warmer spring weather) makes the heart sick"!

Or... "there is a time and season..."...

So, on this Monday morning, I need more... I need more grace, more hope, more truth, more sunshine, more Sonshine, more love, more patience, more faith...

That reminds me of a message I heard last night... Jesus is with me, God is at the bottom (no matter where that is) and I have been given enough faith for this (whatever I'm going through)...

Yes, I can live in that ... I can decide and determine to enjoy my life where I am - in the midst of a snow storm with three little ones running around loving me.

God is good... I think I need more hugs and kisses ... I need more of Jesus ... I need more Word ... I need more .... MUCH more!

What about you? Are you satisfied with life now? What do you need more of?

Blessings~

Super Saturday!

2010-02-06T07:55:00.003-06:00

YAY!!!! So, it is Saturday! YIPPEEEE!!!! and HALLELUJAH!

Yeah, I'm pretending to be excited. I'm naming this "Super Saturday" because it is the day before the Super Bowl...

Yeah... I could not care less about football, baseball, (you could just say "sports").... that along with LOST or American Idol... or the reality shows...

Please don't stone me. I just don't get it. WHY put myself through all that trauma and emotion and drama when my own life has enough of it's own????

The only reason that I even have the slightest interest in the Super Bowl is the "Super Bowl PARTY!!!!"

We started having Super Bowl parties waaaaaaayyyyyy back when...

Hugsum would go and get special snacks back then. We had a VERY little bit of money and so it could be as simple as popcorn and a candy bar. It then developed into a full blown snack feast.

Some of my favorite family Super Bowl memories involve another family, the Osgoods. They have 4 children also and we introduced them to the Super Bowl Party. Those were some special precious times.

They moved to the city of our favorite team and coach and they carried on the tradition out there.

We have celebrated in some form or another every year.

Today, I'm heading to Oz. The traditional prep will have to be done by our daughter. We will gather here tomorrow afternoon and begin the celebration of food! It rivals Christmas in the anticipation of goodies...

Hope you have a great weekend and celebrate BIG! May your team win - it doesn't matter to me - just make sure you save me some dip!

Blessings!

We started

Friday Fours

2010-02-05T15:56:00.003-06:00

Four of my favorite things in my home today that make me smile!

Four of my grandchildren. The oldest and the youngest - and 2 in-between ... Noah is 3, Posey is 16 months old, Kendall is 2 and Ethan is one month old today! Yes, they make me smile!

These four things I use all the time! The scissors sharpener, Rada knife, Cutco knife and Rada chopper are some of my all time favorites! The Rada items were bought from the Women's group in Glennville. The Cutco knife is actually a replacement for a knife that was in a set my daddy gave mama more than 50 years ago. The scissors sharpener is a new item, but I use it lots!

These are four of the special toys that are always with the kids. They make naptime pleasant and secure!

This is a set of four dish clothes that I love. They are super absorbant and keep their nice bright SPRING colors. I actually bought 4 sets last spring at Walmart for 50 cents a set! I love that they are so colorful and cheerful!

Thanks for stopping by... see you again soon!
Blessings!

Thursday Threes

2010-02-04T09:32:00.002-06:00

Today I'm posting threes...

Three things for which I'm thankful!
1. My husband - he takes care of me and provides for me and loves to eat out as much as I do. When we don't eat out, he is happy with not much cooking!
2. My girls - they let me play with their children as much as I want. They share their lives with me. They bless me.
3. The hope of spring and warmth and sunshine!

Three things I love!
1. Cookies... I made some last night and I have been enjoying them too much!
2. A little coffee in my creamer.... not much of a coffee fan, but I do love creamer - flavored. I don't feel so right drinking just creamer, so I add a little coffee to justify my addiction to creamer.
3. My Toyota... it is my favorite car to drive. On weekends we take Hugsum's car and if I go anywhere, I have to drive it. Many times, I won't go someplace just because I don't like to drive his car. It is big. It is paid for. (so is mine, but it is much more fun to drive!)

Three things I'm addicted to
1. My grandchildren. I miss them when I don't see them and my heart just aches. I NEED to see them and spend time with them. They just lift my spirits and nourish me! Does good to the heart!
2. Love... I need to be loved or I wither away
3. Jesus and His Word and love and acceptance and redemption and restoration and healing... and on and on... without Him, I'm nothing!

Ground Hog??? and More Snow!

2010-02-02T08:08:00.002-06:00

Who gave this illustrious Ground Hog permission to determine OUR weather???? I'm rebelling and complaining! I mean, really... I refuse to believe and accept his decision about winter! If he had been here, we would not have seen his shadow! It is cloudy and no sun around soooooo we have no shadows.

I'm really tired of winter. I have had enough snow ... as beautiful and peaceful as it is, it is a real bother!

Here is my back yard.... my pool ... my chairs to layout and get a nice tan ... my table where I can sit and enjoy the sun and warmth ... NOT at this time!!! I was really hoping to get there soon.

This is my blueberry bush and my rosemary. My other blueberry bush stayed covered up like a good boy. (I say boy because it is "blue" - duh!) Do I dare hope and believe that the one covered in snow will survive and produce delicious blueberries??? It already had buds on it!

Under my patio was even covered with snow! Wanna swing with me? I don't think so for awhile! The slide was even covered in ice and snow. So much for "protecting" it from the weather...

This is the back fence with the remains of my summer garden. Nice coverage of snow all over the fence and chicken wire, don't you think? My strawberries under the Rose of Sharon are covered in snow. The good thing I learned is that the snow adds nitrogen to the ground. It makes the grass and plants grow and produce. I'm standing on that promise!

This is a tree in our neighbor's yard. It was leaning against their house. Glad it leans THAT way! It was really pretty, though. All the trees in the neighborhood were beautiful. The snow was not so heavy and didn't destroy them.

We are extra blessed. We did not lose power or water like they did in other parts of the state. Where we lived before was hit very bad! They are on day 6 without power and water. Hard to carry on life that way! They need an extra prayer for grace and mercy and patience. Also workers to fix their problems!

I pray that your winter is short (despite what ye ole' ground hog saw) and that you see and experience a thawing and warmth soon.

Blessings~

SNOW!!!!

2010-02-01T09:10:00.002-06:00

Pretty little church close to Oz

The freezing fog... made beautiful trees... if you look closely you can see an oil well pumping away.

The road on the way to Oz... most of it was pretty clear, but this section had not been scraped and so was still snow over ice. A car pulled around us and then a little further up we saw him spinning around and around before coming to a stop facing the wrong direction. Yeah, they were shaken up pretty bad and drove off much slower!

Along the expressway..... Kids were using this area to go sledding and play in the snow.

The fence in my backyard on Friday afternoon after just a few hours of snow!

We were very blessed and did not lose power at home or in Oz. We had church "as normal" even with the ice in the parking lots...
God is good!
His blessings are forever!

Blessings~

New Age!

2010-02-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

He is a big FOUR years old! My first grandchild....

Yes, the picture is right... I was leaning over the chair and he smiled up at me. THAT smile melts my heart!

He is such a big four years old! Here he is holding his newest cousin. So sweet - both of them! Oldest and youngest together...

I still vividly remember "the" call. It was June. We were moving 6 hours away from our daughter. "Our" plan was to move closer to them in Charleston, S.C. Instead, we moved all the way across Georgia away from them. It was a hard drive.

We had our stuff in a truck and were staying in the motel waiting for "Moving Day". We were walking around Lake Loretta in Albany, Georgia. It was a beautiful day and we were about to go around the bend into the overhanging trees. My cell phone rang and I answered. We were calmly talking like everything was normal. Then she said, "guess who's pregnant?". I innocently asked, "who?". Then my world changed forever! She said, "ME!!!!!"

I stopped in my tracks and began to sob. Of course, Hugsum didn't know what to think, so I handed the phone to him. Then it began to pour! RAIN!!!!! (so much like Georgia summers)

We ran to the covering of the trees and did a happy dance!

Noah has been such a joy and blessing to us. He has such a sweet spirit. He is a wonderful big brother to his 2 little sisters. He helps and laughs and plays. His imagination is fun.

I was blessed to be there when he was born. I got to see that little fella take his first breath. He changed my world. He took me to the next level... no longer was I just "momma"... he made me a GRANDmomma!

Yeah... my life has never been the same since!

Blessings~

What a Difference a Few Months Makes ...

2010-01-29T21:14:00.002-06:00

Our beautiful Rose of Sharon in the summer....

Our Rose of Sharon in the middle of a snow storm...

It sure does look different! Both are beautiful! BUT, I much prefer the summer one!

I have had lots of weather. Snow... snow... snow...
We had a blizzard Christmas. The snow stayed on the ground for weeks. We finally thawed out and the snow melted. After it melted we even had some beautiful days of warmth. This week we hit over 60*! It was WONDERFUL!!!!

Even though I love the warmth, this has been a beautiful snow - once it started. It was predicted that we would have a big ice storm that could cause us to lose our power and do lots of damage. Then we would get lots of snow on top of that. It rained and rained and rained, but it we only got a little bit of ice.

We were blessed, yes, very blessed here. Other places in the path of the storms were not so fortunate. They lost power. They are still without power. We were in a special little "window" that evidently had high enough temps to keep the rain from becoming ice.

When the snow started, we got lots in a short time. It was so peaceful and comforting. I just went from window to window watching it. It is still snowing now. When it got dark I had to close the blinds and couldn't watch anymore. ... how sad.

I'm sure it will be there in the morning when I wake up. We will be going to Oz this weekend if the roads are cleared enough. The snow isn't hard to drive in. The ice is treacherous.

Anyway, thanks for reading my blog. Sorry I had to go "private". If I need to "invite" someone else, please get me their email. Thanks!

I hope that your winter is enjoyable....

Blessings~

South Georgia Girl

2010-01-28T09:08:00.003-06:00

I laugh at myself quite often. It is easy to do and it sure makes life easier and more fun. I don't always admit to others what I do, but I sure do to myself!

This week we have had threats of "weather" all over the news. All you who know me, know that I love the nice warm weather of S. Georgia... and am not particularly fond of cold. I consider anything under 50 as qualifying as "freezing".

The other night at Walmart I was just buying "regular" things. I noticed extremely LONG lines and empty shelves. I needed paper plates, but there were NONE... the shelf was bare. Not only that shelf but there were no buns, very little bread... even meat was scarce! People had carts full of water and gas cans, batteries, candles, lanterns...

I had no clue. I was just happy with the nice warm weather we were having. I started talking to the lady in the line in front of me. (That's what we do in Georgia!) I asked what was going on, was I missing something?

It started a huge conversation between lines and people all over! I was quickly informed of the impending storm... threatening to be worse than the one they had in 2007!!!!!!!

The horror and fear in people was contagious! I had to fight off the urge to go and grab everything in sight "just in case"... I might need that pair of shorts on clearance or that ugly necklace on display, or 15 different magazines ... I even wanted to go and get all the organizational and storage bins ... a lady behind me had a VERY nice big bin with wheels that was "only" $10 and she was willing to run back to the shelf and get me the last 3 if I wanted!

I had to stop and go for peace and laugh at myself. I couldn't get the bins in my car, I didn't need shorts and I already have about 20 magazines waiting for me to read at home....

I didn't run frantically around grabbing everything in sight - I stayed in line and got out of there as soon as I could!

In case you don't know why the panic, I'll be glad to share (as it has been shared with me).

We didn't live here then. All our children did, though. In December 2007 (the fear producing date) they had a mammoth ice storm. It brought down power lines and trees and paralyzed the state for a long time. We began looking for a house in March of 2008 - 4 months after THE storm. Some of the neighborhoods still had piles of tree limbs that covered entire yards over 6 feet high! In our yard (before we bought it) there were 13 trees that fell! (Glad they are gone, that's for sure!)

People tremble at the thought of that storm. You can see the blood run from their faces as they talk about it.

The local news people have said that that storm, based on somebody's scale, was a # 3 and 4. They are saying we have the same weather conditions merging today and are saying it could be as high as #4 and 5 in some places.

I'm not receiving that report.

We are scheduled to get rain first (any minute now) - that they say will immediately turn to ice and cover power lines, bridges, and tree limbs. It will be heavy if this happens and can cause problems.... then the rain will turn to sleet and then snow... up to 12 inches...

My South Georgia blood runs cold at the thought of all this. I enjoy seeing it snow about once a year. After that it is no fun. We have already had a "nice" snow. We had a white Christmas and it threw everyone's plans for a loop!

I am thankful that I have gas logs and a gas grill. At least, we can cook some things and stay warm in the living room....

I have a roast in the crockpot, eggs boiled, a rotisserie chicken and lots of crackers... WHY crackers ???? you may ask... Well, I sent Hugsum to the store to get some batteries and snacks. So he came back with 3 (THREE) boxes of saltine crackers... ummm, yeah... right... we can put mayonnaise on them and ??? Well, anyway, another thing that makes me laugh.

It should be fun and interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing God's Hand in the middle of this. I know that He will protect, provide and prosper...

I'll keep you updated as I can!

Blessings~

Weather Questions and Random Dozen

2010-01-27T08:11:00.006-06:00

I'm getting prepared for "weather". It is predicted that we are going to have some rough weather. I have weathered a blizzard recently and now "they" are saying we will have an ice storm and snow... 12" ... That should be interesting.

How do you prepare for such a treat? I was awakened this morning with the thought that I needed to be as a "wise virgin" and be prepared. ??????? UMMMMM I don't know what I need. I'm guessing, water, batteries, bread, sandwich meat. Any other suggestions?

Now, my response to the "Random Dozen" ... answering questions really makes me think....

Here are my answers to the Random Dozen by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

I consider myself good at this. I can wait for what I really want.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

I can turn down most any food if I am focused on being healthy and on a diet. The real temptation to me is a good cookie with nuts... one that is lumpy and bumpy with good things (not a store bought cookie). A homemade cookie will do me "in" before any other food made by man or woman!

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

It depends on WHAT and WHO.
I am extrememly impatient with ignorance, stupidity and meanness - those frustrate me beyond measure.
I am patient with children who are honestly trying to learn and do what is asked.
I am impatient with (and don't like) people who try to control and manipulate or force me.
If it is something that I'm waiting on personally, I'm usually very patient - like in line at Wally or in traffic.

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

YES! I have set my sights on something and when it came to pass been very disappointed that it was not what I expected or believed it would be. Reality is rarely as good as our fantasy!
Those hamburgers are never as good as they look in the commercials!

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

Yes - as long as it does not effect the quality or outcome!

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

The line to the bathroom!

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

I'm telling my age now... Back in my day, it wasn't possible find out medically...
I did, however, KNOW the gender of my children before they were born. I was blessed to have an encounter with the Holy Spirit and He revealed to me amazing things about my children before they were born.

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

Definitely children

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

YES! I ruined so many Christmases for myself that I do not want to have a clue to anything I'm getting. I got so good that I could open any gift and rewrap it without any sign. I also knew all the hiding places for presents and checked regularly for new additions.

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

The birth of my first son. He was 3 weeks late! Or, maybe it SEEMED like an eternity!
Oh, it could be the purchase of my house. Having been in the ministry and living in parsonages, I didn't have my "own" home. So, at age 59 I got to choose my house and buy a "starter" home.

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHHHAAA
I'd say that would be me!

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

This questions is very hard for me. I love music and sing all the time, but I don't apply the words - or maybe LISTEN to them. I do not have a clue! Sorry... if I had to guess by the names it would be "D"... Wait for me.... LOL

Now, go to 2ndCup and check out more answers!

My New Old Book

2010-01-26T10:41:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite devotional books got stuck back in a drawer and "lost". I have several that I rotate through but one has been my all time favorite since I first learned of it. I forgot about it.

Years ago a special friend read a devotional to a group. It was ALL Scripture! It went from one Scripture to the next in a theme and made perfect sense and really ministered to me. She told the story of it and so I went to my friend's store (The Shepherd Shop) and got one for me. Then, I got one for husgum and each of my children. It has been a favorite gift to friends since then.

The other day I was listening to one of my favorite Bible teachers (Beth Moore) and she made reference to it. She had been reading it. I remembered mine and began to look for it. I found it and it was like finding an old friend or wearing my comfortable shoes. It just fit!

It has a morning reading and a night reading. The story behind it is that it was originally compiled and published in 1794 by Samuel Bagster in Great Britain. Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) has had it republished. It seems that her mother, Ruth, had received one as a child on the mission field. She had given one to each of her children and grandchildren when they were 10. No matter where they are in the world, or what they are going through they all are "on the same page" and reading the same scriptures.

It is Daily Light. I have loved having it and have been blessed by it. I hope that you might find one and enjoy it too! It has so many wonderful parts, prayers and Scriptures that minister in all sorts of situations. It has blessed me.

Blessings~

If I Could Say...

2010-01-25T16:24:00.002-06:00

Just love...
Release everyone from your expectations and demands ....
Be yourself ....
Don't try so hard to please the world, but try only to please Jesus ...
Forgive quickly ...
It is not so important to be "right" ...
Love is the key ...
It really doesn't matter what you do to me, it matters what I do to you...
Give something away every day...
In the light of eternity - what does it really matter?
It all gets back to love - THAT will matter in eternity...
Jesus is the key to where that eternity will be spent ...

Blessings~

Loops

2010-01-24T18:34:00.003-06:00

Have you ever had something happen that just throws you for a loop? It is so completely bazaar and something out of the blue that you just shake your head in amazement and unbelief.

This can be something wonderful and fun and exciting... things like a surprise trip, or gift, maybe a compliment - or one of my favorites, a great deal on something.

Last year I had a great surprise happen that was so nice. A friend I have known all my life called me. We had not talked in about 30 years! She had remarried and moved away. I had moved away. We had no way of finding each other. Then she decided to see if she could find my parents. She found their number in the phone book, called and got my number. We picked up right away. Some friendships just last beyond distance and time.

We also had some other not so pleasant things hit us, but we have found that God's grace is sufficient. His mercy and love enabled and strengthened us.

The wonderful thing about walking with God is that when something comes in and knocks us we may lose our balance briefly, but He is always there to steady and stabilize us and set us back on our feet! IF we turn to Him.

Good things can take our focus off as well as bad.

I have found that if I will step back and re-evaluate the situation, it is never as it seems. Sometimes that bargain is not really a bargain because it is not something I need or really like. I just want to get it because it is "on sale"!

Even a new baby can put things out of kilter for awhile. They are certainly good things, but require adjustments.

It is important when something hits that is devastating and disturbing that we wait before we respond. We may be misinterpreting things and it probably is not as awful and bad as we first think. Nothing is ever as bad as it first appears. NOTHING! God is always there to redeem, fix, repair, restore. He is loving, kind and good. He knows ... He KNEW it was coming and has a way to deal with it that will benefit us and glorify Him.

I am not proud of my responses at times. I have had to repent and ask for help and forgiveness. I have had to eat crow. I have been humbled. I have also received forgiveness and blessings and restoration.

I'm eternally thankful that I serve a loving, forgiving God! In my mess ups, He restores order!

Blessings~

Confession!

2010-01-22T09:37:00.003-06:00

I have a confession to make.... lest you think that it is related to the previous post - don't worry. I'm not about to make full confession here !

I confess that I'm addicted to Facebook. I have become a Facebookaholic. I have to have a Facebook "fix" frequently throughout the day. I used to be addicted to blogging, but I have moved on to the harder, faster stuff of Facebook. I cannot do Twitter. It makes me crazy with all the @ stuff.

That does not mean that I don't still want and need blogging. It just means that I really crave Facebook and the comments.

I want to keep up with my friends and their status. I want to be a part of their lives and leave comments. I love the immediacy of the connection. I love that I can connect with people all over the world and know that they are okay or if they need prayer, I can pray. I love that I get to know who gets married and who is expecting. I love that I can share a need or hurt or pain and receive prayer and concern and support.

I apologize that somehow I did something and now all my blogs are posted on Facebook. I don't know how I did it or how to stop it. I really don't mean to. I really do not feel that every word I write must be published around the world on Facebook. It just happens now by itself. This Facebook has taken on a whole identity and control of it's own. It is very controlling and demanding! It calls my name. It begs me to come check and see who is online and what they are doing.

I apologize that I spend more time on Facebook than I do blogging. I have gotten lazy about writing long things and reading long things. I hope to do better. I can't promise that I will. I can promise that I will try.

Thank you very much for your loyalty and love and acceptance. You are very kind not to condemn me.

I leave you now to go and check my Facebook... I'm sure that someone else has posted some that I MUST know about and respond accordingly!

Blessings~

Redemption!

2010-01-21T08:46:00.002-06:00

I have been watching Beth Moore on Life Today with James and Betty Robison. She has hit me between the eyes with every one of her teachings in this series. The last one just did me in!

It made me think a LOT!

I realized that I have withheld part of my testimony of God's grace and redemption. I have not shared so that I could protect the innocent ... yeah, right! I have not shared because I wanted to protect ME and MY image! Evidently, I had not truly believed in the Redemptive Blood of Jesus or that He could cleanse me and forgive me and change me.

Who I am is because of what I have done and been. It has shaped me and molded me and made me into what/who I am today. If I began as dirt... and acted like dirt and worse, but now I am being formed into the image of Christ, it can be nothing that I am or have done. It is a testimony of who Jesus is and what He has done.

I'm not proud of my past. I'm not pleased with my failures. I'm so incredibly thankful for His grace and mercy and forgiveness and yes, REDEMPTION!

One day, I might share more personally. Suffice it say now that I was a sinner. I have been forgiven. He (she) who is forgiven much loves much! I love my Jesus!

Just wanted to share today of my love and gratitude, of His awesome goodness to me. I pray that you have also experienced that love and forgiveness and redemption.

Random Dozen Answers and a mess up

2010-01-20T10:18:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I have messed up and can't get it do be right! It will not line up and it won't let me add the Random Dozen button... or link up... sorry! Not very "techy" or computer literate obviously! Go to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee at www. 2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com and check out other answers!

1. Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?

I would probably be 23. That is the year I met my hugsum and married. When I think of how old I am, the first number that pops into my head is "23". Then I realize just how really old I am... I never think of myself as being 60!

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)

My favorite food group is "cookie". So I feel most confident about my cookies. But, I do make a wonderful salad! (Yes, they do go together!)

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?

I pray (I would say "in tongues", but some would be offended). I try to get out of the house and into the sun and air. I'd love to go tanning, but ... well, you know why! I try to be around funny things and people and laugh.

4. When was the last time you danced in public?

At a wedding a few years ago. When in high school I hated to dance. I don't feel like I'm a good dancer, but I do enjoy it. My sister and her husband are beautiful dancers. They met dancing. Not so with me. I have tried to talk hugsum into taking ballroom dancing. He's not so excited about it.

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?

I'm a real dreamer. I have lots of dreams but reality usually steps in and stops me.

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?

Some days I feel like I didn't do anything right. If I did anything right, I think it would be that I loved them unconditionally and taught them about Jesus. They all love Jesus today and serve him.

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?

I have a dog named "Andy" and we had a cat named "Barney".

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Having grown up in the 50's and 60's in Atlanta, I probably know more than most do now. I'd say maybe 7... There is always more to know about a person.

9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?

Slow people in the fast lane who won't get over.

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?

I'm wearing red. I tend to wear clothes to improve my mood. If I'm feeling a little down or tired, I try to wear brighter colors. But, red is my favorite color.

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?

He is loyal and loving and kind... I'd say a dog.

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?

Playing with grandchildren... fixing food... cleaning ...

Monday - a "holiday" for some

2010-01-18T08:00:00.002-06:00

This morning I woke up thinking that I should blog. I have been trying to be more faithful at blogging and it has not been easy.

All my words seem to be vain and insightless ( that IS a word, I just made it up! It means that I lack insight - duh - like that was not as obvious as the nose on your face!)

I will let you know about our weekend. We went to Oz on Friday. I cooked a GREAT dish. Found the recipe on Southern Plate for beef tips. Easier than pie! Put cubed beef into crock pot - add packet of brown gravy and water. Cover and cook for the day. YUMMMM! So tender and juicy. I just cooked some rice and it was a hit!

It was the highlight of my weekend. Oh except for church... when I completely LOST it and laughed until I cried.

It is a small church. We have had much illness and surgery in the members lately and so our choir has dwindled ... to a group of 3... I'm in the middle - standing behind the cross. No get the picture, we have just come out and are prepared to sing our call to worship.

Our 82 year old organist begins to play something very unfamiliar. I'm thinking it is a strange intro to our song. Then I realize that she has forgotten to hit "chimes". She is just playing some random note ... about 11 times... (yeah, chiming of the hour - which she JUST started doing this year.)
So, as we are smiling among ourselves in the choir and waiting... about the 8th chime, my precious little 90 year old friend yells out from her seat on the back row ... "is it STUCK?????"
We all lost it. I laughed so hard I cried. Hugsum was sitting down and he was laughing so hard he could hardly stay in the seat!
The organist was not phased. She finished her chiming, played the intro and went straight into the song. It was a duet with a laughing hyena in the middle ... I laughed until I cried... I laughed until my "water broke"... It was hard to get it together after that!

I still giggle every time I think of it. It may be one of those times when you had to be there, but it was sure a joyous, laughing service!

Today I get to play with my newest grandson again. I am taking his mama to the doctor for her check-up. Tomorrow I start keeping my other daughter's three again because spring semester starts.

I'm blessed beyond measure. I'm busy and loved - and I love. What more can there be in life?

I pray that you are, too - enjoy your holiday (if you get to have one today).

Blessings~

Friday and ....

2010-01-15T07:27:00.004-06:00

To most people it is TGIF! I enjoy Fridays... most of the time, but it has a different meaning for me. The weekend is NOT an "off" time for us. It is an "on duty" time. That goes with our gifts and callings - which is the ministry.

Neither do I dread Monday. Monday used to be my most favorite day of the week because after a weekend of being "on duty" and having 4 children who were active in sports, I looked forward to Monday when everyone cleared out and I could shovel out the house and have some peace and quiet to restore order.

With a semi-retired husband, my house doesn't clear out as much as it used to. I also get to keep grandchildren and that is wonderful and fun!

Also, we go out of town every weekend. Our church is about 90 miles away. I lovingly call it "Oz" because it is about as close to Kansas as you can get without actually being in Kansas. The majority of our members live in Kansas.

The other day I found something at Ross that spoke to me. I bought it and it is hanging in my dressing area. I pass it many times a day.

It says Imagine your life fulfilled, Dream the impossible, Believe the best is yet to be.

I find that very empowering and encouraging during these days of uncertainty and as we age. It gives me hope.

Now I leave you with a special look at something so sweet you just can't help but smile! On his first visit to grandmama's house ....

Blessings~

Random Dozen and Belated Birthday...

2010-01-13T07:16:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was my 2nd son's birthday. I sent him a facebook message, emailed him and even went out to eat with him and his family. I somehow forgot to post on my blog about it. Shame on me...
One year, I totally forgot his birthday. He was in high school. I kept thinking all week that "something" important was on the calendar for the 12th. I even talked with him about it. He smiled and laughed... but didn't say a word. All day, I had this feeling that I was missing something. DUH! He was so kind. He forgave me. I made up for it. I felt so bad and like a stinking horrible mother! I even had his favorite foods ready to fix and a present for him... just somehow a glitch occurred and I completely did not realize it was his birthday!

So, in remembrance of that horrible day, I am once again feeling like a dog... Happy Belated Birthday, my son! I love you!

Now, in honor of Lid and her Random Dozen meme at 2nd Cup of Coffee, here are my answers.

1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave?

Last night I ordered fried pickles...

2. M & M's or Skittles?

I actually eat them together... Just started doing that recently. I am a "sneaky" eater. For some strange reason about 11 am I get very hungry. I must eat something. So, I keep a baggie of easily accessible snacks in my purse (especially for Sunday morning (: ). I throw in small, wrapperless things like M&Ms and Skittles... Thus started my enjoyment of eating them together. As I am paying CLOSE attention to what is going on in church and trying to keep my eyes on the speaker and not draw attention to what I'm doing, I slowly, carefully reach into my purse (where THE baggie is strategically positioned, and reach in without looking. I carefully bring the loot to my mouth and am always pleasantly surprised with a burst of fruit and chocolate together.... LOVE it!

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?

Yes... I think... I have been trying to for as long as I can remember. I am sure I have read it all, just not at once or straight through.

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?

I'm normally awake immediately.

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?

Never. Hugsum wants to go on one. We have talked about it for years, but just never had the resources at the right time.

6. Who is your favorite actress?

Right now, I like Sandra Bullock... depends on the day/movie... not really a big people follower.

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.

Why some people act they way they do!

8. How much of a technology junkie are you?

Not much. I don't feel like I have to have the latest gadget. I do enjoy my iPhone, but not addicted to it.

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?

Choosing and sending cards is a real chore for me. I rarely find one that says what I want to say and mean. I end up getting several cards for the same person and occasion. Then, I have a difficult time writing what I want to say and getting them to the post office. Hugsum is super good at doing this. He just does it and I'm thankful!

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?

Every day... I never know how my hair will turn out. I go to get it cut in "the same way", and it doesn't ever end up looking the same. One day it is like a fluffy kitty and the next day it looks like a wet dog...

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?

I shop for food more frequently than other things. I actually enjoy strolling along the aisles looking for new and exciting menu ideas... okay... NOT!
I like to shop for bargains. I don't care what it is, I go for the bargain and get a "high" when I find one. It doesn't matter if it is clothes, housewares, dishes, glasses, food... whatever - as long as it is a great deal, I'm happy.

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house?

Do I have my keys? Where are we going? (If I'm not the one driving - like when Hugsum says, "let's go".) Or, sometimes I wonder if I know how to get where I'm heading. A common issue after living in so many different places. Sometimes, when I'm going to Walmart I visualize driving to one in a former town. Then, when I actually get on the road, realize I'm not there. It is a "great" awakening to where I am!

You need to click over to 2nd Cup and find more fascinating answers!

Blessings!

No Condemnation...

2010-01-11T10:32:00.002-06:00

Lately I have been hearing lots of teaching on seeds and harvest.

I totally agree that you will receive a harvest on the seeds that you have planted. That you can expect to receive what you have planted... That is scriptural. It is a spiritual law. God will not be mocked, whatever you do will come back to you... good measure, pressed down and flowing over...

It is important to plant well and in good soil. You can expect to reap. You can expect a harvest.

What I have had a hard time with is that EVERYTHING in your life is a result of something YOU have done or not done. In other words, if bad things are going on in your life then it MUST be your fault and because of the seeds (actions) that you planted.

Recently we went through some trials. It could have been that we were reaping. It could have been that we left a back door open someplace and allowed it. It could have been something else entirely!

Those who set themselves up as judge and criticize others for battles they are in, just do not understand. They are not innocent themselves, they just haven't faced a battle.

What about the parable that Jesus tells of the farmer who planted GOOD seed and then the enemy came in during the night and planted weeds in his good seed. There was no way to tell the difference until harvest time - in other words until they began to bear fruit.

I think that one way to tell if you are reaping what you have sown or if it is something that the enemy has sown would be to look at the fruit... I mean, if it is ALL bad, then it would be something you did. If there are blessings along with the trials and sufferings, then it would be something the enemy is doing.

Either way, the end result will be good. BECAUSE, we are told that ALL things work together for good for those who are called according to HIS purpose.

I just wanted to encourage others who might be facing battles and trials. I wanted to remind us that there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are walking according to the spirit.

Also that we are not to think it strange when we are faced with trials and temptations like it were something out of the ordinary. We are to count it all joy. Our Father is working patience and character in us. He is using it for good. He will not leave us nor forsake us and He won't let it go without help and comfort.

If we are patient and faithful, we will not be put to shame. We will be vindicated and blessed. We will be able to bless others and comfort others with the same comfort we have received.

Please don't feel bad if you are having troubles, trials or battles... just know that in the end GOOD will come. We serve a good and faithful God. He has our best interest at heart and He will help us!

Blessings~

Ethan and Catching Up from Oz...

2010-01-09T17:20:00.004-06:00

We are in Oz and I'm online!!!!! YAY! I can blog!

Here is the first look at our newest grandson, Ethan Asher Hamilton. He is our youngest daughter's first child. His daddy is bringing him to us to see.

Here he is with his momma.... it is still hard to believe she is old enough to have a baby. I remember well when she was that age. (WHERE does the time go????)

This is precious little Ethan (6 pounds and 10 ounces, 18" long) in my lap... Having slept through all the kisses and snuggles and adoration.

I finally got him to open his beautiful eyes and look at me so he would recognize me when he sees me next time - when we get home from Oz!

I know I have mentioned the snow. This has been on the ground since before Christmas. We have had ice and snow and FREEZING weather. Some of it did melt, but this is still there. I'm thankful for this. Hugsum was out putting some steaks on the grill and he wrote me a love note in the snow (he is such a romantic!). The "you" has melted, but the message is still very clear! I love that I can see it from the kitchen/dining room window.

We have been having a good New Year. Hope that you have been, too! Let me know what's going on with you!
Blessings!

Last Random Dozen for 2009

2009-12-29T04:54:00.002-06:00

Today is the last Random Dozen for 2009. I hope that you enjoy Linda's questions and my answers. You need to go over to her blog and read how others are answering.

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?

In my "older" age I don't share as quickly and easily as I used to. Growing up, we always shared - with everybody. When my children were little, we shared, mainly because we couldn't afford to buy everyone a drink and I was too lazy to get up and fix everyone a drink, so we just all drank out of my glass. At meals we all had our own glass.

NOW, I don't care to share.

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)

Of eternal value, I learned (actually had it imprinted again and again) God is good and faithful. He will not let me down. He will not leave me. He will not put me to shame. I am not perfect (not a new lesson, just really exposed AGAIN!). I need God's grace and mercy constantly.

On the daily basis, I learned that I am only as young as my oldest part.

I learned how to cook a rockin good brisket.

I learned a lot of what NOT to do, but I won't share that... you are very welcome!

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?

I typically wait until after New Years to take it all down. This year, I'm in the process now and would have done so earlier if all my bins had not been covered in snow/ice.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:

I want to finish my course in Medical Terminology.

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?

I don't like winter ANY time of year!

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?

Yes, I went to Kohl's to get some clothes for my parents. I also braved Walmart and Ross. Didn't really find anything really "on sale".

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?

No plans yet...

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?

Yes, I have a grandson due January 17. His name is Ethan Asher Hamilton. Can't wait to get to hold him and kiss him.

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)

Comedy of Errors... Drama ... Heartache ... Victory

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.

Not as much as I used to. I spend time reading them, and comment sometimes. I don't write as much as I used to.

11. Who runs your household?

If you are talking about actually DOING all the "manual" labor, that would me. I do all the cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc. As far as paying the bills and bringing in the money, that would be hugsum. Making the decisions? We do that together. He is the tie breaker and he definitely is the head, priest, provider, protector... yeah - I got a good one! :)

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.

Only one? WOW... I have so many. I hope to finish my degree. I hope for reconciliation in some areas of my life. I dream of a vacation at the beach. I also dream of a live-in maid and cook!

I know that is more than one. But, I have many huge dreams. I only touched the surface.

Merry Christmas!!!!

2009-12-25T09:58:00.002-06:00

My prayer is that you all have a very blessed and Merry Christmas.

This year, it seems that we are being tested and stretched and nothing is normal.

It is not bad... we are actually loving and enjoying it. It is nice and peaceful and no stress!

Hugsum is out shoveling snow for the first time. Well, actually, now he has the blower out blowing snow... It is very dry and powdery so that he can just blow it off the driveway!

We had our first blizzard last night. What fun! It was great to be all snug in our home with the wind blowing hard and snow falling... it was beautiful and peaceful.

We got up to a quiet house - no children or grandchildren. We already knew that the only one of our kids that would be coming was our daughter and her family. It is the "in-law" Christmas. That means that they spend the holidays with the "other" family. Beka's in-laws came yesterday to spend Christmas eve and be there this morning when the kids got up. They were staying in a motel, so they could not get there this morning. How sad. I was so sorry because I know what fun it is to be there when the kids get up and get to open all the gifts.

The plan was that they were going to come here for dinner. I got up and got the meat going. I'm ready and set - but, they can't get out. Can't get here. I have presents under the tree waiting to be opened and enjoyed.

Oh well... one day... I'm laughing because it seems that our Father has MADE it so that today, my only option is to spend focusing on HIM and not be distracted with activity and company. I can rest and reflect and praise. What an awesome privilege and joy!

Blessings on you today. May this be a wonderful Christmas. I am thankful for the gift that I have been given in the form of a baby - my Savior. What a joy!!!!!

Merry Christmas Blessings to you!

It is Christmas EVE!!!

2009-12-24T08:56:00.003-06:00

WOW... we made it! This is the day before Christmas! WOOOO HOOOO!

There were times when it was questionable. Christmas always takes a LONG time to get around. Even though the festivities and preparation and anticipation begin long before "the" day, we wait impatiently for the gathering and celebration.

I want to introduce you to some new loves that I found on the shelves, and thus in my home! It doesn't require turning on the oven or stove. You don't even have to get out a mixing bowl or spoon! Makes it very nice when we are all rushing around with way too much to do!

Here is a dark chocolate mint 3 Musketeers... seriously DELICIOUS!

These have been around, but I have not gotten them before. I was on a mission to get some Christmas almond M&Ms. It used to be that the ONLY time you could get them was at Christmas. They were a seasonal special. They became a tradition for me. This year, I could not find them. I could find the regular almonds, and peanut Christmas ones... but not Christmas almonds! THEN, I saw the MINT M&Ms! I grabbed them up and yes, they are SOOOO good!

This is DANGEROUS! Really... watch out! I happened to be at Sam's twice and they were sampling this ... I got hooked! It is FudgieWudgie Pecan Turtle Fudge. I also love their Chocolate/Peanutbutter fudge, their White Chocolate Fudge...their WHATEVER they have is out of this world! It is the BEST! It is so creamy and smooth and addicting and you have just GOT to have it once you taste it.

Those are some things that will add to our Christmas pleasure.

BUT, I must remind myself again not to forget the reason for all this frantic activity and stuffing my face and running around is NOT any of that. It is simply Jesus. It is His love and Sacrifice and mercy. He allows us to enjoy all these other things. We just need to make sure that we keep the Reason for the season as the REASON!

Merry Christmas!
Blessings~

Inspired Idea...

2009-12-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

Recently I posted on Facebook a need for inexpensive, creative gifts. We love to give to the families in our church at Christmas. Last year I went to great lengths to make lots of wonderful homemade goodies to share bags with our church family and neighbors.

This year, I have been trying to resist doing all the baking. I just didn't have the time or energy to tackle marathon baking, nor did I have the will power to not inhale all that I made. It was causing me lots of stress and anxiety because I LOVE to bake.

I also wanted to give something that was "homemade" and personal. I put out a plea for help on Facebook and so many of my wonderful friends gave me wonderful ideas. I have squirreled them away for future use. THANK YOU!!!!!

I was praying and pondering what to do. Then I remembered ...

Years ago I had the privilege of leading an awesome group of ladies in Bible studies. We became very close through the years and they still mean the world to me and I stay in touch with many of them. When we moved from there, I had an inspired idea of something to give them. I also gave them to some precious ladies I got to be with on Sunday mornings in class. (My "title" was teacher, but THEY taught me!)

The idea was not really a "new" one, except in my application. Years earlier a special friend, Lisa, had given me a "God Envelope". The instructions were to place things in it that only God could do - you know, prayer requests, worries, fears, joys, praises, pictures of loved ones, etc.

So, as I was walking through Dollar Tree one day, I saw this ~ my inspiration.

I decided to make a "GOD BOX". I came up with some special instructions and scriptures and things and put something on the bottom, in the bottom and inside the top. It was very special! I knew it was a divine inspiration. It blessed me and it blessed the ladies. It was a gift from my heart and also pointed them to God to answer their questions, prayers and needs.

So, I decided to do one for each family in our churches. So, I rushed to Dollar Tree to wisk up all their boxes. I was so disappointed because all they had were some harsh red and green tacky ones (NOT pretty!). I went to a couple more Dollar Trees around town and still, none. They are normally out in the spring to be used for wedding things.

Then I found these.... Hand Painted Ornaments in a velvet box.... my imagination began to whirl. I mean, could I use this?

Each one has a glass ornament in it and there were many different designs.

Our daughter Rebekah personalized them for us (she has prettier handwriting than me).

Then, I added my touch... Inside the top I put the instructions on "How to Use Your God Box".
(yes, this one is inside the original white one, but I couldn't get the picture right on the Christmas one."

On the bottom of the box is more information and scripture, encouragment and agreement.

Inside on the bottom is just a little word to encourage people to let go and let God and to remember to turn to God and His Word for answers.

Our prayer is that these will become a special part of their lives and minister to them.

May you have a blessed Christmas. Remember that no matter what you are going through or what your need and desire, Jesus has the answer. He has already made the provision and plan for the answer. He came as a baby for us and He is here with us still.

Merrie Christmas!

Baking, Cooking, Making...

2009-12-17T21:48:00.002-06:00

Well, it is the season for it ~ all the baking and cooking and making!

I have resisted the sugar plum making and cookie baking and the storm cooking.

I think that now it is time. It has taken all I can do to hold back. A few posts ago I talked about not being in the Christmas Spirit. I think that part of the reason is that I've not been in the kitchen with flour and sugar all over me and the floor. This is what makes me happy and brings so much satisfaction and pleasure.

I LOVE to bake! I love to make fudge and peanut butter balls (Buckeyes) and all sorts of fun things like haystacks and White Trash and Chex Mix and cookies and pies and breads and and and and ... well - just things in the kitchen.

So, now I need to get busy. I have resisted because I don't want to eat it. I just want to make it. BUT, I know that if I make it, I have to eat it and test and taste to make sure it is good. One bite leads to another. After all, will the next pan of cookies be done or burned? What if the candy cooked too long or didn't get mixed well and one piece is not as good as the next. Or maybe the first was bad and so I need to see if it gets any better.

The pressure is on. You see, our neighbor is leaving on Saturday to be gone for 2 weeks and we want to make sure we get our gift to them before they leave. Plus, it is the third Friday and Sunday. That means that we have a covered dish dinner Friday and Saturday and also a gift exchange.

The double/triple meaning here is that we are leaving Friday to go to Oz and will be gone for the weekend (staying for a parade late Sunday afternoon). This makes for a VERY long weekend. It also makes for a stressful day in preparation for all the clothes, food and gift needs.

I have gifts ready for all the members of the church - adults and children. That was a fun activity and I am excited about them. They have special meaning to me and I pray that they will for them. It is something that I made - but not food. (I'll share later what it is just in case someone reads it and it spoils the surprise.)

I'm sure that Jesus did not come from Heaven to earth for all this frantic busyness. He did come to set the example of love and giving until it hurts. I think that we put the pressure on us in the wrong ways to "give until it hurts"... financially, physically, and emotionally.

I want to remind MYSELF again... it is most important that at this time of the year and life, to keep Jesus right in the middle of my mind and focus and activities. If I don't, I'm not happy and you know the saying... if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. With a name like "Merrie", I should be the chief of "happy"!

So, in the midst of the hustle and bustle and hurry and scurry... stop, take a minute and look around you. Count your blessings. Be thankful. Say a prayer. Check your attitude and make sure it is one of gratitude!

Blessings on you~ May this be the Merriest Christmas yet for you and your family!

Progress!

2009-12-15T21:52:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited! Today, I stepped out and broke the ice (yes, it was that cold out there), and went shopping!

My first stop was at ToysRus. I almost didn't make it after that fiasco. Yeah, it was like a zoo. There was no one who knew where anything was and everything was overpriced. I left quickly. You might say that I escaped. I RAN away from that store vowing never to return! I remembered why the last time I went to one (over 10 years ago) I said I'd never go again. I repented of my lack of judgment!

Next, I went to Sam's ... had a great time there and then met the girls for lunch. Ran into Mardell's for a quick purchase and came out loaded about 2 hours later! LOVE that store! I could have spent days and millions in there!

I got home and unloaded and then headed to Walmart... spent another 2 hours...

Meanwhile... when I returned home, Hugsum was there and very busy. We were blessed. We received something that I have always wanted, but never had access to receiving. Some wonderful people gave us half a cow. Yeah... really... a cow! He normally feeds them for 90 days, but the butcher couldn't take care of him so our cow was blessed to be well fed for 120 days! I've never had "home grown" beef before. I'm excited to have my own.

Fortunately we have a big freezer in our laundry room. I now know that it will hold over 350 pounds of meat! Yep... that's what a half a cow weighs when it is butchered. I don't know what it weighed before.

What a blessing! I feel so blessed by my day today. I got lots done.

My goal today was to "joyfully accomplish". That is my new mindset. It fits the Christmas season, don't you think?

I pray that you are blessed today as well... and that you are able to "joyfully accomplish" what you need to get done.

Blessings~

Christmas Spirit

2009-12-14T10:04:00.002-06:00

I seem to be struggling to muster up some Christmas Spirit this year. Normally, I'm ready for Christmas (mentally) in the summer! I LOVE the Christmas season. I love getting my decorations out and have so much fun decorating the ENTIRE house. I love to put wreaths on every door and window and a Nativity Scene in every room (at least ONE and usually many!) I would put a tree up in every room if I could. The colors of Christmas bring excitement and joy to me. The smells of cookies baking and the visions of sugarplums dancing in my hand (yes, hand) on the way to my mouth... ahhhhh... what fun and anticipation!

Normally....

This year is different. I am missing the excitement and planning and anticipation. I know I have talked about it being the "in-law" Christmas this year. That could explain my lack of enthusiasm. But, I think it goes deeper than that.

I am finding that I'm stifled in my giving this year. It isn't that I don't WANT to give. I just am more limited this year than ever before. I want to give BIG things. I want to give LOTS of things. I want to bless exceedingly abundantly.

Different times and situations and circumstances are prohibiting my normal behavior.

BUT... it does not have to dampen my spirits. I can stop the depression and gloom and doom. I can remove the barriers emotionally.

I can make a choice. I can make a decision. I can look at things in a new way.

HOW????

This day, I choose to be thankful! I choose to be grateful! I choose to remove all expectations. I choose to enjoy what I have. I choose to see the wonder and excitement in the season. I choose to appreciate the simple things. I choose to look at what I HAVE and bask in the love that is showered on me daily by precious grandchildren.

The main thing I plan to do is to make sure that I keep Christ in Christmas this year. I will look at HIM and all that He has done for me. I will maintain an attitude of gratitude... The things of this world will grow strangely dim. They will rust and rot and ruin... but the things of eternal value will make it through the fire. They will be treasures not found in earthly vessels. I want to store up riches in heaven. That does not mean that I don't enjoy riches and treasures on earth and I am not crazy enough not to want them, too. But, it means that I place a higher value on eternal things.

As we all look at a different time in our lives and we resist the CHANGE that is being forced upon us through outside circumstances... may we embrace the One who never changes. May we realize that what we have is far more valuable than anything this ole earth can provide.

Blessings~

Love is ....

2009-12-11T08:24:00.005-06:00

First Corinthians 13, The Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shining balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crystal snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.

But giving the gift of love will endure.

Note: My friend Beverly at Dancing With Daffodils posted this yesterday and I got permission to repost it here because it is so good.

My Note: This is so true and such a blessing to learn and live. Thank you, Beverly, for sharing this inspiration.
My prayer is that we keep Jesus in the middle of our Christmas celebrations and preparations. Otherwise, we miss the point and the blessing and the joy!

Merry Christmas! May this be the merriest and brightest and best!
Blessings~

Blessings

2009-12-10T07:52:00.002-06:00

Last month on Facebook there was a challenge to post everyday something for which I was thankful. Since it was November and Thanksgiving, it was easy to be very thankful. Then this month it just seemed important to count my blessings. I started thinking about posting a blessing every day.

You know, when you start thinking about blessings - you automatically are THANKFUL! It is amazing! It is impossible to "count your blessings and name them one by one" without being EXTREMELY thankful!

You know, when you give that you are blessed? I mean, Jesus told us that "it is more blessed to give than to receive". That does not make sense to the natural mind. I mean, what could possibly be better than receiving?????

That is simple... GIVING!
That is the answer to everything... giving.
Give and it will be given to you, so that you can turn around and give more.

I love that I can give. I love that God so loved that He gave. Because He gave, we can give.

Sometimes, we get stuck in the "holding" pattern. We think we don't have enough so we become Scrooge and hold on to what we have because we are afraid we won't get any more. (That is the world's way of thinking, by the way!)

We stop the flow when we do that. We prevent blessings from coming to us and finding us and overtaking us. It is our selfishness that causes lack... not our generosity.

When we give, it will be given to us.... good measure, pressed down and running over will be given to us.

Then, we have the opportunity and pleasure of turning around and giving to others.
That truly is a blessed life!

So, may your Christmas be Merrie and your blessings be BIG!

Random Dozen

2009-12-08T18:56:00.003-06:00

Today I'm doing the Random Dozen with Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.
I appreciate Linda coming up with all these questions. It gives me something to think about and talk about (do you think that's the idea?) Sometimes, I don't want to answer what she asks... I get rebellious. Then, I go ahead and answer anyway.

1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?

Am I limited to only ONE? My nose ... I have the "Freeman nose"... meaning big and a hook nose. I used to think that if I could ever afford it, I would have it fixed... like Marlo Thomas did with her "Thomas nose" many years ago before she became "That Girl". ( I think it was in the 60's for those who are too young to remember.)

Another thing I have learned to live with is my belly. For as long as I can remember, I've had a belly. It has been much larger and much smaller, but it has always been there. Even when a size 3 was a little on the large side and I weighed about 110 lbs at 5'7" - I had a belly! That is another thing that I have thought about having "fixed"... like with liposuction or a tummy tuck. Now, I figure that it is just part of who I am, along with my hook nose. I've just learned to live with it and think there is no reason to bother with it now - not at this age.

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?

This was NEWS to me! I have really got to get a life and watch the news sometime! She was always one of my favorite people on tv! I think that June Cleaver was a good mom... hard to say who was the BEST. My memory of good ones is limited.

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?

Where we live now, they sometimes think that I'm speaking the foreign language of "Southern English". When I use certain phrases they look at me like I've gone crazy! I think that I'd like to learn Hebrew and Greek... just so I could read and understand the Bible a little better.

4. Who is your personal hero?

Right now, I have two.
My daddy. He was in the ministry for over 50 years before he retired at age 70. (He had to because that was the required age at the time.) He overcame many obstacles to get an education and to become a leader in the Methodist Church. He was on the staff at Emory University Candler School of Theology for 15 years, editor of the Methodist Newspaper, and on and on and on were his list of accomplishments and accolades. He touched lives all over the world and made a difference. He was known,loved and sought after as a speaker, preacher, teacher, mentor, author, and friend. Then he started a foundation to support and encourage Pastors.
When mama got so bad, he began to stay at home more and more to take care of her. He eventually gave up everything he was doing to take care of her full time. He stopped speaking and traveling. He stopped writing. He became her 24/7 strength and security.
Today, they are living in a personal care home. He moved into the memory care unit with her. He won't leave her side. He still is giving up his life to serve her. He is my hero. Greater love has no man....

My other hero is my hugsum. He overcame impossible odds just to grow up. He had a horrible, extremely dysfunctional childhood. He could have very easily become one of the bad statistics. But, God intervened. God had His hand on him and called him. Even though he never had an example of what a good husband and daddy should be - he became a wonderful husband and daddy! He is not perfect, but he is selfless and generous (to a fault at times). He is forgiving and loving. He has excelled in his education. He is thorough and exact. He can quote the Bible like no one else I know. He is a passionate preacher and loving pastor. He puts family and church members above himself. He has overcome all odds - with the help of Jesus.

These 2 men have influenced my life and loved me and blessed me. If it had not been for God on their side (and mine) there is no telling where I would be!

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?

Christmas cookies and candy.

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.

On the top of my tree is a little angel ornament. It is really broken, but I hang it up every year anyway. It was on the tree when I was growing up. I remember being thrilled when I was old enough to hang it myself. By this time, it is not very pretty to anyone but me. It is at least 50 years old and may be older than that.

7. How do you feel about snow?

I feel about snow like I do watermelon. I enjoy some watermelon about one time a year. A nice pretty snow once a year will do me. I get thrilled watching it fall and seeing it cover everything. Then, I'm done. I'm ready for it to be gone and the sun to shine and warm up the earth and let me go swimming!

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.

I try to get at least 7 hours of sleep. I'd like to get 8, but that is rare. If I get less than 7 I can be grumpy, irritable and hard to deal with. Also, I tend to fluff up (as in gain weight) if I don't get much sleep. I might can handle less one night, but then I have to catch up the next night.

9. Tell me about your first crush.

He was an "older man" by all of 2 months. We were in the 2nd grade. We were in the same class. He came to my house one day - walked all the way. It was maybe a mile. He gave me my dog, Freckles. (As a side note, Freckles saved my life that summer while I was swimming in the creek behind my house. Freckles swam between me and a water moccasin. He got the bite and I didn't. Freckles was never the same after that - me either.) Anyway I still have a picture of my first crush. He was hit by a car the next year and killed. But, Freckles lived on and so did David - in my memory.

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?

I would probably write absolutely NOTHING! I might think of things to write, but I hate to write with anything. I hate my handwriting and so avoid writing as much as possible. Now, if there were a typewriter or computer, I'd blog. But, write , especially on a chalk board - NEVER!

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?

I am guilty of checking the forecast daily before I dress. I hate being cold, so I want to make sure I have enough clothes on.

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?

I love the Hallmark movies where the couple are able to meet and fall in love in a period of a week. They make life changing decisions and completely alter their future and marry someone they just met. I know, they are corny and not very true to life. But, they are feel good movies. I like some of the old Christmas movies like "White Christmas"... but don't really care for Miracle on 34th St or It's A Wonderful Life. I know, I'm strange.

This year, I'm enjoying the animated movies with the grandkids... Have you gotten the impression that I can't narrow it down? Yeah, you are right - got me pegged!

Now, go over to Linda's and read everyone else's answers. You might even want to answer these yourself and link up!

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree....

2009-12-07T09:33:00.005-06:00

I love my tree. Every year it seems to take longer and longer to put my tree up. I'm not sure if I'm getting older and slower or have accumulated more and more ornaments, or I am just reminiscing too much as I decorate. (Okay, so all that is true!)

I have some very nice, expensive ornaments. I have some not so nice ones. I have OLD ones and new ones. I have some that go on the tree each year and some that never make it to the tree. Each one has a special place in my heart whether it is on the tree or left in the bin. I still take it out and think about when I got it.... who gave it to me, where we lived, what we were doing. The memories flood my mind. At times, I giggle and smile. Other times, I am filled with love and gratitude. Some bring a sadness because the person who gave it to me is gone.

Here are a very few of my special memories...

This is a wooden moon with a little angel. It was given to me almost 40 years ago and goes on my tree every year.

This one of Baby Jesus is also a hand painted wooden ornament given to me the same time as the moon. It also goes up every year. A very special person gave them to me. She is a pastor's wife and was a friend of my mama.

These are a few of my special ones.... an olive wood Jerusalem Cross I got in Bethlehem and some an old green ornament from mama's tree and some Shiny Brites... a few "newer" ones that reflect different places we have lived.

One of my favorite ones of Baby Jesus...

Some other favorites (which really is ALL the ornaments on the tree). On the left is my newest one. It is a Santa snowball that I got just this morning from my gkids. The snowman was a gift from Hugsum a few years ago. The red bell was one of mama's.

This is a favorite of our grandson. It's a fish we got in Destin one year. I also have some shells.

I have several of these handmade ornaments. This one was made by a friend. It is like we put on the Chrismon tree because it is a Christian symbol and is gold and white.

A sock monkey, a quilted block made for me after our 4th child was born and a star. It was very inexpensive, but is one of my favorite things.

A tatted snowflake given to us the first year we were in the ministry when our oldest son was not quite a year old.

This is a paper star. (I'd love to know how to make them.) It was on my mama's tree, too. It has lots of special memories.

Our tree....

Lots more stories and special ornaments and stories - maybe to be shared at another time.
Blessings on your Christmas celebration. May it bring joy and peace and happiness!

Posting from Oz!

2009-12-05T14:46:00.000-06:00

This is the weekend. That means that we are now in Oz - where our weekend parsonage is found. It isn't really Kansas - but close enough to spit... not that I WOULD spit on Kansas... nor that I would really consider it or think it appropriate or nice or anything. Just saying that I COULD if I were so inclined - which I'm not. Maybe I should say that I can SEE Kansas very clearly from here.

Whew, I almost got myself into trouble with that one.

Having gotten out and cleared myself - the reason that I'm so excited about being in Oz is that I am on line! For some wonderful reason, I 'm able to connect up here lately. I love that. Except that, it means that I'm not studying. It doesn't take much for me to not study lately. I'm so close to finishing, but have not wanted to open the books lately. I have just a couple more classes and my dissertation left to finish. Then, I'll be done! I can say I completed it! Not that anyone really cares (especially Hugsum, who thinks I'm crazy to be doing it in the first place - but he has been kind and supportive for the most part).

It is COLD. I enjoy the warm weather much more. I think it is cruel that in the time of year that it is necessary to get out and shop, the weather doesn't want to cooperate and make it fun and easy. I guess that is why some people do their shopping early in the year - like the summer! I never considered doing that until this year. Of course, I waited until December to decide. Don't think it will work. There is no such thing as retroactive shopping.

Part of the reason for procrastinating is that children grow. Adults lose and gain weight. New toys are invented and marketed. Things go on sale. Stores close and sell their stuff at 1/2 off. I am not inspired. The Christmas money hasn't been saved/alotted yet. On and on, the reasons for not getting it done early just keep coming.

We really don't know what we are doing this Christmas. It is the "in-law" Christmas. That means that all our children will be doing things with their other families. That is fair. I got them all last year. Some of the other families live close enough that we can share. That is a very nice thing to be able to do. Other families live 18 hours away. I don't have that many gifts to buy this year. We usually just do cash for the in-law years. It seems to be appreciated and is the right color and useful for the trips.

When we lived in Georgia, we always felt the need to come out here to visit. Now that we live here, we have the need to visit Georgia. Are we never satisfied? In fact, I feel more of a need to go back and visit aging parents. The kids would often (well not THAT often) make trips home to visit us and would be home during summer and other vacations... until they got married, then they didn't come for long visits.

We are considering going to Georgia early his year. Normally it is between Christmas and New Years that we make the trip. We have a grandbaby due the first part of January... then school starts back and I'll be keeping grandchildren. So, the timing is important. Grandchildren are important. They are blessings and fun and keep me on my toes and active!

My main struggle is in finding something fitting to give to all the members of our church. I normally bake and bake and bake LOTS of different cookies and candies and package them up for everyone - including neighbors and friends. This year, I'm not doing that. I have determined that I don't want all that sugar in my house or body this year. I am actually having withdrawals. I love to bake. I love the smell and taste and fun of all the goodies. But, then later, I feel horrible from all the smell and taste and eating and EATING! So, this year, I'm doing a non-baking gift. Maybe I'll share it later...

Well, I guess that I've "chatted" enough. I just am so excited to be online and wanted to communicate with the world while I could. I have nothing profound to share or say. Just wanted to blog.

Thanks for reading!
Blessings~

Random Dozen

2009-12-02T01:11:00.002-06:00

Welcome to my answers for Linda's Random Dozen... enjoy!

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?

Oddly enough, I don't think I have ever watched the entire movie. Even though I say every weekend that I'm going to "Oz"... meaning that I'm going to Kansas. I probably would chose to be Toto - the dog. I am along for the trip/ride. I'm loyal, cute and loving - okay... so maybe not so "cute"... but I am loyal and loving.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?

I usually decide on a top. Mainly because my selection for bottoms is much more limited... as in "black", "brown", "khaki", or "jeans"...

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?

So many to chose from! The gators or the hippos or the rhinos. I'm sure they have a purpose, but I can't think of one... they are ugly and scary and take up lots of room and make the water scary.

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?

This year I just have one up and decorated. I have lots of little "mini" trees all over and ceramic ones. I have been known to put up several decorated trees. I just don't have the room, time, energy, desire to do that this year.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it means you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?

To a certain extent when I feel heartbreak, I tend to go "emotionless" for a short time just as a means of coping. I would not want to be emotionless, though. I'm thankful for the emotions that God gave us. It would be so sad not to be able to experience the highs and joys and love and happiness. They far outweigh the pain of heartbreak. What is the cliche'? "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. " That is true. A heartbreak can only be healed by the replacing of the emotions of love and healing and joy.

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?

Daily... I think that goes with the emotions... I am an emotional person. On the outside, you will see a very stable, steady person - however, on the inside my emotions may be going berserk and wildly flailing up and down. Thanks to my upbringing of never letting my emotions show, I learned to keep the "poker face" in the midst of inner turmoil.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?

no.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?

Because we are foolish! If I had the means, I would certainly have something done. I probably wouldn't let it be known because of the stigma... so PLEASE, don't judge me! LOL

9. Enjoy horseback riding?

What little bit that I've done, I loved! I always wanted a horse. I always thought it would be fun and romantic to ride a horse. However, I know that it is hard, and sweaty and stinky. But, they make it look like so much fun!

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?

They HAVE to be stylish... but unless they are also practical, I won't buy them or wear them. I'd rather go barefoot than wear ugly shoes!

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.

My first very own pet that I didn't have to share was a solid black cat named, Lucky. I got him in October and didn't want him to bring bad luck, so I carefully named him. I don't believe in "Luck" now and am horrified with the name. I believe in blessings and God's goodness and mercy and grace. Luck has nothing to do with anything except superstition and I'm not superstitious.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?

NONE... 0%! guess I'd better get busy!

Now, hop over to Linda's and see who else is having fun with these Random Dozen questions.

December Ramblings

2009-12-01T08:06:00.002-06:00

I love Christmas!
I love the decorations, the tree, the smells, the foods, the activity, the generosity, the joy, the anticipation and excitement! The love that just seems to be in the air is wonderful!

Over the weekend I was able to get most of my decorating done. I strategically placed my FisherPrice nativity set on the coffee table. I was not disappointed. As soon as the kids came in yesterday they ran straight for it and played and played and played with it. I overheard Kendall playing with the figure on top of the stable... it has a new name, "the grandmama with a butterfly on her back". Yeah, I loved it. No, I did not correct it.

We have been going through some transitions with my parents. I had been very concerned when we were in Georgia in October. It seemed that daddy was weak and tired and worn out. Mama is healthy, but just not "with us" much.

A few weeks ago daddy was experiencing some problems. He began to pass large amounts of blood. He was not able to get it stopped and fortunately, my nephew was there. He monitored the situation and determined (about 2 am) that daddy HAD to go to the hospital. Another blessing is that my brother and his wife live only about 20 minutes away and they came.

Daddy was admitted to the hospital in ICU. Many tests were run. He received blood. He had almost bled to death. If it had not been for the care of Greg, he probably would have. It was determined that he had diverticulitis.

Meanwhile, my sister and her husband had found a wonderful personal care home very close. They had actually found it on Saturday before this happened with daddy on Monday night.

A very trying and stressful week ensued. Someone had to be there with daddy. Someone had to be there with mama. My sister was very sick and ended up in the hospital herself. I was out here - 1/2 a nation away!

The good news is that we were able to get daddy and mama into the personal care home. It has a wonderful "memory care" unit where they are now living. Daddy is adjusting to giving up the complete care of mama. He is releasing the reigns a little so that he is regaining his strength and able to enjoy the other residents in the home (not all are in memory care).

Mama, has blossomed. She has come to life and is once again entertaining everyone. She puts a smile on everyone's face as she jokes and laughs.

We are hoping that daddy will once again begin his writing and ministering. He has so much wisdom and love to share but has not done it for a long time since he has been taking care of mama. Hopefully, this will bring more freedom in other areas for daddy as well.

It was not an easy transition. It is not easy giving up privacy and freedoms and home and familiarity and allow others to take care of you. He will not leave her side. He insists on staying right there with her - loving her.

I have so much more to share... life is full!

Blessings on your Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:54:00.003-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving! (Is there anybody around that does not know this?)
So, after that bold revelation where can I go from here?

I have been reflecting this month. I took a challenge the first of November to post everyday on Facebook a statement that started, "Today I am thankful for....". It was my job to fill in the blank. It has been wonderful.

Lots of my friends also did this. It has turned November into a time of reflection and gratitude. What a blessing!

As I have looked back over my life and this past year I'm extremely thankful for my blessings. I have had window opened and blessings poured in.

Don't get me wrong - this has been an extremely difficult year. We have faced many challenges. We have lost many things. We have battle scars.

But, praise the Lord!!! He has brought us through. He has carried us. He has shown Himself strong. He has been our Rock and our Strong Tower. He has blessed us. He has been our All in All!

There are so many ways that God has blessed us. He has moved mightily... so many areas where "if it had not been for the Lord on my side ..." so many things that could have turned out differently. There are so many many places we have seen the Lord's Hand make a difference and change circumstances, people, hearts, outcomes.

I am extremely thankful this Thanksgiving. I am overwhelmed with gratitude, joy and life.

Thank you for being my friend, family, link... however you are connected... I appreciate you.

My prayer is that you will be blessed beyond measure as you take this day to stop and reflect and say "Thank You" to those who have touched your life. Make a very special acknowledgment to our Father, who has been the Author of every good and perfect thing in your life!

Blessings as you celebrate a Happy ThanksLIVING!

Baking Memory

2009-11-19T09:56:00.003-06:00

I am baking cookies. Yesterday I mixed them up and baked one pan. Today, I'm baking another pan. I'm trying hard not to bake lots of them. We are all watching our weight and sugar intake.

These are actually fairly healthy... okay, don't laugh... they are oatmeal with whole wheat flour and flax seed.... plus nuts and a few chocolate chips... okay, sugar, too!

As I was mixing them up yesterday I had a flashback that brought a smile to my face and a chuckle.

Years and YEARS ago when the children were little we lived in Albany, Georgia. I had a great friend that lived right down the street from me. At that time, she had 3 children (the 4th was born a little later). Our children were close and loved playing together.

This particular memory of me baking cookies involves these friends. I had mixed up the cookie dough and her children lined up with their hands together reaching out. It took me a minute, but I soon figured it out... they wanted me to put cookie dough in their hands. They ate almost the entire batch of cookies before they were baked!

I laughed and laughed at them. They didn't want the baked cookies, just the dough. (I bet their favorite ice cream is "cookie dough"...)

This morning as I was baking another pan of cookies and stuck a bite of cookie dough in my mouth, I remembered again... smiled and chuckled and took another bite of dough for my good friends who have now grown up and are experiencing a wonderful, fulfilling life far from south Georgia.

Thanks, Sherry for the gift of your children and the blessing they have been to me!

Blessings!

Random Dozen - and Things :)

2009-11-18T07:56:00.000-06:00

This is #12 of the 12... Check out Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for more!

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?

WATCHING... Hugsum would love for me to enjoy watching ANY sport. Much to his dismay, I am not the least bit interested in any of them. I love to walk - does that count as a sport? No? Well, I did master that. If I have to chose, guess I might like to do Water Ballet... as a little girl I imagined myself as a beautiful swimmer. Didn't happen... I do a great dog paddle.

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?

I have normally thought about it for a LONG time and casually looked into it. (Hugsum is the big researcher.) I look and look and then go with my gut instinct. I am not always known for my wise, good purchases. Maybe I should re-think my method. Hugsum usually goes for quality and he makes good choices (look at the choice he made in a wife! - don't apply that to the choice I made in a husband, because I DID make a great choice there!)

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?

Louellen Vistavia... I'm sure I would have been well known - as "WHO is that and WHAT is her name???"

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?

Do I really have to make a choice? Since my favorite food is a cookie and I have pretty much already given them up, then I guess food would be the easiest to give up. I always have a song in my brain and at any moment may burst out with a lyric or two... Music would be harder!

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?

Again, I'm in the middle. I do not like them green and "crisp" (they make my teeth feel funny), nor soft and mushy. I want them just beginning to ripen with only a very few brown spots.

6. Your favorite tree is?

I love Dogwoods. They are beautiful in the spring when they start blooming and in the fall their leaves turn a beautiful red with red berries. They don't get real big, but are so pretty and their "story" is sweet.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?

About a 5.5 ... not a complete idiot and not really "with it" either.

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?

No, Praise the Lord! I have friends, but no one in my family (that I know of, anyway).

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?

I am both... it depends on what something "feels" like. I grew up "accepting", but then I always seemed to "know" things. Now, I'm not as sensitive so I do scrutinize more. I'm sure it came from being burned a few times.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?

Probably like a Koala. Even though I've never personally known one. I like the idea of sitting up in a tree observing quietly. I even like eucalyptus - never eaten it, but enjoy the smell. I can come down and participate if I chose, but I enjoy the view and watching much more than participating... unless it is eating cookies. I'd come down from my perch to eat cookies.

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?

Yes, I do. I am blessed with great friends. I am thankful for the internet, email, blogs, Facebook, etc. These all help me stay in touch easier. I'm horrible at visiting, picking up the phone or writing a letter. But, I will email.

I'm still friends with someone I've known my entire life. In fact, my daddy (a pastor) preformed the wedding for her parents. We were born a month apart (she's the oldest!) . I'm also still friends with someone I met in 2nd grade and I'm blessed with friends from every church we have ever pastored.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?

I will go to the shortest lane , or the one with the fewest groceries to be checked out. I do that because I do not like to wait in lines and am usually supposed to be or WANT to be some place else!

Now, run on over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee to read other answers and participate!

Blessings!

This Day!

2009-11-17T21:30:00.002-06:00

This day I'm praising God!
This day I'm so thankful!
This day God showed Himself strong.
This day was long and hard.
This day God answered.

Pushing on Past Those Roadblocks...

2009-11-16T18:54:00.003-06:00

The more I think about doing things, sometimes, the harder it becomes. I have a tendency to over analyze things. I find that when I do, I am far less likely to step out and do what ever it is that I'm considering. Besides, I make myself miserable and torture everyone I talk with about it.

One of the things that prevents me from moving ahead is that I have to get out of my COMFORT ZONE! Yikes!!!! I remind myself that "I have never done this kind of thing before!" After all, I might have to get up earlier or give something up or stay up later. I might have to say "no" to something else. I could make someone mad or disappoint them.

It is so hard to change my routine and start something different and new. It is such a stretch! I am so afraid of failing that I don't want to try. Then I realize that if it is something that I can easily do, then it probably is not God pushing me to do it. If it is something that ONLY God can do, then He will get the glory and He will enable me to do it.

It is a decision. Almost everything in life that is important or meaningful takes a stretch and work and stepping out. We can't remain "comfortable" and make a difference. We must make an effort to learn new things and grow. We can't move to the 2nd grade until we learn to subtract after we learn to add... we must learn to multiply, divide, and work with fractions.

If we just take one step at a time, then the comfort zone is a little easier to stretch... We don't have to move from 1st grade straight to college. We take one grade at the time.

Another area that prevents us from pushing on is POOR TIME MANAGEMENT. We waste lots of time... on the internet (guilty), day dreaming, watching tv, reading things that are not enriching, talking on the phone, sleeping... you get the message. I'm not condemning us. We all need some "down time" and time to rest and relax and for recreation. But, it is when those things control us and prevent us from doing what is really of eternal value and beneficial.

We all have lots of commitments and things that need to be done. We are pulled in so many different directions. I think that we could all probably manage our time better. It seems that the more I have to do, the more I get done.

If I don't have much to do, I suffer from the IGAD disease (pronounced eeeeegad!) it stands for "I've Got All Day"... meaning that I piddle around and don't get anything done. Then all of a sudden I realize the day is almost over and I haven't done much and should have done some things so I rush around and don't really do anything well, get in a dither and a bad mood wanting to blame someone else for my lack of productivity.

We all know that we do what we want to do. We make time to do what is important to us. We make choices. We also know that we don't do lots of things that we should... Our instructions are: seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added.

Maybe it is time to re-evaluate our activities to determine the eternal value of what we are doing. If what we spend our time doing will not make a difference in someone's life or if in 5 years won't matter, then maybe we need to consider not doing it.

Sometimes I know I SHOULD be doing something, but I just don't WANT to! I know it is something that God wants me to do, but.... what I'm really saying is "I'm choosing not to do this"... that is REBELLION. (you could call it disobedience, but it is really just plain ole rebellion)

Sometimes when God asks us to do something, we think it will cost us too much. So, we give or do something else.. . we even make "sacrifices" instead of doing what He asks. I used to tell my children that "you are happy when you obey". God desires obedience more than sacrifices. With obedience always comes rewards and blessings.

I don't know why it is so hard for us to see that. It is like we don't trust God to take care of us and think that somehow He is trying to take something from us and hurt us. When He is really trying to bless us and protect us.

You know, we really are the happiest when we are doing what we KNOW we are supposed to to because we don't have to carry around the guilt and bad feelings and hide when we aren't doing what we should. We have a feeling of accomplishment and joy when we obey. Obedience has great rewards.

So, what is it that you have been holding back from doing? What is it that you WANT to do that you haven't done?

I'd like to encourage you to step out... pray about it and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the roadblocks and show you how to get through them. We can overcome, we can press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling. We can accomplish great things in the Kingdom.

We have a purpose. We have a calling. We are here for a reason.

If you don't know yours, then I encourage you to pray - without fear - and ask our Father to reveal it to you and then step out into your call and purpose. You will be so happy that you did!

Blessings... I can't wait to hear how God is using you!

Fall Into Flavor - Nuts...

2009-11-16T07:31:00.002-06:00

This is the last week for Linda's Fall Into Flavor. This has been lots of fun, even though I did not have a recipe to share every week. Please go over to Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee and find many more wonderful recipes (WAIT..... read mine first!!!).

This is supposed to be comfort foods. My "go to" comfort food is a cookie. I'd rather have a cookie any day to most ANY other food - except maybe NUTS! If you put them together, then I'm in heaven! I don't indulge myself as much as I'd like - just because I can't ... for health and weight reasons.

Here are a few of my favorite easy nutty cookie recipes...

Chinese Rocks

(or Wedding Cookies, or Lady Fingers - depends on how you shape them or know them)

1 stick of butter (yes, REAL butter) 2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 cup Self-Rising Flour 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
1 Cup broken pecan pieces Powdered Sugar

Mix nuts and flour - set aside. Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add flour and nut mixture. Form into balls (or fingers or crescents) and bake at 45 minutes at 300 degrees . (they will be firm and light brown - don't burn...
Roll in powdered sugar while hot....then again when cool if you want then real white.

Spiced Nuts

Bring to boil in medium flat bottomed pan:
1 cup sugar 5 Tablespoons water

Add:
1 teaspoon Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 pound Nuts (I use either raw peanuts or pecans)

Turn heat on low and stir constantly while cooking until all syrup is taken up in the nuts. Put on greased pan or waxed paper. Separate into pieces before becoming completely cool.

Pecan Kisses

Beat together to for soft peaks:
1 egg white 1/4 teaspoon salt

Slowly add:
1/2 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup brown sugar

Fold in:
1 - 2 cups pecans

Drop on greased pan and cook for 30 minutes at 250 degrees....
SOOOOOO good! make a double recipe because you will eat one yourself and you want to have some to share!

Enjoy!
Blessings... now run on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee and check out the other delicious comfort foods!

Breaking Through those Road Blocks...

2009-11-13T05:53:00.001-06:00

Do you have dreams and plans still unfulfilled? Have you given up hope of seeing and doing those things that excited you just thinking about their possibility?

Are you aware of callings that you have not stepped into? Have you stopped daring to look ahead to the future because of the broken dreams and hope deferred?

There are so many things that hold us back in our life.

We CAN move ahead. We CAN accomplish and succeed and fulfill those things that we have not dared to do before. We CAN break through those self made barriers of thought that have prevented us from moving ahead.

It is important to look at what might be stopping us. Identify what the roadblocks are. Half the battle is knowing the "enemy". When we realize what we are fighting we can develop a plan for defeating it.

These enemies or roadblocks prevent us from doing what we want and need to do. They destroy our hope and joy. They hinder our future.

Here are some of those barriers that we face -

FEAR: we all fear things ... we battle fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of man, fear of lack, fear of loss ... The devil is a master mind at feeding us fears. He knows what buttons to push and what lies to whisper in our ears at the appropriate time. Fear has the ability to incapacitate us...

Fear is the opposite of faith.
Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind!
We need to cast down those vain imaginations that exalt themselves. Those things that tell us we "can't" and replace them with faith.

INSECURITY: The lies that say, "I'm not as good as ... or I'm not a teacher... or What if they don't listen?... What if I mess up and get it wrong ... I just don't know enough ... I'm not as smart as they are ... I'm too fat ... I'm too skinny ... I'm too young ... I'm too old ... I don't have as much as they do ..." We have all had those thoughts that torment us.

Remember, when we are doing that we are comparing our weakness with their imagined strengths and we will always come up short. The devil will make sure of that!
At times like this, it is good to remember that it really is NOT about "me". It is about what I'm trying to do and accomplish. It is bigger than "me". It is about God. If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it. If He gives you the dream and vision and desire, then He will also give you the ability and tools to accomplish His calling.

He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. He has been given all power in heaven and earth and He will be right there with you. So, what do you have to worry about?
He will give you whatever you need to do what He called you to do. And, He who called you is able to complete that which He started.
~~~~~~~~~

Have you identified with these roadblocks? Have you realized that you can push through to the other side and see your dreams and visions again?

I sure hope so. That is the goal here... I want to encourage you (and me) to reach for the prize of the high calling... to go for the goal ... to stretch ... to push ... to succeed...

Stay with me, come back because I have more...

praying for YOUR success!
Blessings~

Road Blocks

2009-11-12T11:47:00.002-06:00

Have there been things in your life that you have not done even though you wanted to do them? Even things that you knew you were supposed to do. Are there "things" stopping you - like just being afraid?

I know too well about the road blocks that prevent a person from moving forward. All the excuses for not accomplishing or completing or stepping out...

I think everyone experiences lots of emotions about things that are important to us that we want to do - whether it is go back to school, start a new business venture, speak to someone, teach something, or try something new. There are so many things in life that are out there that would be fun or enriching or exciting or benefit us - but - for whatever reason we have, we back off and do not do it.

The unknown can be very intimidating. The insecurity can be debilitating. The lack of discipline can rob us of producing. The rebellion can stop the blessing from reaching us.

I have been there too many times. I have failed because I refused to even try! I have allowed life to pass me by for the fear of making a fool of myself (called PRIDE!)

I was a very shy, timid, insecure child. I grew up thinking that everybody in the world was smarter and better than me. I was so shy that I would NEVER answer a question at school - even when I knew the answer and the teacher called on me. I would lower my head, turn bright red and almost burst into tears, but never say a word. I would take a zero for a grade rather than give any type of oral report. I would get "sick" and stay out of school for days and weeks if necessary to avoid giving that report.

I wanted people to speak to me, but was so afraid that they would. I was tortured by thoughts of "what if I say the wrong thing? What if my voice squeaks? What if I have bad breath? What if they were not really speaking to me, but the person behind me?"

I would dwell on what the proper response should be if they actually DID speak to me. Was I supposed to say "HI!" or "HELLO!", or would that be over doing it and too enthusiastic, desperate sounding? Would "hey" be too informal or too indifferent? What would they think?

The turmoil and agony I went through in school was horrible. The imaginary world of being rejected tormented me and I went through life frozen and afraid.

Thankfully, God did a great work in me. I am able to speak to people - even speak first - with confidence and assurance. I am able to stand in front of a crowd and speak and sing and teach. In fact, I enjoyed my speech class so much that when I exempted my last speech (I had made 100 on all the other ones) I was so disappointed and begged to be able to give it!

How did this happen? Through prayer and perseverance. Through taking my eyes off myself and knowing that what I have to say is important. It came from a relationship with my heavenly Father and a revelation of who He is and what He thinks of me.

I have much more to share on this... and I will later...
Are there areas in your life where you are frozen and debilitated and unable to act? I'd love to hear about them and pray with you....

Blessings...

Fall Into Flavor - pizza

2009-11-09T18:13:00.002-06:00

I am jumping late today with my comfort food and the Fall Into Flavor meme by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

I have been lax in my posting recipes. It isn't that I don't love to eat and cook and I don't have a plethora of wonderful recipes.... I have been out of town and worn out and forgetful..

So, today, I am in town and eating and had a moment of lucid thought... oh... today is the day to post a recipe for a wonderful comfort food.

I pondered what I could share that would be delicious and easy and fun...

Then, this afternoon - about 5 - I began to wonder what was for dinner. Our daughter, bless her heart, called and informed me of what they were having for supper. I was immediately hungry and wanted it. So, I asked for the "recipe".

Here it is:

Go to Little Caesar's....

We have a brand new Little Caesar's Pizza that opened very close to us. They have pizzas ready at all times... Large pepperoni for $5... yeah, we made the run and got breadsticks too.

I can't tell you how comforting this was to me. I did not have to cook. I did not have to wait and it was very filling. It was filled with memories ....

Back in the dark ages when all our kids were home and younger, we ate Little Caesar's on a regular basis - at least once a week. (I don't think they have changed anything in 20 years - not even the price!)

Then we moved ... 45 minutes away - in the far away country where there was no pizza. We would make a pizza run to Albany, Georgia and get at least 3 pizzas. We had to because one was eaten before we could get home.

Then we moved to another town and it was only 25 minutes from the wonderful world of pizza. We would make the pizza run to Valdosta, Georgia and we added bread sticks. We had to get 2 or 3 orders of those because we ate those on the way home. (It became known that if you didn't ride with the pick-up person, you didn't get to inhale bread!). We would even sometimes buy as many as 10 pizzas and bring them home and cool them and freeze them so we could have them faster.

So, even though this is not actually a recipe for how to cook a pizza, it is a recipe of extreme comfort and ease and happiness... Enjoy!

Now, go over to Linda's and get some REAL recipes!

Blessings!

Another New Bloggng Friend

2009-11-07T13:32:00.002-06:00

Today I got a new blog. A friend from years ago has decided to blog also. She has lots to share. I do hope that you will follow her, too. Meet BJ Funk and "Life is Hard, but God is Good".

Welcome her to blogland and also go back and check out again my friend Pam Merwin at Lace and Southern Grace.

I know that you will be blessed by both these new bloggers.

It's MINE!

2009-11-06T06:00:00.002-06:00

We all know that I delight in keeping my grandchildren. They are lots of fun and bring life and laughter into our home.

They also teach me so many lessons as I'm trying to teach and train them.

One of the things that happens frequently is that one will be playing with a toy. Another will run up and grab it and run away. The first will yell "IT'S MINE!!!! GIVE IT BACK!!!!"

My response is to say, "No, it is MINE and I allow you to play with it. But, if you don't share then I will take it away and no one will play with it. Now, ____ give it back and apologize for taking it from ___".

This usually works. Sometimes we have a fight and it is not returned so willingly. Everyone has taken possession of something and has claimed rights and privileges. After all they have it in THEIR hands!

I realized that I can be that way. I take possession of "my" things. I hold tight trying to keep it in my possession. That is not wise. Everything I have was given to me. God gave it all to me. Every good and perfect gift comes from God. He asks for 10% of all my increase. He asks for offerings...

He tells me to give to the poor, to share what I have.

As I hold on tight to "my" things, I am sure that God is there saying, "no, it is MINE, and I want you to give it and let go of it".

He only wants to bless me. He wants to give me more. He wants to use me to bless others. He promises to give me seed to sow that I might reap a harvest. I stop the blessings in my life when I hold tight to what I have. I prevent myself from "getting" more by not letting go of what I have.

I want a harvest of love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faith, patience and self-control... I also want a harvest of "things". I want a harvest of blessings... therefore, I need to plant those things in the lives of others.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever you sow, you will reap...

There are some things that I have sown that I pray for a crop failure. The only way for that crop failure is to repent, ask for forgiveness.

I can do what we have learned to do with our grass. We "over sow" more grass seed and fertilize it and it grows and chokes out the weeds.

So, if we have sown bad seed (weeds), after we repent and ask for fogiveness, we need to "over sow" some good seed and pray over it and believe for and expect (fertilize) a good harvest that will choke out and cover the bad.

God is so wise. He does things backwards according to the way of the world. "Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together will men give unto you..."

Yeah... I'm planning to let go of some horded things and plant some good seed...
How about you?

Blessings~

Eating Out At LongHorn -

2009-11-05T20:00:00.000-06:00

If you work for or are associated with LongHorn, I'm sorry. I do not mean this personally. I'm just sharing my experience.

When we were in Georgia last week I met a friend a LongHorn's for lunch. I had not been to a LongHorn in a long time. We had a great time that day. I enjoying visiting with my friend and meeting a new friend. It was a wonderful experience. My meal was delicious!

I talked about the salad that I had gotten so much that Hugsum decided that he wanted one, too. It was on a special menu. It was a grilled vegetable and chicken salad. It was huge and sooooooo good!

So, we went to the LongHorn here. It is only a year old. There were only like 4 or 5 cars there. The place was practically empty. It seemed strange considering most restaurants in town have waits of at least 15 - 30 minutes and many are longer. But, we walked right in and we were OVERLY greeted.... very strange. They were just trying so hard to be friendly. I can't explain it, but I almost turned and walked out. Anyway, we were seated immediately and there was NO ONE else on our side of the restaurant. Again, I wanted to turn around and say, "thank you, but I changed my mind".

Then our waitress was also overly animated and way too friendly. I explained that I had been in Georgia last week and had eaten a grilled vegetable and chicken salad that was on their menu, but I didn't see it tonight. She smiled and assured me that they had the EXACT salad, but were redoing their menus. So, I ordered that. Then Hugsum also ordered it.

She looked confused and said, "so, you would like this as your meal?" Well, yeah, it was a huge salad...

She brought us half a loaf of bread... I might add a SMALL loaf. We were hungry and inhaled it. She came and very dramatically asked if we'd like another half loaf. (like either we were pigs or they were very generous) We said, "no, thank you". (but in reality, I could have eaten about 4 of those suckers!)

When she brought our salads they were very small... a side salad and had no chicken. She came back to check on us. I said, "where is the chicken?" She looked confused and said, "it doesn't come with chicken!"

Anyway, we went back and forth and I repeated that I had asked for a grilled CHICKEN and vegetable salad. She said, they didn't carry that one. She made me feel like an idiot.

She went to the kitchen and then came back and said, "the problem is that you didn't ASK for chicken to be on the salad. But, I can tell the guys to grill some and bring it out to put on it."

Well, the problem is, it was a SMALL side salad... It tasted delicious, but it was small. We did not want chicken on the side... it was not what we described or asked for.

Anyway, we left hungry and frustrated. Everyone there was hyped up and overly enthusiastic in whatever they said or did making it seem disingenuous. I felt very uncomfortable the entire time.

So, for over $20 we got half a small loaf of bread, 2 side salads and 2 glasses of tea and did not enjoy the atmosphere.

Yeah, we won't be back...

Blessings Galore!

2009-11-05T09:09:00.002-06:00

We have had such nice beautiful weather! I don't remember the leaves being so pretty last year. Everywhere I look there is color. I'm enjoying it... Did I mention that coming home from Georgia last week that the Ozarks had beautiful leaves?

Well, I digress...

Thankfully, it has been in the 70's this week. We still don't have our gas turned on. They are coming tomorrow to fix our problem. The grandkids have loved all the little flags in our yard marking the utility lines. I'm sure they will enjoy watching the activity on the patio while they tear it up and fix it.

They are relocating our meter to the side of the house - under the patio. This means that our plans to enclose it are trashed. The meter is presently out by the fence. We would like for it to remain there. However... if it does, then we get to pay a plumber to come and fix our line. If they put it on the side of the house, then the gas company will be responsible for the line - inside and out. So, it really is a blessing.... really... yes, it is!

Yesterday, Hugsum was heading to Oz and also to Joplin, then back home. First he went to work out and take a shower there (remember, we have no hot water). I had gone to our daughter's house to shower and wash my hair. About the time I got out of the shower, he called. His car wouldn't start.

After doing all that we needed to do, it did start and he drove it to Oz. Our good friends own a car dealership and he left our car to be fixed and borrowed one of theirs to drive to Joplin and then home. What a blessing! They are such wonderful, kind, generous people. They take good care of us and bless us.

He got to Joplin to visit in the hospital and realized he had left his pike pass and money in the other car. So, he didn't know how he was going to get home. Thankfully, another friend was at the hospital and lent him some money so he could come home.

In the middle of all this, God's blessings abound. His peace and joy and love overflow. His windows are open and pouring forth.

I love it .... I love that God is faithful. He is exceeding abundantly above ALL that we ask or think. He is not surprised by any of this. He has already made the provision and blessing available.

We serve an AWESOME God!

Blessings ~

A New Blogging Friend...

2009-11-04T07:38:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine has started a blog! I'm so excited for her (and the world) because she has so much to share. I hope that you will join her and encourage her.

Click over and read her blog, Lace and Southern Grace. You will be blessed!

By the Side of the Road...

2009-11-03T19:16:00.002-06:00

Yesterday when Rebekah dropped the kids off she said she saw something on the side of the road across the street. We knew the people were moving and that they were cleaning out.

She ran over and grabbed a doll bed. It has a highchair built into the foot of the bed. It seems to have had other parts at one time, but they were not by the road. It also has some magic marker markings on one of the legs... We found a screw to secure the head to the bed and it was an immediate hit.

The kids played and played. Finally, the older two got involved in other things, so Posey took over the bed...

It looks like she is quite comfortable in it.

I made a "night night" to go in it and they have really enjoyed this "free" toy!

Blessings ~

The Blessing of Warmth

2009-11-03T06:15:00.002-06:00

We are having very nice, mild weather here. Praise the Lord!!!!

It is no secret that I prefer warm (HOT) to being cold. I enjoy the pretty leaves changing color, but I honestly dread the thought of winter and the cold that comes with it.

Yesterday was beautiful! We had such a wonderful day of sun and temps in the 70's. This week will be the same. I'm doing the happy dance and smiling!

We got out and raked leaves and bagged them. The yard looked nice and neat and clean for about 3 minutes. Then the wind blew and more leaves fell.... This morning the yard is covered again. Poor hugsum .....

It is hard to believe that we have lived here for a year and a half already! Wow.... time flies.... things happen...

When we first moved in, we smelled gas and had the gas company come out and check for leaks. There was a very small leak that did not warrant concern or attention. Sometimes, we would smell gas, but reminded ourselves that it was "nothing to worry about".

Sunday afternoon I was outside on the patio enjoying the beauty and happened to get a strong whiff of gas. So, yesterday hugsum called "the" company and they came out and checked... yep, a nice gas leak between the meter and our house in the line going under our patio.

They turned our gas off until they can get the line fixed. This means finding the line and digging up our patio and fixing the leak and installing a new meter on the side of our house (on top of our new siding :( ). They said our gas will be back on by Friday.

With all that said, I'm EXTREMELY happy for the nice warm afternoons, new siding and insulation and new insulated windows... we have no heat and no hot water. We will remain nice and warm inside our home (may be a little smelly, but warm! - just kidding, we will take baths!)

We are laughing at it all... So thankful that the leak is outside because that means the gas company fixes it for us. If it were inside, we would have to tear up our floor at OUR expense. The unseasonably warm weather means that we are not cold.

God's goodness and blessings are wonderful!

Blessings to you!

Lessons Learned ....

2009-11-02T06:52:00.003-06:00

In my last post I shared that we had been home to visit my parents. Our first visit was hard. Mama was not having a good day. Daddy was not having a good day. We did not have a good day.

On our way back home we stopped again.

My mama taught me some things about love. She has always loved deeply. She always told me she loved me when I talked to her on the phone or came to visit.

There were times in my life that I caused her much pain and sorrow and hurt her deeply. Yet, she always loved me. She did not reject me or turn her back on me. She just loved me in my stupidity and foolishness.

That last night we were in Georgia mama smiled when we came in and greeted us with love and recognition (well, not really sure how much she recognized us, but she did love us!)

She went to bed about 8. She did not want to stay in bed. She is so childlike that she was afraid she would miss something going on. But, she was SO sweet! Daddy put her back to bed and when I went by her room she was attempting to get up again. So, I just went in and asked what she was doing and encouraged her to lay back down. Then, I had a God inspired idea. I plopped myself on the bed next to her and asked if she remembered when I was a little girl and I would sleep with her when daddy traveled. She smiled and laughed and said, yes that she did.

Our special time got better and better. She constantly patted my face and arm and told me over and over how much she loved me. She had me cuddle up to her and put my head on her chest and just snuggle up. She just kissed my face and told me she loved me over and over and over.

Then she began to tell me that she always loved me... all my life. She loved me as much as the others (I'm assuming as much as she did my sister and brother). She said she wanted me to be the best I could and that she loved me just like I was. No matter what I did, she always loved me. She said that when she was in Macon she was the happiest because I did what she wanted me to do. (That is when we went into the ministry.)

She blessed me. Yes, literally. She said "Bless you, my child, you belong to me."

I managed to keep from crying while I was in there. When I walked out, I knew that I had been given a very special gift from God. It is one that I will always cherish.

I learned many things about love that night.

1. Love is for always
2. Love truly is patient and kind
3. Love never gives up
4. Love really does not take account of things done
5. Love does not die
6. Love shows through even when you don't remember the person - you just know you love them.
7. Love overlooks the bad in people
8. Love will hope for the best
9. Love shows in people's eyes
10. No matter what you go through, if you have love, you can make it
11. Love is faithful and gentle
12. Love is happiest when we are doing what we are supposed to do
13. Love is for us
14. Love will be there...
15. Love understands
16. Love does not condemn when we do it wrong
17. Love helps you when you realize what a mess you made
18. Love is a wonderful gift from God

There are so many more things I learned. I'm so thankful for my parents. I feel the same love from my daddy, too. They have both been a strong tower of love and support for me.

AHHHHHHHHH!

2009-10-30T19:54:00.002-05:00

We are home!
This has been one of the best weeks of our lives... We started out a little shaky. When we got to my parent's home, mama didn't know me and didn't like me very much. There were lots of things going on and she was tired and well... it was just hard. It broke my heart.
Daddy was doing well. He was tired and worn out, but he was in good spirits. It is always good to see him and have time with him.

Then, we headed southeast to do a revival. We are the ones who came away revived! God was so good and His Presence was so precious. Hugsum preached his best! He ministered in power and strength. I was so proud (after all, I AM his wife and helpmeet and... okay, so I can't take ANY credit, but I was just proud).

We loved and we were loved.

We ate WELL... (I went down wearing a pair of size 6 jeans. The last night I wore a size 10 outfit and the jeans I wore home... size 12! Like I said, we ate VERY well! (do you have any idea what I won't be doing much of in the near future????)

We were blessed to stay in a wonderful "cabin". Not your typical "cabin"... this one was first class! So nice and had everything we could ever need! We felt so honored to be there.

The church was PACKED!!! We held our breath so we could fit more people in. It was wonderful! The joy and excitement just flooded us.

It was so good to see so many people that we love! It was fun to catch up with what was going on and to see how much the children had grown! So many were little or babies when we were there. So many had been born since we left!

We have so many thank yous to give. So much love was given!!!!! I felt like I was walking in the "exceeding abundantly OVER and above all I ever asked or thought"... and receiving so much that we could not contain it! Our hearts and little car were overflowing!

On the way home we stopped back by my parent's to spend the night. I honestly was hesitant because I did not know what to expect. When we walked in mama smiled and seemed to know us. She was happy to see us. Later on after she went to bed I walked by her door. She was still awake so I just walked in and plopped myself on the bed right beside her. We had such a sweet visit. We just talked and I reminded her of things and she remembered and smiled and was constantly patting my face and arms and back and telling me she loved me. She probably told me she loved me 150 - 200 times. It was such a sweet precious gift!

This entire week has been a gift. There is nothing that we lacked. God's blessings abounded. I was able to see and visit with so many wonderful people. There were several very special people that I was not able to see or spend as much time with as I wanted. I know that there will be another time when I will be able to. If not in this life, then I know we will have eternity together.

I just wanted to share my joy and blessings...

and to explain where I've been... did I mention that our precious and wonderful cabin was equipped with something else that is hard to get... privacy! There was no phone. We had no phone service and no internet! When I went to town I could use my phone and check email and facebook. I must admit that I loved being unplugged. I might just try it more!

Hope that you have had a good week... We will be off to Oz tomorrow so I'll be away a little longer. I'll try to catch up with you!

Blessings~

On The Road Again...

2009-10-23T04:01:00.001-05:00

As you read this, we are more than likely on the road!

We have been planning and looking forward to this trip for months. Hugsum is going to preach a revival at a former church. It is 1/2 way across the U.S. from where we live. Only about an 18 hour drive.

We will be stopping to visit with my parents who live in Conyers. We get to spend a couple of nights with them, then we get up Sunday and head south.

We get four days and nights with our friends.... eating, enjoying fellowship, ministering, catching up, listening... just basking in the love of God in that community.

Then, we will head back to Conyers for the night and get up EARLY Friday to come home. Then, we get to unpack, repack and load up and then head up to Oz for the weekend.

We are so thankful for friends and family. It will be wonderful to reconnect.

So, if I'm not around here or online much, that is where we will be. I'll catch up when we get back home.

Hope all is well with you all...
Blessings!

Suggested Blog

2009-10-21T19:46:00.003-05:00

Last week, I participated in Linda's meme at 2nd Cup of Coffee - Random Dozen. She suggested that I blog about an answer that I gave to one of the questions. The question was "Have you ever been on TV?"

My answer was: Yes. When I was a little girl I was on the local kids show. Then I was on a show and interviewed about my children and how I raised them and taught them and some neat things about how I was told I couldn't have children and would never get pregnant, but God blessed me with 4.

I'm guessing that she was not talking about me being on the kids show. So, I'll share about my children.

When hugsum and I got married, I was a ripe old 23 years old and he was much older at 27. We wanted children right away. We didn't want to be old when they were grown so that we could enjoy life and our grandchildren.

We began to try to have a child. After about 6 months later I began to experience some strange symptoms in my body and called the doctor. They told me to bring a urine sample (that was back before the age of the home pregnancy tests). I did and anxiously waited for them to call. It was a long process ... you see, (for those who are not in their 60's) you had to have missed 2 periods and then call the doctor, then do the urine sample and they tested it and I don't know what all they did, but the saying was "the rabbit died"... meaning you are pregnant.

So, finally, the doctor's office called and said I was pregnant. I was so excited. I went around telling everyone - shouting it from the housetops! I still had not seen the doctor because, like I said, it took a long time to get in and well, they just didn't do things fast back then.

A few weeks later, before I saw the doctor, I began to experience some sharp pains and then began to "spot". I called the doctor and was told to lie down and keep my feet up and not to lift anything. The next week, after lying around all week being obedient, and still spotting, I went to my appointment.

The doctor examined me and said, "WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE PREGNANT????" I said that he had told me. He said that it was impossible for me to be pregnant. I had the uterus of a 10 year old and did not ovulate and would never make a normal egg and would never have any children.

He was not nice about it at all and was very firm in saying that IF I ever got pregnant, it would end up the same way, as a miscarriage, because it would be deformed. I made bad eggs, if any at all.

We went home from the appointment devastated. Not only was I not pregnant, but in all probability I would never be.

We were in a great church and Sunday School class and we had a wonderful support group. They rallied around us. We prayed a very simple, but faith filled prayer asking for children.

We then re-evaluated our lives. We decided that since the doctor said no children then we would just go ahead with our lives. We would finish our education and become Christian counselors. We searched out schools and degrees. We wanted to both get our PhDs and work together helping people.

In order to do this, we began to sell everything we owned, china, silver, furniture, everything. We decided to get a van and have it converted into a camper and just live in it until we graduated. We started the process. We chose Dallas Baptist College. We got an early morning paper route on Palm Beach to make an extra $100 cash a week. It was beautiful. The sun was coming up over the Atlantic and the moon was setting over Lake Worth.

We were so excited and full of anticipation at what God was doing and how our lives were going to be fulfilled and we would be able to help so many people. Then a strange thing began to happen. I would throw a paper and then have to throw up out the window... over and over and over. I thought I had a virus so just kept going. The only time I threw up was on the paper route.

Well, sure enough... I went through the process again and found that I was pregnant. We didn't tell as many people this time. We went ahead with selling everything and getting our camper. We moved from West Palm Beach, FL to Dallas, Texas.... found a good doctor out there who didn't know I couldn't have children.

We got a job at Buckner Baptist Children's Home as houseparents on the 3rd floor. We had 16 little boys who were ages 5 - 7 ... precious, precious boys!

Our first born son was born January 31, 1975. He was 3 weeks late.

God blessed us with three more children. There are wonderful stories about each one and how God gave them to us. That will have to be for another post.

I do not regret praying that prayer asking for children. I have been so blessed by my children. They are good and are raising godly children themselves.

I'm thankful, I'm blessed.

Random Dozen #8

2009-10-21T00:01:00.001-05:00

We have Linda's meme of Random Dozen today. Check out her blog and join in the fun!

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

Candy corn - YES! We actually use candy corn at my house all year. We use it as bribes - I mean, PRIZES for going potty or minding or doing what I want ... It works great! Right now I have a jar filled with the "Harvest Mix" and I have stocked up on the chocolate (Indian corn). That is as far as I go with the flavored ones. I got the caramel apple last year and had to throw it out.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

I'd love to think that it was some romantic, deep conversation. It wasn't that at all. Not earth shaking except that I was madly in love and knew I wanted to marry him and he hardly knew I existed. I probably made a fool over myself saying something totally blond and dumb.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

Easily. I could be a fruitarian (meaning eat nothing but fruit). Not so healthy, but I'd be happy. I don't really care if I have meat with a meal. I do want some butter, cheese, yogurt, and eggs, so I would not be able to be vegan (no animal products).

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

As a child, all the time. As an adult, yes. I have a Santa Claus outfit I put on Andy at Christmas (duh).

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).

The good music, the "good" tv, the carefree life, getting together with cousins and aunts and uncles (extended family), penny candy, walking to the store with a dime for a nickle coke and 5 cents worth of candy that would last all day.... good times and good memories...

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

I can't remember personally winning a trophy, but I count every one my children won as "mine".

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

I truthfully enjoy it year round. Yeah, I'm one of those people who could easily leave my decorations up all year. I just enjoy the feelings Christmas music evokes of joy and excitement, generosity, anticipation and surprises. Makes me warm all over just thinking about it!

8. What's your favorite board game?

I grew up playing Clue. I still love it. I'm good at figuring it out, too. It was Miss Scarlet with the lead pipe in the conservatory!

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?

It depends ... if I'm dressed cute and feeling good, then I love both giving and receiving surprises. If I feel dumpy and ugly, then I don't enjoy being surprised because I'm feeling to bad to appreciate it. (I know that answer shows my flesh and insecurity - but it was the first thought.)
If I am sure that the recipient will like what I'm surprising them with, then I LOVE to give surprises.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"

Yes. I am guilty of taking too much responsibility for things that are not my fault. So I say "I'm sorry", often. If I have been hurt and blamed for something that I did not do and the other person is offended, it will take me some time to get to the point of saying it, but I do say it and mean it.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

I like a fruity scent or vanilla... but, since I have lost a good bit of my smelling ability, then it doesn't matter. But, cinnamon burns my nose.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Oh, Lid! Having lived in a parsonage for many MANY years and having to (getting to) have the world come in and inspect our home, this is a sore subject. But, I'll answer sweetly. :)

Okay, I would offer a light punch (in color - b/c you don't want it spilled on your carpet and stained, and in calories - b/c most people are watching their weight.) I would also have something hot, either cider, coffee or spiced tea.
Also, I would have homemade fudge, cookies, and cheese straws. I would also have peanuts and mints (maybe homemade). I'd try to keep it simple and easy. They are not there to fill up... BUT, if I needed to, I'd add some pigs in the blanket, sausage balls, dip and crackers, Swedish meatballs, cake, chips, chex mix...

I would give them tour of the home pointing out the parsonage furniture and the changes and improvements made since the last open house. I would show them pictures of our children and my Thomas Kincaid lighted village (that is still packed up right now). I'm pretty modest so I probably wouldn't actually point out the village, but just sort of walk them over to it and stand and talk. ... But, I would for sure tell them all about the kids and grandkids.

Now, go over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee and check out the rest of the wonderful blogs who are joining in.

Blessings!